ORAL HYGIENE DEVICE

Abstract

An oral hygiene device, in particular a toothbrush, includes at least one application unit and includes at least one handle unit which is connected to the application unit and which has at least one material volume body, wherein the handle unit includes at least one essential hollow-space structure, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body and which extends at least over a substantial portion of a main extent of the at least one handle unit.

Claims

1. An oral hygiene device with at least one application unit and with at least one handle unit which is connected to the application unit and which comprises at least one material volume body, wherein the handle unit comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body and which extends at least over a substantial portion of a main extent of the at least one handle unit.

2. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the material volume body has an at least substantially bionic structure, which at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure directly.

3. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein, the material volume body has an at least substantially bionic structure extending at least over a substantial portion of a main extent of the at least one handle unit.

4. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the material volume body has an at least substantially bionic structure which is formed by a lattice structure.

5. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the material volume body comprises at least one thumb-gripping region, wherein the hollow-space structure is at least substantially open toward a rear side that faces away from the thumb-gripping region.

6. The oral hygiene device according to claim 5, wherein the material volume body forms, on a side facing away from the at least one thumb-gripping region, a substantially concave receiving region which delimits the hollow-space structure.

7. The oral hygiene device according to claim 5, wherein the hollow-space structure is at least substantially closed on a front side facing toward the thumb-gripping region.

8. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the material volume body engages around the hollow-space structure in a plane that is perpendicular to the main extent direction of the handle unit at least substantially in a C shape.

9. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the material volume body is realized in a thin-walled fashion, wherein a substantial portion of the material volume body is realized with a substantially uniform wall thickness.

10. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein a volume of the hollow-space structure is larger than a volume of the material volume body.

11. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, comprising a center of gravity that is situated, measured from the underside, at 40% to 70% of the total length of the oral hygiene device.

12. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein the material volume body has an at least substantially bionic structure comprising in at least one region at least three strand elements which are twisted relative to one another.

13. The oral hygiene device according to claim 12, wherein the at least three strand elements are spaced apart from one another in at least one cross section that is perpendicular to a main extent direction of the handle unit.

14. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein in at least one cross section that is perpendicular to a main extent direction of the handle unit, the hollow-space structure is surrounded by the material volume body, the volume body having at least one recess via which the hollow-space structure is connected to an environment.

15. The oral hygiene device according to claim 1, wherein in in at least one plane that is parallel to a main extent plane of the handle unit, the hollow-space structure is completely surrounded by the material volume body.

16. An oral hygiene device with at least one application unit and with at least one handle unit which is connected to the application unit and which comprises at least one material volume body, wherein the material volume body of the handle unit is implemented at least to a large extent of a bio-degradable material and/or of a recycled material.

17. The oral hygiene device according to claim 16, wherein the material volume body of the handle unit is implemented at least to a large extent of a plastic that is based on renewable materials.

18. An oral hygiene device with at least one application unit and with at least one handle unit which is connected to the application unit and which comprises at least one material volume body, comprising at least one first material and at least one second material that is different from the first material, wherein the second material is configured to be at least partly separated from the first material.

19. The oral hygiene device according to claim 18, comprising at least one predetermined separation point for a separation of at least one subregion with the first material, from a subregion with the second material.

20. The oral hygiene device according to claim 18, wherein the application unit comprises at least one head region and at least one neck region, wherein the predetermined separation point is arranged in the neck region and is configured for a separation at least of the handle unit from the head region of the application unit.

21. The oral hygiene device according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined separation point is implemented by a predetermined breaking point, which is configured to break in case of a defined load of the application unit against a bristle load direction of the application unit.

22. The oral hygiene device according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined separation point is implemented by a marking of an intended separation point.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0102] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings.

[0103] In the drawings eighteen exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated. The drawings, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. Someone skilled in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.

[0104] It is shown in:

[0105] FIG. 1A a front side of an oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic perspective view,

[0106] FIG. 1B a rear side of the oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic perspective view,

[0107] FIG. 1C a rear side of the oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0108] FIG. 1D a side of the oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0109] FIG. 1E a front side of the oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0110] FIG. 1F an underside of the oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0111] FIG. 1G an upper side of the oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0112] FIG. 2A a front side of an alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0113] FIG. 2B a side of the alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0114] FIG. 2C a front side of the alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0115] FIG. 3A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0116] FIG. 3B a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic perspective view,

[0117] FIG. 4 a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic view,

[0118] FIG. 5A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic view,

[0119] FIG. 5B a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0120] FIG. 5C a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0121] FIG. 6A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0122] FIG. 6B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0123] FIG. 7A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0124] FIG. 7B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0125] FIG. 8A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0126] FIG. 8B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0127] FIG. 9A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0128] FIG. 9B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0129] FIG. 9C a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0130] FIG. 10A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0131] FIG. 10B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0132] FIG. 10C a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0133] FIG. 11A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0134] FIG. 11B a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0135] FIG. 11C a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0136] FIG. 11D a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0137] FIG. 11E a cross section of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0138] FIG. 12A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0139] FIG. 12B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0140] FIG. 12C a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0141] FIG. 13A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0142] FIG. 13B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0143] FIG. 13C a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0144] FIG. 14A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0145] FIG. 14B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0146] FIG. 14C a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0147] FIG. 15A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0148] FIG. 15B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0149] FIG. 15C a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0150] FIG. 16A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0151] FIG. 16B a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0152] FIG. 16C a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0153] FIG. 17A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0154] FIG. 17B a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0155] FIG. 17C a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0156] FIG. 17D a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0157] FIG. 17E a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0158] FIG. 18A a front side of a further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0159] FIG. 18B a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention with an application unit and with a handle unit comprising a material volume body and a hollow-space structure, in a schematic perspective view,

[0160] FIG. 18C a front side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view,

[0161] FIG. 18D a side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view, and

[0162] FIG. 18E a rear side of the further alternative oral hygiene device according to the invention, in a schematic view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0163] FIG. 1A shows a front side 30a of an oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic perspective view. The oral hygiene device 10a is in the present case embodied as a toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10a may as well be embodied as a one-way toothbrush or as an exchangeable-head toothbrush. The oral hygiene device 10a could also be embodied as a flosser, as a single-tuft brush, as an interdental cleaner, as a tongue cleaner, or something like that. Furthermore, combined oral hygiene devices are conceivable, combining at least two different functions, for example a toothbrush with a tongue cleaner, a toothbrush with massaging elements, an interdental cleaner with a flosser, or more of the like.

[0164] The oral hygiene device 10a comprises at least one application unit 12a. Furthermore the oral hygiene device 10a comprises at least one handle unit 14a. The at least one handle unit 14a is made of a single material. The handle unit 14a is made of a hard component. However, it would principally also be conceivable that the handle unit 14a is made partially of a soft component and partially of a hard component. Generally an implementation with one or several hard components and/or one or several soft components is also possible.

[0165] The oral hygiene device 10a is in particular implemented in a manner that is ergonomic and resource-efficient. In particular, except for cleaning elements and anchors for fastening the cleaning elements, the oral hygiene device 10a is made of only one component. The application unit 12a and the handle unit 14a form a base body of the oral hygiene device 10a and are together made of only one component. The application unit 12a and the handle unit 14a are implemented integrally. The oral hygiene device 10a is implemented of a 1K brush, in particular a one-material brush.

[0166] In the following, FIGS. 1A to 1G will be referred to, which show different views of the oral hygiene device 10a. Due to the different views, some elements are not shown in all of the figures and are therefore not given reference numerals in all of the figures. FIG. 1B shows a rear side 26a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic perspective view. FIG. 1C shows the rear side 26a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic view. FIG. 1D shows a side, in particular a lefthand longitudinal side, of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic view. FIG. 1E shows the front side 30a of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic view. FIG. 1F shows an underside of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic view. FIG. 1G shows an upper side of the oral hygiene device 10a in a schematic view.

[0167] The oral hygiene device 10a has a longitudinal axis 52a, a height axis 54a and a width axis 56a. The longitudinal axis 52a is arranged parallel to a main extent direction 34a of the oral hygiene device 10a. If the oral hygiene device 10a is laid onto a planar surface with its rear side 26a such that the longitudinal axis 52a is arranged parallel to the surface, the height axis 54a is arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 52a and perpendicularly to the surface and to the width axis 56a. The width axis 56a is arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 52a and perpendicularly to the height axis 54a. In the present case the oral hygiene device 10a has a length, in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis 52a and measured parallel to the support surface, in a range from 140 mm to 210 mm, and preferably from 165 mm to 185 mm. The oral hygiene device 10a furthermore has a maximum height, in particular parallel to the height axis 54a and measured perpendicularly to the support surface, in a range from 12 mm to 25 mm, and preferably from 15 mm to 19 mm. A pure body thickness of the oral hygiene device 10a, in particular parallel to the height axis 54a, is in the handle region between a free end and a neck base between 6 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 9 mm. A minimum body thickness of the oral hygiene device 10a in a neck region 48a is in particular in a range from 4 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 5 mm to 7 mm. A minimum height of the oral hygiene device 10a is situated in a head region 46a and amounts to between 3 mm and 8 mm, preferably between 4 mm and 6 mm. The oral hygiene device 10a furthermore has a width in its widest point, in particular parallel to the width axis 56a, that is in a range from 10 mm to 25 mm, and preferably from 13 mm to 18 mm. From an underside to an upper side, a maximum width of the oral hygiene device 10a is arranged in the first 30% of the main extent of the oral hygiene device 10a. The weight of the oral hygiene device 10a is between 8 g and 25 g, preferably between 10 g and 18 g.

[0168] The at least one application unit 12a comprises the head region 46a. The head region 46a constitutes a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10a. In the present case, the head region 46a is realized as a toothbrush head. The head region 46a in particular comprises a base body that is realized as a bristle carrier. A base body of the head region 46a is completely made of a hard component. It would however also be conceivable that the base body of the head region 46a is made of a hard component and a soft component. The base body of the head region 46a realizes a bristle carrier. The head region 46a of the oral hygiene device 10a has a width of 8 mm to 17 mm, and preferably of 10 mm to 15 mm. The oral hygiene device 10a moreover comprises a cleaning zone (not shown in detail), which is accommodated in the head region 46a and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of better overview, the bristle bundles are not shown in FIGS. 1A to 1G. On the front side 30a of the head region 46a, at least one recess 58a is formed. The at least one recess 58a is configured to receive a bristle bundle. The head region 46a has a plurality of recesses 58a. The recesses 58a are implemented by bristle holes. The recesses 58a have in the main region a diameter of 1.2 mm to 2 mm, and preferentially of 1.4 mm to 1.8 mm. Preferably the recesses 58a have a bevel at their inlet. The bevel is in particular realized as a cone or as a rounding. Furthermore, the recesses 58a in particular taper conically at a lower end. The recesses 58a are in particular formed like a truncated cone. The recesses 58a in particular have a conicity of 20° to 50°, preferably 30° to 40°, per side. At a closed lower end, the recesses 58a in particular still have a diameter of 0.4 mm to 1 mm, preferentially of 0.55 mm to 0.80 mm. Furthermore, the recesses 58a in particular in each case have a narrowing that is realized as a diameter reduction. The narrowings serve for improving the pull-out weights. During production, the narrowings are forcibly demolded when the punching dies are pulled out. The narrowings are in particular arranged in the middle of the cylindrical portion of the recesses 58a. The narrowings induce a section-wise reduction of the diameter by 3% to 10%, preferably by 4% to 5%. The distances of the recesses 85a are in particular larger than in customary brushes. The distance between bristle hole edges of the recesses 58a is 0.5 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.8 mm to 1.4 mm. The distances from the recesses 58a to an edge of the head region 46a, in particular a distance from an outer edge of the head region 46a to the outer bristle hole edges of the recesses 58a, is 1 mm to 2.2 mm, preferably 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm. Principally the recesses 58a may also be implemented in different shapes. Possible bristles are any suitable bristles, which may be punched on, for example, in an anchor-punching method as has been described above. The inserted bristles are made of an at least partially plant-based material. The bristles are made of PA 6.10, which is produced by approximately 50% to 70% of renewable raw materials and is based on castor oil, of PA 6.12 and/or of PA 10.10, which is produced by up to 100% of renewable raw materials and is based on castor oil. The bristles are in particular cut to be rather short, in particular because of the large distances of the recesses 58a and because of the bristle material used. The material of the bristles in particular has different characteristics than customary bristles and is in particular less stable. Due to the smaller length, in particular augmented stability is achievable. The length of the bristles is in particular 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably 10 mm to 12 mm. The bristles are fixed in the recesses 58a by means of an anchor wire. The anchor wire is in particular implemented of a metallic anchor wire. However, a synthetic anchor would principally also be possible. The anchor wire is rilled in a three-fold manner on both sides. When using recycling materials, in particular a longer anchor wire is employed than with other materials. The anchor wire has a length of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably of 1.7 mm to 2.1 mm. The bristle bundles in particular have a pull-out weight of 2 kg. The construction of the head region 46a, respectively the base body of the head region 46a, is different in other bristle-furnishing methods. Principally applying AFT would also be conceivable. In this way an anchor-free oral hygiene device 10a—and thus an oral hygiene device 10a without metal—could be provided as the anchor wire can be dispensed with. In the case of AFT, in the head region 46a a recess is provided which is configured to receive a platelet in parallel to the handle unit 14a. The platelet is in particular produced by an injection-molding process, the platelet being already furnished with bristles before fastening. The platelet is configured to be anchored, in particular via welding, in the recess of the head region 46a. Bristle bundles may differ regarding their length, their composition, their number of bristles, a bristle material, a color, a surface structuring, and more of the like. It is also possible for angles included by the bristles and/or the bristle bundles with each other or with a surface of the base body of the head region 46a to vary between bristles and/or between bristle bundles. In the present case the application unit 12a further comprises the at least one neck region 48a, which in particular connects the head region 46a to the handle unit 14a. The neck region 48a forms a neck.

[0169] The application unit 12a is arranged on the upper side of the oral hygiene device 10a. The application unit 12a forms an uppermost point of the oral hygiene device 10a. The application unit 12a is completely made of a hard component. It would however also be conceivable that the application unit 12a is made partly of a soft component and partly of a hard component. Regarding suitable soft and hard components, the above description is referred to. Principally the application unit 12a may comprise at least one tongue cleaner element. The tongue cleaner element may in particular have nubs and/or lamellae.

[0170] Preferably the tongue cleaner element is arranged on the rear side of the head region 46a. In particular, said tongue cleaner element may be arranged on a ring that is implemented of a soft component and/or on an island that is implemented of a hard component.

[0171] The neck region 48a forms a transition between the application unit 12a and the handle unit 14a. The neck region 48a is implemented of the hard component. The lower end of the neck region 48a is realized so as to be at least partially springy.

[0172] The handle unit 14a comprises a material volume body 16a. The handle unit 14a comprises at least one gripping surface 60a, which forms a surface of the material volume body 16a. The gripping surface 60a extends on the front side 30a from the neck region 48a to the lower end of the oral hygiene device 10a on the underside. The gripping surface 60a forms a cambered, relatively concave, shape along the longitudinal axis 52a. On the rear side 26a, the cambered shape is realized inversely along the longitudinal axis 52a. In a middle or rear region of the gripping surface 60a, in particular a lettering and/or a logo could be arranged. The lettering and/or the logo may in particular be applied on the oral hygiene device 10a via indentation. The lettering and/or the logo are/is preferably arranged in the rear gripping region of the handle unit 14a. A depth of the indentation is between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm. In particular, neither printing nor stamping is provided as this could damage the environment. Stampings could, for example, contain a metallic film. The gripping surface 60a is free of a set-off thumb grip. The handle unit 14a has continuous roundings. The handle unit 14a has continuously planar surfaces without interruptions or sharp edges. Surface lines in particular extend without offset. The roundings and surface transitions of the handle unit 14a are implemented having large radii in the longitudinal and transverse directions. There are small radii only at the ends and sidewise from the front side 30a to the rear side 26a. A maximum width of the oral hygiene device 10a from the underside to an upper side is located in the first 30% of the main extent of the oral hygiene device 10a. Beyond the maximum width, the body of the oral hygiene device 10a decreases in width continuously rearwards to the rear end. Beyond the maximum width, the body of the oral hygiene device 10a decreases in width continuously frontwards to the application unit 12a, until reaching the width of the handle unit 14a and of the neck region 48a up to the base of the head region 46a. The handle unit 14a has an approximately even material thickness in its height, in particular parallel to the height axis 54a. In the neck region 48a the material thickness decreases from the handle unit 14a to the material thickness of the head region 46a. The material thickness of the head region 46a is smaller than a material thickness of the handle unit 14a. The material thickness of the head region 46a is implements the small height of the oral hygiene device 10a. The even material thickness of the oral hygiene device 10a provides advantages in bio-degradation as the body is degraded in an advantageously even manner and remains in one piece to the end.

[0173] The material volume body 16a of the handle unit 14a is at least to a large extent made of a bio-degradable, in particular compostable, material and/or of a recycled material. The material volume body 16a of the handle unit 14a is at least to a large extent made of a plastic that is based on renewable raw materials. The material is implemented by a plastic. The material is implemented by a bio-plastic, which is in particular based on renewable materials, and/or by a bio-degradable plastic. The entire handle unit 14a and the application unit 12a are implemented of a bio-plastic. A material that is preferably made use of is in particular Grilamid, in particular from the company EMS, which is based on castor oil, Arboblend, in particular from the company Technaro, which is based on cellulose, castor, sugar or glucose, and/or Biograde, in particular from the company FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, which is based on wood, respectively cellulose. The bristles are, as has been already explained, of PA 6.10, which is made by approximately 50% to 70% of renewable materials and is based on castor oil, of PA 6.12 and/or of PA 10.10, which is made by up to 100% of renewable materials and is based on castor oil.

[0174] The oral hygiene device 10a further comprises a first material and at least one second material that differs from the first material. In particular, the oral hygiene device 10a moreover comprises a third material. In particular after a usage period of the oral hygiene device 10a, at least the second material, in particular the second material and the third material, is/are configured to be separated from the first material. The first material is configured at least partly for a disposal separately from the second material. A portion of the first material is separable from the second material in a homogeneous manner, wherein in particular a portion of the first material remains connected to the second material. The oral hygiene device 10a is configured to be severed between the head region 46a and the neck region 48a of the application unit 12a. The handle unit 14a and the neck region 48a are made only of the first material, namely the bio-plastic, wherein the bristles, which are made of a third material, are non-releasably connected at the head region 46a, which is made of the first material, by means of anchors, which are made of the second material, namely a metal. For optimum recycling, the head region 46a must therefore be disposed of separately from the handle unit 14a and the neck region 48a. It would however also be conceivable that the bristles are also made of the first material.

[0175] The oral hygiene device 10a comprises a predetermined separation point 40a for a homogeneous separation of a subregion 42a with the first material, in particular the handle unit 14a, from a subregion 44a with the second material. The first subregion 42a is implemented by the handle unit 14a and the neck region 48a of the application unit 12a. The second subregion 44a is implemented of the head region 46a of the application unit 12a, the bristles and the anchors, wherein at least the anchors are made of the second material. The predetermined separation point 40a is arranged in the neck region 48a and is configured for a separation of the handle unit 14a from the head region 46a of the application unit 12a. The predetermined separation point 40a extends transversely to the longitudinal axis 52a. The predetermined separation point 40a is arranged on a side of the neck region 48a that faces toward the head region 46a. The predetermined separation point 40a is exemplarily realized by a marking of an intended separation point. The marking is implemented of an external marking indicating a separation position. The marking indicates the position where, for example, the head region 46a is to be separated off. The marking is realized as a printing. It would however also be conceivable that the marking is realized as a circumferential indentation and/or a circumferential elevation. It would however also be conceivable that the predetermined separation point 40a′ is realized by a predetermined breaking point, which is configured to break in the case of a defined load on the application unit 12a counter to a bristle load direction 50a of the application unit 12a. A predetermined separation point 40a′ realized as a predetermined breaking point is schematically indicated in FIG. 1D. The predetermined separation point 40a′ is implemented by a notch on a rear side of the neck region 48a of the oral hygiene device 10a. The notch is arranged on a side that faces away from the bristle load direction 50a. However, principally a different implementation of the predetermined breaking point, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, is also conceivable. The predetermined breaking point may, for example, comprise a perforation, a scratch track, or something like that.

[0176] The production of the oral hygiene device 10a is brought about via two negative molds which together form a cavity. For this purpose, the oral hygiene device 10a has a shape-separation line 76a. The shape-separation line 76a extends over the entire length of the oral hygiene device 10a. The shape-separation line 76a has a curved shape over the length of the oral hygiene device 10a, the curved shape at least essentially following the shape of the oral hygiene device 10a. The shape-separation line 76a extends at a middle height zone of the oral hygiene device 10a. The shape-separation line 76a extends along the widest area in the cross section of the oral hygiene device 10a. This advantageously allows achieving favorable demoldability in the injection-molding tool. Advantageously, the negative molds may thus be removed from the oral hygiene device 10a without having to overcome an undercut.

[0177] In FIGS. 2A to 11E further exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions are essentially limited to the differences between the exemplary embodiments, wherein regarding components, features and functions that remain the same the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1A to 1G, may be referred to. In order to distinguish between the exemplary embodiments, the letter a that has been added to the reference numerals of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1A to 1G has been substituted by the letters b to k in the reference numerals of FIGS. 2A to 11E. Regarding components having the same denomination, in particular components having the same reference numerals, principally the drawings and/or the description of the other exemplary embodiments, in particular of FIGS. 1A to 1G, may be referred to.

[0178] FIG. 2A shows a front side 30b of an oral hygiene device 10b with an application unit 12b and with a handle unit 14b comprising a material volume body 16b. The handle unit 14b is connected with the application unit 12b. The handle unit 14b and the application unit 12b are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12b comprises a head region 46b. The head region 46b forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10b. The head region 46b in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10b furthermore comprise a cleaning zone 62b, which is accommodated in the head region 46b and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in the FIGS. 2A to 2C the bristle bundles are schematically illustrated as a volume body. On the front side 30b of the head region 46b at least one recess 58b is formed. The at least one recess 58b is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0179] The handle unit 14b further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18b, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16b. The hollow-space structure 18b is implemented by a hollow space or several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14b. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18b is implemented by exactly two hollow spaces. The hollow-space structure 18b extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 22b of the handle unit 14b. The hollow-space structure 18b is realized in two parts, a first part of the hollow-space structure 18b extending over a front portion of the handle unit 14b that faces toward the application unit 12b and a second part of the hollow-space structure 18b extending over a rear portion of the handle unit 14b that faces away from the application unit 12b. The first part of the hollow-space structure 18b extends up to a neck region 48b of the application unit 12b.

[0180] The material volume body 16b comprises a platform 64b. The platform 64b serves for a marking. The platform 64b furthermore serves as a finger support, preferably as a thumb support. The platform 64b forms a thumb-gripping region 24b of the material volume body 16b. The platform 64b is realized by a filled body. The platform 64b is realized by an elliptic body, in particular an ellipsoid. However, principally a different shape of the platform 64b, deemed expedient by someone skilled in the art, would also be conceivable. The material volume body 16b further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20b. The material volume body 16b comprises a bionic structure 20b. The bionic structure 20b at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18b directly. The bionic structure 20b is directly adjacent to the hollow-space structure 20b. The bionic structure 20b extends over a substantial portion of the main extent 22b of the handle unit 14b. The bionic structure 20b extends over at least 70% of the main extent 22b of the handle unit 14b. In a thumb-gripping region 24b of the handle unit 14b, the bionic structure 20b is realized so as to be section-wise interrupted. The bionic structure 20b is interrupted by the platform 64b. The bionic structure 20b directly adjoins the platform 64b on both sides. The bionic structure comprises in at least one region at least three strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b, which are twisted relative to one another. In the rear handle region the bionic structure 20b exemplarily comprises precisely six strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b, which are twisted relative to one another. In the rear handle region, which is arranged on a side of the platform 64b that faces away from the application unit 12b, the bionic structure 20b comprises precisely six strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b, which are twisted relative to one another. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b form a reticulate structure. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b are at least partially intertwined with one another. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b partially enclose the hollow-space structure 18b. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b are implemented by webs which form an outer envelope of the hollow-space structure 18b. Furthermore, the strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b extend at least partially through the hollow-space structure 20b. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b are implemented by fine webs having a small cross section. An orientation of the strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b is essentially along a longitudinal axis 52b of the oral hygiene device 10b. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b intersect along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit 14b. Beyond this, a plateau 66b is built into the bionic structure 20b of the material volume body 16b, the plateau 66b being realized so as to be quasi planar between two strand elements 32.3b, 32.6b. The plateau 66b may be used for a lettering or may in particular serve ergonomic purposes, in particular for improved holding. The plateau 66b is formed at a lower end of the handle unit 14b. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b are spaced apart from one another in at least one cross section that is perpendicular to a main extent direction 34b of the handle unit 14b. Furthermore, in at least one cross section that is perpendicular to the main extent direction 34b of the handle unit 14b, the strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b are partly interconnected. The strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b intersect in at least one point, wherein the strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b are connected to one another in the intersection point. Preferably the strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b extend from the platform 64b separately along the longitudinal axis 52b, wherein respectively three strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b are arranged on each side. In a middle region the strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b of each side intersect at least partially, the sides remaining separate from each other. In a rear region the strand elements 32.1b, 32.2b, 32.3b, 32.4b, 32.5b, 32.6b converge, wherein a strand element 32.3b of the lefthand side and a strand element 32.6b of the righthand side converge and form the plateau 66b. The plateau 66b is arranged on the front side 30b, the two strand elements 32.3b, 32.6b that form the plateau 66b being connected to the platform 64b on a rear side 26b (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C).

[0181] Furthermore, the bionic structure 20b comprises in at least one region four further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b. The bionic structure 20b exemplarily comprises four further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b in the front handle region. In the front handle region, which is arranged on a side of the platform 64b that faces toward the application unit 12b, the bionic structure 20b comprises exactly four further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b. The further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b form a reticulate structure. The further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b form a cage-like structure. The further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b extend substantially parallel to one another. The further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b partially enclose the hollow-space structure 18b. The further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b are realized by webs which form an outer envelope of the hollow-space structure 18b. The further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b partially form an outer envelope of the material volume body 16b. An orientation of the further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b is substantially along a longitudinal axis 52b of the oral hygiene device 10b. The further strand elements 32.7b, 32.8b, 32.9b, 32.10b are furthermore arranged between the head region 46b and the platform 64b, at least partly in the neck region 48b (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C).

[0182] The bionic structure 20b is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20b is produced via mutually contacting cores and additional core pullings. The bionic structure 20b is no longer demoldable only in one axis, therefore the additional core pullings are necessary. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for the production.

[0183] FIG. 3A shows a front side 30c of an oral hygiene device 10c with an application unit 12c and with a handle unit 14c comprising a material volume body 16c. The handle unit 14c is connected with the application unit 12c. The handle unit 14c and the application unit 12c are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12c comprises a head region 46c. The head region 46c forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10c.

[0184] The head region 46c in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10c furthermore comprises a cleaning zone 62c, which is accommodated in the head region 46c and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 3A and 3B the bristle bundles are schematically illustrated as a volume body. On the front side 30c of the head region 46c at least one recess 58c is formed. The at least one recess 58c is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0185] The handle unit 14c furthermore comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18c, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16c. The hollow-space structure 18c is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14c. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18c is implemented by exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18c extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 22c of the handle unit 14c. The hollow-space structure 18c extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14c to a neck region 48c of the application unit 12c.

[0186] The material volume body 16c further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20c. The material volume body 16c comprises a bionic structure 20c. The bionic structure 20c at least partly delimits the hollow-space structure 18c directly. The bionic structure 20c is directly adjacent to the hollow-space structure 18c. The bionic structure 20c extends over a substantial portion of the main extent 22c of the handle unit 14c. The bionic structure 20c extends over at least 30% of the main extent 22c of the handle unit 14c. The bionic structure 20c is implemented by a lattice structure. The bionic structure 20c comprises a plurality of regularly arranged webs which respectively delimit a recess towards the sides. The webs are interconnected to form a pattern. The webs are implemented integrally. The recesses are arranged in a defined grid pattern and have an at least substantially identical cross-section shape. By way of example, the recesses are realized in a lozenge-shape. The arrangement of the recesses forms a regular pattern. The recesses are implemented by through holes. The bionic structure 20c, which is implemented by a lattice structure, comprises several separate sub-structures 20.1c, 20.2c. The bionic structure 20c, which is implemented by a lattice structure, comprises exactly two separate sub-structures 20.1c, 20.2c, which are separated by a structure-free region of the material volume body 16c. A first sub-structure 20.1c of the bionic structure 20c is arranged in a thumb-gripping region 24c of the material volume body 16c. The first sub-structure 20.1c forms a surface structure of the thumb-gripping region 24c. A second sub-structure 20.2c of the bionic structure 20c is arranged at a rear end of the material volume body 16c. Between 5 and 18 parallel webs, preferably 7 to 13 parallel webs, are arranged per each sub-structure.

[0187] The material volume body 16c comprises the thumb-gripping region 24c. The hollow-space structure 18c is substantially open toward a rear side 26c of the oral hygiene device 10c that faces away from the thumb-gripping region 24c. In a plane that is perpendicular to a main extent direction 34c of the handle unit 14c, the material volume body 16c engages around the hollow-space structure 18c substantially in a C shape. A geometric center of the hollow-space structure 18c is surrounded by the material volume body 16c over an angle range of at least 200°. A volume of the hollow-space structure 18c is larger than a volume of the material volume body 16c, wherein in each point of the hollow-space structure 18c there is an imaginary straight line through the point, which goes through the material volume body 16c, then through the point and then once more through the material volume body 16c. The material volume body 16c is implemented in a thin-walled fashion. The material volume body 16c is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The material volume body 16c is formed like a bent plate. The bend is substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis 52c of the oral hygiene device 10c. The material volume body 16c has a mostly bent cross-section shape, such that a voluminous outer shape is created. In a plane that is perpendicular to the main extent direction 34c, the material volume body 16c has a substantially C-shaped cross section, which is open rearwards. On a side that faces away from the thumb-gripping region 24c, the material volume body 16c forms a substantially concave receiving region 28c, which delimits the hollow-space structure 18c.

[0188] The material volume body 16c has a cross-section shape that is mostly bent concavely to a rear side 26c, such that a voluminous outer shape is created. The hollow-shape structure 18c is formed by the concave bend of the material volume body 16c. The material volume body 16c is recessed from the rear, the recess being formed by the hollow-space structure 18c. The hollow-space structure 18c is implemented by the bend of the material volume body 16c. The hollow-space structure 18c extends exclusively in the handle unit 14c. However, it would also be conceivable that the hollow-space structure 18c continues via the neck region 48c into the application unit 12c. The material volume body 16c further comprises a stabilizing rim 68c on a free edge. The rim 68c has a greater material thickness than the remaining material volume body 16c. The material volume body 16c has a thin wall thickness. The thin wall thickness extends into the neck region 48c of the application unit 12c. The wall thickness of the material volume body 16c is 1 mm to 5.5 mm, preferably 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0189] The hollow-space structure 18c is substantially closed on a front side 30c that faces toward the thumb-gripping region 24c. On a front side 30c the hollow-space structure 18c is delimited by the material volume body 16c. The material volume body 16c has a cross-section shape that is bent to a front side 30c in a convex manner. On a front side 30c the hollow-space structure 18c is realized such that it is partly open only in the region of the bionic structure 20c.

[0190] FIG. 4 shows a front side 30d of an oral hygiene device 10d with an application unit 12d and with a handle unit 14d comprising a material volume body 16d. The handle unit 14d is connected with the application unit 12d. The handle unit 14d and the application unit 12d are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12d comprises a head region 46d. The head region 46d forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10d. The head region 46d in particular comprises a base body that is realized as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10d furthermore comprises a cleaning zone 62d, which is accommodated in the head region 46d and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIG. 4 the bristle bundles are shown as a volume body. On the front side 30d of the head region 46d at least one recess 58d is formed. The at least one recess 58d is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0191] The handle unit 14d furthermore comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18d, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16d. The hollow-space structure 18d is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14d. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18d is implemented by exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18d extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 22d of the handle unit 14d. The hollow-space structure 18d extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14d to a neck region 48d of the application unit 12d.

[0192] In at least one plane that is parallel to a main extent plane 38d of the handle unit 14d, the hollow-space structure 18d is completely enclosed by the material volume body 16d. In the main extent plane 38d of the handle unit 14d, the hollow-space structure 18d is completely enclosed by the material volume body 16d. The material volume body 16d is implemented by a ring extending around the hollow-space structure 18d. The hollow-space structure 18d is implemented by a slit that is surrounded by the material volume body 16d. The hollow-space structure 18d is implemented by an 8-shaped slit. The slit is oriented along a longitudinal axis 52d of the handle unit 14d. From a front side 30d to a rear side of the oral hygiene device 10d, the hollow-space structure 18d is delimited sideways by the material volume body 16d. The material volume body 16d is formed by two lateral longitudinal webs 70d, 70d′, which are respectively connected at a front end and a rear end. The frame enclosing the hollow-space structure 18d, which is embodied by the material volume body 16d, is implemented in a closed fashion. The application unit 12d is implemented as a solid body. In a thumb-gripping region 24d, in the region of the hollow-space structure 18d, the material volume body 16d has a surface structure in the inlets of the slit. On the front side 30d the material volume body 16d has several projections 72d which form the surface structure. The shape of the material volume body 16d is realized in a rounded fashion. The longitudinal webs 70d, 70d′ of the material volume body 16d have an essentially round cross section. The hollow-space structure 18d that is realized as a slit has a length of 30 mm to 180 mm, preferably of 60 mm to 150 mm. The hollow-space structure 18d that is realized as a slit has a width of 3 mm to 15 mm, preferably of 5 mm to 10 mm. A height of the hollow-space structure 18d that is realized as a slit in particular at least approximately corresponds to a width of the hollow-space structure 18d.

[0193] FIGS. 5A to 5C show a front side 30e of an oral hygiene device 10e with an application unit 12e and with a handle unit 14e comprising a material volume body 16e. The handle unit 16e is connected with the application unit 12e. The handle unit 14e and the application unit 12e are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12e comprises a head region 46e. The head region 46e forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10e. The head region 46e in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10e further comprises a cleaning zone 62e, which is accommodated in the head region 46e and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 5A to 5C the bristle bundles are shown as a volume body. On the front side 30e of the head region 46e at least one recess 58e is formed. The at least one recess 58e is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0194] The handle unit 14e further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18e, which is delimited at least substantially by the material volume body 16e. The hollow-space structure 18e is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14e. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18e is implemented by exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18e extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 22e of the handle unit 14e. The hollow-space structure 18e extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14e up to a neck region 48e of the application unit 12e.

[0195] In at least one plane that is parallel to a main extent plane 38e of the handle unit 14e, the hollow-space structure 18e is completely enclosed by the material volume body 16e. In the main extent plane 38e of the handle unit 14e, the hollow-space structure 18e is completely enclosed by the material volume body 16e. In at least one cross section that is perpendicular to a main extent direction 34e of the handle unit 14e, the hollow-space structure 18e is surrounded by the material volume body 16e. The material volume body 16e comprises a recess 36e, via which the hollow-space structure 18e is connected to an environment. The material volume body 16e comprises a plurality of defined recesses 36e. With the exception of the recesses 36e, the material volume body 16e delimits the hollow-space structure 18e completely. The recesses 36e are implemented in a non-connected manner and in each case have an area of maximally 1.5 cm.sup.2. The hollow-space structure 18e is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 14e. In a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 18e, the material volume body 16e has a low wall thickness. The recesses 36e have different orientations. The recesses 36e are implemented in a circle-shaped manner. On a front side 30e, six recesses 36e are arranged. The recesses 36e on the front side 30e have different diameters, wherein a diameter of the recesses 36e increases toward a center of the handle unit 14e. On a rear side 26e, six recesses 36e are arranged. The recesses 36e on the rear side 26e have different diameters, wherein a diameter of the recesses 36e increases toward a center of the handle unit 14e. The recesses 36e of the front side and the rear side are arranged offset from one another. The material volume body 16e further comprises a thumb-gripping region 24e. The thumb-gripping region 24e is formed by a concave hollow in the handle unit 14e. On the rear side 26e of the oral hygiene device 10e, a deepening 74e with a through hole is arranged, which corresponds to the thumb-gripping region 24e. The recesses 36e are arranged only on a side of the thumb-gripping region 24e that faces away from the application unit 12e. The hollow-space structure 18e extends through the material volume body 16e on a side of the thumb-gripping region 24e that faces away from the application unit 12e.

[0196] The recesses 36e are arranged at approximately equal distances in a row along a longitudinal axis 52e of the handle unit 14e. The recesses 36e of the front side 30e and the recesses 36e the rear side 26e are arranged offset from one another. The recesses 36e, respectively the hollows they induce in the wall of the material volume body 16e, are spaced apart from one another by webs of the material volume body 16e. In the illustrated implementation, five webs are formed on the front side 30e and five webs are formed on the rear side 26e. After penetrating the wall of the material volume body 16e, the recesses 36e end in the hollow-space structure 18e. Due to the recesses 36e the hollow-space structure 18e is open toward the environment. In one possible implementation items can be laid into the hollow-space structure 18e.

[0197] In the hollow-space structure 18e conically converging transverse ribs (not shown in detail) are arranged, which are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 52e. These transverse ribs are due to the manufacturing process.

[0198] In the present case, in FIGS. 5A to 5C an exemplary embodiment is shown which is producible with one material component or several material components. The marked volumes are realized in a further material component 78e. On the rear side 26e the further material component 78e forms the geometry around the recesses 36e, and thus forms part of the rear side 26e. In the thumb-gripping region 24e a deepening 74e with a pass-through opening is created, through which the further material component 78e is guided from the rear side 26e to the front side 30e. The thumb-gripping region 24e, respectively the deepening 74e with the pass-through opening, is at least partially covered in the further material component 78e.

[0199] On the rear side 26e, the further material component 78e may form the webs between the recesses 36e partially or entirely. The further material component 78e may either be applied on a “carrier element” of the volume body 16e and form the webs, or the further material component 78e forms the webs on its own, without additional material components.

[0200] The oral hygiene device 10e is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The recesses 36e that are open toward the front side 30e of the oral hygiene device 10e are formed by conically tapering finger elements, while the recesses 36e that are open toward the rear side 26e are also formed by conically tapering finger elements. The finger elements respectively engage in each other and contact each other in the hollow-space structure 18e in order to exclude a flowthrough of material, in particular plastic. In the finished oral hygiene device 10e the mutually contacting finger elements form the recesses 36e and the hollow-space structure 18e. A cavity that is filled with material, in particular plastic, during production defines the shape of the material volume body 16e of the handle unit 14e and of the application unit 12e.

[0201] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a further implementation. FIG. 6A shows a front side 30f of an oral hygiene device 10f with an application unit 12f and with a handle unit 14f comprising a material volume body 16f. The handle unit 14f is connected with the application unit 12f. The handle unit 14f and the application unit 12f are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12f comprises a head region 46f. The head region 46f forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10f. The head region 46f in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10f further comprises a cleaning zone 62f, which is accommodated in the head region 46f and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 6A and 6B the bristles bundles are schematically shown as a volume body. On the front side 30f of the head region 46f at least one recess 58f is formed. The at least one recess 58f is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0202] The handle unit 14f further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18f, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16f. The hollow-space structure 18f is implemented by several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14f. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18f is implemented by a hollow space formed over different recesses 36f. The hollow-space structure 18f extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 22f of the handle unit 14f. The hollow-space structure 18f is realized in a one-part implementation and extends to a neck region 48f of the application unit 12f.

[0203] The material volume body 16f further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20f. The material volume body 16f comprises a bionic structure 20f. The bionic structure 20f at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18f directly. The bionic structure 20f is formed by means of different recesses 36f. The recesses 36f are molded both from the front side 30f and from the rear side 26f. The recesses 36f extend into the body from an outer side. In FIGS. 6A and 6B the recesses 36f realized in a slit-like manner. The recesses 36f of the front side 30f and the rear side 26f intersect and at least partially merge with one another. The slit-shaped recesses 36f are oriented at an angle with respect to the main extent direction 34f, wherein the recesses 36f of the front side 30f and the recesses 36f of the rear side 26f are arranged symmetrically with respect to an orientation relative to the main extent direction 34f. As a result of such an arrangement of the recesses 36f, the stability of the entire body is ensured despite material is saved and the body is not flexible.

[0204] Furthermore, the recesses 36f are open on the front side 30f as well as on the rear side 26f to the lefthand side or to the righthand side, wherein the recesses 36f on the front side 30f are open toward one side and the recesses 36f on the rear side 26f are open toward the other side. As a result, sidewise on the left and on the right, at the transition to the front side 30f, respectively to the rear side 26f, there is in each case a contiguous closed portion extending from the underside to the upper side, i. e. to the application unit 12f.

[0205] The recesses 36f are preferably realized in the handle unit 14f and they end in the thumb-gripping region 24f, respectively they are not implemented up to the neck region 48f.

[0206] The bionic structure 20f is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20f is produced via mutually contacting cores. The bionic structure 20f is demoldable along an axis. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0207] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a further implementation. FIG. 7A shows a front side 30g of an oral hygiene device 10g with an application unit 12g and with a handle unit 14g comprising a material volume body 16g. The handle unit 14g is connected with the application unit 12g. The handle unit 14g and the application unit 12g are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12g comprises a head region 46g. The head region 46g forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10g. The head region 46g in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10g further comprises a cleaning zone 62g, which is accommodated in the head region 46g and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 7A and 7B the bristle bundles are depicted schematically as a volume body. On the front side 30g of the head region 46g at least one recess 58g is formed. The at least one recess 58g is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0208] The handle unit 14g comprises several hollow-space structures 18g, which are at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16g. The hollow-space structure 18g is implemented by several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14g. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18g is formed in respectively one recess 36g. The hollow-space structure 18g extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 22b of the handle unit 14g. The hollow-space structure 18g extends to a neck region 48g of the application unit 12g.

[0209] The material volume body 16g further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20g. The material volume body 16g comprises a bionic structure 20g. The bionic structure 20g at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18g directly. The bionic structure 20g is realized by different recesses 36g. The recesses 36g are molded from the front side 30g as well as from the rear side 26g. The recesses 36g extend from into the body an outside. The recesses 36g in FIGS. 7A and 7B are realized in a slit-shaped manner. The recesses 36g of the front side 30g and of the rear side 26g partly contact each other, thus forming breakthroughs between the front side 30g and the rear side 26g. The slit-shaped recesses 36g are oriented at an angle to a main extent direction, wherein the recesses 36g of the front side 30g and the recesses 36g of the rear side 26g are arranged parallel to the orientation relative to the main extent direction. Due to this arrangement of the recesses 36g, an at least partially flexible body is implemented. The recesses 36g are respectively arranged alternatingly in a one-sided or two-sided fashion. “One-sided” means in the present case only from the front side 30g or from the rear side 26g. “Two-sided” means that a recess 36g is implemented in a same position from the front side 30g and from the rear side 26g.

[0210] Furthermore, the recesses 36g are open on the front side 30g and on the rear side 26g, to the lefthand side or to the righthand side respectively.

[0211] The recesses 36g are preferably formed in the handle unit 14g, and they end in the thumb-gripping region 24g, and/or are not implemented up to the neck region 48g. The depth of the recesses 36g is preferably reduced in a region of the transition from the handle unit 14g to the neck region 48g. In this way the material volume body 16g is fuller and the stability of the body is augmented.

[0212] The bionic structure 20g is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20g is produced via mutually contacting cores. The bionic structure 20g can be demolded along an axis. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0213] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a further implementation. FIG. 8A shows a front side 30h of an oral hygiene device 10h with an application unit 12h and with a handle unit 14h comprising a material volume body 16h. The handle unit 14h is connected with the application unit 12h. The handle unit 14h and the application unit 12h are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12h comprises a head region 46h. The head region 46h forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10h. The head region 46h in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10h further comprises a cleaning zone 62h, which is accommodated in the head region 46h and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 8A and 8B the bristle bundles are depicted schematically as a volume body. On the front side 30h of the head region 46h at least one recess 58h is formed. The at least one recess 58h is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0214] The handle unit 14h comprises one or several hollow-space structure/s 18h, which is/are substantially delimited by the material volume body 16h. The hollow-space structure 18h is implemented by several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14h. The hollow-space structure 18h extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14h. The hollow-space structure 18h extends to a neck region 48h of the application unit 12h.

[0215] The material volume body 16h further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20h. The material volume body 16h comprises a bionic structure 20h. The bionic structure 20h at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18h directly. The bionic structure 20h is formed by a contiguous recess 36h in the shape of a double helix. The recesses 36h are thus formed both from the front side 30h and from the rear side 26h. The recesses 36h extend into the body from an outside. The recesses 36h of the front side 30h and the rear side 26h partially contact each other, thus forming breakthroughs between the front side 30h and the rear side 26h. The slit-shaped recesses 36h are oriented at an angle to a main extent direction, the recesses 36h of the front side 30h and the recesses 36h of the rear side 26h being arranged crosswise relative to the orientation with respect to the main extent direction, in the shape of a double helix.

[0216] The recesses 36h are formed in the handle unit 14h and they end in the thumb-gripping region 24h, and/or they are not implemented up to the neck region 48h. Preferably the recesses 36h are formed in the handle unit 14h. In the thumb-gripping region 24h a pass-through opening is formed which is implemented in a rounded shape, thus forming the structure for the thumb support.

[0217] The bionic structure 20h is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20h is produced via mutually contacting cores. The bionic structure 20h can be demolded along an axis. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0218] In addition to the hard component that was already discussed, further components may be employed, for example soft components. The soft component may be used, for example, for filling the thumb gripping region 24h on the surface, thus creating improved haptics in this region. The soft component may herein be arranged in a deepening and may be guided through said deepening from the front side 30h to the rear side 26h, thus improving haptics on both sides of the thumb-gripping region 24h.

[0219] The implementations shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 are producible by multi-component injection molding. Besides the afore-described hard component further components may be employed. For example, a soft component may be used. The soft component may fill part of the recesses 36f, 36g, 36h and may exit to the grippable surface, thus changing optic and haptic characteristics of the product. For example in the implementation illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the recesses 36f situated next to the thumb-gripping region 24f may be filled with a soft component. As a result, grippability will be improved and the thumb will lie stably on the product.

[0220] In FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C a further implementation is shown. FIG. 9A shows a front side 30i of an oral hygiene device 10i with an application unit 12i and with a handle unit 14i comprising a material volume body 16i. The handle unit 14i is connected with the application unit 12i. The handle unit 14i and the application unit 12i are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12i comprises a head region 46i. The head region 46i forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10i. The head region 46i in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10i further comprises a cleaning zone 62i, which is accommodated in the head region 46i and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 9A to 9C the bristle bundles are depicted schematically as a volume body. On the front side 30i of the head region 46i at least one recess 58i is formed. The at least one recess 58i is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles or a platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0221] The handle unit 14i further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18i, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16i. The hollow-space structure 18i is implemented by a hollow space or several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14i. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18i is implemented by one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18i extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14i. The hollow-space structure 18i is realized in a one-part implementation. The hollow-space structure 18i extends to a neck region 48i of the application unit 12i.

[0222] The material volume body 16i further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20i. The material volume body 16i comprises a bionic structure 20i. The bionic structure 20i at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18i directly. The bionic structure 20i is directly adjacent to the hollow-space structure 18i. The bionic structure 20i extends over a substantial portion of the main extent of the handle unit 14d. The bionic structure 20i extends over at least 70% of the main extent of the handle unit 14d. In at least one region the bionic structure 20i comprises at least three strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i, which are twisted relative to one another. In the rear handle region the bionic structure 20i exemplarily comprises exactly six strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i which are twisted relative to one another. The bionic structure 20i comprises exactly six strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i which are twisted relative to one another. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i form a reticulate structure. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i are at least partially intertwined with one another. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i partially enclose the hollow-space structure 18i. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i are implemented by webs forming an outer envelope of the material volume body 16i. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i form an outer envelope of the material volume body 16i. Furthermore, the strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i extend at least partially through the hollow-space structure 18i. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i are implemented by thin webs having a small cross section. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i are oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device 10i. The strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i intersect along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit 14i.

[0223] In the thumb-gripping region 24i the strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i are shaped so as to form a hollow for the thumb support. For this purpose, viewed from the underside, the strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i diverge and then converge, such that the hollow is formed.

[0224] Beyond this a plateau 66i is built into the bionic structure 20i of the material volume body 16i, the plateau 66i being implemented approximately planar between two strand elements 32.1i, 32.4i. The plateau 66i may be used for a lettering or may in particular serve ergonomic purposes, in particular for improved holding. The plateau 66i is implemented at a lower end of the handle unit 14i. In at least one cross section perpendicular to a main extent direction 34i of the handle unit 14i, the strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i are spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, the strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i are partially connected to one another in at least one cross section perpendicular to the main extent direction 34i of the handle unit 14i. In a rear region the strand elements 32.1i, 32.2i, 32.3i, 32.4i, 32.5i, 32.6i converge, wherein one strand element 32.1i of the lefthand side and one strand element 32.4i of the righthand side converge and form the plateau 66i. The plateau 66i is arranged on the front side 30i (cf. FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C).

[0225] The bionic structure 20i is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20i is produced by means of mutually contacting cores and additional core pullings. The bionic structure 20i cannot be demolded in only one axis, therefore the additional core pullings are necessary. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0226] FIGS. 10A and 10B show a front side 30j of an oral hygiene device 10j with an application unit 12j and with a handle unit 14j comprising a material volume body 16j. The handle unit 14j is connected with the application unit 12j. The handle unit 14j and the application unit 12i are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12j comprises a head region 46j. The head region 46j forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10j. The head region 46j in particular comprises a base body which is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10j further comprises a cleaning zone 62j, which is accommodated in the head region 46j and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 10A to 10C the bristle bundles are depicted as a volume body. On the front side 30j of the head region 46j at least one recess 58j is formed. The at least one recess 58j is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0227] The handle unit 13j further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18j, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16j. The hollow-space structure 18j is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14j. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18j is implemented by exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18j extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14j. The hollow-space structure 18j extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14j to a thumb-gripping region 24j of the application unit 12j.

[0228] The hollow-space structure 18j is enclosed by the material volume body 16j. The material volume body 16j comprises recesses 36j, which are offset all around and which enter the hollow-space structure 18j from an outside. The volume body 16j comprises at least one recess 36j via which the hollow-space structure 18j is connected to an environment. The material volume body 16j has several defined recesses 36j. With the exception of the recesses 36j, the material volume body 16j delimits the hollow-space structure 18j completely. The recesses 36j are implemented in a non-connected fashion and respectively have an area of maximally 1.5 cm.sup.2. The hollow-space structure 18j is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 14j. The material volume body 16j has a small wall thickness in a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 18j. The recesses 36j have different orientations. The recesses 36j are realized in a circular shape. On a front side 30j six recesses 36j are arranged. The recesses 36j on the front side 30j have different diameters, wherein a diameter of the recesses 36j increases toward a middle of the handle unit 14j. On a rear side six recesses 36j are arranged. The recesses 36j on the rear side have different diameters, wherein a diameter of the recesses 36j increases toward a middle of the handle unit 14j. The recesses 36j of the front side 30j and of the rear side and on the lefthand and righthand sides are arranged offset from one another. The material volume body 16j further comprises a thumb-gripping region 24j. The thumb-gripping region 24j is formed by a sphere-shaped elevation extending around the body in the handle unit 14j. The recesses 36j are arranged at approximately equal distances from each other in a row along a longitudinal axis of the handle unit 14j. The recesses 36j are arranged offset from one another. The recesses 36j, respectively the cavities caused by the recesses 36j in the wall of the material volume body 16j, are spaced apart from one another by webs of the material volume body 16j. After penetrating the wall of the material volume body 16j, the recesses 36j end in the hollow-space structure 18j. The hollow-space structure 18j is open toward the environment via the recesses 36j. In one possible implementation, objects can be laid into the hollow-space structure 18j. There is also a recess 36j arranged on the underside of the handle unit 14j.

[0229] The bionic structure 20j is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20j is produced via mutually contacting cores and additional core pullings. The bionic structure 20j cannot be demolded in only one axis, therefore the additional core pullings are necessary. Alternatively 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0230] The implementation variant according to FIGS. 10A to 10C may also be realized with one or several further material components. For example, a soft component may fill a portion of the hollow-space structure 18j and may exit to the surface of the handle unit 14j through the recesses 36j. Herein, for example, a spherical closure may be created, bringing certain haptic characteristics on the surface. Furthermore, for example, the closure of the body on the underside may be provided with a rim that is made of a soft component.

[0231] FIGS. 11A and 11 E show a front side 30k of an oral hygiene device 10k with an application unit 12k and with a handle unit 14k comprising a material volume body 16k. The handle unit 14k is connected with the application unit 12k. The handle unit 14k and the application unit 12k are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12k comprises a head region 46k. The head region 46k forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10k. The head region 46k in particular comprises a base body that is realized as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10k further comprises a cleaning zone 62k, which is accommodated in the head region 46k and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 11A to 11D the bristle bundles are shown as a volume body. On the front side 30k of the head region 46k at least one recess is formed. The at least one recess is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0232] The handle unit 14k further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18k, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16k. The hollow-space structure 18k is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14k. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18k is implemented by exactly one hollow space.

[0233] The hollow-space structure 18k extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14k. The hollow-space structure 18k extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14k to a thumb-gripping region 24 of the application unit 12k.

[0234] The hollow-space structure 18k is enclosed by the material volume body 16k. The material volume body 16k has recesses 36k, which are offset all around and which enter the hollow-space structure 18k from an outside. The volume body 16k comprises at least one recess 36k via which the hollow-space structure 18k is connected to an environment. With the exception of the recesses 36k, the material volume body 16k delimits the hollow-space structure 18k completely. The hollow-space structure 18k is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 14k. The material volume body 16k has a small wall thickness in a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 18k. The material volume body 16k further comprises a thumb-gripping region 24k. The thumb-gripping region 24k is implemented by a hollow in the handle unit 14k.

[0235] The body is produced in an injection-molding procedure. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0236] The implementation variant according to FIGS. 11A to 11 E may also be implemented with one or several further material components. For example, a soft component may fill a portion of the hollow-space structure 18k, exiting to the surface of the front side 30k of the handle unit 14k through breakthroughs. In this way it is, for example, possible to create a spherical closure that brings certain haptic characteristics to the surface. Thus, for example, improved haptics may be created in the thumb-gripping region 24k.

[0237] The material volume body 16k comprises at least one thumb-gripping region 24k, wherein the hollow-space structure 18k is at least substantially open toward a rear side that faces away from the thumb-gripping region 24k. Preferably, in a plane that is perpendicular to the main extent direction of the handle unit 14k, the material volume body 16k engages around the hollow-space structure 18k at least substantially in a C shape. A volume of the hollow-space structure 18k is in particular larger than a volume of the material volume body 16k, wherein in particular in each point of the hollow-space structure 18k there is an imaginary straight line through the point, which goes through the material volume body 16k, then through the point and then once again through the material volume body 16k. The material volume body 16k is in particular implemented in a thin-walled fashion. The material volume body 16k is in particular formed like a bent plate. Preferably the material volume body 16k is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The material volume body 16k is in particular realized by something like a plate which is bent. The bend is in particular substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit 14k. The material volume body 16k in particular has a mostly bent cross-section shape, thus creating a voluminous outer shape. Preferentially the material volume body 16k is recessed from behind, the recess 36k being realized by the hollow-space structure 18k.

[0238] The hollow-space structure 18k is in particular formed by the bend of the material volume body 16k. However, the head region 46k of the application unit 12k is preferably implemented as a solid body, in particular for a bristle fixing with anchor punching or for welding. The material volume body 16k furthermore in particular comprises a stabilizing rim 68k on a free edge. The rim 68k may in particular have a greater material thickness than the remaining material volume body 16k. The material volume body 16k in particular has a thin wall thickness. The thin wall thickness in particular extends into the neck region 48k of the application unit 12k. The thin wall thickness is, for example, brought about by recesses 36k on the rear side.

[0239] On a side facing away from the at least one thumb-gripping region 24k, the material volume body 16k forms a substantially concave receiving region, which delimits the hollow-space structure 18k. The material volume body 16k in particular has a cross-section shape that is mostly bent concavely to a rear side, thus also creating a voluminous outer shape (cf. FIG. 11E). The hollow-space structure 18k is in particular realized by the concave bend of the material volume body 16k. The material volume body 16k has a cross-section shape that is mostly bent convexly to a front side 30k (cf. FIG. 11E).

[0240] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a front side 30l of an oral hygiene device 10l with an application unit 12l and with a handle unit 14l comprising a material volume body 16l. The oral hygiene device 10l is in the present case embodied as an interdental brush. The handle unit 14l is connected with the application unit 12l. The handle unit 14l and the application unit 12l are implemented in a connected manner. The application unit 12l, realized as a twisted-in interdental brush, is overmolded with the handle unit 14l. The at least one application unit 14l comprises a head region 46l. The head region 46l forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10l. The head region 46l in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a twisted wire, the cleaning elements/bristles being fixed, respectively clamped, between the two wires. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 12A and 12B a cleaning zone 62l is depicted as a volume body.

[0241] The handle unit 14l further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18l, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16l. The hollow-space structure 18l is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14l. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18l is implemented by exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18l extends over a portion of a main extent 22l of the handle unit 14l. The hollow-space structure 18l extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14l to a thumb-gripping region 24l of the application unit 12l.

[0242] In at least one plane parallel to a main extent plane 38l of the handle unit 14l, the hollow-space structure 18l is completely enclosed by the material volume body 16l. In the main extent plane 38l, the hollow-space structure 18l is completely enclosed by the material volume body 16l. In at least one cross section perpendicular to a main extent direction 34l of the handle unit 14l, the hollow-space structure 18l is surrounded by the material volume body 16l. The volume body 16l has a recess 36l via which the hollow-space structure 18l is connected to an environment. The material volume body 16l has several defined recesses 36l. Except for the recesses 36l, the material volume body 16l delimits the hollow-space structure 18l completely. The recesses 36l are implemented in a non-connected manner and respectively have an area of maximally 1.5 cm.sup.2. The hollow-space structure 18l is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 14l. The material volume body 16l has a small wall thickness in a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 18l. The recesses 36l have different orientations. The recesses 36l are implemented in a circular shape. On a front side 30l two recesses 36l are arranged. The recesses 36l on the front side 30l have different diameters, wherein a diameter of the recesses 36l increases toward a middle of the handle unit 14l. On a rear side 26l two recesses 36l are arranged. The recesses 36l on the rear side 26l have different diameters, wherein a diameter of the recesses 36l increases toward a middle of the handle unit 14l. The recesses 36l of the front side 30l and of the rear side 26l are arranged offset from one another. The material volume body 16l further comprises a thumb-gripping region 24l. The thumb-gripping region 24l is realized by a concave hollow in the handle unit 14l. A deepening 74l that corresponds to the thumb-gripping region 24l is arranged on the rear side 26l of the oral hygiene device 10l. The recesses 34l are arranged only on a side of the thumb-gripping region 24l that faces away from the application unit 12l. The hollow-space structure 18l extends through the material volume body 16l on a side of the thumb-gripping region 24l that faces away from the application unit 12l.

[0243] The recesses 36l of the front side 30l and of the rear side 26l are arranged offset from one another. The recesses 36l, respectively the concavities they cause in the wall of the material volume body 16l, are spaced apart from one another by webs of the material volume body 16l. In the implementation shown, a web is formed on the front side 30l and on the rear side 26l a web is formed as well. After penetrating the wall of the material volume body 16l, the recesses 36l end in the hollow-space structure 18l. The hollow-space structure 18l is open toward the environment via the recesses 36l. In one possible implementation items can be laid into the hollow-space structure 18l.

[0244] In the hollow-space structure 18l conically converging transverse ribs (not shown) are arranged, which are oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis 52l. These transverse ribs are caused by the production process.

[0245] FIG. 12C shows the implementation of FIGS. 12A and 12B in a view from a side.

[0246] In the present case, FIGS. 12A to 12C show an implementation which may be produced in ore or several material components. The marked volumes are realized with a further material component 78l. The further material component 78l forms, on the front side 30l as well as on the rear side 26l, the geometry around the recesses 36l, thus forming a portion of the respective surface. In the thumb-gripping region 24l a deepening 74l with a pass-through opening through the body has been created, through which the further material component 74l is guided from the rear side 26l to the front side 30l. The thumb-gripping region 24l, respectively the deepening 74l with the pass-through opening, is at least partially covered in the further material component 78l.

[0247] The further material component 78l may form the webs partly or completely on the rear side 26l between the recesses 36l. Either the further material component 78l can be applied onto a “carrier element” of the volume body 16l or the further material component 78l forms the webs on its own without additional material components.

[0248] The oral hygiene device 10l is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The recesses 36l, which are open toward the front side 30l of the oral hygiene device 10l, are formed by conically converging finger elements while the recesses 36l, which are open toward the rear side 26l of the oral hygiene device 10l, are also formed by conically converging finger elements. The finger elements respectively engage into one another in the hollow-space structure 18l and touch each other so as to prevent a flow-through of material, in particular plastic. In the finished oral hygiene device 10l, the mutually touching finger elements form the recesses 36l and the hollow-space structure 18l. A cavity filled with a material, in particular plastic, during production defines the shape of the material volume body 16l of the handle unit 14l.

[0249] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a further exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13A shows a front side 30m of an oral hygiene device 10m with an application unit 12m and with a handle unit 14m comprising a material volume body 16m. The oral hygiene device 10m is in the present case embodied as an interdental brush. The handle unit 14m is connected with the application unit 12m. The handle unit 14m and the application unit 12m are realized in a connected manner. The application unit 12m, having the form of a twisted-in interdental brush, is overmolded with the handle unit 14m. The at least one application unit 12m comprises a head region 46m. The head region 46m forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10m. The head region 46m in particular comprises a base body that is implemented as a twisted wire, the cleaning elements/bristles being fixed, respectively clamped, between the two wires. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 13A and 13B a cleaning zone 62m is depicted as a volume body.

[0250] The handle unit 14m further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18m, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16l and which is composed of individual hollow spaces. The hollow-space structure 18m is implemented by several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14m. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18m is implemented by individual hollow spaces, each of which is formed from a recess 36m. The hollow-space structure 18m extends over a substantial portion of a main extent 22m of the handle unit 14m.

[0251] The material volume body 16m further comprises an at least substantially bionic and/or herringbone-patterned structure 20m. The bionic and/or herringbone-patterned structure 20m is formed by different recesses 36m. The recesses 36m are formed both from a front side 30m and from a rear side 26m. The recesses 36m extend into the body from an outside. The recesses 36m in FIGS. 13A and 13B are implemented in a slit-shape. The recesses 36m of the front side 30m and of the rear side 26m are implemented mirror-symmetrically and are respectively situated perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis in a plane. The recesses do not merge into one another. The slit-shaped recesses 36m are oriented perpendicularly to the main extent direction 34m. As a result of this arrangement of the recesses 36m, the stability of the entire body is given despite material saving.

[0252] The recesses 36m are furthermore open on the front side 30m as well as on the rear side 26m to the lefthand side or to the righthand side respectively. Therefore sidewise, on the left and on the right at a transition to the front side 30m, respectively to the rear side 26m, there is respectively one contiguous closed portion extending from the underside to the upper side, i. e. to the application unit 12m. Furthermore, on the front side 30m and on the rear side 26m there is respectively one contiguous closed portion extending from the underside to the upper side.

[0253] The recesses 36m are preferably formed in the handle unit 14m, and they end in the thumb-gripping region 24m, respectively are not continued into a neck region 48m.

[0254] FIG. 13C shows the implementation of FIGS. 13A and 13B in a view from the side.

[0255] The bionic and/or herringbone-patterned structure 20m is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic and/or herringbone-patterned structure 20m is produced via cores. The bionic and/or herringbone-patterned structure 20m is demoldable along an axis. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0256] FIGS. 14A and 14B show a further implementation. FIG. 14A shows a front side 30n of an oral hygiene device 10n with an application unit 12n and with a handle unit 14n comprising a material volume body 16n. The oral hygiene device 10n is in the present case embodied as an interdental brush. The handle unit 14n is connected with the application unit 12n. The handle unit 14n and the application unit 12n are implemented in a connected fashion. The application unit 12n, having the form of a twisted-in interdental brush, is overmolded with the handle unit 14n. The at least one application unit 12n comprises a head region 46n. The head region 46n forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10n. The head region 46n in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The head region 46m in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a twisted wire, the cleaning elements/bristles being fixed, respectively clamped, between the two wires. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 14A and 14B a cleaning zone 62n is depicted as a volume body.

[0257] The handle unit 14n comprises one or several hollow-space structure/s 18n, which is/are at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16n. The hollow-space structure 18n is implemented by several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14n. The hollow-space structure 18n extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14n. The hollow-space structure 18n extends up to a thumb-gripping region 24n of the application unit 12n.

[0258] The material volume body 16n further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20n. The material volume body 16n comprises a bionic structure 20n. The bionic structure 20n at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18n directly. The bionic structure 20n is realized by a continuous recess 36n in the shape of a double helix. The recesses 36n are thus molded from a front side 30n as well as from a rear side 26n. The recesses 36n extend into the body from an outside. The recesses 36n of the front side 30n and of the rear side 26n partly touch each other, thus forming breakthroughs between the front side 30n and the rear side 26n. The slit-shaped recesses 36n are oriented at an angle to a main extent direction, the recesses 36n of the front side 30n and the recesses 36n of the rear side 26n being arranged crosswise with respect to the orientation relative to the main extent direction, in the shape of a double helix.

[0259] The recesses 36n are formed in the handle unit 14n and they end in the thumb-gripping region 24n, respectively are not continued into a neck region 48n. Preferably the recesses 36n are formed in the handle unit 14n. In the thumb-gripping region 24n a pass-through opening is implemented, which is shaped in a rounded manner and thus forms the structure for the thumb support.

[0260] FIG. 14C shows the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 14A and 14b in a view from the side.

[0261] The bionic structure 20n is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20n is produced via mutually touching cores. The bionic structure 20n is demoldable along an axis. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0262] In addition to the discussed hard component, further components may be employed, for example soft components. The soft component may be used, for example, for filling the thumb-gripping region 24n on the surface, thus creating improved haptics in this region.

[0263] The soft component may herein be arranged in a deepening and may be guided through said deepening from the front side 30n to the rear side 26n, thus improving haptics on both sides of the thumb-gripping region 24n.

[0264] The exemplary embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 may be produced in a multi-component injection molding. In addition to the discussed hard component, further components may be employed. For example, a soft component may be used. The soft component may fill part of the recesses 36l, 36m, 36n and may exit to the grippable surface, thus changing optic and haptic characteristics of the product. For example, in the implementation of FIGS. 12A and 12B the recesses 36l situated closest to the thumb-gripping region 24l may be filled with a soft component. In this way grippability will be improved and the thumb will lie stably on the product.

[0265] In FIGS. 15A, 15B and 15C a further exemplary embodiment is shown. FIG. 15A shows a front side 30o of an oral hygiene device 10o with an application unit 12o and with a handle unit 14o comprising a material volume boy 16o. The handle unit 14o is connected with the application unit 12o. The handle unit 14o and the application unit 12o are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12o comprises a head region 46o. The head region forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10o. The head region 46o in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10o further comprises a cleaning zone 62o, which is accommodated in the head region 46o and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 15A to 15C the bristle bundles are depicted schematically as a volume body. On the front side 30o of the head region 46o at least one recess 58o is formed. The at least one recess 58o is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0266] The handle unit 14b further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18o, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16o. The hollow-space structure 18o is implemented by one hollow space or several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14o. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18o is implemented by one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18o extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14o. The hollow-space structure 18o is realized in a one-part implementation. The hollow-space structure 18o extends to a neck region 48o of the application unit 12o.

[0267] The material volume body 16o further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20o. The material volume body 16o comprises a bionic structure 20o. The bionic structure 20o at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18o directly. The bionic structure 20o is directly adjacent to the hollow-space structure 18o. The bionic structure 20o extends over a substantial portion of the main extent of the handle unit 14o. The bionic structure 20o extends over at least 70% of the main extent of the handle unit 14o. In at least one region the bionic structure 20o comprises at least three strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o which are twisted relative to one another. By way of example, the bionic structure 20n comprises in the rear handle region exactly four strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o which are twisted relative to one another. The bionic structure 20o comprises exactly four strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o which are twisted relative to one another. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o form a reticulate structure. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o are at least partially intertwined with one another. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o partially enclose the hollow-space structure 18o. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o are implemented by webs which form an outer envelope of the hollow-space structure 18o. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o form an outer envelope of the hollow-space structure 18o. Furthermore, the strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o extend at least partially through the hollow-space structure 18o. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o are formed by fine webs having a small cross section. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o are oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device 10o. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o intersect along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit 14o.

[0268] In the thumb-gripping region 24o the strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o are realized such that they form a hollow for the thumb support. For this purpose, viewed from the underside, the strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o diverge and then converge, such that the hollow is formed.

[0269] Beyond this a plateau 66o is built into the bionic structure 20o of the material volume body 16o, the plateau 66o being implemented quasi planar between two strand elements 32.1o, 32.4o. The plateau 66o may be used for a lettering or may in particular serve for improving ergonomics, in particular for improved holding. The plateau 66o is arranged at a lower end of the handle unit 14o. The strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o are spaced apart from one another in at least one cross section that is perpendicular to a main extent direction 34o of the handle unit 14o. Furthermore, in at least one cross section that is perpendicular to the main extent direction 34o of the handle unit 14o, the strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o are partially connected to one another. In a rear region the strand elements 32.1o, 32.2o, 32.3o, 32.4o converge, wherein a strand element 32.1o of the lefthand side and a strand element 32.4o of the righthand side converge and form the plateau 66o. The plateau 66o is arranged only on the front side 30o (cf. FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C).

[0270] The bionic structure 20o is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20o is produced via mutually contacting cores and additional core pullings. The bionic structure 20o cannot be demolded only in one axis, therefore the additional core pullings are necessary. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0271] In FIGS. 16A, 16B and 16C a further exemplary embodiment is shown. FIG. 16A shows a front side 30p of an oral hygiene device 10p with an application unit 12p and with a handle unit 14p comprising a material volume body 16p. The handle unit 14p is connected with the application unit 12p. The handle unit 14p and the application unit 12p are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12p comprises a head region 46p. The head region 46p forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10p. The head region 46p in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10p further comprises a cleaning zone 62p, which is accommodated in the head region 46p and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 16A to 16C the bristle bundles are shown schematically as a volume body. On the front side 30p of the head region 46p at least one recess 58p is formed. The at least one recess 58p is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0272] The handle unit 14p further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18p, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16p. The hollow-space structure 18p is implemented by a hollow space or several hollow spaces in the handle unit 14p. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18p is implemented by one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18p extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14p. The hollow-space structure 18p is realized in a one-part implementation. The hollow-space structure 18p extends to a neck region 48p of the application unit 12p.

[0273] The material volume body 16p further comprises an at least substantially bionic structure 20p. The material volume body 16p comprises a bionic structure 20p. The bionic structure 20p at least partially delimits the hollow-space structure 18p directly. The bionic structure 20p is directly adjacent to the hollow-space structure 18p. The bionic structure 20p extends over a substantial portion of the main extent of the handle unit 14p. The bionic structure 20p extends over at least 70% of the main extent of the handle unit 14p. In at least one region the bionic structure 20p comprises at least three strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p which are twisted relative to one another. By way of example, the bionic structure 20p comprises in the rear handle region exactly four strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p which are twisted relative to one another. The bionic structure 20p comprises exactly four strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p which are twisted relative to one another. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p form a reticulate structure. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p are at least partially intertwined with one another. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p partially enclose the hollow-space structure 18p. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p are realized by webs which form an outer envelope of the hollow-space structure 18p. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p form an outer envelope of the hollow-space structure 18p. Furthermore, the strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p extend at least partially through the hollow-space structure 18p. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p are implemented by fine webs having a small cross section. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p are oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the oral hygiene device 10p. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p intersect along the longitudinal direction of the handle unit 14p.

[0274] In the thumb-gripping region 24p, the strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p are overmolded with a further material component 78p, by means of which the thumb support is formed.

[0275] Beyond this a plateau 66p is built into the bionic structure 20p of the material volume body 16p, the plateau 66p being implemented quasi planar between two strand elements 32.1p, 32.4p. The plateau 66p can be used for a lettering or may in particular serve ergonomic purposes, in particular for improved holding. The plateau 66p is formed at a lower end of the handle unit 14p. In at least one cross section that is perpendicular to a main extent direction 34p of the handle unit 14p, the strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p are spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, the strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p are partly connected to one another in at least one cross section perpendicular to a main extent direction 34p of the handle unit 14p. The strand elements 32.1p, 32.2p, 32.3p, 32.4p converge in a rear region, wherein a strand element 32.1p of the lefthand side and a strand element 32.4p of the righthand side converge and form the plateau 66p. The plateau 66p is arranged on the front side 30p (cf. FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C).

[0276] The bionic structure 20p is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The bionic structure 20p is produced via mutually contacting cores and additional core pullings. The bionic structure 20p cannot be demolded only in one axis, therefore the additional core pullings are necessary. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0277] FIGS. 17A and 17E show a front side 30q of an oral hygiene device 10q with an application unit 12q and with a handle unit 14q comprising a material volume body 16q.

[0278] The handle unit 14q is connected with the application unit 12q. The handle unit 14q and the application unit 12q are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12q comprises a head region 46q. The head region 46q forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10q. The head region 46q in particular comprises a base body that is embodied as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10q further comprises a cleaning zone 62q, which is accommodated in the head region 46q and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 17A to 17E the bristle bundles are depicted as a volume body. On the front side 30q of the head region 46q at least one recess is formed. The at least one recess is configured for receiving individual bristle bundles and/or a bristle platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0279] The handle unit 14q further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18q, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16q. The hollow-space structure 18q is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14q. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18q is implemented by exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18q extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14q. The hollow-space structure 18q extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14q to a thumb-gripping region 24q of the application unit 12q.

[0280] The hollow-space structure 18q is enclosed by the material volume body 16q. The material volume body 16q comprises recesses 36q, which are offset all around and which enter the hollow-space structure 18q from an outside. The volume body 16q comprises at least one recess 36q via which the hollow-space structure 18q is connected to an environment. With the exception of the recesses 36q, the material volume body 16q delimits the hollow-space structure 18q completely. The hollow-space structure 18q is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 14q. The material volume body 16q has a small wall thickness in a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 18q. The material volume body 16q further comprises a thumb-gripping region 24q. The thumb-gripping region 24q is formed by a further material component 78q, which is part of the handle unit 14q. The further material component 78q is implemented extending through the material volume body 16q.

[0281] The body is produced in an injection-molding procedure/multi-component injection-molding procedure. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0282] The implementation variant according to FIGS. 17A to 17E may also be realized with one or several further material component/s 78q. For example, a soft component may fill a portion of the hollow-space structure 18q, exiting through breakthroughs to the surface of the front side 30q of the handle unit 14q. Herein, for example, a spherical closure can be created, which brings certain haptic characteristics onto the surface. In this way it is possible, for example, to provide improved haptics in the thumb-gripping region 24q.

[0283] The material volume body 16q comprises at least one thumb-gripping region 24q, wherein the hollow-space structure 18q is at least substantially open toward a rear side that faces away from the thumb-gripping region 24q. Preferably, in a plane that is perpendicular to the main extent direction of the handle unit 14q, the material volume body 16q engages around the hollow-space structure 18q at least substantially in a C shape. A volume of the hollow-space structure 18q is in particular larger than a volume of the material volume body 16q, wherein in particular in each point of the hollow-space structure 18q there is an imaginary straight line through the point, which goes through the material volume body 16q, then through the point and then once more through the material volume body 16q. The material volume body 16q is in particular realized in a thin-walled fashion. The material volume body 16q is in particular shaped like a bent plate. Preferably the material volume body 16q is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The material volume body 16q is in particular implemented by a type of plate that is bent. The bend is in particular transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit 24q. The material volume body 16q in particular has a mostly bent cross-section area, such that a voluminous outer shape is created. Preferentially the material volume body 16q is in particular recessed from behind, the recess 36q being formed by the hollow-space structure 18q. The hollow-space structure 18q is in particular implemented by the bend of the material volume body 16q. However, the head region 46q of the application unit 12q is preferably implemented as a solid body, in particular for bristle fixing in an anchor punching or for welding.

[0284] Furthermore, the material volume body 16q in particular has a stabilizing rim 68q at a free edge. The rim 68q may in particular have a greater material thickness than the remaining material volume body 16q. The material volume body 16q in particular has a thin wall thickness. The thin wall thickness in particular extends into the neck region 48q of the application unit 12q. The thin wall thickness is, for example, brought about by recesses 36q on the rear side.

[0285] On a side facing away from the at least one thumb-gripping region 24q, the material volume body 16q forms a substantially concave receiving region which delimits the hollow-space structure 18q. The material volume body 16q in particular has a cross-section shape that is mostly bent concavely to a rear side, thus also creating a voluminous outer shape (cf. FIG. 17E). The hollow-space structure 18q is in particular implemented by the concave bend of the material volume body 16q. The material volume body 16q has a cross-section shape that is mostly bent convexly to a front side 30q (cf. FIG. 17E).

[0286] FIGS. 18A and 18E show a front side 30r of an oral hygiene device 10r with an application unit 12r and with a handle unit 14r comprising a material volume body 16r. The handle unit 14r is connected with the application unit 12r. The handle unit 14r and the application unit 12r are implemented integrally. The at least one application unit 12r comprises a head region 46r. The head region 46r forms a brush head of the oral hygiene device 10r. The head region 46r in particular comprises a base body that is implemented as a bristle carrier. The oral hygiene device 10r further comprises a cleaning zone 62r, which is accommodated in the head region 46r and comprises a plurality of bristle bundles. For the sake of a better overview, in FIGS. 18A to 18E the bristle bundles are shown as a volume body. On the front side 30r of the head region 46r at least one recess is formed. The at least one recess is configured for receiving individual bristles and/or a platelet comprising bristle bundles.

[0287] The handle unit 14r further comprises at least one essential hollow-space structure 18r, which is at least substantially delimited by the material volume body 16r. The hollow-space structure 18r is implemented by a hollow space in the handle unit 14r. In the present case the hollow-space structure 18r is implemented by exactly one hollow space. The hollow-space structure 18r extends over a substantial portion of a main extent of the handle unit 14r. The hollow-space structure 18r extends from a rear end of the handle unit 14r to a thumb-gripping region 24r of the application unit 12r.

[0288] The hollow-space structure 18r is enclosed by the material volume body 16r. The material volume body 16r comprises recesses 36r, which are offset all around and which enter the hollow-space structure 18r from an outside. The volume body 16r comprises at least one recess 36r via which the hollow-space structure 18r is connected to an environment. With the exception of the recesses 36r, the material volume body 16r delimits the hollow-space structure 18r completely. The hollow-space structure 18r is arranged in the voluminous portions of the handle unit 14r. The material volume body 16r has a small wall thickness in a region delimiting the hollow-space structure 18r. The material volume body 16r further comprises a thumb-gripping region 24r. The thumb-gripping region 24r is implemented by a further material component 78r, which forms part of the handle unit 14r. The further material component 78r is implemented extending through the material volume body 16r. Beyond this, the material volume body 16r comprises a further—in the present case third—material component 80r around the thumb-gripping region 24r.

[0289] The body is produced in an injection-molding/multi-component injection-molding procedure. Alternatively, 3D printing procedures would also be conceivable for a production.

[0290] The implementation variant according to FIGS. 18A to 18E may also be realized with one or several further material component/s 78r, 80r. For example, a soft component may fill part of the hollow-space structure 18r, exiting to the surface of the front side 30r of the handle unit 14r through breakthroughs. Thus, for example, a spherical closure may be created which brings certain haptic characteristics to the surface. In this way, for example, improved haptics may be created in the thumb-gripping region 24r.

[0291] The material volume body 16r comprises at least one thumb-gripping region 24r, wherein the hollow-space structure 18r is at least substantially open toward a rear side that faces away from the thumb-gripping region 24r. Preferably, in a plane that is perpendicular to the main extent direction of the handle unit 14r, the material volume body 16r engages around the hollow-space structure 18r at least substantially in a C-shape. A volume of the hollow-space structure 18r is in particular larger than a volume of the material volume body 16r, wherein in each point of the hollow-space structure 18r there is an imaginary straight line through the point, which goes through the material volume body 16r, then through the point and after that goes once more through the material volume body 16r. The material volume body 16r is in particular implemented in a thin-walled fashion. The material volume body 16r is in particular shaped like a bent plate. Preferably the material volume body 16r is produced in an injection-molding procedure. The material volume body 16r is in particular implemented by a type of plate which is bent. The bend is in particular substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle unit 14r. The material volume body 16r in particular has a mostly bent cross-section shape, such that a voluminous outer shape is created. Preferentially, the material volume body 16r is in particular recessed from behind, the recess 36r being implemented by the hollow-space structure 18r. The hollow-space structure 18r is in particular formed by the bend of the material volume body 16r. However, the head region 46r of the application unit 12r is preferably realized as a solid body, in particular for a bristle fixing in anchor punching or for welding. The material volume body 16r furthermore in particular has a stabilizing rim 68r at a free edge. The rim 68r may in particular have a greater material thickness than the remaining material volume body 16r. The material volume body 16r in particular has a thin wall thickness. The thin wall thickness in particular extends into a neck region 48r of the application unit 12r. The thin wall thickness is, for example, brought about by recesses 36r on the rear side.

[0292] On a side facing away from the at least one thumb-gripping region 24r, the material volume body 16r forms a substantially concave receiving region which delimits the hollow-space structure 18r. The material volume body 16r in particular has a cross-section shape that is mostly bent concavely to a rear side, thus also creating a voluminous outer shape (cf. FIG. 18E). The hollow-space structure 18r is in particular implemented by the concave bend of the material volume body 16r. The material volume body 16r has a cross-section shape that is mostly bent convexly to a front side 30r (cf. FIG. 18E).

[0293] The descriptions provided for specific figures are of course also transferable to other figures showing the same or similar implementation and in which such implementations are not described in such detail.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0294] 10 oral hygiene device

[0295] 12 application unit

[0296] 14 handle unit

[0297] 16 volume body

[0298] 18 hollow-space structure

[0299] 20 structure

[0300] 20.1 sub-structure

[0301] 20.2 sub-structure

[0302] 22 main extent

[0303] 24 thumb-gripping region

[0304] 26 rear side

[0305] 28 receiving region

[0306] 30 front side

[0307] 32.1 strand element

[0308] 32.2 strand element

[0309] 32.3 strand element

[0310] 32.4 strand element

[0311] 32.5 strand element

[0312] 32.6 strand element

[0313] 32.7 strand element

[0314] 32.8 strand element

[0315] 32.9 strand element

[0316] 32.10 strand element

[0317] 34 main extent direction

[0318] 36 recess

[0319] 38 main extent plane

[0320] 40 predetermined separation point

[0321] 42 subregion

[0322] 44 subregion

[0323] 46 head region

[0324] 48 neck region

[0325] 50 bristle load direction

[0326] 52 longitudinal axis

[0327] 54 height axis

[0328] 56 width axis

[0329] 58 recess

[0330] 60 gripping surface

[0331] 62 cleaning zone

[0332] 64 platform

[0333] 66 plateau

[0334] 68 rim

[0335] 70 longitudinal web

[0336] 72 projection

[0337] 74 deepening

[0338] 76 shape-separation line

[0339] 78 further material component

[0340] 80 further material component