ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE FOR PERSONAL CARE

Abstract

An electrical appliance for personal care includes a handle with a longitudinal axis, and a plug-on part which can be attached to the handle, wherein a vibration unit having an electric motor and an eccentric element is arranged in the handle, wherein a plug-like coupling structure protrudes from the handle, which plug-like coupling structure forms an interface with a substantially mirror-inverted socket-like coupling structure of the plug-on part, wherein the interface has at least two stages with different circumferential geometry, wherein at least one of the stages has a rotation-preventing device between the handle and the plug-on part, and wherein a stop surface of the handle for the plug-on part extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Claims

1. A toothbrush comprising a handle with a longitudinal axis, and a plug-on part which can be attached to the handle, wherein the handle comprises a hand body with a base body and the plug-on part comprises a base body, wherein a plug-shaped coupling structure protrudes from the handle, which plug-shaped coupling structure forms an interface with a substantially mirror-inverted socket-shaped coupling structure of the plug-on part, wherein the interface has at least two stages with different circumferential geometry wherein at least one of the stages comprises a rotation-preventing means between the handle and the plug-on part, and wherein a stop surface of the handle for the plug-on part extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the at least two stages are not concentrically arranged.

2. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more of the at least two stages has a substantially cylindrical shape with non-concentric axes.

3. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the the at least two stages are not concentrically arranged as regards their diameter.

4. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first stage of the at least two stages comprises two substantially round or circular sub-elements with different diameters.

5. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 4, wherein an upper sub-element has a greater diameter than a lower sub-element.

6. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein a midpoint of a succeeding stage lies higher than a midpoint of a preceding stage seen from a free end of the plug-shaped coupling structure.

7. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front end or free end of the second stage, the cross section begins with a chamfer.

8. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein a material form which the base body of the hand body is formed is harder than a material from which the base body of the plug-on part is formed.

9. A toothbrush comprising a handle with a longitudinal axis, and a plug-on part which can be attached to the handle, wherein the handle comprises a hand body with a base body and the plug-on part comprises a base body, wherein a plug-shaped coupling structure protrudes from the handle and forms an interface with a substantially mirror-inverted socket-shaped coupling structure of the plug-on part, wherein the interface has at least two stages with different circumferential geometry, wherein a stop surface between the handle and the plug-on part extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and wherein the handle has a cam which cooperates with a mirror-inverted recess of the plug-on part in the manner of a snap-fit connection, wherein the cam is not arranged at a first stage of the at least two stages, seen from a free end of the plug-shaped coupling structure.

10. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein a material from which the cam is formed is harder than a material from which the recess is formed.

11. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein the height of the cam is from 1 mm to 3 mm.

12. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein the recess of the plug-on part has tolerances, with respect to the cam, of 0 to 0.4 mm.

13. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein a pull-off weight of the snap-fit connection is between 2 kg and 6 kg.

14. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 13, wherein pull-off weight of the snap-fit connection is between 2 kg and 4 kg.

15. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein the length of the plug-shaped coupling structure, measured from the free end to the starting point of the cam, is 20 mm to 40 mm.

16. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plug-on part can be plugged onto the plug-shaped coupling structure only in one position.

17. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein the handle or the hand body is formed from a hard component, and the plug-on part is formed from a hard component.

18. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cam is tree-shaped.

19. A toothbrush comprising a handle with a longitudinal axis, and a plug-on part which can be attached to the handle, wherein the handle comprises a hand body with a base body and the plug-on part comprises a base body, wherein a plug-shaped coupling structure protrudes from the handle, which plug-shaped coupling structure forms an interface with a substantially mirror-inverted socket-shaped coupling structure of the plug-on part, wherein the interface has at least two stages with different circumferential geometry, wherein at least one of the stages comprises a rotation-preventing means between the handle and the plug-on part, and wherein a stop surface of the handle for the plug-on part extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the stop surface and the longitudinal axis of the handle enclose an angle α of between 30° and 70°.

20. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 19, wherein the dimension from the stop surface to the rear end of the handle is greater on the front face than on the rear face, such that the stop surface extends from the front rearward.

21. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 19, wherein the plug-shaped coupling structure of the handle and the mirror-inverted socket-shaped coupling structure of the plug-on part allow straight plugging-on.

22. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 19, wherein the longitudinal axis of the plug-shaped coupling structure is offset parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

23. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 19, wherein the longitudinal axis of the plug-shaped coupling structure is collinear to the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle.

24. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 19, wherein a longitudinal axis of the plug-on part designates the longitudinal axis of the socket-shaped coupling structure, the longitudinal axis lying in a base region of the plug-on part, wherein a longitudinal axis of a head region lies accordingly in the head region of the plug-on part and wherein an angle Δ lying between A.sub.A and A.sub.B is between 10° and 30°.

25. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the plug-shaped coupling structure is higher than the modulus of elasticity of the base body of the plug-on part.

26. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the plug-shaped coupling structure is higher than the modulus of elasticity of the socket-shaped coupling structure.

27. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle and/or the plug-on part comprise a soft component with a Shore A hardness value below 90.

28. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 27, wherein the soft component is a TPE-S.

29. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 27, wherein the soft component forms a material bond with the hard component by means of overmolding in a two-component or multi-component injection molding method.

30. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plug-shaped coupling structure is formed from polypropylene, polyoxymethylene, polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate.

31. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base body of the hand body is formed from a hard component and the base body of the plug-on part is formed from a hard component, wherein the modulus of elasticity of the hard component of the base body of the hand body is between 1300 MPa and 2500 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity of the hard component of the base body of the plug-on part (is between 700 MPa and 1500 MPa.

32. A handle for a toothbrush as claimed in claim 1, to which a plug-on part can be attached, comprising a hand body with a base body, wherein a plug-shaped coupling structure protrudes from the handle, which plug-shaped coupling structure is configured to form an interface with a substantially mirror-inverted socket-shaped coupling structure of the plug-on part, wherein the plug-shaped coupling structure has at least two stages with different circumferential geometry, wherein at least one of the stages comprises a rotation-preventing means between the handle and the plug-on part, and wherein a stop surface of the handle for the plug-on part extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein the at least two stages are not concentrically arranged.

33. The handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein one or more of the at least two stages has a substantially cylindrical shape with non-concentric axes.

34. The handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein a midpoint of a succeeding stage lies higher than a midpoint of a preceding stage seen from a free end of the plug-shaped coupling structure.

35. The handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein the handle comprises a thermoplastics selected from: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, styrene acrylonitrile, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate.

36. The handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein the cam is not arranged at a first stage of the at least two stages, seen from a free end of the plug-shaped coupling structure.

37. The handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein the stop surface and the longitudinal axis of the handle enclose an angle α of between 30° and 70°.

38. The handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein the longitudinal axis of the plug-shaped coupling structure is offset parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

39. The handle as claimed in claim 32, wherein the longitudinal axis of the plug-shaped coupling structure is collinear to the longitudinal axis of the handle.

Description

[0387] In the figures:

[0388] FIG. 1a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the invention for personal care;

[0389] FIG. 1b shows a side view of the electrical appliance according to the invention from FIG. 1a;

[0390] FIG. 1c shows a plan view of the electrical appliance according to the invention from FIG. 1a;

[0391] FIG. 1d shows a bottom view of the electrical appliance according to the invention from FIG. 1a;

[0392] FIG. 1e shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical appliance according to the invention from FIG. 1a;

[0393] FIG. 1f shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an electrical appliance according to the invention for personal care;

[0394] FIG. 2a shows a perspective view of a handle according to the invention;

[0395] FIG. 2b shows a perspective view of the handle according to the invention from FIG. 2a, when rotated through 180°;

[0396] FIG. 2c shows a side view of the handle according to the invention from FIG. 2a;

[0397] FIG. 2d shows a plan view of the handle according to the invention from FIG. 2a;

[0398] FIG. 2e shows a bottom view of the handle according to the invention from FIG. 2a;

[0399] FIG. 2f shows a cross-sectional view of the handle according to the invention from FIG. 2a (corresponding to the embodiment of the electrical appliance according to the invention shown in FIG. 1e);

[0400] FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0401] FIG. 3b shows a side view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 3a;

[0402] FIG. 3c shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 3a;

[0403] FIG. 3d shows a bottom view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 3a;

[0404] FIG. 3e shows a rear view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 3e;

[0405] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0406] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a third embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0407] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0408] FIG. 7a shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0409] FIG. 7b shows a further perspective view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 7a;

[0410] FIG. 7c shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 7a;

[0411] FIG. 7d shows a side view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 7a;

[0412] FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0413] FIG. 8b shows a side view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 8a;

[0414] FIG. 8c shows a bottom view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 8a;

[0415] FIG. 8d shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 8a;

[0416] FIG. 9a shows a side view of a seventh embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0417] FIG. 9b shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 9a;

[0418] FIG. 9c shows a bottom view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 9a;

[0419] FIG. 10a shows a side view of an eighth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0420] FIG. 10b shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 10a;

[0421] FIG. 11a shows a side view of an ninth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0422] FIG. 11b shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 11a;

[0423] FIG. 12a shows a side view of an tenth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0424] FIG. 12b shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 12a;

[0425] FIG. 12c shows a bottom view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 12a;

[0426] FIG. 13a shows a side view of an eleventh embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0427] FIG. 13b shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 13a;

[0428] FIG. 13c shows a bottom view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 13a;

[0429] FIG. 14a shows a perspective view of the plug-on part from FIG. 7a on a handle;

[0430] FIG. 14b shows a side view of the plug-on part from FIG. 7a on a handle;

[0431] FIG. 14c shows a cross-sectional view of the plug-on part from FIG. 7a on a handle;

[0432] FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0433] FIG. 15b shows a side view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 15a;

[0434] FIG. 15c shows a front view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 15a;

[0435] FIG. 15d shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 15a;

[0436] FIG. 16a shows a perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention on a handle;

[0437] FIG. 16b shows a bottom view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 16a on a handle;

[0438] FIG. 16c shows a side view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 16a on a handle;

[0439] FIG. 16d shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 16a on a handle;

[0440] FIG. 16e shows a cross-sectional view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 16a on a handle;

[0441] FIG. 17a shows a perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0442] FIG. 17b shows an exploded perspective view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 17a;

[0443] FIG. 17c shows an exploded plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 17a;

[0444] FIG. 18a shows a perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0445] FIG. 18b shows a side view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 18a;

[0446] FIG. 18c shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 18a on a handle;

[0447] FIG. 18d shows a front view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 18a;

[0448] FIG. 19a shows a perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention;

[0449] FIG. 19b shows a side view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 19a;

[0450] FIG. 19c shows a plan view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 19a;

[0451] FIG. 19d shows a bottom view of the plug-on part according to the invention from FIG. 19a.

[0452] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the electrical appliance according to the invention for personal care, here in the form of an electric toothbrush.

[0453] The electric toothbrush is composed mainly of the handle 1, consisting of hand part 1c and closure cap 35, and the plug-on part 60. The hand part 1c consists mainly of the base body 5, which comprises at least one hard component 1a, and also the encapsulation body, which comprises one or more soft components 1b, 1b′, and the interior.

[0454] In the present case, the switch portion 2, parts of the front portion 3, and the rear portion 3a (cf. FIG. 1d) are in particular formed from a soft component 1b′. Moreover, a portion made of soft component 1b is formed on the front face. This can be the same soft component in each case, although it is also possible, if so required, to use different soft components. As regards the materials in question, reference is made to the general description given above.

[0455] The on/off switch symbol 4 for the electric toothbrush is also arranged in the region of the switch portion 2. The on/off switch symbol 4 represents the location that has to be pressed in order to actuate the switch 24 in the interior of the hand part. The front portion 3 comprises two or more webs 57, which are formed from the hard component 1a and which, together with the surrounding soft component 1b′ of the front portion 3, provide a particularly good grip. The front portion 3 is adjoined by the plug-on part 60, here in the form of a toothbrush plug-on part.

[0456] The plug-on part comprises a base region 61, with which it is attached to the base body 5 made of the hard component 1a of the handle 1, or to the plug-like coupling structure 40 of the handle 1, and a head region 63, and also a neck region 62 connecting the base region 61 to the head region 63.

[0457] In the present case, a carrier lamina 65, with cleaning elements 64 arranged thereon, is mounted in the head region 63. The cleaning elements 64 can be bristles or bristle tufts and/or soft elastic cleaning and massaging elements (these are preferably formed or injected from a soft component). The bristles or bristle tufts are preferably applied by anchor-free tufting (AFT).

[0458] FIG. 1b shows a side view of the electric toothbrush from FIG. 1a. The longitudinal axis of the handle 1 is here designated by A.sub.G. The transition region between the handle 1 and the plug-on part 60 comprises an oblique stop surface 44, which encloses an angle α with the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle. In the present illustration, this transition can be seen as a line on account of the angle.

[0459] The length from the stop surface 44 to the grip end (on the front face or top of the hand part 1c without closure cap 35) is designated by L.sub.6, and the length from the stop surface 44 to the grip end (on the rear face or underside of the hand part 1c without closure cap 35) is designated by L.sub.7, where at all times L.sub.6>L.sub.7.

[0460] At its rear end, the closure cap 35 has notches 36 which serve to ensure that the user's fingers do not slip so easily when turning the closure cap 35. At its highest point, in the region of the front portion 3, the handle 1 has a maximum height H.sub.1. The on/off switch symbol 4 can be seen again in the region of the switch portion 2.

[0461] FIG. 1c show a plan view of the electric toothbrush according to the invention from FIG. 1a. The plug-on part 60, the hand part 1c and the closure cap 35 can be seen once again.

[0462] In the transition region from the hand part 1c to the closure cap 35, the markings 6 and 7 are applied on the hand part 1c, and the marking 37 is applied on the closure cap 35. The two triangular markings 6 and 37 lie directly opposite each other, which in the present case means that the corresponding contact plates of the hand part 1c and of the closure cap 35 are in contact, which is explained in greater detail further below.

[0463] When the closure cap 35 is turned such that the marking (on the hand part 1c) and the marking 37 (on the closure cap) lie opposite each other, this then means in the present case that the corresponding contact plates of the hand part 1c and of the closure cap 35 are not in contact.

[0464] It will also be seen that the top of the handle 1 is formed mainly from the soft component 1b and also has a soft component 1b′ in the region of the switch portion 2 and in the region of the front portion 3. The soft component 1b′ of the front portion 3 extends as far as the grip end, and the markings 6 and 7 are applied in the region of this soft component 1b′. The webs 57 are formed from the hard component 1a.

[0465] Approximately at the middle of the handle 1, the latter has a narrowed waist 11, which again improves the grip of the electric toothbrush (i.e. the ergonomics are optimized and the toothbrush thus rests more comfortably in the hand).

[0466] FIG. 1d shows a bottom view of the electric toothbrush according to the invention from FIG. 1a. It will be seen that the closure cap 35 also has a triangular marking 38 on the rear face. Notches 36 are likewise present on the rear face of the closure cap 35. The closure cap 35 has a mirror-symmetrical configuration and, since it can be applied in two positions to the handle 1c, the triangular marking 38, on the one hand, and the notches 36 (which are arranged all around the closure cap 35), on the other hand, are also visible on the rear face.

[0467] On its rear face, the hand part 1c has a flat spot 10, which allows the hand part 1c or the electric toothbrush to be set down in a stable position. Behind the flat spot 10, i.e. in the direction of the closure cap 35, the hand part 1c has its maximum width B.sub.1. The rear face of the hand part 1c is formed predominantly from the hard component 1a. However, the rear face also has regions provided with soft component 1b′, namely the rear portion 3a and the end of the hand part 1c.

[0468] The soft component 1b′ again serves to provide the electric toothbrush with better grip, for example since the index finger does not slip so easily when the handle 1 is being held.

[0469] In the region of the transition from the handle 1 to the base region 61 of the plug-on part 60, a cam 45 is located on the handle 1, which cam 45 engages with a corresponding recess 67 on the plug-on part 60. With these two elements (cam 45 and recess 67), the pull-off weight for the plug-on brush can be increased or adjusted in respect of safety. The pull-off weight is set depending on the tolerance between the two elements and depending on the associated choice of material.

[0470] FIG. 1e shows a cross-sectional view of the electric toothbrush according to the invention from FIG. 1a. This concerns the battery version. In the interior of the base body 5 or of the hand body 1d, a carrier element 12 is arranged, on or at which all the essential components of the electric drive are arranged.

[0471] The closure cap 35 of the electric toothbrush is fitted onto the hand part 1c. The closure cap 35 has a cap cavity 35a, into which the battery pole 39a of the battery 39 protrudes. To contact the battery pole 39a, the closure cap has a contact plate 35b with a spring plate element 35c. The contact plate 35 lies transversely with respect to the cap cavity 35a and at least partially closes the latter. To the side of the cap cavity 35a, the contact plate 35b is held in the corresponding side wall in a recess and in the adjoining side wall. The contact plate 35b cuts into the side wall to provide a hold, such that frictional engagement is obtained. The spring plate element 35c of the contact plate 35b is oriented in the direction of the battery 39 and thus contacts the battery pole 39a.

[0472] The contact plate 35b moreover produces the contact with the contact plate 17 of the carrier element, such that the electrical circuit is closed.

[0473] A sealing ring 34 is arranged on the outside of the closure cap 35 and helps to seal off the interior of the handle from splashes of water, etc. The region of the carrier element 12 that overlaps the front region of the closure cap 35 at the rear end of the handle is designated as the terminal compartment 23.

[0474] Arranged downstream from the terminal compartment 23 in the direction of insertion R is the battery compartment 21 of the carrier element 12, into which a battery 39 is fitted. The front pole of the battery 39 touches the contact tongue 33 of the corresponding battery contact plate 32. The battery contact plate 32 is arranged in the contact plate compartment 20 of the carrier element 12, which contact plate compartment 20 is located directly downstream from the battery compartment 21 in the direction of insertion R. Moreover, the battery contact plate 32 is connected to the printed circuit board 25.

[0475] The contact plate 17 of the carrier element is also arranged, at least partially, inside the contact plate compartment 20, and it is likewise connected to the printed circuit board 25, wherein the contact plate 17 of the carrier element then extends further along the lower outside of the carrier element 12, along the battery compartment 21, and, on the outside of the terminal compartment 23, is further guided radially in a semicircular shape along the outer circumference of the carrier element 12 or of the terminal compartment 23, where it protrudes into openings in the outside of the terminal compartment in order to interact with the contact plate 35b of the closure cap 35 in the manner of a bayonet catch known per se (not shown here).

[0476] Provided downstream from the contact plate compartment in the direction of insertion R is the switch compartment 19 in which the switch 24 is arranged, the latter being operated by pressing the on/off switch symbol 4 of the switch portion 2. The switch 24 is applied directly to the printed circuit board 25.

[0477] Provided downstream from the switch compartment 19 in the direction of insertion R is a cable feed-through 18a for the cables that run from the rear face of the electric motor 14 to the underside of the printed circuit board and are suitably soldered there (the cables are not visible in the illustration).

[0478] The electric motor 14, finally, is arranged in the motor compartment 18 of the carrier element 12, specifically in an inclined position which is defined by the bevel 12a of the carrier element 12, on which bevel 12a the underside of the electric motor 14 bears. With its front face or front edge, the electric motor bears on a front motor stop 27 of the carrier element 12; the electric motor 14 bears with its rear face on the rear motor stop 28 of the carrier element 12.

[0479] The eccentric element 15 arranged on the rotation axis A.sub.M of the electric motor 14 protrudes past the front motor stop 27 and into the base region 46 of the plug-like coupling structure 40. This arrangement has proven particularly efficient for the transmission of vibrations.

[0480] In the present cross-sectional view, it will also be seen how the plug-like coupling structure 40 of the handle and the mirror-inverted, socket-like coupling structure 70 of the plug-on part 60 form the interface X between the handle 1 and the plug-on part 60.

[0481] The carrier lamina 65, on which the cleaning elements 64 are arranged, can be seen in the head region 63 of the plug-on part 60.

[0482] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description regarding the battery version.

[0483] FIG. 1f now shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the electric toothbrush according to the invention, namely the accumulator version.

[0484] Here too, the closure cap 35 is again fitted onto the rear end of the hand part 1c. The contact element 31 of the socket 30 protrudes into the cap cavity 35a of the closure cap 35, specifically once again in that region of the terminal compartment 23 formed in the region of the overlap between the carrier element 12 and the front end of the closure cap 35.

[0485] A sealing ring 34 is again provided on the outside of the closure cap 35 and helps to protect the interior of the handle 1 from splashes of water, etc. The socket 30 is arranged rigidly in the socket compartment 32 of the carrier element 12, which circumferentially encloses the socket 30 for the most part. Moreover, the socket compartment 22 has a front stop 31b for the socket 30, wherein the socket 30 abuts against this with its rear face. The front stop of the socket 30 in the direction of insertion R is designated by 31b.

[0486] A seal 29 (i.e. a sealing ring) is also mounted on the carrier element 12, above the contact plate 17 of the carrier element, and provides further sealing of the interior against splashes of water. Moreover, this seal 29 also damps undesired oscillations.

[0487] At the front end of the socket 30 in the direction of insertion R (the actual rear face of the socket 30), there are two socket terminals 30a, which are connected to the printed circuit board 25 via cables (not shown). The accumulator 58 is mounted rigidly on the printed circuit board 25 or soldered to the latter and is thus mounted on the carrier element 12, with at least part of it bearing directly on the latter. The underside of the carrier element 12 is provided with several latching lugs 26, with which the printed circuit board is held on the carrier element 12.

[0488] The accumulator compartment 21a is in turn followed by the switch compartment 19. Here too, the switch 24 is mounted directly on the printed circuit board and is preferably soldered to the latter five times. In this embodiment too, a cable feed-through 18a is provided through which cables are routed from the rear end of the electric motor 14 to the printed circuit board 25.

[0489] The cable feed-through 18a is slightly shorter than the corresponding cable feed-through 18a in the battery version. Correspondingly, the switch compartment 19 in the accumulator version is slightly longer. The electric motor 14 is again arranged in an inclined position in the motor compartment 18 and is supported at its underside by the bevel 12a of the carrier element 12.

[0490] The eccentric element 15 arranged on the rotation axis A.sub.M of the electric motor again protrudes past the front motor stop 27 and into the base region 46 of the plug-like coupling structure 40 (i.e. as in the battery version described above).

[0491] In the accumulator version too, the plug-like coupling structure 40 and the substantially mirror-inverted, socket-like coupling structure 70 form the interface X. In this embodiment, the head region 63 of the toothbrush plug-on part 60 has a slightly different shape than in the battery version.

[0492] Instead of a carrier lamina mounted in the head region and having cleaning elements 64 in the form of bristles or bristle tufts that are applied by the AFT method, here the bristle tufts 64′ are punched directly into the head region 63 using the conventional method. Moreover, the longitudinal axis A.sub.B of the head region has a lesser inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle. However, the toothbrush plug-on part of the battery version can also be used in the accumulator version. Further details concerning the corresponding plug-on part are to be found in the description of FIG. 4; the plug-on parts in question correspond to each other.

[0493] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description regarding the accumulator version.

[0494] FIG. 2a now shows a perspective view of a handle 1 according to the invention, that is to say a hand part 1c with closure cap 35, but without plug-on part 60.

[0495] The figure shows in particular the oblique stop surface 44 of the handle 1, which stop surface 44 is adjoined by the front portion 3 with the combination of hard component and soft component. The plug-like coupling structure 40 protrudes horizontally from the oblique stop surface 44, i.e. substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle 1. This coupling structure 40 is divided into three stages, namely the first stage 41 at the free end, the second stage 42, and the third stage 43, which transitions into the oblique stop surface 44.

[0496] The first stage 41 is divided into an upper sub-element and a lower sub-element 48. The first stage 41 climbs in the shape of a ramp in the direction of the second stage. Approximately at the half-way point of the first stage 41, an angular groove 50 begins which also continues over the entire second stage 42 as far as the abutment against the third stage 43.

[0497] Seen from the front, the upper and the lower sub-elements 47, 48 together have an approximately tooth-shaped contour (at the free end), which assumes an approximately eight-shaped configuration at the end of the first stage in the direction of the handle. The second stage 42 and the third stage 43 are substantially round and substantially cylindrical.

[0498] FIG. 2b illustrates a perspective view of the handle 1 from FIG. 2a when rotated through 180°. This shows once again the flat spot 10 for setting down the handle 1, and the rear portion 3a which, in contrast to the flat spot 10, is formed from a soft component 1b.

[0499] Moreover, a vent hole 8 is provided at that end of the rear portion 3a in the direction of the closure cap 35 (applies to all the embodiments). Gases can escape from the interior of the handle 1 through this vent hole 8.

[0500] The cam 45 issues from the oblique stop surface 44, on the underside of the handle 1, and comprises approximately one third of the length of the underside of the third stage 43.

[0501] On the underside of the lower sub-element 48 of the first stage 41, a round groove 51 is provided which continues over the entire second stage 42. The angular groove 50 on the top of the upper sub-element 47 and the round groove 51 on the underside of the lower sub-element 48 serve in particular for safe and rotation-free insertion into the corresponding socket-like coupling structure 70 of a plug-on part 60 according to the invention.

[0502] FIG. 2c shows a side view of the handle 1 according to the invention from FIG. 2a. This again shows the cam 45 on the underside of the third stage 43, and also a circumferential projection 56 of the third stage, and a circumferential recess 55 of the third stage. The second stage 42 also has circumferential projections and circumferential recesses, which are generally arranged offset in relation to the circumferential projections or recesses of the third stage 43. Moreover, the longitudinal axis L.sub.K of the plug-like coupling structure 40 is offset in parallel to the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle 1.

[0503] The first stage additionally has a groove 49 which extends between the upper sub-element 47 and the lower sub-element 48, and which also extends along the entire length of the first stage 41. The groove 49 is designed more or less in the form of a notch, which leads to the eight-shaped configuration in particular of the rear end of the first stage.

[0504] It will be seen from the plan view in FIG. 2d that the angular groove 50 begins just after the half-way point of the first stage 41 or of the upper sub-element 47 and continues as far as the abutment to the third stage 43. The figure also once again shows the circumferential recesses 55 and the circumferential projections 56 of the third stage.

[0505] From the bottom view of the handle 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2e, it is possible to discern the length ratios of the individual stages of the plug-like coupling structure 40 of the handle 1. The first stage 41 has a length L.sub.1, the second stage has a length L.sub.2, and the third stage has a length L.sub.3 on the top and a length L.sub.3, on the underside. The first stage 41 is longer than the second stage 42 and approximately the same length as the third stage 43 on its underside. The third stage 43 is correspondingly longer than the second stage 42 on its underside, but it is slightly shorter than the second stage 42 on its top.

[0506] The cam 45 can once again be seen on the underside of the third stage 43, which cam 45 is divided into the trunk 45a and the crown 45b. This design ensures particularly good locking engagement with the mirror-inverted recess 67 of the plug-on part 60.

[0507] At its end located toward the closure cap 35, the rear portion 3a again has the vent hole 8. Moreover, the narrowed waist 11 and the flat spot 10 can once again be seen.

[0508] The maximum diameter of the closure cap 35 is designated by D.sub.V. The length of the handle 1 according to the invention with closure cap 35, measured from the free end of the plug-like coupling structure 40 as far as the rear end of the closure cap 35, is designated by L.sub.4, and the total length of the handle 1 without closure cap, i.e. measured from the free end of the plug-like coupling structure 40 as far as the rear end of the handle, is designated by L.sub.5.

[0509] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description concerning the handle.

[0510] FIG. 2f shows a cross-sectional view of the handle according to the invention from FIG. 2a and corresponds to FIG. 1e (but without plug-on part 60). In addition, the total length of the closure cap is also designated here, specifically by L.sub.8. The figure moreover shows that, between the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle and the rotation axis A.sub.M of the electric motor, an angle β is formed which corresponds to the inclination of the electric motor 14.

[0511] The embedding of the eccentric element 15 in the base region 46 of the plug-like coupling structure 40, which is achieved in this way, permits a particularly efficient transmission of vibrations. Moreover, the rotation axis A.sub.M of the electric motor 14 forms an angle φ with the stop surface 44 of the handle 1, which angle is likewise adapted for optimal transmission of vibrations (cf. specific figures in the above general description).

[0512] The figure also shows that the vent membrane 9, which prevents gases from being able to penetrate the interior of the handle 1 from the outside, is provided at the location where the contact plate 17 of the carrier element is secured on the printed circuit board 25. The remaining reference signs in each case designate the same components, as they also do in all the other embodiments.

[0513] FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of a first example of a plug-on part 60 according to the invention for a toothbrush. This plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61 and a head region 63, which are connected by a neck region 62. In this embodiment, a carrier lamina 65 is mounted in the head region 63, and the cleaning elements 64 are arranged on said carrier lamina 65 (AFT method).

[0514] FIG. 3b is a side view of the plug-on part 60 according to the invention from FIG. 3a for a toothbrush. It will be seen that in this embodiment the base region 61 (or the base region 61 and the neck region 62) is at an angle with respect to the flat head region 63. The angle is defined as the angle between the longitudinal axis A.sub.A of the plug-on part and the longitudinal axis A.sub.B of the head region and is designated by A. The dimensions for the angle can be taken from the above description.

[0515] FIG. 3c shows a plan view of the plug-on part 60 according to the invention from FIG. 3a for a toothbrush. This figure again shows the cleaning elements 64 arranged on the carrier lamina 65. It moreover shows the oblique stop surface 66 on the base region 61 of the plug-on toothbrush 60. On the inner side, circumferential recesses 76 adjoin the recess 67 of the plug-on toothbrush 60, which recess 67 has a mirror-inverted design in relation to the cam 45 of the handle 1.

[0516] FIG. 3d is a bottom view of the plug-on part 60 according to the invention for a toothbrush. This figure again shows the head region 63, the neck region 62, and also the base region 61 with the recess 67.

[0517] FIG. 3e is a rear view of the plug-on part 60 according to the invention for a toothbrush, i.e. it illustrates the interior of the plug-on part 60 for a toothbrush.

[0518] The interior mainly comprises the socket-like coupling structure 70, which is correspondingly divided into three stages, namely the first stage 71 (the counterpart to the third stage of the handle), the second stage 72 (the counterpart to the second stage of the handle), and the third stage 73 (the counterpart to the first stage of the handle). The figure also shows the recess 67 for the cam 45 of the handle 1, which recess 67 is formed starting from the oblique stop surface 66.

[0519] The first stage comprises circumferential recesses 76 and circumferential projections 77. The recesses and projections are formed symmetrically with respect to each other, wherein the projections 77 of the first stage 71 of the plug-on part 60 come into contact with the corresponding circumferential projections 56 of the third stage 43 of the handle 1. This has the effect that the air can escape when the plug-on part is plugged onto the coupling structure 40 of the handle 1.

[0520] To this extent, there is no (complete) mirror inversion here as regards the first stage 71 of the socket-like coupling structure and the third stage 43 of the plug-like coupling structure 40. The same also applies in respect of the second stage 72 of the socket-like coupling structure 70, which again has circumferential recesses 78 and circumferential projections 79, wherein the circumferential projections 79 of this second stage 72 come into contact with the circumferential projections 54 of the second stage 42 of the plug-like coupling structure 40 of the handle 1. This configuration likewise serves to allow air to escape.

[0521] However, the second stage 72 of the socket-like coupling structure 70 has an angular ridge 74 on the top, which ridge 74 corresponds in its configuration to the angular groove 50 of the plug-like coupling structure 40. The angular ridge 74 accordingly continues from the second stage 72 to the third stage 73 of the socket-like coupling structure 70, such that it can come completely into engagement with the angular groove 50 of the plug-like coupling structure 40 of the handle 1.

[0522] A round ridge 75 is correspondingly arranged on the underside of the second stage 72 of the socket-like coupling structure 70, which ridge 75 corresponds to the round groove 51 on the underside of the lower sub-element 48 of the first stage 41 of the plug-like coupling structure 40. The round ridge 75 also continues past the third stage 73 of the socket-like coupling structure 70.

[0523] The third stage 73 of the socket-like coupling structure 70 accordingly has an eight-shaped opening 81, on each of the sides of which a tapering rib 80 is formed, wherein the tapering ribs 80 correspond to and engage with the two grooves 49 between the upper sub-element 47 and the lower sub-element 48 of the first stage 41 of the plug-like coupling structure 40.

[0524] The above-described embodiment of the socket-like coupling structure 70 moreover applies to all the plug-on parts according to the invention.

[0525] FIGS. 4 and 5 show side views of further embodiments of a toothbrush plug-on part 60 according to the invention. The embodiment according to FIG. 4 has conventional bristle tufts 64′ in the head region 63. The plug-on part 60 has practically no angle here. The angle Δ is as it were 0°.

[0526] In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the bristle tufts 64″ have different lengths. In particular, the bristle tufts 64″ arranged toward the free end of the head region 63 are slightly longer than the other bristle tufts. Moreover, the plug-on part 60 has an angle Δ between the longitudinal axis A.sub.A of the plug-on part and the longitudinal axis A.sub.B of the head region. The dimensions for the angle can be taken from the above description.

[0527] In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the bristle tufts 64′″ arranged in the head region 63 each have a stepped shape at their free end. Such configurations serve in particular for improved cleaning of the interdental spaces. In this embodiment too, the plug-on part 60 has an angle Δ. The dimensions for the angle can be taken from the above description.

[0528] FIGS. 7a to 7d illustrate a further embodiment of a plug-on part 60 according to the invention, here in the form of a face brush.

[0529] As will be seen, the neck region 62 is considerably shortened in the case of the face brush (i.e. in particular compared to the plug-on parts for a toothbrush), such that the head region 63 lies in practice above the interface X (i.e. in the plugged-on state).

[0530] The face brush has a bristle zone 68, which can be formed from several bristle tufts or which can be a continuous zone or carpet of individual bristles lying against each other. The bristles in this type of use are generally very fine, in order to avoid any skin irritation.

[0531] The base region 61 of the face brush once again has the recess 67 of mirror-inverted shape relative to the cam of the handle. The stop surface 66 again has the corresponding bevel. Here too, a socket-like coupling structure 70 is of course provided in the interior of the plug-on part, of which FIG. 7c shows the circumferential recesses 76 of the first stage 71.

[0532] Moreover, the flat spot 10a on the plug-on part can be seen especially in FIGS. 7a and 7d. This flat spot 10a corresponds to the one or more flat spots 10 on the handle 1.

[0533] FIGS. 8a to 8d show a nail tool as a further embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention.

[0534] The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 is formed for receiving the cam 45 of the handle. On the underside of the nail tool, a first attachment 84 is formed, which is preferably designed as a nail file. This extends substantially over the base region 61 and also the neck region 62 of the nail tool.

[0535] On the underside, at the free end of the nail tool, a treatment element 86 is arranged which can have the configurations cited above in the general description (for example grinding, polishing or varnishing means). The treatment element 86 is arranged on the underside of the head region 63. On the top of the head region 63, a second attachment 85 is arranged which, for example, can be configured as an exchangeable disk for lubricant gel, etc.

[0536] Since the appliance has to be guided with particular precision for this application as a nail tool, grip hollows 82, 83 are provided on the top and on the side walls of the plug-on part. In particular, a grip hollow 83 with knobs 83a is provided on the top. The lateral grip hollows 82 do not have a knob structure here and are shaped as depressions.

[0537] The grip hollows 82, 83 and also the knobs 83a can be formed from hard and/or soft component.

[0538] In this way, it is possible to significantly improve the gripping and guiding of the appliance. The webs 57 and the soft component of the front portion 3 can serve here as additional support for a guiding finger or guiding parts of the hand.

[0539] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description concerning the face brush plug-on part.

[0540] As a further embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention, FIGS. 9a to 9c show a plug-on part with a sponge-like structure.

[0541] The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0542] A treatment element 87 of sponge-like structure is arranged on the underside at the free end of the plug-on part 60. The treatment element 87 is arranged on the underside of the head region 63.

[0543] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description.

[0544] As a further embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention, FIGS. 10a and 10b show a flosser plug-on part. The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed. Two holding arms 88 are formed on the top face at the free end, and a piece of dental floss 89 is tensioned between them.

[0545] The holding arms 88 are arranged directly on the top face of the head region 63.

[0546] The described exchangeability of the functional element without changing the base body of the plug-on part is indicated by the two broken lines in the head region. In the base body a recess can be arranged into which the functional element, i.e. the actual flosser, is mounted exchangeably.

[0547] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description.

[0548] As a further embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention, FIGS. 11a and 11b show an interdental plug-on part. The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0549] The functional element is configured so as to provide exchangeability. The carrier element 91 of the interdental brush is rigidly connected to the interdental brush 90. The arrangement of the carrier element 91 of the interdental brush in the head region of the plug-on part 60 results in the functioning plug-on part.

[0550] The functional element is exchangeable as described above. The exchangeability of the functional element without changing the base body of the plug-on part is indicated by the two broken lines in the head region. In the base region a recess can be formed into which the functional element or the carrier element 91 of the interdental brush, which element is connected to the interdental brush 90, can be introduced. The exchange mechanism can be embodied in various known ways, for example by a screw connection or a bayonet catch.

[0551] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description.

[0552] As a further embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention, FIGS. 12a to 12c show a massage roller plug-on part. The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0553] The massage roller plug-on part 60 has, in the head region 63, an actual massage roller, i.e. a cylinder 92 which is mounted on the rotation axle 93 of the massage roller. The rotation axle 93 of the massage roller is fixed in the head region of the plug-on part 60 and is not exchangeable. On the surface of the massage roller, wells 94 are formed which serve for massage purposes. The wells 94 are arranged on the cylinder and also on the free base surface.

[0554] As a further embodiment of a plug-on part according to the invention, FIGS. 13a to 13c show a wet razor plug-on part. The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0555] The blade 95 of the wet razor is arranged on the head part 63 and can be mounted so as to be exchangeable or fixed, as has already been described above.

[0556] In FIGS. 14a to 14c, the embodiment of the plug-on part 60 in the form of a face brush from FIGS. 7a to 7d is shown mounted on a handle 1.

[0557] The considerably shortened neck region 62 has the effect that the head region 63 in practice lies above the interface X. The head region 63 has a base surface 63′ (bristle exit surface).

[0558] It will also be noted that the bristle zone 68 of the face brush plug-on part 60 protrudes above the rear surface of the plug-on brush. It will likewise be noted that the (imaginary) continuation of the plug-like coupling structure 40 of the handle 1 intersects the bristle zone or the bristles.

[0559] It will be seen that the flat spot 10a, which corresponds to the flat spot on the rear face of the handle 1, is formed on the rear face of the plug-on part.

[0560] It will be seen that, in the fitted state, the bristle head is greater than the interface X and thus forms an element providing good handling when fitting and removing the face brush plug-on part 60 onto and from the handle 1.

[0561] The longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle 1 encloses the angle α.sub.2 with the base surface 63′ and encloses the angle α.sub.3 with the longitudinal axis L.sub.B of the bristles. The rotation axis A.sub.M of the vibration motor 14 encloses the angle β.sub.2 with the base surface 63′ and encloses the angle β.sub.3 with the longitudinal axis L.sub.B of the bristles.

[0562] Not all reference signs are shown in the drawing, since the drawing of the hand part 1 corresponds to FIG. 1f, and the reference signs for this same hand part 1 are identical.

[0563] FIGS. 15a to 15d show a further embodiment of a plug-on part 60 according to the invention for use as a face brush.

[0564] These figures show a plug-on part 60 with a recess 69 in the bristle zone, which recess 69 gives the head region a certain flexibility. A closed recess 69 is shown which reaches from the top of the plug-on part 60 to the underside of the plug-on part 60.

[0565] The outer part of the bristle zone 68 is arranged in a horseshoe shape around a tongue at the center. The connection 69′ to the left and right of the central tongue is the only connection of the horseshoe-shaped part to the actual plug-on part. Flexibility is thereby achieved, and the outer ring can move flexibly.

[0566] It will be noted that the interface is only shown in stylized form in FIG. 15a.

[0567] Bristle tufts 68′ are mounted on the static part or sub-region 63a and on the flexible part or sub-region 63b. In the variant shown, the ratio of bristle holes to bristle tufts is 21:44. The surface area of the static sub-region 63a in the variant shown measures about 550 mm.sup.2 to 650 mm.sup.2, and that of the flexible sub-region 63b measures between about 1100 mm.sup.2 and 1300 mm.sup.2.

[0568] FIGS. 16a to 16e show a further embodiment of a nail tool according to the invention.

[0569] The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0570] On the underside of the nail tool, there is a first attachment with a work surface in the form of a grinding or polishing surface 84′, which is preferably designed as a nail file, for example. The latter extends substantially over the neck region 62 and the head region 63 of the nail tool.

[0571] A treatment element 85′ is arranged on the top face of the head region 63. This treatment element is designed as an edge or scraping edge for pushing back the cuticle. The edge is designed as a relatively sharp edge and an at least partially exposed edge in order to permit the treatment.

[0572] The edge defines (or the two surfaces leading/tapering to the edge define) an acute angle ρ.

[0573] The edge for the cuticle treatment is designed with a profile and extends from the abutment edge of the plug-on part about the front end and back to the abutment edge. The usable edge is mounted in the front region at the front end. The lateral elements are not usable.

[0574] Since the appliance has to be guided with particular precision for this application as a nail tool, structures 83a are mounted on the top and permit good positioning.

[0575] The structures 83a can be formed from hard and/or soft components and in the present case are shown, for example, as rib-like structures.

[0576] In this way, it is possible to significantly improve the gripping and guiding of the appliance. The webs 57 and the soft component of the front portion 3 can serve here as additional support for a guiding finger or guiding parts of the hand.

[0577] As regards the specific dimensions (angle ρ, width B.sub.2 and length L.sub.9), materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description.

[0578] To make it easier to fit the plug-on part onto the handheld appliance and to remove it, the support body, i.e. the base body of the plug-on part, is narrowed in the neck region 62. The plug-on axis of the nail care plug-on part 60 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle, i.e. it can also have a slight inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis A.sub.G of the handle or can coincide with said axis.

[0579] FIGS. 17a to 17c show a possible embodiment of a serum applicator plug-on part.

[0580] The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0581] In the head region 63, a structure with two holding arms 101 is formed, with which it is possible to support an exchange part 96.

[0582] The exchange part 96 is for this purpose placed/clamped between the two holding arms 101. The holding arms 101 are designed such that they as it were form a matching geometry to the outer geometry of the exchange part 96 and are thus able to optimally hold said part. The holding arms 101 are moreover equipped with a degree of flexibility to permit the insertion and extraction of the exchange part 96.

[0583] A ball 97 with a liquid or viscous medium is introduced into the exchange part 96. By fitting the exchange part on the actual plug-on part 60, the ball 97 is squashed and the medium escapes. For this purpose, recesses through which the medium can escape are formed in the exchange part 96.

[0584] The exchange part 96 can be designed such that the carrier 97 of the medium, e.g. the ball, is already mounted directly in the part, or such that the user fits it himself. In the first case, exchange parts 96 are always required and purchased, whereas in the second case only the media 97 can be exchanged or replaced.

[0585] In addition to the recesses 99 for escape of fluid, the exchange part 96 preferably also has structures 100 which improve or assist the distribution of the fluid.

[0586] The actual plug-on part 60 has a spike 98, which interacts with the recess 102 of the exchange part 96. When the exchange part 96 is fitted in place, this spike 98 is introduced into the exchange part 96. When they are brought together, the ball 97 with the medium is squashed in the recess 102, and the medium flows through the recesses 99.

[0587] The recess 102 of the exchange part 96 is larger than the spike 98, but the difference in size is chosen only such that the carrier 97 of the medium can still be squashed.

[0588] FIGS. 18a to 18d show a nail care plug-on part 60 in the form of a nail brush. A brush is formed in the frontmost region of the plug-on part.

[0589] The brush can be used to polish the varnished nails or else to polish the untreated nails (polishing brush), and to clean the nails of dirt or grease, in particular under the nail margins (cleaning brush).

[0590] The brush consists of a bristle zone, which consists of injected or conventionally punched bristles. In addition, further elements as encapsulation bodies for example can be formed from hard and/or soft components.

[0591] The neck and head region is differently configured depending on the size of the brush.

[0592] The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0593] A bristle zone 68 is formed in the head region 63, on the underside of the plug-on part 60.

[0594] To permit precise guiding, a grip hollow 83 with knobs 83a is provided on the top of the plug-on part 60. The grip hollow 83 and also the knobs 83a can be formed from hard and/or soft components.

[0595] FIGS. 19a to 19d show a further embodiment of a nail tool according to the invention.

[0596] The plug-on part 60 again has a base region 61, in which once again the recess 67 for receiving the cam 45 of the handle is formed.

[0597] On the underside of the nail tool, there is a first attachment with a work surface in the form of a grinding or polishing surface 84′, which is preferably designed as a nail file, for example. The latter extends substantially over the head region 63 of the nail tool.

[0598] A treatment element 85′ is arranged on the top face of the head region 63. This treatment element is designed as an edge or scraping edge for pushing back the cuticle. The edge is designed as a relatively sharp edge and an at least partially exposed edge in order to permit the treatment.

[0599] The edge and the two surfaces leading to the edge enclose an acute angle ρ.

[0600] The edge 85′ for the cuticle treatment is designed with a profile and extends about the front end of the plug-on part 60. The usable edge is mounted in the front region at the front end.

[0601] Since the appliance has to be guided with particular precision for this application as a nail tool, structures 83a are mounted on the top in a grip hollow 83 and permit good positioning.

[0602] The structures 83a can be formed from hard and/or soft components and in the present case are shown, for example, as nipple-like structures.

[0603] In this way, it is possible to significantly improve the gripping and guiding of the appliance. The webs 57 and the soft component of the front portion 3 can serve here as additional support for a guiding finger or guiding parts of the hand.

[0604] As regards the specific dimensions, materials and other configurations, reference is also made to the above general description. Generally speaking, in this embodiment of the nail care plug-on part 60, the head region 63 is slightly shorter (length L.sub.9′), wider (width B.sub.2′) and, particularly in the region of the edge 85′, slightly less curved (i.e. greater radius of curvature) than in FIG. 16 for example.

[0605] The radius of curvature R.sub.K1 in FIG. 16 at the front end measures between 2 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, whereas the radius of curvature R.sub.K2 in FIG. 19 at the front end measures between 3 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm.

[0606] To make it easier to fit the plug-on part onto the handheld appliance and to remove it, the support body, i.e. the base body of the plug-on part, is less wide in the neck region 62 than the first attachment 84.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0607] 1 handle (=hand part and closure cap) [0608] 1a hard component [0609] 1b soft component [0610] 1b′ further soft component [0611] 1c hand part (=hand body and interior) [0612] 1d hand body (=base body and encapsulation body) [0613] 2 switch portion (made of soft component 1b′) [0614] 3 front portion (made of soft component 1b′) [0615] 3a rear portion (made of soft component 1b′) [0616] 4 on/off switch symbol [0617] 5 base body (made of hard component) [0618] 6 first marking (triangular, on hand part, opposite 37 in the closed state) [0619] 7 second marking (dash-like, on hand part, opposite 37 in the unclosed state) [0620] 8 vent hole [0621] 9 ve membrane [0622] 10 flat spot [0623] 10a flat spot on the plug-on part [0624] 11 narrowed waist [0625] 12 carrier element [0626] 12a bevel of the carrier element [0627] 14 electric motor/vibration motor [0628] 15 eccentric element [0629] 17 carrier element—contact plate [0630] 18 motor compartment [0631] 18a cable feed-through [0632] 19 switch compartment [0633] 20 contact plate compartment (battery version) for the battery contact plate [0634] 21 battery compartment [0635] 21a accumulator compartment [0636] 22 socket compartment [0637] 23 terminal compartment [0638] 24 switch [0639] 25 printed circuit board [0640] 26 latching lugs [0641] 27 front motor stop [0642] 28 rear motor stop [0643] 29 seal (on the carrier element of the accumulator version) [0644] 30 socket [0645] 30a socket terminals (for the printed circuit board) [0646] 31 contact element of the socket [0647] 31b front stop of the socket [0648] 32 battery contact plate [0649] 33 contact tongue of the battery contact plate 32 [0650] 34 sealing ring of the closure cap [0651] 35 closure cap [0652] 35a cap cavity (of the closure cap 35) [0653] 35b contact plate of the closure cap 35 [0654] 35c spring plate element (of the closure cap 35) [0655] 36 notches [0656] 37 marking (triangular, opposite 6 in the closed state) [0657] 38 marking (triangular, on rear face/bottom) [0658] 39 battery [0659] 39a battery pole (cap side) [0660] 40 plug-like coupling structure of the handle [0661] 41 first stage (of the coupling structure of the hand part—at the free end) [0662] 42 second stage (of the coupling structure of the hand part—in the middle) [0663] 43 third stage (of the coupling structure of the hand part—bearing on stop surface) [0664] 44 stop surface of the hand part [0665] 45 cam [0666] 45a trunk [0667] 45b crown [0668] 46 base region of the plug-like coupling structure [0669] 47 upper sub-element (of the first stage 41 of the hand part) [0670] 48 lower sub-element (of the first stage 41 of the hand part) [0671] 49 groove between the upper and lower sub-elements 47, 48 of the first stage 41 of the hand part [0672] 50 angular groove (on the top of the plug-like coupling structure 40) [0673] 51 round groove (on the underside of the plug-like coupling structure 40) [0674] 52 transition region from the first to the second stage 42 of the plug-like coupling structure 40 [0675] 53 circumferential recesses (of the second stage 42 of the plug-like coupling structure 40) [0676] 54 circumferential projections (of the second stage 42 of the plug-like coupling structure 40) [0677] 55 circumferential recesses (of the third stage 43 of the plug-like coupling structure 40) [0678] 56 circumferential projections (of the third stage 43 of the plug-like coupling structure 40) [0679] 57 webs [0680] 58 accumulator [0681] 60 plug-on part [0682] 61 base region of the plug-on part [0683] 62 neck region of the plug-on part [0684] 63 head region of the plug-on part [0685] 63′ base surface (exit surface of bristles) [0686] 63a static sub-region [0687] 63b flexible sub-region [0688] 64 cleaning elements of the plug-on part (bristles or bristle tufts and/or soft elastic cleaning and massaging elements) [0689] 64′ bristle tufts of the plug-on part [0690] 64″ bristle tufts of the plug-on part [0691] 64′″ bristle tufts of the plug-on part [0692] 65 carrier lamina (AFT) of the plug-on part [0693] 66 stop surface of the plug-on part [0694] 67 recess on the plug-on part [0695] 68 bristle zone [0696] 68′ bristle tufts [0697] 69 recess [0698] 69′ connection [0699] 70 socket-like coupling structure of the plug-on part [0700] 71 first stage of the coupling structure of the plug-on part (at the free end—corresponding to the third stage of the coupling structure of the hand part) [0701] 72 second stage of the coupling structure of the plug-on part (in the middle—corresponding to the second stage of the coupling structure of the hand part) [0702] 73 third stage of the coupling structure of the plug-on part (innermost—corresponding to the first stage of the coupling structure of the hand part) [0703] 74 angular ridge (on top/front of the plug-on part) [0704] 75 round ridge (on bottom/rear of the plug-on part) [0705] 76 circumferential recesses (of the first stage 71 of the socket-like coupling structure 70) [0706] 77 circumferential projections (of the first stage 71 of the socket-like coupling structure 70) [0707] 78 circumferential recesses (of the second stage 72 of the socket-like coupling structure 70) [0708] 79 circumferential projections (of the second stage 72 of the socket-like coupling structure 70) [0709] 80 ribs (of the third stage 73 of the socket-like coupling structure 70) [0710] 81 eight-shaped opening (of the third stage 73 of the socket-like coupling structure 70) [0711] 82 lateral grip hollows [0712] 83 grip hollow (top) [0713] 83a knobs of the grip hollow [0714] 84 first attachment (bottom) [0715] 84′ work surface/grinding or polishing surface [0716] 85 second attachment (top) [0717] 85′ treatment element/scraping edge (top) [0718] 86 treatment element (bottom) [0719] 87 treatment element (in sponge-like structure) [0720] 88 holding arms [0721] 89 dental floss [0722] 90 interdental brush [0723] 91 carrier element of the interdental brush [0724] 92 massage roller (cylinder) [0725] 93 rotation axis of the massage roller [0726] 94 wells of the massage roller [0727] 95 blade of the wet razor [0728] 96 exchange part [0729] 97 carrier of the medium [0730] 98 spike [0731] 99 recesses for the fluid outlet [0732] 100 structures [0733] 101 holding arm [0734] 102 recess [0735] A.sub.G longitudinal axis of the handle [0736] A.sub.K longitudinal axis of the plug-like coupling structure [0737] A.sub.M rotation axis of the electric motor [0738] A.sub.A longitudinal axis of the plug-on part (longitudinal axis of the socket-like coupling structure) [0739] A.sub.B longitudinal axis of the head region of the plug-on part [0740] B.sub.1 width of the handle (max) [0741] B.sub.2 width of the work surface [0742] B.sub.2′ width of the work surface [0743] D.sub.V diameter of the closure cap (max) [0744] H.sub.1 height of the handle (max) [0745] L.sub.1 length of the first stage [0746] L.sub.2 length of the second stage [0747] L.sub.3 length of the third stage (on the top) [0748] L.sub.3′ length of the third stage (on the underside) [0749] L.sub.4 total length of handle (hand part with closure cap) [0750] L.sub.5 total length of hand part (handle without closure cap) [0751] L.sub.6 length from stop edge to grip end without closure cap (front face or top) [0752] L.sub.7 length from stop edge to grip end without closure cap (rear face or underside) [0753] L.sub.8 length of closure cap [0754] L.sub.9 length of work surface [0755] L.sub.9′ length of work surface [0756] L.sub.B length of bristles [0757] R direction of insertion of carrier element [0758] R.sub.K1 radius of curvature [0759] R.sub.K2 radius of curvature [0760] X interface [0761] α angle of stop surface/A.sub.G [0762] α.sub.2 angle of A.sub.G/base surface [0763] α.sub.3 angle of L.sub.B/A.sub.G [0764] β angle of A.sub.M/A.sub.G [0765] β.sub.2 angle of A.sub.M/base surface [0766] β.sub.3 angle of L.sub.B/A.sub.M [0767] φ angle of stop surface/A.sub.M [0768] Δ angle of plug-on part [0769] ρ angle of edge or scraping edge