DENTAL CLEANING PRODUCT AND TOOTHBRUSH HEAD

Description

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a dental cleaning product. In particular, exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a dental cleaning product in the form of a (electric or manual) toothbrush or in the form of a toothbrush head, e.g., of an electric or manual toothbrush.

[0002] Conventional toothbrush heads for electric or manual toothbrushes have a bristle field with a large number of cleaning bristles, which, depending on the area of ​​application, e.g., cleaning tooth surfaces, cleaning between teeth, etc., can be designed in different bristle fields with different lengths and / or different bristle hardness.

[0003] US 2010 / 0275397 A1 refers to an oral care device.

[0004] US 2020 / 0288854 A1 refers to a toothbrush with a cleaning column made of foam.

[0005] US 2019 / 159581 A1 relates to a brush product and a method for manufacturing it.

[0006] Generally, toothbrushes need to provide the highest possible cleaning performance from the brush head, both on exposed tooth surfaces and in the interdental spaces, while simultaneously preventing excessive stress, i.e., excessive abrasion of the tooth enamel and excessive stress on the gum tissue. In particular, a thorough yet gentle, reliable, and defined cleaning effect should be achieved with minimal wear on the brush head, as well as minimal stress on the teeth and gum tissue being cleaned.

[0007] This problem is solved by the independent patent claims. Further developments according to the invention are defined in the respective dependent claims.

[0008] According to exemplary embodiments, a dental cleaning product comprises a carrier element and a cleaning pad, which has an elastically deformable foam material and is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the cleaning pad has a first main surface area effective as a cleaning surface and a circumferential side surface area extending to the carrier element.

[0009] According to one embodiment, an inwardly curved recess is provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad from the first main surface area.

[0010] According to an alternative embodiment, a notch is provided in the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0011] According to the invention, the dental cleaning product further comprises a support structure for the cleaning pad, wherein the elongated support structure extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, wherein the foam material is attached to the support structure and surrounds the support structure in a cap-like manner.

[0012] According to an alternative embodiment, the dental cleaning product further comprises cleaning bristles on the carrier element, wherein the cleaning bristles are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or laterally enclosing the cleaning pad.

[0013] The core idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a dental cleaning product, e.g. in the form of a toothbrush head of an electric or manual toothbrush, which has a specially designed cleaning pad made of an elastically deformable foam material as a cleaning element or as part of the cleaning elements, e.g. in combination with cleaning bristles.

[0014] The geometric design of the cleaning pad (the cleaning element in the form of a cleaning cushion, block, or pad) on the toothbrush head allows for highly effective cleaning performance while still providing gentle care during brushing. The amount of material removed (plaque, etc.) and thus the cleaning performance of the toothbrush head can be precisely adjusted through the geometric design and materials used in the cleaning pad. This enables the production and provision of a dental cleaning product, such as a toothbrush head for an electric or manual toothbrush, that ensures highly effective and gentle surface and interdental cleaning of teeth with a suitably designed toothbrush head.

[0015] Furthermore, the cleaning performance can be further adapted to different requirements by combining the specially designed cleaning pad with cleaning bristles on the toothbrush head to achieve a high level of customized cleaning power. Additionally, a (vertical) groove can be incorporated as a depression or relief groove in the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad to ensure improved interdental cleaning. The cleaning pad can also feature a support structure, such as a vertically elongated support structure, that extends into the foam material of the cleaning pad and is mechanically connected to the toothbrush head. This provides increased mechanical rigidity, particularly at the edges of the cleaning pad, during brushing, ensuring sufficient pressure of the cleaning pad in the interdental spaces for optimal cleaning performance.

[0016] The support structure is effective, for example, in transferring the circular (e.g., parallel to the xy-plane) or linear (e.g., parallel to the x-direction) deflection of the toothbrush head of an electric toothbrush (as completely as possible) to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad. This allows the support structure to increase the energy input or force transmission to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad, since this area follows the movement of the electric toothbrush head.

[0017] Furthermore, the foam material of the cleaning pad can have an abrasive surface coating on the main surface area, which may contain, for example, abrasive functional particles (grinding and / or polishing particles). This abrasive surface coating allows for extremely precise control of the material removal rate of the dental cleaning product by adjusting the material properties of the cleaning pad and the abrasive surface coating. The abrasive surface coating can, for example, consist of a combination of a thermoplastic binder with abrasive functional particles (cleaning granules). Alternatively, the abrasive surface coating can consist of abrasive functional particles (cleaning granules) formed from a thermoplastic material.

[0018] This allows for the provision of a dental cleaning product that enables highly effective cleaning of tooth surfaces and interdental spaces using the appropriately designed cleaning pad for the toothbrush head.

[0019] The special geometric design of the cleaning pad, made from an elastically deformable foam material, allows for targeted adjustment of the stiffness of the cleaning pad, enabling improved or optimized force transmission to the teeth and especially to the interdental spaces during the cleaning or brushing process.

[0020] As the following description will make clear, the different configurations of the cleaning pad shown below can be provided in combination or individually. Thus, (1) the inwardly curved recess in the cleaning pad, (2) the (vertical) notch (relief notch) in the main surface area (= the upper cleaning surface) of the cleaning pad, (3) the (e.g., elongated) support structure in the cleaning pad (which extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad), and (4) the additional cleaning bristles on the carrier element, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which laterally enclose the cleaning pad, can each be provided individually or in combination with 2, 3, or 4 of the above configurations (1) to (4) to solve the underlying problem.

[0021] Thus, the different designs of the cleaning pad or toothbrush head shown above can be used individually or in combination (of two, three or all designs) to achieve the desired (highest possible) cleaning performance on the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces via the resulting mechanical stability or stiffness (or stability distribution and stiffness distribution) on the main surface area (= cleaning area) of the cleaning pad.

[0022] In particular, the above-described designs (1), (2) and (3) have the effect that, during the tooth cleaning process, the force resulting from pressing the toothbrush head against the teeth is also effectively distributed to the edge area(s) of the cleaning pad, so that the cleaning performance specified above is maintained both on the tooth surfaces and in the interdental spaces.

[0023] For example, a support structure in the foam material may (fully or as a component) include one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material (TPE-E) and / or silicone.

[0024] The support structure can, for example, (fully or as a component) also include one or more of the following material components: TPE (thermoplastic plastics such as polypropylene PP), PA, PE, ABS, PC, PVC, PET, PEEK, PTFE, PUR or PTHF.

[0025] The elastic foam material contains, for example (fully or as a component), one or more of the following open- or closed-cell materials in foamed form: polypropylene (PP), PE (polyethylene), silicone foam, PA (polyamides), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PUR (polyurethanes), or a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material (TPE-E), and / or silicone.

[0026] Thus, materials from the main body of a toothbrush can also be used for the materials of the support structure and / or for the foam material of the cleaning pad, thereby reducing the manufacturing effort of a toothbrush.

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1a-d schematic perspective (3D) views, cross-sectional views (side views) and top views (partial top views) of a dental cleaning product according to one embodiment; Fig. 2a-c schematic top views of different (geometric) configurations and exemplary dimensions of a cleaning pad of a dental cleaning product according to another embodiment; Fig. 3a-h schematic 3D views and top views of different configurations of a cleaning pad with a vertical notch (relief notch) of the dental cleaning product according to another embodiment; Fig. 4a-h schematic (horizontal and vertical) cross-sectional views of different configurations of a cleaning pad with an (elongated) support structure of a dental cleaning product according to one embodiment; Fig.Fig. 5a-schematic 3D views, side views (horizontal cross-sectional views) and top views (vertical cross-sectional views) of different embodiments of a dental cleaning product with a cleaning pad and cleaning bristles according to one embodiment; Fig. 6a-c-schematic perspective (3D) views, cross-sectional views (side views) and top views (partial top views) of a dental cleaning product with a vertical notch (relief notch) according to another embodiment; Fig. 7a-j-schematic (horizontal and vertical) cross-sectional views of different embodiments of a cleaning pad with a support structure of a dental cleaning product according to another embodiment; Fig.8a - Schematic 3D views, side views (horizontal cross-sectional views) and top views (vertical cross-sectional views) of different embodiments of a dental cleaning product with a cleaning pad and cleaning bristles according to a further embodiment; and Fig. 9 - a schematic representation in a perspective top view (= 3D view) of a main surface area 30-A of a cleaning pad 30 (e.g., fully abrasively coated) according to a further embodiment.

[0028] Before exemplary embodiments of the present concept are explained in detail below with reference to the drawings, it should be noted that identical, functionally equivalent or equivalent elements, objects, functional blocks and / or process steps in the different figures are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of these elements, objects, functional blocks and / or process steps shown in different exemplary embodiments is interchangeable or can be applied to each other.

[0029] Several embodiments are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some of these embodiments are illustrated. For clarity, the dimensions of depicted elements, layers, and / or areas in the figures may not be shown to scale.

[0030] It is understood that when an element is described as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to that other element, or there may be intermediate elements. Conversely, when an element is described as "directly" "connected" or "coupled" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Other expressions used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.).

[0031] To simplify the description of the different embodiments, the figures also show a Cartesian coordinate system x, y, z, where the directions x, y, z are orthogonal to each other. In these embodiments, the xy-plane (xy-plane = reference plane) corresponds to a principal surface area (principal plane) of the elongated support element, with the principal extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the support element running parallel to the y-axis. The upward vertical direction with respect to the reference plane (xy-plane) corresponds to the +z-direction, while the downward vertical direction with respect to the reference plane (xy-plane) corresponds to the -z-direction. In the following description, the term "lateral" means a direction parallel to the x and / or y direction, i.e., parallel to the xy-plane, while the term "vertical" indicates a direction parallel to the + / -z-direction.

[0032] The following will now be based on the Fig. 1a-d a dental cleaning product 100, e.g. in the form of a toothbrush head of an electric or manual toothbrush, described according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] This presents Fig. 1a a perspective view (3D view) of the dental cleaning product 100, Fig. 1b represents a cross-sectional view (side view) of the dental cleaning product, while Fig. 1c A schematic top view (partial top view) of the dental cleaning product 100 is shown. Fig. 1d shows another cross-sectional view (side view) of the dental cleaning product.

[0034] The drawing layer is in the Fig. 1b and 1d is parallel to the yz plane, while the drawing plane is in Fig. 1c parallel to the xy-plane (reference plane).

[0035] As in the perspective view of Fig. 1a As shown, the dental cleaning product 10 comprises, for example, a toothbrush head of an electric or manual toothbrush, a carrier element 20, and a cleaning pad 30. The carrier element 20 can, for example, form a toothbrush head, a toothbrush attachment, and / or a toothbrush body of an electric or manual toothbrush, wherein the carrier element 20 is elongated, i.e., has a longitudinal extension along or parallel to the y-direction.

[0036] The cleaning pad 30 (also called cleaning or abrasive pad, cleaning block, or cleaning block) is arranged on the carrier element 20, e.g., at or near an end region of the carrier element 20. The cleaning pad 30 is made of an elastically deformable foam material and is attached to the carrier element 20. It can be mechanically fixed (e.g., permanently) or removable (replaceable) to the carrier element 20.

[0037] The cleaning pad 30 has a first main surface area 30-A (= front) that acts as a cleaning or polishing surface, and furthermore has a circumferential side surface area 30-B (side wall area) extending towards the support element 20. In the side surface area 30-B, an inwardly curved (concave) recess 32 is provided, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through or into the cleaning pad 30, starting from the first main surface area 30-A.

[0038] The elastically deformable foam material can, for example, be open-cell (open-pored) or closed-cell (closed-pored) foam material (sponge). The foam material is designed to hold a cleaning fluid or cleaning gel (dental cleaning gel or toothpaste), whereby the release of the cleaning fluid during use can be adjusted based on the porosity of the foam material and the viscosity of the cleaning fluid.

[0039] A typical foam material is elastic or elastically deformable and has, for example, a density (basic weight or raw density) of 5 to 500 kg / m 3<, whereby, for example, a resulting compression hardness of the foam material at a 10% compression (or 40% compression) of the foam corresponds to a pressure of 5 to 400 kPa.

[0040] The elastic deformability of the foam material means that after being subjected to stress and corresponding deformation, the foam material returns to its original state. In other words, the elastic deformation persists for the duration that the cleaning pad is subjected to a corresponding load. As long as the mechanical stress is not high enough to damage the foam material, the deformation remains purely elastic, with the restoring forces returning the foam material to its original state.

[0041] The elastic foam material contains, for example (fully or as a component), one or more of the following open- or closed-cell materials in foamed form: polypropylene (PP), PE (polyethylene), silicone foam, PA (polyamides), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PUR (polyurethanes), or a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material (TPE-E), and / or silicone.

[0042] The support structure may, for example, (fully or as a component) include one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material (TPE-E) and / or silicone.

[0043] The support structure can, for example, (fully or as a component) also include one or more of the following material components: TPE (thermoplastic plastics such as polypropylene PP), PA, PE, ABS, PC, PVC, PET, PEEK, PTFE, PUR or PTHF.

[0044] Thus, materials from the main body of a toothbrush can also be used for the materials of the support structure and / or for the foam material of the cleaning pad, which simplifies the manufacture of a toothbrush.

[0045] The carrier element 20 can have a head region 22 (toothbrush head) and a carrier region (carrier) 24 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction. The head region (or carrier element head) 22 of the carrier element 20 can, for example, have a round (circular), oval, elliptical, or substantially rectangular shape with, for example, rounded edge regions, wherein the basic shape of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted to the shape of the head region 22 of the carrier element 20 (or its circumferential shape). Thus, the cleaning pad 30 can, for example (insofar as, for example, no further cleaning bristles are provided), cover at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the main surface area 22-A or the entire main surface area 22-A of the head region 22 of the carrier element 20. (see also Fig. 5e )

[0046] Accordingly, the horizontal cross-section (parallel to the xy-plane) of the cleaning pad 30 can be round, e.g., circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, or any other closed polygon, e.g., a regular and / or convex polygon (in a cross-section parallel to the xy-plane). Similarly, the cleaning pad 30 can extend parallel to the z-direction (vertically) as a round, circular, oval, elliptical, rectangular, cuboid, or parallelepiped-shaped base body, with the inwardly curved recess 32 being located in the side surface region 30-B of the cleaning pad 30 and extending from or directly adjacent to the main surface region 30-A.

[0047] In the Fig. 1a-b An example of a basic state I of the cleaning pad 30 and an example of a deflection state II during use, e.g. during a tooth brushing process, of the cleaning pad 30 is shown, wherein the cleaning pad 30 returns from the deflection state II to the basic state I after use due to the elastically deformable foam material.

[0048] As in Fig. 1a-b Furthermore, as exemplified by the dashed arrangement (base structure or step structure) 34 of the cleaning pad 30, the inwardly curved recess 32 extending from the first main surface area 30-A can only partially extend vertically through the cleaning pad 30, that is, the recess extends over the height h1, while the base area 34 has a height h2. The two partial heights h1 and h2 can then combine to give the total height h of the cleaning pad 30.

[0049] As now in the Fig. 1a-d As shown by way of example, the inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad 30 is designed to form an edge region 32-A, 32-B (extension or lip) extending vertically downwards from the first main surface region 30-A to the cleaning pad 30 at each of the two transition regions 32-A, 32-A (= end regions) of the recess 32 to the adjacent side surface region 30-B of the cleaning pad 30. The edge regions 32-A, 32-B extend, for example, vertically or approximately vertically with respect to the support element 20, at least partially along the height h1 if the base region 34 is provided, or completely along the height h if no base region 34 is provided, on the cleaning pad 30.

[0050] The vertical extent h or h1 of the edge regions 32-A, 32-B therefore corresponds to the vertical height of the recess 32 starting from the first main surface region 30-A.

[0051] As in Fig. 1a As shown by way of example, the support element 20 extends along a principal direction of extension (parallel to the y-direction = longitudinal direction of the support element 20), wherein the principal direction of extension of the support element 20 runs parallel to or along a central axis M of the support element 20. The inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad 30 is, for example, angularly offset or transverse to the central axis and longitudinal extension of the support element 20. As in Fig. 1a-d As shown by way of example, the support element 20 extends along the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction = y-direction) which is defined by the central axis of the support element 20, wherein the inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad is formed, such that a lateral connecting line L1 (parallel to the xy-plane) of the two transition areas edge areas 32-A, 32-B in the cleaning pad 30 is angularly offset or orthogonal to the central axis (= longitudinal direction) of the support element 20.

[0052] This arrangement of the recess 32 in the cleaning pad 30, in which the edge regions 32-A, 32-B, or their lateral connecting line L1 are angularly offset or transverse (= orthogonal) to the central axis M of the support element 30, makes it possible for the cleaning pad 30 to achieve not only highly effective surface cleaning of the tooth surfaces, but also extremely effective cleaning in the interdental spaces. This is particularly true since the main direction of movement of the toothbrush head during a brushing process, performed by the user, is along or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support element 20, even if the user also performs a circular motion during brushing or a circular, linear, or pivoting (tilting) deflection of the toothbrush head in the case of an electric toothbrush.

[0053] In the case of a circulating (e.g., partially circulating or partially rotating) deflection of the grinding surface 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the grinding surface 30-A moves (= rotates or circulates) (essentially) parallel to the xy plane and around the z-axis of the toothbrush head in the case of an electrically operated (oscillating-rotating) toothbrush.

[0054] In the case of a linear deflection or pivoting deflection of the grinding surface 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the grinding surface 30-A moves (= pivots) essentially parallel to the x-direction or in a pivoting range (= side-to-side movement = deflection range) around the y-axis of the toothbrush head in the case of an electrically operated toothbrush (e.g. sonic toothbrush).

[0055] By designing the cleaning pad 30 with the inwardly curved recess 32, a better adaptation of the resulting cleaning surface (see deflection state II) of the cleaning pad 30 to the tooth edges or interdental spaces can be achieved, thus ensuring high cleaning performance.

[0056] By using an elastically deformable foam material for the cleaning pad 30, in addition to high cleaning performance during a tooth brushing process, an extremely pleasant haptic perception for the user can be achieved, since the foam material is essentially not noticeable to the user during the tooth brushing process and is also very gentle on the (often) sensitive gum tissue of the user.

[0057] The above statements regarding the high yet gentle cleaning performance of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 result in particular from the elastic (recoverable) deformation of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 during a cleaning process (tooth brushing process), as exemplified in the Fig. 1a and 1b is shown.

[0058] As in Fig. 1c As further illustrated by way of example, the cleaning pad 30 has a round (e.g. circular or elliptical) basic shape, wherein the inwardly curved recess 32 has a round (e.g. circular segment or elliptical segment) shape.

[0059] Regarding the in Fig. 1c For the exemplary round (circular) basic shape of the cleaning pad 30, a radius R1 with respect to a center of gravity or circle center S of the cleaning pad 30 can be specified as 1.5 to 5 mm and 2 to 4 mm, while the radius R2 of the circular segment with respect to a geometric center of gravity or circle center S2 of the inwardly curved recess 32 can be in a range of 0.8 to 5 times or 1 to 2 times the radius R1 of the basic body of the cleaning pad 30.

[0060] In general, the diameter (maximum distance between two edge areas of the base body of the cleaning pad 30) can be in a range of 3 to 20 mm or 3 to 10 mm or 3 to 8 mm.

[0061] Furthermore, an interior angle φ between the two connecting lines 32-C, 32-D (parallel to the xy-plane) of the two edge regions 32-A, 32-B with the center of gravity S (e.g. circle center) of the base body of the cleaning pad 30 can lie in a range between 165° and 60° and in a range between 140° and 90°.

[0062] As in Fig. 1d As illustrated by way of example, the cleaning pad 30 can have a flat (planar) grinding surface 30-A, i.e., a flat (planar) main surface area 30-A, which, for example, runs parallel to the surface area or parallel to the central axis of the support element 20. According to a further embodiment, the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can have an outwardly curved (convex) main surface area (a convex grinding surface) 30-A extending from the circumferential edge area or the circumferential line 30-1.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can also be profiled or have a topology on the first main surface area (the grinding surface), and may, for example, have a multitude of nubs, pyramids, truncated pyramids, cones, truncated cones, grooves, worm structures (= spiral structures) or waves, whereby the removal effect or cleaning effect can be specifically adjusted by choosing the profiling or topology of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30.

[0064] The following will be used as an example to illustrate the Fig. 2a-c In a series of schematic top views, different geometric and structural designs and further exemplary dimensions of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 are shown according to an embodiment.

[0065] As in Fig. 2a As illustrated by example, the cleaning pad 30 can, for instance, have a round (circular) base shape, with the inwardly curved recess 32 having a round (e.g., circular segment) shape (see also the Fig. 1a-d ).

[0066] Further possible embodiments and exemplary basic forms of the cleaning pad 30 of a dental cleaning product 10, which is provided with the inwardly curved recess 32 and is arranged on the head region 22 of the carrier element 20, are further shown by way of example in Fig. 2b und 2c shown in a top view or a (lateral) cross-sectional view (= parallel to the xy-plane), whereby the embodiments of the geometry of the cleaning pad 30 shown here are to be regarded only as examples and not as an exhaustive list.

[0067] As exemplified in Fig. 2b As shown, two inwardly curved recesses 32 and 32-1 can also be provided on the cleaning pad 30, which can be arranged, for example, in opposite side regions (side sections) of the circumferential side surface area 30-B. The two inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1 on the cleaning pad 30 are arranged opposite each other in the side surface area 30-B with respect to the center point or center of gravity of the cleaning pad 30. Thus, both inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1 can each form a pair of spaced-apart, vertically extending edge regions 32-A, 32-B and 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad, which are angularly offset, transverse, or orthogonal to the central axis (longitudinal extent) of the support element 20.

[0068] The lateral connecting line L1 (parallel to the xy-plane) of the two edge regions 32-A, 32-B and the lateral connecting line L2 (parallel to the xy-plane) of the two edge regions 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad 30 can be arranged at an angle to or perpendicular to the central axis M (= longitudinal extent) of the support element 20. The lateral connecting line L1 (parallel to the xy-plane) of the two edge regions 32-A, 32-B and the lateral connecting line L2 (parallel to the xy-plane) of the two edge regions 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad 30 can be arranged parallel to each other or at an obtuse angle (e.g., α ≤ 30°) to each other.

[0069] As exemplified in Fig. 2c As shown, four inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1, 32-3, 32-3 can also be provided on the cleaning pad 30, which can be arranged, for example, in opposite side regions (side sections) of the circumferential side surface area 30-B. The four inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1, 32-2, 32-3 on the cleaning pad 30 are, for example, arranged in pairs opposite each other with respect to the center point or center of gravity of the cleaning pad 30 in the side surface area 30-B. Thus, the inwardly curved recesses 32, 32-1 can each form a pair of spaced-apart, vertically extending edge regions 32-A, 32-B, 32-1A, 32-1B in the cleaning pad 30, whose lateral connecting lines L1, L2 (parallel to the xy-plane) are angularly offset, transverse or orthogonal to the central axis (longitudinal extent) of the support element 20.Furthermore, the inwardly curved recesses 32-2, 32-3 can each form a pair of spaced-apart, vertically extending edge regions 32-2A, 32-2B and 32-3A, 32-3B (= 32-A, 32-B, 32-1A, 32-1B) in the cleaning pad 30, whose lateral connecting lines L3, L4 (parallel to the xy-plane) are formed parallel or only at an obtuse angle (e.g. α ≤ 30°) to the central axis M (longitudinal extent) of the support element 20.

[0070] These exemplary arrangements of the cleaning pad 30 from Fig. 2b-c can make a further contribution to improving the cleaning performance of the cleaning pad 30 during a tooth brushing process, as the surface area for force transmission and force action on the tooth surface and especially the interdental spaces is increased, i.e. a surface-wide force action or force transmission is achieved.

[0071] The following will now be based on the Fig. 3a-h a further embodiment and configuration possibility of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10, as described above based on the Fig. 1a-d und 2a-c was described, depicted.

[0072] As noted above, elements with the same structure and / or function have the same reference numerals or designations, and a detailed description of these elements is not repeated for each embodiment. Therefore, the above description regarding the Fig. 1a-d und 2a-c This applies equally to the further embodiments described below. The following description essentially discusses in detail the differences and additional features, such as additional elements, etc., compared to those described in the previously described embodiments, as well as the resulting technical effects.

[0073] Thus, the above-described designs of the cleaning pad 30 can contribute to achieving the desired (highest possible) cleaning performance on the tooth surfaces and interdental spaces via the resulting mechanical stability or stiffness (or stability distribution and stiffness distribution) on the main surface area (= cleaning area) of the cleaning pad.

[0074] In particular, the described designs have the effect that, during the tooth cleaning process, the force exerted by pressing the toothbrush head against the teeth is effectively distributed to the edge(s) of the cleaning pad, thus ensuring the cleaning performance specified above is maintained on both the tooth surfaces and the interdental spaces. These reinforced edge areas are formed, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinally extending support element 20.

[0075] The Fig. 3a-h Figure 1 shows schematic perspective (3D) views, top views, and side views (cross-sectional views) of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 according to a further embodiment. The cleaning pad 30 has a notch or recess 40 in the first main surface area 30-A. The provided notch 40 can, for example, function as a relief notch.

[0076] The notch 40 extends essentially vertically and into the material of the cleaning pad 30 in the first main surface area 30-A. The notch 40 has, for example, opposing side wall areas 40-A, which, starting from the first main surface area 30-A (= vertically downwards), can be parallel to each other or (on one or both sides) tapered (= narrowing).

[0077] The depth t of the notch 40, extending vertically from the first main surface area 30-A into the cleaning pad 30, can be less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 25%, less than 10%, but at least 2%, 3%, or at least 5% of the material thickness of the cleaning pad 30. Material thickness is defined as the height of the material, i.e., the vertical thickness h of the foam material, at the location of the notch with respect to a vertical projection.

[0078] As in Fig. 3c As illustrated by example, the notch 40 can be designed as a depression (also groove, slot, or joint) such that the notch 40 can have a width b in a range of up to one millimeter (0.05 mm to 1 mm) or between 5 and 40% of the maximum diameter of the cleaning pad 30. The notch 40 can be obtained, for example, by material removal using a laser, etc.

[0079] Alternatively, the notch 40 can also be formed, at least partially or completely, as a cut (also called a slit or slot) extending vertically from the first main surface area 30-A into the cleaning pad 30, such that, over the depth t of the notch 40, adjacent areas of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be mechanically separated from one another but abutting (or nearly abutting) each other. The notch 40 can be obtained, for example, by a punching process using a punching tool, etc.

[0080] As in Fig. 3a-c As illustrated by example, the notch 40 can be formed, for instance, at least partially or completely circumferentially (laterally) offset inwards to the circumferential line 30-1 of the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. According to one embodiment, the notch 40 can be formed partially or completely parallel (along) to the circumferential line 30-1 at the edge region of the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. If the notch 40 is arranged in sections along the circumferential line 30-1 of the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the notch 40 can also be interrupted (corresponding to a dashed line).

[0081] The distance a of the notch 40 starting from the edge region (the circumferential line) of the main surface area 30a of the cleaning pad 30 can be in a range of 0.5 - 2 mm or (typically) 1 - 1.5 mm or in a range of 5% - 40% of the maximum diameter (maximum distance of two points on the circumferential line of the cleaning pad 30).

[0082] Fig. 3d The cleaning pad 30, which has notch 40, is shown as an example, with the left illustration of Fig. 3d Figure 1 represents a basic state of the cleaning pad 30, while the right-hand 3D representation shows a possible deformation state of the cleaning pad 30, which is provided with the notch 40, during use, i.e., during a tooth brushing process. As can be seen from Fig. 3d (right) can be seen, a complete surface cleaning of the side surfaces of the respective teeth can be carried out with the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, whereby reliable interdental cleaning is carried out by the marginal sections of the cleaning pad 30 provided by the notch (n) 40, since these marginal sections of the cleaning pad 30 can penetrate (relatively) far into the interdental spaces.

[0083] According to another embodiment, as described in Fig. 3e As shown by way of example, the notch 40 can be subdivided into different sections 40-A, 40-B, i.e., it can be interrupted (corresponding to a dashed line) section by section parallel to the circumferential line 30-1 of the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, wherein the interrupted sections 40-A can be connected by further connecting sections 40-B, the further connecting sections 40-B extending laterally inwards from the first main surface area 30-A. This allows a so-called "cloverleaf shape" of the area of ​​the first main surface area 30-A encompassed by the notch 40 to be formed.

[0084] Regarding the in the Fig. 3a-e The notch 40, shown at least partially circumferentially arranged (i.e., at least partially parallel and offset inwards (= spaced apart) to the circumferential line 30-1) in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, can thus be summarized as follows: for example, a resulting edge area 30-A2 on the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be defined and obtained via the depth t of the notch 40 in order to adapt the contour of the cleaning pad 30 to the cleaning surface, i.e., the tooth surfaces, and thereby to transmit the resulting force (pressure force) to die Reinigungsfläche to adjust as optimally as possible. For example, the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 (inner part 30-A1 of the cleaning pad 30) surrounded by the notch 40 can contribute to cleaning the tooth surfaces, while the section 30-A2 of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 (outer part 30-A2 of the cleaning pad 30) located outside the notch 40 can be adapted and used primarily for effectively cleaning the interdental spaces. For good cleaning results with the cleaning pad 30, the depth t of the notch 40 can, for example, be in a range of 0.5 to 1.5 mm and approximately 1 mm, while the marginal distance a of the notch from the edge of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 (at least in sections) can be in a range of 1 to 2 mm and approximately 1.5 mm. For example, the depth t of the notch is chosen to be ≤ the edge distance a of the notch 40 (t ≤ a).

[0085] With its notch shape, i.e., the notch 40 arranged in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the cleaning pad 30 is divided into separate working surfaces 30-A1 and 30-A2 for the brushing process, thus increasing the adaptation of the cleaning pad 30 to the individual tooth contour of the user. During a natural axial brushing motion (brushing motion) and a rotating-oscillating movement of the toothbrush head or the cleaning pad 30, the notch 40 in the Fig. 3a-e The contour notch 40 shown is designed to enclose the tooth contour; that is, the section 30-A1 of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 located within the notch 40 encloses the respective surface area (upper and lateral sides of the respective tooth) and therefore ensures optimal cleaning results when the cleaning pad 30, i.e., the toothbrush head, is moved in a circular or circular-oscillating motion. Furthermore, the outer edge section 30-A2 of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 (outside the notch 40) provides enhanced cleaning at the tooth edges and interdental spaces, thus achieving a very high level of cleaning performance in these areas as well.

[0086] The specific design of the notch 40 provided in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted in conjunction with the respective toothbrush head movement (rotational or translational) for a high cleaning performance of the tooth surfaces as well as the interdental spaces, i.e. the tooth cleaning pad 30 can be adjusted to the user's preferred brushing method.

[0087] According to another embodiment, as described in the Fig. 3f-h As shown by way of example, a single notch or a plurality of (e.g. parallel) notches 40 can also be provided in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. As shown in Fig. 3f As shown by way of example, a single notch 40 is provided in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, which, as in Fig. 3f As shown by way of example, the notch 40 is arranged symmetrically (centrally), with the curved (e.g., circular segment-shaped) or linear design being arranged parallel to the xy-plane, essentially at an angle offset or transverse (orthogonal) to the central axis and longitudinal extent (y-axis) of the carrier element 20 of the dental cleaning product 10. As shown in Fig. 3f As shown by way of example, the start and end points of the notch 40 can be spaced apart from the edge region 30-1 of the main surface region 30-A.

[0088] As in Fig. 3h As shown by way of example, the end areas of the notch 40 can also extend into the edge area 30-A (on one side or on both sides) of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30.

[0089] As now in Fig. 3g As shown by way of example, a plurality (at least two) of parallel notches 40 can also be provided in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, wherein the individual notches 40 are in Fig. 3a each according to the ones in the Fig. 3f and 3h The described notches can be designed as follows. The parallel notches 40 in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can therefore also be "lamella-shaped" and extend at an angle to the xy-plane or transversely to the central axis and longitudinal extent (y-axis) of the support element 20. Fig. 3g Furthermore, an exemplary lamellar support structure 50 is schematically shown in the cleaning pad 30, as described below with reference to the Figuren 4a-h is described using an example.

[0090] According to the exemplary embodiments of Fig. 3f-h Alternatively, one (centrally or offset) or a plurality (at least two) of parallel notches 40 can be provided in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. The parallel notches 40 in the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can thus be lamellar in shape.

[0091] The lamellar shape of the notch 40 in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 divides the main surface area 30-A (= the grinding surface) of the cleaning pad 30 into separate working surfaces, thus increasing its adaptation to the individual tooth contour of the user. During a natural axial toothbrush movement (brushing motion) by the user and a pivoting (around the y-axis) movement of the toothbrush head 10, the adaptation of the foam material to the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 is promoted in the form of a dynamic wave on the main surface (grinding surface) 30-A.

[0092] Therefore, the ones in the Fig. 3f-h The illustrated design of the notch 40 in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, that is, the lamellar shape of the notch(s) 40, is particularly suitable, for example, for a toothbrush with a swiveling toothbrush head.

[0093] The specific design of the notch(es) 40 provided in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted in conjunction with the respective toothbrush head movement (rotational or translational) for a high cleaning performance of the tooth surfaces as well as the interdental spaces, i.e. the tooth cleaning pad 30 can be adjusted to the user's preferred cleaning method.

[0094] The following will now be based on the Fig. 4a-h a dental cleaning product 10 is described in which the cleaning pad 30 has a support structure 50, e.g. an elongated support structure 50 (e.g. in vertical direction).

[0095] The above description also applies here with regard to the Fig. 1a-d, 2a-c und 3a-h This applies equally to the further embodiments described below. The following description essentially discusses in detail the differences and additional features, such as additional elements, etc., compared to those described in the previously described embodiments, as well as the resulting technical effects.

[0096] This shows Fig. 4a-h Different schematic views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the support structure 50 according to a further embodiment. Fig. 4a-b, d, e und g show cross-sectional views, while Fig. 4c Figures f and h each show a perspective view of the cleaning pad 30 with the support structure 50.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the support structure 50 extends from the carrier element 20 into the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, wherein the foam material is arranged on the support structure 50 and surrounds the support structure 50 in a partial or cap-like manner. The foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can also be attached to the support structure 50, for example, fixed to it. The cleaning pad 30 can be mechanically fixed (e.g., permanently) or removable (replaceable) on the support structure 50.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the main extension direction of the support structure 50 is vertical (parallel to the z-axis) to the main surface 20-A of the support element 20 extending in the xy-plane, or at an angle of + / - 30° with respect to the vertical to the support element 20 (to the main surface 20-A of the support element 20 extending in the xy-plane). According to one embodiment, the support structure 50 comprises a TPE material (TPE = thermoplastic polymer or elastomer).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the support structure 50 is elongated, such as rod-shaped, beam-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical (hollow cylindrical), conical and / or circular (cylindrical or conical), oval or arc-shaped (cylindrical segment-shaped) with respect to a lateral cross-section.

[0100] The support structure 50 can be described as elongated in the z-direction (vertically elongated) because the ratio (aspect ratio) of the base area of ​​the support structure (cross-sectional area parallel to the xy-plane) is smaller (at least by a factor of 2, 3, 4, ..., 10 or 20) than the cross-sectional area of ​​the support structure 50 parallel to the vertical axis (z-axis) or (generally) than the lateral surface area of ​​the support structure 50.

[0101] As in the Fig. 4a-c As shown by way of example, the elongated support structure (e.g. in vertical direction) 50 is beam- or lamellar-shaped with a rectangular cross-section of the base (parallel to the xy-plane), such as a parallelepiped or a cuboid.

[0102] As in Fig. 4a-c As shown by way of example, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have an inwardly curved depression 52 (difference in height to the inside), so that the edge areas 50-A, 50-B of the support structure are raised or formed with a projection.

[0103] This arrangement of the support structure with the raised side areas 50-A, 50-B allows for mechanical support of the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, especially in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the support element 20.

[0104] As in Fig. 4a-c Furthermore, as shown by way of example, the upper side surface 50-1 (dashed line 50-1 in Fig. 4b ) also have a flat or straight shape, such that the upper side surface 50-1 is formed parallel to the xy-plane in order to obtain or adjust the mechanical support of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30.

[0105] Due to the support structure 50 and furthermore due to the concave or flat design of the upper side area 50-1 thereof, an increased counterforce (support force) on the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30 can be obtained during a tooth brushing process, so that in addition to cleaning the tooth surfaces, cleaning of the interdental spaces is also achieved.

[0106] According to one embodiment, a main extension direction of the elongated support structure 50 is formed within an angular range of + / - 30° or + / - 15° to the vertical or parallel (= 0°) to the vertical (= z-direction) with respect to the support element (= with respect to the xY-plane = reference plane).

[0107] The support structure may, for example, comprise (entirely or as a component) one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E), and / or silicone. The support structure may also comprise (entirely or as a component) one or more of the following material components: TPE (thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene PP), PA, PE, ABS, PC, PVC, PET, PEEK, PTFE, PUR, or PTHF.

[0108] Thus, materials from the main body of a toothbrush can also be used for the materials of the support structure and / or for the foam material of the cleaning pad, which simplifies the manufacture of a toothbrush.

[0109] The Fig. 4d-f We now show further different views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with an elongated support structure 50 (e.g. in the vertical direction) according to a further embodiment.

[0110] As in the Fig. 4d-f As shown by way of example, the elongated support structure 50 (e.g., in the vertical direction) is arranged in a beam- or lamellar shape within the foam material of the cleaning pad 30. The cleaning pad 30 now has a structure such as that found, for example, in the Fig. 1a-d and is illustrated by way of example in the above description, with the cleaning pad 30 as shown in the illustration. Fig. 4e The cleaning pad 30 can have an (elongated) elliptical or oval basic shape, which is elongated or elongated with respect to the y-direction. An elongated shape can be considered, for example, if the length L 30 of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel to the y-axis) is at least twice or three times as large as the width B 30 of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel to the x-axis). The inwardly curved recess 32, in turn, has a round shape, e.g., circular segment or elliptical segment shape. The support structure 50 extends, for example, parallel to the y-direction and is lamellar with a relatively linear design in the y-direction. As in the Fig. 4d-f As illustrated by way of example, the support structure 50 can be designed to taper vertically from the carrier element 20 (with tapered side surfaces), but the side surfaces of the support structure 50 can also be designed to be vertical with respect to the xy-plane (and parallel to each other). According to one embodiment, the vertical distance z 50 between the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 and the upper side surface 50-1 of the support structure 50 can be in a range of 1 to 5 mm or 2 to 4 mm, and typically has a distance of (approximately) 3 mm (± 0.5 mm).

[0111] The Fig. 4g-h We now show further different views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with an elongated support structure 50 (e.g. in the vertical direction) according to a further embodiment.

[0112] As in the Fig. 4g-h As shown by way of example, the cleaning pad 30 has a round, e.g. circular or elliptical, basic shape, wherein the inwardly curved recess 32 has a round, e.g. circular segment or elliptical segment shape. In the Fig. 4g-h The support structure 50 is shown by way of example as a wall section (e.g., 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 of the circumference) of a hollow cylinder with a circular segment-shaped cross-section (with respect to the xy-plane), although oval or elliptical cross-sections of the support structure 50 (with respect to the xy-plane) are equally applicable. The support structure 50 can also be described as openly curved.

[0113] Regarding Fig. 4h It is noted that part of the cleaning pad 30 has been omitted for illustrative purposes in order to show the wall section of the elongated support structure 50 (at least partially) exposed.

[0114] As in the Fig. 4g-h As shown by way of example, the upper side region 50-1 of the support structure 50 can be flat. According to a further embodiment, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have an inwardly curved recess 52, so that the edge regions 50-A, 50-B of the support structure can be raised or formed with a projection. Furthermore, the support structure 50 can extend vertically from the support element 20 in the vertical direction with respect to the xy-plane (and parallel to each other) or taper (with tapered side surfaces), whereby the side surfaces of the support structure 50 can also be tapered (with tapered side surfaces).

[0115] As in the Fig. 4a-h As shown, the support structure is arranged in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, wherein a recess, e.g. in the form of a cut or also in the form of a cavity, is provided in the cleaning pad 30 to accommodate the support structure 50.

[0116] This openly curved arrangement of the support structure 50 allows for mechanical support of the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, particularly in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the carrier element 20, while the openly curved shape of the support structure 50 also provides (circumferential) support for the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 that encompasses the respective tooth side surface.

[0117] The support structure 50, for example, is effective in transferring the circular (e.g., parallel to the xy-plane) or linear deflection (e.g., parallel to the x-direction) of the toothbrush head of an electric toothbrush to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad. This allows the support structure to increase the energy input or force transmission to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad, since the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad follows the movement of the electric toothbrush head.

[0118] The support structure 50 can also have multiple elements, each of which can then be designed like the (individual) support structures 50 described above. The support structure 50 can thus have multiple beams, lamellae, cylinders and / or cones, or combinations thereof.

[0119] This allows the force transmission described above to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad to be further increased by means of the support structure 50.

[0120] The specific design of the support structure(s) 50 provided in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted in conjunction with the respective toothbrush head movement (rotational or pivoting) for high cleaning performance on the tooth surfaces as well as the interdental spaces, i.e. the cleaning pad 30 and the support structure 50 provided therein can be adjusted to the user's preferred brushing method.

[0121] During a natural axial toothbrush movement (brushing movement) of the operator and a pivoting (around the y-axis) movement of the toothbrush head 10, the adaptation of the foam material is promoted by the (also laterally elongated) design of the support structure 50 of the cleaning pad 30 (in the form of a dynamic wave) on the main surface (grinding surface) 30-A.

[0122] Therefore, the ones in the Fig. 4a-f The illustrated embodiments of the support structure 50 in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, i.e. the lamellar shape of the support structure 50, are particularly suitable, for example, for a toothbrush with a swiveling toothbrush head, but are also applicable in the case of a circulating deflection.

[0123] In the case of a circulating (e.g., partially circulating or partially rotating) deflection of the grinding surface 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the grinding surface 30-A moves (= rotates or circulates) (essentially) parallel to the xy plane and around the z-axis of the toothbrush head in the case of an electrically operated (oscillating-rotating) toothbrush.

[0124] Due to the openly curved (partially hollow cylindrical) arrangement of the support structure 50, as described in the Fig. 4g-h As shown, mechanical support of the edge area of ​​the cleaning pad 30 can be formed, in particular in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the support element 20, wherein furthermore, the partial hollow cylindrical shape of the support structure 50 provides (circumferential) support of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 encompassing the respective tooth side surfaces when using a circulating toothbrush head (rotating head).

[0125] In the case of a linear (pivoting) deflection or pivoting deflection of the grinding surface 30-A of the cleaning pad 30, the grinding surface 30-A moves (= pivots) essentially parallel to the x-direction or in a pivoting range (= side-to-side movement = deflection range) around the y-axis of the toothbrush head in the case of an electrically operated toothbrush (e.g. sonic toothbrush).

[0126] The support structure may, for example, (fully or as a component) include one or more of the following material components: a thermoplastic styrene elastomer material (TPE-S, TPE = thermoplastic elastomer, S = styrene), such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer or a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer material (SBS), a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer material (TPE-U), a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer material (TPE-A), a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material (TPE-O), a thermoplastic polyester elastomer material (TPE-E) and / or silicone.

[0127] The support structure can, for example, (fully or as a component) also include one or more of the following material components: TPE (thermoplastic plastics such as polypropylene PP), PA, PE, ABS, PC, PVC, PET, PEEK, PTFE, PUR or PTHF.

[0128] This means that materials used for the main body of a toothbrush can also be used for the supporting structure and / or the foam material of the cleaning pad, thus simplifying toothbrush manufacturing. For example, the supporting structure can be inserted into the main body of the toothbrush in the area of ​​the toothbrush head, e.g., glued in place, after the bristles have been attached to and processed on the toothbrush head.

[0129] The following will now be based on the Fig. 5a-e a dental cleaning product 10 is described in which cleaning bristles 60 are arranged on the carrier element 20, wherein the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad 30 or laterally enclosing the cleaning pad 30.

[0130] The above description also applies here with regard to the Fig. 1a-d, 2a-c, 3a-h und 4a-h This applies equally to the further embodiments described below. The following description essentially discusses in detail the differences and additional features, such as additional elements, etc., compared to those described in the previously described embodiments, as well as the resulting technical effects.

[0131] Fig. 5a-d Figure 1 shows schematic 3D views and side views (cross-sectional views and top views) of different embodiments of the dental cleaning product 10 with a cleaning pad 30 and cleaning bristles 60 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged on the carrier element 20 laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad 30 or laterally enclosing the cleaning pad 30.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have a flat grinding surface 30-A, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5a The planar grinding surface 30-A can, for example, be parallel to the xy-plane. The vertical bristle height h 60 of the cleaning bristles 60, which at least partially or even completely surround the cleaning pad 60 laterally, is at least as large as the height h of the cleaning pad 30, i.e., h 60 ≥ h.

[0133] According to a further embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have an outwardly convex main surface area (grinding surface) 30-A, as exemplified in Fig. 5b The circumferential line 30-1 at the edge region encloses the first main surface region 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. The circumferential line 30-1 can, for example, be parallel to the xy-plane. The vertical bristle height h 60 of the cleaning bristles 60, which at least partially or even completely surround the cleaning pad 30 laterally, is at least as large as the height h of the edge region 30-1 of the cleaning pad 30, i.e., h 60 ≥ h.

[0134] Fig. 5d shows another schematic top view (partial top view) of the dental cleaning product 100 with typical (lateral) dimensions of the head area of ​​the dental cleaning product and the cleaning pad.

[0135] The above description of all figures applies equally to the further embodiments described below. The following description will primarily discuss in detail the differences and additional features, such as additional elements, etc., compared to those described in the previously presented embodiments, as well as the resulting technical effects.

[0136] As now in Fig. 5d As further illustrated by way of example, the raised first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can also extend vertically (= height H 30-2 ) above the bristle height H 60 of the cleaning bristles 6, i.e. have the elevation (curvature) 30-2, while the circumferential line 30-1 of the edge area of ​​the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 is located vertically below the bristle height H 60 of the cleaning bristles 30.

[0137] In the Fig. 5c und 5d Furthermore, different embodiments of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning pad 30 and the cleaning bristles 60, both of which are arranged on the carrier element 20, are shown in a schematic perspective view and in a top view, with different geometric embodiments of the cleaning pad 30 also shown as examples to illustrate that different embodiments of the cleaning pad 30 can interact with the cleaning bristles 60.

[0138] For example, in Fig. 5c As shown, the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 only partially surrounding the cleaning pad 30 laterally.

[0139] As in Fig. 5d As shown, the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 completely surrounding the cleaning pad 30.

[0140] To optimize cleaning performance, the relative arrangement of the cleaning pad 30 with respect to the cleaning bristles 60 can be designed depending on the type of dental cleaning product 10, i.e., whether the dental cleaning product is part of a manual or electric toothbrush, whereby in the case of an electric toothbrush, a further adjustment can be made between a circulating or linear deflection of the toothbrush head.

[0141] As in Fig. 5e As illustrated by example, the head region (or carrier element head) 22 of the carrier element 20 can, for instance, have a round (circular), oval, elliptical, or essentially rectangular shape with, for example, rounded edge regions, wherein the basic shape of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted to the shape of the head region 22 of the carrier element 20 (or its circumferential shape). Thus, the cleaning pad 30 can, for example (provided, for instance, no further cleaning bristles are provided), cover at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the main surface area 22-A or the entire main surface area 22-A of the head region 22 of the carrier element 20.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the vertical height of the cleaning pad is between 5 and 14 mm, or in a range of 3 to 20 mm, or 3 to 10 mm, or 3 to 8 mm.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the area of ​​the first main surface region lies in a range of 1 mm² to 10 mm².

[0144] Regarding the in the Fig. 5a-e In the illustrated embodiment of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning bristles 60, it is noted that the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be designed to follow a height contour of the bristles 60, i.e., if the bristles have a (vertically) varying height contour along the edge area or the circumferential line 30-1 of the cleaning pad 30. Furthermore, the upper side surface 50-1 of the support structure 50 can also be adapted to follow the resulting height contour of the main surface area 30-A within the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel to the inside).

[0145] The following sections will be based on the schematic views in Fig. 6a-c Further embodiments of a cleaning pad 30 with a vertical notch (relief notch) 40 of the dental cleaning product 10 are described according to a further embodiment. Thus, the above description of the notch 40 in the Figuren 3a-h equally applicable to the further embodiments described below.

[0146] According to one embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20, and a cleaning pad 30, which has an elastically deformable foam material and is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the cleaning pad has a first main surface area 30-A effective as a cleaning surface, and a circumferential side surface area 30-B extending to the carrier element, and wherein a notch 40 is provided in the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the depth of the notch starting from the first main surface area into the cleaning pad is less than 60% of the material thickness of the cleaning pad.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the notch is at least partially offset inwards to the circumferential line of the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the notch is formed at least partially parallel along the circumferential line of the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0150] According to one embodiment, a plurality of parallel notches are provided in the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0151] According to one embodiment, an inwardly curved recess is provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad from the first main surface area. Thus, the above description of the recess 32 in the Figuren 1a-d und 2a-c likewise, the further exemplary embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 6a-c described as applicable.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the inwardly curved recess 32 of the cleaning pad is designed to form an edge area in the cleaning pad that extends vertically from the first main surface area at each of the two transition areas of the recess to the adjacent side surface area.

[0153] According to the invention, the cleaning pad has a support structure 50 that extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad [and on which the foam material is arranged], wherein the foam material is attached to the support structure and surrounds the support structure in a cap-like manner. Thus, the above description of the support structure 50 in the Figuren 4a-h likewise, the further exemplary embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 6a-c described as applicable.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the support structure has a TPE material (TPE = thermoplastic polymer) and is furthermore beam-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical, conical, circular, oval, elliptical, or arc-shaped.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the carrier element further comprises cleaning bristles 60, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which laterally enclose the cleaning pad, wherein the cleaning pad has a flat abrasive surface, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that at least partially surround the cleaning pad laterally is at least as great as the height of the cleaning pad, or wherein the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad has an outwardly convex main surface area, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that at least partially surround the cleaning pad laterally is at least as great as the height of the edge area of ​​the cleaning pad. Thus, the above description of the bristles 60 in the Figuren 5a-e likewise, the further exemplary embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 6a-c described as applicable.

[0156] The following sections will be based on the schematic views in Fig. 7a-i (Also applicable here) further embodiments of a cleaning pad 30 with a support structure 50 of the dental cleaning product 10 are described according to a further embodiment. Thus, the above description of the support structure 50 in the Figuren 4a-h likewise, the further exemplary embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 7a-i described as applicable.

[0157] According to one embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20, and a cleaning pad 30, which has an elastically deformable foam material and is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the cleaning pad has a first main surface area 30-A effective as a cleaning surface, and a circumferential side surface area 30-B extending to the carrier element.

[0158] Furthermore, the dental cleaning product 10 has a support structure 50 for the cleaning pad 30, wherein the support structure (e.g. elongated in the vertical direction) extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, wherein the foam material is attached to the support structure and surrounds the support structure in some areas or in a cap-like manner.

[0159] According to one embodiment, a main extension direction of the elongated support structure is formed in an angle range of + / - 30° with respect to the vertical or parallel to the vertical (= z-direction) to the support element (in the xY-plane = reference plane).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the elongated support structure has a TPE material (TPE = thermoplastic polymer).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the support structure 50 is elongated, such as rod-shaped, beam-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical (hollow cylindrical), conical and / or circular (cylindrical or conical), oval or arc-shaped (cylindrical segment-shaped) with respect to a lateral cross-section.

[0162] The support structure 50 can be described as elongated in the z-direction (vertically elongated) because the ratio (aspect ratio) of the base area of ​​the support structure (cross-sectional area parallel to the xy-plane) is smaller (at least by a factor of 2, 3, 4, ..., 10 or 20) than the cross-sectional area of ​​the support structure 50 parallel to the vertical axis (z-axis) or (generally) than the lateral surface area of ​​the support structure 50.

[0163] As in the Fig. 7a-c As shown by way of example, the elongated support structure (e.g. in vertical direction) 50 is beam- or lamellar-shaped with a rectangular cross-section of the base (parallel to the xy-plane), such as a parallelepiped or a cuboid.

[0164] As in Fig. 7a-c As shown by way of example, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have an inwardly curved depression 52 (difference in height to the inside), so that the edge areas 50-A, 50-B of the support structure are raised or formed with a projection.

[0165] This arrangement of the support structure with the raised side areas 50-A, 50-B allows for mechanical support of the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, especially in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the support element 20.

[0166] As in Fig. 7a-c Furthermore, as shown by way of example, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have a flat or straight shape, so that the upper side surface 50-1 is formed parallel to the xy-plane in order to obtain or adjust the mechanical support of the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30.

[0167] Due to the support structure 50 and furthermore due to the concave or flat design of the upper side area 50-1 thereof, an increased counterforce (support force) on the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30 can be obtained during a tooth brushing process, so that in addition to cleaning the tooth surfaces, cleaning of the interdental spaces is also achieved.

[0168] The Fig. 7d-f and Fig. 7g-h Figure 1 shows further different views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with an elongated support structure 50 (e.g., in the vertical direction) according to a further embodiment. In the Fig. 7d-f The closed curved support structure 50 is shown by way of example as cylindrical (hollow cylindrical) with a circular cross-section (with respect to the xy-plane), whereby oval or elliptical cross-sections of the support structure 50 are equally applicable.

[0169] Regarding Fig. 7e and 7h It is noted that part of the cleaning pad 30 has been omitted for illustrative purposes in order to (at least partially) expose the cylindrical, elongated support structure 50.

[0170] As can be seen particularly from the Fig. 7e-f As is clearly evident, the perimeter line 50-1 of the support structure 50 exhibits a height difference, with the support structure 50 being raised in the areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-direction) of the support element 20 compared to the rest of the perimeter line 50-1. The elevation of the perimeter line 50-1 can be seen, as in Fig. 7e and 7fshown, take place continuously, so that there is a continuous transition between the raised edge areas 50-A, 50-B of the support structure 50 and the lowered edge areas 50-3, 50-4 of the support structure 50.

[0171] As in the Fig. 7a-i As shown, the support structure is arranged in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, wherein a recess, e.g. in the form of a cut or also in the form of a cavity, is provided in the cleaning pad 30 to accommodate the support structure 50.

[0172] Regarding the Fig. 7d-f It thus becomes clear that the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can extend into the inner volume of the sleeve-shaped support structure 50, or that the inner volume of the sleeve-shaped support structure 50 can also be left at least partially or completely free.

[0173] This shows Fig. 7d-fDifferent schematic views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the support structure 50 according to a further embodiment.

[0174] This cylindrical arrangement of the support structure 50 with the raised side areas 50-A, 50-B allows for mechanical support of the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, particularly in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the support element 20, while the hollow cylindrical shape of the support structure 50 also provides (circumferential) support for the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 that encompasses the respective tooth side surface.

[0175] This closed curved arrangement of the support structure 50 allows for mechanical support of the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, particularly in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the carrier element 20, while the open curved shape of the support structure 50 also provides (circumferential) support for the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 that encompasses the respective tooth side surface.

[0176] The support structure 50, for example, is effective in transferring the circular (e.g., parallel to the xy-plane) or linear deflection (e.g., parallel to the x-direction) of the toothbrush head of an electric toothbrush to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad. This allows the support structure to increase the energy input or force transmission to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad, since the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad follows the movement of the electric toothbrush head.

[0177] The support structure 50 can also have multiple elements, each of which can then be designed like the (individual) support structures 50 described above. The support structure 50 can thus have multiple beams, lamellae, cylinders and / or cones, or combinations thereof.

[0178] This allows the force transmission described above to the main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad to be further increased by means of the support structure 50.

[0179] This shows Fig. 7g-h Different schematic views of a cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the support structure 50 according to a further embodiment. As can be seen in particular from the Fig. 7e-f As can be clearly seen, the perimeter line 50-1 of the support structure 50 has no difference in height and is flat or straight.

[0180] This cylindrical arrangement of the support structure 50 allows for mechanical support of the edge areas of the cleaning pad 30, particularly in the edge areas transverse to the longitudinal direction (y-axis) of the support element 20, while the hollow cylindrical shape of the support structure 50 also provides (circumferential) support for the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 encompassing the respective tooth side surface.

[0181] As in the Fig. 7i-j As shown by way of example, the cleaning pad 30 has a round, e.g. circular or elliptical, basic shape. In the Fig. 7i-j i The support structure 50 is exemplified as a wall section (e.g., 1 / 5, 1 / 4, 1 / 3, or 1 / 2 of the circumference) of a hollow cylinder with a circular segment-shaped cross-section (with respect to the xy-plane), although oval or elliptical cross-sections of the support structure 50 (with respect to the xy-plane) are equally applicable. The support structure 50 can also be described as openly curved. Regarding Fig. 7j It is noted that part of the cleaning pad 30 has been omitted for illustrative purposes in order to show the wall section of the elongated support structure 50 (at least partially) exposed.

[0182] As in the Fig. 7i-j As shown by way of example, the upper side region 50-1 of the support structure 50 can be flat. According to a further embodiment, the upper side surface 50-1 can also have an inwardly curved recess 52. Furthermore, the support structure 50 can extend vertically from the support element 20 in the vertical direction with respect to the xy-plane (and parallel to each other) or taper (with tapered side surfaces), whereby the side surfaces of the support structure 50 can also be tapered (with tapered side surfaces).

[0183] As in the Fig. 7i-j As shown, the support structure 50 is arranged in the foam material of the cleaning pad 30, wherein a recess, e.g. in the form of a cut or also in the form of a cavity, is provided in the cleaning pad 30 to accommodate the support structure 50.

[0184] According to one embodiment, an inwardly curved recess 32 can be provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad from the first main surface area. Thus, the above description of the inwardly curved recess 32 in the Figuren 1a-d equally applicable to the further embodiments described below.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is designed to form an edge area in the cleaning pad that extends vertically from the first main surface area at each of the two transition areas of the recess to the adjacent side surface area.

[0186] According to the invention, the cleaning pad has an elongated support structure that extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, wherein the foam material is attached to the support structure and surrounds the support structure in a cap-like manner.

[0187] According to a further embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have a vertical notch (relief notch) 40 in the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10. Thus, the above description of the notch 40 in the Figuren 3a-h equally applicable to the further embodiments described below.

[0188] According to one embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20, and a cleaning pad 30, which has an elastically deformable foam material and is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the cleaning pad has a first main surface area 30-A effective as a cleaning surface, and a circumferential side surface area 30-B extending to the carrier element, and wherein a notch 40 is provided in the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0189] According to one embodiment, the depth of the notch starting from the first main surface area into the cleaning pad is less than 60% of the material thickness of the cleaning pad.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the notch is at least partially offset inwards to the circumferential line of the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the notch is formed at least partially parallel along the circumferential line of the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0192] According to one embodiment, a plurality of parallel notches are provided in the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the carrier element can further comprise cleaning bristles 60, which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which laterally enclose the cleaning pad, wherein the cleaning pad has a flat grinding surface, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that at least partially surround the cleaning pad laterally is at least as great as the height of the cleaning pad, or wherein the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad has an outwardly convex main surface area, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles that at least partially surround the cleaning pad laterally is at least as great as the height of the edge area of ​​the cleaning pad. Thus, the above description of the bristles 60 in the Figuren 5a-e likewise, the further exemplary embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 7a-j described as applicable.

[0194] The following sections will be based on the schematic views in Fig. 8a-e (Also applicable here) further embodiments of a cleaning pad 30 with cleaning bristles 60 of the dental cleaning product 10 are described according to a further embodiment. Thus, the above description of the bristles 60 in the Figuren 5a-e likewise, the further exemplary embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 8ae described as applicable.

[0195] According to one embodiment, a dental cleaning product 10 comprises a carrier element 20 and a cleaning pad 30, which is made of an elastically deformable foam material. aufweist, and which is arranged on the carrier element, wherein the cleaning pad has a first main surface area 30-A effective as a cleaning surface, and a circumferential side surface area 30-B extending to the carrier element.

[0196] Furthermore, the dental cleaning product has 10 cleaning bristles 60 on the carrier element 20, wherein the cleaning bristles are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or laterally enclosing the cleaning pad.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the cleaning pad has a flat grinding surface, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles, which at least partially surround the cleaning pad laterally, is at least as great as the height of the cleaning pad.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad has an outwardly curved main surface area, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles, which at least partially surround the cleaning pad laterally, is at least as great as the height of the edge area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0199] Fig. 8a-d Figure 1 shows schematic 3D views and side views (cross-sectional views and top views) of different embodiments of the dental cleaning product 10 with a cleaning pad 30 and cleaning bristles 60 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged on the carrier element 20 laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad 30 or laterally enclosing the cleaning pad 30.

[0200] According to one embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have a flat grinding surface 30-A, as shown by way of example in Fig. 8a The planar grinding surface 30-A can, for example, be parallel to the xy-plane. The vertical bristle height h 60 of the cleaning bristles 60, which at least partially or even completely surround the cleaning pad 60 laterally, is at least as large as the height h of the cleaning pad 30, i.e., h 60 ≥ h.

[0201] According to a further embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 can have an outwardly convex main surface area (grinding surface) 30-A, as exemplified in Fig. 8b The circumferential line 30-1 at the edge region encloses the first main surface region 30-A of the cleaning pad 30. The circumferential line 30-1 can, for example, be parallel to the xy-plane. The vertical bristle height h 60 of the cleaning bristles 60, which at least partially or even completely surround the cleaning pad 30 laterally, is at least as large as the height h of the edge region 30-1 of the cleaning pad 30, i.e., h 60 ≥ h.

[0202] Fig. 8d shows another schematic top view (partial top view) of the dental cleaning product 100 with typical (lateral) dimensions of the head area of ​​the dental cleaning product and the cleaning pad.

[0203] The above description of all figures applies equally to the further embodiments described below. The following description will primarily discuss in detail the differences and additional features, such as additional elements, etc., compared to those described in the previously presented embodiments, as well as the resulting technical effects.

[0204] As now in Fig. 8d As further illustrated by way of example, the raised first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can also extend vertically (= height H 30-2 ) above the bristle height H 60 of the cleaning bristles 6, i.e. have the elevation (curvature) 30-2, while the circumferential line 30-1 of the edge area of ​​the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 is located vertically below the bristle height H 60 of the cleaning bristles 30.

[0205] In the Fig. 8c und 8d Furthermore, different embodiments of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning pad 30 and the cleaning bristles 60, both of which are arranged on the carrier element 20, are shown in a schematic perspective view and in a top view, with different geometric embodiments of the cleaning pad 30 also shown as examples to illustrate that different embodiments of the cleaning pad 30 can interact with the cleaning bristles 60.

[0206] For example, in Fig. 8c As shown, the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 only partially surrounding the cleaning pad 30 laterally.

[0207] As in Fig. 8d As shown, the cleaning bristles 60 are arranged laterally adjacent, with the cleaning bristles 60 completely surrounding the cleaning pad 30.

[0208] To optimize cleaning performance, the relative arrangement of the cleaning pad 30 with respect to the cleaning bristles 60 can be designed depending on the type of dental cleaning product 10, i.e., whether the dental cleaning product is part of a manual or electric toothbrush, whereby in the case of an electric toothbrush, a further adjustment can be made between a circulating or linear deflection of the toothbrush head.

[0209] As in Fig. 8e As illustrated by example, the head region (or carrier element head) 22 of the carrier element 20 can, for instance, have a round (circular), oval, elliptical, or essentially rectangular shape with, for example, rounded edge regions, wherein the basic shape of the cleaning pad 30 can be adapted to the shape of the head region 22 of the carrier element 20 (or its circumferential shape). Thus, the cleaning pad 30 can, for example (provided, for instance, no further cleaning bristles are provided), cover at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, or at least 90% of the main surface area 22-A or the entire main surface area 22-A of the head region 22 of the carrier element 20.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the vertical height of the cleaning pad is between 5 and 14 mm, or in a range of 3 to 20 mm, or 3 to 10 mm, or 3 to 8 mm.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the area of ​​the first main surface region lies in a range of 1 mm² to 10 mm².

[0212] Regarding the in the Fig. 8a-e In the illustrated embodiment of the cleaning pad 30 of the dental cleaning product 10 with the cleaning bristles 60, it is noted that the main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30 can be designed to follow a height contour of the bristles 60, i.e., if the bristles have a (vertically) varying height contour along the edge area or the circumferential line 30-1 of the cleaning pad 30. Furthermore, the upper side surface 50-1 of the support structure 50 can also be adapted to follow the resulting height contour of the main surface area 30-A within the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 (parallel to the inside).

[0213] According to one embodiment, an inwardly curved recess 32 can be provided in the side surface area, which extends at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad from the first main surface area. Thus, the above description of the inwardly curved recess 32 in the Figuren 1a-d und 2a-c equally applicable to the further embodiments described below.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is designed to form an edge area in the cleaning pad that extends vertically from the first main surface area at each of the two transition areas of the recess to the adjacent side surface area.

[0215] According to one embodiment, a notch 40 is provided in the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad. Thus, the above description of the notch 40 in the Figuren 3ah equally applicable to the further embodiments described below.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the notch is formed at least partially offset inwards to the circumferential line of the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad or is formed partially parallel along the circumferential line of the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0217] According to one embodiment, a plurality of parallel notches are provided in the first main surface area of ​​the cleaning pad.

[0218] According to the invention, the cleaning pad has a support structure that extends from the carrier element into the foam material of the cleaning pad, wherein the foam material is attached to the support structure 50 and surrounds the support structure in a cap-like manner. Thus, the above description of the support structure 50 in the Figuren 4a-h equally on the exemplary embodiments as shown by the Fig. 8a-e described as applicable.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the support structure is made of a TPE material (TPE = thermoplastic polymer) and is furthermore beam-shaped, lamellar-shaped, cylindrical, conical, circular, oval, elliptical, or arc-shaped.

[0220] The further embodiments described below are equally applicable to all embodiments described in the preceding example.

[0221] Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation in a perspective top view (= 3D view) of a main surface area 30-A of a cleaning pad 30 (e.g. fully abrasically coated) according to a further embodiment.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the cleaning pad 30 has an abrasive surface coating 70 on the main surface area 30-A, wherein the abrasive surface coating 70 comprises abrasive functional particles 72.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the abrasive surface coating 70 further comprises a thermoplastic binder 74 for an adhesive bond between at least a part of the abrasive functional particles 72 and the foam material, wherein at least a part of the abrasive functional particles 72 is partially embedded in and bonded to the foam material at the first main surface area 30-A of the cleaning pad 30.

[0224] According to one embodiment, at least part of the abrasive functional particles 72 on the surface area 30-A of the foam material is furthermore partially embedded in the thermoplastic binder 74, wherein the thermoplastic binder 74 is connected with the abrasive functional particles 72 and the foam material of the cleaning pad 30.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the abrasive functional particles 74 are made of a thermoplastic material.

[0226] According to one embodiment, the abrasive surface coating 70 has an additional material 76 in the form of nano- or micro-particles with an antibacterial and / or antiviral effect.

[0227] According to one embodiment, the dental cleaning product 10 forms a toothbrush head or toothbrush attachment of an electric or manual toothbrush.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the carrier element 20 is part of a toothbrush head 10 or a toothbrush attachment of an electric or manual toothbrush.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the abrasive surface coating (grinding coating) 70 is arranged on the cleaning pad 30, e.g., on the first main surface area 30-A thereof and optionally at least partially or completely on the side surface area 30-B of the cleaning pad 30. In this context, an abrasive surface coating is referred to as abrasive insofar as it has a rubbing or grinding effect on the tooth to be cleaned, wherein this rubbing or grinding effect in turn results in a smoothing and cleaning effect on the tooth to be cleaned.

[0230] In the context of this description, thermoplastic materials (thermoplastics or plastomers) are defined as plastic materials that can be thermoplastically deformed within a specific temperature range. This process is reversible, meaning it can be re-hardened by cooling. As long as the thermoplastic material does not overheat (i.e., undergo so-called "thermal decomposition"), its properties remain unchanged before and after heating, i.e., before and after application to the coated abrasive tool 10, because the molecular chains of the thermoplastic material are not destroyed or cleaved. This is particularly important for the application shown in the Figuren 3 and 4 The manufacturing process described exhibits an essential property of the thermoplastic binder 18.

[0231] According to one embodiment, the abrasive functional particles 16 can be designed as hard particles or grains and may consist of, for example, corundum, zirconium corundum, silicon carbide, boron nitride, glass, minerals (e.g., apatite), natural materials (e.g., crushed or ground shells, nutshells, etc.), or diamond with a particle size between 100 nm and 2 mm. According to another embodiment, the abrasive functional particles 16 can be made of an inert material, for example, a stable material that is unreactive under given conditions. Furthermore, the resulting material removal by the abrasive tool 10 (at a defined pressure) can be adjusted by the concentration and / or hardness of the abrasive functional particles 16 in the abrasive surface coating 14.

[0232] According to one embodiment, the abrasive functional particles can comprise silicates, calcium phosphates, silica, diamond and / or a thermoplastic.

[0233] Abrasive functional particles such as diamonds (industrial diamonds) can be used, with the grain size (average diameter d1) varying depending on the intended use of the dental cleaning product. If the dental cleaning product is designed for daily use, the grain size can range from 0.5 to 5.0 µm, from 2 to 4 µm, or approximately 3 µm ± 0.5 µm. If weekly use of the dental cleaning product is intended, the grain size d1 can range from 5 to 15 µm, 7 to 11 µm, or 9 µm ± 1 µm. For example, if monthly use of dental cleaning product 50 is intended for tooth cleaning, the average particle size d1 can be 15 to 25 µm, 17 to 23 µm or 20 ± 2 µm.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the coated abrasive tool 10 can comprise a thermoplastic binder 18 with a thermoplastic polymer material such as polypropylene (PP), PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamides), PC (polycarbonates), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEEK (polyetheretherketone), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PUR (polyurethanes), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), or PTHF (polytetrahydrofuran). The carrier material can also be flexible or elastic, for example, with the abrasive functional particles, i.e., the grinding agent or abrasives, being reliably bonded to it, e.g., by a form-fit connection.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 can be designed to receive a cleaning fluid, wherein the release of the cleaning fluid (cleaning liquid or cleaning gel) during application (the tooth brushing process) is adjustable based on the porosity of the foam material and the viscosity of the cleaning fluid.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the abrasive functional particles can also be formed by the thermoplastic material itself, or alternatively, a (further) thermoplastic material can be used, wherein the further thermoplastic material of the abrasive functional particles is, for example, harder than the thermoplastic binder.

[0237] According to one embodiment, the abrasive surface coating can incorporate an additional material in the form of nano- or microparticles with antibacterial and / or antiviral properties. The antibacterial and / or antiviral nano- or microparticles can be embedded in the thermoplastic binder and / or in an additional antibacterial and / or antiviral layer on the abrasive surface coating. The additional antibacterial and / or antiviral material in the form of nano- and / or microparticles can, for example, comprise Ag, Cu, and / or Zn particles or alloys thereof and be embedded in or arranged on the thermoplastic binder.

[0238] The coated abrasive tool or cleaning pad 10 features a foam material (sponge) that is, for example, open-pored. This type of foam material in the cleaning pad 10 is particularly suitable for absorbing very low-viscosity fluids, such as liquid or gel-like cleaning additives (toothpaste), and for the metered release of these fluids after the foam material has absorbed or been saturated with them. A lower viscosity of the gel (compared to conventional toothpaste) generally results in better distribution during application. Due to its foam pad design, the cleaning pad 30 can absorb any gels or liquids, including those containing fragrances, essential oils, fluorides, medications, and / or anti-inflammatory additives.

[0239] The medium porosity of the foam material of the cleaning pad 30 allows for controlled release and dosage of the cleaning additive, meaning it can be supplied relatively evenly for a considerable period of time during the cleaning process, such as throughout the entire brushing procedure. The cleaning pad can thus perform a dual function: the abrasive surface coating cleans the tooth surfaces, while the foam material facilitates fluid application. In particular, liquid cleaning agents can be used, which can be hygienically dispensed virtually contactlessly from a fluid dispenser.

[0240] In one possible process for manufacturing a coated abrasive cleaning pad 30, the starting material for coating is first prepared, whereby the abrasive functional particles (= cutting materials) are mixed with a thermoplastic binder or polymer material. The abrasive functional particles can already be bound to the thermoplastic binder, or alternatively (or additionally), the abrasive functional particles and the thermoplastic binder (e.g., polymer particles) can be homogeneously distributed and fed to a spraying device (plasma spraying device). The concentration of the polymer material can, for example, be in a range between 5 and 95% (MP). The bonding of the starting material, i.e., the abrasive functional particles and the thermoplastic binder, with the foam material occurs via a thermokinetic process.Optionally, after applying the abrasive surface coating 14 to the cleaning pad 30, a thermal pressing process (for mechanical pressure) can be carried out under increased temperature.

[0241] Although some aspects of the present disclosure have been described as features related to an apparatus, it is clear that such a description can also be considered a description of corresponding process features. Although some aspects have been described as features related to a process, it is clear that such a description can also be considered a description of corresponding features of an apparatus or the functionality of an apparatus. Some or all of the process steps can be performed by (or using) a hardware apparatus, such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, some or more of the process steps can be performed by such an apparatus.Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or in software, or at least partially in hardware or at least partially in software.

Claims

1. A dental cleaning product (10), comprising: a carrier element (20), a cleaning pad (30), which comprises an elastically deformable foam material and which is arranged on the carrier element (20), wherein the cleaning pad (30) comprises a first main surface region (30-A) effective as a cleaning area, and an elongate support structure (50) for the cleaning pad, wherein the elongate support structure (50) extends from the carrier element (20) into the foam material of the cleaning pad (30), wherein the foam material is arranged on the support structure (50), and wherein the foam material surrounds the support structure (50) in a cap-shaped manner such that the first main surface region (30-A) of the cleaning pad (30) effective as a cleaning area is vertically spaced apart from an upper side region (50-1) of the support structure (50).

2. The dental cleaning product according to claim 1, wherein a main extension direction of the elongate support structure is formed in an angular range of + / - 30° with respect to the vertical to the carrier element.

3. The dental cleaning product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongate support structure comprises a TPE (thermoplastic polymer) material.

4. The dental cleaning product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate support structure is formed in a beam-shaped, lamellar, cylindrical, conical, circular, oval, elliptical, circular arc-shaped, open curved or closed curved manner.

5. The dental cleaning product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an inwardly curved recess (32) is provided in the side surface region, which extends from the first main surface region at least partially or completely vertically through the cleaning pad.

6. The dental cleaning product according to claim 5, wherein the inwardly curved recess of the cleaning pad is formed in order to form at the two transition regions of the recess to the adjacent side area region an edge region extending vertically from the first main surface region in the cleaning pad.

7. The dental cleaning product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier element further comprises cleaning bristles (60), which are arranged laterally adjacent to the cleaning pad or which are arranged to laterally enclose the cleaning pad, wherein the cleaning pad comprises a planar abrasive surface, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles, which laterally enclose the cleaning pad at least in regions, is at least as large as the height of the cleaning pad, or wherein the first main surface region of the cleaning pad comprises an outwardly curved main surface region, wherein the vertical bristle height of the cleaning bristles, which laterally enclose the cleaning pad at least in regions, is at least as large as the height of the edge region of the cleaning pad.

8. The dental cleaning product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical height of the cleaning pad is between 5 and 14 mm.

9. The dental cleaning product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the first main surface region is in a range of 1 mm2 to 10 mm2.

10. The dental cleaning product according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning pad comprises an abrasive surface coating (70) on the main surface region, wherein the abrasive surface coating (70) comprises abrasive functional particles (72).

11. The dental cleaning product according to claim 10, wherein the abrasive surface coating further comprises a thermoplastic binder (74) for an adhesive connection between at least a part of the abrasive functional particles and the foam material, wherein at least a part of the abrasive functional particles is partially embedded in the foam material on the first main surface region of the cleaning pad and is connected to the foam material.

12. The dental cleaning product according to claim 10 or 11, wherein at least a part of the abrasive functional particles is further partially embedded in the thermoplastic binder on the surface region of the foam material, wherein the thermoplastic binder is connected to the abrasive functional particles and the foam material.

13. The dental cleaning product according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the abrasive functional particles comprise a thermoplastic material.

14. The dental cleaning product according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the abrasive surface coating comprises an additional material (76) in the form of nano- or micro-particles having an antibacterial and / or antiviral effect.

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