Teeth cleaning device

The invention relates to a brush head part of a toothbrush, said toothbrush, a handle comprises, to which the brush head portion may be attached, with a part of a bristle comprehensive brush head assembly from the handle of the toothbrush and removable a toothbrush having a brush head member in the vicinity of its one end, a bristle portion having, further comprising a hand portion having therein a drive unit for driving of the bristle portion, wherein the brush head portion and the handle are adjusted so that the Brush head part of the handpiece is detachable.

Dental hygiene and -reinigungsvorrichtungen as electric toothbrushes or electric Mundduschen usually have a handle or a handle or handpiece, on the various cleaning tools such as brush, spray nozzles, interdental brushes or other brush parts are plugged so that multiple users each with their own particular personal cleaning tools, the dental cleaning device can be used. Such electric toothbrushes are known for example from DE 19627752 A1 or EP 0624079 B1.

From DE 299 15 858 U1 discloses a dental cleaning device is known in which each of the various connected toothbrushes only each at a specific insertion of a console can be. This then makes the sum earmarked for this particular toothbrush Program from. However, it is tedious, especially for children, the personal for find toothbrush provided individual insertion and the plug there to adapt. This console also is making very expensive, because for Some are providing a variety of insertion, whereby each toothbrushes a different, the respective insertion associated can boast plug.

In a further device according to US 5184959 each hand toothbrush is in a console assigned a dedicated insertion slot so that each toothbrush through the console an individual can be assigned to brushing time signal. This arrangement is manufacturing technology very elaborate, with user-specific data of the teeth cleaning procedure is not detected and can be stored.

Such tooth cleaning devices are capable of improvement in several respects. Especially one problem is that earlier in the case of battery-powered toothbrushes of battery can empty. This can happen, for. Example, when the toothbrush is not properly packed in a suitcase or the like is stored and the drive unintentionally turns. Further, it may happen sometimes that is not properly fitting onto the handle Aufsteckbürsten be plugged so that it resulted in the lack of compatibility damage to the handpiece, for. example, the coupling portions, in particular in the range may the powertrain, or a result of the lack of compatibility proper cleaning function is not guaranteed.

Furthermore, also devices for cleaning teeth, namely electrically operated Toothbrushes with handle and attachable brush part of Bausch & Lomb, Model Interplak (registered trademark), z. B. PB-6, about 1992 in the United States put on the market in where hand part in a housing segment a mechanically actuated switch has, which is optionally covered by a waterproof protective film, wherein a Switching contact of this switch by means of a housing attachment of the plastic housing of the brush part is actuated when the brush part is fitted onto the handle section. Is at operated plugged brush part of the switching contact, can be the drive of the toothbrush Switch means of an on the handpiece. Presumably, these measures provided for safety since, in contrast to many other hand parts at electric toothbrushes, the drive shaft in the aforementioned toothbrush toward the Longitudinal axis back and forth swings. The stroke of the shaft is substantial, so that a power- lead of the handset without plugged-brush attachment to an injury could, as the drive shaft similar to a stroke movement of a sewing needle of a sewing machine performs. Against this prior art, the hand part or brush part are concerned independent claims accrued.

From DE 28 26 008 C2 is a switch for operating an electric toothbrush with known to a person disposed on an annular operating part permanent magnets, wherein the annular actuating member is arranged axially displaceable on the housing. The permanent magnet of the annular operating part in an enabled or disabled Inside the housing of the toothbrush arranged magnet sensitive switch, e.g. a reed relay. The annular operating part can from the housing of Toothbrush be removed so that after removal an easy cleaning of the housing is as well as the operating part possible. Moreover, the removal of the actuating member serves also as Power On for the electric toothbrush, so that avoided is that the toothbrush with peeled operating member during transport in a can or bag automatically turn into a suitcase and unintentional emptying the accumulators or batteries is avoided.

These aforementioned measures to provide a so-called Travel Lock Function have not proven successful in practice, since for example in the Interplak solution significant slip-and-off forces for attachment or removal of the brush section are required from the butt to the foreseen in the handle switch contact to actuate. Also, there is the problem of pollution of the switching contacts or the high Manufacturing costs for dirt or water-proof cover of the switching contact. The peelable switching ring the patent DE 28 26 008 C2 is also used to provide a travel lock function, but this arises the problem that the withdrawn Switching ring just may be lost on the road and then the handpiece despite full batteries or batteries still not can be placed in gear. provide the rest these known solutions for providing a travel lock function little flexibility with regard to additional comfort functions, eg. as an automatic adjustment of the operating parameters a handset to a specific brush part or the user Collection and storage of data cleaning or the like.

Furthermore, from the EP 0848921 A1 discloses a brush for use and DIY become a manufacturing method thereof, in which a so-called day for data storage unsolvable in the brush itself, namely between a bristle carrier and a cup-shaped retaining element is fixed. In the tag, to data relating to safety standards, the maximum speed, the country of manufacture, the manufacturer's brand, Item number, connection diameter and for example, a barcode stored be, of the means of an electronic reading system, for example at checkout is DIY market read. The day may especially aluminum or heat-resistant plastic material, since the brush during use are exposed to extremely high temperatures. Obviously, it is in itself an aluminum or plastic disc, readable this day the surface with optical provided information and permanently connected to the brush body. Such However codes have the drawback of a rather low storage capacity and are not reprogrammable. The readability presupposes the existence of a free optical accessibility the code requires, which is not possible in all applications.

Further, a plurality of electronic article surveillance systems are known in where security tags, for example, electrical resonant circuits or soft magnetic comprise sensor strips are attached to the goods and locks at the store exit are excited by electromagnetic fields. If unpaid goods, d. h. active security tags is, a signal is detected and an alarm is triggered. particulars this can be found for example in the article "The big bugging shoplifters" Gieselher Herzer, Physical leaves 57 (2001), Nr. 5, page 43 to 48.

A sub-category of these systems are called RFID systems (radio-frequencyidentification) which in contactless smart cards, and more recently with car keys or even at Trash cans, are used in the latter case one of the actual emptying the dustbins dependent to enable cost accounting.

Such systems are, for example, from US 5,812,065, WO 00/42584, US 6,177,870, WO 00/39768, DE 199 53 651 A1 or WO 98/24527 known, by means of the system the latter document in an electronic toy between the figure having a transponder and a base unit, having a reading device, data can be exchanged.

The present invention addresses the problem of providing an improved brush head part and to provide a toothbrush which avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, this further training and obtain further advantages. In particular, functions are provided be specifically customized for the brush part or the individual user are.

This object is in the brush head portion having the feature mentioned substantially achieved in that communication means for data communication between the brush head assembly and the handle are provided with the brush head arrangement having a memory element for storing data and the data in the memory element is written.

Advantageous include the means of communication means for data communication with the Hand part when the brush head portion and the handle are joined together.

It is advantageously provided that the information operation information regarding the safe Using the toothbrush relative to the brush head arrangement concern.

It lends itself to the other, that the communication means electrically conductive elements include.

Preferably, the communication means are designed as wireless components.

The wireless components include coils for inductive communication.

In the toothbrush with the features mentioned, the object is essentially achieved in that communication means for data communication between the Brush head and the handle are provided when the brush head portion and the Hand part are joined together. Furthermore, a memory element in the brush head portion for Storing at least data identifying, provided the brush head portion, in Handset is positioned a microcontroller and the memory element in the brush head portion therein Information contained passes to the microcontroller via communication means.

According to a preferred embodiment of the toothbrush according to the invention comprises the microcontroller Central to the actual use of the brush head with a specific Maximum brushing time to compare and to give an indication if the determined maximum cleaning time has been reached, to indicate that the brush head is exchanged should be.

In one hand part of an electric dental cleaning device comprising a coupling for mechanical coupling of a brush section, with a drive for the brush section and a control function for the drive, wherein the control function is a locking function operation comprises the activatable by an enabling function in particular of the brush section or deactivated is, it can also be provided that the hand part is a read function and a Coil as coupling function for the contactless transmission and reading of one or having more information or data of activation function, depending an output of the read function the operation lock function is activated or deactivated becomes. The advantage of these measures to the prior art is that comfortable handling when coupling or uncoupling the hand and the brush part is reached, a mechanical actuation of provided in the handle components Activation / deactivation of the operation blocking function of the brush section is not required is and the condition for the implementation of additional user-friendly features given is. Also, it is not necessary to switch operations or other structural members from remove handle, to realize a travel lock function. It is the following Note that the terms hand part of an electric tooth cleaning device, the brush part or the like is not just an electrically operated toothbrush, but also on other electrically powered dental cleaning devices, such. as oral irrigators, Interdental cleaner or the like, can refer, in which a handpiece with a is cleansing bar coupled, said cleaning piece either user-specific is used or is a consumable part. In that regard, the terms brush part, Brush, brush attachment, spare brush with the term partial cleaning, spray, are interdental cleaner equivalent or interchangeable.

Advantageously, the reading function and / or coupling function is a switch-on of the handpiece, in particular a switch-on of the drive, activated.

Furthermore, it is advisable that the reading function or coupling function transfers data and reading, as long as the brush part is coupled to the handle mechanically.

It is advantageously provided that the coupling function operates inductively.

The coil is preferably adjacent to one of the coupling portion of the handle or arranged itself also in the area of ​​the coupling.

It is convenient to further in that the coil has one or several turns which a longitudinal axis of the handpiece, preferably an axis of rotation of a driven by the drive Drive shaft of the handpiece comprise or enclose.

Furthermore, it is provided that the turn area of ​​the coil with a rotary or longitudinal axis of the handpiece form an angle between about 140 ° and about 40 °, preferably 90 ° ± 10 ° includes.

In an exceptional case, it may provide also that the enabling function the handle is assigned to itself, in particular fastened in or on a housing of the hand part.

It is also possible that, by means of a drive of a drive shaft in at least an alternately rotating rotary motion about a rotation axis and a rotating Rotational movement around a rotation axis and / or in a swivel motion about an axis of rotation is substantially vertically arranged pivot axis movable.

Of advantage are the reading function, the control function and the operation lock feature ingredient an ASICS. In some applications, it can offer but also, discretely build these functions and, where possible, by means of suitable software or the like in a microcontroller to realize.

The brush section with a drivable brush head and a counter-coupling for mechanical Coupling to a, a clutch, a drive, and an operation lock function , Associated having handle of an electric toothbrush with a brush to the part characterized enabling function for activating or deactivating the operation inhibiting function is to achieve the aforementioned object is characterized in that the enabling function (38) of The brush part (20) of a contactless data carrier and a coil (48) as coupling function for contactless transmission of one or more data includes.

The data carrier or the coupling function of the brush part is preferred over a switch-on the handpiece or assigned to this switch-on, preferably to Switching on the drive, be activated.

The data carrier or the coupling function transmits data provided the brush section the Hand part is mechanically coupled.

The coupling function operates inductively advantageous.

The coil is preferably in a portion of the mating coupling or in an adjacent thereto Portion of the brush portion arranged.

The coil has one or more windings, the or a longitudinal axis of the brush part include or encircle an axis of rotation of a plug-on shaft in the brush section.

The turn area of ​​the coil ends with a rotary or longitudinal axis of the brush section an angle of between about 140 ° and about 40 °, preferably 90 ° ± 10 °, a.

Here, a profile sleeve is advantageous to the brush part provided the tubular in a is received shaft of the brush section, the readout / transfer function or the this function realizing parts or components of the profiled sleeve or arranged are connected thereto. Further, the shaft of the brush part and a plug-on shaft record, tape.

The contactless data carrier is a transponder, preferably a passive transponder without its own Energy supply, formed.

It is advantageously provided that the transponder a data memory for digital data, preferably with a memory size between 10⁰ bit and 10⁴ bit possesses.

The data transmitted between the brush section and handle data in addition to the data for activating the enabling function include other data specific to the individual brush section, for operating parameters for the operation of the brush part and the handle part or specific for the individual user.

Advantageously, the digital data of an encoding detection function are subjected.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that one or more data of the brush part to the handle part be vice versa and / or.

According to another embodiment, it is expedient that energy from the butt to the brush part is transmitted to activate the passive transponder.

Preferably, it is provided that hand part and the brush part to exchange data or to data transmission and / or for power transmission by means of the coils are inductively coupled.

The advantages of the system as well as advantageous embodiments are summarized below:<sl><li>An advantage of a handpiece of an electric dental cleaning device, a control device provided with an operating locking device, the exchange of data via noncontact or data transmission from a free switch function to the cleaning tool unlockable is. With respect to the cleaning tool of the aforementioned type is provided, that there is an enabling function for enabling the operation lock device of the handle via contactless data exchange or data transmission between the brush part and handle owns. Through these measures, then, is a protection against accidental start of Dental cleaning device provided. The drive of the handset can only be switched on, if a compatible, an enabling function exhibiting cleaning tool the handle is plugged and consequently the operation lock device is unlocked. unintentional Turning in the suitcase or the like can simply by removing the cleaning tool can be prevented from the butt. Unintentional premature discharge a drive battery is not possible. Additional design or mechanical Measures to implement the lockout, for example at the switch Hand part are not necessary. Another advantage can be provided that the operation lock device is unlockable only by the enabling element of the cleaning tool, in particular only when the cleaning tool coupled correctly to the handset is. This can be achieved in that the enabling element of the cleaning tool and a handle part detection means for enabling element constructed and are matched, that the enabling element preferably in a predetermined Orientation and / or position relative to the detecting means and thus to the handle is effective. In order to prevent that the hand part, in particular the drive train or the coupling will be damaged by plugging mismatched attachment brushes, can the enabling element comprise additional coding or transmit encoded data, on the cleaning tool is identifiable. The handpiece has so far a coding detection device or decoding function in which the encoding of each patch Cleaning tool detected and decoded. The operation locking device is only unlocked if the correct encoding is present and generates a corresponding signal becomes. Thus, the handset detects the straight patch, individual cleaning tool and controls in response to the detected cleaning tool to unlock the drive. The coding can be queried in principle at predetermined intervals. In a particular Embodiment of the invention, however, the coding detection device is only activated when a power switch of the handset, for example, the electric drive is operated, becomes. This measure has the advantage that the power consumption of the required electronic components is minimized. To turn on the dental cleaning device is by the user of the switch to activate or deactivate the controller and the electric motor operated as usual. However, not directly by pressing the switch the electric motor or drive set in motion, but first the Codierungsund / or Detector activated, then, provided a compatible and suitable coded brush attachment is coupled to the handpiece, the motor of the handpiece into operation puts. Ultimately, therefore, is an activation of the encoding and / or sensing means using the on / off of the driving of the hand part only indirectly in operation set, namely when through the enabling element of the brush part the operation blocking device the handpiece disabled. If no brush portion attached to the handpiece or coupled with this or is an incompatible brush attachment on the handpiece, so the coding and / or detecting means is by pressing the on / off switch not detect an appropriate coding of the handle or is not at the the brush existing enabling element operating locking device of the handpiece can not turn off, so that the handpiece of the electric motor driven in this case Toothbrush can not be put into operation. Among other things, this measure the activation of the coding and / or detecting device using the on / off the advantage that the encoding and / or sensing means preferably are supplied with power only when on / off operation of the switch of the handset must and but is otherwise inactive or passive. Of course, even during operation of the toothbrush in regular or irregular intervals the Codierungsund / or Detection means are activated to outside of the on / off operation the presence of a compatible, ie correctly coded brush to check. This lends itself preferred to remedy a false detection of a Brush on. If the handpiece for any reason whatsoever without patch switched brush through the device (with possibly the switch is actuated) was such. as a result of a temporary malfunction of the electronics or strong Interference fields, the handpiece can return to the next activation of the device off state are added. If at the end of brushing operation of the on / off switch again operated to turn off the drive of the handle part, this is by Actuation of the drive immediately stopped and optionally the operation locking device deactivated, so that in a subsequent reconnection of the on / off switch can repeat the hand part of the process described. Furthermore, the Coding and / or detection means without contact or contactless operation formed. This provides the advantage that disturbances by contamination of contact surfaces or wear by frequent fitting and removal as well as consuming Sealing measures are avoided. Similarly the handset may include a signal receiver for receiving a coded or a free-rotating the operation lock Signal comprise of the cleaning tool. The handset can also have a signal transmitter, with an interrogation or activation signal to the enabling function of the cleaning tool is sent, which is then activated and the encoded signal or energetically the enable signal returns. The delivery of the encoded signal or enable signal of the enabling function of the cleaning tool can be obtained by a corresponding active or passive signal transmitter or a matching donor effected.</li></sl>

The coding or design of the clearing institution of or cleaning tools can place in that this in the cleaning tool itself or in a portion or part the cleaning tool, such as a color ring or profile ring as for example in WO 99/20202 describes that by express reference into the disclosure of of the present application is incorporated, or a corresponding device is introduced.

Another measure is that an electrically operating detector for detecting an electrical coding or the activation of each institution coupled cleaning tool is provided. The cleaning tool does not send a coded or coded electrical signal to the handpiece or to a provided thereon Signal receiver, so that the respective cleaning tool can be detected. It can also initially an interrogation signal sent by the hand part of the cleaning tool, encoded by the cleaning tool or modified and then returned. It may also be a transmitter or radio device for detecting the respectively plugged- be provided cleaning tool by means of electromagnetic waves. Specifically, a transponder to be associated with the cleaning tool. The handset sends first electromagnetic Waves to the generally passive transponder with energy take care. This stores the energy and sends an individual identifier to a detector in the handle back, recognizes this and, accordingly, the cleaning tool identified or the activation of the operation lock is activated.

The cleaning tool is thus distinguished by the fact that a magnetic, electrical and / or electromagnetically operating encoder or such enabling element is provided. Further, it can be characterized in that a signal receiver for receiving a signal from the tooth cleaning device and a signal transmitter for transmitting an encoded signal are provided to the dental cleaning device, wherein between the Signal receiver and the signal transmitter preferably an encoder for encoding the is connected in the received signal. Preferably, the encoder or the enabling element formed as a separate component and can from the remaining part of the cleaning tool be removed or replaced. In this way, the advantage is achieved, that the cleaning tool has to be manufactured to be only in one embodiment. By Attaching the separate coding device or enabling function, the cleaning tools individually coded and a handset specific type can be assigned. However, trained as enabling element coding can also in the cleaning tool be integrated, if only the function of a Einschaltschutzes as travel lock to be realized or noncompliant cleaning tools. Preferably, the encoder or the enabling element in the connection or coupling of Cleaning tool located on the handpiece. In this way, the reading of the coding or Detecting the activation organ facilitated by the identification device on the handle. In particular, the enabling element or the encoder can be integrated into a ring be disposed on the hand-part side face of the cleaning tool, in particular is snapped form fit. The various embodiments of the detection devices may be provided with each case alone or in combination be. The same applies to the various configurations of the encoder or enabling function to the cleaning tool.

In addition to protecting the handpiece against accidental operation and improper Use of an incompatible cleaning tools, a coding of the cleaning tools and their detection by the hand part advantageously for the realization of additional functions be exploited. In that regard, it may be provided that the handset depending of each detected cleaning tool, one or preferably a plurality of functions of the dental cleaning device controls. In particular, the control device of the handle part, under the Assuming that each user of the handset uses its own cleaning tool, based on the notice detected cleaning tool coding automatically, allowing the user the dental cleaning device just used. It is a no input from the user such as Button and the like necessary to inform the dental cleaning device, who they used. It can automatically adjust operating parameters or device carried on to any user. This is an easy to use experience achieved. In particular, by means of the control device operating parameters such as cleaning frequency, speed and time or Anpreßdruckschwellwert or -sollwertbereich are automatically adapted to the respective detected user. Various are set and stored user profiles, one of which by the control device is put to use, after the beginning of the cleaning process, the coding detects the cleaning tool being used and thus determines the respective user has been. The coding and / or detecting device has a corresponding thereto Signal given to the control device. For electric toothbrushes, the Engine speed, for example, in a child as a user with respect to the other for adults usual speed can be reduced, so that the child gentler tooth cleaning is carried out. The control device may further comprise a function of a signal of the Coding and / or detecting means, the time duration of a timer according to the detected Users vary, for example, in children in two minutes and in adults Set on three minutes. The type of signaling the timer could be modified be and example in children than in adults and melody as a buzzer be adjusted. Also, it is advisable that data for new timer tunes in brush stored or deposited and transferred from the brush to the handpiece and optionally stored there.

However, it can also user-specific data such as cleaning frequency, speed, time, Time between cleaning operations, or contact pressure automatically in response to a signal corresponding to the identification device user specific saved, processed display and for example on a display. This also makes is an increased achieved operating convenience.

Each user is thus indirectly using the cleaning tool used or whose coding detected or determined from the handle. It can also be a specific be provided depending on the cleaning tool type used function control. For example, operating parameters of the handset can be changed automatically when a Brush used with certain characteristics such as high hardness or low hardness becomes. Also can be called another operating program when a cleaning tool a different type such as interdental cleaners, Zahnfleischmassierer or tongue scraper is mounted on the handle. Depending on the individual and / or person-, replaceable cleaning tool, the speed, reference cleaning time, driving motion, Cleaning frequency, speed, Anpreßdruckschwellenwert adapted etc. will.

Further, by the unmistakable recognition of an individual or cleaning Cleaning tool or Refills precisely its wear are determined, for example, by evaluating time past this cleaning tool, in particular the period of use. For cleaning tools with chemical additives, by the means of coding stored time of manufacture with expiration times are detected. predetermined cleaning or maintenance intervals can be displayed.

According to a preferred constructive embodiment for realizing the enabling function in the handle section of the toothbrush, a RFID reader (RFID = Radio Frequency Identification), wherein under the reader, the detection device for the contact- transmitted data a provided in the brush part transponder is understood. The have RFID reader, and transponder or other contactless data carrier each a coupling element which, for example, a coil or a microwave antenna may be, wherein this coupling elements between the reader and the contactless data carrier, clock pulses and energy is exchanged. Thus, the possibility, by means of the reading device, which is also as a transceiver (transmitter / receiver) is referred to, to receive data or information from the transponder. Conversely, however, data can also means the reader optionally in the Transponders are enrolled. For example, there is a possibility in the Transponder data relating to the user of the individual brush section or data enroll with respect to the cleaners or use period of an individual brush section, so that, where appropriate after a certain, maximum cleaning time of the user can be recalled optionally replace the brush part with a new one. Energy is then transferred from the reader to the transponder, in general, if it is a passive transponder, ie a transponder without its own power supply concerns. The transponder for transmitted from the reader power is then used to activate the transponder. In the event that an active transponder, So a transponder with its own power supply, such as a button cell is used as a battery or the like, it should be understood that in this case a Transfer of energy to activate the transponder is not required. As elements for contactless coupling of the reader and the transponder is in the present case for electric dental cleaning device preferably an inductive or magnetic coupling provided. In the literature such as couplings are inductive radio equipment or referred to as inductively coupled short range device. The operating frequency is in present application preferably at 13.56 MHz. The transponder itself as a 1-bit or multi-bit transponder be formed. The information or data transmission between transponder and reader is preferably by means of a load modulation in the transponder carried out, including a load resistance in the transponder in a clock frequency or a certain pulse train is supplied or disconnected, thereby via the inductive coupling in the reader reaction or feedback is generated and the data between can be transmitted transponder and reader, or vice versa.

In sum, the core or basic idea of ​​the present invention, irrespective are represented by the wording in the claims: The enabling element or function on cleaning tool for unlocking the locking device or operating function can in the simplest case the configuration of the coding and / or detecting means or function to be designed such that only the presence or non-presence (1 -bit information) can be detected a replacement brush on the handle. To this end, For example, in the brush, a timer can be arranged, which are arranged with one in the handset Takers such corresponds that in the coupled state by cleaning tool and handle the recipient of the donor receives a preferably digital signal and example the intended operating blocking device is deactivated, so that the handle part and hence the cleaning tool by means of the drive can be set in motion. By This measure is a structurally simple so-called travel lock for the handpiece created, which when using the described measures without angekuppeltes cleaning tool can not be put into operation with an encoder. Accordingly, it is sufficient to Activating the travel lock to disengage the cleaning tool and hand part of each other. Further measures to block, for example, the input or breaker of the handpiece or other means are not required. Incidentally, the arrangement of a help such sensor in cleaning tool, which of the coupled state with a slave Hand part corresponds or communicates that the operation of the handset is not compatible with Cleaning tools can be avoided, as such incompatible cleaning tools the manufacturer is usually not with a corresponding transmitter, which would be capable, with the are communicating slave of the handpiece, equipped. This allows mechanical avoiding problems and risks when using mismatched brush will. This is the simplest form of encoding and / or detection means or function that is relatively simple and only allows a decision, whether a cleaning tool is coupled to the handpiece or whether a compatible Cleaning tool is coupled to the handpiece.

Under exceptional circumstances, it may also be provided, the normally cleaning tool provided donors, for example, transponder or the like, or the coding device the Consumer isolated as separately manageable part available provide to or provide the handpiece itself. This procedure has, for example, then on, if the end user is already a handpiece with an operating locking device has, however, a number of plaster or cleaning tools in the household has a stock that with an enabling element or a donor to unlock Operation Lock the handpiece or handpiece are not equipped. To ensure, that these are generally older replacement cleaning tools, which in and of itself mechanically are compatible with the newer handpiece, but an enabling element, which with provided for in the handpiece operating locking device to communicate and this could unlock, do not yet have, but to be able to use, it can therefore offer, the enabling element or the transmitter or transponder to the end user to provide, as an independently manageable component available or for the enabling element the handpiece provide a fixture in these exceptional cases. So For example, from the end user of this enabling element or the encoder directly the handpiece and handpiece with the operating locking device, for example on the outside of the enclosure of the handset are fastened in the region of the receptor and for such Special or exceptional cases, the operation lock device of the handle by arrangement the encoder on the handle itself and not to the cleaning tool so to speak except Operation are set. As a result, the hand piece with cleaning tools, which are mechanically compatible in and of itself, to operate that even an enabling function or a communicating with the operating ratchet donors yet not have. This measure can also be provided, for example, when for cost reasons, not all spare-cleaning tools which compatible or are mechanically fit with the handle or hand piece, with such an enabling element an encoding device or a sensor to be fitted. It is understood found that this measure, the immediate application of the activation member to the handle, for example, by the user, an exceptional situation and thus constitutes usually the enabling element is to be placed on the brush part or cleaning part.

Furthermore, the coding detection device can also be designed such that the Coupling of a cleaning tool with a few distinctive options (Multi-bit information) of cleaning tools is possible. While the first described Coding and / or detecting device or function, for example, only one Yes / No decision permits, namely whether a compatible cleaning tool with the handle coupled or not, can be modified with a coding and / or detecting device or function, for example, two, four or six different to recognize codings the cleaning tool allows further addition to the travel lock realize functions. For example, then be recognized by the handle if an adult toothbrush (hard bristles) or a children's toothbrush (soft bristles) an interdental cleaner are coupled to the handle, instead of a toothbrush will or other parameters can be distinguished. Optionally, over the relatively recognized coding individual actuation of the control device for the Drive are carried out, such. As a control of the speed of the drive, For example, the speed or the desired cleaning time or the like. In this Case of providing a coding or coding and / or detecting device or function with few (between about two and about ten) distinctive ways is but not the possibility of an individual cleaning tool from a million numbers seen from marketed by the manufacturer in the commercial cleaning tools. Much more It is with these limited means of distinguishing most possible a special Type of cleaning tool (children's toothbrush, adult toothbrush, interdental toothbrush, Flosser cleaner, each designed as a plug-on part for the handset) to recognize and distinguish some personal cleansers or cleaning tools.

If the coding and / or detecting device or function of each individual, custom made by the manufacturer cleaning tool, which with the handle as a compatible Part is detachable, to be recognized, are a variety of distinctive ways (Multi-bit information) in the range of about 10⁶ to about 10¹² provide, what on Usually a transponder or the like electronic means are used. In this Case is a recognition of an individual, provided by the manufacturer cleaning tool, which is coupled to the handle, is possible. In this way, in addition to those already mentioned with simpler coding the precondition for creating opportunities, that for example the degree of wear of the cleaning tool by evaluating the past can be more accurately determined. For replacement cleaning tools with chemical Additives can specified in the coding Creates Ermin Age Limit are detected or predetermined cleaning or maintenance intervals of be cleaning tool indicated or complied.

No matter how simple or complicated the encoding of the cleaning tool and the coding and / or detecting device or function are constructed, can in each Case with the enabling function for the operation locking function on the handle for the realization travel security be provided by the particular compatible cleaning tool is uncoupled from the handle and consequently a putting into operation of the handpiece is no longer possible. Similarly, a putting into operation of the handset in any of these Encodings, regardless of whether a one-bit or multi-bit resolution is used, avoided unless the cleaning tool coding or an enabling element ever not having. If such a measure is not coded or not with an enabling element provided cleaning tool with the handle coupled, can the positioned in the handle incompatible recipient, sender, receiver, or the like reader with the Cleaning tool encoder is not present, receivers, transmitters, transponders or the like Means not come into communication, so that exactly the same as in the case of a compatible, but not incompatible with the handset coupled cleaning tool the presence of this Cleaning tool is not recognized on the handle and thus the handset due the lack of free switching element and thus missing possible deactivation of the operation blocking device can not be put into operation.

In principle, the simplest embodiment of the coding of the cleaning tool or the formation of the coding and / or detecting device or function in the handle the electric dental cleaning device is only to ensure that the coding and / or detecting device or function in the hand part is able to recognize, whether a true, that is compatible cleaning tool is coupled to the handpiece or not. If such a proper, ie, compatible cleaning tool is not coupled to the handpiece, can be the handset is not put into operation because the cleaning tool a enabling element is not assigned to that provided for in the handset operating locking device could disable. However, if a compatible cleaning tool with the enabling element or the matching coding coupled to the handpiece, is not later than on actuation the on / off of the handset, the presence of the correct coding or the Unlock institution recognized by means of a detection device in the handle and the operating locking device disabled and the handset is set in motion, so that the cleaning element, for example, the brush head of the cleaning tool by means of the drive of the handpiece into operation is set.

In that regard, is also a method for operating an electric dental cleaning or Dental cleaning device comprising a handle and a clip-on or can be coupled Cleaning tool, eg. As a brush attachment or the like is disclosed, communicate handpiece and cleaning tool when coupled together or transfer or exchange data without contact or contactless or agents in Hand piece are provided, which are able to detect whether the one hand, a cleaning tool is coupled to the handpiece and / or whether it is on the other hand in which to the handpiece implement coupled cleaning tool for a handpiece compatible cleaning tool concerns. Is a cleaning tool is not coupled to the handpiece, this information is used to turning on of the electric drive of the Handpiece for example to suppress the terms provided on the handpiece on switch. This can be done through a permanent locking device in the handpiece. is therefore it is not possible, the handpiece without angekuppeltes or plugged-cleaning tool to put into operation, creating a comfortable Reiseeinschaltsicherung provided becomes. Furthermore, the process is also characterized in that the cleaning tool having an enabling function, which, arranged in the handpiece detector signaling that the cleaning tool is coupled to the handpiece and the operation of locking device can be disabled or enabled, so that the Teeth-cleaning device to be set by turning on the electric drive in motion can. However, if the cleaning tool such enabling element does not possess, , even in the coupled state by cleaning tool and handpiece drive the handpiece not be started because of a lack in enabling element necessary to start the cleaning tool generally from the fact that in order to one for handpiece incompatible cleaning tool acts.

Further embodiments of the method in the fact that to be coupled to the handpiece made, personally identifiable various cleaning tools, cleaning tools based or the like to encode, so that the handle or hand piece via a corresponding Detection means of encoding not only the coupling or Nichtankuppeln a cleaning tool or a compatible cleaning tool, but also the nature of the cleaning tool used or the cleaning tool -use individual person can be notified so that appropriate Parameters or operating parameters of the handpiece personal and / or cleaning-tool-related can be set or stored. These individual actions are explained in the context of the description of the devices in detail, and include as novel Significant Components for these proceedings. It should be noted, that, in the context of the present application, the terms operating locking device and coding and / or detecting device or function or recognizer and the concepts of enabling element and coding or coding or device and function are also used synonymously and interchangeably in each case against each other, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Other objects, advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention result from the following description of embodiments with reference of the drawings. All described and / or illustrated features alone or in any meaningful combination, the subject matter of the present invention, also independent of their inclusion in the claims or their back-reference.

Show it:<dl tsize="9"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>a perspective view of an electric toothbrush with a Hand part and a plug-in this brush, </dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the handle of the electric toothbrush from Figure 1, the housing of which, disposed therein drive motor with gear and drive shaft, the battery for the drive motor and the Load module for the battery shows</dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>a schematic view of an electric toothbrush with a Brush with glued or integrated transponder and a appropriate detection device for contactless data transmission in Hand part according to another preferred embodiment of the invention,</dd><dt>figure 4</dt><dd>a perspective view of the toothbrush of Figure 3,</dd><dt>figure 5</dt><dd>a implicating sectional view of a toothbrush similar to Figure 3 and 4, the the arrangement of a transponder chip in a front-side of the coding ring Brush and a transmitting and receiving coil together with associated Transmitter in the handle shows the brush attachment is plugged onto the handle,</dd><dt>figure 6</dt><dd>perspective, schematic view of an embodiment of Hand part of the invention with the housing,</dd><dt>figure 7</dt><dd>in a schematic, perspective view of the front portion of a another embodiment of the handle with the housing removed,</dd><dt>figure 8</dt><dd>a further embodiment of the coupling-side portion of a Embodiment of the handle in longitudinal section;</dd><dt>figure 9</dt><dd>the hand part of the figure 7 in cross-section, said sectional plane in the region of ca. the coil is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or rotational axis of the Drive shaft is disposed,</dd><dt>figure 10</dt><dd>a partial view of one embodiment of the brush head, the broken wall of the shaft in the region of a profiled sleeve partially and this is shown in section,</dd><dt>figure 11</dt><dd>the brush of Figure 10 in longitudinal section,</dd><dt>figure 12</dt><dd>the brush of Figure 10 in cross-section in the region of the coil, the Section plane is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis or axis of rotation.</dd><dt>figure 13</dt><dd>a schematic perspective view of the profile sleeve with it, attached transponder and coil and adjacent receiving shaft,</dd><dt>figure 14A</dt><dd>the profile ring with transponder and coil part from the stem of Brush withdrawn, in perspective,</dd><dt>figure 14B</dt><dd>the brush with around the shaft or tube wound coil,</dd><dt>figure 15</dt><dd>a side view of profile ring with transponder and coil and sections the plug-the brush head,</dd><dt>figure 16</dt><dd>But rotated the arrangement of Figure 15 by approximately 90 °,</dd><dt>figure 17</dt><dd>the arrangement of Figure 15, at about 180 degrees in sectional view,</dd><dt>figure 18</dt><dd>comparable to Figure 5 showing the arrangement of the coils modified and ferrite to improve the coupling factor of the coil are provided,</dd><dt>figure 19</dt><dd>in a schematic representation a block diagram of the control device with Reader, evaluation and operation blocking device as part of the Handset and the transponder as part of the brush, which Handle and brush mechanical and electrical and / or magnetic, preferably inductively coupled, in principle explanation.</dd></dl>

The electric toothbrush shown in the Figures has a handle section 10 with a closed Housing 26, in which, as shown, inter alia in Figure 2, known in itself , An electric motor 22, a power supply, especially a battery 24 which a bottom-arranged load module 28 at a charging station can be coupled, and a control device 18, a circuit board with a microprocessor or ASIC or other electrical components comprises, are housed. is on the handle section 10 as Plaster or cleaning tool a brush 20 or Ersatzbürste frontally placed, which may be in a user-specific color, if necessary. by means of a clutch 30, the brush 20 mechanically coupled to the handle 10 are to the drive movement of the electric motor via a drive shaft 16 of the Handpiece 10 to be transferred to the brush head 14 of the brush attachment 20th The single- or multipart or -stückige clutch 30 comprises on the one hand a positive or non-positive Determining the cleaning tool body itself, and on the other hand, a drive clutch, the drive movement of the drive to the brush head 14 of the brush head 20 transmits. From the handle part 10 protrudes frontally a drive shaft 16 from Drive motor 22 via a gear 12 in a well known manner can be driven in rotation oscillating or rotating or an axis of rotation 72 is. has the drive shaft 16 a coupling portion 32, to which a cleaning tool is arranged in the plug-on shaft 20 62 with a complementary coupling portion form-locking, non-positive or frictional be placed so that the driving motion transmitted and the brush head 14 the brush alternately oscillating, for example, with a pivot angle in Range between ± 10 ° to ± 60 ° and at a frequency in the range of 40-150 Hz, swinging, for example, with an amplitude of 0.05 mm to 2 mm and a frequency in the range of about 100 Hz to 400 Hz, etc. around a rotational axis 72 and / or pivot axis 58 or driven in rotation. Details of the mechanical coupling and the drive or the drive movement and the structural design of handle and brush head are in the publications WO 91/07117 (05544), WO 94/12121 (05824), WO 99/20202 (06210), WO 98/01083 (06107), WO 98/47444 (06176) the applicant discloses, by explicit reference in the disclosure of the present patent application be included.

The control device 18 has, for. Example, in electronic form an operating locking device 36 or operation lock function on which the drive of the handle 10, in particular the electric motor 22 locks and only at or after plugging a compatible brush 20 on the handset 10 using the operator releases or a switch on the electric motor 22 permits by a circuit closer 56 on the handpiece 10th The electronic operating locking device 36 is by means of a provided on the brush head 20 The organ 38 or enabling function is deactivated or activated. In this case, the enabling function or the enabling element 38 encoding as so-called electronic own key.

To detect the plugged each brush 20, on the handpiece 10 a coding detection device and a device for detecting the presence of Free switching member 38 is provided. Depending on a signal of this device or Coding detection device switched on, the control device 18 and operation lock function the drive or electric motor 22 or not free, so that the electric motor 22 by the power switch 56 can optionally be put into operation.

In general, it is provided in the brush part and the brush 20 a data or information storage, particularly for digital information to provide the with a data or information reader in the handpiece or handle 10 of the electric toothbrush then a data transfer or a data exchange in wireless form, ie no conductive connection between the brush part and hand part, performs.

Figures 3 to 5 show an embodiment of an electric invention Toothbrush with wireless data transfer between the brush part and handle, in which the Presence of coupled to the handpiece 10 of each brush 20 or Features of the brush 20 is detected or determined by means of digital signals. The Brush 20 is for this purpose provided with a transponder 42, the example in the form a label as a so-called smart labels the brush 20 up or be glued can (Figure 4). The transponder 42 can advantageously also in the colored Aufsteckring 52 at the end face of the brush head 20 to be contained (see FIGS. 3 and 5). In the Handle 10 is tuned to the transponder 42 detector or a reader 44 provided, which serves both as signal transmitter and as signal receiver. The detector or the reader 44 in the handle 10 initially sends through the coil 46 electromagnetic Waves to the connected to the transponder 42 from coil 48 to the transponder 42 or to supply the microchip with power to activate. The transponder 42 stores the energy that is activated and sends a specific identifier stored or a signal or data to the detector and the reader 44 back, the or it receives or takes, identified by means of a transmitter 50 and a corresponding Signal to the control device 18 or the operation of locking device 36 of the Handpiece 10 delivers. The coils 46 and 48 may each both as transmitter as well as Receiving part or transmission part are operated. You are in a preferred embodiment, opposite to each other respectively at the end sides of the brush head 20 and of the handle part 10 is arranged (see FIG. FIG. 5). Because of the returned from the transponder 42 Identification or data can identify the brush 20 or the presence are recognized on the handpiece 10th

In Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an inventive Handpiece 10 shown. The handpiece 10 has the assemblies gear 12 with drive shaft 16, controller 18, electric motor 22 or drive, power supply, as accumulators 24 or batteries and charging module 28. That the handpiece 10 preferably waterproof enclosing housing 26 is removed in the illustration of Fig. 6. The mechanical clutch 30 for coupling the brush 20 with brush head 14 on the handle section 10 has a coupling portion 32 on the drive shaft 16 and a coupling portion 34 on the handpiece 10. The operating locking device 36, the reader 44 and a transmitter 50 are in the present embodiment, Part of the controller 18, which may be formed for example as ASIC and a microcontroller or microprocessor as well as, optionally, other electronic comprises components or a discrete circuit. It is understood that the electronic Components controller 18, operating locking device 36, reader 44 as well as evaluation electronics 50 optionally realized by discrete electronic components can be.

Below the coupling portion 34 and above the transmission 12 is a coil 46 positioned, which in Fig. 6, not visible connection lines to the control device 18 or the reader 44 and the transmitter 50 is connected. In the present embodiment, this coil 46 in the region of a pivot bearing 58 of the handle 10 positioned, making it possible in a special additional drive movement of the drive shaft 16 is. For details of the structural design is based on the on Applicant declining patent application WO 98/01083 referenced.

This representation of FIG. 6 as well as Fig. 7, which is an enlarged representation of the head-side End portion of the handle 10 with the to Fig. 6 geometrically differently formed and coil arranged 46 shows, it can be seen that the turns of Coil 46 in substantially a longitudinal axis 72 of the handle part 10 and the axis of rotation Drive shaft 16 comprise or enclose. Furthermore, these figures 6 and 7 as well as refer to the Figs. 8 and 9, that the winding plane or the winding plane of the coil 46 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72 or axis of rotation. The individual Design and arrangement of the coil 46 depends not only on the required coupling coefficients between coil 46 of the handpiece 10 and coil 48 of the brush 20 also the geometrical assembly conditions in the area of ​​the upper portion of the handle 10 from. It is understood that the turn area of ​​the coil 46, for example, also a from the right angle deviation angle may have with respect to the longitudinal axis of the 72nd There is also the possibility of the coil 46 on the other, as in the embodiments of 6 to 9 positions shown in the handle 10 to accommodate. It is essential that the coil 46 taking into account the individual installation conditions and geometries reasonably closely adjacent or in the vicinity of the area of ​​the mechanical Coupling 30 of the handle 10 is located. The arrangement is ultimately to make such that when the handpiece 10 mechanically properly angekuppelter brush 20 the coupling of the coils 46, 48 and the coupling factor is set such that a data transfer is provided between brush 20 and handpiece 10th With regard to the winding surface the coil 46 is to be noted that this turn area in turn taking into account the geometry and installation conditions at the location of the handle 10 as possible should be large so that the coupling with the activation function or the enabling element 38 optimized or sufficient in the brush.

It remains to be mentioned that according to the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9, the On the coil with respect to the longitudinal or rotational axis 72 of the axial height of a plastic sleeve, and a bearing 60 is arranged for the drive shaft sixteenth This bearing 60 or in the region the turn area of ​​the coil 46 arranged parts of the handpiece 10, for example, Drive shaft 16 or other housing parts can be formed as a ferrite or components possess of ferrite, so that this measure also coupling with the Enabling element 38 and the enabling function of cleaning and cleaning tool or the brush 20 can be improved.

In the figures 10, 11 and 12, a partial view of the brush attachment 20 is reproduced, the among other things, the coupling-side portion of the brush 20 special represents embodiment. To illustrate the mechanical coupling is only the drive shaft 16, but not the coupling portion 34 of the handpiece 10 with illustrated. The Brush 20, in which the data or information store or the enabling element 38 or an enabling function, for example, a transponder 42 is accommodated, has a shank 40 which may be formed as an elongated outer support tube. At the end face Coupling portion of the brush 20 is an annular groove 68 for the particular colored Aufsteckring 52, a recorded part of the shaft 40 in may be sleeve. In the shaft 40 in the clutch-side portion, the sleeve, a Profile ring 54 or the like positioned the or an aperture for carrying the shank 16 has a receptacle 66 of a plug-on 62nd Further forms the profile ring 54 a receptacle 64 for the coupling portion 34 of the handpiece 10. The Receiving shaft 62 is in driving connection with the brush head 14 of the brush head and transmits the drive movement of the drive shaft 16 of the handle 10 to the brush head 14. Details are given in, for example, the 197 45 876.9, which by added explicit reference in the disclosure of the present application becomes.

Furthermore, it is apparent from the figures 10 to 12, that on the outer wall of the profiled sleeve 54 positioned a coil 48 in the region of the frontal portion of the brush 20 is or determined which corresponds to the coil 46 on the handpiece 10th The Turns of the coil 48 include the longitudinal axis 72 of the brush 20 and the Rotational axis of the plug-on shaft 62. The winding surface of the reel 48 is preferably substantially oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72, however, may as by the dashed Line indicated 84, also an angle different from a right angle with the longitudinal axis 72 include. The special design and arrangement of the coil 48 depends not only on the desired coupling factor to the coil 46 in the handle 10 from the geometrical and Conditions of the components in the brushhead 20 and may in particular angular positions the turn area between about 40 ° and 140 ° relative to the longitudinal axis enclose 72nd

The arrangement of the coil 48 to the profile ring 54 and a sleeve is the perspective, refer schematic representations of FIGS. 13 and 14 The coil 48 is preferably in which the coupling-side end face area facing the profiled sleeve 54, arranged a profile ring and surrounds the outer wall of the profiled sleeve 54 annular. Of course, it is also possible that in the coil 48 is composed of plastic inject profiled sleeve 54 or the coil 48 on the inner wall of this Profiled sleeve to secure 54th With the coil 48 is either directly (Fig. 14A) or Connecting lines 70 of the data storage or the enabling element 38, which preferably is formed as a transponder 42, coupled. Also this transponder 42 is on the profiled sleeve 54 attached or molded with plastic material of the profile sleeve 54th As a result of that all non-contact for the detection of the activation member or data transfer components required on or at a separately manageable component of the brush head 20 which, for. Example, with the shaft 40 is verclipsbar, are arranged, it is possible, the operation of the clearing member 38 or transponder 42 or coil 48 before assembly and final assembly of the brush to test 20th is shown in FIG. 14B another embodiment of the brushhead 20 or the arrangement of the coil 48 is indicated. In this case, the coil 48 is attached to the tube or shaft 40 of the brush attachment 20 fixed, preferably on the outer wall. In detail, the coil is in the region of the mating coupling or in a lower end face, the brush head 14 remote area wound on the tube 40th The coil terminals of the coil 48 are connected in FIG. 14B not visible transponder connected.

Figures 15, 16 and 17 show in a different illustration, the arrangement and positioning required for the enabling function parts of the brush 20. In that regard, are in these figures 15 to 17 only of the ring, the sleeve or the sleeve profile 54 and a part of the plug-on shaft 62 of the brush 20 is shown. in turn, is seen that the coil 48 the profiled sleeve 54 is substantially annular, in particular circular ring includes and is fixed to an outer wall of the profile ring 54th Likewise, from figure 15, the relative arrangement of the transponder 42, lead 70 and coil 48 can be seen.

A partial view of the coupled mechanical hand part 10 and brush 20 is shown in Figure illustrated 18th In this embodiment, the coil 48 is in the end portion the shaft 40 is positioned, wherein the transponder 42 and connecting lines 70, for example, are arranged on the inner wall of the tubular shaft 40th The coil 46 am Handpiece 10 is slightly offset from the previous embodiments, the interior arranged and via connecting lines 78 to the control device 18 and operating locking device 36 or the reader 44 or the transmitter 50 is connected. to improve the coupling factor between coil 46 and coil 48 to the handle 10 and / or be provided in the brush 20 ferrite 74, 76, the coupling factor the improve between the coils 46, 48 and possibly a larger, structurally Allow predetermined distance of the coils 46, 48th

Also from this drawing shows that the coils, the 46, 48 with its coils Include longitudinal axis 72 or axis of rotation, and further preferably the turn area the coils 46, 48 is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the 72nd

Basically, the coils 46, 48 in any position on the handpiece 10 his or positioned on the brush head 20, provided it is ensured that, when properly ganged brush 20 on the handpiece 10 a sufficient Coupling between the coils 46, 48 is present, so that the provided in the handpiece 10 Control means via an electric and / or magnetic, and in particular inductive Coupling with the foreseen in the brush attachment 20 enabling element 38 or transponder 42 communicate or receive data.

In figure 19 are a schematic block diagram of the handset 10 and the brush represented 20 einseits together to a mechanical clutch 30 Producing the drive connection can be connected. On the other hand are brush 20 and handpiece 10 via an electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic, in particular inductive coupling 82 when mechanically coupled to the handle 10 brushhead 20 in a contactless data transfer and communication exchange. The principle Construction of a controller 18 and a reader 44 as well as the activation organ 38 and transponder 42 is generally known. In that regard, to present to the textbook RFID Handbook, Fundamentals and practical application of inductive contactless smart cards, Klaus Finke Zeller, 2nd edition, November 1999, Karl Hansa Verlag, Munich, ISBN 3-446-2278-7, in particular Chapter 3, be made that by explicit reference is incorporated into the disclosure of the present application. In handpiece 10, the control device 18 is provided with reading device 44, which the coil 46, a having capacity as a resonant circuit and a generator of this resonant circuit in about at the resonant frequency, for example in the range 13 to 14 megahertz, for example at 13.56 megahertz or even at 125 kilohertz ± 10 kilohertz, operates. At This circuitry is connected the transmitter 50, whose signals, optionally amplified by an amplifier is supplied to the operation locking device 36 will. The operation of locking device 36 can, optionally, further signals as input variables are supplied. An output of this operation locking device 36 is anyway to unlock the drive of the handle 10 of the toothbrush or lock, depending on whether the presence of the activation member 38 of properly is mechanically detected by the handle 10 coupled brush 20 or a corresponding Data transfer has taken place or not.

In or on the brush part or the brush head 20, the coil 48 is provided, to which a capacitance is connected. Both devices also form a resonant circuit, the tuned to the transmission or resonant frequency of the resonant circuit of the reader 44 is. Furthermore, a rectifier, for example a diode and an energy storage device, For example, a capacitor, provided that powered the present passive Transponder 42 provide with the operation of the transponder necessary energy, which from the 46 radiated from the coil radiofrequency electromagnetic field is won. Furthermore, a μ-controller 80 may be provided in the transponder 42 be, the one parallel to the resonant circuit capacitance or coil 48 connected switch, z. B. FET, a load resistor of the transponder resonant circuit - at least partially - open and closes. The clock frequency of opening and closing operations, for example, in 1 KHz to 100 kHz range, z. B. at about 5 kHz, 20 kHz or 212 kHz are about. by virtue of this measure, the load resistance in the transponder 42 with a well below the resonant frequency lying clock on and off (modulated), arise the reader 44 sidebands to the transmitting or resonant frequency of the The resonant circuit of the reader 44, which easily detected, for example with a band-pass may be, leading to an improved signal / noise ratio. Also may preferably be a low clock frequencies in the range between 1 kHz and 50 kHz are envelope detector or the like used for demodulation. can also With this clock frequency, a plurality of data from the transponder 42 to the reader 44 are transmitted, wherein the data clock or by the pulse sequence, the duty cycle or the pulse repetition frequency are determined. Ultimately, it is in these Measures a load modulation using a subcarrier (subcarrier) on the transponder 42, whereby the reaction of the transponder 42 to the reader 44 by means of known Demodulation (z. B. amplitude shift keying (ASK) with and without sideband) slightly and can be easily detected. Further details are found on the aforementioned referenced RFID Handbook. Furthermore, if a load modulation of the transponder resonant circuit omitted, and the phase (phase shift keying) or frequency (frequency shift keying) is modulated, the reader should be adjusted accordingly.

In the following exemplary data for the realization of advantageous embodiments the transfer system between brush 20 and handle 10 are given. It has in relation to the realization of practical coupling factors between data storage proved in the brush part and data reader in the handpiece to be advantageous that the data memory or data reader connected coils 46, 48 for wireless data transfer relative to the geometric positioning approximately in the lower third of the side clutch Shank 40 of the brush 20 and the upper, side clutch quarters of the housing 26 of the handle 10 to arrange. The closer the two coils 46, 48 in properly the coupled state of the hand part and the brush part are arranged relative to each other the easier the necessary coupling factors can be realized. The coupling factors also by the projection of each other reaching to cover winding faces the two coils 46, 48 is determined. In that regard, it makes sense that the inclination of Winding faces of the coils to the longitudinal axis 72 or axis of rotation of the brush part and Handle no more than about 50 ° from the common, ideal rectangular positioning differs. The turns of the coils 46, 48 enclose or include preferably Longitudinal axis 72 or axis of rotation of handle and brush part, which on the one hand made sufficient coupling between the coils 46, 48 and on the other hand a geometrically practicable Fitting the brush part and / or handle can be selected. The coils themselves may be conventional wire-wound coils, for the Coil 46 exemplary data of approximately 10 ± 3 turns in a coil diameter yield of approximately 15 mm ± 3 mm, a wire thickness of approximately 0.1 mm. The inductance can in The range of about 2 .mu.H lie and the ohmic resistance in the range of 1 ohm. For the Coil 48 can turn numbers of 15 ± 4 with a coil diameter of 9 mm ± be provided 2 mm and a wire thickness of z. B. 0.06 mm. The inductance is then in the Range of about 2 to about 8 .mu.H .mu.H, preferably about 5 .mu.H at an ohmic resistance of the Coil of about 1 ohm to about 10 ohm, preferably about 4 ohms. It is understood that the coils 46, 48 may be formed as a conventional wire-wound coils or in Form of printed, for example, on a flexible plastic film or the transponder chip itself turns arranged can be used. The coupling of two coils 46, 48 in the coupled mechanically properly handle and brush part may range between 1% and 8%, preferably at about 5%, wherein in the present Embodiment and the frequencies presently used in the double-digit MHz range mainly an inductive coupling of the coils 46, 48 is present. The diameter the coil should not fall below a value of about 3 mm. The aforementioned exemplary information concerning dimensioning and geometric configuration of the coils do not refer to the use of ferrite bodies 74, 76 of FIG. 18. Considering Such a ferrite body 74, 76 to improve the coupling of the coils 46, 48 this data can be modified accordingly. The quality of the transponder oscillating circuit should range between Q≅ 5-15, preferably Q are ≅8-10 to the dependence to keep from tolerance-dependent variations in the resonance frequency low, in particular with respect to the phase shift. The quality is, among other things by means of wire thickness the coil 48 is set.

The data or information storage of the brush part, in particular transponder 42, and the data or information reader 44 in the handpiece of the electric toothbrush are as commercially available components in a variety of Sp ezifikationen commercially available. Regarding details reference is again made to the aforementioned RFID Handbook. Of course it is also possible, for example, the data reader 44 in a present in the handle part of the toothbrush application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to include.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

<dl tsize="2" compact="compact"><dt>10</dt><dd>hand part</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>gear</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>brush head</dd><dt>16</dt><dd>drive shaft</dd><dt>18</dt><dd>Control device, function (with μ-processor etc.)</dd><dt>20</dt><dd>Brush, brush part</dd><dt>22</dt><dd>Electric motor drive</dd><dt>24</dt><dd>battery pack</dd><dt>26</dt><dd>housing</dd><dt>28</dt><dd>load module</dd><dt>30</dt><dd>coupling</dd><dt>31</dt><dd>counter coupling</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>coupling portion</dd><dt>34</dt><dd>coupling portion</dd><dt>36</dt><dd>Operating locking device, function (part of 18)</dd><dt>38</dt><dd>Enabling element, function</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>Shaft tube</dd><dt>42</dt><dd>transponder</dd><dt>44</dt><dd>Reader, function (part of 18)</dd><dt>46</dt><dd>Coil (handpiece)</dd><dt>48</dt><dd>Coil (brush)</dd><dt>50</dt><dd>Evaluation, function (part of 18)</dd><dt>52</dt><dd>Aufsteckring</dd><dt>54</dt><dd>Profiled sleeve, sleeve</dd><dt>56</dt><dd>Power switch, Power On</dd><dt>58</dt><dd>Pivot, swivel axis</dd><dt>60</dt><dd>warehouse</dd><dt>62</dt><dd>receiving shaft</dd><dt>64</dt><dd>Recording (for 34)</dd><dt>66</dt><dd>Receiving (32)</dd><dt>68</dt><dd>Annular groove (for 52)</dd><dt>70</dt><dd>lead</dd><dt>72</dt><dd>Longitudinal axis, the axis of rotation </dd><dt>74</dt><dd>ferrite</dd><dt>76</dt><dd>ferrite</dd><dt>78</dt><dd>lead</dd><dt>80</dt><dd>.mu.C</dd><dt>82</dt><dd>inductive coupling</dd><dt>84</dt><dd>line</dd></dl>