Oral hygiene means

Abstract

The invention relates to an oral hygiene means, in particular a toothbrush, comprising at least one application unit (12a-g), which has a main body (14a-f) and at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) connected to the main body (14a-f), and comprising at least one handle unit (18a), which can be connected, in particular is rigidly connected, to the application unit (12a-g) and has a handle body. According to the invention, at least one stimulation and / or massage element (16a-f) has a stem (20a-f) and at least one stimulation head (22a-f), wherein a cross section of the stimulation head (22a-f) is enlarged relative to a cross section of the stem (20a-f).

Description

[0001] Oral hygiene products

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to an oral hygiene product.

[0004] An oral hygiene product, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit having a base body and at least one stimulation and / or massage element connected to the base body, and with at least one handle unit which can be connected to the application unit, in particular which is firmly connected, and which has a handle body, has already been proposed.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of functionality and manufacturability. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to an oral hygiene device, in particular a toothbrush, with at least one application unit which has a base body and at least one stimulation and / or massage element connected to the base body, and with at least one handle unit which can be connected to the application unit, in particular is firmly connected, and which has a handle body.

[0008] It is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a stem and at least one stimulation head, wherein a cross section of the stimulation head is enlarged compared to a cross section of the stem.

[0009] Preferably, the stem and the stimulation head are formed in one piece.

[0010] The inventive design of the oral hygiene product makes it possible to provide advantageous properties with regard to the functionality of the oral hygiene product. In particular, at least one advantageous stimulation and / or massage element can be provided. This makes it possible to provide, in particular, a stimulation and / or massage function. Furthermore, advantageously high comfort can be provided. Furthermore, a cleaning result can be positively influenced. Furthermore, this makes it possible to provide, in particular, a stimulation and / or massage element that is advantageously easy to manufacture. Due to the structure of the stimulation and / or massage element, existing fastening methods, in particular for toothbrush bristles, can preferably be used to fix the stimulation and / or massage element to the base body.

[0011] An "oral hygiene product" is understood to mean, in particular, a toothbrush and / or an interdental cleaner and / or a flosser and / or a tongue cleaner and / or a toothpick. The oral hygiene product is advantageously designed as a toothbrush, in particular a manual toothbrush. In further embodiments, the oral hygiene product can be designed as an electric toothbrush. The oral hygiene product can be designed as a disposable toothbrush, a reusable toothbrush, or even a replaceable-head toothbrush. The oral hygiene product is, in particular, formed by an oral hygiene brush. Examples of oral hygiene brushes include manual toothbrushes such as reusable toothbrushes, replaceable-head toothbrushes, disposable toothbrushes, or single-tuft brushes; electric toothbrushes, as well as hybrid toothbrushes; interdental cleaners, in particular with twisted bristles (also called interdental brushes), in injected form; or as flossers and / or tongue cleaners.As an electric toothbrush, the oral hygiene product can be designed with an oscillating oral hygiene brush. In these designs, the brush head can oscillate with a rotation axis perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal axis. Round, oval, or elongated oral hygiene brushes can be used. For oral hygiene brushes with a rotation axis of the brush head perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the movement of the brush head from the basic position, i.e. the angle of rotation of the bristle carrier in the unloaded state, is + / - 15° to + / - 40°, preferably + / - 20° to + / - 30°. This results in 7,000 to 10,000 movements per minute. For oral hygiene brushes with a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, the movement of the brush head (from the basic position) covers an angular range of + / - 1° to + / - 15°, preferably + / - 3° to + / - 10°. This is at 15,000 to 25,000 movements per minute.Movement is calculated as left and right rotations from the center position of the brush head. Alternatively, the oral hygiene brush can also be operated with a vibration drive. With a vibration drive, the movement involves vibration generated by a motor with a connected eccentric. The motor speed ranges from 8,000 rpm to 15,000 rpm. In the electric versions, the oral hygiene brush is designed with a replaceable head.

[0012] In a broader sense, the oral hygiene product can also be generally interpreted as a brush product. A "brush product" is understood to mean, in particular, an oral hygiene brush and / or a body care or cosmetic brush and / or a hairbrush and / or a household brush. Examples of body care or cosmetic brushes include, for example, mascara brushes, nail polish brushes, facial brushes, applicators, in particular hair dye applicators, massage devices, makeup brushes, shaving brushes and / or wet razors, or other body care products. Examples of household brushes include, for example, dishwashing brushes, floor mops, and / or brooms. Consequently, the statements regarding oral hygiene products also apply to the aforementioned brush products.

[0013] The oral hygiene device has, in particular, a longitudinal axis that is advantageously arranged at least substantially parallel to a main direction of extension of the oral hygiene device. The longitudinal axis preferably runs at least partially within the oral hygiene device and, in particular, through its center of gravity. In particular, the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device is a central axis of the oral hygiene device and / or a central axis of the handle unit. A "central axis" of an object is understood, in particular, to mean an imaginary axis that runs within the object parallel to a main direction of extension of the object and intersects the object at a maximum of two points.By “at least substantially parallel” is meant in particular an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of in particular less than 8°, advantageously less than 5° and particularly advantageously less than 2°. A “main extension direction” of an object is meant in particular a direction which runs parallel to a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the object. A “main extension” of an object in this context is meant in particular an extension of a longest edge of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the object.

[0014] In particular, the oral hygiene device in the manual embodiment has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device and measured parallel to the contact surface, of 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably of 180 mm to 200 mm, although other, in particular smaller or larger, lengths are of course also conceivable. Smaller versions can be used for children's or adolescents' toothbrushes. In particular, the oral hygiene device has a maximum width, in particular parallel to a width axis of the oral hygiene device, advantageously perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and / or parallel to a main extension plane of the oral hygiene device and / or the handle unit, of 10 mm to 25 mm and preferably of 18 mm to 21 mm. In particular, the oral hygiene device has a minimum width of 4 mm to 10 mm, preferably of 5 mm to 7 mm, in a neck region of the application unit.Furthermore, the oral hygiene product without bristles has a height, in particular parallel to the height axis measured perpendicular to the support surface, of 10 mm to 22 mm and preferably of 12 mm to 18 mm. The highest point is in particular in a thumb grip area or holding area of ​​the handle unit of the oral hygiene product. The term "height" refers in particular to a state of the oral hygiene product in which it is placed, for example, on a flat surface such as a tabletop, a sink, the top of a piece of furniture, or the like, in particular such that the longitudinal axis is arranged parallel to the surface and the back of the oral hygiene product rests on the flat surface.A “main extension plane” of an object is to be understood in particular as a plane which is parallel to a largest side surface of a smallest imaginary cuboid which just completely encloses the object and passes through the center of the cuboid.

[0015] The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning area, which is intended for a tooth and / or tongue cleaning application, in particular in the user's oral cavity. The cleaning area preferably comprises at least one cleaning unit, in particular at least one brush head, advantageously a toothbrush head, preferably with a plurality of bristles and / or bristle bundles and / or injected cleaning elements or injected bristles and / or soft-elastic cleaning elements. However, the cleaning unit can also be designed, for example, as an interdental brush and / or as a single brush (e.g., a single large bristle bundle) and / or as a bow strung with dental floss, in particular as a flosser, or the like. Furthermore, the application unit advantageously has at least the neck element, which is preferably connected to the cleaning area, in particular directly and / or integrally.“Integral” should be understood in particular to mean at least materially connected, for example by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank. “Intended” should be understood in particular to mean specially designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0016] The oral hygiene product has, in particular, a front side and a back side, which are arranged, in particular, facing away from one another. The cleaning area is preferably arranged on the front side of the oral hygiene product. The front side is, in particular, a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in a viewing direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product and perpendicular to the width axis of the oral hygiene product. The front side of the oral hygiene product is, in particular, that side of the brush on which the thumb is placed. The front side is normally also the side toward which the bristle field is directed. The back side advantageously corresponds to a side of the oral hygiene product that is visible in a viewing direction opposite thereto. The back side of the oral hygiene product is the side of the toothbrush opposite the bristle field.The left side of the oral hygiene device is specifically referred to as a side that is on the left when viewed perpendicularly from the front of the oral hygiene device. The right side of the oral hygiene device is specifically referred to as a side that is on the right when viewed perpendicularly from the front of the oral hygiene device. The top side is specifically referred to as an end of the oral hygiene device at which the cleaning area is located. The bottom side is specifically referred to as an end of the oral hygiene device opposite the top side and closest to the handle area.

[0017] The handle unit preferably has at least one handle element, which is advantageously intended to be held with one hand. The handle element is preferably tapered at least in some regions. This advantageously allows a secure hold and optimizes ergonomics. The handle element is particularly preferably elongated, with a longitudinal axis of the handle element advantageously corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene product. The handle element is formed at least partially, in particular completely, from at least one hard component. It would also be conceivable for the handle element to additionally be formed from one or more soft components. The material volume body is preferably formed at least largely, in particular completely, from at least one hard component. In particular, the handle element advantageously comprises at least one thumb grip region and / or at least one hand grip region.Advantageously, the thumb grip area is arranged on the front side of the oral hygiene device, and in particular on a front side of the handle element. It is conceivable that the thumb grip area and / or the handle area comprise at least one element and / or a surface structure made of at least one soft component and / or at least one hard component.

[0018] The grip region advantageously has at least one handle element. Preferably, a main extension direction of the handle element is arranged at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device. Advantageously, the handle element has at least one surface structure element, particularly advantageously a plurality of surface structure elements, which are at least substantially identical or at least geometrically similar to the above-described surface structure elements of the thumb grip region. Preferably, the surface structure elements of the handle element are arranged, in particular at least in pairs, in groups one behind the other along the longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device.

[0019] The components used for production can be classified as follows: • Conventional materials: Materials, essentially new materials, which are mostly oil-based.

[0020] • Sustainable materials: as listed below and described later, preferably bio-based, degradable and / or recycled. o Bio-based materials: Material that is made from more than 40%, in particular more than 60%, preferably more than 80% and particularly preferably 100% renewable raw materials. Another possible additional property of bio-based materials is, in particular, that the bio-based materials are biodegradable. Preferably, the materials are not based on foodstuffs such as corn, sugar cane, etc. o Biodegradable materials: Material that is biodegradable according to current standards. This includes, in particular, compostability (industrial or non-industrial). Materials made from renewable raw materials, such as petrochemical raw materials, can have this property.o Recycled materials: Materials that come from a recycling process, such as post-consumer recycled materials, post-industrial recycled materials, ocean waste plastic or social plastic.

[0021] The materials used can be recyclable. Recyclable materials are preferably recycled after use. Materials that can be integrated into an existing recycling stream, such as polyester (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), are particularly preferred.

[0022] The materials used can be recycled. Materials from a recycling stream, such as polyester (rPET), polyethylene (rPE), and polypropylene (rPP), are particularly preferred.

[0023] Within the scope of this disclosure, virtually any hard component and soft component is possible, which the person skilled in the art will combine and / or select as appropriate. Examples of suitable hard components include styrene polymers such as styreneacrylonitrile (SAN), polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene methyl methacrylate (SMMA), styrene butadiene (SB), or the like. Furthermore, a hard component can comprise polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or the like, in particular also in the form of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). In addition, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), in particular in the form of acid-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETA), glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), acid-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-A), glycol-modified polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate (PCT-G) or the like are suitable.Furthermore, the use of cellulose derivatives such as cellulose acetate (CA), cellulose acetobutyrate (CAB), cellulose propionate (CP), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), cellulose butyrate (CB) or the like is conceivable. Furthermore, a hard component can comprise, for example, polyamides (PA) such as PA 6.6, PA 6.10, PA 6.12 or the like, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyamide (PA) or the like. In particular, polyethylene (PE) and / or polyurethane (PU) can be used as a hard component and / or as a soft component. In particular, a hard component has a modulus of elasticity of at least 1000 N / mm. 2 and advantageously of at least 1300 N / mm 2 and / or of not more than 2400 N / mm 2 and advantageously of a maximum of 1800 N / mm 2Polypropylene (PP) is preferred as the hard component. At least certain materials listed under the hard component can be sustainable. Materials with a cellulose content, in particular, are at least partially bio-based.

[0024] Hard components are advantageously used for stable and / or structurally supporting elements, in particular in the handle element and / or in a carrier element of the application unit (e.g. the bristle support plate) and / or the fastening unit or the like. Preferably, the oral hygiene product or at least a base body of the oral hygiene product has a single hard component, which can be made from one of the materials mentioned or from a mixture thereof. However, combinations of different hard components are also conceivable, wherein these can, for example, be processed in a two- and / or multi-component injection molding process and / or glued and / or welded to one another, in particular ultrasonically welded. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of hard components can be used which do not form a material bond in a two- and / or multi-component injection molding process.In particular, it is conceivable that in this case a positive connection, for example in the form of at least one undercut and / or at least one opening and / or at least an at least partial overmolding or the like, is created between hard components. It is conceivable that, for example, a second hard component, which is in particular injection-molded onto a first hard component, shrinks and / or shrinks after injection molding and advantageously forms a shrinkage connection. Suitable combinations can be, for example, polypropylene-polyester, polypropylene-sustainable material, polypropylene-styrene acrylonitrile, or other combinations. In this combination, polypropylene serves to create a material-to-material connection with the soft component.

[0025] Suitable soft components include, for example, thermoplastic styrene elastomers (TPE-S) such as a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer (SEBS), a styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS), or the like. The use of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPE-U), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers (TPE-O), thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), or the like is also conceivable. Furthermore, a soft component can comprise, for example, at least one silicone. Advantageously, a soft component has a Shore A hardness of at most 90, advantageously of at most 50, and particularly advantageously of at most 30. Preferably, at least one soft component forms at least one material bond with at least one hard component, in particular in at least one two- and / or multi-component injection molding, advantageously by means of at least one overmolding and / or insert molding.The materials mentioned under the soft component can be at least partially sustainable materials. The soft component can be a material mixture of sustainable material and a non-sustainable soft component. For example, the soft component can be a mixture of recycled polypropylene (rPP) and a soft component. Recycled polypropylene (rPP) can be a raw material for producing a soft component. The weight fraction of recycled polypropylene in the soft component is more than 10%, preferably more than 20%, particularly preferably more than 30%.

[0026] It is advantageously conceivable that a hard component used and a soft component used have different colors, so that surface structures, inscriptions, motifs and the like can be realized by means of a suitable design of the base body and the soft element.

[0027] It is further proposed that the at least one application unit has a brush head, in particular a toothbrush head. The application unit advantageously has at least one cleaning unit, in particular a toothbrush head, with bristles. The cleaning unit also advantageously has at least one bristle carrier, for example a brush head base body. At least some or all of the bristles are advantageously conventional extruded bristles. Bristles can in particular comprise at least one hard component and / or at least one soft component. Preferably, the bristles are made at least partially or completely from polyamide (PA) and / or polyester (e.g. PBT, PET), although any other materials or components (hard component or soft component) are conceivable and sustainable materials such as chitosan are also possible. Furthermore, the bristles can be made from a degradable material.It is also conceivable for at least some of the bristles to have a tapered portion and / or a variable cross-section. The bristles are preferably made from a single, particularly mixed, material. However, bristles consisting of multiple components or materials are also conceivable, which can be produced and / or manufactured in particular by means of at least one co-extrusion. The bristles can be produced and / or manufactured, for example, by extrusion, cutting to length and / or post-processing. In contrast to injected bristles or rubber-elastic massage and cleaning elements, which are manufactured by injection molding, conventional bristles are extruded, cut, processed and inserted or anchored to the toothbrush handle using an adapted process. Stimulation and / or massage elements are also extruded and partially finished and then inserted or anchored using an adapted process.anchored, such as using the anchor punching method, the AFT method, the PTt method, and / or the IMT method. The bristles can be processed before and / or after anchoring (e.g., tapered, rounded, thermally treated, etc.).

[0028] In particular, cylindrical or pointed bristles are suitable, with any cross-sections such as polygonal, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, star-shaped, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, rhombus-shaped or any other cross-sections being conceivable. In particular, different bristles can be used in a bristle bundle, but also different bristle bundles, in particular each with a specific type of bristle. Bristles and / or bristle bundles can be arranged regularly or irregularly. In particular, bristles and / or bristle bundles arranged in groups and / or adjacently can differ with regard to at least one feature such as a length, a diameter, a material, a color, a material hardness, a geometry, a point and the like, in particular alternatingly.The bristles preferably have a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.075 mm and / or of at most 0.25 mm. Advantageously, the bristles have a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.002 mm. 2 and / or of a maximum of 0.2 mm 2 In the case of bristles used in the cosmetics sector, for example bristles of an additional application element, thinner bristles and / or bristles with a smaller cross-section can also be used, in particular bristles with a diameter, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.025 mm and / or of at most 0.2 mm and / or with a cross-sectional area, in particular perpendicular to their longitudinal axis, of at least 0.001 mm 2 and / or of a maximum of 0.15 mm 2In the case of tapered bristles, polyester (e.g., PBT, PET, or PTT) is a particularly suitable material, although sustainable materials are also possible, with the tapering being achieved mechanically and / or chemically. Other materials are also conceivable. The bristles are preferably straight in the longitudinal direction, but wavy, twisted, helical, and / or twisted bristles are also conceivable, as are, in particular, combinations of different bristles. Furthermore, bristles with a smooth surface are conceivable, as are bristles with a textured surface.

[0029] Furthermore, the bristles, in particular as bristle bundles, or also the stimulation and massage elements are preferably processed using at least one anchor punching process, an anchorless process such as the anchor-free tufting (AFT) process, an in-mold tufting (IMT) process, a PTt process, or the like, in particular are attached to the base body / bristle carrier or bristle carrier plate. The bristle carrier preferably has a plurality of bristle receptacles, in particular holes for bristle bundles, in particular drilled and / or formed during injection molding. In the case of anchor punching, it is conceivable, for example, that a base body, in particular from a hard component, preferably the brush head, is first manufactured by injection molding, wherein blind holes for bristle bundles are advantageously formed during injection molding. Of course, subsequent drilling of blind holes is also conceivable.Preferably, bristles or bundles of bristles, or even individual or bundled stimulation and massage elements, are then folded and secured in a blind hole by means of at least one anchor, in particular by punching. Loop punching is also conceivable.

[0030] Alternatively, as mentioned, anchor-free processes are also conceivable, whereby bristles or bristle bundles or stimulation and / or massage elements are advantageously not folded. In this case, bristles or bristle bundles are approximately half the length compared to anchor punching. For example, it is conceivable that the bristle bundles are first separated, fused, and / or their bristle ends are subsequently overmolded for their attachment. In this case, bristle bundles can advantageously be brought together. In the case of stimulation and / or massage elements, it is preferred that the stems are individually inserted into individual recesses and secured.Manufacturing using the in-mold tufting process is possible, whereby a base body, for example, the brush head and / or the handle unit and / or the fastening unit, is advantageously formed during the overmolding of the bristle ends / ends of the stimulation and / or massage elements. It is also conceivable, particularly in the context of integrated anchorless production, that bristles are first overmolded with platelets or the like, and these platelets are then overmolded in turn, for example, to form the brush head and / or the handle unit.

[0031] Bristle bundles consist of at least one bristle, preferably several bristles. The bristle(s) may be folded for anchoring (anchor punching method) or not (anchorless method).

[0032] It is further conceivable for the application unit to be composed of a base body and a bristle plate equipped with bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements and / or alternative cleaning elements. For this purpose, bristle plates with through-holes are first manufactured by injection molding, through which bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements are subsequently guided. Preferably, the bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements are then connected, in particular fused, on a rear side, preferably at least partially to one another and / or to the corresponding bristle plate. In this way, bristle-covered bristle platelets can then be welded and / or glued to a base body, in particular to a brush head, preferably by means of ultrasonic welding.For this purpose, the base body, in particular the brush head, has a recess into which the bristle plate can be inserted. A well-known manufacturing process in this context is the anchor-free tufting process, which, in particular, enables the bristle bundles to be joined together. The underside of the bristle plate is, in particular, a side that is placed in a recess in the base body and faces toward the back of the oral hygiene product. Accordingly, the top side of the bristle plate faces toward the top side of the oral hygiene product.

[0033] Another possible method for anchorless bristle application is the production, in particular injection molding, of a brush head with through holes for bristles. Bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements can then be guided through the through holes and fused to a back surface, in particular to each other and / or to the brush head. Preferably, the fused areas and / or the brush head are then overmolded, in particular with at least one soft component.

[0034] It is also conceivable to initially produce a brush head with blind holes, for example by injection molding and / or by drilling the blind holes. In this case, bristles / stimulation and / or massage elements can in particular be combined to form bristle bundles and melted or fused at one end and / or connected in some other way. The brush head is subsequently heated, in particular to a glass transition temperature of its material. Individual bristles or bristle bundles can then advantageously be inserted into the blind holes and anchored to the brush head by pressing them down. In particular, the heated blind holes and their surroundings are deformed in the process, so that the individual bristles or bristle bundles / stimulation and / or massage elements are anchored therein.

[0035] Alternatively or in addition to stamped and / or welded and / or glued bristles, molded-on bristles are also conceivable. These can be manufactured, in particular, during multi-component injection molding together with the application unit, the handle unit, and / or the fastening unit, or subsequently molded onto a base body of the application unit.

[0036] Another possible method for providing the brush head with bristles is twisting. Here, for example, filament is fed in from a roll, with several filament strands being wound onto a roll. Several rolls are pre-tensioned for machine feeding, because each filament in the brush corresponds to a filament strand. The filaments are spread out correctly in width so that they have the width at which they are fed into the brush. The filaments are pre-pulled so that they are free for the next step, i.e. so that a wire can be fed over them. A wire is then fed from a roll onto the 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-in brush, and the final cutting to length takes place after twisting.The wire is bent into a U shape so that the open end can be pushed over the filaments to thread the bristles. The wire is held at the bottom of the U. The open wire end is then clamped to hold the filaments between the wire pieces. The filaments are cut to a length greater than the final length in the brush so that the brush can be cut correctly once the filaments are twisted in. The wire is twisted so that the filaments are clamped between the wire and thus secured. Once the filaments are secured in the wire, they are cut to the correct length and profiled. Once the brush section is finished, the excess wire is trimmed off.

[0037] Preferably, materials of injected bristles do not form a material bond with other soft components and / or hard components and / or sustainable materials of the oral hygiene product during an injection molding process, in particular a two-component and / or multi-component injection molding. Instead, injected bristles are preferably connected to soft components and / or hard components by means of a positive connection, for example by means of at least one undercut and / or at least one opening and / or by means of at least partial overmolding, wherein a shrink connection and / or a shrink connection are particularly conceivable. However, a connection by means of at least one material bond is also conceivable. For all of the possible injection molding processes mentioned, one-, two-, and / or multi-component injection molding is fundamentally conceivable.As mentioned above, the materials used, especially different soft components and / or hard components, can be bonded and / or formed in a material-to-material and / or form-fitting manner. The creation of articulated, movable, or flexible connections using suitable injection molding steps is also conceivable. For example, hot runner processes, cold runner processes, and / or co-injection processes are generally possible.

[0038] Alternatively or in addition to a brush head equipped with bristles, the application unit can also comprise at least one tongue cleaner and / or at least one alternative cleaning and / or massaging element. These can each be formed from a soft component, a hard component, or a combination of soft and hard components and / or can advantageously be manufactured and / or produced by injection molding.

[0039] Preferably, injected bristles are formed at least partially and advantageously completely from a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE-II). The use of a modified polyurethane elastomer (TPE-II) is conceivable here, which can be modified in particular with regard to improved flow properties and / or rapid solidification, in particular rapid crystallization, advantageously even at higher temperatures. Of course, other materials for injected bristles are also conceivable, for example thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamide elastomers (TPE-A), polyethylene (PE), for example in the forms of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or the like. Materials for injected bristles advantageously have a Shore D hardness of at least 0 and particularly advantageously of at least 30 and / or of at most 100 and advantageously of at most 80.In particular, the Shore hardness of a material used for injected bristles is advantageously higher than the Shore hardness of other soft components used, for example, for handle elements, massage elements, other cleaning elements, or the like. The materials used for the production of injected bristles can be sustainable materials. The previously mentioned hard or soft components can also be used for injected bristles. In principle, the use of water-soluble polymers is also conceivable, for example, for hard components, soft components, injected bristles, or other elements of the oral hygiene product.

[0040] Likewise, sustainable materials, especially bioplastics, can be used for the hard component, the soft component, and / or the material for injected and / or conventionally extruded bristles. These materials can be obtained from renewable resources. Suitable raw materials include corn, hemp, sugar, castor oil, palm oil, potatoes, wheat, sugar cane, sugar beets, rice husks, rubber, wood, the castor oil plant, and the like. Possible base materials could include, for example, cellulose, starch, lactic acid (PLA), glucose, chitin, chitosan, lignin, casein, gelatin, or the like, from which corresponding bioplastics can be synthesized.

[0041] 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.

[0042] In this context, a "stimulation and / or massage element" is to be understood in particular as an element that is intended to massage and / or stimulate a surface, in particular a skin area, in particular a skin area in the oral cavity, of a user. Preferably, the stimulation and / or massage element is intended to stimulate and / or massage a user's gums and / or tongue during use of the oral hygiene product. In particular, the stimulation and / or massage element is intended to stimulate blood circulation in the user's gums during tooth cleaning. In addition, the stimulation and / or massage element can also at least partially assume a cleaning function of the oral hygiene product. The stimulation and / or massage element is formed in particular by a single element protruding from the base body of the application unit.The application unit preferably comprises a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements. The stimulation and / or massage element in particular comprises a stem. The stem is in particular directly connected to the base body of the application unit. The stem preferably extends away from the base body as an elongated element. The stem is preferably formed from a, in particular straight, cylindrical element. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the stem to be pointed. The stem consists in particular of a filament. The stem can preferably be hollow or filled. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the stem to have a wave shape, helical shape, or spiral shape along its main extent. In particular, the stem can have various roughnesses or surface structures.For example, it would be conceivable for geometric patterns, such as thickened portions, grooves, or the like, to be arranged on the surface. The trunk can have various cross-sectional shapes that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as round, in particular circular, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, polygonal, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, or rhombus-shaped. The trunk in particular has a closed, rounded, or n-sided cross-sectional shape. The trunk particularly preferably has a circular cross-section. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage element has a stimulation head. The stimulation head is in particular arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element. The stimulation head in particular forms a termination adjoining the trunk. The stimulation head preferably forms a spherical or mushroom-like termination.The stimulation head is, in particular, spherical or mushroom-shaped. In particular, the stimulation head has a round shape. The shape of the stimulation head is, in particular, not angular. Any edges or corners are rounded by melting. A transition between the stem and the stimulation head is, in particular, continuous. A transition is, in particular, free of edges with a very small radius at the transition.

[0043] Alternatively, the stimulation head is equipped with multiple ends, especially mini stimulation heads. This means that the stem splits toward its free end, so that multiple ends emerge from one stem. The shape of the respective ends can be as described.

[0044] The stimulation head and the stem are, in particular, connected in one piece. "Integral" is understood to mean, in particular, at least materially connected, for example, by a melting process, welding process, adhesive process, injection molding process, and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank.

[0045] It is further proposed that the stem be formed from an extruded bristle. Preferably, the entire stimulation and / or massage element is made from an extruded bristle. The stem consists in particular of an extruded filament. The stimulation and / or massage element consists in particular of a single material. However, it would also be conceivable for admixtures in the form of additives to be provided, such as, for example, whitening particles, charcoal, flavorings or the like. The stem is preferably made of polyamide or polyester. Preferably, the stem consists of one component. Alternatively, however, a two-component structure of the stem would also be conceivable. The stem can, for example, be produced in a co-extrusion, e.g. with a core and a shell, or from two parts arranged side by side in the cross-section made of two different components.For example, the stem can be constructed using the co-extrusion process with a core made of hard components and a shell made of soft components (preferred variant), or with a core made of soft components and a shell made of hard components. With this stem construction, the radius of the core is 40% to 95%, preferably 50% to 85%, of the total radius of the stem. The shell accordingly occupies the remaining part of the radius. Alternatively, a construction with two different colors or materials can influence the stimulation head during melting, for example, in terms of color or hardness. The stimulation head is preferably made of the same material as the stem.

[0046] Alternatively, however, it would also be conceivable for the stimulation head to consist of a soft component. This would, in particular, provide a stimulation and / or massage element that is advantageously easy to manufacture. Due to the design of the stimulation and / or massage element, existing fastening methods, particularly for toothbrush bristles, can preferably be used to fix the stimulation and / or massage element to the base body.

[0047] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation head of the stimulation and / or massage element is formed by a melting of the stem. The stimulation head is in particular formed from the material of the stem. The stimulation head is in particular formed by subsequently melting a tip or an end of the stem from the material of the stem. Preferably, with a stem diameter of 0.4 mm, a length of 1.4 mm of the stem is melted to produce the stimulation head. Of course, longer or shorter meltings can also be realized, wherein in each case, depending on the diameter of the stem, an additional volume of melt is created from which the stimulation head is formed. Preferably, to produce the stimulation head, a free end of the stem is melted by heating, in particular contactless heating.Contact heating could in particular result in the plastic sticking to the touch and forming threads. Heating is carried out in particular by means of a heating plate or by means of infrared radiation. If there are several stimulation and / or massage elements, the heating plate must be at the same distance from the ends of the stem so that these melt evenly and form uniform stimulation heads or crowns across the several stimulation and / or massage elements. To protect unaffected parts and to ensure targeted heat application, shielding elements can be provided during production to shield the heat. Alternatively or additionally, the heating elements can be designed in a focused manner. If there are several stimulation and / or massage elements, a bristle hole in the base body of the application unit must in particular be large enough to allow the stems to spread sufficiently.curl and form an angle between the stems. During the creation of the stimulation heads, the stems must not touch each other. If the stems are too close or essentially parallel and touch each other, the stimulation heads or even the stems will connect during heating. This makes it possible to provide, in particular, an advantageous one-piece stimulation and / or massage element. Therefore, after anchoring, the ends of the stems are preferably spaced at least twice the diameter of the stimulation heads.

[0048] The diameter of the bristle holes or recesses for the stimulation and / or massage elements must be selected for the anchor punching process so that, on the one hand, the stimulation and / or massage elements are well secured and, on the other hand, the desired spacing between the stems is achieved. The diameter of the bristle holes or recesses depends on the number of stimulation and / or massage elements and also the diameter of the respective stems. The diameter of the bristle holes can therefore be between 0.8 mm and 2.5 mm at the exit from the base body, preferably between 1.2 mm and 1.9 mm.

[0049] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element be formed in one piece. Advantageously, the term "one piece" should also be understood to mean "single piece." "One piece" should be understood, in particular, to mean "molded in one piece." This one piece is preferably produced from a single blank, a mass, and / or a cast, particularly preferably using an injection molding process, in particular a single- and / or multi-component injection molding process. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide a stimulation and / or massage element that can be advantageously produced.

[0050] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation head of the stimulation and / or massage element be injection-molded onto the stem of the stimulation and / or massage element. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable for the entire stimulation and / or massage element to be injection-molded, whereby in one embodiment, the stimulation head can also be injection-molded, thus eliminating the need for melting. In an alternative embodiment, the stem is injection-molded, and the stimulation head is formed by melting, as previously described.

[0051] The stimulation and / or massage element can be designed in the form of an injection-molded bristle. In a corresponding embodiment, the stem in particular has a collar so that it can be demolded. The final shape for the stimulation and / or massage element is in particular conical with a spherical or mushroom-shaped end. The stimulation and / or massage element can be manufactured directly on or together with the base body of the application unit. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage element can be manufactured separately and subsequently fixed by assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the stimulation head can consist of a different component than the stem, such as in particular a soft component. This requires in particular a different manufacturing method, whereby the stem and the stimulation head could in particular be designed in different components and / or colors.Furthermore, it could be possible, in particular, for the contacting part of the stimulation and / or massage element, i.e., in particular the stimulation head, to have a different, in particular lower, (Shore) hardness. This could, in particular, enable an advantageously variable design or an improved massage effect of the stimulation head.

[0052] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is connected to the main body of the application unit by means of punches, in particular anchor punches. The at least one stimulation and / or massage element is in particular fixed individually or as a group in a recess, i.e. in a bristle hole. Preferably, the application unit has a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, wherein the stimulation and / or massage elements are each fixed individually or in groups as a group in one or more bristle holes on the main body of the application unit. Fixing can be effected by means of anchors, by means of loops, without anchors, for example by melting, or by means of an assembly geometry. During anchor punching, in particular in a first step, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is provided alone or several stimulation and / or massage elements are provided as a bundle.The stem of the stimulation and / or massage element is then fixed in a recess or bristle hole using an anchor, and the stimulation head is then created by heating or melting. The stimulation and / or massage elements are then displaced, and other bristle bundles are fixed and processed, e.g., rounded, tapered, etc. Displacing the stimulation and / or massage elements can be omitted if the other bristle bundles are 6 mm or more longer than the stimulation and / or massage element. With this height difference, the rounding unit will not reach the respective stimulation and / or massage element. Alternatively, if ready-made stimulation and / or massage elements (i.e.If a method (i.e. the stimulation head is formed before the stimulation and / or massage elements are fixed to the brush head) is used, in particular the normal filaments, in particular bristles, are first punched and then processed and only then are the stimulation and / or massage elements fixed. Post-processing of the fixed stimulation and / or massage elements is no longer necessary. Alternatively, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element can be fixed or anchored in an anchorless process, e.g. using an AFT process. In an AFT process, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is provided in a first step. In the provided stimulation and / or massage element, the stem and the stimulation head are already formed, i.e. the stimulation head is shaped / formed before the anchoring process.In addition, the stimulation and / or massage element has a fastening section for attachment to the base body of the application unit. The stimulation and / or massage element and further bristle bundles are then fixed using an AFT process in the same or in successive process steps. The AFT process can in particular be carried out as standard. However, for the process, a bristle support plate used must in particular be adapted. A bristle hole in the bristle support plate for the at least one stimulation and / or massage element cannot be shaped as a straight cylinder. The bristle hole must form a tapered cone from the bristle side. Furthermore, the bristle hole has a cylindrical part adjoining the cone. The diameter of the cylindrical part is in particular insignificantly larger than the diameter of the stem.The conical part of the bristle hole serves as an insertion aid towards the cylindrical part, while the cylindrical part ensures sealing when melting the bristles. Furthermore, the AFT process requires special handling and insertion of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element into the matrix. The bristles and also the stimulation and / or massage elements are provided in a matrix before being inserted into the bristle holes. In this process, one or more bristles and / or one or more stimulation and / or massage elements are inserted into recesses / holes in a so-called matrix, from which they are later pressed out towards the bristle hole in the process, with the aforementioned conical part of the bristle hole serving for precise insertion.Additional plates can be provided between the matrix and the bristle hole to control the guidance of the one or more bristles and / or one or more stimulation and / or massage elements towards the bristle hole, for example by merging certain holes. Particular consideration must be given to the difficulty of handling an element with a stimulation head that is somewhat larger in diameter than the stem. For bundles with stimulation and / or massage elements and bristle bundles, a hole spacing (spacing of the recesses or bristle holes) of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, must be maintained. This allows the at least one stimulation and / or massage element to be fixed in a particularly advantageous manner, securely and easily. Existing or known fastening methods can in particular be used.

[0053] It is also proposed that the application unit has at least one cleaning element formed from a conventional, extruded bristle. Preferably, the application unit has a plurality of cleaning elements in the form of bristle filaments, which are combined to form a plurality of bristle bundles. Preferably, the bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements and the bristle bundles are designed separately. Optionally, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be mixed into the bristles and arranged in a bundle. The heights and lengths of the bristles and stimulation and / or massage elements can be identical or different. In particular, both the bristles and the stimulation and / or massage elements can be longer. The prerequisite for a corresponding variant is, in particular, that all bristles and stimulation and / or massage elements are prefabricated (i.e.the stimulation heads are formed before anchoring and the rounding or tapering of the bristles has already taken place) and do not require any post-fixation treatment. Alternatively, the bristles can be fully finished (e.g. rounded or tapered), whereas the stimulation and / or massage elements require post-treatment. For this to be possible, the stimulation and / or massage elements must be higher than the bristles so that the stimulation head can still be created by heating without damaging the bristles. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be fully finished, whereas the bristles still require post-treatment. For this to be possible, the stimulation and / or massage elements must be lower than the bristles so that the bristles can still be rounded without damaging the stimulation and / or massage elements.

[0054] In a bristle bundle with bristles and stimulation and / or massage elements, the number of bristles is preferably significantly greater than the number of stimulation and / or massage elements. Each bundle can contain 10-200 conventional, preferably 15-100, particularly preferably 20-60 bristle ends and 1-5, preferably 1-2, particularly preferably 1 stimulation and / or massage elements. The stated number refers to the usage-side ends of the bristles or the stimulation and / or massage elements. In addition to the stimulation and / or massage elements, the application unit can also have larger bristle bundles, so-called puck tufts or big tufts. These larger bristle bundles can be made from the bristles already mentioned, for example from tapered bristles and / or cylindrical bristles. Tapered bristles are preferably used.The cylindrical part of the bristles has a diameter of 0.075 to 0.175 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.15 mm. The size of the larger bristle bundle is between 10 and 50 mm. 2 , preferably between 12 mm 2 and 35 mm 2 Each larger bristle bundle contains between 500 and 10,000 bristles (corresponding to the number of bristle ends). Between 1 and 15, preferably between 3 and 12, larger bristle bundles are integrated into the bristle area, along with between 4 and 50, preferably between 6 and 32, stimulation and / or massage elements.

[0055] The at least one stimulation and / or massage element can, in particular, be post-processed. During post-processing, the stimulation head can be colored, for example, by dipping it in a fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the stimulation head can be provided with an oral care product, for example, by dipping it in a fluid. Alternatively, the stimulation head can be roughened, for example, by mechanical processing such as grinding.

[0056] In general, extruded bristles and stimulation and / or massage elements have different coefficients of friction during use. This means that their ends interact differently with the contacting surfaces, such as tooth surfaces, and also clean differently.

[0057] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element be arranged in at least one stimulation zone of the application unit, wherein the stimulation zone of the application unit is arranged on a front side of the application unit. In this context, a "stimulation zone" is to be understood in particular as a defined, imaginary zone, in particular a partial region of the cleaning region, in a head region, in particular in a cleaning region, of the application unit, wherein the zone is intended in particular to stimulate and / or massage the gums and / or tongue of a user during use of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, several bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements are arranged in the stimulation zone. Preferably, a predominant proportion of the bundles in the stimulation zone consist of stimulation and / or massage elements.Preferably, an entire cleaning area of ​​the application unit is divided into zones, wherein in particular at least one zone, preferably a plurality of zones, of the zones is formed by a stimulation zone, in particular a plurality of stimulation zones. In particular, only one stimulation zone or a plurality of stimulation zones can be provided. It would also be conceivable in particular for individual bundles with stimulation and / or massage elements to be distributed over the entire bristle field. The distribution can be either regular or random. Other elements on the brush head are in particular arranged around it. Preferably, the stimulation zone is arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit. In particular, at least one bundle with one or more stimulation and / or massage elements is arranged in the stimulation zone. The stimulation zones can preferably be arranged in a distributed manner.Furthermore, several stimulation zones can be adjacent to one another and form a larger stimulation zone group. Within a bundle of stimulation and / or massage elements, in particular all stimulation and / or massage elements are identical. The bundles therefore each consist of the same individual stimulation and / or massage elements. Preferably, the stimulation heads, i.e. the ends of the stimulation and / or massage elements per bundle, are all arranged at the same height. Alternatively, different stimulation and / or massage elements would also be conceivable within a bundle. Different total lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements could, for example, be made possible by asymmetric punching or stems of different lengths. Asymmetric or offset punching means that the anchor during anchor punching, i.e. in the anchor punching process, is not centered in the folded element, e.g.the folded bristle or the folded stimulation and / or massage element is attached. Due to the off-center attachment of the anchor, the two ends of the respective bristle or the respective stimulation and / or massage element protrude unequally. This means that the respective ends are at different distances from the anchor. Furthermore, the stems of the stimulation and / or massage elements could differ in diameter and thus in hardness or stiffness or in cross-sectional shape. The stimulation heads can differ in size or diameter or in shape. Furthermore, different colors of the stimulation and / or massage elements would also be conceivable. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve an advantageous arrangement of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element. It is also proposed that the stimulation zone be arranged at an upper end of the application unit.The cleaning area of ​​the application unit preferably has nine zones on a front side of the application unit, namely a first zone at the top left, a second zone at the top center, a third zone at the top right, a fourth zone at the center left, a fifth zone in the center, a sixth zone at the center right, a seventh zone at the bottom left, an eighth zone at the bottom center, and a ninth zone at the bottom right. The stimulation zone is preferably arranged at least in the first zone at the top left, the second zone at the top center, and / or the third zone at the top right. The stimulation zone is particularly preferably arranged at least in the second zone at the top center. In particular, another arrangement of the stimulation zone(s) that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable. In particular, the stimulation zone could be arranged in any of the described zones of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit.The stimulation and / or massage elements can in particular also be arranged in one or more stimulation zones, whereby the stimulation zones can be formed in directly adjacent zones. The stimulation zones can also be formed in non-adjacent zones. Finally, both a stimulation zone with stimulation and massage elements and other cleaning elements, for example bristle bundles with conventional bristles, can be arranged in one zone. The arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements or the bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements is in particular preferably symmetrical to the longitudinal axis. The stimulation and / or massage elements or the bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements are preferably arranged peripherally on the application unit in order to enable the gums to be reached by the stimulation and / or massage elements.Alternatively or additionally, an arrangement in combination with other cleaning elements would also be conceivable. For example, other cleaning elements or bundles of cleaning elements could extend around the stimulation and / or massage elements and / or alternate with them. Examples of cleaning elements include tapered bristles, cylindrical bristles, "tapered and rounded" T&R bristles (i.e., in particular, bristles that are tapered on one side while rounded on the other), and / or cleaning elements made of soft components.Examples of combinations of stimulation and / or massage elements with cleaning elements can be stimulation and / or massage elements and cylindrical bristles, stimulation and / or massage elements and tapered bristles, stimulation and / or massage elements and cylindrical and tapered bristles, stimulation and / or massage elements and cylindrical bristles and injected bristles and / or injected cleaning elements made of a soft component, or stimulation and / or massage elements and tapered bristles and injected bristles and / or injected cleaning elements made of a soft component. The stimulation and / or massage elements are preferably arranged individually or in multiples in bundles in specific stimulation zones. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be arranged in individual bundles arranged next to one another, in particular in the form of a group of bundles.The group of bundles can then in turn be arranged in specific zones or across multiple zones, thus forming one or more stimulation zones. The stimulation and / or massage elements can be uniform or different. For example, a height gradient can be achieved so that the stimulation and / or massage elements are not all at the same height. Alternatively or additionally, several groups of grouped bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements can be provided. The groups of grouped bundles of stimulation and / or massage elements can then in turn be arranged in a specific stimulation zone or across multiple zones. The grouped bundles can in particular be arranged in a line or in a circle, for example. In a circular arrangement, other elements can be enclosed or a center can remain free.In this way, in particular an advantageous arrangement of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element can be achieved.

[0058] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is arranged in at least one stimulation zone of the application unit and that the application unit has at least two cleaning zones, in each of which at least one cleaning element is arranged, wherein the stimulation zone is arranged between the at least two cleaning zones. In this context, a “cleaning zone” is to be understood in particular as a defined, imaginary zone, in particular a partial region of the cleaning region, in a head region, in particular in a cleaning region, of the application unit, wherein the zone is intended in particular to clean the teeth of a user during use of the oral hygiene product. Preferably, several bundles of cleaning elements are arranged in the cleaning zone. Preferably, a predominant proportion of the bundles in the stimulation zone consist of cleaning elements.Preferably, an entire cleaning area of ​​the application unit is divided into zones, wherein in particular at least one zone, preferably a plurality of zones, of the zones is formed by a cleaning zone, in particular a plurality of cleaning zones. Preferably, the cleaning zones are formed by the left and right zones of the cleaning area, while the stimulation zones are formed by the central zones. Alternatively, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is arranged in at least one stimulation zone of the application unit and that the application unit has at least one cleaning zone in which at least one cleaning element is arranged, wherein the at least one cleaning zone at least partially encompasses the at least one stimulation zone.Alternatively, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is arranged in at least two stimulation zones of the application unit and that the application unit has at least one cleaning zone in which at least one cleaning element is arranged, wherein the at least one cleaning zone is located between the at least two stimulation zones. Furthermore, various arrangements of the stimulation zones that would appear sensible to a person skilled in the art are conceivable. For example, it would be conceivable for the stimulation zones to be arranged at the top in the first, second and third zones, the first and third zones, or only in the second zone. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the stimulation zones to be arranged centrally in the fifth zone or in the fourth, fifth and sixth zones. Alternatively, it would be conceivable for the stimulation zones to be arranged centrally at the bottom in the fifth and eighth zones.Alternatively, it would be conceivable, for example, for the stimulation zones to be arranged at the bottom of the seventh, eighth, and ninth zones, in the seventh and ninth zones, or only in the eighth zone. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable, for example, for the stimulation zones to be arranged laterally in the first, third, fourth, sixth, seventh, and ninth zones, in the first, third, fourth, and sixth zones, in the fourth and sixth zones, or at corners in the first, third, seventh, and ninth zones. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve an advantageous arrangement of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element.The arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements in zones can be used for manual toothbrushes, for electric toothbrushes with oscillating oral hygiene brushes with a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, for electric toothbrushes with oscillating oral hygiene brushes with a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, and for electric toothbrushes with vibration drives. For manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes with oscillating oral hygiene brushes with a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis, and for electric toothbrushes with vibration drives, the base area is more oval or rectangular along the longitudinal axis, whereas for electric toothbrushes with oscillating oral hygiene brushes with a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the base area is preferably round or only slightly oval.

[0059] The arrangement examples shown can be directly transferred to the various applications or floor areas.

[0060] Furthermore, it is proposed that the application unit comprise at least a first stimulation and / or massage element having a first length and a second stimulation and / or massage element having a second length that is substantially different from the first length. Preferably, the first stimulation and / or massage element and the second stimulation and / or massage element are arranged in different stimulation zones. However, it would also be conceivable for the first stimulation and / or massage element and the second stimulation and / or massage element to be arranged in the same stimulation zone and / or the same bundle. Different total lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements could be made possible, for example, by asymmetrical or offset punching (as described above) or by using stems of different lengths.Furthermore, the stems of the stimulation and / or massage elements could differ in diameter and thus in hardness or cross-sectional shape. The stimulation heads can differ in size or diameter or in shape. Preferably, a length difference (measured from the exit from the application unit up to and including the stimulation head) between the first length and the second length is at least 5%, preferably at least 8%, and particularly preferably at least 12% of the shorter length. The stimulation and / or massage elements have, from the exit from the base body of the application unit to a free end, in particular a total length of 5 mm to 16 mm, preferably 8 mm to 13 mm. This makes it possible, in particular, to advantageously distributed stimulation.

[0061] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation head of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element be mushroom-shaped or spherical. However, other shapes are also conceivable. This allows, in particular, a beneficial massage and / or stimulation to be achieved.

[0062] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has at least two stimulation heads. Preferably, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a plurality of spheres per stimulation and / or massage element. The stimulation and / or massage element is designed in particular such that a total of 2 to 5, preferably 2 to 4 stimulation heads in the form of balls are located along the trunk. The stimulation heads do not just form a single sphere at the end. The stimulation heads can be at least partially injection-molded, for example. An uppermost stimulation head (i.e. at the end of the trunk) forms in particular a crown. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be conceivable to provide a plurality of trunks per stimulation and / or massage element. The trunks can in particular be brought together in such a way that they are close together at the ends or touch each other.The stems can be connected to a stimulation head by heating them.

[0063] By default, the stimulation and / or massage element is positioned essentially straight or perpendicular to the upper side of the base body or bristle support plate of the application unit. However, an arrangement in which the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is positioned at an angle to the base body of the application unit would also be conceivable.

[0064] The number of stimulation and / or massage elements per bundle is in particular 1 to 8, preferably 2 to 4. The number refers to the number of usage-side ends of the stimulation and / or massage elements.

[0065] The number of stimulation and / or massage elements on the application unit is in particular from 2 to 32, preferably from 4 to 24, particularly preferably 6 to 20. The distances between the stimulation heads of the stimulation and / or massage elements in the bundle are in particular from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm. The angles between the stems of the stimulation and / or massage elements in a bundle are in particular from 2° to 15°, preferably from 5° to 12°. Instead of being at an angle, the stems in a bundle can also be essentially parallel with a corresponding distance. In this case too, the distances between the stimulation heads of the stimulation and / or massage elements in the bundle are in particular from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0066] The number of bundles with stimulation and / or massage elements across the entire application unit is in particular from 2 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8.

[0067] It is further proposed that the stem of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element, in particular when mounted in the product, has a length of 2 mm to 15 mm. Preferably, the stem of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a length of 4 mm to 12 mm from the point where it exits the base body to the point where the stimulation head attaches. Preferably, the stem of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. This makes it possible to provide, in particular, an advantageous stimulation and / or massage element.

[0068] Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one stimulation head of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a diameter of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm. Preferably, the at least one stimulation head of the at least one stimulation and / or massage element has a diameter of 0.50 mm to 1 mm, particularly preferably 0.6 mm to 0.9 mm. In the case of a non-spherical shape, the dimensional range of the diameter can also be used as a range for the length and / or width of the stimulation head. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageous stimulation and / or massage element.

[0069] It is further proposed that a ratio between a diameter of a cleaning element in the brush head and a diameter of the stem of the stimulation and / or massage element be from 1:1.2 to 1:8. Preferably, the ratio is from 1:1.3 to 1:3, particularly preferably 1:1.5 to 1:2.5.

[0070] The stem of the stimulation and / or massage element is always larger in diameter than the conventional bristles of the cleaning elements. The ratio of these diameters is 1:1.5 to 1.8, preferably 1:1.7 to 1:6, particularly preferably 1:2 to 1:4. Differences in stiffness between stimulation and / or massage elements and / or between the at least one stimulation and / or massage element and the other cleaning elements arise in particular from the differences in diameter and / or cross-section. The stimulation and / or massage elements are in particular shorter than the cleaning elements so that optimal cleaning with the cleaning elements is possible without intervention by the stimulation and / or massage elements. The difference in length between the stimulation and / or massage elements and the cleaning elements is preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, more preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements and the cleaning elements can be of equal length, or the stimulation and / or massage elements can be longer. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements can also have different lengths, either in the same or in different bundles. This makes it possible to provide, in particular, an advantageous stimulation and / or massage element. In particular, a beneficial stimulation and / or massage effect can be achieved.

[0071] It is further proposed that the application unit comprise a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements and a plurality of cleaning elements, wherein the number of stimulation and / or massage elements corresponds to 0.3% to 4% of the number of cleaning elements. The number of stimulation and / or massage elements relative to the total number of bristle ends of the application unit is preferably from 0.3% to 4%, preferably from 0.45% to 3%. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide an advantageous stimulation and / or massage element. In particular, the application head can achieve an advantageous or balanced cleaning, stimulation, and / or massage effect.

[0072] It is further proposed that the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is provided for cleaning teeth and / or tongue. Preferably, the at least one stimulation and / or massage element is provided in addition to massaging gums. The at least one stimulation and / or massage element is particularly intended for use on a toothbrush. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements can also be used as a tongue cleaner or for local intensive treatment. In this case, the stimulation and / or massage elements are particularly shorter if they form a tongue cleaner or an intensive treatment part, in particular regardless of whether the tongue cleaner or the intensive treatment part is on the back of a toothbrush or whether it is designed as a tongue cleaner only or as an intensive treatment part only.When designed as a tongue cleaner or as an intensive treatment part, the stimulation and / or massage elements are arranged in particular on a surface of the base body of the application unit, wherein the arrangement can form a pattern, cover a large area, or can only be arranged partially. In a partial arrangement, the stimulation and / or massage elements can, for example, be arranged in a line, arrow, semicircle, or the like. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements are arranged over a large area distributed over the surface of the base body of the application unit. An arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements is particularly preferably symmetrical to the longitudinal axis, ie in particular to the extension of the handle unit.

[0073] Furthermore, the invention is based on a method for producing the oral hygiene product. It is proposed that the at least one stimulation head of the stimulation and / or massage element is produced by melting the stem. The stimulation head is formed in particular from the material of the stem. The stimulation head is formed in particular by subsequently melting a tip of the stem from the material of the stem. Preferably, with a stem diameter of 0.4 mm, a length of 1.4 mm of the stem is melted to produce the stimulation head. Of course, longer or shorter melting times can also be realized, wherein in each case, depending on the diameter of the stem, an additional volume of melt is created from which the stimulation head is formed. Preferably, to produce the stimulation head, a free end of the stem is melted by heating, in particular contactless heating.Contact heating could in particular result in the plastic sticking to the touch and forming threads. Heating is carried out in particular by means of a heating plate or by means of infrared radiation. If there are several stimulation and / or massage elements, the heating plate must be at the same distance from the ends of the stem so that these melt evenly and form uniform stimulation heads or crowns across the several stimulation and / or massage elements. To protect unaffected parts and to ensure targeted heat application, shielding elements can be provided during production to shield the heat. Alternatively or additionally, the heating elements can be designed in a focused manner. If there are several stimulation and / or massage elements, a bristle hole in the base body of the application unit must in particular be large enough to allow the stems to spread sufficiently.curl up and form an angle between the stems. During production of the stimulation heads, the stems must in particular not touch each other. In the method for producing the oral hygiene product, in particular one or more stimulation and / or massage elements are provided in at least one step. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements are fixed in the base body of the application unit. The stimulation and / or massage elements can be provided ready-made. The stimulation and / or massage elements are provided in the correct length with a spherical stimulation head already attached or realized for fixation. When fixing the stimulation and / or massage elements, precise assembly, i.e. in particular precise punching, is necessary. In particular, no post-processing takes place after assembly / punching.The stimulation and / or massage elements have, in particular, a fixing section at an end of the stem facing away from the stimulation head. The fixing section is intended, in particular, for direct connection to the base body of the application unit. A corresponding stimulation and / or massage element can, in particular, be directly fixed in place. One method of fixing is preferably anchorless, by melting, overmolding, gluing, or the like. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for two stimulation and / or massage elements to be connected to one another in one piece. In particular, two stimulation and / or massage elements can be connected via a common fixing section.A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element consists in particular of a first stimulation head, a first stem connected to the stimulation head, a fixing section connected to the stem, a second stem connected to the fixing section, and a second stimulation head connected to the second stem. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element can in particular be directly fixed in place. One method of fixing is preferably by means of anchor punches, loop punches, or the like. Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements can be provided as prefabricated elements. The stimulation and / or massage elements are manufactured in particular in the form of thicker bristles. In particular, a stem is supplied which is processed into a stimulation and / or massage element.The stimulation and / or massage elements have, in particular, a fixing section at an end of the stem facing away from the stimulation head. The fixing section is intended, in particular, for direct connection to the base body of the application unit. A corresponding stimulation and / or massage element can, in particular, be fixed directly in place. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for two stimulation and / or massage elements to be connected to one another in one piece. In particular, two stimulation and / or massage elements can be connected via a common fixing section. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element consists, in particular, of a first stimulation head, a first stem connected to the stimulation head, a fixing section connected to the stem, a second stem connected to the fixing section, and a second stimulation head connected to the second stem.A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element can, in particular, be directly and completely fixed. One method of fixation is preferably by means of anchor punches, loop punches, or the like. After fixation, the stimulation and / or massage elements are cut to length, possibly including an additional part for the stimulation head. The stimulation head is then created by melting, with the melting occurring, in particular, contactlessly through heating. Alternatively, the stimulation head can be created by attaching an additional material.

[0074] The oral hygiene product according to the invention is not intended to be limited to the applications and embodiments described above. In particular, to fulfill a function described herein, the oral hygiene product according to the invention may comprise a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein and / or any reasonable combination thereof. Furthermore, in the value ranges specified in this disclosure, values ​​within the stated limits are also to be considered disclosed and can be used arbitrarily.

[0075] Of course, the embodiments shown in this document are exemplary. Within the scope of the invention, the individual embodiments and elements of these embodiments can be combined with other embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. Drawings

[0076] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate seven exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0077] They show:

[0078] Fig. 1 A partial section of an oral hygiene product according to the invention with an application unit, which has several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D view from the front,

[0079] Fig. 2 shows a partial section of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view,

[0080] Fig. 3 shows a partial section of the oral hygiene product according to the invention with the application unit, which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic front view,

[0081] Fig. 4 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a ready state in a schematic 3D view from the front,

[0082] Fig. 5 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a ready state in a schematic side view,

[0083] Fig. 6 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a sectional view,

[0084] Fig. 7 the application unit with an indicated zone division in a schematic front view,

[0085] Fig. 8 shows a stimulation and / or massage element of an application unit of an alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a ready state in a schematic 3D view from the front, Fig. 9 shows the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a ready state in a schematic side view,

[0086] Fig. 10 shows the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a finished, installed state in a schematic 3D view,

[0087] Fig. 11 shows the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a finished, installed state in a schematic side view,

[0088] Fig. 12 shows the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a finished, installed state in a schematic sectional view,

[0089] Fig. 13 shows a partial section of another alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit having several stimulation and / or massage elements and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D view from the front,

[0090] Fig. 14 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view,

[0091] Fig. 15 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic front view,

[0092] Fig. 16 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a ready state in a schematic 3D view from the front,

[0093] Fig. 17 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a ready state in a schematic side view,

[0094] Fig. 18 shows one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a schematic 3D view from the front, Fig. 19 shows one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a schematic side view,

[0095] Fig. 20 one of the stimulation and / or massage elements of the application unit in a finished, installed state in a schematic sectional view,

[0096] Fig. 21 shows a partial section of another alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit having several stimulation and / or massage elements and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D view from the front,

[0097] Fig. 22 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view,

[0098] Fig. 23 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic front view,

[0099] Fig. 24 shows the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a ready state in a schematic 3D view from the front,

[0100] Fig. 25 shows the stimulation and / or massage element of the application unit of the further alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention in a ready state in a schematic side view,

[0101] Fig. 26 shows a partial section of another alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit having several stimulation and / or massage elements and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D view from the front,

[0102] Fig. 27 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view, Fig. 28 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic front view,

[0103] Fig. 29 shows a partial section of another alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit having several stimulation and / or massage elements and with a handle unit in a schematic 3D view from behind,

[0104] Fig. 30 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic side view,

[0105] Fig. 31 shows a partial section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with the application unit, which has the several stimulation and / or massage elements, and with the handle unit in a schematic rear view and

[0106] Fig. 32 shows an application unit of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention designed as an oscillating, electric toothbrush with a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis with an indicated zone division in a schematic front view.

[0107] Description of the embodiments

[0108] Figure 1 shows a front side 28a of an oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic perspective view. In the present case, the oral hygiene device 10a is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10a can be designed as a disposable toothbrush or as a replaceable-head toothbrush. Furthermore, the oral hygiene device 10a could be designed as a flosser, a single-tuft brush, an interdental cleaner, a tongue cleaner, or the like. Furthermore, combined oral hygiene devices 10a are conceivable, which combine at least two different functions, for example, a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massage elements, an interdental cleaner with a flosser, or the like. The oral hygiene device 10a has at least one application unit 12a. Furthermore, the oral hygiene device 10a has at least one handle unit 18a. The at least one handle unit 18a is made of a single material.The handle unit 18a consists of a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable for the handle unit 18a to be formed partly from a soft component and partly from a hard component. Generally, the design of the handle unit 18a with one or more hard components and / or one or more soft components is also possible.

[0109] Reference is made below to Figures 1 to 3, which show different views of the oral hygiene device 10a. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all figures and are therefore not provided with reference numerals in all figures. Figure 2 shows a side view of the oral hygiene device 10a. Figure 3 shows the front side 28a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic representation.

[0110] The oral hygiene device 10a has a longitudinal axis 32a, a height axis, and a width axis. The longitudinal axis 32a is arranged parallel to a main extension direction 34a of the oral hygiene device 10a. If the oral hygiene device 10a is placed with its back side on a flat surface so that the longitudinal axis 32a is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32a and perpendicular to the surface and the width axis. The width axis is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32a and perpendicular to the height axis. In the present case, the oral hygiene device 10a has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 32a and measured parallel to the support surface, of 130 mm to 210 mm and preferably of 180 mm to 200 mm.

[0111] The at least one application unit 12a has a head region 36a. The head region 36a forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10a. In the present case, the head region 36a is designed as a toothbrush head. The head region 36a has, in particular, a base body 14a designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12a has the base body 14a. The base body 14a is formed entirely from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable for the base body 14a to be formed from one or more hard components and one or more soft components. The base body 14a of the application unit 12a forms a bristle carrier. The head region 36a of the oral hygiene device 10a has, for example, a width of 8 mm to 17 mm and preferably of 10 mm to 15 mm. At least one recess 38a is formed on the front side 28a of the base body 14a.The at least one recess 38a is provided for receiving a bristle bundle 40a and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a. The application unit 12a has a plurality of bristle bundles 40a. The bristle bundles 40a each consist of a plurality of cleaning elements 24a. The cleaning elements 24a are formed from conventional bristles. Examples of cleaning elements 24a include tapered bristles, cylindrical bristles, and "tapered and rounded" bristles, i.e., in particular, bristles that are tapered on one side while the other side is rounded. In addition, cleaning elements 24a made of a soft component can be integrated into the application unit 12a. Furthermore, the application unit 12a has at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16a connected to the base body 14a. The application unit 12a has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16a connected to the base body 14a.The base body 14a has a plurality of recesses 38a. The recesses 38a are formed by bristle holes. For bristle bundles 40a and stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a, a hole spacing of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, must be maintained between the recesses 38a.

[0112] The cleaning elements 24a are fixed in the recesses 38a by means of an anchor wire. The anchor wire is formed in particular from a metallic anchor wire. In principle, however, a plastic anchor would also be possible. The structure of the head region 36a or the base body 14a is different in other bristle methods. In principle, the use of anchorless bristle methods would also be conceivable. This could provide an anchorless oral hygiene device 10a and thus an oral hygiene device 10a without metal, since the anchor wire can be omitted. In one case of an anchorless bristle method, a recess is provided in the head region 36a, which is intended to receive a plate parallel to the handle unit 18a. The plate is produced in particular by means of an injection molding process, wherein the plate is already bristled before attachment.The plate is intended to be anchored in the recess of the head region 36a, in particular by welding. Bristle bundles 40a can differ in terms of their length, composition, number of bristles, bristle material, color, surface structuring, and the like. Likewise, angles at which the cleaning elements 24a and / or the bristle bundles 40a are arranged relative to one another or to a surface of the base body 14a can vary between cleaning elements 24a and / or the bristle bundles 40a. Furthermore, the application unit 12a in the present case comprises a neck region 44a, which in particular connects the head region 36a to the handle unit 18a. The neck region 44a forms a neck.

[0113] The application unit 12a is arranged on the upper side of the oral hygiene device 10a. The application unit 12a forms an uppermost point of the oral hygiene device 10a. The application unit 12a is formed entirely from a hard component. However, it would also be conceivable for the application unit 12a to be formed partially from a soft component and partially from a hard component. With regard to suitable soft and / or hard components, reference is made to the above description. In principle, the application unit 12a can have at least one tongue cleaning element. The tongue cleaning element can in particular have knobs and / or lamellae. The tongue cleaning element is preferably arranged on the rear side of the head region 36a; in particular, it can be arranged on a ring made of a soft component and / or on an island made of a hard component.

[0114] The neck region 44a forms a transition between the application unit 12a and the handle unit 18a. The neck region 44a is formed from the hard component. The lower end of the neck region 44a is at least partially resilient.

[0115] The handle unit 18a is firmly connected to the application unit 12a. The handle unit 18a has a handle body. The handle unit 18a has at least one gripping surface, which forms a surface of the handle body. The gripping surface extends on the front side 28a from the neck region 44a to the lower end of the oral hygiene device 10a on the underside. The gripping surface forms, for example, a curved or concave shape along the longitudinal axis 32a. The curved shape is reversed along the longitudinal axis 32a on the rear side. The handle unit 18a is only partially shown.

[0116] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are identically designed. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is described below, although the description of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is also generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16a.

[0117] The stimulation and / or massage element 16a has a stem 20a and a stimulation head 22a, wherein a cross-section of the stimulation head 22a is enlarged compared to a cross-section of the stem 20a. The stem 20a and the stimulation head 22a are formed as a single piece. The stem 20a extends as an elongated element away from the base body 14a. The stem 20a is formed from a straight cylindrical element. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable for the stem 20a to be tapered. The stem 20a consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20a is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20a can have various cross-sectional shapes that appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, such as round, in particular circular, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, polygonal, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, or rhombus-shaped. The trunk 20a has, for example, a circular cross-section.The stimulation head 22a is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a. The stimulation head 22a forms a termination adjoining the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a forms a spherical or mushroom-like termination. The stimulation head 22a is spherical or mushroom-like. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is spherical. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a further has a fixing section 46a at an end of the stem 20a facing away from the stimulation head 22a. The fixing section 46a is provided for a direct connection to the base body 14a of the application unit 12a. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a is provided to be connected to the base body 14a of the application unit 12a by means of punches, in particular anchor punches. The fixing section 46a is connected to the base body 14a of the application unit 12a by means of anchor punches.

[0118] The stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a, particularly when mounted in the product, has a length of 2 mm to 15 mm. Preferably, the stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a has a length of 4 mm to 12 mm from the exit from the base body 14a to the attachment of the stimulation head 22a. Furthermore, the stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a has a diameter of 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a has a diameter of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a preferably has a diameter of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0119] A ratio between a diameter of a cleaning element 24a in the brush head and a diameter of the stem 20a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is from 1:1.2 to 1:8. Preferably, the ratio is from 1:1.3 to 1:3, particularly preferably from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a is always larger in diameter than the bristles of the cleaning elements 24a. Differences in stiffness between stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and / or between the at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16a and the further cleaning elements 24a result from the differences in diameter and / or cross-section.

[0120] The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage element 16a is formed by melting the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a is formed from the material of the stem 20a. The stimulation and / or massage element 16a is formed in one piece. The stimulation head 22a is formed by subsequently melting a tip of the stem 20a from the material of the stem 20a. Preferably, with a stem diameter of 0.4 mm, a length of 1.4 mm of the stem 20a is melted to produce the stimulation head 22a. To produce the stimulation head 22a, a free end of the stem 20a is melted by heating, in particular contactless heating. Heating is effected by means of a heating plate or infrared.If there are multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a, the heating plate must be at the same distance from the ends of the stems 20a so that they melt evenly and form uniform crowns across the multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. To protect unaffected parts and to ensure targeted heat application, shielding elements can be provided during production to shield the heat. Furthermore, the heating elements can be designed in a focused manner. If there are multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a in a recess 38a, the recess 38a for the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a in the base body 14a of the application unit 12a must be sufficiently large so that the stems 20a spread or curl sufficiently. In particular, the stems 20a must not touch each other during production of the stimulation heads 22a.The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are connected to the base body 14a as stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a by means of anchor punches. For this purpose, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are fixed in the fixing section 46a by means of an anchor 66a in one of the recesses 38a. The number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a is in particular 1 to 8, preferably 2 to 4. For the sake of clarity, only one stimulation and / or massage element 16a per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a is shown in the drawings. The number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a on the application unit 12a is in particular 2 to 32, preferably 4 to 24, particularly preferably 6 to 20.The spacing of the stimulation heads 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a in the stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a is in particular from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 2 mm. The angles of the stems 20a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a of a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a between one another are in particular from 2° to 15°, preferably from 5° to 12°. The number of stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a with stimulation and / or massage elements 16a across the entire application unit 12a is in particular from 2 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8. The oral hygiene device 10a of Figures 1 to 3 has, by way of example, nine stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a, each with a stimulation and / or massage element 16a.

[0121] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26a of the application unit 12a, wherein the stimulation zone 26a of the application unit 12a is arranged on a front side 28a of the application unit 12a. In particular, only one stimulation zone 26a or several stimulation zones 26a can be provided. The stimulation zones 26a are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12a. In the stimulation zones 26a, several stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a with several stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are arranged. The stimulation zones 26a are in particular free of bristle bundles 40a from conventional cleaning elements 24a. Within the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are of identical design.The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a therefore each consist of identical individual stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. The stimulation heads 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a are, for example, all arranged at the same height. Alternatively, different stimulation and / or massage elements 16a within a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42a would also be conceivable. Different total lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a could be achieved, for example, through asymmetrical punching or stems 20a of different lengths. Furthermore, the stems 20a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a could differ in diameter and thus in hardness or cross-sectional shape. The stimulation heads 22a can differ in size or diameter or in shape.

[0122] The stimulation zone 26a is arranged at an upper end of the application unit 12a. The cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12a has nine zones 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a (see Figure 7) on a front side 28a of the application unit 12a, namely a first zone 48a at the top left, a second zone 50a at the top center, a third zone 52a at the top right, a fourth zone 54a at the center left, a fifth zone 56a at the center, a sixth zone 58a at the center right, a seventh zone 60a at the bottom left, an eighth zone 62a at the bottom center, and a ninth zone 64a at the bottom right. The stimulation zone 26a in the first example in Figures 1 to 3 is arranged, for example, in the first zone 48a at the top left, the second zone 50a at the top center, and the third zone 52a at the top right. In particular, another arrangement of the stimulation zone 26a that would be considered appropriate by a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable.In particular, the stimulation zone 26a could be arranged in any of the described zones 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12a. The arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a or the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 32a. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a or the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a are arranged peripherally on the application unit 12a to enable the gums to be reached by the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. Alternatively or additionally, an arrangement in combination with other cleaning elements 24a would also be conceivable.

[0123] The application unit 12a has cleaning elements 24a formed from conventional bristles. The cleaning elements 24a or the bristle bundles 40a are arranged in the further zones 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a, in particular zones 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a four to nine. The further zones four to nine 54a, 56a, 58a, 60a, 62a, 64a form cleaning zones 30a.

[0124] The application unit 12a has a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and a plurality of cleaning elements 24a, wherein a number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a corresponds to 0.3% to 4% of a number of cleaning elements 24a. The number of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a to a total number of bristle ends of the application unit 12a is from 0.3% to 4%, preferably from 0.45% to 3%. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are shorter than the cleaning elements 24a so that optimal cleaning with the cleaning elements 24a is possible without engagement of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. A length difference between the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and the cleaning elements 24a is 1 mm to 4 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.Alternatively, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a and the cleaning elements 24a can also be of the same length, or the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a can be longer. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a can also have different lengths, either in the same or in different stimulation and / or massage bundles 42a.

[0125] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a serve to stimulate and / or massage the gums of a user. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a can, in particular, be provided in addition to cleaning the teeth.

[0126] In a method for producing the oral hygiene device 10a, a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are provided in at least one step. Furthermore, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are fixed in the base body 14a of the application unit 12a. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are provided as prefabricated elements. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are manufactured in the form of thicker bristles (Figures 4, 5). A stem 20a is supplied, which is processed into a stimulation and / or massage element 16a. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16a have the fixing section 46a at an end of the stem 20a facing away from the stimulation head 22a. The fixing section 46a corresponds to a partial section of the stem 20a. The fixing section 46a is intended for a direct connection to the base body 14a of the application unit 12a.The fixing section 46a is connected to the base body 14a in a fixing step. The connection between the stimulation and massage element 16a and the base body 14a of the application unit 12a is established in the recess 38a. One fixing method is by means of anchor punches (Figure 6), loop punches, or the like. After fixing, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a are cut to length, taking into account an additional section for the stimulation head 22a. The stimulation head 22a is then created by melting, with the melting occurring, in particular, in a contactless manner by heating. In the method for producing the oral hygiene device 10a, one stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is produced by melting the stem 20a of the respective stimulation and / or massage element 16a.The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is formed from the material of the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a is formed by subsequently melting a tip of the stem 20a from the material of the stem 20a. The stimulation head 22a forms a spherical tip of the stem 20a (Figure 6). With a stem diameter of 0.4 mm, a length of 1.4 mm of the stem 20a is melted to produce the stimulation head 22a of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16a. To produce the stimulation heads 22a, a free end of the stems 20a is preferably melted by contactless heating. Heating is effected using a heating plate or infrared. The heating plate must be at the same distance from the ends of the stems 20a so that they melt evenly and form uniform crowns across the multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a.To protect unaffected parts and to ensure targeted heat application, shielding elements can be provided during production to shield the heat. For the multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16a, the recess 38a in the base body 14a of the application unit 12a must be sufficiently large to allow the stems 20a to spread or curl sufficiently.

[0127] Further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in Figures 8 to 32. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, whereby with regard to identical components, features and functions, reference can be made to the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular to Figures 1 to 7. To distinguish the exemplary embodiments, the letter a in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1 to 7 has been replaced by the letters b to g in the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiments in Figures 8 to 32. With regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference can in principle also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular to Figures 1 to 7.

[0128] Figures 8 to 12 show an alternative stimulation and / or massage element 16b of an application unit 12b of an alternative oral hygiene product according to the invention.

[0129] The application unit 12b has a base body 14b and a bristle support plate 78b. The base body consists of a handle unit with a large recess in a head region 36b, which serves to accommodate a bristle support plate 78b. The bristle support plate 78b, once fully prepared and equipped, is inserted into the recess in the head region 36b of the handle unit 18b and firmly connected. The bristle support plate 78b has a plurality of recesses 38b. The recesses 38b are formed by bristle holes. The recesses 38b are provided for receiving a bristle bundle 40b and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42b. Preferably, the recesses 38b have a bevel at the inlet. The recesses 38b must form a tapered cone 72b from the bristle side. Furthermore, the recesses 38b have a cylindrical part 74b adjoining the cone 72b.The diameter of the cylindrical part 74b is in particular insignificantly larger than the diameter of a stem 20b of stimulation and / or massage elements 16b. The cylindrical part 74b must ensure sealing during the melting of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b. In the processing method described, bristle bundles are fixed in the correspondingly shaped recesses 38b in a known manner without anchors. Both the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b and the bristle bundles are fixed to the bristle support plate 78b by melting them from the back (the end that is being fixed). For bristle bundles and stimulation and / or massage bundles 42b, a hole spacing of between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.2 mm and 2 mm, must be maintained between the recesses 38b.After fixing the bristle bundles and the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b to the bristle support plate 78b, the bristle support plate 78b is fixed in the head region 36b of the handle unit 18b, for example by means of welding, in particular by means of ultrasound.

[0130] The application unit 12b has a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements 16b, with only one stimulation and / or massage element 16b being shown as an example. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are identically designed. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b is described below, although the description of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b is also generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16b.

[0131] The stimulation and / or massage element 16b has a stem 20b and a stimulation head 22b, wherein a cross-section of the stimulation head 22b is enlarged compared to a cross-section of the stem 20b. The stem 20b and the stimulation head 22b are formed as a single piece. The stem 20b extends as an elongated element away from the bristle support plate 78b. The stem 20b is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20b consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20b is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20b has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22b is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b. The stimulation head 22b forms a termination adjoining the stem 20b. The stimulation head 22b forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22b of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b is spherical.The stimulation and / or massage element 16b further has a fixing section 46b at an end of the stem 20b facing away from the stimulation head 22b. The fixing section 46b is provided for direct connection to the bristle support plate 78b of the application unit 12b. A fixing method is preferably anchorless, such as melting, overmolding, gluing, or the like. The stimulation and / or massage element 16b is provided for connection to the bristle support plate 78b using an AFT process, which in turn is subsequently connected to the base body 14b of the application unit 12b. The fixing section 46b is connected to the bristle support plate 78b of the application unit 12b using the AFT process. The stimulation head 22b of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b is, for example, molded or melted onto the stem 20b of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b.The stimulation head 22b is molded or melted onto a tip of the stem 20b. Additionally or alternatively, the stimulation head 22b can consist of a different component than the stem 20b, such as, in particular, a soft component. The stem 20b and the stimulation head 22b can, in particular, be formed in different colors. Furthermore, it could be possible, in particular, for the contacting part of the stimulation and / or massage element 16b, i.e., the stimulation head 22b, to have a different, in particular lower, hardness.

[0132] In contrast to the first and third exemplary embodiments, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are provided prefabricated. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are supplied in the correct length with the spherical stimulation head 22b already attached or realized (Figures 8 and 9). When fixing the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b, precise assembly, i.e., precise fixing, is particularly necessary. In particular, no post-processing is required. A corresponding stimulation and / or massage element 16b can, in particular, be fixed directly in place. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16b are fixed by melting.For this purpose, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16b with the fixing section 46b are guided through the recesses 38b of the bristle support plate 78b and then fused on the back, in particular by the action of heat, at a free end of the fixing section 46b, for example to form a fixing mushroom 76b (Figures 10 and 12).

[0133] Figure 13 shows a front side 28c of an oral hygiene device 10c in a schematic perspective view. In this case, the oral hygiene device 10c is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10c has at least one application unit 12c.

[0134] The at least one application unit 12c has a head region 36c. The head region 36c forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10c. The head region 36c has, in particular, a base body 14c designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12c has the base body 14c. A plurality of recesses 38c are formed on the front side 28c of the base body 14c. The recesses 38c are provided for receiving bristle bundles 40c and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42c. The application unit 12c has a plurality of bristle bundles 40c. The bristle bundles 40c each consist of a plurality of cleaning elements 24c. The cleaning elements 24c are formed from conventional bristles.

[0135] The application unit 12c has a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements 16c. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are identically designed. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c is described below, although the description of the stimulation and / or massage element 16c is also generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16c.

[0136] The stimulation and / or massage element 16c has a stem 20c and a stimulation head 22c, wherein a cross-section of the stimulation head 22c is enlarged compared to a cross-section of the stem 20c. The stem 20c and the stimulation head 22c are formed in one piece. The stem 20c extends as an elongated element away from the base body 14c. The stem 20c is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20c consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20c is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20c has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22c is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16c. The stimulation head 22c forms a termination adjoining the stem 20c. The stimulation head 22c forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22c of the stimulation and / or massage element 16c is spherical.The stimulation and / or massage element 16c further has a fixing section 46c at an end of the stem 20c facing away from the stimulation head 22c. The fixing section 46c is provided for direct connection to the base body 14c of the application unit 12c. The stimulation and / or massage element 16c is provided to be connected to the base body 14c of the application unit 12c by means of punches, in particular anchor punches. The fixing section 46c is connected to the base body 14c of the application unit 12c by means of anchor punches.

[0137] The stimulation head 22c of the stimulation and / or massage element 16c is formed by melting the stem 20c. The stimulation head 22c is formed from the material of the stem 20c. The stimulation and / or massage element 16c is formed in one piece. The stimulation head 22c is formed by subsequently melting a tip of the stem 20c from the material of the stem 20c.

[0138] In this exemplary embodiment, two stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are always connected to one another in one piece. Two stimulation and / or massage elements 16c of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are always connected to one another via a common fixing section 46c. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element 16c consists of a first stimulation head 22c, a first stem 20c connected to the stimulation head 22c, a fixing section 46c connected to the stem 20c, a second stem 20c connected to the fixing section 46c, and a second stimulation head 22c connected to the second stem 20c. A double stimulation and / or massage element 16c can be directly and completely fixed (Figures 16 and 17). One method of fixing is preferably by means of anchor punches, loop punches, or the like.The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are connected to the base body 14c as stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c by means of anchor punches. For this purpose, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are fixed in the fixing section 46c by means of an anchor 66c in one of the recesses 38c (Figures 18 to 20).

[0139] In particular, it would be conceivable for the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c to have at least two stimulation heads 22c. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c can preferably have multiple spheres per stimulation and / or massage element 16c. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are designed in particular such that a total of 2 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, stimulation heads 22c in the form of spheres are located along the stem 20c. The stimulation heads 22c do not form a single sphere at the end. The stimulation heads 22c can be at least partially molded or fused, for example.

[0140] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26c of the application unit 12c, wherein the stimulation zone 26c of the application unit 12c is arranged on a front side 28c of the application unit 12c. In particular, only one stimulation zone 26c or several stimulation zones 26c can be provided. The stimulation zones 26c are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12c. In the stimulation zones 26c, several stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c with several stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are arranged. The stimulation zones 26c are in particular free of bristle bundles 40c from conventional cleaning elements 24c. However, a mixed arrangement would also be conceivable. Within the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c of stimulation and / or massage elements 16c, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16c are of identical design.The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c therefore each consist of identical, double stimulation and / or massage elements 16c. The stimulation heads 22c of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42c are, for example, all arranged at the same height. Alternatively, different stimulation and / or massage elements 16c within a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42c would also be conceivable. Different total lengths of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16c could be achieved, for example, through asymmetric punching. For example, it would be conceivable for the application unit 12c to have a first stimulation and / or massage element 16c having a first length and a second stimulation and / or massage element 16c having a second length that is significantly different from the first length.

[0141] Two stimulation zones 26c are provided. The stimulation zones 26c each consist of a group of grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c of stimulation and / or massage elements 16c. The stimulation zones 26c are arranged centrally. The stimulation zones 26c are surrounded by cleaning elements 24c. The application unit 12c has at least one cleaning zone 30c, in which the cleaning elements 24c or the bristle bundles 40c are arranged, wherein the at least one cleaning zone 30c at least partially encompasses the stimulation zones 26c. The stimulation zones 26c are surrounded by the at least one cleaning zone 30c. The grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c of the stimulation zones 26c are each arranged, for example, in a circle. The grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c of the stimulation zones 26c each form a ring of stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c.In a circular arrangement, other elements, such as cleaning elements 24c in particular, can be enclosed, or a center can remain free. In the present example, a center of the rings of grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c is free of further elements, such as cleaning elements 24c in particular. The stimulation zones 26c each consist of three to eight grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c. The stimulation zones 26c each consist, for example, of five grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42c.

[0142] Figure 21 shows a front side 28d of an oral hygiene device 10d in a schematic perspective view. In this case, the oral hygiene device 10d is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10d has at least one application unit 12d.

[0143] The at least one application unit 12d has a head region 36d. The head region 36d forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10d. The head region 36d has, in particular, a base body 14d designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12d has the base body 14d. A plurality of recesses 38d are formed on the front side 28d of the base body 14d. The recesses 38d are provided for receiving bristle bundles 40d and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42d. The application unit 12d has a plurality of bristle bundles 40d. The bristle bundles 40d each consist of a plurality of cleaning elements 24d. The cleaning elements 24d are formed from conventional bristles.

[0144] The application unit 12d has several stimulation and / or massage elements 16d. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are identically designed. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16d is described below, although the description of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d is also generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16d.

[0145] The stimulation and / or massage element 16d has a stem 20d and a stimulation head 22d, wherein a cross-section of the stimulation head 22d is enlarged compared to a cross-section of the stem 20d. The stem 20d and the stimulation head 22d are formed in one piece. The stem 20d extends as an elongated element away from the base body 14d. The stem 20d is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20d consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20d is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20d has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22d is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d. The stimulation head 22d forms a termination adjoining the stem 20d. The stimulation head 22d forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22d of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d is spherical.The stimulation and / or massage element 16d further has a fixing section 46d at an end of the stem 20d facing away from the stimulation head 22d. The fixing section 46d is provided for direct connection to the base body 14d of the application unit 12d.

[0146] The stimulation head 22d of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d is, for example, molded or fused onto the stem 20d of the stimulation and / or massage element 16d. The stimulation head 22d is molded or fused onto a tip of the stem 20d. Additionally or alternatively, the stimulation head 22d can consist of a different component than the stem 20d, such as, in particular, a soft component.

[0147] In this exemplary embodiment, two stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are always connected to one another in one piece. Two stimulation and / or massage elements 16d of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are always connected to one another via a common fixing section 46d. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element 16d consists of a first stimulation head 22d, a first stem 20d connected to the stimulation head 22d, a fixing section 46d connected to the stem 20d, a second stem 20d connected to the fixing section 46d, and a second stimulation head 22d connected to the second stem 20d. A double stimulation and / or massage element 16d can be fully fixed directly (Figures 24, 25).

[0148] In contrast to the first and third embodiments, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are provided pre-assembled. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are supplied as double stimulation and / or massage elements 16d in the correct length with spherical stimulation heads 22d already attached or realized (Figures 24 and 25).

[0149] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are at an angle to the base body 14d of the application unit 12d. The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d each have the same angle to the base body 14d. The angle is in particular between 60° and 85°, preferably between 65° and 80°. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26d of the application unit 12d, wherein the stimulation zone 26d of the application unit 12d is arranged on a front side 28d of the application unit 12d. In particular, only one stimulation zone 26d or several stimulation zones 26d can be provided. The stimulation zones 26d are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12d. Several stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d with several stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are arranged in the stimulation zones 26d.The stimulation zones 26d are, in particular, free of bristle bundles 40d from conventional cleaning elements 24d. However, a mixed arrangement would also be conceivable. Within the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d of stimulation and / or massage elements 16d, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are identically designed. The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d therefore each consist of identical, duplicate stimulation and / or massage elements 16d. The stimulation heads 22d of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16d per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42d are, for example, all arranged at the same height.

[0150] The stimulation zone 26d is arranged in three zones, namely a second zone 50d, a fifth zone 56d, and an eighth zone 62d. The stimulation zones 26d consist of a group of grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d made up of stimulation and / or massage elements 16d. The stimulation zones 26d are arranged centrally. The stimulation zones 26d are partially surrounded by cleaning elements 24d. The application unit 12d has at least one cleaning zone 30d, in which the cleaning elements 24d or the bristle bundles 40d are arranged. The grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d of the stimulation zones 26d are arranged, for example, in a linear fashion. The grouped stimulation and / or massage bundles 42d extend over several stimulation zones 26d. The stimulation zones 26d are arranged between the cleaning zones 30d.The cleaning zones 30d are formed by left and right zones 48a, 52a, 54a, 58a, 60a, 64a of the cleaning area, while the stimulation zones 26d are formed by the central zones 50d, 56d, 62d. Zone 50d is a combined cleaning and stimulation zone. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are, for example, fixed transversely, so that at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16d is arranged on the left and at least one stimulation and / or massage element 16d is arranged on the right in the recesses 38d. The left and right stimulation and / or massage elements 16d are formed, in particular, by a double stimulation and / or massage element 16d (Figure 23).

[0151] Figure 26 shows a front side 28e of an oral hygiene device 10e in a schematic perspective view. In this case, the oral hygiene device 10e is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10e has at least one application unit 12e.

[0152] The at least one application unit 12e has a head region 36e. The head region 36e forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10e. The head region 36e has, in particular, a base body 14e designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12e has the base body 14e. A plurality of recesses 38e are formed on the front side 28e of the base body 14e. The recesses 38e are provided for receiving bristle bundles 40e and / or a stimulation and / or massage bundle 42e. The application unit 12e has a plurality of bristle bundles 40e. The bristle bundles 40e each consist of a plurality of cleaning elements 24e. The cleaning elements 24e are formed from conventional bristles.

[0153] The application unit 12e has a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements 16e. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are identically designed. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16e is described below, although the description of the stimulation and / or massage element 16e is also generally applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16e.

[0154] The stimulation and / or massage element 16e has a stem 20e and a stimulation head 22e, wherein a cross-section of the stimulation head 22e is enlarged compared to a cross-section of the stem 20e. The stem 20e and the stimulation head 22e are formed as a single piece. The stem 20e extends as an elongated element away from the base body 14e. The stem 20e is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20e consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20e is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20e has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22e is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16e. The stimulation head 22e forms a termination adjoining the stem 20e. The stimulation head 22e forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22e of the stimulation and / or massage element 16e is spherical.The stimulation and / or massage element 16e further has a fixing section 46e at an end of the stem 20e facing away from the stimulation head 22e. The fixing section 46e is provided for direct connection to the base body 14e of the application unit 12e.

[0155] In this exemplary embodiment, two stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are always connected to one another in one piece. Two stimulation and / or massage elements 16e of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are always connected to one another via a common fixing section 46e. A corresponding double stimulation and / or massage element 16e consists of a first stimulation head 22e, a first stem 20e connected to the stimulation head 22e, a fixing section 46e connected to the stem 20e, a second stem 20e connected to the fixing section 46e, and a second stimulation head 22e connected to the second stem 20e.

[0156] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are arranged in at least one stimulation zone 26e of the application unit 12e, wherein the stimulation zone 26e of the application unit 12e is arranged on a front side 28e of the application unit 12e. In particular, only one stimulation zone 26e or multiple stimulation zones 26e can be provided. The stimulation zones 26e are arranged in a cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12e. In this exemplary embodiment, exactly one stimulation and / or massage bundle 42e with multiple stimulation and / or massage elements 16e is arranged in the stimulation zones 26e. The stimulation zones 26e are, in particular, free of bristle bundles 40e from conventional cleaning elements 24e. However, a mixed arrangement would also be conceivable.Within the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42e comprising stimulation and / or massage elements 16e, all stimulation and / or massage elements 16e are identically configured. The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42e therefore each consist of identical, duplicate stimulation and / or massage elements 16e. The stimulation heads 22e of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16e per stimulation and / or massage bundle 42e are all arranged, for example, at the same height. Six stimulation zones 26e are provided. The stimulation zones 26e are distributed along an outer edge of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12e. For example, three stimulation zones 26e are arranged on a left edge and three stimulation zones 26e on a right edge (Figure 28). The stimulation zones 26e form parts of zones 48e, 52e, 54e, 58e, 60e, and 64e.

[0157] Figure 29 shows a rear side 68f of an oral hygiene device 10f in a schematic perspective view. In this case, the oral hygiene device 10f is designed as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10f has at least one application unit 12f.

[0158] The at least one application unit 12f has a head region 36f. The head region 36f forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10f. The head region 36f has, in particular, a base body 14f designed as a bristle carrier. The application unit 12f has the base body 14f. A plurality of recesses are formed on a front side 28f of the base body 14f. The recesses are provided for receiving bristle bundles 40f. The application unit 12f has a plurality of bristle bundles 40f. The bristle bundles 40f each consist of a plurality of cleaning elements 24f. The cleaning elements 24f are formed from conventional bristles. Furthermore, a plurality of recesses 70f are formed on the rear side 68f of the base body 14f. The recesses 70f are provided for receiving stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f.The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f consist of one or more stimulation and / or massage elements 16f. The stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f each consist, for example, of one stimulation and / or massage element 16f.

[0159] The application unit 12f has a plurality of stimulation and / or massage elements 16f. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are identically designed. Only one of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16f is described below, whereby the description of the stimulation and / or massage element 16f is generally also applicable to the other stimulation and / or massage elements 16f.

[0160] The stimulation and / or massage element 16f has a stem 20f and a stimulation head 22f, wherein a cross-section of the stimulation head 22f is enlarged compared to a cross-section of the stem 20f. The stem 20f and the stimulation head 22f are formed in one piece. The stem 20f extends as an elongated element away from the base body 14f. The stem 20f is formed from a straight cylindrical element. The stem 20f consists in particular of a filament. The stem 20f is formed from an extruded bristle. The stem 20f has a circular cross-section. The stimulation head 22f is arranged at a free end of the stimulation and / or massage element 16f. The stimulation head 22f forms a termination adjoining the stem 20f. The stimulation head 22f forms a spherical termination. The stimulation head 22f of the stimulation and / or massage element 16f is spherical.The stimulation and / or massage element 16f further comprises a fixing section 46f at an end of the stem 20f facing away from the stimulation head 22f. The fixing section 46f is provided for direct connection to the base body 14f of the application unit 12f.

[0161] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are arranged in a stimulation zone 26f of the application unit 12f, wherein the stimulation zone 26f of the application unit 12f is arranged on the rear side 68f of the application unit 12f. In particular, only one stimulation zone 26f or several stimulation zones 26f can be provided. The application unit 12f has, for example, one stimulation zone 26f. The stimulation zone 26f is arranged on a rear side 68f of the application unit 12f facing away from the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12f. In the stimulation zone 26f, for example, seven stimulation and / or massage bundles 42f are arranged, each with, for example, one stimulation and / or massage element 16f. The stimulation zone 26f is, in particular, free of bristle bundles 40f from conventional cleaning elements 24f. The stimulation zone 26f is arranged at an upper end of the application unit 12f.

[0162] The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are provided for cleaning the tongue. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f form a tongue cleaner. The stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are shorter when they form a tongue cleaner, in particular regardless of whether the tongue cleaner is on the back 68f of a toothbrush or whether it is designed as a tongue cleaner only. When designed as a tongue cleaner, the stimulation and / or massage elements 16f are arranged on the back 68f of the base body 14f of the application unit 12f, whereby the arrangement can form a pattern, cover a large area, or be arranged only partially. An arrangement of the stimulation and / or massage elements 16f is symmetrical to the longitudinal axis 32f.

[0163] Figure 32 shows an application unit 12g of an oral hygiene device 10g, which is formed by an oscillating, electric toothbrush with a rotation axis 82g perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 32g of the oral hygiene device 10g. The application unit 12g has a base body 14g and a bristle carrier 80g rotatably mounted on the base body 14g. Figure 32 shows an indicated zone division for the bristle carrier 80g in a schematic front view. Shown is the zone division into nine zones 48g, 50g, 52g, 54g, 56g, 58g, 60g, 62g, 64g for an oscillating electric toothbrush. The arrangements can occur in the same zones as are possible for the manual toothbrush, as explained, for example, with reference to Figure 7.

[0164] The application unit 12g has, for example, at least one stimulation zone and one cleaning zone. In particular, the stimulation zone and the cleaning zone can be arranged in any of the described zones 48g, 50g, 52g, 54g, 56g, 58g, 60g, 62g, 64g of the cleaning area of ​​the application unit 12g. An arrangement of stimulation and / or massage elements 16g or the stimulation and / or massage bundles 42g of stimulation and / or massage elements 16g is in particular symmetrical to the rotation axis 82g.

[0165] The descriptions given for specific figures can of course also be transferred to other figures that show the same or similar characteristics and in which the characteristics are not described in the same detail.

[0166] List of reference symbols

[0167] 10 oral hygiene products

[0168] 12 Application unit

[0169] 14 basic bodies

[0170] 16 Stimulation and / or massage element

[0171] 18 Handle unit

[0172] 20 tribe

[0173] 22 Stimulation head

[0174] 24 cleaning element

[0175] 26 Stimulation zone

[0176] 28 Front

[0177] 30 cleaning zone

[0178] 32 Longitudinal axis

[0179] 34 Main direction of extension

[0180] 36 Head area

[0181] 38 recess

[0182] 40 bundles of bristles

[0183] 42 stimulation and / or massage bundles

[0184] 44 Neck area

[0185] 46 Fixing section

[0186] 48 Zone

[0187] 50 zone

[0188] 52 Zone

[0189] 54 Zone

[0190] 56 Zone

[0191] 58 Zone Zone

[0192] Zone

[0193] Zone

[0194] anchor

[0195] back

[0196] recess

[0197] cone

[0198] Part

[0199] Fixing mushroom

[0200] Bristle support plate

[0201] Bristle carrier

[0202] axis of rotation

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8.

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

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

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

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

Images