This divisional application is to be 03826348.3 based on application number, and the applying date is on April 22nd, 2003, and denomination of invention isThe divisional application that the Chinese patent application of " for the brush of electric toothbrush " proposes.
Brief description of the drawings
Describe the present invention in detail by means of accompanying drawing below. Illustrate especially simply at this:
Fig. 1 a, b illustrates three teeth with side view and top view, for representing desired motion;
Fig. 2 illustrates a brush, and it has a rotatably connected bristle supports, and this support has usualBristle and the brush silk coming to a point;
Fig. 3 illustrates a brush, and it has one around the swingable bristle supports of longitudinal axis, and this support has usualBristle and the brush silk coming to a point;
Fig. 4 illustrates a brush, it has the bristle supports of a vibration, and this support has usual bristle and comes to a pointBrush silk;
Fig. 5 a-c illustrates a brush, and it has the bristle supports of body more than;
Fig. 6 a-d illustrates the preferred arrangements structure of the brush tow coming to a point on a brush;
Fig. 7 illustrates a bristle supports, and it has the brush tow coming to a point;
Fig. 8 illustrates a bristle supports, and it has the brush tow that comes to a point and usual bristle tuft;
Fig. 9 a, b illustrates a bristle usual and that come to a point;
Figure 10 a-e illustrates to have the difform brush tow coming to a point;
Figure 10 f, g illustrates to have the differently contoured brush tow coming to a point;
Figure 11 a-e illustrates the brush with the different brush silk profiles that comes to a point with side view;
Figure 12 illustrates that one has according to the brush of the bristle tuft of Figure 10 a.
Detailed description of the invention
Fig. 1 a, b illustrates three teeth 1 in a denture with side view and top view, has betwixt teeth space 2. ByRemaining accompanying drawing provides the example of the brush 3 with the brush silk 5 coming to a point.
Brush silk 5 by coming to a point preferably realize along denture X to little move and perpendicular, in teeth planeY-direction and the slightly larger motion in the Z-direction perpendicular to teeth plane. Should avoid along X to too large moving becauseThis motion causes a large mechanical load (whiplash effect) of the brush silk 5 coming to a point. Therefore make the desired brush silk 5 that comes to a pointMotion is extended on the whole width b1 of teeth space 2 and along tooth side 1a, width b2 and the b3 of 1b bring extension. Width b1Conventionally be about 2mm, width b2, b3 are about respectively 5mm.
In order to reach a better cleaning action with manual cleansing phase ratio, described brush 3 is driven like this, makes to come to a pointBrush silk 5 reach per minute more than the motion of 1000 times, especially more than the motion of 5000 times. When manually clean whole clearDuring clean process, be obviously less than the motion of 1000 times. When each motion, the tip 5a of the bristle that comes to a point is with respect to staticTooth moves one apart from d (, not having the stack of the cleaning movement of possible manual enforcement). For the brush silk 5 that makes to come to a point is at thisWhen the reciprocating motion of individual high frequency on tooth surface especially at tooth surface 1a, while conversion between 1b and tooth intermediate space, do not bearThe load of degree, the stroke d of the tip 5a of described brush silk 5 is less than predetermined range dmax, be preferably less than 3mm. This numerical value baseThis can not damage tip 5a ground cleaning teeth intermediate space best thus corresponding to the size of large tooth intermediate space 2.Reduce the injured danger of gum by the motion of controlling and retrain tip 5a.
At the range d of tip 5a described in a favourable expansion structuremaxDepend on the direction of motion, wherein at brushRange d on 3 longitudinal LMax, longitudinallyPreferably be less than perpendicular range dMax, laterally. Longitudinal L of described brush 3 existsThe X that corresponds essentially to denture in use to, in the motion of bristle described in denture due to Ya-Ya transition and the bristle that causes thusLoad best restrained. Consider thus the geometry of tooth and allow more real than the larger skew of the direction perpendicular to Y-direction and Z-direction groundExisting one along tooth intermediate space 2, i.e. moving in Y-direction and Z-direction. Preferably dmax，laengFor 3mm (X to), and dMax, laterallyFor5mm (Y-direction, Z-direction).
Fig. 2-4 and 5a-c illustrate the different examples of brush, and it has one by usual bristle 6 and 5 groups of the brush silks coming to a pointThe hair brush area becoming. Described bristle 5,6 is arranged in a bristle supports 4 to restraint 5 ', 6 ' respectively. By usual bristle 6 structuresBecome bundle 6 ' represented by an open circles, the bundle 5 ' being formed by the brush silk 5 coming to a point by one have a point circle represent.
For the brush 3 shown in Fig. 2, described bristle supports 4 is prolonged transverse to bristle supports 4 around one with brush 3The rotation D stretching rotates back and forth to connect. There is an applicable drive unit (not shown) here for this reason. Be in operationReach a maximum anglec of rotation α. The described brush silk 5 coming to a point is arranged in bristle supports like this, makes it in bristle supportsExit point and rotation D between ultimate range rmaxFor: rmax＝dmax180 °: (π α), wherein dmaxAbove-mentionedLarge stroke. (reversal point spacing replaces arc length) is r approxmax＝dmax: (2sin (α/2)). Preferably dmax＝3mm。
The anglec of rotation of electric toothbrush on market at present can reach 70 °. The diameter of described brush 3 is generally less than 20mm.The motion of described tip 5a increases along with radius or with the distance of rotation. Form below provides the numerical value of some strokes,Stroke has been considered the relation of the anglec of rotation and radius. The travel values of gray background belongs to according to the present invention for dmax＝3mmRadius/anglec of rotation numerical value pair (the d allowingmax=reversal point spacing)
| Radius (mm) | α＝10° | α＝20° | α＝30° | α＝40° | α＝50° | α＝60° | α＝70° |
| 1 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
| 2 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.3 |
| 3 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
| 4 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 2.1 | 2.7 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 4.6 |
| 5 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 2.6 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.7 |
| 6 | 1.0 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.9 |
| 7 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.9 | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| 8 | 1.4 | 2.8 | 4.1 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 8.0 | 9.2 |
| 9 | 1.6 | 3.1 | 4.7 | 6.2 | 7.6 | 9.0 | 10.3 |
| 10 | 1.7 | 3.5 | 5.2 | 6.8 | 8.5 | 10.0 | 11.5 |
This form illustrates, in the time of the little anglec of rotation, whole brush 3 can be furnished with the bristle 5 coming to a point in principle, and in large rotation, need only a central segment 7 when at the angle and be furnished with the bristle 5 coming to a point.
Fig. 3 illustrates a brush 3, and it swung around a longitudinal axis L in when work, and therefore this brush 3 is carried out one and wavedLateral movement. Said brush 3 was brushed an angle beta. Maximum distance between tip 5a and the swinging axle L of the brush silk coming to a pointFrom lmaxFor lmax＝dmax180 °: (π β) or lmax＝dmax: (2sin (β/2)) (reversal point spacing), dmaxAbove-mentionedLarge stroke. Preferably dmax＝3mm。
Relevant to the bristle 5 coming to a point, the lateral movement of waving is suitable especially. By the brush coming to a point described in this toothbrush typeHair 5 moves along teeth space 2 in use. For the bristle 5 that comes to a point, get rid of bristle and the disadvantageous direction of motion of gum. RightMaximum shift motion in the described tip of this motion is less than 3mm equally. Therefore by means of form below, according to tip and pendulumDistance between rotation axis can be determined described angle of oscillation. The travel values of gray background belongs to according to the present invention for dmax＝Distance/angle of oscillation numerical value pair that 3mm allows. Should select the angle of oscillation of brush to be not more than for the moderate distance of a 12mm15°。
| Distance (mm) | β＝10° | β＝15° | β＝20° | β＝25° | β＝30° | β＝35° |
| 9 | 1.6 | 2.3 | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.4 |
| 10 | 1.7 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 6.0 |
| 11 | 1.9 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.6 |
| 12 | 2.1 | 3.1 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 6.2 | 7.2 |
| 13 | 2.3 | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 7.8 |
| 14 | 2.4 | 3.7 | 4.9 | 6.1 | 7.2 | 8.4 |
| 15 | 2.6 | 3.9 | 5.2 | 6.5 | 7.8 | 9.0 |
Fig. 4 illustrates a brush 3 especially simply, and it is at both direction S1, and S2 is upper transverse to longitudinally L vibration. For thisDescribed in individual motion scheme, the geometry of brush has impact still less for the usual skew with the bristle 5,6 coming to a point. ShouldThe size of skew can be by selecting electric current, motor and/or vibration machine to determine. By special brush holder structure, an exampleAs reinforcing in vertical direction and additional decay measure can affect the direction of skew. Because brush 3 and relevant coming to a pointTeeth space 2 is preferably followed in the skew of the tip of brush silk 5, thus described toothbrush preferably have one larger on direction S1 partiallyMove, this skew is greater than a vertical shift on direction S2. The skew that is less than 3mm provides a very soft work hereWith and gingival irritation.
Fig. 5 a-c illustrates brush 3, and one of them rotatablely moves and combines with other type of sports. If electronic by oneToothbrush is carried out mechanical motion, for example, when rotation, is under any circumstance also all produced vibration. Institute in the example shownStating bristle supports 4 is many bodies. The first bracket component 4a of a circle is rotatably connected (ginseng around rotation D with brush 3See Fig. 2). It is furnished with usual bristle 6. At least another bracket component 4b is connected with brush 3 regularly and is furnished with the brush coming to a pointSilk 5. It in the time that parts 4a rotates in vibration. In Fig. 5 a, this another bracket component 4b is longitudinally being positioned at propping up of rotation on LThe front and back of frame parts 4a, in Fig. 5 b only bracket component below and in Fig. 5 c only before bracket componentFace. The bracket component 4a of motion bears surface cleaning by usual bristle 6, and together vibration, only indirectly mechanical movementIt is clean and for clean minimum structure that bracket component 4b bears teeth space by the bristle 5 coming to a point. Replace and make the first support unit4a rotation, also can make it swing around longitudinal axis.
Fig. 6 a-d illustrates the example of the arrangement of the brush silk 5 coming to a point in bristle supports 4. Described brush silk 5 head that come to a pointFirst by composition bundle 5 '. On cross section, be circular at these these bundle, but can be also other shape, for example, as Figure 10 a-eShown. Described bundle 5 ' forms row 9 according to the brush of Fig. 6 a 3, and they are transverse to longitudinally L extension. This structure is excellentBe selected in around longitudinal axis L swingable or the bristle supports 4 vibrated in this direction in use because these rows 9 are at thatIn consistent with bundle 5 ' the direction of motion. Be arranged on circular arc 10 in bristle tuft 5 ' described in the example of Fig. 6 b. This structure is preferredIn the bristle supports 4 of rotation, use. Have two inner circular with the bristle tuft of the brush silk 5 coming to a point, its maximum radius isrmax. The sphere of action of the bristle 5 therefore coming to a point in both cases is spatially defined well.
Fig. 6 c illustrates an example, has and mixes the hair brush area of bundle 5 ', 6 ' arranging, and they are by that come to a point and brush standardHair 5,6 is composition in the bristle supports 4 of a circle, and the radius of this bristle supports is rmax. The hair brush area of mixing has advantage, that is,The bristle 5 coming to a point although described have more space and in use on dental structure bending mutually not stuck yet.The bristle 5 coming to a point in principle should have more space than the bristle of standard 6. Especially this in boudary portion haveThe mixing of standard bristle is favourable, bristle tip mobile maximum spacing d substantially in these boudary portionsmax。
Fig. 6 d illustrates a hair brush area, and the bundle 5 ' of the bristle 5 wherein coming to a point is arranged on circular arc sector 11 the insides. This knotStructure corresponds essentially to Fig. 6 b and is equally applicable to the toothbrush of rotation.
Replace bristle tuft 5 ' with the cross section of circle as described in groups (row, circle, sector) arrange, also can makeBy the bristle tuft 5 ' (seeing Figure 11 a-e) of cross section with a corresponding adaptation.
For the brush silk 5 that makes to come to a point can freely move and not block teeth space 2, each bundle 8 is preferably enough each otherInterval, ground. Because tip in certain embodiments according to it position in bristle supports 4 move different spacing, so adjacentBundle 8 between minimum pitch-row x determine according to mobile stroke. Fig. 7 illustrates an example, props up for the bristle of a rotationFrame 4, wherein only illustrates for reason clearly bristle tuft 8 and another bristle tuft 8 ' that periphery is arranged that a pair of center arranges.Be less than other and leave the minimum range x2 of rotation D near the minimum range x1 of rotation D.
Because the brush silk coming to a point in some version just arranges on an applicable position on brush surface, thereforeOn unaccommodated position, use other brush filate formula. The usual rounding of for example being made by polyester PBT or polyamide PABristle especially can be for the surface cleaning of tooth surface. If expect an additional gingival massage effect, can additionally noteOther structure of moulding or packing the soft rubber elastomeric element of bristle, sheet form into or being made by thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) TPE. Fig. 8 showsGo out the example of a bristle supports 4, it has the hair brush area of this mixing, and it is by a radius rmaxThe change of inside, centerPoint brush silk 5 and form in the usual bristle tuft 6 of edge setting.
Fig. 9 a, b describes the size of bristle 5,6 usual and that come to a point. The usual bristle 6 schematically illustrating in Fig. 9 a existsIn its length, there is the nominal diameter Δ of a substantial constantmax(diameter on the coarse position of bristle), it is for example 0.15To 0.25mm. The tip 6a rounding of bristle.
In order to make to be minimized and make maximize its service life by the degree of the toothbrush of high frequency motion damage, for coming to a pointGeometry and the characteristic of brush silk 5 special requirement is proposed. The bristle coming to a point 5 showing out in Fig. 9 b is in one of its lengthOn individual region, there is equally a constant diameter, for example the nominal diameter of same 0.15 to 0.25mm. Bristle 5 from tip5a spacing distance a place starts to dwindle gradually towards tip 5a. The respective diameters example that starts to measure in relevant position from tip 5aAs be following numerical value:
In order to make described brush silk reach an enough elasticity, select its length starting from the exit point of brush 7 toBetween 13mm. In order to ensure that each brush silk has enough intensity when the high frequency motion, in the major part of length, all retains and surpassCross 75% nominal diameter. Above-mentioned form represents, the overwhelming majority of the tip of described brush silk realizes on last 4 to 5mm.Can make tip 5a reach best minimum gap and teeth space 2 with enough brush silk intensity by this structure.
Use polyamide for the bristle coming to a point, but preferably use polyester (PBT). The process that comes to a point is to pass through a chemistryTechnique reduces diameter for basis. The length of stagnating in chemical substance according to bristle is removed plastics and is reduced diameter. Thus canAffect the shape of tip.
Figure 10 a-e illustrates the example of shape of the bundle 5 ' of the brush silk 5 coming to a point. Such bundle 5 ' needn't be circular.Also can consider subtriangular (Figure 10 a), approximate rectangular (Figure 10 b), oval (Figure 10 c), circular arc (10d) or other(Figure 10 e) for shape. Especially be provided for swingable toothbrush and replace circular bristle tuft according to the microscler shape of Figure 10 a-cStructure can arow arrange (referring to Figure 12, the hair brush area of a mixing shown in it, it is by the standard bristle tuft 6 ' of circular sectionWith restraint at the bristle 5 that comes to a point of shape shown in Figure 10 a 5 ' composition). Be particularly advantageous for rotation in the shape shown in Figure 10 dToothbrush.
Maximum extension e is preferably about 3mm and thus corresponding to a large teeth space distance. If each bundle 5 ' comprisesToo many brush silk, may produce the unnecessary reinforcing of each brush silk 5 and be difficult to be squeezed into 2 the insides, teeth space space. ThereforeA bundle 5 ' preferably contains the tip 5a that is less than 80, is particularly preferably less than 50 brush silks 5 that come to a point. At this according to process technologyEach brush silk can have the tip 5a that one or two comes to a point. Some brush silk also there is a circle with a tip coming to a point5a。
Figure 10 f+g illustrates the height profile example of the bristle tuft 5 ' in Figure 11 d and 11e. This inconsistent height wheelExterior feature is preferably realized in AFT or IMT technique.
Figure 11 a-e illustrates brush 3 with side view, and the tip 5a of the brush silk 5 wherein coming to a point forms different profiles. Figure 11 a-D relates to swingable brush, and Figure 11 e relates to the brush of a rotation.
Aspect manufacturing technology, can process the most simply in the flat profile shown in Figure 11 a. Usual in use at thisThe condition of stamping technology under only use a brush silk fundamental length. It is high that approximately 80% brush silk end is positioned at wide one of 4mmDegree range delta h inside. In certain degree, be desirably in the different brush filament length degree of this scope inside because it thus thanWhen an accurate equal length, as produced in the time cutting usual bristle, ensure more simply through an inseam.But avoid single, solid outstanding brush silk, because they are especially implying damage gum in the motion of a high frequencyDanger.
Figure 11 b illustrates a brush, wherein makes to come to a point with two different fundamental lengths by usual Sheet Metal Forming TechnologyBristle produces a contour shape that departs from a plane. The two ends of usual brush silk all come to a point. The latter is bent to bristle by U-shaped.Can not cutting thus the annex coming to a point and be positioned in different planes by this technique, is here plane E1 and E2.At plane E1, the height change of the altitude range Δ h wide at about 4mm still can be realized in E2 inside. Come to a point brush silk is single-endedIn situation, there is the more free degree.
If combine for above-mentioned reasons different brush silk types, preferably long for the brush silk 5 coming to a point of clean teeth spaceIn bristle or the Massage part of usual rounding. The use of different bristle types in bristle supports is best different to clamp-on simultaneouslyBristle types realizes. Also can select described bristle supports 4 is many bodies, plants individually hair and is then grouped together.
First provide AFT (AnchorFreeTufting) or IMT (In in order to process according to brush 3 of the present inventionMouldTufting) technique. AFT technique has for example been described in EP-A0972464. In EP-A0795711 andIMT technique has been described in EP-A0346646. The brush silk 5 coming to a point is single-ended from different of the obstruction usual in this caseCome to a point and be transported to AFT or IMT equipment. The length of described brush silk is between 10 to 20mm. Described brush silk is preferably downward with tipImport to material cartridge the inside. Therefore a commutation at AFT or IMT device interior is afterwards unnecessary. Described brush silk passes throughPass bristle supports (passing transfer unit in IMT) at the pushing mechanism of the side that comes to a point. For this reason described bristle supports have forThe space of bristle. Melting as known is cut off and followed to the side not coming to a point. If bristle supports and brush are notOne, two parts then preferably interconnect by ultrasonic bonding.
Described AFT or IMT technique can realize the simple processing of the brush silk that comes to a point, because they only need become unilaterallyPoint. In addition form the profile of single bundle by the structure of corresponding pushing mechanism, for example, in order to enter better teeth space. At figure11c-e and in the example to this shown in Figure 10 f+g (forming the profile of single bundle). By usual synthetic tuft (planting hair) techniqueCan not realize this point. Because brush silk is cut off after formation profile, only need brush filament length degree of guiding. Described bristle can be cutBecome desired length. The more length of material of essential use in usual synthetic tuft technique in contrast, for generation of oneNonplanar contour shape.
Therefore described AFT and IMT technique have larger advantage for the manufacture of according to toothbrush of the present invention, because their energyEnough realize one of bristle tuft shape as far as possible arbitrarily. Therefore can monitor particularly well the row that in use move tipJourney. This processing method also can be advantageously used in manufactures manual toothbrush.