Oral hygiene products

Abstract

The invention relates to an oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, comprising at least one application unit (12a-g) which has a base body (14a-f) and at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) connected to the base body (14a-f), and at least one handle unit (18a) which is connectable to, and in particular permanently connected to, the application unit (12a-g) and which has a handle body. It is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) comprises a stem (20a-f) and at least one stimulation head (22a-f), wherein the cross-section of the stimulation head (22a-f) is enlarged compared to the cross-section of the stem (20a-f).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to an oral hygiene product.

[0002] An oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, has already been proposed, comprising at least one application unit which has a base body and at least one stimulation and / or massage element connected to the base body, and at least one handle unit which has a handle body and which can be connected to the application unit, in particular permanently connected.

[0003] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties with regard to functionality and manufacturability. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Advantages of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to an oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit comprising a base body and at least one stimulation and / or massage element connected to the base body, and with at least one handle unit connectable to the application unit, in particular firmly connected, which comprises a handle body.

[0005] It is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element comprises a stem and at least one stimulation head, wherein the cross-section of the stimulation head is enlarged compared to the cross-section of the stem. Preferably, the stem and the stimulation head are formed in one piece.

[0006] The design of the oral hygiene product according to the invention provides advantageous properties with regard to its functionality. In particular, at least one advantageous stimulation and / or massage element can be provided. This allows for a stimulation and / or massage function. Furthermore, a high level of comfort can be provided. Additionally, the cleaning result can be positively influenced. Moreover, this allows for a stimulation and / or massage element that is advantageously easy to manufacture. Due to the design of the stimulation and / or massage element, existing fastening methods, especially for toothbrush bristles, can preferably be used to fix the stimulation and / or massage element to the base body.

[0007] The term "oral hygiene product" refers specifically to a toothbrush and / or an interdental cleaner and / or a flosser and / or a tongue cleaner and / or a toothpick. An oral hygiene product is preferably designed as a toothbrush, particularly a manual toothbrush. In other variations, the oral hygiene product can be an electric toothbrush. It can be a disposable toothbrush, a reusable toothbrush, or a toothbrush with replaceable heads. The oral hygiene product is primarily a type of oral hygiene brush. Examples of oral hygiene brushes include manual toothbrushes such as reusable toothbrushes, toothbrushes with replaceable heads, disposable toothbrushes, or single-tuft brushes; electric toothbrushes, as well as hybrid toothbrushes; interdental cleaners, especially those with twisted bristles (also called interdental brushes), in injection-molded form, or as flossers and / or tongue cleaners.As an electric toothbrush, the oral hygiene device can be designed with an oscillating brush head. In these configurations, the brush head can oscillate with an axis of rotation perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis. Round, oval, or elongated brush heads can be used. For brush heads with an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the movement of the brush head from the home position, i.e., the angle of rotation of the bristle carrier in the unloaded state, is + / - 15° to + / - 40°, preferably + / - 20° to + / - 30°. This results in 7,000 to 10,000 movements per minute. For brush heads with an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis, the movement of the brush head (from the home position) covers an angular range of + / - 1° to + / - 15°, preferably + / - 3° to + / - 10°. This occurs at 15,000 to 25,000 movements per minute.Movement is defined as left and right rotations from the center position of the brush head.

[0008] Alternatively, the oral hygiene brush can also be moved using a vibration drive. With the vibration drive, the movement involves a vibration generated by a motor with an attached eccentric mechanism. The motor speed ranges from 8,000 rpm to 15,000 rpm. In the electric versions, the oral hygiene brush is designed with an interchangeable head.

[0009] In a broader sense, oral hygiene products can also be understood more generally as brush products. A "brush product" should be understood to include, in particular, an oral hygiene brush and / or a body care or cosmetic brush and / or a hairbrush and / or a household brush. Examples of body care or cosmetic brushes include mascara brushes, nail polish brushes, facial brushes, applicators (especially hair dye applicators), massage devices, makeup brushes, shaving brushes and / or wet razors, or other personal care products. Examples of household brushes include dish brushes, floor mops, and / or brooms. Consequently, the statements regarding oral hygiene products also apply to the aforementioned brush products.

[0010] The oral hygiene product has, in particular, a longitudinal axis which is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to a principal direction of extension of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, the longitudinal axis runs at least partially within the oral hygiene product and, in particular, through its center of gravity. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product is a central axis of the oral hygiene product and / or a central axis of the handle unit. A "central axis" of an object is understood to be, in particular, an imaginary axis that runs within the object parallel to a principal direction of extension of the object and intersects the object at no more than two points.The term "at least substantially parallel" here refers in particular to an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of particularly less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°. The term "principal extension direction" of an object refers in particular to a direction that runs parallel to a longest edge of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the object. In this context, the term "principal extension" of an object refers in particular to the extension of a longest edge of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the object.

[0011] In particular, the oral hygiene applicator in the manual embodiment has a length, especially parallel to its longitudinal axis and measured parallel to the contact surface, of 130 mm to 210 mm, and preferably of 180 mm to 200 mm, although other lengths, especially shorter or longer ones, are of course conceivable. Smaller versions can be used for children's or teenagers' toothbrushes. The oral hygiene applicator has a maximum width, especially parallel to a lateral axis of the applicator, advantageously perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and / or parallel to a principal plane of extension of the applicator and / or the handle unit, of 10 mm to 25 mm, and preferably of 18 mm to 21 mm. The oral hygiene applicator has a minimum width of 4 mm to 10 mm, preferably of 5 mm to 7 mm, in a neck area of ​​the application unit.Furthermore, the bristle-free oral hygiene product has a height, particularly measured parallel to the vertical axis perpendicular to the contact surface, of 10 mm to 22 mm and preferably 12 mm to 18 mm. The highest point is located in a thumb grip or holding area of ​​the handle unit of the oral hygiene product. The term "height" here refers in particular to a state of the oral hygiene product in which it is placed, for example, on a flat surface such as a tabletop, a sink, the top of a piece of furniture, or the like, in particular such that the longitudinal axis is parallel to the surface and the back of the oral hygiene product rests on the flat surface.A "principal extension plane" of an object is understood to be, in particular, a plane that is parallel to a largest side face of the smallest imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the object and passes through the center of the cuboid.

[0012] Advantageously, the application unit has at least one cleaning area designed for tooth and / or tongue cleaning, particularly in the user's mouth. Preferably, the cleaning area comprises at least one cleaning unit, in particular at least one brush head, advantageously a toothbrush head, preferably with multiple bristles and / or bristle bundles and / or injection-molded cleaning elements or injection-molded bristles and / or soft, elastic cleaning elements. However, the cleaning unit can also be designed, for example, as an interdental brush and / or as a single tuft (e.g., a single large bristle bundle) and / or as a floss-covered bow, in particular as a flosser, or the like. Furthermore, the application unit advantageously has at least the neck element, which is preferably connected to the cleaning area, in particular directly and / or integrally.The term "one-piece" is to be understood in particular as being joined by at least a material bond, for example by a welding process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by being manufactured from a single casting and / or by being manufactured using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. The term "intended" is to be understood in particular as being specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function is to be understood in particular as the object fulfilling and / or performing this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition.

[0013] The oral hygiene product has, in particular, a front and a back, which are preferably arranged facing away from each other. Preferably, the cleaning area is located on the front of the oral hygiene product. The front is, in particular, a side of the oral hygiene product visible in a viewing direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse axes of the product. The front of the oral hygiene product is, in particular, the side of the brush on which the thumb rests. The front is also normally the side towards which the bristles are directed. The back is advantageously a side of the oral hygiene product visible in the opposite viewing direction. The back of the oral hygiene product is the side of the toothbrush opposite the bristles.The left side of an oral hygiene product is defined as the side that lies to the left when viewed perpendicularly from the front of the product. The right side of an oral hygiene product is defined as the side that lies to the right when viewed perpendicularly from the front of the product. The top side is defined as the end of the oral hygiene product where the cleaning area is located. The bottom side is defined as the end of the oral hygiene product opposite the top side, which is closest to the grip area.

[0014] Preferably, the handle unit has at least one grip element, which is advantageously designed for one-handed gripping. Preferably, the grip element is at least partially tapered. This advantageously allows for a secure grip and optimizes ergonomics. Particularly preferably, the grip element is elongated, with one longitudinal axis of the grip element advantageously corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The grip element is at least partially, and in particular entirely, made of at least one hard component. It would also be conceivable for the grip element to be additionally made of one or more soft components. Preferably, the material volume is made at least predominantly, and in particular entirely, of at least one hard component. In particular, the grip element advantageously includes at least one thumb grip area and / or at least one hand grip area.Advantageously, the thumb grip area is located on the front of the oral hygiene product, and particularly on the front of the grip element. It is conceivable that the thumb grip area and / or the handle area could have at least one element and / or a surface texture consisting of at least one soft component and / or at least one hard component.

[0015] Advantageously, the grip area has at least one handle element. Preferably, a main extension direction of the handle element is arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. Advantageously, the handle element has at least one surface texture element, and particularly advantageously a plurality of surface texture elements, which are at least substantially identical or at least geometrically similar to the surface texture elements of the thumb grip area described above. Preferably, the surface texture elements of the handle element are arranged, particularly at least in pairs, in groups one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product.

[0016] The components used in the manufacturing process can be classified as follows: Conventional materials: Materials, essentially virgin materials, that are largely oil-based. Sustainable materials: as listed below and described later, preferably bio-based, biodegradable, and / or recycled. Bio-based materials: Material that is made from more than 40%, in particular more than 60%, preferably more than 80%, and most preferably 100% renewable raw materials. A further possible additional property of bio-based materials is, in particular, that the bio-based materials are biodegradable. Preferably, the materials are not based on foodstuffs such as, in particular, corn, sugar cane, etc. Biodegradable materials: Material that is biodegradable according to common standards. This includes, in particular, compostability (industrially or non-industrially).Materials made from renewable resources, especially petrochemical raw materials, can possess this property. Recycled materials: Materials that originate from a recycling process, such as post-consumer recycled materials, post-industrial recycled materials, ocean waste plastic, or social plastic.

[0017] The materials used can be recyclable. For recyclable materials, a recycling option after use is advantageous. Materials that can be integrated into an existing recycling stream, such as polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), are particularly preferred.

[0018] The materials used can be recycled materials. Materials from a recycling stream, such as polyester (rPET), polyethylene (rPE), and polypropylene (rPP), are particularly preferred.

[0019] Within the scope of this disclosure, virtually any hard and soft components are eligible, which the person skilled in the art will suitably combine and / or select. Examples of hard components include styrene polymers such as styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene butadiene (SB), or the like. Furthermore, a hard component can comprise polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or the like, particularly also in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Furthermore, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), especially in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylenedimethyl terephthalate (PCT-A), glycol-modified polycyclohexylenedimethyl terephthalate (PCT-G) or the like, are also suitable.Furthermore, the use of cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), cellulose butyrate (CB), or the like is conceivable. A hard component can also include, for example, polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12, or the like, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA), or the like. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and / or polyurethane (PU) can be used as a hard component and / or as a soft component. In particular, a hard component has a modulus of elasticity of at least 1000 N / mm² and advantageously at least 1300 N / mm² and / or at most 2400 N / mm² and advantageously at most 1800 N / mm². Polypropylene (PP) is preferably used as the hard component.At least some of the materials listed under the hard component can be sustainable. In particular, materials containing cellulose are at least partially bio-based.

[0020] Advantageously, hard components are used for stable and / or structural elements, particularly in the handle element and / or in a support element of the application unit (e.g., the bristle support plate) and / or the attachment unit or the like. Preferably, the oral hygiene product, or at least a base body of the oral hygiene product, comprises a single hard component, which may be made of one of the aforementioned materials or a mixture thereof. However, combinations of different hard components are also conceivable, whereby these may, for example, be processed in a two- and / or multi-component injection molding process and / or bonded and / or welded together, in particular by ultrasonic welding. Alternatively or additionally, several hard components may be used that do not form a material bond in a two- and / or multi-component injection molding process.In particular, it is conceivable that in this case, a positive fit is created between the hard components, for example, in the form of at least one undercut and / or at least one through-hole and / or at least one partial overmolding or the like. It is conceivable that, for example, a second hard component, which is particularly likely to be injection-molded onto a first hard component, shrinks and / or contracts after injection molding and advantageously forms a shrinkage bond. Suitable combinations could be, for example, polypropylene-polyester, polypropylene-sustainable material, polypropylene-styrene acrylonitrile, or other combinations. In this combination, polypropylene serves to create a material-bonded connection with the soft component.

[0021] Suitable soft components include, for example, thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S) such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), or the like. Furthermore, the use of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), or the like is also conceivable. A soft component can also, for example, comprise at least one silicone. Advantageously, a soft component has a Shore A hardness of at most 90, more advantageously of at most 50, and particularly advantageously of at most 30. Preferably, at least one soft component forms a material bond with at least one hard component, particularly in at least one two- and / or multi-component injection molding process, advantageously by means of at least one overmolding and / or overmolding.The materials listed under the term "soft component" can be at least partially sustainable. The soft component can be a mixture of sustainable material and non-sustainable soft component. For example, the soft component can be a mixture of recycled polypropylene (rPP) and a soft component. Recycled polypropylene (rPP) can be a raw material for the production of a soft component. The weight fraction of recycled polypropylene in the soft component is more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, and particularly preferably more than 30%.

[0022] It is advantageous to consider that a hard component and a soft component used could have different colors, so that surface structures, lettering, motifs and the like can be realized by means of suitable design of the base body and soft element.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one application unit comprises a brush head, in particular a toothbrush head. The application unit advantageously comprises at least one cleaning unit, in particular a toothbrush head, with bristles. The cleaning unit also advantageously comprises at least one bristle carrier, for example, a brush head body. At least some or all of the bristles are advantageously conventional extruded bristles. The bristles can, in particular, comprise at least one hard component and / or at least one soft component. Preferably, the bristles are made at least partially or completely of polyamide (PA) and / or polyester (e.g., PBT, PET), whereby any other materials or components (hard component or soft component) are conceivable, and sustainable materials such as chitosan are also possible. Furthermore, the bristles can be made of a biodegradable material.Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least some of the bristles have a pointed tip and / or a variable cross-section. Preferably, the bristles are made of a single material, or in particular, a mixture of materials. However, bristles consisting of several components or materials are also conceivable, which can be produced and / or manufactured, in particular, by means of at least one co-extrusion process. The bristles can, for example, be produced and / or manufactured by means of extrusion, cutting to length, and / or post-processing. In contrast to injection-molded bristles or rubber-elastic massage and cleaning elements, which are produced by injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, processed, and inserted or anchored to the toothbrush handle using an adapted method. Stimulation and / or massage elements are also extruded and partially assembled, and then inserted or anchored using an adapted method.The bristles are anchored using methods such as anchor punching, AFT, PTt, and / or IMT. They can be processed before and / or after anchoring (e.g., pointed, rounded, heat-treated, etc.).

[0024] In particular, cylindrical or pointed bristles are suitable, with any cross-section being conceivable, such as polygonal, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, star-shaped, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, rhombus-shaped, or any other cross-section. In particular, different bristles can be used within a single bristle bundle, as well as different bristle bundles, especially each containing a specific type of bristle. Bristles and / or bristle bundles can be arranged regularly or irregularly. In particular, bristles and / or bristle bundles arranged in groups and / or adjacent to one another can differ with respect to at least one characteristic, such as length, diameter, material, color, material hardness, geometry, point, and the like, especially in an alternating fashion.Preferably, the bristles have a diameter, particularly perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.075 mm and / or at most 0.25 mm. Advantageously, the bristles have a cross-sectional area, particularly perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.002 mm² and / or at most 0.2 mm². In the case of bristles used in cosmetics, for example, bristles of an additional application element, thinner bristles and / or bristles with a smaller cross-section can also be used, in particular bristles with a diameter, particularly perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.025 mm and / or at most 0.2 mm and / or with a cross-sectional area, particularly perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.001 mm² and / or at most 0.15 mm². In the case of pointed bristles, polyester (e.g.,Suitable materials include PBT, PET, or PTT, and sustainable materials are also possible. The bristles can be tapered mechanically and / or chemically. Other materials are also conceivable. Preferably, the bristles are straight in the longitudinal direction, but wavy, twisted, helical, and / or coiled bristles are also conceivable, as are combinations of different bristles. Bristles with a smooth surface are also conceivable, as are bristles with a textured surface.

[0025] Furthermore, the bristles, particularly as bristle bundles, or the stimulation and massage elements are preferably processed by at least one anchor punching method, an anchor-free method such as anchor-free tufting (AFT), an in-mold tufting (IMT) method, a PTt method, or the like, and are attached, in particular, to the base body / bristle carrier or bristle support plate. Preferably, the bristle carrier has a plurality of bristle receptacles, particularly holes for bristle bundles, which are drilled and / or formed during injection molding. In the case of anchor punching, for example, it is conceivable that a base body, particularly from a hard component, preferably the brush head, is first manufactured by injection molding, advantageously forming blind holes for bristle bundles during the injection molding process. Of course, subsequent drilling of blind holes is also conceivable.Preferably, bristles or bundles of bristles, or even individual or bundled stimulation and massage elements, are then folded and attached in a blind hole by means of at least one anchor, in particular by punching. A loop punch is also conceivable.

[0026] Alternatively, as mentioned, anchorless methods are also conceivable, whereby bristles or bristle bundles, or stimulation and / or massage elements, are advantageously not folded. In this case, the bristles or bristle bundles are approximately half the length compared to an anchor punch. For example, it is conceivable that the bristle bundles are first separated, fused, and / or their bristle ends are subsequently overmolded for attachment. Bristle bundles can advantageously be joined together in this process. In the case of stimulation and / or massage elements, it is preferably the case that the stems are individually inserted into individual recesses and fixed.One possible method of production is in-mold tufting, whereby a base body, such as the brush head and / or handle unit and / or attachment unit, is advantageously formed during the overmolding of the bristle ends / ends of the stimulation and / or massage elements. It is also conceivable that, particularly within the framework of integrated anchorless production, bristles are first overmolded with plates or the like, and these plates are then in turn overmolded, for example, to form the brush head and / or the handle unit.

[0027] Bristle bundles consist of at least one bristle, preferably several bristles. The bristle(s) may be folded for anchoring (anchor punching method) or not (anchorless method).

[0028] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the application unit is composed of a base body and a bristle plate equipped with bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements and / or alternative cleaning elements. For this purpose, bristle plates with through-holes are first manufactured by injection molding, through which bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements are then inserted. Preferably, the bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements are then connected on a back side, in particular fused, preferably at least partially to each other and / or to the corresponding bristle plate. In this way, bristle-covered bristle plates can then be welded and / or bonded to a base body, in particular a brush head, preferably by ultrasonic welding.For this purpose, the base body, in particular the brush head, has a recess into which the bristle plate can be inserted. A known manufacturing method in this context is the anchor-free tufting process, which in particular allows bristle bundles to be joined together. The underside of the bristle plate is defined as the side that is placed in a recess in the base body and faces the back of the oral hygiene product. Similarly, the upper side of the bristle plate faces the top of the oral hygiene product.

[0029] Another method for anchorless bristle application involves manufacturing, in particular by injection molding, a brush head with through-holes for bristles. Bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements can then be guided through the through-holes and fused on the back side, particularly to each other and / or to the brush head. Preferably, the fused areas and / or the brush head are then overmolded, in particular with at least one soft component.

[0030] Furthermore, it is conceivable to first manufacture a brush head with blind holes, for example, by injection molding and / or by drilling the blind holes. In this case, bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements can be bundled together and melted or fused and / or otherwise joined at one end. The brush head is then heated, in particular to the glass transition temperature of its material. Advantageously, individual bristles or bristle bundles can then be inserted into the blind holes and anchored to the brush head by pressing them in. In particular, the heated blind holes or their surroundings deform so that the individual bristles or bristle bundles / stimulation and / or massage elements are anchored within them.

[0031] As an alternative or in addition to stamped and / or welded and / or glued bristles, injection-molded bristles are also conceivable. These can be manufactured together with the application unit, the handle unit and / or the mounting unit, particularly during multi-component injection molding, or subsequently injection-molded onto a base body of the application unit.

[0032] Another possible method for attaching bristles to the brush head is twisting. In this process, filament is fed from a spool, with several strands of filament wound onto a single spool. For machine feeding, several spools are pre-tensioned, as each filament in the brush corresponds to a single strand. The filaments are spread out to the correct width for insertion into the brush. The filaments are then pre-exposed so that they are free for the next step, allowing a wire to be guided over them. A wire is then fed from a spool to the machine, i.e., unwound and fed into the process. The wire is cut to a length greater than the unwound length of the twisted brush; the final trimming to the correct length occurs after twisting.The wire is bent into a U-shape so that the open end can be slid over the filaments to thread the bristles. The wire is held at the base of the U. The open end of the wire is then clamped to hold the filaments between the wire pieces. The filaments are cut to a length greater than the final length required for the brush, ensuring the brush can be cut correctly once the filaments are twisted in. The wire is twisted to clamp and secure the filaments. After the filaments are fixed within the wire, they are cut to the correct length and shaped. Once the brush section is complete, any excess wire is trimmed.

[0033] Preferably, during an injection molding process, particularly a two- and / or multi-component injection molding process, the materials of the injected bristles do not form a material bond with other soft and / or hard components and / or durable materials of the oral hygiene product. Instead, the injected bristles are preferably connected by means of a form-fit connection, for example, by means of at least one undercut and / or at least one through-hole and / or by means of at least partial overmolding with soft and / or hard components, whereby a shrinkage connection and / or a shrinkage connection are particularly conceivable. However, a connection by means of at least one material bond is also conceivable.

[0034] For all the injection molding processes mentioned, single-, two-, and / or multi-component injection molding is fundamentally possible. The materials used, especially different soft and / or hard components, can be joined by material bonding and / or form-fitting, as mentioned. The formation of articulated, movable, or flexible joints using suitable injection molding steps is also conceivable. Hot runner, cold runner, and / or co-injection processes are all possibilities.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally to a brush head with bristles, the application unit may also include at least one tongue cleaner and / or at least one alternative cleaning and / or massage element. These may each be made of a soft component, a hard component, or a combination of soft and hard components, and / or may be advantageously manufactured by injection molding.

[0036] Preferably, injection-molded bristles are at least partially, and advantageously entirely, made of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U). The use of a modified polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U) is conceivable, which may be modified, in particular, with regard to improved flow properties and / or rapid solidification, especially rapid crystallization, advantageously even at higher temperatures. Of course, other materials for injection-molded bristles are also conceivable, for example, thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), polyethylene (PE), for example in the forms of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or the like. Materials for injection-molded bristles advantageously have a Shore D hardness of at least 0, and particularly advantageously at least 30 and / or at most 100, and advantageously at most 80.In particular, a higher Shore hardness for injection-molded bristles is advantageous than for other soft components used, such as handles, massage elements, additional cleaning elements, or the like. The materials used for manufacturing injection-molded bristles can be sustainable. The hard or soft components already mentioned can also be used for injection-molded bristles.

[0037] In principle, the use of water-soluble polymers is also conceivable, for example for hard components, soft components, injected bristles or other elements of the oral hygiene product.

[0038] Similarly, sustainable materials, especially bioplastics, can be used for the hard component, the soft component, and / or the material for injection-molded and / or conventional extruded bristles. These materials can be derived from renewable resources. Potential raw materials include corn, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, sugar beets, rice husks, rubber, wood, castor oil (also known as the castor bean plant), and similar substances. Suitable base materials could include cellulose, starch, PLA, glucose, chitin, chitosan, lignin, casein, gelatin, and similar substances, from which appropriate bioplastics can be synthesized.

[0039] The main groups of preferred bioplastics include starch-based bioplastics, cellulose-based bioplastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g., polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB)), polylactic acid (PLA), and aliphatic / aromatic copolyesters. Other preferred bioplastics include lignin-based bioplastics.

[0040] In this context, a "stimulation and / or massage element" shall be understood to mean, in particular, an element designed to massage and / or stimulate a user's surface, especially a skin surface, particularly a skin surface in the oral cavity. Preferably, the stimulation and / or massage element is designed to stimulate and / or massage a user's gums and / or tongue during use of the oral hygiene product. In particular, the stimulation and / or massage element is designed to stimulate blood flow in the user's gums during tooth cleaning. Additionally, the stimulation and / or massage element may also at least partially perform a cleaning function of the oral hygiene product. The stimulation and / or massage element is, in particular, formed by a single element projecting from the base body of the application unit.Preferably, the application unit comprises several stimulation and / or massage elements. The stimulation and / or massage element particularly comprises a stem. The stem is particularly connected directly to the base body of the application unit. Preferably, the stem extends from the base body as an elongated element. The stem is preferably formed from a cylindrical element, particularly a straight one. Alternatively, the stem could also be tapered. The stem consists particularly of a filament. Preferably, the stem can be hollow or filled. Alternatively or additionally, the stem could also have a wave-like, helical, or spiral shape along its main extent. In particular, the stem can have various roughnesses or surface structures.For example, it would be conceivable that geometric patterns, such as thickenings, grooves, or the like, are arranged on the surface. The stem can have various cross-sectional shapes that appear useful to a person skilled in the art, such as round, in particular circular, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, polygonal, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, or rhombus-shaped. The stem particularly has a closed, rounded, or n-sided cross-sectional shape. A circular cross-section is especially preferred. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage element has a stimulation head. The stimulation head is particularly arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element. The stimulation head particularly forms a termination adjoining the stem. Preferably, the stimulation head forms a spherical or mushroom-shaped termination.The stimulation head is, in particular, spherical or mushroom-shaped. Specifically, the stimulation head has a round shape. The shape of the stimulation head is, in particular, not angular. Any edges or corners are rounded by melting / melting. The transition between the stem and the stimulation head is, in particular, continuous. The transition is, in particular, free of edges with a very small radius at the transition point.

[0041] The stimulation head and the stem are, in particular, joined in one piece. "Jointly joined" is understood to mean, in particular, at least a material bond, for example, by a melting process, a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by manufacturing from a single casting and / or by manufacturing using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank.

[0042] Furthermore, it is proposed that the stem be formed from an extruded bristle. Preferably, the entire stimulation and / or massage element is made from a single extruded bristle. The stem, in particular, consists of an extruded filament. The stimulation and / or massage element, in particular, consists of a single material. However, it would also be conceivable to include additives such as whitening particles, charcoal, flavorings, or the like. Preferably, the stem is made of polyamide or polyester. Preferably, the stem consists of a single component. Alternatively, however, a two-component structure of the stem would also be conceivable. The stem can, for example, be produced by co-extrusion, e.g., with a core and a sheath, or from two adjacent sections of the cross-section made of two different components.Alternatively, a design using two different colors or materials during melting can influence the stimulation head, for example, in terms of color or hardness. The stimulation head is typically made of the same material as the base. However, it would also be conceivable for the stimulation head to consist of a soft component. This allows for a particularly advantageous and simpler-to-manufacture stimulation and / or massage element. The design of the stimulation and / or massage element allows for the use of existing fastening methods, especially for toothbrush bristles, to fix the stimulation and / or massage element to the base.

[0043] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one stimulation head of the stimulation and / or massage element is formed by melting a portion of the stem. The stimulation head is specifically formed from the stem material. In particular, the stimulation head is formed by subsequently melting a tip or end of the stem from the stem material. Preferably, with a stem diameter of 0.4 mm, a length of 1.4 mm of the stem is melted to create the stimulation head. Of course, longer or shorter melting sections can also be achieved, with each additional volume of melt being produced, depending on the stem diameter, from which the stimulation head is formed. Preferably, a free end of the stem is melted to create the stimulation head, particularly by contactless heating.Contact heating could cause the plastic to become sticky and stringy upon contact. Heating is achieved primarily using a heating plate or infrared radiation. When multiple stimulation and / or massage elements are used, the heating plate must be equidistant from the ends of the stem to ensure uniform melting and the formation of consistent stimulation heads or crowns across the multiple elements. To protect unaffected areas and allow for targeted heat application, shielding elements can be incorporated during production. Alternatively or additionally, the heating elements can be designed with a focused heat source. When multiple stimulation and / or massage elements are used, the bristle hole in the base of the application unit must be sufficiently large to allow the stems to spread and / or...The stems should be arranged in a staggered pattern, forming an angle between them. During the production of the stimulation heads, the stems must not touch each other. If the stems are too close together or essentially parallel and touching, the stimulation heads or even the stems themselves will fuse during heating.

[0044] This allows, in particular, the provision of a conveniently single-piece stimulation and / or massage element. Preferably, the ends of the stems are therefore spaced at least twice the diameter of the stimulation heads after anchoring.

[0045] The diameter of the bristle holes or recesses for the stimulation and / or massage elements must be selected for the anchor punching process to ensure both secure fixation of the stimulation and / or massage elements and the desired spacing between the stems. The diameter of the bristle holes or recesses depends on the number of stimulation and / or massage elements and the diameter of the respective stems. Therefore, the diameter of the bristle holes at the point where they exit the base body can range from 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably from 1.2 mm to 1.9 mm.

[0046] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one stimulation and / or massage element be designed as a single piece. Advantageously, "single piece" should also be understood to mean "one-piece." "One-piece" should be understood in particular to mean molded in a single piece. Preferably, this single piece is manufactured from a single blank, a compound, and / or a casting, particularly preferably by an injection molding process, especially a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process. This allows, in particular, the provision of an advantageously producible stimulation and / or massage element.

[0047] It is further proposed that at least one stimulation head of the stimulation and / or massage element be injection-molded onto the stem of the stimulation and / or massage element. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable that the entire stimulation and / or massage element is injection-molded, with one embodiment in which the stimulation head could also be injection-molded, thus eliminating the need for melting. In an alternative embodiment, the stem is injection-molded, and the stimulation head is formed by melting as described above.

[0048] The stimulation and / or massage element can be in the form of an injection-molded bristle. In a corresponding design, the stem has a molded section to facilitate demolding. The final shape of the stimulation and / or massage element is typically conical with a spherical or mushroom-shaped end. The stimulation and / or massage element can be manufactured directly on or together with the base of the application unit. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage element can be manufactured separately and then fixed in place by assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the stimulation head can consist of a different component than the stem, such as a soft component. This necessitates a different manufacturing process, whereby the stem and the stimulation head could be made of different components and / or colors.Furthermore, it could be made possible, in particular, for the contacting part of the stimulation and / or massage element, especially the stimulation head, to have a different, particularly lower, (Shore) hardness. This would allow for a more advantageously variable design or an improved massage effect of the stimulation head.

[0049] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is connected to the base body of the application unit by means of punching, in particular anchor punching. The at least one stimulation and / or massage element is fixed, in particular individually or as a group, in a recess, i.e., in a bristle hole. Preferably, the application unit has several stimulation and / or massage elements, wherein the stimulation and / or massage elements are fixed, individually or in groups, in one or more bristle holes on the base body of the application unit. Fixation can be achieved by means of anchors, loops, without anchors (e.g., by melting), or by means of a mounting geometry. In anchor punching, in particular, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element, individually or as a bundle, is provided in a first step.The stem of the stimulation and / or massage element is then fixed in a recess or bristle hole using an anchor, and subsequently the stimulation head is created by heating or melting. Following this, the stimulation and / or massage elements are displaced, and other bristle bundles are fixed and processed, e.g., rounded, pointed, etc. Displacement of the stimulation and / or massage elements can be omitted if the other bristle bundles are 6 mm or more longer than the stimulation and / or massage element. With this height difference, the rounding unit cannot reach the respective stimulation and / or massage element. Alternatively, pre-assembled stimulation and / or massage elements (i.e.,The stimulation head is formed before the stimulation and / or massage elements are fixed to the brush head. In this process, the standard filaments, especially bristles, are first punched and then processed, and only then are the stimulation and / or massage elements fixed. No further processing of the fixed stimulation and / or massage elements is necessary. Alternatively, at least one stimulation and / or massage element can be fixed or anchored using an anchorless method, e.g., an AFT (Automated Flow Technology) process. In an AFT process, the first step involves providing at least one stimulation and / or massage element. The stem and stimulation head of this provided stimulation and / or massage element are already formed; that is, the stimulation head is shaped / formed before the anchoring process.Additionally, the stimulation and / or massage element has a mounting section for attaching it to the base of the application unit. The stimulation and / or massage element and further bristle bundles are then fixed using an AFT (Automated Fastening and Fixing) process, either in the same or in successive process steps. The AFT process can be performed as a standard procedure. However, the bristle support plate used must be adapted for this process. The bristle hole in the bristle support plate for the at least one stimulation and / or massage element cannot be a straight cylinder. The bristle hole must form a tapered cone from the bristle side. Furthermore, the bristle hole has a cylindrical section adjoining the cone. The diameter of this cylindrical section is only slightly larger than the diameter of the stem.The conical part of the bristle hole serves as an insertion aid towards the cylindrical part, while the cylindrical part ensures a seal during the bristle melting process. Furthermore, the AFT process requires a specific handling and insertion procedure for at least one stimulation and / or massage element into the die. The bristles, as well as the stimulation and / or massage elements, are prepared in a die before being inserted into the bristle holes. One or more bristles and / or stimulation and / or massage elements are inserted into recesses / holes in this die, from which they are later pushed out towards the bristle hole, with the aforementioned conical part of the bristle hole serving for precise insertion.Additional plates can be provided between the die and the bristle hole to guide the one or more bristles and / or one or more stimulation and / or massage elements towards the bristle hole, for example, by combining certain holes. Particular attention must be paid to the difficulty of handling an element with a stimulation head that is considerably larger in diameter than the stem. For bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements and bristle bundles, a hole spacing (distance between the recesses or bristle holes) of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, must be maintained. This allows the at least one stimulation and / or massage element to be securely and easily fixed, particularly advantageously. Existing or known fastening methods can be used.

[0050] Furthermore, it is proposed that the application unit comprises at least one cleaning element formed by a conventional, extruded bristle. Preferably, the application unit comprises several cleaning elements in the form of bristle filaments, which are grouped into several bristle bundles. Preferably, the bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements and the bristle bundles are designed separately. Optionally, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be mixed into the bristles and arranged in a bundle. The heights and lengths of the bristles and stimulation and / or massage elements can be identical or different. In particular, both the bristles and the stimulation and / or massage elements can be longer. A prerequisite for such a variant is, in particular, that all bristles and stimulation and / or massage elements are pre-assembled (i.e., pre-cut).The stimulation heads are formed before anchoring (and the rounding or pointing of the bristles has already taken place) and require no further treatment after fixation. Alternatively, the bristles can be pre-finished (i.e., rounded or pointed), while the stimulation and / or massage elements require post-treatment. For this, the stimulation and / or massage elements must be positioned higher than the bristles so that the stimulation head can still be created by heating without damaging the bristles. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be pre-finished, while the bristles still require post-treatment. For this, the stimulation and / or massage elements must be positioned lower than the bristles so that the bristles can still be rounded without damaging the stimulation and / or massage elements.

[0051] In a bristle bundle with bristles and stimulation and / or massage elements, the number of bristles is preferably significantly greater than the number of stimulation and / or massage elements. Each bundle can contain 10 to 200 conventional, preferably 15 to 100, particularly preferably 20 to 60 bristle ends and 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 2, particularly preferably 1 stimulation and / or massage element. The number mentioned refers to the user-facing ends of the bristles and / or the stimulation and / or massage elements.

[0052] At least one stimulation and / or massage element may be post-processed. Post-processing can involve coloring the stimulation head, for example, by dipping it in fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the stimulation head can be coated with an oral care product, for example, by dipping it in a fluid. Alternatively, the stimulation head can be roughened, for example, through mechanical processing such as grinding.

[0053] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element be arranged in at least one stimulation zone of the application unit, wherein the stimulation zone of the application unit is located on a front surface of the application unit. In this context, a "stimulation zone" is understood to mean, in particular, a defined, imaginary zone, especially a portion of the cleaning area, in a head area, particularly in a cleaning area, of the application unit, wherein the zone is specifically designed to stimulate and / or massage the gums and / or tongue of a user during use of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, several bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements are arranged in the stimulation zone. Preferably, a predominant proportion of the bundles in the stimulation zone consists of stimulation and / or massage elements.Preferably, the entire cleaning area of ​​the application unit is divided into zones, wherein at least one zone, preferably several zones, is formed by a stimulation zone, or more preferably several stimulation zones. It is possible to have only one stimulation zone or several stimulation zones. It would also be conceivable for individual bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements to be distributed across the entire bristle field. This distribution can be either regular or random. Other elements on the brush head are arranged around these bundles. Preferably, the stimulation zone is located within a cleaning area of ​​the application unit. Within the stimulation zone, at least one bundle of one or more stimulation and / or massage elements is arranged. The stimulation zones can preferably be distributed.Furthermore, several stimulation zones can be adjacent to one another, forming a larger group of stimulation zones. Within a bundle of stimulation and / or massage elements, all stimulation and / or massage elements are identical. The bundles therefore each consist of identical individual stimulation and / or massage elements. Preferably, the stimulation heads, i.e., the ends of the stimulation and / or massage elements per bundle, are all arranged at the same height. Alternatively, different stimulation and / or massage elements within a bundle would also be conceivable. Different overall lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements could be achieved, for example, through asymmetrical punching or different stem lengths. Asymmetrical or offset punching means that the anchor is not positioned centrally in the folded element during anchor punching, i.e., in the anchor punching process.The folded bristle or the folded stimulation and / or massage element is attached. Due to the off-center attachment of the anchor, the two ends of the respective bristle or stimulation and / or massage element protrude unequally. This means that the respective ends have different distances from the anchor. Furthermore, the stems of the stimulation and / or massage elements could differ in diameter and thus in hardness or stiffness, or in cross-sectional shape. The stimulation heads could differ in size, diameter, or shape. Different colors of the stimulation and / or massage elements would also be conceivable. This allows for a particularly advantageous arrangement of at least one stimulation and / or massage element.

[0054] Furthermore, it is proposed that the stimulation zone be arranged at an upper end of the application unit. Preferably, the cleaning area of ​​the application unit has nine zones on a front side of the application unit: a first zone at the top left, a second zone at the top center, a third zone at the top right, a fourth zone at the center left, a fifth zone at the center, a sixth zone at the center right, a seventh zone at the bottom left, an eighth zone at the bottom center, and a ninth zone at the bottom right. Preferably, the stimulation zone is arranged at least in the first zone at the top left, the second zone at the top center, and / or the third zone at the top right. Particularly preferably, the stimulation zone is arranged at least in the second zone at the top center. In particular, any other arrangement of the stimulation zone(s) that would appear advantageous to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable.In particular, the stimulation zone could be arranged in any of the described zones of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit. The stimulation and / or massage elements can also be arranged in one or more stimulation zones, which can be directly adjacent to one another. However, the stimulation zones can also be located in non-adjacent zones. Finally, a zone can contain both a stimulation zone with stimulation and massage elements and other cleaning elements, for example, bristle bundles with conventional bristles. An arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements or the bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements is preferably symmetrical about the longitudinal axis.The bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements are preferably arranged peripherally on the application unit to allow access to the gums. Alternatively or additionally, an arrangement in combination with other cleaning elements is also conceivable. For example, other cleaning elements or bundles of cleaning elements can extend around the stimulation and / or massage elements and / or alternate with them. Examples of cleaning elements include, for example, pointed bristles, cylindrical bristles, tapered and rounded (T&R) bristles (i.e., bristles that are pointed on one side while rounded on the other), and / or cleaning elements made of a soft component.Examples of combinations of stimulation and / or massage elements with cleaning elements include: stimulation and / or massage elements and cylindrical bristles; stimulation and / or massage elements and pointed bristles; stimulation and / or massage elements and cylindrical and pointed bristles; stimulation and / or massage elements and cylindrical bristles and injection-molded bristles and / or injection-molded cleaning elements made of a soft component; or stimulation and / or massage elements and pointed bristles and injection-molded bristles and / or injection-molded cleaning elements made of a soft component. Preferably, the stimulation and / or massage elements are arranged individually or in multiples in bundles within specific stimulation zones. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be arranged in individual bundles, particularly in the form of a group of bundles.The group of bundles can then be arranged in specific zones or across multiple zones, thus forming one or more stimulation zones. The stimulation and / or massage elements can be uniform or varied. For example, a gradient in height can be achieved so that the stimulation and / or massage elements are not all at the same height. Alternatively or additionally, several groups of clustered bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements can be provided. These groups of clustered bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements can then be arranged in a specific stimulation zone or across multiple zones. The clustered bundles can be arranged, for example, in a linear or circular pattern. In a circular arrangement, other elements can be enclosed, or a center can remain open.This allows, in particular, an advantageous arrangement of at least one stimulation and / or massage element to be achieved.

[0055] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is arranged in at least one stimulation zone of the application unit, and that the application unit has at least two cleaning zones, each containing at least one cleaning element, with the stimulation zone being located between the at least two cleaning zones. In this context, a "cleaning zone" is understood to mean, in particular, a defined, imaginary zone, especially a sub-area of ​​the cleaning zone, in a head area, particularly in a cleaning area, of the application unit, wherein the zone is specifically designed to clean, in particular, the teeth of a user during use of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, several bundles of cleaning elements are arranged in the cleaning zone. Preferably, a predominant proportion of the bundles of cleaning elements are located in the stimulation zone.Preferably, the entire cleaning area of ​​the application unit is divided into zones, wherein, in particular, at least one zone, preferably several zones, of the zones is formed by a cleaning zone, and preferably several cleaning zones. Preferably, the cleaning zones are formed by the left and right zones of the cleaning area, while the stimulation zones are formed by the middle zones. Alternatively, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is arranged in at least one stimulation zone of the application unit, and that the application unit has at least one cleaning zone in which at least one cleaning element is arranged, wherein the at least one cleaning zone at least partially surrounds the at least one stimulation zone.Alternatively, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element be arranged in at least two stimulation zones of the application unit, and that the application unit have at least one cleaning zone in which at least one cleaning element is arranged, with the at least one cleaning zone being located between the at least two stimulation zones. Furthermore, various arrangements of the stimulation zones that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. For example, it would be conceivable that the stimulation zones be arranged at the top of the first, second, and third zones, the first and third zones, or only in the second zone. Alternatively, it would be conceivable, for example, that the stimulation zones be arranged centrally in the fifth zone or in the fourth, fifth, and sixth zones. Alternatively, it would be conceivable, for example, that the stimulation zones be arranged centrally at the bottom of the fifth and eighth zones.Alternatively, for example, the stimulation zones could be located at the bottom of the seventh, eighth, and ninth zones, in the seventh and ninth zones, or only in the eighth zone. Alternatively, the stimulation zones could also be located laterally in the first, third, fourth, sixth, seventh, and ninth zones, in the first, third, fourth, and sixth zones, in the fourth and sixth zones, or at the corners of the first, third, seventh, and ninth zones. This would allow for a particularly advantageous arrangement of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element.

[0056] The arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements in zones can be used for manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes with an oscillating brush head (rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), electric toothbrushes with an oscillating brush head (rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis), and electric toothbrushes with a vibration drive. For manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes with an oscillating brush head (rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis), and for electric toothbrushes with a vibration drive, the resulting base area is more oval or rectangular in the direction of the longitudinal axis, while for electric toothbrushes with an oscillating brush head (rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), the base area is preferably round or only slightly oval.

[0057] The illustrated arrangement examples can be directly applied to the various applications or floor areas.

[0058] Furthermore, it is proposed that the application unit comprise at least one first stimulation and / or massage element having a first length and a second stimulation and / or massage element having a second length that differs substantially from the first. Preferably, the first and second stimulation and / or massage elements are arranged in different stimulation zones. However, it would also be conceivable for the first and second stimulation and / or massage elements to be arranged in the same stimulation zone and / or bundle. Different overall lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements could be achieved, for example, by asymmetrical or offset punching (as described above) or by using stems of different lengths.Furthermore, the stems of the stimulation and / or massage elements could differ in diameter and thus in hardness or in cross-sectional shape. The stimulation heads could differ in size, diameter, or shape. Preferably, the difference in length (measured from the point where the element exits the application unit up to and including the stimulation head) between the first length and the second length is at least 5%, preferably at least 8%, and particularly preferably at least 12% of the shorter length. From the point where the stimulation and / or massage elements exit the base body of the application unit to a free end, they have a total length of, in particular, 5 mm to 16 mm, preferably 8 mm to 13 mm. This allows for a particularly advantageous distribution of stimulation.

[0059] It is further proposed that at least one stimulation head of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element be mushroom- or spherical in shape. However, other shapes are also conceivable. This can, in particular, achieve a more advantageous massage and / or stimulation.

[0060] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has at least two stimulation heads. Preferably, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has several spheres per stimulation and / or massage element. The stimulation and / or massage element is designed such that a total of 2 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, stimulation heads in the form of spheres are located along the stem. The stimulation heads do not simply form a single sphere at the end. The stimulation heads can be at least partially, for example, injection-molded. A topmost stimulation head (i.e., at the end of the stem) particularly forms a crown. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable to have several stems per stimulation and / or massage element. The stems can be arranged such that they are close together or touching at their ends.The stems can be connected to a stimulation head by heating them.

[0061] The stimulation and / or massage element is typically positioned essentially straight or perpendicular to the top of the base body or bristle support plate of the application unit. However, an arrangement in which at least one stimulation and / or massage element is positioned at an angle to the base body of the application unit is also conceivable.

[0062] The number of stimulation and / or massage elements per bundle is particularly 1 to 8, preferably 2 to 4. This number refers to the number of user-side ends of the stimulation and / or massage elements.

[0063] The number of stimulation and / or massage elements on the application unit is particularly 2 to 32, preferably 4 to 24, and most preferably 6 to 20. The spacing between the stimulation heads of the stimulation and / or massage elements in the bundle is particularly 0.5 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 2 mm. The angles between the stems of the stimulation and / or massage elements in a bundle are particularly 2° to 15°, more preferably 5° to 12°. Instead of being at an angle, the stems in a bundle can also be essentially parallel with a corresponding spacing. In this case as well, the spacing between the stimulation heads of the stimulation and / or massage elements in the bundle is particularly 0.5 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0064] The number of bundles with stimulation and / or massage elements across the entire application unit is in particular from 2 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8.

[0065] Furthermore, it is proposed that the stem of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element, particularly when mounted in the product, has a length of 2 mm to 15 mm. Preferably, the stem of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a length of 4 mm to 12 mm from its point of exiting the base body to the base of the stimulation head. More preferably, the stem of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, and most preferably 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. This allows for a particularly advantageous stimulation and / or massage element.

[0066] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation head of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a diameter of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm. Preferably, the at least one stimulation head of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a diameter of 0.50 mm to 1 mm, and more preferably 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm. In the case of a non-spherical shape, the diameter range can also be used as a range for the length and / or width of the stimulation head. This allows for the provision of a particularly advantageous stimulation and / or massage element.

[0067] It is further proposed that the ratio between the diameter of a cleaning element in the brush head and the diameter of the stem of the stimulation and / or massage element be from 1:1.2 to 1:8. Preferably, the ratio is from 1:1.3 to 1:3, and particularly preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5. The stem of the stimulation and / or massage element is always larger in diameter than the conventional bristles of the cleaning elements. The ratio of these diameters is from 1:1.5 to 1.8, preferably from 1:1.7 to 1:6, and particularly preferably from 1:2 to 1:4. Differences in stiffness between stimulation and / or massage elements and / or between the at least one stimulation and / or massage element and the other cleaning elements result in particular from the differences in diameter and / or cross-sectional area.The stimulation and / or massage elements are shorter than the cleaning elements to allow optimal cleaning with the cleaning elements without interference from the stimulation and / or massage elements. Preferably, the length difference between the stimulation and / or massage elements and the cleaning elements is 1 mm to 4 mm, more preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements and the cleaning elements can be the same length, or the stimulation and / or massage elements can be longer. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements can also have different lengths, either in the same bundle or in separate bundles. This allows for the provision of a particularly advantageous stimulation and / or massage element. In particular, an advantageous stimulation and / or massage effect can be achieved.

[0068] It is further proposed that the application unit comprises several stimulation and / or massage elements and several cleaning elements, wherein the number of stimulation and / or massage elements corresponds to 0.3% to 4% of the number of cleaning elements. Preferably, the number of stimulation and / or massage elements relative to the total number of bristle ends of the application unit is 0.3% to 4%, more preferably 0.45% to 3%. This allows, in particular, an advantageous stimulation and / or massage element to be provided. With the application head, a particularly advantageous or balanced cleaning, stimulation, and / or massage effect can be achieved.

[0069] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element be designed for cleaning teeth and / or tongue. Preferably, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is also designed for massaging gums. The at least one stimulation and / or massage element is specifically designed for use with a toothbrush. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements can also be used as a tongue cleaner or for local intensive treatment. In this case, the stimulation and / or massage elements are particularly shorter when they form a tongue cleaner or an intensive treatment component, regardless of whether the tongue cleaner or intensive treatment component is on the back of a toothbrush or whether it is designed as a tongue cleaner only or an intensive treatment component only.In a configuration as a tongue cleaner or intensive treatment component, the stimulation and / or massage elements are arranged, in particular, on a surface of the base body of the application unit. The arrangement can form a pattern, cover a large area, or be arranged only partially. In a partial arrangement, the stimulation and / or massage elements can, for example, be arranged linearly, arrow-shaped, semicircularly, or the like. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements are distributed over a large area of ​​the base body of the application unit. The arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements is preferably symmetrical to the longitudinal axis, i.e., in particular to the extension of the handle unit.

[0070] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing the oral hygiene product. It is proposed that the at least one stimulation head of the stimulation and / or massage element is produced by melting the stem. The stimulation head is formed, in particular, from the stem material. Specifically, the stimulation head is formed by subsequently melting a tip of the stem from the stem material. Preferably, with a stem diameter of 0.4 mm, a length of 1.4 mm of the stem is melted to produce the stimulation head. Of course, longer or shorter melting processes can also be implemented, with each additional melt volume, depending on the stem diameter, being produced from which the stimulation head is formed. Preferably, a free end of the stem is melted to produce the stimulation head, particularly by contactless heating.Contact heating could cause the plastic to become sticky and stringy upon contact. Heating is achieved primarily using a heating plate or infrared radiation. When multiple stimulation and / or massage elements are used, the heating plate must be equidistant from the ends of the stem to ensure uniform melting and the formation of consistent stimulation heads or crowns across the multiple elements. To protect unaffected areas and allow for targeted heat application, shielding elements can be incorporated during production. Alternatively or additionally, the heating elements can be designed with a focused heat source. When multiple stimulation and / or massage elements are used, the bristle hole in the base of the application unit must be sufficiently large to allow the stems to spread and / or...The stems are arranged in a tuft and form an angle between them. During the production of the stimulation heads, the stems must not touch each other. In the process for manufacturing the oral hygiene product, one or more stimulation and / or massage elements are provided in at least one step. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements are fixed in the base body of the application unit. The stimulation and / or massage elements can be provided pre-assembled. The stimulation and / or massage elements are provided in the correct length with the spherical stimulation head already attached or integrated for fixation. Precise assembly, i.e., precise punching, is particularly necessary for fixing the stimulation and / or massage elements. No post-processing is performed after assembly / punching.The stimulation and / or massage elements have a fixing section, particularly at one end of the stem facing away from the stimulation head. This fixing section is designed for direct connection to the base of the application unit. A corresponding stimulation and / or massage element can be pre-fixed directly. A fixing method is preferably anchorless, achieved by melting, overmolding, gluing, or the like. Alternatively, two stimulation and / or massage elements could be joined together as a single unit. In particular, two stimulation and / or massage elements can be connected via a common fixing section.A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element consists in particular of a first stimulation head, a first stem connected to the stimulation head, a fixing section connected to the stem, a second stem connected to the fixing section, and a second stimulation head connected to the second stem. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element can, in particular, be directly pre-fixed. A fixing method is preferably by means of anchor punches, loop punches, or the like. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be supplied as pre-assembled elements. The stimulation and / or massage elements are manufactured, in particular, in the form of thicker bristles. Specifically, a stem is supplied which is then processed into a stimulation and / or massage element.The stimulation and / or massage elements have, in particular, a fixation section at one end of the trunk facing away from the stimulation head.

[0071] The fixing section is specifically designed for direct connection to the base of the application unit. A corresponding stimulation and / or massage element can be directly fixed in place. Alternatively, two stimulation and / or massage elements can be connected as a single unit. Specifically, two stimulation and / or massage elements can be connected via a common fixing section. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element consists, in particular, of a first stimulation head, a first stem connected to the stimulation head, a fixing section connected to the stem, a second stem connected to the fixing section, and a second stimulation head connected to the second stem. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element can, in particular, be directly fixed in place.One method of fixation is preferably using anchor punches, loop punches, or similar devices. After fixation, the stimulation and / or massage elements are cut to length, optionally including an extension for the stimulation head. The stimulation head is then created by melting, preferably by contactless heating. Alternatively, the stimulation head can be created by attaching an additional material.

[0072] The oral hygiene product according to the invention is not to be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, the oral hygiene product according to the invention may, to fulfill a function described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, and units and / or any meaningful combination thereof. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure shall also be considered disclosed and freely usable.

[0073] Naturally, the embodiments shown in this document are merely examples. Within the scope of the invention, the individual features and elements of these embodiments can be combined with other embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. Drawings

[0074] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate seven exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0075] They show: Fig. 1 A partial view of an oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit comprising several stimulation and / or massage elements and a handle unit in a schematic 3D front view, Fig. 2 A partial view of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit comprising the several stimulation and / or massage elements and the handle unit in a schematic side view, Fig. 3 A partial view of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit comprising the several stimulation and / or massage elements and the handle unit in a schematic front view, Fig. 4 One of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a deployment state in a schematic 3D front view, Fig. 5 One of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a deployment state in a schematic side view, Fig.6. One of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a sectional view, Fig. 7. The application unit with an indicated zone division in a schematic front view, Fig. 8. A stimulation and / or massage element of an application unit of an alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a provision state in a schematic 3D front view, Fig. 9. The stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a provision state in a schematic side view, Fig. 10. The stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a finished, installed state in a schematic 3D view.Fig. 11 the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a finished, installed state in a schematic side view, Fig. 12 the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a finished, installed state in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 13 a partial section of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit which has several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D front view, Fig. 14 a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view, Fig.15 a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic front view, Fig. 16 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a provision state in a schematic 3D view from the front, Fig. 17 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a provision state in a schematic side view, Fig. 18 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a schematic 3D view from the front, Fig. 19 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a schematic side view, Fig.Fig. 20 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 21 a partial section of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit which has several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D front view, Fig. 22 a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view, Fig. 23 a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic front view, Fig.24 the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a provision state in a schematic 3D view from the front, Fig. 25 the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a provision state in a schematic side view, Fig. 26 a partial section of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit which has several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D view from the front, Fig. 27 a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view, Fig.28 a partial view of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, which has several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic front view, Fig. 29 a partial view of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, which has several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D rear view, Fig. 30 a partial view of a further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, which has several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view, Fig.Fig. 31 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic rear view, and Fig. 32 shows an application unit of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention designed as an oscillating electric toothbrush with an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and with an indicated zone division in a schematic front view. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0076] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the front face 28a of an oral hygiene device 10a. In this case, the oral hygiene device 10a is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10a can be a disposable toothbrush or a toothbrush with replaceable heads. Furthermore, the oral hygiene device 10a could be a flosser, a single-tuft brush, an interdental cleaner, a tongue cleaner, or the like. Combined oral hygiene devices 10a are also conceivable, which combine at least two different functions, for example, a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massage elements, an interdental cleaner with a flosser, or the like.

[0077] The oral hygiene product 10a has at least one application unit 12a. Furthermore, the oral hygiene product 10a has at least one handle unit 18a. The handle unit 18a consists of a single material. The handle unit 18a consists of a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable for the handle unit 18a to be partially composed of a soft component and partially of a hard component. In general, the design of the handle unit 18a with one or more hard components and / or one or more soft components is also possible.

[0078] The following will refer to the Figures 1 to 3 Reference is made to figures 10a, which show different views of the oral hygiene product. Due to these differing views, some elements are not depicted in all figures and are therefore not labeled with reference symbols in all figures. Figure 2 shows a side view of the oral hygiene product 10a. Figure 3shows the front side 28a of the oral hygiene product 10a in a schematic representation.

[0079] The oral hygiene product 10a has a longitudinal axis 32a, a vertical axis, and a horizontal axis. The longitudinal axis 32a is arranged parallel to a principal extension direction 34a of the oral hygiene product 10a. When the oral hygiene product 10a is placed with its back side on a flat surface, such that the longitudinal axis 32a is parallel to the surface, the vertical axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32a and perpendicular to both the surface and the horizontal axis. The horizontal axis is perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis 32a and the vertical axis. In the present case, the oral hygiene product 10a has a length, particularly parallel to the longitudinal axis 32a and measured parallel to the contact surface, of 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably of 180 mm to 200 mm.

[0080] The at least one application unit 12a has a head region 36a. The head region 36a forms a brush head of the oral hygiene product 10a. In the present case, the head region 36a is designed as a toothbrush head. The head region 36a has, in particular, a base body 14a designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12a has the base body 14a. The base body 14a is formed entirely from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable that the base body 14a is formed from one or more hard components and one or more soft components. The base body 14a of the application unit 12a forms a bristle carrier. The head region 36a of the oral hygiene product 10a has, for example, a width of 8 mm to 17 mm and preferably of 10 mm to 15 mm. At least one recess 38a is formed on the front surface 28a of the base body 14a.The at least one recess 38a is provided for receiving a bristle bundle 40a and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a. The application unit 12a has a plurality of bristle bundles 40a. Each bristle bundle 40a consists of a plurality of cleaning elements 24a. The cleaning elements 24a are formed by conventional bristles. Examples of cleaning elements 24a are, for example, pointed bristles, cylindrical bristles, and tapered and rounded bristles, i.e., in particular, bristles that are pointed on one side while the other side is rounded. In addition, cleaning elements 24a made of a soft component can be integrated on the application unit 12a. Furthermore, the application unit 12a has at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16a connected to the base body 14a. The application unit 12a has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16a connected to the base body 14a.The base body 14a has a plurality of recesses 38a. The recesses 38a are formed by bristle holes. For bristle bundles 40a and stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a, a hole spacing between the recesses 38a of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, must be maintained.

[0081] The cleaning elements 24a are fixed in the recesses 38a by means of an anchor wire. The anchor wire is primarily made of metal. However, a plastic anchor would also be possible. The structure of the head section 36a and the base body 14a differs in other bristle-coating methods. The use of anchorless bristle-coating methods would also be conceivable. This would allow for the provision of an anchorless oral hygiene product 10a, and thus an oral hygiene product 10a without metal, since the anchor wire can be omitted. In one case of an anchorless bristle-coating method, a recess is provided in the head section 36a, which is designed to receive a plate parallel to the handle unit 18a. The plate is primarily manufactured by an injection molding process, whereby the plate is already bristle-coated before being attached.The plate is designed to be anchored in the recess of the head section 36a, in particular by welding. Bristle bundles 40a can differ in their length, composition, number of bristles, bristle material, color, surface texture, and the like. Likewise, the angles at which the cleaning elements 24a and / or the bristle bundles 40a are arranged relative to each other or to a surface of the base body 14a can vary between the cleaning elements 24a and / or the bristle bundles 40a. Furthermore, in this case, the application unit 12a includes a neck section 44a, which in particular connects the head section 36a with the handle unit 18a. The neck section 44a forms a neck.

[0082] The application unit 12a is arranged on the upper surface of the oral hygiene product 10a. The application unit 12a forms the uppermost point of the oral hygiene product 10a. The application unit 12a is made entirely of a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable for the application unit 12a to be made partly of a soft component and partly of a hard component. For suitable soft and / or hard components, reference is made to the description above. In principle, the application unit 12a can have at least one tongue cleaner element. The tongue cleaner element can, in particular, have nubs and / or lamellae. Preferably, the tongue cleaner element is arranged on the back of the head region 36a; in particular, it can be arranged on a ring made of a soft component and / or on an island made of a hard component.

[0083] The neck section 44a forms a transition between the application unit 12a and the handle unit 18a. The neck section 44a is made of the hard component. The lower end of the neck section 44a is at least partially spring-loaded.

[0084] The handle unit 18a is permanently connected to the application unit 12a. The handle unit 18a has a handle body. The handle unit 18a has at least one gripping surface, which forms a surface of the handle body. The gripping surface extends on the front 28a from the neck area 44a to the lower end of the oral hygiene product 10a on the underside. The gripping surface forms, for example, a convex or concave shape along the longitudinal axis 32a. The convex shape is reversed along the longitudinal axis 32a on the back. The handle unit 18a is only partially shown.

[0085] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are identically designed. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is described below, although the description of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16a as well.

[0086] The stimulation and / or massage element 16a comprises a stem 20a and a stimulation head 22a, wherein one cross-section of the stimulation head 22a is larger than the cross-section of the stem 20a. The stem 20a and the stimulation head 22a are formed in one piece. The stem 20a extends as an elongated element from the base body 14a. The stem 20a is formed from a straight cylindrical element. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the stem 20a to be tapered. The stem 20a consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20a is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20a can have various cross-sectional shapes that appear useful to a person skilled in the art, such as round, in particular circular, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, polygonal, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, or rhombus-shaped. Stem 20a has an exemplary circular cross-section.The stimulation head 22a is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a. The stimulation head 22a forms a termination adjoining the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a has a spherical or mushroom-like termination. The stimulation head 22a is spherical or mushroom-shaped. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is spherical. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a also has a fixing section 46a at an end of the stem 20a facing away from the stimulation head 22a. The fixing section 46a is designed for direct connection to the base body 14a of the application unit 12a. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a is designed to be connected to the base body 14a of the application unit 12a by means of punches, in particular anchor punches. The fixing section 46a is connected to the base body 14a of the application unit 12a by means of anchor punches.

[0087] The stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a, particularly when assembled in the product, has a length of 2 mm to 15 mm. Preferably, the stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a, from its exit from the base body 14a to the base of the stimulation head 22a, has a length of 4 mm to 12 mm. Furthermore, the stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, and particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a has a diameter of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm. Preferably, the stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0088] The ratio between the diameter of a cleaning element 24a in the brush head and the diameter of the stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is from 1:1.2 to 1:8. Preferably, the ratio is from 1:1.3 to 1:3, and particularly preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a is always larger in diameter than the bristles of the cleaning elements 24a. Differences in stiffness between stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and / or between the at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16a and the other cleaning elements 24a result from the differences in diameter and / or cross-sectional area.

[0089] The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is formed by melting a portion of the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a is formed from the material of the stem 20a. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a is formed in one piece. The stimulation head 22a is formed by subsequently melting a tip of the stem 20a from the material of the stem 20a. Preferably, with a stem diameter of 0.4 mm, a length of 1.4 mm of the stem 20a is melted to create the stimulation head 22a. To create the stimulation head 22a, a free end of the stem 20a is melted by heating, in particular by contactless heating. Heating is carried out using a heating plate or infrared.When multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are used, the heating plate must be equidistant from the ends of the stems 20a to ensure uniform melting and the formation of uniform crowns across the multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. To protect unaffected parts and to allow for targeted heat application, shielding elements can be incorporated during production. Furthermore, the heating elements can be designed with a focused heat distribution. When multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are located in a recess 38a, the recess 38a for the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a in the base body 14a of the application unit 12a must be sufficiently large to allow the stems 20a to spread or curl sufficiently. During the production of the stimulation heads 22a, the stems 20a must not touch each other.

[0090] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are connected to the base body 14a as stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a by means of anchor punches. For this purpose, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are fixed in the fixing section 46a by means of an anchor 66a in one of the recesses 38a. The number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a is particularly 1 to 8, preferably 2 to 4. For the sake of clarity, only one stimulation and / or massage element 16a per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a is shown in the drawings. The number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a on the application unit 12a is particularly 2 to 32, preferably 4 to 24, and most preferably 6 to 20.The spacing of the stimulation heads 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a in the stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a is particularly from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm. The angles between the stems 20a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a of a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a are particularly from 2° to 15°, preferably from 5° to 12°. The number of stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a with stimulation and / or massage elements 16a across the entire application unit 12a is particularly from 2 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8. The oral hygiene agent 10a of the . Figures 1 to 3 For example, it features nine stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a, each with one stimulation and / or massage element 16a.

[0091] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26a of the application unit 12a, wherein the stimulation zone 26a of the application unit 12a is located on a front surface 28a of the application unit 12a. In particular, there may be only one stimulation zone 26a, as well as several stimulation zones 26a. The stimulation zones 26a are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12a. Several stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a, each containing several stimulation and / or massage elements 16a, are arranged in the stimulation zones 26a. The stimulation zones 26a are specifically free of bristle bundles 40a made from conventional cleaning elements 24a. Within each stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are identical.The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a therefore each consist of identical individual stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. The stimulation heads 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a in each stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a are, by way of example, all arranged at the same height. Alternatively, different stimulation and / or massage elements 16a within a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a would also be conceivable. Different overall lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a could be achieved, for example, by asymmetrical punching or by using stems 20a of different lengths. Furthermore, the stems 20a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a could differ in diameter and thus in hardness or in cross-sectional shape. The stimulation heads 22a can differ in size, diameter, or shape.

[0092] Stimulation zone 26a is located at the upper end of application unit 12a. The cleaning area of ​​application unit 12a has nine zones 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a on a front surface 28a of application unit 12a (see Figure 7 ) on, namely a first zone 48a top left, a second zone 50a top center, a third zone 52a top right, a fourth zone 54a center left, a fifth zone 56a center, a sixth zone 58a center right, a seventh zone 60a bottom left, an eighth zone 62a bottom center, and a ninth zone 64a bottom right. The stimulation zone 26a in the first example in the Figures 1 to 3The first zone 48a is located at the top left, the second zone 50a at the top center, and the third zone 52a at the top right. In particular, other arrangements of the stimulation zone 26a that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. Specifically, the stimulation zone 26a could be arranged in any of the described zones 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12a. An arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a or the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 32a. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a or the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a are arranged peripherally on the application unit 12a to enable the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a to reach the gums.Alternatively or additionally, an arrangement in combination with other cleaning elements 24a would also be conceivable.

[0093] The application unit 12a has cleaning elements 24a, which are formed by conventional bristles. The cleaning elements 24a, or the bristle bundles 40a, are arranged in the further zones 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a, in particular zones 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a four to nine. The further zones four to nine 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a form cleaning zones 30a.

[0094] The application unit 12a comprises several stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and several cleaning elements 24a, wherein the number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a corresponds to 0.3% to 4% of the number of cleaning elements 24a. The number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a relative to the total number of bristle ends of the application unit 12a is from 0.3% to 4%, preferably from 0.45% to 3%. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are shorter than the cleaning elements 24a to allow optimal cleaning with the cleaning elements 24a without interference from the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. The length difference between the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and the cleaning elements 24a is 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and the cleaning elements 24a can be of the same length, or the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a can be longer. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a can also have different lengths, either in the same or in different stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a.

[0095] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are used to stimulate and / or massage a user's gums. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a may be used in addition to, in particular, cleaning the teeth.

[0096] In a process for manufacturing the oral hygiene product 10a, several stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are provided in at least one step. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are fixed in the base body 14a of the application unit 12a. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are provided as pre-assembled elements. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are manufactured in the form of thicker bristles ( Figures 4 and 5A stem 20a is delivered and processed into a stimulation and / or massage element 16a. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a have a fixing section 46a at one end of the stem 20a facing away from the stimulation head 22a. The fixing section 46a corresponds to a partial section of the stem 20a. The fixing section 46a is designed for direct connection with the base body 14a of the application unit 12a. The fixing section 46a is connected to the base body 14a in a fixing step. The connection between the stimulation and massage element 16a and the base body 14a of the application unit 12a is made in the recess 38a. One fixing method is by means of anchor punches ( Figure 6), loop punching or the like. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are cut to length after being fixed, taking into account an allowance for the stimulation head 22a. The stimulation head 22a is then created by melting, the melting being carried out in particular without contact by heating. In the process for manufacturing the oral hygiene agent 10a, one stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is produced by melting the stem 20a of the respective stimulation and / or massage element 16a. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is formed from the material of the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is formed by subsequently melting on a tip of the stem 20a from the material of the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a forms a spherical tip of the stem 20a ( Figure 6In this process, a length of 1.4 mm of stem 20a with a stem diameter of 0.4 mm is melted to create the stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. Preferably, to create the stimulation heads 22a, a free end of the stems 20a is melted by contactless heating. Heating is carried out using a heating plate or infrared radiation. The heating plate must be equidistant from the ends of the stems 20a to ensure uniform melting and the formation of uniform crowns across the multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. To protect unaffected parts and to allow for targeted heat application, shielding elements can be provided during production to protect against the heat. For the multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a, the recess 38a in the base body 14a of the application unit 12a must be sufficiently large so that the stems 20a spread sufficiently orsprinkle.

[0097] In the Figures 8 to 32 Further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, with regard to identical components, features and functions, reference is made to the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 7 , can be referenced. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 7 by the letters b to g in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments of the Figures 8 to 32 replaced. With regard to identically designated components, especially those with the same reference numerals, reference can generally also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular the Figures 1 to 7 , will be referred.

[0098] The Figures 8 to 12show an alternative stimulation and / or massage element 16b of an application unit 12b of an alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention.

[0099] The application unit 12b comprises a base body 14b and a bristle support plate 78b. The base body consists of a handle unit with a large recess in a head region 36b, which serves to receive a bristle support plate 78b. Once prepared and equipped, the bristle support plate 78b is inserted into the recess in the head region 36b of the handle unit 18b and firmly connected. The bristle support plate 78b has a plurality of recesses 38b. The recesses 38b are formed by bristle holes. The recesses 38b are designed to receive a bristle bundle 40b and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42b. Preferably, the recesses 38b have a chamfer at their entry point. The recesses 38b must form a tapered cone 72b from the bristle side. Furthermore, the recesses 38b have a cylindrical part 74b adjoining the cone 72b.The diameter of the cylindrical part 74b is, in particular, only slightly larger than the diameter of a stem 20b of stimulation and / or massage elements 16b. The cylindrical part 74b must provide a seal when the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are melted. In the described processing method, bristle bundles are fixed anchorless in the appropriately shaped recesses 38b in a known manner. Both the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b and the bristle bundles are fixed to the bristle support plate 78b by melting them from the rear side (the end being fixed). For bristle bundles and stimulation and / or massage bundles 42b, a hole spacing between the recesses 38b of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, must be maintained.After fixing the bristle bundles and the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b to the bristle support plate 78b, the bristle support plate 78b is fixed in the head area 36b of the handle unit 18b, for example by means of welding, in particular by means of ultrasound.

[0100] The application unit 12b has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16b, of which only one stimulation and / or massage element 16b is shown as an example. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are identical in design. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b is described below, but the description of this element is generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16b as well.

[0101] The stimulation and / or massage element 16b comprises a stem 20b and a stimulation head 22b, wherein one cross-section of the stimulation head 22b is enlarged compared to the cross-section of the stem 20b. The stem 20b and the stimulation head 22b are formed in one piece. The stem 20b extends as an elongated element from the bristle support plate 78b. The stem 20b is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20b consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20b is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20b has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22b is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b. The stimulation head 22b forms a termination adjoining the stem 20b. The stimulation head 22b forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22b of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b is spherically shaped.The stimulation and / or massage element 16b further comprises a fixing section 46b at an end of the stem 20b facing away from the stimulation head 22b. The fixing section 46b is designed for direct connection with the bristle support plate 78b of the application unit 12b. A fixing method is preferably anchorless, achieved by melting, overmolding, gluing, or the like. The stimulation and / or massage element 16b is designed to be connected to the bristle support plate 78b by means of an AFT process, which in turn is subsequently connected to the base body 14b of the application unit 12b. The fixing section 46b is connected to the bristle support plate 78b of the application unit 12b by means of the AFT process.

[0102] The stimulation head 22b of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b is, by way of example, injection-molded or melted onto the stem 20b of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b. The stimulation head 22b is injection-molded or melted onto a tip of the stem 20b. Additionally or alternatively, the stimulation head 22b can consist of a component different from the stem 20nb, such as, in particular, a soft component. The stem 20b and the stimulation head 22b can, in particular, be formed in different colors. Furthermore, it could, in particular, be possible for the contacting part of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b, i.e., the stimulation head 22b, to have a different, in particular lower, hardness.

[0103] In contrast to the first and third embodiments, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are supplied fully assembled. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are delivered in the correct length with the spherical stimulation head 22b already attached or integrated. Figures 8 and 9When fixing the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b, precise assembly, i.e., precise fixing, is particularly necessary. No post-processing is required. A corresponding stimulation and / or massage element 16b can be fixed directly. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are fixed by melting. For this purpose, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b with the fixing section 46b are guided through the recesses 38b of the bristle support plate 78b and then fused on the reverse side, particularly by applying heat, at a free end of the fixing section 46b, for example to form a fixing mushroom 76b ( Figures 10 and 12 ).

[0104] The Figure 13Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the front side 28c of an oral hygiene product 10c. In this case, the oral hygiene product 10c is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10c has at least one application unit 12c.

[0105] The application unit 12c at least has a head section 36c. The head section 36c forms a brush head for the oral hygiene product 10c. The head section 36c includes, in particular, a base body 14c designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12c has the base body 14c. A plurality of recesses 38c are formed on the front 28c of the base body 14c. The recesses 38c are designed to receive bristle bundles 40c and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42c. The application unit 12c has a plurality of bristle bundles 40c. The bristle bundles 40c each consist of a plurality of cleaning elements 24c. The cleaning elements 24c are formed by conventional bristles.

[0106] The application unit 12c has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16c. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are identical in design. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c is described below, although the description of this stimulation and / or massage element 16c is generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16c as well.

[0107] The stimulation and / or massage element 16c comprises a stem 20c and a stimulation head 22c, wherein one cross-section of the stimulation head 22c is larger than the cross-section of the stem 20c. The stem 20c and the stimulation head 22c are formed in one piece. The stem 20c extends as an elongated element from the base body 14c. The stem 20c is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20c consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20c is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20c has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22c is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16c. The stimulation head 22c forms a termination adjoining the stem 20c. The stimulation head 22c forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22c of the stimulation and / or massage element 16c is spherically shaped.The stimulation and / or massage element 16c further comprises a fixing section 46c at one end of the stem 20c facing away from the stimulation head 22c. The fixing section 46c is designed for direct connection to the base body 14c of the application unit 12c. The stimulation and / or massage element 16c is designed to be connected to the base body 14c of the application unit 12c by means of punches, in particular anchor punches. The fixing section 46c is connected to the base body 14c of the application unit 12c by means of anchor punches.

[0108] The stimulation head 22c of the stimulation and / or massage element 16c is formed by melting an extension of the stem 20c. The stimulation head 22c is formed from the material of the stem 20c. The stimulation and / or massage element 16c is formed in one piece. The stimulation head 22c is formed by subsequently melting a tip onto the stem 20c from the material of the stem 20c.

[0109] In this embodiment, two stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are always connected to each other in one piece. Two stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are always connected to each other via a common fixing section 46c. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element 16c consists of a first stimulation head 22c, a first stem 20c connected to the stimulation head 22c, a fixing section 46c connected to the stem 20c, a second stem 20c connected to the fixing section 46c, and a second stimulation head 22c connected to the second stem 20c. A double stimulation and / or massage element 16c can be fixed directly in place ( Figures 16 and 17One method of fixation is preferably by means of anchor punches, loop punches or the like. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are connected to the base body 14c as stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c by means of anchor punches. For this purpose, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are fixed in the fixing section 46c by means of an anchor 66c in one of the recesses 38c ( Figures 18 to 20 ).

[0110] It would be particularly conceivable that the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c have at least two stimulation heads 22c. Preferably, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c can have several spheres per stimulation and / or massage element 16c. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are designed such that a total of 2 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, stimulation heads 22c in the form of spheres are located along the stem 20c. The stimulation heads 22c do not form a single sphere at the end. The stimulation heads 22c can be at least partially, for example, injection-molded or melted onto the stem.

[0111] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26c of the application unit 12c, wherein the stimulation zone 26c of the application unit 12c is located on a front surface 28c of the application unit 12c. In particular, there can be only one stimulation zone 26c, as well as several stimulation zones 26c. The stimulation zones 26c are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12c. Several stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c, each containing several stimulation and / or massage elements 16c, are arranged in the stimulation zones 26c. The stimulation zones 26c are specifically free of bristle bundles 40c made from conventional cleaning elements 24c. However, a mixed arrangement would also be conceivable. Within the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c made from stimulation and / or massage elements 16c, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are identical.The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c therefore each consist of identical, double stimulation and / or massage elements 16c. The stimulation heads 22c of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42c are, by way of example, all arranged at the same height. Alternatively, different stimulation and / or massage elements 16c within a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42c would also be conceivable. Different overall lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c could be achieved, for example, by asymmetrical punching. Thus, it would be conceivable, for instance, that the application unit 12c has a first stimulation and / or massage element 16c with a first length and a second stimulation and / or massage element 16c with a second length that differs significantly from the first.

[0112] Two stimulation zones 26c are provided. Each stimulation zone 26c consists of a group of clustered stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c made up of stimulation and / or massage elements 16c. The stimulation zones 26c are arranged centrally. The stimulation zones 26c are surrounded by cleaning elements 24c. The application unit 12c has at least one cleaning zone 30c in which the cleaning elements 24c or the bristle bundles 40c are arranged, wherein the at least one cleaning zone 30c at least partially surrounds the stimulation zones 26c. The stimulation zones 26c are surrounded by the at least one cleaning zone 30c. The clustered stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c of the stimulation zones 26c are each arranged in a circular pattern, by way of example. The grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c of the stimulation zones 26c each form a ring of stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c.In a circular arrangement, other elements, such as cleaning elements 24c, can be enclosed, or a center can remain free. In the present example, a center of the rings of grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c is free of other elements, such as cleaning elements 24c. The stimulation zones 26c each consist of three to eight grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c. For example, the stimulation zones 26c each consist of five grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c.

[0113] The Figure 21 Figure 28d shows a schematic perspective view of the front side of an oral hygiene product 10d. In this case, the oral hygiene product 10d is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10d has at least one application unit 12d.

[0114] The application unit 12d, at least one of which has a head section 36d, forms a brush head for the oral hygiene product 10d. The head section 36d includes, in particular, a base body 14d designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12d has the base body 14d. A plurality of recesses 38d are formed on the front surface 28d of the base body 14d. The recesses 38d are designed to receive bristle bundles 40d and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42d. The application unit 12d has a plurality of bristle bundles 40d. Each bristle bundle 40d consists of a plurality of cleaning elements 24d. The cleaning elements 24d are formed by conventional bristles.

[0115] The application unit 12d has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16d. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are identical in design. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16d is described below, although the description of this stimulation and / or massage element 16d is generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16d as well.

[0116] The stimulation and / or massage element 16d has a stem 20d and a stimulation head 22d, wherein one cross-section of the stimulation head 22d is enlarged compared to the cross-section of the stem 20d. The stem 20d and the stimulation head 22d are formed in one piece. The stem 20d extends as an elongated element from the base body 14d. The stem 20d is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20d consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20d is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20d has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22d is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d. The stimulation head 22d forms a termination adjoining the stem 20d. The stimulation head 22d forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22d of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d is spherically shaped.The stimulation and / or massage element 16d further comprises a fixing section 46d at one end of the stem 20d facing away from the stimulation head 22d. The fixing section 46d is designed for direct connection with the base body 14d of the application unit 12d.

[0117] The stimulation head 22d of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d is shown, by way of example, injection-molded or melted onto the stem 20d of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d. The stimulation head 22d is injection-molded or melted onto a tip of the stem 20d. Additionally or alternatively, the stimulation head 22d can consist of a component different from the stem 20d, such as, in particular, a soft component.

[0118] In this embodiment, two stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are always connected to each other in one piece. Two stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are always connected to each other via a common fixing section 46d. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element 16d consists of a first stimulation head 22d, a first stem 20d connected to the stimulation head 22d, a fixing section 46d connected to the stem 20d, a second stem 20d connected to the fixing section 46d, and a second stimulation head 22d connected to the second stem 20d. A double stimulation and / or massage element 16d can be fixed directly in place ( Figures 24, 25 ).

[0119] In contrast to the first and third embodiments, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are supplied fully assembled. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are delivered as double stimulation and / or massage elements 16d of the correct length with the spherical stimulation heads 22d already attached or integrated. Figures 24 and 25 ).

[0120] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are positioned at an angle to the base body 14d of the application unit 12d. The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d each have the same angle to the base body 14d. This angle is preferably between 60° and 85°.

[0121] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26d of the application unit 12d, wherein the stimulation zone 26d of the application unit 12d is located on a front surface 28d of the application unit 12d. In particular, there can be only one stimulation zone 26d, as well as several stimulation zones 26d. The stimulation zones 26d are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12d. Several stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d, each containing several stimulation and / or massage elements 16d, are arranged in the stimulation zones 26d. The stimulation zones 26d are specifically free of bristle bundles 40d made of conventional cleaning elements 24d. However, a mixed arrangement would also be conceivable. Within the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are identical.The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d therefore each consist of identical, double stimulation and / or massage elements 16d. The stimulation heads 22d of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16d per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42d are, by way of example, all arranged at the same height.

[0122] The stimulation zone 26d is arranged in three zones: a second zone 50d, a fifth zone 56d, and an eighth zone 62d. The stimulation zones 26d consist of a group of clustered stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d made up of stimulation and / or massage elements 16d. The stimulation zones 26d are arranged centrally. The stimulation zones 26d are partially surrounded by cleaning elements 24d. The application unit 12d has at least one cleaning zone 30d in which the cleaning elements 24d or the bristle bundles 40d are arranged. The clustered stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d of the stimulation zones 26d are arranged in a linear fashion. The clustered stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d extend over several stimulation zones 26d. The stimulation zones 26d are arranged between the cleaning zones 30d.The cleaning zones 30d are formed by left and right zones 48a, 52a, 54a, 58a, 60a, 64a of the cleaning area, while the stimulation zones 26d are formed by the middle zones 50d, 56d, 62d. Zone 50d is a combined cleaning and stimulation zone. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are fixed transversely, such that at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16d is arranged on the left and at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16d is arranged on the right in each of the recesses 38d. The left and right stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are, in particular, formed by a double stimulation and / or massage element 16d ( . Figure 23 ).

[0123] The Figure 26Figure 1 shows a front face 28e of an oral hygiene product 10e in a schematic perspective view. In this case, the oral hygiene product 10e is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10e has at least one application unit 12e.

[0124] The application unit 12e, at least one of which has a head section 36e, forms a brush head for the oral hygiene product 10e. The head section 36e includes, in particular, a base body 14e designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12e has the base body 14e. A plurality of recesses 38e are formed on the front surface 28e of the base body 14e. The recesses 38e are designed to receive bristle bundles 40e and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42e. The application unit 12e has a plurality of bristle bundles 40e. Each bristle bundle 40e consists of a plurality of cleaning elements 24e. The cleaning elements 24e are formed by conventional bristles.

[0125] The application unit 12e has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16e. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are identical in design. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16e is described below, although the description of this stimulation and / or massage element 16e is generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16e as well.

[0126] The stimulation and / or massage element 16e comprises a stem 20e and a stimulation head 22e, wherein one cross-section of the stimulation head 22e is enlarged compared to the cross-section of the stem 20e. The stem 20e and the stimulation head 22e are formed in one piece. The stem 20e extends as an elongated element from the base body 14e. The stem 20e is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20e consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20e is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20e has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22e is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16e. The stimulation head 22e forms a termination adjoining the stem 20e. The stimulation head 22e forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22e of the stimulation and / or massage element 16e is spherically shaped.The stimulation and / or massage element 16e further comprises a fixing section 46e at one end of the stem 20e facing away from the stimulation head 22e. The fixing section 46e is designed for direct connection with the base body 14e of the application unit 12e.

[0127] In this embodiment, two stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are always connected to each other in one piece. Each pair of stimulation and / or massage elements 16e is connected to each other via a common fixing section 46e. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element 16e consists of a first stimulation head 22e, a first stem 20e connected to the stimulation head 22e, a fixing section 46e connected to the stem 20e, a second stem 20e connected to the fixing section 46e, and a second stimulation head 22e connected to the second stem 20e.

[0128] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26e of the application unit 12e, wherein the stimulation zone 26e of the application unit 12e is located on a front surface 28e of the application unit 12e. In particular, there can be only one stimulation zone 26e, as well as several stimulation zones 26e. The stimulation zones 26e are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12e. In this embodiment, exactly one stimulation and / or massage bundle 42e with several stimulation and / or massage elements 16e is arranged in the stimulation zones 26e. The stimulation zones 26e are specifically free of bristle bundles 40e from conventional cleaning elements 24e. However, a mixed arrangement would also be conceivable.Within each stimulation and / or massage bundle 42e, consisting of stimulation and / or massage elements 16e, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are identical. The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42e therefore each consist of identical, double stimulation and / or massage elements 16e. The stimulation heads 22e of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16e within each stimulation and / or massage bundle 42e are, by way of example, all arranged at the same height.

[0129] Six stimulation zones 26e are provided. The stimulation zones 26e are arranged distributed along an outer edge of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12e. For example, three stimulation zones 26e are arranged on a left edge and three stimulation zones 26e on a right edge ( Figure 28 ). Stimulation zones 26e form parts of zones 48e, 52e, 54e, 58e, 60e and 64e.

[0130] The Figure 29Figure 68f shows a schematic perspective view of the reverse side of an oral hygiene product 10f. In this case, the oral hygiene product 10f is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene product 10f has at least one application unit 12f.

[0131] The application unit 12f at least has a head section 36f. The head section 36f forms a brush head for the oral hygiene product 10f. The head section 36f has, in particular, a base body 14f designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12f has the base body 14f. A plurality of recesses are formed on a front surface 28f of the base body 14f. The recesses are designed to receive bristle bundles 40f. The application unit 12f has a plurality of bristle bundles 40f. The bristle bundles 40f each consist of a plurality of cleaning elements 24f. The cleaning elements 24f are formed by conventional bristles. Furthermore, several recesses 70f are formed on the back surface 68f of the base body 14f. The recesses 70f are designed to receive stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f.The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f consist of one or more stimulation and / or massage elements 16f. The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f each consist, for example, of one stimulation and / or massage element 16f.

[0132] The application unit 12f has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16f. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are identical in design. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16f is described below, although the description of this element is generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16f as well.

[0133] The stimulation and / or massage element 16f comprises a stem 20f and a stimulation head 22f, wherein one cross-section of the stimulation head 22f is larger than the cross-section of the stem 20f. The stem 20f and the stimulation head 22f are formed in one piece. The stem 20f extends as an elongated element from the base body 14f. The stem 20f is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20f consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20f is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20f has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22f is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16f. The stimulation head 22f forms a termination adjoining the stem 20f. The stimulation head 22f forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22f of the stimulation and / or massage element 16f is spherically shaped.The stimulation and / or massage element 16f further comprises a fixing section 46f at one end of the stem 20f facing away from the stimulation head 22f. The fixing section 46f is designed for direct connection with the base body 14f of the application unit 12f.

[0134] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are arranged in a stimulation zone 26f of the application unit 12f, wherein the stimulation zone 26f of the application unit 12f is located on the rear side 68f of the application unit 12f. In particular, there can be only one stimulation zone 26f, as well as several stimulation zones 26f. The application unit 12f has, by way of example, one stimulation zone 26f. The stimulation zone 26f is located on a rear side 68f of the application unit 12f facing away from the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12f. In the stimulation zone 26f, seven stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f, each with, for example, one stimulation and / or massage element 16f, are arranged. The stimulation zone 26f is, in particular, free of bristle bundles 40f from conventional cleaning elements 24f. The stimulation zone 26f is located at an upper end of the application unit 12f.

[0135] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are designed for cleaning the tongue. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f form a tongue cleaner. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are shorter when they form a tongue cleaner, regardless of whether the tongue cleaner is part of a toothbrush on the back 68f or is designed as a standalone tongue cleaner. In the configuration as a tongue cleaner, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are arranged on the back 68f of the base body 14f of the application unit 12f. The arrangement can form a pattern, cover a large area, or be only partially arranged. The arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16f is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 32f.

[0136] Figure 32Figure 1 shows an application unit of 12g of an oral hygiene product of 10g, formed by an oscillating electric toothbrush with a rotation axis of 82g perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of 32g of the oral hygiene product of 10g. The application unit of 12g has a base body of 14g and a bristle carrier of 80g rotatably mounted on the base body of 14g. Figure 32 Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of the zone layout for the 80g bristle carrier. The diagram illustrates the division into nine zones: 48g, 50g, 52g, 54g, 56g, 58g, 60g, 62g, and 64g for an oscillating electric toothbrush. These arrangements can be implemented in the same zones as those possible for a manual toothbrush, as demonstrated, for example, by... Figure 7 are explained.

[0137] The application unit 12g has, by way of example, at least one stimulation zone and one cleaning zone. In particular, the stimulation zone and the cleaning zone can be arranged in any of the described zones 48g, 50g, 52g, 54g, 56g, 58g, 60g, 62g, 64g of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12g. An arrangement of stimulation and / or massage elements 16g or of the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42g of stimulation and / or massage elements 16g is in particular symmetrical about the axis of rotation 82g.

[0138] The descriptions given for specific characters can of course also be applied to other characters that show the same or similar characteristics, even if these characteristics are not described in the same level of detail. Reference symbol list

[0139] 10 Oral hygiene product 12 Application unit 14 Base body 16 Stimulation and / or massage element 18 Handle unit 20 Trunk 22 Stimulation head 24 Cleaning element 26 Stimulation zone 28 Front 30 Cleaning zone 32 Longitudinal axis 34 Main extension direction 36 Head area 38 Recess 40 Bristle bundle 42 Stimulation and / or massage bundle 44 Neck area 46 Fixing section 48 Zone 50 Zone 52 Zone 54 Zone 56 Zone 58 Zone 60 Zone 62 Zone 64 Zone 66 Anchor 68 Back 70 Recess 72 Cone 74 Part 76 Fixing mushroom 78 Bristle support plate 80 Bristle carrier 82 Axis of rotation

Claims

1. Oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit (12a-g) which has a base body (14a-f) and at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) connected to the base body (14a-g), and with at least one handle unit (18a) which can be connected, in particular firmly connected, to the application unit (12a-g) and which has a handle body, characterized in that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) has a stem (20a-f) and at least one stimulation head (22a-f), wherein a cross-section of the stimulation head (22a-f) is enlarged compared to a cross-section of the stem (20a-f).

2. Oral hygiene product according to claim 1, characterized in that the stem (20a-f) is formed by an extruded bristle.

3. Oral hygiene product according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe at least one stimulation head (22a; 22c; 22e; 22f) of the stimulation and / or massage element (16a; 16c; 16e; 16f) is formed by a melting of the stem (20a; 20c; 20e; 20f).

4. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a; 16c; 16e; 16f) is formed in one piece.

5. Oral hygiene product according to at least claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one stimulation head (22b; 22d) of the stimulation and / or massage element (16b; 16d) is injection-molded onto the stem (20b; 20d) of the stimulation and / or massage element (16b; 16d).

6. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a; 16c; 16e; 16f) is connected to the base body (14a; 14c; 14e; 14f) of the application unit (12a; 12c; 12e; 12f) by means of punches, in particular anchor punches.

7. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application unit (12a-g) has at least one cleaning element (24a-f) which is formed by a conventional bristle.

8. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-e) is arranged in at least one stimulation zone (26a-e) of the application unit (12a-e; 12g), wherein the stimulation zone (26a-e) of the application unit (12a-e; 12g) is arranged on a front side (28a-e) of the application unit (12a-e; 12g).

9. Oral hygiene product according to claim 8, characterized in that the stimulation zone (26a) is arranged at an upper end of the application unit (12a).

10. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16c; 16d) is arranged in at least one stimulation zone (26c; 26d) of the application unit (12c; 12d; 12g) and the application unit (12c; 12d; 12g) has at least two cleaning zones (30c; 30d), in each of which at least one cleaning element (24c; 24d) is arranged, wherein the stimulation zone (26c; 26d) is arranged between the at least two cleaning zones (30c; 30d).

11. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16c) is arranged in at least one stimulation zone (26c) of the application unit (12c) and the application unit (12c) has at least one cleaning zone (30c) in which at least one cleaning element (24c) is arranged, wherein the at least one cleaning zone (30c) at least partially encompasses the at least one stimulation zone (26c).

12. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application unit (12c) has at least a first stimulation and / or massage element (16c) which has a first length, and a second stimulation and / or massage element (16c) which has a second length which is substantially different from the first length.

13. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stimulation head (22a-f) of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) is spherical.

14. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16c-e) has at least two stimulation heads (22c-e).

15. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe stem (20a-f) of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) has a length of 2 mm to 15 mm.

16. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one stimulation head (22a-f) of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) has a diameter of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm.

17. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a ratio between a diameter of a cleaning element (24a-f) in the brush head to a diameter of the stem (20a-f) is from 1:1.2 to 1:

8.

18. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the application unit (12a-g) has a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements (16a-f) and a plurality of cleaning elements (24a-f), wherein a number of stimulation and / or massage elements (16a-f) corresponds to 0.3% to 4% of a number of cleaning elements (24a-f).

19. Oral hygiene product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) is provided for cleaning teeth and / or tongue.

20. A process for producing an oral hygiene product (10a-g) according to any one of the preceding claims.

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the at least one stimulation head (22a; 22c; 22e; 22f) of the stimulation and / or massage element (16a; 16c; 16e; 16f) is produced by melting the stem (20a; 20c; 20e; 20f).

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