Insertion unit for electric body care device

Abstract

The invention relates to an insertion unit (20) for a handle (2) of an electric body care device, in particular an electric toothbrush (1), having an insert support (21) on which a drive unit (11), an on / off switch (4), a power source (12), a printed circuit board (15), and a charging device (16) are arranged, wherein the insertion unit (20) is configured such that by means of the insertion unit alone, a closed current circuit can be produced. The insert support (21) comprises a charging device support (26) in the region of the charging device (16), and the charging device support and / or the charging device forms a part of the outer surface of the handle (2) in the installed state. The invention also relates to a corresponding handle (2) and to a corresponding body care device, in particular an electric toothbrush (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION title Insert unit for electrical personal care appliance Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a plug-in unit for a handpiece of an electric personal care device, in particular an electric toothbrush, as well as a corresponding handpiece and a corresponding personal care device, in particular an electric toothbrush.

[0002] The product structure of electrical personal care devices, in particular electric toothbrushes, nowadays comprises in particular a housing, a plug-in unit (which consists of several components, one or more of which can at least partially penetrate the housing), a closure lid and a brush attachment.

[0003] The assembly generally includes the manufacture of the housing, the assembly and provision of the plug-in unit and the manufacture of the closure cover, whereby the plug-in unit is inserted into the housing and the closure cover is attached to the housing, thereby closing the interior of the housing.

[0004] In systems with direct charging (charging via a physical electrical connection), the charging socket is regularly located in the device and the housing is closed with a cover to prevent water from entering the housing. State of the art

[0005] WO 2016 / 177580 A1 discloses an electric toothbrush in which the battery is inserted from behind into a battery compartment of the carrier element with the cover open, or a rechargeable battery is located in the battery compartment of the carrier element. The cover is then attached to the handle. Turning the cover secures it and closes the electrical circuit. When installed, the battery is indirectly connected to the printed circuit board via a first contact plate at the first pole and a second contact plate on the cover. The electrical circuit is closed via the cover.

[0006] In addition to sealing the interior of the housing, the cover is also used to physically close the circuit; the plug-in unit is therefore not functional on its own.

[0007] WO 2019 / 072994 A1 discloses an electric toothbrush in which the cover is fixed to the housing during assembly, thus securing the plug-in unit and sealing the interior of the housing. The cover can be screwed to the housing or locked, for example, using a bayonet lock.

[0008] According to WO 2022 / 128 207 A1, the plug-in unit or its individual components are mounted on a frame unit (monoframe), which consists of two half-shells. First, the individual components are inserted into the first half-shell and secured with the second half-shell. The frame unit is then pushed into the housing. The housing cover is then screwed onto the housing and locked or secured in place.

[0009] With these solutions, a cover is required in front of the housing, since the electric toothbrushes are preferably charged inductively (or not directly with a physical electrical connection) on a charging station.

[0010] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing an electric toothbrush in which the number of components can be reduced A further object of the invention is to provide an electric toothbrush with simple charging handling. Description of the invention

[0011] The object is achieved according to the invention by a plug-in unit for a handpiece of an electric personal care appliance as defined in claim 1, as well as by a handpiece for an electric personal care appliance as defined in independent claim 21, and an electric personal care appliance, in particular an electric toothbrush, as defined in claim 22. The object is further achieved according to the invention by a plug-in unit for a handpiece of an electric personal care appliance as defined in claim 23, as well as by a handpiece for an electric personal care appliance as defined in independent claim 31, and an electric personal care appliance, in particular an electric toothbrush, as defined in claim 32. Advantageous embodiments of the invention arise from the dependent claims.

[0012] The essence of the invention consists in the following: a plug-in unit for a handle of an electric personal care device, in particular an electric toothbrush, which has a plug-in carrier on which a drive unit, an on / off switch, a power source, a printed circuit board, and a charging device are arranged. The plug-in unit is configured such that a closed circuit can be created with it alone and is thus capable of functioning on its own. The plug-in carrier comprises a charging device carrier in the area of ​​the charging device, and the charging device carrier and / or the charging device form part of the outer surface of the handle when assembled.

[0013] This allows charging to take place directly on the device without having to remove a cover or lid. This also reduces the number of required components, with only a plastic cover, a contact plate, a contact on the insert, and a sealing ring being eliminated, as the circuit no longer needs to be closed with the cover.

[0014] The term “insertion carrier” in this case includes such structures, in particular frame-like support structures, on which the individual components of the The plug-in unit can be arranged with sufficient strength to ensure trouble-free insertion into the housing and later safe use of the device.

[0015] The term "drive unit" in this context encompasses all suitable motors, particularly electric motors, such as DC or AC motors. Drive types for the device include, in particular, vibrating drives (e.g., a motor with an eccentric for a vibrating movement with a standard head on the brush attachment), pivoting-oscillating drives (e.g., left-right pivoting movement with a standard head on the brush attachment), and oscillating-rotating drives (e.g., left-right rotating movement with a round head on the brush attachment).

[0016] With a vibrating drive, the movement involves vibration generated by a motor with a connected eccentric. The motor speed ranges from 8,000 to 15,000 rpm.

[0017] With a swivel-oscillating drive, the movement of the drive shaft (from its home position) covers an angular range of + / - 1° to + / - 15°, preferably + / - 3° to + / - 10°. The motor speed in the unloaded state is from 7,000 rpm to 12,000 rpm, preferably from 9,000 rpm to 11,000 rpm. This results in 15,000 to 25,000 movements per minute.

[0018] With an oscillating-rotating drive, the movement of the drive shaft (from its home position) covers an angular range of + / - 10° to + / - 40°, preferably + / - 20° to + / - 30°, and most preferably + / - 25°. The movement of the brush head from the home position, i.e. the angle of rotation of the bristle holder, is + / - 15° to + / - 40°, preferably + / - 20° to + / - 30°, in the unloaded state. The motor speed in the unloaded state is 3,500 rpm to 10,000 rpm, preferably 4,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm. This results in 7,000 to 10,000 movements per minute.

[0019] Movement is calculated as left and right rotations from the center position of the brush head. The bristle field is aligned differently to the drive shaft / rotation axis depending on the drive. With an oscillating-rotating drive, the bristle field is virtually perpendicular to the drive shaft and the bristles are parallel to the Aligned with the rotational axis of the bristle holder. With a pivoting-oscillating drive, the bristle field is aligned perpendicular to the drive shaft, which corresponds to the rotational axis.

[0020] The term "printed circuit board" refers in particular to structures such as printed circuit boards, printed circuit cards, circuit boards, and printed circuits. The printed circuit board is connected, in particular, to the charging device, the power source, the drive unit, and the on / off switch. All electrical connections in the device are connected to the printed circuit board. The connections can be realized via electrical wires / cables or plug-in or contact connections; for example, in the case of the on / off switch, via a mechanical or electrical coupling.

[0021] The term “on-off switch” includes both (particularly single-pole) mechanical and electronic pressure switches.

[0022] The term “energy source” in this case includes in particular all suitable accumulators (rechargeable batteries) or batteries (disposable or reusable batteries).

[0023] The phrase "a closed circuit can be created with it alone" is understood in this case to mean in particular that a closed circuit can be created via physical electrical linesZcables andZor suitable plug-in contact elements between the components arranged on the plug-in unit carrier, without the plug-in unit having to be inserted into the corresponding device.

[0024] The "part of the outer surface of the handle" refers in particular to the rear part of the surface of the handle, which encompasses the charging device. The outer surface can, in particular, comprise substantially horizontal (i.e., substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle) or substantially vertical (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle), but also outwardly curved regions. The charging device carrier and / or the charging device are in any case partially open to the outside.

[0025] The term “charging device” is understood here to mean a device for directly charging the corresponding device, i.e. basically without the need for an inductive charging station. The charging device thus comprises, in particular, charging sockets, through which charging takes place via a power supply unit with a plug that corresponds to the charging socket. However, the charging device can also be designed as an inductive device.

[0026] The term "charging device carrier" in this case encompasses structures that ensure secure mounting of the charging device on the plug-in unit and that at least partially enclose and / or at least partially support the charging device. The charging device carrier is usually also structurally configured to provide a seal between the plug-in unit and the housing. The charging device is open to the outside.

[0027] The charging device preferably comprises a plug-in device, in particular a charging socket for a corresponding plug of a power adapter. This form of direct charging has proven particularly efficient in practice.

[0028] Preferably, the charging device comprises an inductive device, in particular a charging coil, for example for introducing a corresponding ferrite core.

[0029] A combination of the two variants is also possible.

[0030] The charging device carrier preferably comprises a charging device carrier body and an end piece. The charging device carrier body generally encloses the charging device, at least partially, with the charging device being open to the outside, and clamps it (in the assembled state) to ensure secure hold. The end piece is generally that section of the charging device carrier which forms part of the outer surface of the corresponding device or forms the outer end of the surface, i.e. in particular in the rear area of ​​the device or handset, where the charging device is also located. The end piece can fulfill a protective function for the charging device as well as a handling function by being designed for vertical positioning of the corresponding device. In this way, the usual closing lid can be dispensed with.

[0031] Preferably, the loading device carrier is formed as a single piece. This is particularly efficient in terms of production. However, a multi-piece design is also possible. A design of the charging device carrier is provided, wherein the charging device carrier comprises, on the one hand, a separate end piece that can be locked to the charging device carrier body. However, the plug-in unit forms a single unit and is inserted into the housing interior of the handset of the corresponding device as a whole, i.e., with the end piece rusted onto the charging device carrier body.

[0032] On the other hand, in the multi-part design, the charging device carrier can comprise a separate end piece that can be (straight) plugged onto the charging device carrier body, i.e., essentially in a form-fitting manner, possibly with a snap-in or clamp fit. The plug-in unit can, in turn, be inserted as a whole, i.e., with the end piece plugged onto the charging device carrier body, into the housing interior of the handset of the corresponding device.

[0033] The multi-part structure allows for the installation of different end pieces, such as different sized base areas or specific, different designs.

[0034] The loading device preferably comprises a, preferably hook-shaped, locking geometry, which is configured to cause the loading device to lock relative to the loading device support body when mounted. Furthermore, the loading device is preferably pressed into the loading device support body, creating a positive fit that seals the loading device relative to the loading device support body. The inner surface of the loading device support body is preferably designed to correspond and thus supports the pressing and sealing (e.g., by tapering in the insertion direction). This serves to protect the housing interior as well as the loading device itself.

[0035] Preferably, the charging device carrier body has a first sealing zone opposite a housing of a handset, preferably in the form of a first groove for receiving a first sealing element (e.g., an O-ring), which is configured to seal the plug-in unit against the housing wall of the handset when mounted. In this way, the penetration of water, moisture, and contaminants can be effectively prevented.

[0036] The charging device carrier body preferably has a second sealing zone opposite a housing of a handset, preferably in the form of a second groove for receiving a second sealing element (e.g., an O-ring) configured to seal the plug-in unit against the housing wall of the handset when installed. This second sealing element is arranged in front of the first sealing element, as seen in the insertion direction of the plug-in unit, and provides additional sealing if necessary. However, it is also conceivable to use only the second (inner) sealing element.

[0037] Preferably, in a multi-part design of the loading device carrier (i.e. in particular in the plug-on variant for the end part), the loading device carrier body has a sealing zone opposite the end part, preferably in the form of a groove for receiving a sealing element (e.g. an O-ring), which is configured to effect an axial seal of the loading device carrier body against the end part when assembled. This sealing zone provides additional protection in the multi-part design. Further preferably, the end part also has a sealing zone opposite the housing of a handset, preferably in the form of a groove for receiving a sealing element (e.g. an O-ring), which is configured to effect a lateral seal of the plug-in unit against the housing wall of the handset when assembled.This double seal provides optimal protection for this variant of the multi-part design of the loading device carrier.

[0038] In general, sealing elements can also be realized as molded-on elements made of soft components, so that assembly of the sealing element is not necessary, since the element is already molded on in the injection molding process.

[0039] Preferably, the charging device and / or the charging device support body form a portion of the outer surface of the handset that extends substantially perpendicular to the handset's longitudinal axis. This creates an effective base for vertically positioning the device and ensures open accessibility to the charging device.

[0040] Preferably, the end part of the charging device carrier forms part of the outer surface of the handset. This allows the end part to form, in particular, a substantially annular protective element for the charging device (in particular the charging socket pin), which simultaneously defines an insertion opening for, for example, a plug of a corresponding power supply. Here, too, the design is preferably such that the device can be safely placed vertically.

[0041] Preferably, one or more locking lugs are arranged on the charging device carrier body, which, when mounted, are configured to engage corresponding locking recesses in the housing wall of the handset. This ensures a robust anchoring of the plug-in unit to the housing.

[0042] Preferably, the locking lugs have a wedge-like shape with an insertion slope, a horizontally extending portion, and a substantially vertically terminating rear wall. This design has proven particularly effective because the locking lugs rest against the corresponding walls of the locking recesses in the housing wall with the rear wall (i.e., opposite the insertion direction).

[0043] Preferably, the loading device carrier is resiliently mounted on a support structure (of the plug-in unit) by means of a spring bearing. In particular, the spring bearing comprises a first spring clip and a second spring clip, which are preferably arranged independently of one another between the loading device carrier and the support structure. This provides a particularly effective length compensation function (according to this embodiment, the loading device carrier presses against the end piece and thus pushes the plug-in unit into the housing).

[0044] Preferred non-driven components that can be implemented on the plug-in unit and installed in or on the device include motion detectors such as gyroscopes or motion sensors, and lighting devices such as infrared lamps. Accordingly, a non-driven product with other electrical components can also be implemented with a corresponding plug-in unit.

[0045] A further aspect of the invention comprises a handpiece for an electric personal care appliance, in particular for an electric toothbrush, which has a housing and a plug-in unit according to the above specifications.

[0046] Yet another aspect of the present invention comprises an electric personal care appliance, in particular an electric toothbrush, which has a handle according to the above specifications.

[0047] Further or additional preferred embodiments for the individual components are described below.

[0048] The housing of the handset generally serves to position and guide the plug-in unit, which is at least partially determined by the shape of the plug-in carrier and / or the entire (i.e., populated) plug-in unit and the space available within the housing. Separate guides or positioning elements are not necessarily required; rather, this can be determined solely by the geometric design of the plug-in carrier and / or the populated plug-in unit itself.

[0049] Any positioning or guide elements provided to ensure the transmission of force between the housing and the plug-in unit must ensure that the plug-in unit cannot rotate in the housing and that, at the same time, the plug-in unit is clearly positioned.

[0050] The following statements apply in particular in connection with the one-piece construction of the plug-in unit or the corresponding charging device carrier.

[0051] The preferred elements here are locking recesses in the housing or the housing's inner wall, which are implemented in the hard component or the hard plastic shell and, if necessary, also provided with a soft component. The locking recesses are positioned longitudinally, measured from the side of the open housing end (inlet end), in the rear 50% of the length of the plug-in unit, preferably in the rear 30% of the length of the plug-in unit (i.e., along the longitudinal axis of the plug-in unit).

[0052] The circumferential positioning is such that the locking recesses can be arranged regularly or irregularly along the circumference, but a symmetrical arrangement (i.e., top versus bottom or front versus back) is preferred. The locking recesses are preferably arranged at the front (toward the top side) and the back (toward the back side); the angle between the locking recesses, measured from the longitudinal axis or baseline, is between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°.

[0053] The dimensions of the locking recesses in the housing range from 0.3 mm to 3 mm in length along the longitudinal axis, preferably from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. The width measured in the transverse direction is from 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 4 mm.

[0054] The hole or locking recess is preferably not open from the outside and is generally implemented in the hard component or hard plastic shell of the housing, for example, as a blind hole. If implemented as a through-hole in the hard component, the soft component can close part of the through-hole. The soft component can be arranged in such a way that it is later partially displaced by the locking lug.

[0055] The depth in the finished housing is from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0056] The number of recesses is from 2 to 8, preferably from 3 to 4.

[0057] The locking recesses preferably have a symmetrical structure (ie with respect to the longitudinal axis or a plane containing the longitudinal axis) or a regular structure (ie with respect to the cross-sectional plane and the division in the angles).

[0058] Regarding the shape of the locking recesses, it is essential that during production, it is taken into account that a corresponding demoulding is possible. The ground plan of the locking recesses is generally rectangular, preferably oblong (ie they have a rounded, almost rectangular shape). The locking recesses are preferably shaped in such a way that perpendicular to the There should be a straight wall along the longitudinal axis of the handle or housing. This serves to interact with the corresponding locking lug when assembled.

[0059] In depth, the shape is preferably a straight cylinder or a cylindrical shape on a rectangular or oblong base. A conical or truncated cone shape is also conceivable.

[0060] With regard to guidance, positioning, and power transmission, it should be noted that the insert unit is inserted into the housing of the handset, with the positioning and stop preferably being implemented in one unit. Rotation of the insert unit is prevented by the geometry or cross-sectional shape of the insert. In other words, a clear positioning is specified, with the shape of the front part of the insert unit playing a key role in determining the alignment.

[0061] The plug-in unit rests against the housing in various areas. Longitudinal guides are implemented, which, with protruding elements, define the alignment of the plug-in unit. The end position is only reached when inserted correctly, with the (vibration) motor positioned at the front of the housing. In particular, the motor and the housing are positioned at a preferably acute angle to the longitudinal axis, with the stop being implemented flatly within the housing at an angle to the longitudinal axis.

[0062] When inserted correctly, the locking lugs engage in the corresponding locking recesses when the stop is reached, ie the locking lugs rest on the front of the housing and engage (preferably at the back) in the locking recesses on the housing.

[0063] The insertion unit and its individual components are preferably secured by means of a clamping mechanism between the locking mechanism and the stop. Between these two positions, the insertion unit and the individual components are largely free, meaning that they only make contact with the housing at certain points.

[0064] The force is transmitted via the geometry of the insert. The locking positions are free-standing, meaning that the locking lugs preferably do not touch the locking recesses.

[0065] In a variant of the multi-part design of the plug-in unit or the charging device carrier (particularly with an oscillating-rotating drive), the plug-in unit is preferably held in place by clamping it between the end piece and the housing. The end piece can have its own closure, e.g., a snap lock, and seals the housing and the plug-in unit. Sealing is preferably achieved by two O-rings, which, depending on the design, are arranged on the charging device carrier and / or the end piece.

[0066] In another variant of the multi-part design of the plug-in unit, the plug-in unit is merely positioned and held in place, but not sealed against the end piece. The end piece is individually designed and preferably attaches to the plug-in unit or the housing.

[0067] Further housing elements include interaction elements such as one or more switches made of soft components (i.e., among others, the on / off switch), which are designed to interact with elements or components on the plug-in unit. A recess for a pressure compensation element may also be provided, i.e., a through hole with a membrane for outgassing the housing interior.

[0068] The plug-in unit is functional on its own, meaning no conventional cover or similar device is required to close the circuit. The function can be performed without any additional components.

[0069] The insert unit comprises the insert carrier for the functional elements and, preferably, also one or more sealing elements for sealing the interior of the housing. A portion of the insert unit or the loading device carrier (preferably the end piece) also forms part of the outer product surface. The outer contour of the product is continued with the insert unit or the loading device carrier, resulting in a continuous surface (i.e., in particular, without notches, etc.).

[0070] In the one-piece design (preferably with a swivel-oscillating drive), the loading device carrier (together with the remaining slide-in carrier) is made from one piece, and the various components are mounted to it. The plug-in unit extends essentially the entire length of the housing. Elements that form part of the external geometry, i.e., primarily the end piece of the loading device carrier or the loading device carrier body or the loading device itself, are formed at the rear end of the housing, since the plug-in unit is inserted into the insertion opening of the handle with the motor or eccentric first.

[0071] The plug-in unit is anchored and secured relative to the housing. Installation involves pushing the plug-in unit in until it clicks into place in or onto the housing. This creates an irreversible fixation, meaning the plug-in unit can no longer be removed without damaging it after installation. The anchoring and securing takes place in the locking recesses in the housing wall.

[0072] For this purpose, corresponding locking lugs are arranged on the insert itself, which engage in the recesses in or on the housing, whereby the recesses described above represent the counterpart to the locking lugs.

[0073] The locking lugs are wedge-shaped, viewed opposite the insertion direction. The locking lugs initially comprise an insertion bevel or ramp that defines an angle alpha relative to the longitudinal axis (or a bevel relative to the baseline in the solid material), ranging from 10° to 75°, preferably from 15° to 35°.

[0074] The length Li of the base line of the insertion bevel is (measured in a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis) from 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0075] The height H of the insertion slope or ramp is between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm. The height increases steadily and then transitions into the horizontal section.

[0076] The horizontal part (parallel to the insertion direction) has a baseline with a length L2 of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 2 mm. The height H is between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm (i.e., corresponding to the highest point of the insertion bevel).

[0077] The rear, vertical wall (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or the insertion direction) serves for the actual locking into the locking recesses in the housing and accordingly also has the height H.

[0078] The total dimension of the insertion bevel or ramp is therefore in length Li plus L2 from 0.4 mm to 4 mm, preferably from 0.65 mm to 3.5 mm, in width (ie transverse to the longitudinal axis or to the insertion direction) from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.8 mm to 2 mm and in height from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0079] The locking lugs can be spring-loaded. The spring-loading action is achieved, if necessary, by mounting the locking lugs on a spring-loaded base. This means that the loading device carrier or the loading device carrier body has spring-loaded elements or areas that support the locking lugs. For example, by a U-shaped recess in the base that supports the locking lugs.

[0080] The number of locking lugs preferably corresponds to the number of locking recesses, but more locking recesses than locking lugs can also be implemented. However, each locking lug snaps into a locking recess. The number of locking recesses ranges from 2 to 8, preferably from 3 to 4.

[0081] The position of the locking lugs is generally coordinated with the locking recesses in or on the housing. On the plug-in unit, the positioning depends on the position of the plug-in unit relative to the housing and the other components on the plug-in unit.

[0082] The plug-in unit or plug-in carrier comprises various support areas or support zones for the mounting of various components on the plug-in unit. The electrical elements are electrically connected to each other. The individual areas of the plug-in carrier are described in detail below.

[0083] The motor mount (motor zone) is intended for mounting the motor, where it is held and secured in a tilted position, for example. Installation is carried out from the front. The eccentric protrudes from the motor zone and thus from the slide-in mount.

[0084] The switch carrier (switch zone) is intended for mounting the on / off switch. Installation is from the front. The switch carrier is usually located directly adjacent to the motor carrier or between the motor carrier and the battery carrier.

[0085] The battery carrier (battery zone) is used to attach the battery. The battery is connected to the circuit board using soldered contact plates, for example, and the battery is clamped to the battery carrier, which, when installed, lies between the battery and the circuit board. The battery is mounted from the top. The battery carrier is located between the switch carrier and the charger carrier. A connecting carrier can also be connected to the battery carrier, which provides space for routing the electrical lines or cables to the socket or for accommodating different battery lengths.

[0086] The charging device is mounted on the charging device carrier or the charging device carrier body along the longitudinal axis of the plug-in unit. The charging socket is located approximately inside, and the sealing elements and locking lugs are located outside. The sealing elements (O-rings) are mounted from the motor along the longitudinal axis (i.e., opposite to the insertion direction), and the socket is mounted from the rear along the longitudinal axis (i.e., in the insertion direction). The charging device carrier also includes the end piece, which forms the rear end of the handset and forms part of the outer surface.

[0087] The printed circuit board carrier (print zone) supports the printed circuit board, with the printed circuit board extending across several of the other carrier zones. Assembly is therefore carried out from the rear side.

[0088] With regard to the charging functionality, there is a plug-in solution for the energy source or the battery as well as an inductive solution, ie on the one hand the device is charged by direct plugging in (e.g. as a power supply with a plug or via a plug from the PC, e.g. USB plug) and on the other hand an inductive charger can be provided with which the device can be charged (without plug contact).

[0089] In the case of a charging socket (the integration into the product is described), this can comprise a standard device, such as a standard socket for a power adapter. Possible variants include USB, USB-C, and Lightning connectors. In principle, connectors of any size can be used. However, a seal with at least an IPX7 protection rating is required.

[0090] The charging device carrier is located at the rear end of the plug-in unit. The charging socket is preferably recessed into the charging device carrier body when installed. The charging socket remains openly accessible. The arrangement in the recess, preferably formed by the end piece, already provides a certain degree of protection against water, moisture, or contamination.

[0091] The charging device support is preferably designed parallel to the housing's longitudinal axis. The end piece is generally not sealed (except for the cover described above), but remains accessible from the outside. The sealing of the charging socket itself meets the IPX7 protection standard.

[0092] In principle, instead of a charging socket, a coil former (for the plug-in unit) can be integrated into the charging device carrier, which can be used for inductive charging. In this case, the charging device carrier is closed, as no opening is required for the charging socket or the corresponding power supply plug. This also eliminates the need for a hole in the end piece, eliminating the need for a corresponding sealing zone.

[0093] Sealing functions in connection with the present invention are discussed below.

[0094] The goal is to provide a general seal against water and moisture ingress and contamination. The seal is applied directly to the plug-in unit, with the one-piece design requiring no separate end piece for sealing.

[0095] Depending on the design of the plug-in unit or the charging device carrier, the following sealing zones can be considered.

[0096] First, a seal is preferably provided between the charging device or the charging socket and the charging device carrier, with the seal being formed around the charging socket. The charging socket is pressed into the insert, creating a compression fit between the charging socket and the material. For this purpose, locking geometries or locking hooks are preferably provided on the charging socket. The charging socket is thus interlocked in the charging device carrier. The seal is additionally achieved by the fit of the charging socket pressed into the charging device carrier.

[0097] Furthermore, the plug-in unit or the charging device carrier is preferably sealed against the housing, which is usually realized as a groove with an inserted O-ring that presses against the housing wall and seals.

[0098] A version with a double seal is also available. This version features two grooves on the plug-in unit or the charging device carrier, with an O-ring inserted into each groove, thus achieving a double seal.

[0099] Ideally, however, only one groove is required, preferably the one located toward the free or rear end of the plug-in unit or loading device carrier. However, to improve sealing, a second seal can be provided as a precaution. Both grooves are typically included in the finished plug-in unit or loading device carrier, but both do not necessarily need to be used.

[0100] Preferably, only the seal closest to the free or rear end of the handle is used. However, it is also conceivable to use only the groove located away from the free or rear end of the handle.

[0101] In the version with the two-part loading device carrier (plug-on variant), the loading device carrier body presses against the end piece, forming a seal between the plug-in unit and the end piece. The seal can be achieved by fitting (via the contact surface) or by means of a sealing ring in a groove on the loading device carrier body, whereby the seal is achieved by compression. Furthermore, the end piece can be Seal the housing. The sealing position is either located laterally opposite the housing wall or at the rear end of the housing.

[0102] Another seal includes a pressure equalization element, which is designed as a membrane applied to a hole in the housing. The function of the pressure equalization element is to allow the battery to outgas, i.e., it should allow gas to escape from the housing interior via the membrane.

[0103] The components of the pressure equalization element include a membrane with a diameter of approximately 5 mm and a through hole through the housing with a diameter of approximately 1 mm. This allows gas to escape and prevents water from entering.

[0104] The pressure compensation element can be located on the side of the housing wall, although it should be noted that application on a flat surface is preferable, as this allows for better bonding than on a curved surface.

[0105] Alternatively, the pressure equalization element can also be arranged at the rear of or in the end part.

[0106] For products in which the drive device protrudes from the housing, such as rotating-oscillating toothbrushes, two further seals are provided, namely one between the housing and the insert unit or insert carrier in the exit area of ​​the drive device and another between the insert unit or insert carrier and the drive shaft in the exit area of ​​the drive device.

[0107] For products with a multi-part construction of the charging device carrier, an additional zone is provided between the end part and the housing.

[0108] Sealing options can include O-rings and / or molded-on elements. The O-rings are made of silicone or, preferably, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR).

[0109] The dimensions of the O-rings of the seal in the rear area of ​​the insert carrier are in relation to the diameter of the ring (ie in the middle of the strand) from 10 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 13 mm to 16 mm. The diameter of the strand itself is from 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0110] The molded elements, as an additional sealing option, are provided on the housing or on the plug-in unit or the plug-in support, particularly as a second seal between the plug-in unit or the plug-in support and the housing (i.e., particularly in the case of a one-piece construction of the charging device support). The end piece rests against the housing. The soft component is molded onto the housing up to the contact area, and the end piece rests against the soft component, thus creating an additional sealing option.

[0111] In general, sealing elements can also be realized as molded-on elements made of soft components, so that assembly of the sealing element is not necessary, since the element is already molded on in the injection molding process.

[0112] The insert carrier is usually molded from a hard component, preferably POM. This has the advantage of ensuring dimensional stability, preventing water absorption (which impacts accuracy), and achieving a more consistent seal overall due to more precise positioning.

[0113] Further optional features allow the device to stand upright on its own. The rear end of the housing is designed so that the device can be placed on a flat surface, with the longitudinal axis of the handle perpendicular to the surface. The rear end surface of the end piece is therefore flat. Materials that increase grip or provide a certain degree of surface adhesion are preferably applied to the rear end surface.

[0114] Furthermore, a protective cap can be implemented, i.e., not a conventional cover, since the charging socket should always remain openly accessible. However, if a cover is necessary, a protective cap made of a soft component can be provided, for example, which can be inserted into the insertion opening to protect the charging socket from water and dirt ingress.

[0115] The protective cap can be implemented as a separate part or it can be molded onto the housing, whereby the protective cap is then preferably A material bridge is connected to the housing. This connection is permanent and holds the protective cap to the housing.

[0116] In the following, essential aspects of the brush heads for electric toothbrushes or other brushes or personal care devices designed in accordance with the present invention will now be discussed.

[0117] For the brush heads according to the invention, preferably (conventional) extruded bristles are used, ie both in pointed and cylindrical form, made of hard and / or soft components, preferably of polyamide (PA) or polyester (PBT).

[0118] Manufacturing can be achieved by extrusion of one material or by extrusion of more than one material (co-extrusion). Unlike injection-molded bristles or rubber-elastic massage and / or cleaning elements, which are manufactured by injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, and, if necessary, machined before being inserted into the bristle carrier using a suitable process.

[0119] The longitudinal shape of the bristles or bristle filaments can be cylindrical, mechanically or chemically pointed (especially in polyester (PBT)), wavy, twisted and / or helical.

[0120] Preferred cross-sectional shapes are circular, round, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, polygonal, trapezoidal, parallelogram or rhombus-shaped.

[0121] For oral hygiene products, the diameter is 0.075 mm to 0.25 mm and the cross-sectional area is 0.002 mm 2 up to 0.2 mm2 The diameter describes the smallest circle that can be formed around the cross-sectional shape of the bristle.

[0122] For cosmetic products, which in this context are also conceivable as brush heads, a diameter of 0.025 mm to 0.2 mm and a cross-sectional area of ​​0.001 mm is sufficient. 2 up to 0.15 mm 2 .

[0123] The surface of the bristles is preferably smooth or textured. The bristles are arranged in regular bundles.

[0124] In preferred embodiments, tongue cleaners can also be provided on the brush heads, which are made of hard components and / or soft components and / or combinations of hard and soft components and / or material for injection-molded bristles. The tongue cleaners are usually manufactured using the injection molding process.

[0125] The plastics preferably used as hard components in the context of the present invention generally include styrene polymers such as styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA) or styrene-butadiene (SB); polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) (preferably also in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE)); polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA) or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A) or glycol-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-G); Cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose proprionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) or cellulose butyrate (CB); Polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10 or PA 6.12; Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); Polycarbonate (PC); Polyoxymethylene (POM); Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); Polyurethane (PUR) and / or polyamide (PA).

[0126] Polyethylene (PE) can be used as both a hard and a soft component. Polyurethane (PU) can also be used as both a hard and a soft component.

[0127] Polypropylene (PP) with a modulus of elasticity of 1000 to 2400 N / mm is preferred 2 , preferably from 1200 to 2000 N / mm 2 , and particularly preferably from 1300 to 1800 N / mm 2 used.

[0128] In the context of the present invention, the hard component (or combinations thereof) is preferably used for or in unstable structural elements.

[0129] In the case of the electric toothbrush handle, these are basically the housing, the frame unit, the molded joint piece with the pivot pin, the connecting rod, the eccentric, the key element and the housing cover.

[0130] For the brush head according to the invention, these are basically the head section, the attachment section, the neck section and the bristle carrier.

[0131] If several hard components are used (for example in two- or multi-component injection molding) or if materials are joined by ultrasonic welding, the hard components used preferably form a material bond with each other.

[0132] Alternatively, several materials can be used that do not form a material bond in two- or multi-component injection molding. In these pairings, a form fit is provided (e.g., through undercuts and / or apertures, as well as partial and / or complete overmolding, etc.).

[0133] The second injected hard component then shrinks onto the first injected hard component during cooling, forming a shrinkage bond. Examples of possible hard component pairings that do not form a material bond are polypropylene and polyester or polypropylene and styrene acrylonitrile.

[0134] In the context of the present invention, the soft component(s) is / are generally formed from a thermoplastic styrene elastomer (TPE-S) (preferably a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS) or styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS)); a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-U); a thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPE-A); a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPE-O); a thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E) and / or silicones.

[0135] In the context of the present invention, soft components are used, for example, in injected bristles, in cleaning and massaging elements on the bristle carrier of a brush head, in tongue cleaners on or at the bristle carrier of a brush head, or as grip-enhancing materials on the handle and / or in the area of ​​the switches of the handle.

[0136] Polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PU) can be used as both hard and soft components. Soft components are particularly preferred thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with a Shore A hardness of less than 90, preferably less than 50, and even more preferably less than 30. The soft components preferably form a material bond with hard components when overmolding in the two-component or multi-component injection molding process.

[0137] Furthermore, the material(s) for the injected bristles are preferably made of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U). These exhibit better flow properties than standard TPEs and faster solidification (i.e., faster crystallization, with the molecular chains bonding even at high temperatures).

[0138] Alternative materials include polyethylene (PE), for example in the form of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) or thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E) or thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A).

[0139] The materials for injected bristles preferably comprise soft components, preferably thermoplastic elastomers, and have a Shore D hardness of 0 to 100, preferably 30 to 80. For injected bristles, special forms of soft components are used, which generally have higher Shore hardnesses than soft components from which soft-elastic cleaning and massage elements or handle zones or tongue cleaners are made.

[0140] During the injection molding process (e.g., a two- or multi-component injection molding process), the materials for the injected bristles generally do not form a material bond with the other soft and / or hard components used (e.g., with a carrier plate or a bristle carrier). Consequently, any connections with other hard or soft materials require a form fit (e.g., through undercuts and / or perforations, as well as partial and / or complete overmolding, etc.). The second injected material for the injected bristles shrinks upon cooling onto the first injected hard or soft component, thus forming a shrinkage bond.

[0141] In this case, so-called bioplastics (i.e. plastics made from renewable raw materials) or water-soluble polymers can also be used as special materials.

[0142] Bioplastics consist at least partially of the following raw materials. Possible raw materials include corn, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, rubber, wood, or the castor oil plant. Examples of raw materials include cellulose, starch, lactic acid (PLA), glucose, chitin, and chitosan.

[0143] The main groups of preferred bioplastics include starch-based bioplastics, cellulose-based bioplastics, polyhydroxyalkanoates (e.g., polyhydroxybutyric acid (PHB)), polylactic acid (PLA), or aliphatic / aromatic copolyesters. Other preferred bioplastics include lignin-based bioplastics.

[0144] The present invention is particularly applicable to brush products for personal care. Electric toothbrushes are particularly suitable for oral hygiene. These, in turn, utilize various types of motion, such as oscillating, pivoting, translational, and vibrating movements. However, combinations and overlapping movements are also possible.

[0145] Other electrical personal care devices relate particularly to the cosmetics sector, such as mascara brushes, nail polish brushes, facial brushes, applicators and massagers.

[0146] Electric toothbrushes typically feature mechanical drives with a gear (1:1 gear or gear with a step-up or step-down ratio), an oscillating armature, or an electric motor. The exact design depends on the desired speed.

[0147] Disposable batteries or accumulators (lithium-ion batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries) are used as energy storage devices; charging can be carried out inductively or directly via a plug connection.

[0148] In the following, relevant manufacturing and bristle processes will be described in general as well as based on various preferred design variants.

[0149] Injection molding is generally carried out in an injection molding tool (or a corresponding machine), preferably in the form of multi-component injection molding. The materials can bond together through material or substance bonding. However, it is also possible for the materials not to bond, i.e., a shrinkage connection with mobility or a joint is created, for example, by means of form closure. Generally, hot runner, cold runner, or co-injection processes can be used. The location of the injection points can vary depending on the component; i.e., the injection points can be located at the front of the component, in the center of the component, or at the rear of the respective component.

[0150] The preferred bristle methods for the brush heads described here are, in particular, anchor punching methods and anchorless bristle methods.

[0151] In the anchor punching process, the base body is first injection-molded with appropriate blind holes for the bristles. The bristles are then folded and secured in the blind holes using anchors, which are usually made from (or cut from) punched wire. In addition to the bristles, the anchor punching process requires a punching device, a punching tool, punching wire or anchor, and appropriate mold inserts.

[0152] A variant of anchor punching, which can also be used here, is loop punching. In this case, the bristles are constricted using wire loops, which are also made of punched wire, and inserted into the blind holes.

[0153] In the anchorless bristle-punching process, however, the bristles are not folded and no punch wire is used. The bristles are therefore only half the length of those produced using the anchor or loop-punching process.

[0154] The sequence of a first preferred process variant is as follows: First, the bristle bundles are separated, then the bristle ends are fused, and then the bristle ends are directly overmolded. The bristle bundles can generally be combined here, ie, they can be combined into a larger bundle. If the overmolding also includes the injection molding of the handle, this is referred to as "in-mold tufting" (IMT) process. If the bristles are first overmolded with platelets and then the platelets are overmolded with the handle, this is referred to as integrated anchorless production.

[0155] The sequence of a second preferred process variant is as follows: First, (separate) carrier plates for the bristles with through holes are injection molded. Subsequently, the bristles are prepared and guided through the carrier plate. The bristles are then melted at their rear ends and fused to the carrier plate. Finally, the bristle-covered carrier plate is ultrasonically welded to the handle, which is also manufactured separately. Bristle bundles can be combined or not combined during the process.

[0156] The sequence of a third preferred process variant is as follows: First, the base body is injection-molded with through holes for bristles in the head area. The bristles are then prepared and guided through the through holes in the head area. The bristles are then fused on the back of the head area, and the bristle melt is subsequently overmolded with soft material. Known processes include methods in which bristle fusion is not possible, as well as methods in which bristle fusion is possible.

[0157] The fourth process variant is as follows: First, a base body with blind holes or recesses for the bristles is injection-molded in the head area. The bristles are then provided in bundles. The bristles are then fused in bundles. The base body in the head area (i.e., in particular, the bristle carrier or bristle carriers) is heated to approximately glass temperature. Finally, the fused bristle ends are inserted into the blind holes or recesses, and the bristle bundles are anchored in the bristle carrier using pressure. In other words, the size of the blind holes is reduced, or the geometry of the bristle carrier or bristle carrier is deformed, in order to anchor the bristle bundles.

[0158] Another preferred bristle application method is the twist-in process. Here, the bristle filaments are first fed in, bundled, and pulled forward. In particular, the bristle filaments are fed from a roll. Several filament strands can be wound on one roll. For machine feeding, several rolls are pre-tensioned, as each bristle filament in the brush corresponds to a filament strand. The filaments are spread out to the desired width for insertion into the brush. The filaments are then pre-tensioned so that they are free for the next step, meaning the wire can be guided over them.

[0159] The wire is then fed, cut, and bent. The wire is fed from a wire reel to the bristle-forming machine (i.e., unwound) and introduced into the process. The wire is cut to a length that is greater than the unwound length of the twisted bristle filaments (the final cutting occurs after twisting). The wire is then bent into a U-shape so that the open end can later be pushed over the filaments (this is also referred to as threading the bristles).

[0160] Now the filaments and the bent wire are brought together. The wire is pushed over the filaments from the outside, holding the wire in the bend or at the bottom of the U. The open wire end is then clamped so that the filaments are held between the wire pieces. The filaments are then cut to a length that is longer than the final length in the brush, so that the brush can be trimmed correctly after the filaments are twisted in.

[0161] Next, the filaments are twisted and profiled. This means that the wire is twisted so that the filaments are clamped or fixed between the wire. After the filaments have been clamped or fixed between the wire, they are cut to the desired length or profiled accordingly. Once the corresponding brush section is completed, the excess wire is trimmed off.

[0162] A further aspect of the present invention consists of: a plug-in unit for a handpiece of an electric personal care device, in particular an electric toothbrush, comprising a plug-in carrier on which a drive unit, an on / off switch, a power source, a printed circuit board and a contact element carrier are arranged. The plug-in unit is configured in such a way that that a closed circuit can be created with it alone. Two contact elements are arranged on the contact element carrier, whereby the contact element carrier and the contact elements are configured to ensure elastic bending of the contact element by contact elements of a charging device carrier during assembly.

[0163] The term "elastic bending" is to be understood in this case as meaning that at least one section of the respective contact element (i.e. in particular bending sections of a spring plate) rests against the contact elements of the charging device carrier (i.e. in particular contact pins of a closure cover) or is held against them in a quasi-spring manner by means of a pre-tension generated during assembly, so that the contact is not lost even in the event of impacts or vibrations.

[0164] The “contact element carrier” is preferably a plastic component whose geometry has various support and contact points for the contact elements, ie in particular the spring plates, wherein the support points ensure a suitable guidance or bending of the respective spring plate around the contact element carrier (ie in particular when the spring plates are designed in the form of a longitudinally halved mushroom cross-section) and wherein the contact points ensure an electrical contact between the spring plate and the printed circuit board.

[0165] Preferably, the contact elements arranged on the contact element carrier are each designed in the form of a spring plate. This allows suitable geometries to be provided that can be molded to fit the contact element carrier, thus ensuring secure contact with the contact pins of the closure cover when installed.

[0166] The contact elements of the charging device carrier are preferably designed in the form of contact pins. This allows for effective and reliable contact with the respective spring plate, or in particular with the elastic bending sections thereof.

[0167] Preferably, the charging device carrier is designed in the form of a cover for the handset. This design allows for different coupling shapes to be provided for various charging plugs.

[0168] The closure cover preferably comprises a retaining element into which the contact pins are inserted such that their rear and front ends protrude freely from the retaining element, wherein the rear ends can be engaged with a plug, and wherein the front ends can be brought into contact with the contact element(s) of the contact element carrier. This design allows the closure cover to act particularly efficiently, on the one hand, as a carrier for a charging device, and on the other hand, as a contact maker with the plug-in unit.

[0169] The spring plates preferably have the shape of a mushroom-shaped cross-section, halved lengthwise. In this arrangement, the two spring plates are arranged symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically opposite each other, and in the area of ​​the "trunk," they have opposing elastic bending sections that engage with the contact pins of the closure cover during assembly. This allows for particularly easy assembly of the spring plates.

[0170] Preferably, the contact element carrier has concave guide projections between which the elastic bending sections of the spring plate arranged on the contact element carrier extend such that they can be moved into recesses in the concave guide projections during assembly. This design ensures a particularly secure hold of the spring element on the contact element carrier, as this allows vibrations or shocks acting in the longitudinal direction of the handle to be absorbed.

[0171] Preferably, the charging device carrier or the closure cover has at least one magnetic element configured to interact with an external plug, so that the plug virtually automatically comes into electrical contact with a charging device of the charging device carrier. This is particularly practical for a plug with a contact projection, which can be inserted into the rear recess of the closure cover and brought into contact with the rear ends of the contact pins, for example, by means of corresponding recesses. The plug can have corresponding magnets or contain magnetic material.

[0172] A further aspect of the invention comprises a handpiece for an electric personal care appliance, in particular for an electric toothbrush, comprising a housing, a plug-in unit insertable therein and a charging device carrier according to one of the above specifications.

[0173] Yet another aspect of the invention comprises an electric personal care appliance, in particular an electric toothbrush, comprising a handle according to the above specifications.

[0174] The following are further aspects of the present invention, providing solutions for direct loading of handpieces with round internal cross-sections. In these solutions, the plug-in unit is again designed to operate autonomously. The housing is sealed by the closure cover, which—for example, in the manner of a bayonet lock—is connected to corresponding structures of the handpiece housing by turning it. Accordingly, a round internal cross-section of the handpiece is necessary for such a twist-lock closure.

[0175] The cover itself incorporates an interface or coupling structure for charging the corresponding device (hence the cover also serves as a charging device carrier). During assembly, an electrical connection must be established between the coupling structure of the cover and the plug-in unit in the handset. First, the plug-in unit is inserted into the handset of the corresponding device, and then the cover is mounted.

[0176] The interface solutions preferably have a longitudinal orientation towards the outside and are implemented here by the plug-in unit and the closure cover. Alternatively, however, the interface could also be implemented directly on the plug-in unit (with the closure cover and the plug-in unit forming a single unit or component) if used with the plug-in unit. Such a component is inserted as a whole into the handle (without the need to rotate it) and is designed to create a direct seal against the handle.

[0177] The first essential embodiment of such an interface solution or coupling structure is a magnetic coupling.

[0178] With magnetic coupling, magnets connect the external connector (of the charging cable) to the cover. The connector is held to the cover by magnetism. The connector can contain the magnets, or the cover can contain the magnets. Solutions in which both the cover and the connector contain magnets are conceivable.

[0179] In a preferred embodiment, the plug rests only on the cover at the end and is not positioned by its shape. The correct positioning of the plug on the cover is achieved solely by the action of the magnets.

[0180] Preferably, recesses are provided in the plastic body of the cover to accommodate the magnets. The plug then rests only on the (flat) outer side of the cover. The plug preferably has two contact points on its front side in the form of projections or pins, which establish the connection to two corresponding contact pins on the cover.

[0181] In an alternative embodiment, an auxiliary geometry for positioning the connector on the cover can also be provided. In this case, positioning is (additionally) achieved via guide elements that protrude from the cover (e.g., via (contact) projections or edges, etc.) and are designed to correspond to the connector (i.e., set back, such as a recess) – or vice versa.

[0182] The second essential embodiment of the aforementioned interface solution or coupling structure is a plug-in coupling.

[0183] With the plug-coupling, the plug is held to the cover by clamping or by force / form locking. The plug is inserted into a recess in the cover and held there by friction or force / form locking. The desired alignment is achieved by the outer contour of the plug and the corresponding contour on the cover.

[0184] For both of the aforementioned embodiments of the aforementioned interface solution or coupling structure, the closure cover can also be designed so that the contact exiting the housing (interface) is aligned essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. This is also possible with a one-piece unit consisting of the closure cover and plug-in unit.

[0185] The interface solutions preferably have contact pins on the inside that protrude through the closure cover. The plastic body of the closure cover preferably has a retaining element with through-holes that accommodate the contact pins. The contact pins are preferably pressed into the closure cover.

[0186] The contact pins in the cover can establish the external contact directly, as described above for the magnetic coupling or the plug-to-plug coupling (here, the contact pins are the contacts that are inserted into the plug or socket). The pins can also be combined with a charging socket, i.e., if, for example, the plug itself does not contain corresponding contact elements.

[0187] The contact pins are preferably arranged at a distance of approximately 2 mm to approximately 10 mm, more preferably at a distance of approximately 2.5 mm to approximately 5 mm. The plug has corresponding or congruent grounds.

[0188] The following describes how the electrical contact is made between the cover plate and the plug-in unit and which components are preferred for this purpose.

[0189] First, the spring plates are described, with which the inward ends of the contact pins of the cover are brought into contact during assembly and which themselves are connected to the printed circuit board of the corresponding device.

[0190] Preferably, a spring plate is used, which can alternatively also be called a leaf spring.

[0191] The spring plates preferably have the shape of a longitudinally halved mushroom-shaped cross-section for particularly efficient application to a corresponding support body. The "cap" of the longitudinally halved mushroom-shaped cross-section has contact points with the print plate in its upper region and guide and holding structures (or geometries) in its lower region, which may interact with corresponding guide and holding structures (or geometries) of the support body.

[0192] The "trunk" of the longitudinally halved mushroom-shaped cross-section is designed at its upper and lower ends to interact with corresponding guide and retaining structures of the spring support body. Spring contact points are provided in the center of the trunk, where electrical contact is established with the inward ends of the contact pins of the closure cover. The spring plate is arranged in a plane that runs essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle. The spring action at the spring contact points (i.e., the elastic deflection of the spring plate) also occurs in this plane.

[0193] The spring support body is located at the rear end of the plug-in unit, transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handle and essentially in the lower area thereof. The spring support body is preferably a plastic part that rests against the rear end of the plug-in unit or is connected to it (preferably mechanically). The spring support body is also provided with guide and holding structures that interact with the guide and holding structures of the spring plate.

[0194] With regard to the assembly of a spring plate on the spring support body, it is preferable that the spring plate is clamped to the spring support body by means of the guide and holding structures, with the spring plate being guided around the guide and holding structures of the spring support body. The spring plate is thus arranged in a fixed position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle.

[0195] One or more support points are provided between the spring plate and the spring support body. The spring plate is held in position at these spring support points when the rear ends of the contact pins of the closure cover are clamped to the stem of the respective spring plate at the contact points during assembly. The support points are thus part of the spring plate's guide and holding structures.

[0196] Preferably, two support points are provided on each spring plate. Solutions with one support point per spring plate are also conceivable if the spring plate is held by another means or has a different shape. At least one end of the spring plate is slidably mounted on a spring support point (i.e., if two support points are provided) to enable deflection (i.e., the elastic bending apart of the spring plate in the area of ​​the spring contact points on the stem during assembly of the closure cover).

[0197] The assembly of the cover essentially takes place in two steps. In the first step, the cover is inserted into the housing of the handle in its insertion position (which is determined, for example, by the geometry of the cover edge). The plane spanned by the contact pins is oriented at an angle of approximately 0° to approximately 60° to the contact arms (hereinafter also referred to as bending sections) in the base area of ​​the spring plates.

[0198] In a second step, the cover is then rotated into its final or assembly position. The plane spanned by the contact pins is now essentially at an angle of 90° to the contact arms or bending sections of the spring plate (in their relaxed position). The contact pins elastically press the spring arms or bending sections outwards (or resiliently). This mechanically ensures electrical contact between the respective spring plate and the respective contact pin. In the base area of ​​each of the two spring plates, which have the shape of a longitudinally halved mushroom-shaped cross-section, a spring contact point is provided, at which the electrical contact between the contact pins and the respective spring plate is established.

[0199] When turning to the end position, the contact pins push the spring plates outwards by about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, preferably by about 1 mm to about 3 mm from the rest position.

[0200] The advantage of the above-described design is that it can compensate for impacts or shocks along the longitudinal direction of the plug-in unit. In this case, the pins do not press on the spring plates but can slide along the bending sections or spring arms, which helps ensure trouble-free operation.

[0201] Alternative solutions are discussed below.

[0202] With regard to solutions with spring plates, the contact pins and the cover are provided as described above. However, the spring plates are constructed differently than in the solutions described above. The spring direction can be designed in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in unit. A leaf spring or a spring plate in a flat design with a protruding tongue can be provided. The leaf spring or the spring plate is mounted on the spring support body. This requires different guide and holding structures than in the previous solutions. The holding function is achieved, for example, by rivets, clamps and catches. The leaf spring or the spring plate has a (spring) tongue which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in unit. During assembly, the contact pins press with their ends against the spring tongue in the plug-in unit or in the longitudinal direction of the plug-in unit.However, there's a risk that if the device falls, the mounting pins could put additional pressure on the spring tongue. Depending on the force of the fall, contact may be lost due to deformation of the spring tongue.

[0203] Regarding solutions with a cable, the cover or the interface on the cover (i.e., the contact pins) is connected to the printed circuit board via a cable. However, this can pose a challenge: the solder joints may break during assembly or disassembly. Furthermore, the cable may break.

[0204] Another alternative solution is to fix the cover to the handle by snapping it on instead of using a thread or a bayonet lock. The cover is inserted into the handle like a pin, meaning that instead of a rotational movement, a translational movement is performed. The cover is attached to the housing of the handle by snapping it on or by means of a screw on the insert. This solution would therefore not require a thread or a (circular) round inner geometry of the The handset housing is required. Otherwise, the design would be fundamentally identical to the versions with the magnetic coupling and plug-in coupling; the springs or spring plates would also preferably press laterally onto the contact pins, so that they would not be compressed if the device were dropped. Short description of the drawings

[0205] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with the aid of the schematic drawings. In particular, the drive unit according to the invention, the electric toothbrush handle according to the invention, the manufacturing method according to the invention, the brush heads according to the invention, and the electric toothbrushes according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using exemplary embodiments. They show: Fig. 1 : a perspective view of an electric toothbrush with vibrating drive according to the invention from the front; Fig. 2: a perspective view of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 from behind; Fig. 3: a side view of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4: a plan view of the top of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5: a plan view of the back of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1; Fig. 6: a longitudinal section through the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 3 in the side view; Fig. 7: a perspective view of a handle of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 from the front; Fig. 8: a perspective view of a handle of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 from behind; Fig. 9: a longitudinal section through a handle of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 in side view without insert unit; Fig. 10: a perspective view of a plug-in unit for a handle of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 without cabling from the front; Fig. 11: a perspective view of a plug-in unit for a handle of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 without cabling from the rear; Fig. 12: a side view of a plug-in unit for a handle of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 without cabling; Fig. 13: a longitudinal section through a plug-in unit with schematically illustrated components according to Fig. 12 in side view for a handle of the electric toothbrush according to Fig. 1 with cabling; Fig. 14: a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the electric toothbrush analogous to Fig. 1 with a separate end part in longitudinal section with cabling; Fig. 15: a detailed view of another alternative embodiment of the electric toothbrush analogous to Fig. 1 with a separate end part in longitudinal section with cabling; Fig. 16: a perspective view of an alternative variant of an electric toothbrush with oscillating-rotating drive from the front; Fig. 17: a perspective view of the alternative electric toothbrush according to Fig. 16 from the rear; Fig. 18: a side view of an electric toothbrush according to Fig. 16; Fig. 19: a plan view of the top of an electric toothbrush according to Fig. 16; Fig. 20: a plan view of the back of an electric toothbrush according to Fig. 16; Fig. 21 : a side sectioned detailed view of the rear end of an electric toothbrush according to Fig. 18 with cabling; Fig. 22: a perspective view of a plug-in unit for an electrical Toothbrush according to Fig. 16 from the front; Fig. 23: a perspective view of a plug-in unit for an electrical Toothbrush according to Fig. 16 from behind; Fig. 24: a side view of a plug-in unit for an electric toothbrush according to Fig. 16; Fig. 25: a detailed view of the rear end of a plug-in unit for an electric toothbrush according to Fig. 16; Fig. 26: a 3D view of a handle according to the invention having a Interface with magnetic coupling; Fig. 27: a cross-sectional view in the area of ​​the spring contact points of a handle according to Fig. 26; Fig. 28: a 3D view of the insert unit for an electric toothbrush; Fig. 29: a plan view of the end of the plug-in unit in the unassembled state; Fig. 30: two external views of a cover of the magnetic coupling in 3D; Fig. 31 : a cross-sectional view of a closure cap with magnetic coupling; Fig. 32: a 3D view of the handle of an electric toothbrush with interface and plug coupling; Fig. 33: two external views of the closure cover with plug coupling in 3D; Fig. 34: a cross-sectional view of the closure cover with plug coupling. Weq(e) for carrying out the invention

[0206] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience and are not to be construed as limiting. The words "right," "left," "bottom," and "top" indicate directions in the drawing to which reference is made. The terms "inward," "outward," "below," "above," "left," "right," "front," "backward," or similar terms are used to describe the relative arrangement of designated parts, the relative movement of designated parts, and the directions toward or away from the geometric center of the invention and of designated parts thereof as illustrated in the figures. These spatial relative terms also include positions and orientations other than those illustrated in the figures. For example, if a part illustrated in the figures is turned over, elements or features described as "below" will be "above."The terminology includes the words expressly mentioned above, derivatives of the same and words of similar meaning.

[0207] To avoid repetitions in the figures and the associated description of the various aspects and embodiments, certain features should be understood as common to different aspects and embodiments. The omission of an aspect in the description or a figure does not imply that this aspect is missing in the associated embodiment. Rather, such omission can serve to increase clarity and avoid repetitions. In this context, the following stipulation applies to the entire further description: If reference symbols are included in a figure for the purpose of graphic unambiguity but are not mentioned in the immediately associated descriptive text, reference is made to their explanation in preceding figure descriptions.If the descriptive text directly associated with a figure contains reference symbols that are not included in the corresponding figure, reference is made to the preceding and following figures. Similar reference symbols in two or more figures represent similar or identical elements.

[0208] In Figs. 1 to 15, an electric toothbrush 1 in accordance with the present invention is generally illustrated with an alternative embodiment variant (vibrating drive).

[0209] In Figs. 1-5, the electric toothbrush 1 is shown from different sides. The electric toothbrush comprises a handle 2, which has a housing made of a hard component 2a, which is provided in some areas with a soft component 2b, for example to increase the grip. On the top, the toothbrush 1 has an on / off switch 4, which is also over-molded with a soft component 2b. At the front end of the handle 2, a brush head 3 is attached, which in Figs. 1 and 2 has no bristles, so that only the bristle holes 5a can be seen on the bristle carrier 5 or brush head, which in this case are designed as blind holes.

[0210] In Figs. 3 and 4, the brush head has bristles 5b, which in this embodiment have the same length. At the rear end of the handle 2, the end piece 26b closes the housing of the handle 2 and surrounds the charging socket 16 as a kind of protective structure.

[0211] As shown in Fig. 5, the brush head 3 has a recess 8 on the rear side, into which a corresponding cam 7 of the handle 2 engages, allowing a predefined pull-off force of the brush head 3 to be set. On the rear side, the handle 2 has a surface with a soft component 2b opposite the on / off switch 4, which in turn ensures a better grip. Furthermore, a through hole with a pressure compensation element 6 for degassing the housing interior 19 is provided in the rear end area on the rear side of the handle 2.

[0212] According to the sectional view in Fig. 6, one can first see the bristles 5b arranged in the blind holes (bristle holes 5a) of the bristle carrier 5. Furthermore, one can see the insert unit 20 inserted into the handle 2, which comprises the insert carrier 21, on which the motor 11 with the eccentric 11a, the on / off switch 4, the battery 12, the printed circuit board 15, and the charging socket 16 with the charging socket housing 16b and the charging socket pin 16a are arranged. The charging socket 16, or the charging socket housing 16b and the charging socket pin 16a, are connected via the electrical lines 14 to the printed circuit board 15, which in turn is connected to the battery 12. The motor 11 is connected to the printed circuit board 15 via the electrical lines 13, and the on / off switch 4 is arranged on the printed circuit board 15 in such a way that it can close or break the circuit. The plug-in unit 20 is thus configured in such a way that it alone can create a closed circuit. The rear end of the handle 2 is formed by the end piece 26b. The handle 2 is inserted at the front with its plug-like coupling structure 10 into the corresponding socket-like coupling structure 9 of the brush head 3.

[0213] Figs. 7 to 9 illustrate the handpiece 2 or its housing, ie without the brush attachment and without the plug-in unit 20. Fig. 7 shows in particular the through-hole with pressure compensation element 6 in the rear area of ​​the handpiece 2 as well as the cam 7 and the plug-in coupling structure 10, which forms the interface to the brush attachment 3.

[0214] Fig. 8 shows in particular the on / off switch 4 overmolded with a soft component, as well as the housing wall 17 with a locking recess 18 for a corresponding locking lug 29 of the plug-in unit 20, which is described further below. As a rule, at least two, in this case four, locking recesses 18 are provided in the rear housing area, as shown in Fig. 9, which are arranged opposite one another on the housing wall 17 in the direction of the top and rear. In this embodiment, positioning aids 19a and 19b for the plug-in unit 20 and the plug-in carrier 21 are provided in the housing interior 19, as well as the stop 19c for the motor 11. The insertion direction for the plug-in unit 20 is indicated by the arrow E.

[0215] Fig. 10 shows a plug-in unit 20 according to the invention taken on its own. The plug-in unit 20 comprises the plug-in carrier 21, which is divided into several sections for the individual components. At the front, the motor carrier 22 for the motor 11 is provided. Adjacent to this is the switch carrier 23, which surrounds the on / off switch 4 (the switch itself is arranged on the printed circuit board). This is followed by the battery carrier 24, into which the battery 12 is inserted, which is in electrical contact with the printed circuit board 15 via soldered contact plates 27 (in this case only the front contact plate is visible). Adjacent to this is the connecting carrier 25, through which the electrical lines 14 are routed from the printed circuit board 15 to the charging socket 16 in the final device. The charging socket 16 is accommodated in the charging device carrier 26.The locking lugs 29 are also located on the charging socket carrier 26 and engage in the previously described recesses 18 in the housing wall 17 of the handset 2.

[0216] The detailed view according to Fig. 10 illustrates a side view of a locking lug 29 and its wedge-shaped structure (opposite the insertion direction E). The locking lug 29 comprises an insertion bevel 29a which extends at an angle a from the base line of the locking lug 29 and has a length L1. Adjoining the insertion bevel 29a is the horizontal part 29b, which has a base line with a length L2 and a vertical wall 29c with a height H corresponding to the maximum height of the insertion bevel 29a.

[0217] The angle a defined by the insertion bevel 29a with respect to the base line lies in a range from 10° to 75°, preferably from 15° to 35°.

[0218] The length Li of the base line of the insertion bevel 29a is from 0.3 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0219] The height H of the insertion bevel 29a is from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm. The height H increases continuously and then merges into the horizontal part 29b.

[0220] The horizontal part 29b comprises the base line with a length L2 of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 2 mm. The height H is between 0.1 mm and 1.5 mm, preferably 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm (i.e., corresponding to the highest point of the insertion bevel 29a).

[0221] The rear, vertical wall 29c serves for the actual locking into the locking recesses 18 in the housing and accordingly also has the height H.

[0222] The total dimension of the insertion bevel 29a is accordingly in the length of Li plus L2 from 0.4 mm to 4 mm, preferably from 0.65 mm to 3.5 mm, in the width (ie perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X or to the insertion direction E) from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 0.8 mm to 2 mm and in the height from 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm, preferably from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0223] In the perspective rear view according to Fig. 11, the charging device carrier 26 can be seen, which accommodates the charging socket 16 with the charging socket pin 16a and the charging socket housing 16b. The end part 26b of the charging device carrier 26 surrounds the charging socket 16 or its front end in the manner of an annular protective element, which simultaneously ensures a vertical The device is configured for installation by having a flat outer surface 46. Also visible are the vertical wall 29c of the locking lug 29, a flattened portion 31 on the charging device carrier 26, and a through-opening 28 in the area of ​​the connecting carrier 25. The contact ends of the contact plates 27, which are soldered to the printed circuit board 15 and connect the battery 12 to the printed circuit board 15, protrude through corresponding openings in the printed circuit board 15. The printed circuit board 15 is held by brackets 30 of the insert carrier. The motor carrier 22 has two adjacent through-openings 22a on its rear side with a partition wall arranged between them.

[0224] The side view of the plug-in unit according to Fig. 12 essentially illustrates again the components of the plug-in unit 20 according to the invention described in connection with Fig. 10.

[0225] Fig. 13 shows a sectional view through the populated plug-in unit 20 according to Fig. 12 with schematically illustrated components. In this view, the one-piece construction of the charging device carrier 26 according to this embodiment can be seen in particular, i.e. the charging device carrier body 26a and the end part 26b merge into one another without interruption or coupling. The charging device carrier body 26a encloses the charging socket 16 or the charging socket housing 16b, which surrounds the charging socket pin 16a. A corresponding plug of a power supply for charging the device can be plugged onto the charging socket pin 16a. The end part 26b surrounds the charging socket 16 or its front end in the manner of an annular protective element, which is also configured for vertical positioning of the device in that it has a flat outer surface 46 (cf. Fig. 11).

[0226] One electrical line 14 is connected to the charging socket housing 16b, and the other electrical line 14 is connected to the charging socket pin 16a. The electrical lines 14 are routed from the printed circuit board 15 through the connecting carrier 25 to the charging socket housing 16b or to the charging socket plug 16a. The charging socket housing 16b further comprises hook-shaped locking geometries 16c by means of which the charging socket 16 is held in the charging device carrier body 26a. When the charging socket 16 is inserted into the charging device carrier body 26a, the charging socket 16 is pressed onto the latter, thereby creating a seal against the outside. The end part 26b comprises a circumferential projection 45 at its end facing the charging device carrier body 26a, which can cooperate in a sealing manner with an adjacent soft component region 2b of the housing. The charging device carrier body 26a further has two circumferential grooves 33a and 34a on its outer circumference, each of which serves to receive a corresponding sealing element or O-ring. In the present embodiment, only the groove 34a facing the end part 26b is provided with an O-ring 34b. This form of sealing between the housing and the charging device carrier is generally sufficient. For safety reasons, however, the groove 33a can also be provided with an additional sealing element or O-ring 33b. It is also conceivable that only the groove 33a is provided with a sealing element or O-ring 33b. The printed circuit board 15 is held in position by the holders 30 of the insert carrier 21.The electrical lines 13 are led from the printed circuit board 15 under the switch carrier 23 into the motor carrier 22 and are each preferably connected to a connection on the rear of the motor 11.

[0227] Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the plug-in unit 20 according to the invention, in which the charging device carrier 26 has a two-part construction. The end part 26b is secured to the charging device carrier body 26a by means of locking devices 47 and can thus be inserted into the handle 2 together with the latter or as part of the plug-in unit 20. In the inserted state, a further seal is created between the projection 45 and the adjacent soft component 2b at the rear end of the handle, i.e., in addition to the circumferential seal between the sealing element or O-ring 34b and the inside of the housing wall 17.

[0228] The charging socket 16 is freely accessible from the outside through the charging opening 35. The through hole with pressure compensation element is introduced into the housing wall 17 towards the rear. The flattened area 31 supports the connecting support 25 against the inside of the housing wall 17. The charging device support body 26a is supported circumferentially on the inside of the housing wall 17. The end part 26b closes off the handset 2 to the outside and thus forms part of the outer surface of the handset, in particular in the horizontal direction with its outer circumference 49 but also in vertical direction by means of the flat outer surface 46. The charging socket 16 also forms part of the outer surface in the vertical direction with the outer part of the charging socket housing 16b and the rear end of the charging socket pin 16a.

[0229] Fig. 15 shows a further embodiment of the plug-in unit 20 according to the invention, in which the loading device carrier has a two-part structure. Here, the end part 26b is plugged laterally onto the loading device carrier body 26a, preferably achieving a clamping effect, and the end part 26b, as part of the plug-in unit 20, is pushed into the handset with it. Here too, in the pushed-in state, a seal is created between the projection 45 and the adjacent soft component 2b at the rear end of the handset 2, i.e., in addition to the seals between the end part 26b and the inside of the housing wall 17 and between the end part 26b and the loading device carrier body 26a in the axial direction. The circumferential seal between the end part 26b and the inside of the housing wall 17 is achieved by means of the sealing element 36b or O-ring in the groove 36a at the front end of the end part.The axial sealing between the end part 26b and the loading device carrier body 26a is achieved by means of the sealing element 37b or O-ring in the groove 37a at the rear end of the loading device carrier body 26a, wherein the end part 26b presses against the O-ring 37b with a retaining projection 48.

[0230] In this case too, the end piece can be inserted into the device together with the charging device carrier body or the remaining plug-in unit 20. The charging socket 16 is freely accessible from the outside through the charging opening 35. The through hole with the pressure compensation element 6 is introduced into the housing wall 17 towards the rear. The flattened area 31 supports the connecting support 25 against the inside of the housing wall 17. The charging device carrier body 26a is in turn supported circumferentially on the inside of the housing wall 17. The end piece 26b also closes off the handset 2 to the outside and thus forms part of the outer surface of the handset 2, in particular in the horizontal direction with its outer circumference 49 but also in the vertical direction by means of the flat outer surface 46. The charging socket 16 with the outer Part of the charging socket housing 16b and approximately the rear end of the charging socket pin 16a.

[0231] In Figs. 16 to 25, an embodiment of an electric toothbrush 1 with an oscillating-rotating drive is shown, into which an alternative insert unit 20 can be inserted.

[0232] In Figs. 16 to 20, the electric toothbrush 1 is shown from different sides. The electric toothbrush 1 comprises a handle 2, which has a housing made of a hard component 2a. On the top, the toothbrush 1 has an on / off switch 4. Above the on / off switch 4, signaling elements 38, such as LED lights, are arranged in the housing, which may indicate the operating and / or charging status of the device. A brush attachment 3 with a round bristle holder 5 or brush head, on which the bristles 5b are arranged, is connected to the handle 2. At the rear end of the handset 2, a closure part 26b is arranged, which has an opening for the charging socket 16 and which closes the handset 2 towards the outside and thus forms part of the outer surface of the handset, in particular in the longitudinal direction with its flat outer surface 50 and also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction with its outer circumference 51.In this embodiment, the through-hole with pressure compensation element 6 is also arranged in the end part 26b, toward the flat outer surface 50. On the back of the handle 2, storage structures 39 can also be seen for safely storing the handle 2 on its back, ie, with the bristles 5b facing upwards.

[0233] Fig. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the rear end of the handle of an electric toothbrush with an inserted plug-in unit according to Figs. 16 to 20. The end part 26b lies flush with the rear end of the housing wall 17, with the flat outer surface 50 forming part of the outer surface of the handle 2 in the longitudinal direction, and with the outer circumference 51 forming part of the outer surface of the handle perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. For lateral sealing with respect to the housing wall 17, the end part 26b has a sealing element or an O-ring 36b, which is inserted into a corresponding groove 36a. For axial sealing of the charging device carrier body 26a with respect to the end part 26b, the charging device carrier body 26a has a groove 37a, in into which a sealing element 37b or an O-ring is inserted, onto which the end part 26a presses with its inner side in the axial direction.

[0234] The end part 26b is connected to the housing here and is not inserted into the handset with the plug-in unit 20, but is attached separately to the rear end of the handset, with the end part 26b preferably being rusted to the housing wall 17. In other words, the end part 26b as such is not part of the plug-in unit 20 or the charging device carrier 26b in this embodiment. The charging device carrier body 26a is spring-mounted here by means of a spring bearing 40 on a support structure 52 of the plug-in unit 20, which adjoins the battery 12 or the battery carrier 24. The electrical lines 14 are connected from the printed circuit board 15 to the contacts of the charging socket 16.

[0235] 22 to 24 illustrate the plug-in unit 20 for the electric toothbrush according to FIGS. 16 to 21 in a perspective view from the front and rear, as well as in a side view. In this embodiment of the plug-in unit 20, the printed circuit board 15 is arranged on top of the plug-in carrier 21, wherein the plug-in carrier 20 is constructed in the manner of a monoframe, which has a gear carrier 43 (for the gear that generates the rotating-oscillating movement), a motor carrier or a motor zone 22, a battery carrier or a battery zone 24, and a charging device carrier 26 or a charging device carrier zone. At the front end of the plug-in unit 20, the key element 42 (as an interface to the brush head 3) is arranged, which encloses the drive shaft 41.Seals are provided in this front area between the drive shaft 41 and the key element 42 on the one hand, and between the key element 42 and the housing on the other hand (both not shown). According to this embodiment, the plug-in unit 20 is also configured such that a closed circuit can be created with it alone.

[0236] Finally, Fig. 25 illustrates a detailed view of the rear end of the plug-in unit 20 according to Figs. 22 to 24. It can be seen that the loading device carrier 26 is spring-mounted on the support structure 52 of the plug-in unit 20 via a first spring clip 40a of the spring bearing 40 and a second spring clip 40b of the spring bearing 40. The spring clips 40a and 40b are arranged independently of one another between the support structure 52 and the loading device carrier 26. arranged. In this way, a particularly effective length compensation function can be provided (in this embodiment, the end part 26b presses the plug-in unit 20 into the housing). Furthermore, the holders 30 on the battery carrier 24 can be seen, which engage with the top side of the printed circuit board 15. Furthermore, a contact plate 27 with one contact end protrudes through the printed circuit board 15.

[0237] Fig. 26 shows a further embodiment of an electric personal care device or an electric toothbrush 1 with a handle 2, which has a closure cover as a charging device carrier 26 with contact pins 53 (as contact elements of the charging device carrier or closure cover 26) and an otherwise substantially flat outer surface 50, wherein the closure cover 26 comprises a magnetic coupling formed by the (optional) contact projection 60a of the plug 60 and by the contact pins 53 of the closure cover 26. The rear ends of the contact pins 53, visible here, are arranged in a recess 55 of the closure cover 26 and thus form the charging device or charging socket 16.In the assembled state, the contact projection 60a of the plug 60 is then in engagement with the rear ends of the contact pins 53 in order to establish an electrical contact (preferably the rear ends of the contact pins 53 are received in corresponding recesses of the contact projection 60a).

[0238] The cross-sectional view according to Fig. 27 illustrates with regard to the functioning of the front ends of the contact pins 53 (as contact elements of the charging device carrier or closure cover 26), the (front) ends of the contact pins directed into the handle, how these rest on opposite bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plate 70 (as contact element of the plug-in unit), namely in each case at the contact points P1 between the contact pins 53 and the bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plate 70, in order to thus establish an electrical contact.

[0239] Fig. 28 illustrates the arrangement of the spring plates 70 on a plug-in unit 20. At the rear end of the plug-in unit 20, a spring support body 71 is arranged as a contact element carrier, which has holding and guiding structures for the respective spring plate 70 (as the contact element of the plug-in unit). In particular, the spring support body 71 has vertically rearward-facing, concave Guide lugs 71a, which allow the bending sections of the respective spring plate 70 sufficient space for elastic (lateral) bending into their recesses 71a' when the closure cover 26b is mounted. The spring support body 71 further comprises two lateral upper projections 71b, around which the spring plates 70 are each guided, as well as a central upper projection 71c. The support points P2 of the spring plates 70 are located between the central upper projection 71c and the upper ends of the concave guide projections 71a. The support points P4 of the two lower end regions of the bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plates 70 are located at the lower end of the concave guide projections 71a or in the area of ​​the lower retaining projection 71d of the spring support body 71. The contact points P3 between the respective spring plate 70 and the printed circuit board 15 are located on top of the printed circuit board 15.The concave guide projections 71a each extend rearward beyond the shoulder 71e of the spring support body 71. As in the previous embodiments, the plug-in unit 20 comprises the plug-in support 21, on which the power source 12 and the drive unit are arranged. Also visible is the on / off switch 4, which is arranged on the printed circuit board 15.

[0240] Fig. 29 is a plan view of the rear end of the plug-in unit 20 in the unassembled state, i.e., without a cover 26 attached. Therefore, the two bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plates 70 are not bent outward toward the concave guide projections 71a of the spring support body 71. It can be seen how the lower end regions of the bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plates 70 each rest at the lower spring support point P4 on the lower retaining projection 71d of the spring support body 71. The two bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plates 70 are guided between the lower retaining projection 71d and the lower ends of the concave guide projections 71a. Furthermore, one can see how the upper ends of the bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plates 70 each rest in the upper spring support point P2 at the upper end of the concave guide projections 71a.The two bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plates 70 are guided accordingly between the upper retaining projection 71c and the central upper ends of the concave guide projections 71a. In particular, the upper and lower ends of the concave guide projections 71a elastically support the bent sections 70a, 70b of the spring plates 70. The upper end sections of the spring plate 70. are each located at the contact points P3 on the printed circuit board 15 and thus establish electrical contact with it.

[0241] Fig. 30 shows a charging device carrier or a closure cover 26 with a magnetic coupling. On the outside of the closure cover 26, the recess 55 can be seen with the contact pins 53 arranged therein (i.e., the charging device or charging socket 16), which possibly make contact with the contact projection 60a of the plug 60 according to Fig. 26. The locking projections 56, for example for a bayonet closure (i.e., with the rear end of the handle), are arranged on the edge of the closure cover 26. On the inside of the closure cover 26, the contact pins 53 are arranged in a holding element 57 (as the charging device carrier body). The ends of the contact pins 53 protruding from the holding element 57 are separated from one another by an upper holding element section 57a. On preferably opposite sides of the holding element 57, the magnets 54 are arranged on the underside of the closure cover 26b, which magnets are connected to the plug 60 according to Fig.26, which may be made of metal or may itself have corresponding magnets. The contact pins 53 of the closure cover 26 and the contact projection 60a (with the corresponding recesses) of the plug 60 can thus be brought into contact with each other virtually automatically. The round shape of the closure cover 26, which allows for the rotational movement during assembly, requires a round shape of the inner cross-section of the handle 2.

[0242] The sectional view according to Fig. 31 illustrates again how the contact pins 53 of the closure cover 26 are arranged within the holding element 57, wherein the protruding upper ends are separated from the upper holding element section 57a. The magnets 54 are arranged on the underside of the closure cover 26, next to the holding element 57. The lower or rear ends of the contact pins 53 are arranged in the recess 55 and preferably do not protrude beyond the rear of the closure cover 26. The recess 55 is not particularly deep here in order to make the magnetic coupling with the contact projection 60a of the plug 60 according to Fig. 26 particularly effective.

[0243] Fig. 32 shows a further embodiment of an electric personal care device or an electric toothbrush 1 with a handpiece 2, which a closure cover 26b with contact pins 53 and an otherwise substantially flat outer surface 50, wherein the closure cover 26 comprises a plug coupling formed by the contact elements or socket 60b of the plug 60 and by the contact pins 53 of the closure cover 26. The rear ends of the contact pins 53, which can be seen here, are arranged in a recess 55 of the closure cover 26, thereby forming the charging device or charging socket 16. In the assembled state, the socket 60b of the plug 60 is then inserted into the recess 55 of the closure cover 26 or applied to the contact pins 53.

[0244] Fig. 33 shows a charging device carrier or a closure cover 26 with such a plug coupling in detail. On the outside of the closure cover 26, the recess 55 can be seen (which is correspondingly deeper than in the embodiment with the magnetic coupling) with the contact pins 53 arranged therein (i.e. the charging device or charging socket 16), onto which the socket 60b of the plug 60 according to Fig. 32 is optionally applied. The locking projections 56, for example for a bayonet lock (i.e. with the rear end of the handle), are arranged on the edge of the closure cover 26. On the inside of the closure cover 26, the contact pins 53 are in turn arranged in a holding element 57 (as the charging device carrier body). The front ends of the contact pins 53 protruding from the holding element 57 are separated from one another by an upper holding element section 57a.The round shape of the closure cap 26 for the rotary movement during assembly requires a round shape of the inner cross-section of the handle 2.

[0245] The sectional view according to Fig. 34 again illustrates how the contact pins 53 of the closure cover 26 are arranged within the holding element 57, with the protruding upper ends separated from the upper holding element section 57a. No magnets are arranged on the underside of the closure cover 26b here. The lower or rear ends of the contact pins 53 are arranged in the deeper recess 55 for receiving the socket 60b of the plug 60 according to Fig. 32 and preferably do not protrude beyond the rear of the closure cover 26.

[0246] Although the invention is illustrated and described in detail by means of the figures and the associated description, this illustration and this detailed This description is to be understood as illustrative and exemplary and not as limiting the invention. In order not to obscure the invention, in certain instances, well-known structures and techniques may not be shown and described in detail. It is understood that those skilled in the art may make changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments having any combinations of features that may differ from those explicitly described.

[0247] The present disclosure also encompasses embodiments with any combination of features mentioned or shown above or below for various embodiments. It also encompasses individual features in the figures, even if they are shown there in connection with other features and / or are not mentioned above or below. Furthermore, the alternatives of embodiments described in the figures and the description and individual alternatives of their features may be excluded from the subject matter of the invention or from the disclosed subject matter. The disclosure encompasses embodiments that exclusively comprise the features described in the claims or in the exemplary embodiments, as well as those that comprise additional other features.

[0248] Furthermore, the term "comprising" and derivatives thereof does not exclude other elements or steps. Likewise, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and derivatives thereof does not exclude a plurality. The functions of several features listed in the claims may be fulfilled by a single unit or step. The mere fact that certain features are listed in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of those features cannot be used to advantage. The terms "essentially," "about," "approximately," and the like, in conjunction with a property or value, specifically define the property or value.The terms "about" and "approximately," when used in connection with a given numerical value or range, may refer to a value or range that is within 20%, within 10%, within 5%, or within 2% of the given value or range. All. Reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the claims. List of reference symbols: 1 electric personal care device or electric toothbrush 2 Handpiece 2a Hard component (housing) 2b Soft component 3 brush heads 4 on / off switches 5 bristle carriers 5a Bristle holes 5b bristles 6 through hole with pressure compensation element 7 cams (handpiece) 8 Recess (brush head) 9 Bushing-like coupling structure (brush head) 10 Plug-type coupling structure (hand part) 11 Drive unit or motor 11 a eccentric 12 Energy source or battery 13 Electrical cables (to the engine) 14 Electrical cables (to the charging socket) 15 Printed circuit board 16 Charging device or charging socket 16a charging socket pin 16b Charging socket housing (metal) 16c locking geometry (hook-shaped) 17 Housing wall (handpiece) 18 locking recesses in the housing wall (open or blind hole) 19 Housing interior a Positioning aids b Positioning aids c Stop for the motor Insertion unit Insertion carrier Motor carrier a Through-holes Switch carrier Battery carrier Connection carrier Charger carrier (charging socket carrier)a Charger carrier body b End piece Contact plates Through-hole Locking lugs (charger carrier) a Lead-in bevel b Horizontal part c Vertical wall Mounting for printed circuit board Flattening a First groove b First sealing element (O-ring) a Second groove b Second sealing element (O-ring) Charging opening a Groove b Sealing element (O-ring) a Groove b Sealing element (O-ring) Signal elements Filing structures Spring bearing (for charging socket) a Spring clip b Spring clip drive shaft Key element Gearbox carrier circumferential projection end part flat outer surface end part Rest facilities end part retaining projection end part outer circumference end part flat outer surface outer circumference end part Support structure Contact pins (contact elements of the cover) Magnets recess locking projections Holding element a upper holding element section Plug a contact projection b socket Spring plate (contact element of the plug-in unit) 70a Bending section 70b Bending section 71 Spring support body (contact element carrier) 71a concave guide approaches 71 a' bulges 71 b lateral upper retaining projections 71 c middle upper retaining projection 71 d lower retaining projection 71 e lower paragraph E Arrow insertion direction of plug-in unit X Longitudinal axis (handpiece) Li length bevel (locking lug) L2 Length of horizontal part (locking lug) H Height (locking lug) a Angle (slant) P1 Contact point bending sections - contact pins P2 upper spring support point P3 contact point spring plate - printed circuit board P4 lower spring support point

Claims

New international patent application Trisa Holding AG Representative number: P6543PC00 CLAIMS Claim 1: Insert unit (20) for a handpiece (2) of an electric personal care appliance, in particular an electric toothbrush (1), comprising an insert carrier (21) on which a drive unit (11), an on / off switch (4), a power source (12), a printed circuit board (15) and a charging device (16) are arranged, wherein the insert unit (20) is configured such that a closed circuit can be produced with it alone, wherein the insert carrier (21) comprises a charging device carrier (26) in the region of the charging device (16), and wherein the charging device carrier and / or the charging device form part of the outer surface of the handpiece (2) in the assembled state. Claim 2: Plug-in unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein the charging device (16) comprises a plug-in device, in particular a charging socket for a power supply unit with a corresponding plug. Claim 3: Plug-in unit (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the charging device (16) comprises an inductive device, in particular a charging coil for introducing a corresponding ferrite core. Claim 4: Plug-in unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading device carrier (26) comprises a loading device carrier body (26a) and an end part (26b). Claim 5: Plug-in unit (20) according to claim 4, wherein the Loading device carrier (26) is formed in one piece. Claim 6: Plug-in unit (20) according to claim 4, wherein the Loading device carrier (26) is designed in several parts. Claim ?: Insert unit (20) according to claim 6, wherein in a multi-part Formation of the loading device carrier (26) which comprises a separate end part (26b) which can be locked to the loading device carrier body (26a). Claim 8: Insertion unit (20) according to claim 6, wherein, in a multi-part design of the charging device carrier (26), said carrier comprises a separate end part (26b) which can be plugged onto the charging device carrier body (26a). Claim 9: Insertion unit (20) according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the charging device (16) has one or more locking geometries which are configured to effect a sealing of the charging device (16) relative to the charging device carrier body (26a) by compression in the mounted state. Claim 10: Insertion unit (20) according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the charging device carrier body (26a) has a first sealing zone relative to a housing of a handset (2), preferably in the form of a first groove (33a) for receiving a first sealing element (33b), which is configured in the assembled state to effect a seal of the insertion unit (20) relative to the housing wall (17) of the handset (2). Claim 11: Insertion unit (20) according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the charging device carrier body (26a) has a second sealing zone relative to a housing of a handset (2), preferably in the form of a second groove (34a) for receiving a second sealing element (34b), which is configured in the assembled state to effect a seal of the insertion unit (20) relative to the housing wall (17) of the handset (2). Claim 12: Insertion unit (20) according to claim 8, wherein the loading device carrier body (26a) has a sealing zone relative to the end part (26b), preferably in the form of a groove (36a) for receiving a sealing ring (36b) which is configured to seal the loading device carrier body (26a) relative to the end part (26b) in the assembled state. Claim 13: Insertion unit (20) according to claim 8 or 12, wherein the end part (26b) has a sealing zone relative to the housing of a handset (2), preferably in the form of a groove (37a) for receiving a sealing element (37b), which is configured in the assembled state to effect a seal of the insert unit (20) relative to the housing of the handset (2). Claim 14: Insertion unit (20) according to one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the charging device (16) and / or the charging device support body (26a) form a part of the outer surface of the handset (2) which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) of the handset (2). Claim 15: Insertion unit (20) according to one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the end part (26b) of the charging device carrier (26) forms a part of the outer surface of the handle (2) which runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the handle (2). Claim 16: Insertion unit (20) according to claim 15, wherein the end part (26b) of the charging device carrier (26) forms a substantially annular protective element for the charging device (16). Claim 17: Insert unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more locking lugs (29) are arranged on the charging device carrier body (26a), which are configured to engage in corresponding locking recesses (18) in the housing wall (17) of the handset (2) in the mounted state. Claim 18: Insertion unit (20) according to claim 17, wherein the locking lugs (29) have a wedge-like shape with an insertion bevel (29a), a horizontally extending part (29b) and a substantially vertically terminating rear wall (29c). Claim 19: Insertion unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading device carrier (26) is resiliently mounted on a support structure (52) by means of a spring bearing (40). Claim 20: Insertion unit according to claim 19, wherein the spring bearing (40) comprises a first spring clip (40a) and a second spring clip (40b), which are preferably arranged independently of one another between the loading device carrier (26) and the support structure (52). Claim 21: Handpiece (2) for an electric personal care appliance, in particular for an electric toothbrush (1), comprising a housing and an insertable unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims. Claim 22: Electric personal care appliance, in particular an electric toothbrush (1), comprising a handle (2) according to claim 21. Claim 23: Insert unit (20) for a handpiece (2) of an electric personal care device, in particular an electric toothbrush (1), comprising an insert carrier (21) on which a drive unit (11), an on / off switch (4), a power source (12), a printed circuit board (15) and a contact element carrier (71) are arranged, wherein the insert unit (20) is configured such that a closed circuit can be produced with it alone, wherein two contact elements (70) are arranged on the contact element carrier (71), wherein the contact element carrier (71) and the contact elements (70) are configured to ensure elastic bending of the contact elements (70) by contact elements (53) of a charging device carrier (26) during assembly. Claim 24: Plug-in unit (20) according to claim 23, wherein the contact elements (70) which are arranged on the contact element carrier (71) are each designed in the form of a spring plate. Claim 25: Plug-in unit (20) according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the contact elements (53) of the charging device carrier (26) are designed in the form of contact pins. Claim 26: Insertion unit (20) according to one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the charging device carrier (26) is designed in the form of a closure cover (26) for the handset (2). Claim 27: Plug-in unit (20) according to claim 26, wherein the closure cover (26) comprises a holding element (57) into which the contact pins (53) are inserted such that their rear and front ends protrude freely from the holding element (57), wherein the rear ends can be brought into engagement with a plug (60) and wherein the front ends can be brought into engagement with the contact elements (70) of the contact element carrier (71). Claim 28: Plug-in unit (20) according to one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the spring plates (70) preferably have the shape of a longitudinally halved mushroom cross-section, with elastic bending sections (70a, 70b) which engage with the contact pins (53) of the closure cover (26) during assembly. Claim 29: Plug-in unit according to claim 28, wherein the contact element carrier (71) has concave guide projections (71a) between which the elastic bending sections (70a, 70b) of the spring plate (70) arranged on the contact element carrier (71) extend such that they can be moved into the bulges (71b) of the concave guide projections (71a) during assembly. Claim 30: Plug-in unit (20) according to one of claims 23 to 29, wherein the charging device carrier (26) has at least one magnetic element (54) which is configured to cooperate with an external plug (60) so that the plug (60) virtually automatically comes into electrical contact with a charging device (16) of the charging device carrier (26). Claim 31: Handpiece (2) for an electric personal care appliance, in particular for an electric toothbrush (1), comprising a housing, a plug-in unit (20) insertable therein, and a charging device carrier (26) according to one of claims 23 to 30. Claim 32: Electric personal care appliance, in particular electric toothbrush (1), comprising a handle (2) according to claim 31.

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