EP0930030B1 - Flexible head for a toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a flexible brush head for a toothbrush.

In WO-A-97/25899 a flexible brush head is this Described type, which has a bristle carrier in which Bristles are anchored by the bristle-bearing, protrude and close the upper side of the bristle holder Bristle bundles are combined. The bristle holder is through recesses that are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the Brush head extend, divided into segments that over Crosspieces are connected to each other. The Recesses are formed as grooves that are used for bristle-bearing, upper side of the bristle carrier or this bristle-bearing side opposite, lower Side are open. The connecting webs enforce the Grooves and are between the top and bottom of the bristle holder, about halfway up the Bristle carrier arranged. The grooves are with one Filled with an elastomer that encloses the connecting webs. The elastomer thus lies on both the bristle-bearing upper side of the bristle holder as well as on the opposite, lower side free. With one through Elastic deflection of the Bristle carrier can therefore the elastomer from the grooves be pushed out. The flexibility of the brush head is by appropriate choice of the depth and width of the grooves established.

The present invention is based on the object a flexible, adaptable brush head to create the type mentioned, in which the extent the flexibility of the bristle holder on constructive can be controlled more effectively in a simple manner.

This task is done with a brush head with the features of claim 1 solved.

In the brush head according to the invention, they are transverse running recesses in the bristle carrier that this in Subdivide segments, designed as tunnels, both on the bristle-bearing top as well as on the Bottom of the bristle carrier through areas of the Bristle carrier, each between adjacent Extend segments are limited. The tunnels are thus towards the top and bottom of the bristle holder completed. The design of the tunnels bounding areas determines and influences that Bending behavior of the bristle carrier. Too big Deflection is avoided because the areas mentioned Movement of neighboring segments relative to each other limit. The tunnels also lend the bristle carrier already without filling with a rubber-elastic material some flexibility.

The segments of the bristle carrier and preferably also the Tunnels span the entire width of the Brush head, the tunnel preferably with a second, in relation to the first plastic of the Bristle carrier much softer, rubbery elastic Plastic is filled so there is no danger that dirt gets stuck in the tunnel. By the construction described can be the individual Deflect segments of the bristle holder against each other, what results in flexibility of the brush head. There a bending of the brush head by one transverse to it Longitudinal axis can be done is a Adaptation to both the external teeth and the Inside of teeth possible, which means more thorough cleaning the teeth, the interdental spaces and the gum line allowed. Also a slight twisting of the individual segments of the bristle holder against each other, so a light one Torsion of the brush head is possible, which means adjustment the generated by the bristles or bundles of bristles Brush surface to the tooth and denture shapes and thus the Cleaning further improved. With strong or too strong Pressure causes the brush head to bend accordingly and thus compensates for part of the pressure. This is a gentler and more careful cleaning possible.

If the brush head has more than just two segments and accordingly more than one tunnel, so flexibility increases the brush head and the effects described are reinforced.

The flexibility of the brush head can be further increased if the areas of the bristle holder that the Tunnel on the bristle-bearing or on that of the bristle-bearing Opposite side of the bristle holder Page limit be designed so that they are in Longitudinal direction of the brush head stretchable or compressible are. For greater stability of the brush head it is advisable to keep these areas only at a time on one side and advantageously on the bristle-bearing Design page in the stretchable form described. An embodiment in is particularly suitable Shape of a bridge folded like an accordion. An easy one or by stretching the tunnel region of the bristle carrier delimiting on the sides mentioned yields elastically up to its elastic limit and thus acts as a bending limitation. When the yield point is reached, is another deflection or twisting of the Segments against each other only using force possible. An automatic return of the segments in their original position is mainly due to the elastic Restoring effect of the named ones, which limit the tunnel Areas of the bristle holder and also through the second, soft, elastic plastic with which the tunnel is filled and the first, hard, elastic plastic of the bristle holder connected is.

For the production of a brush head as described It is kind of advantageous if, in the event that more than a tunnel is provided in the brush head, the tunnels one below the other are connected since they are this way easier with the second, soft rubbery elastic Have plastic filled. Whole toothbrushes should be made , it is advantageous to put the brush head on to form a brush handle or a plug-on part and this also from the first, hard but elastic To manufacture plastic.

Further advantageous embodiments of the brush head and form toothbrushes with brush heads according to the invention the subject of the dependent claims.

Exemplary embodiments are described below with the aid of the drawing of the brush head according to the invention explained.

Fig. 1a

eine Draufsicht auf die borstentragende Seite einer solchen Zahnbürste;

Fig. 1b

eine Seitenansicht der in der Fig. 1a dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 1c

eine Ansicht der der borstentragenden Seite gegenüberliegende Rückseite der in den Fig. 1a, und 1b dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 1d

einen Längsschnitt entlang der Linie I-I in der Fig. 1a;

Fig. 1e

einen Schnitt durch den Bürstengriff entlang der Linie II-II in der Fig. 1b;

Fig. 1f

einen Schnitt durch den Bürstenkopf entlang der Linie III-III in der Fig. 1b;

Fig. 1g

einen Schnitt durch den Bürstenkopf entlang der Linie IV-IV in der Fig. 1b;

Fig. 2a

eine Zahnbürste mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Bürstenkopfes und mit dem Übergang zu einem Bürstengriff in der Draufsicht auf die borstentragende Seite;

Fig. 2b

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 2a dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 2c

einen Schnitt durch den Bürstenkopf entlang der Linie I-I in der Fig. 2b, wobei die Borstenbündel nicht dargestellt sind;

Fig. 2d

eine Seitenansicht des aus dem ersten, harten aber elastischen Kunststoff bestehenden Kerns der in den Fig. 2a und 2b dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 2e

eine der Fig. 2d analoge Darstellung der in den Fig. 2a und 2b gezeigten Zahnbürste unter Biegebeanspruchung;

Fig. 3a

eine Zahnbürste mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Bürstenkopfes und mit dem Übergang zu einem Bürstengriff in der Draufsicht auf die borstentragende Seite;

Fig. 3b

eine Seitenansicht der in Fig. 3a dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 3c

eine Seitenansicht des aus dem ersten, harten aber elastischen Kunststoff bestehenden Kerns der in den Fig. 3a und 3b dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 3d

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie I-I in der Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3e

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie II-II in der Fig. 3c;

Fig. 3f

eine vergrösserte Darstellung eines Tunnels und der ihn begrenzenden Bereiche des Borstenträgers gemäss Fig. 3c;

Fig. 3g

den in Fig. 3f dargestellten vergrösserten Bereich in einem Schnitt entlang der Mittellängsachse des Bürstenkopfes;

Fig. 4a

eine Zahnbürste mit einer weiteren Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Bürstenkopfes und mit dem Übergang zu einem Bürstengriff in der Draufsicht auf die borstentragende Seite;

Fig. 4b

eine Seitenansicht der in der Fig. 4a dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 4C

eine Ansicht der der borstentragenden Seite gegenüberliegende Rückseite der in den Fig. 4a, und 4b dargestellten Zahnbürste;

Fig. 4d

einen Längsschnitt entlang der Linie I-I in der Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4e

einen Schnitt durch den Bürstengriff entlang der Linie II-II in der Fig. 4b;

Fig. 4f

einen Schnitt durch den Bürstenkopf entlang der Linie III-III in der Fig. 4b;

Fig. 4g

einen Schnitt durch den Bürstenkopf entlang der Linie IV-IV in der Fig. 4b;

Fig. 5a

eine Zahnbürste mit einer weiteren zu dem in den Fig. 2a bis 2e gezeigten Bürstenkopf analogen Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Bürstenkopfes in einer der in Fig. 2d entsprechenden Darstellung; und

Fig. 5b

die in Fig. 5a dargestellte Zahnbürste unter Biegebeanspruchung.

The various figures designated 1 to 5 each show, purely schematically, a toothbrush consisting of two different plastic materials with part of a brush handle and each with a different embodiment of the brush head according to the invention, the following being shown in the individual figures:

Fig. 1a

a plan view of the bristle-carrying side of such a toothbrush;

Fig. 1b

a side view of the toothbrush shown in Figure 1a;

Fig. 1c

a view of the back of the bristle-carrying side of the toothbrush shown in Figures 1a, and 1b.

Fig. 1d

a longitudinal section along the line II in Fig. 1a;

Fig. 1e

a section through the brush handle along the line II-II in Fig. 1b;

Fig. 1f

a section through the brush head along the line III-III in Fig. 1b;

Fig. 1g

a section through the brush head along the line IV-IV in Fig. 1b;

Fig. 2a

a toothbrush with a further embodiment of the brush head according to the invention and with the transition to a brush handle in a top view of the bristle-carrying side;

Fig. 2b

a side view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c

a section through the brush head along the line II in Figure 2b, the bristle bundles are not shown.

Fig. 2d

a side view of the core consisting of the first, hard but elastic plastic of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b;

Fig. 2e

one of the 2d analog representation of the toothbrush shown in Figures 2a and 2b under bending stress.

Fig. 3a

a toothbrush with a further embodiment of the brush head according to the invention and with the transition to a brush handle in a top view of the bristle-carrying side;

Fig. 3b

a side view of the toothbrush shown in Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3c

a side view of the core made of the first, hard but elastic plastic of the toothbrush shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b;

Fig. 3d

a section along the line II in Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3e

a section along the line II-II in Fig. 3c;

3f

an enlarged view of a tunnel and the areas of the bristle carrier delimiting it according to FIG. 3c;

Fig. 3g

the enlarged area shown in Figure 3f in a section along the central longitudinal axis of the brush head.

Fig. 4a

a toothbrush with a further embodiment of the brush head according to the invention and with the transition to a brush handle in a top view of the bristle-carrying side;

Fig. 4b

a side view of the toothbrush shown in Figure 4a.

Figure 4C

a view of the back of the bristle-carrying side of the toothbrush shown in Figures 4a, and 4b.

Fig. 4d

a longitudinal section along the line II in Fig. 4a;

Fig. 4e

a section through the brush handle along the line II-II in Fig. 4b;

Fig. 4f

a section through the brush head along the line III-III in Fig. 4b;

Fig. 4g

a section through the brush head along the line IV-IV in Fig. 4b;

Fig. 5a

a toothbrush with a further embodiment of the brush head according to the invention analogous to the brush head shown in FIGS. 2a to 2e in a representation corresponding to that in FIG. 2d; and

Fig. 5b

the toothbrush shown in Fig. 5a under bending stress.

1a-g, show a toothbrush 10 with one part a brush handle 12 and a brush head 14 with a Bristle holder 16. The bristle holder 16 from a first, hard but elastic plastic is through tunnel 20, which penetrate the bristle carrier 16 over its entire width, divided into five segments 17 (Fig. 1a, 1d), in which have different numbers of rows from to bristle bundles 18 combined bristles are anchored. The segments 17 of the bristle carrier 16 extend like the tunnels 20 each across the entire width b of the brush head 14 (Fig. 1f, 1g). The tunnels 20 between the segments 17th of the bristle carrier 16 (FIGS. 1d, 1g) are connected to a second, filled with soft, rubber-like elastic plastic, the firm with the first, hard, elastic Plastic of the bristle carrier 16 is connected. The tunnels 20 are made entirely of hard, elastic plastic of the bristle carrier 16 surrounded. You will be on the bristle-bearing Side of the brush head 14 and on the bristle-bearing side opposite side of the brush head 14 delimited by regions 22 of the bristle carrier 16, the web-like, thinly formed and therefore very are flexible.

The bristle carrier 16 has the side in the middle of it Edge of the brush head 14 forming sides Side groove 30, which is the same height as the tunnel 20 has (Fig. 1b, 1e, 1f). About the more or less around the Whole brush head 14 side groove 30 running also with the second, soft, rubber-like elastic Plastic is filled, the tunnels 20 are together connected.

Brush head 14 and brush handle 12 are about the brush handle 12 adjacent segment 17 'of the bristle carrier 16 connected in one piece, the brush handle 12 also made of hard but elastic plastic of the bristle carrier 16 (Fig. 1a to 1d). The Brush handle 12 has a grip groove 26 which is on the bristle-bearing side of the toothbrush 10 along the Longitudinal axis 24 of the toothbrush 10 extends (Fig. 1a). Short in front of the brush head 14 this grip groove 26 (FIG. 1a) and runs on the sides of the brush handle 12 obliquely towards the brush head 14 and goes into the side groove 30 over (Fig. 1b). The grip groove 26 is like that Side groove 30 with the second, soft, rubber-like elastic Plastic filled.

Due to the large number of segments 17 into which the bristle carrier 16 is divided by the tunnel 20, and due to the relatively thin and therefore very flexible Areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16 is the brush head 14 overall very flexible and easy to use bend and twist along the central longitudinal axis Twist 24 'of the brush head 14. This will a better adaptation of the brush surface to the tooth arches and reached the interdental spaces and a better one Cleaning achieved. The tunnels 20 thus increase flexibility the brush head 14. The areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16, which the tunnel 20 on the bristle-carrying and on the opposite side of the bristle-bearing side Limit side of brush head 14, reduce but at the same time the risk that part of the Brush head 14 is bitten off in use.

The one-piece connection between the brush handle 12 and Brush head 14 and the connection of the tunnels 20 to one another Allows over the side groove 30 of the bristle carrier 16 together with the connection of side groove 30 and Griffnut 26 a very simple manufacture of the whole Toothbrush with the brush head 14 according to the invention Two-component injection.

One compared to that described in FIGS. 1a to 1g Embodiment is slightly modified embodiment shown in Figs. 2a to 2e.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2e shows a toothbrush 10 with a further embodiment of the brush head 14 and with a short section a brush handle 12. The brush head 14, the one bristle carrier divided into three segments 17 by tunnel 20 16, is integral with the brush handle 12 molded (Fig. 2a). The first one adjacent to the brush handle 12 Segment 17 'of the bristle carrier 16, in which also a number of bristle bundles 18 are anchored forms a transition area 32 to the brush handle 12.

As in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1a to 1g are also between the segments 17 of the bristle carrier 16, which extends over the entire width of the brush head 14 extend, tunnel 20, which also over the entire width of the brush head 14 extend (Fig. 2a, 2b, 2d, 2e) and with the second, filled in soft, rubber-like elastic plastic are.

A side groove embedded in the side of the bristle carrier 16 30 that with the soft, elastic plastic is filled, as in the one in FIGS. 1a to 1g Embodiment shown, the tunnels 20 together. For the sake of simple manufacture, the molded brush handle 12 on both side surfaces a groove 26 which in the transition area 32 in the Groove 30 of bristle carrier 16 merges (Fig. 2b, 2d and 2e) and with the second, soft, rubber-like elastic Plastic is filled.

2d and 2e, only that from the first, hard one but elastic plastic core shown, i.e. the filling of the tunnel 20 and the grooves 26 and 30 from the second, rubber-elastic plastic is not shown.

The tunnels 20 are all of the first, hard, elastic Surround the plastic of the bristle carrier 16. The areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16, the tunnel 20 on limit the bristle-bearing side of the toothbrush 10 (Fig. 2b, 2d, 2e), are very thin and slightly curved formed (Fig. 2b, 2c) so that they are on the bristle-bearing Side of the brush head 14 as a trough-like recessed Grooves appear (Fig. 2a). Under at Use occurring stress stretch this slightly curved areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16 (FIG. 2d) and put another in a fully tensioned state Bending the bristle carrier 16 a resistance contrary (Fig. 2e). In this way the so shaped ones work Areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16 on the one hand increase flexibility and on the other hand as a bending limitation, which prevents excessive bending of the brush head.

The areas 22 'of the bristle carrier 16 which the tunnels 20th on the opposite side of the bristle-bearing side Side limit are also thin and elastic, so that when using the toothbrush Bending of the bristle carrier 16, as shown in Fig. 2e is shown to be elastically compressed.

The bristle bundles designated 18 'in FIGS. 2b, 2d and 2e, the rows adjacent to the tunnel 20 belong, are inclined. Like this Fig. 2b, 2d and 2e show, the inclination is such that the respective bristle bundles 18 ′ arranged on both sides of a tunnel 20 are inclined towards each other, creating an overlap of the tunnel area in between (Fig. 2b and 2d). The in the segments 17 of the bristle carrier 16 trained receiving holes for the bristle bundles 18 'are inclined accordingly.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a to 3g has the same basic construction as that in the Fig. 2a-2e shown brush head 14. However, expand the tunnels 20 towards the edge of the brush head 14 trumpet-shaped (Fig. 3a). The areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16, the tunnel 20 on the bristle-bearing Limit the side of the toothbrush 10 (Fig. 3c, 3f, 3g) also thin and slightly curved, so that also against the bristle-bearing side together with the edges of the segments 17 of the bristle carrier 16 transversely recessed trough-like recessed over the brush head 14 Form channels (Fig. 3a). Since the tunnel 20 against the Widen the edge of the brush head 14 in a trumpet shape, the channels formed by the areas 22 also appear on the bristle-bearing side of the brush head 14 in the top view in one against the edge of the brush head 14 trumpet-shaped expanding shape (Fig. 3a). How the areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16 in the in 2a to 2e described embodiment, act here too the areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16 increase flexibility and as a bend limit.

The middle segment 17 and the one opposite the brush handle 12 Segment 17 '' of the bristle carrier 16 in this embodiment by a space 34, which extends over the entire width of the brush head 14 (Fig. 3c, 3e), divided into two parts 17a, 17b. This intermediate space 34 connects the tunnels 20 to one another, and is also with the second, soft, elastic Plastic filled (Fig. 3d). The gap 34 with its soft, rubber-like elastic filling it that the segments 17 of the bristle carrier 16 along and across the longitudinal axis 24 of the brush head 14 can tilt.

A small web 36 on the brush handle 12 opposite End of the brush head 14, the bristle-bearing Part 17''a with the bristle-bearing part opposite connects lying part 17''b of segment 17 '', prevents the two parts 17''a and 17''b of the segment 17 '' during use and the bond between these parts 17''a, 17''b and the soft, elastic plastic in the intermediate space 34 triggers (Fig. 3c). That at the other end of the brush head 14 located segment 17 'adjacent to the brush handle 12 of the bristle carrier 16 is not through the intermediate space 34 Cut. It goes into the brush handle 12 (Fig. 3c) which is made of the same hard, elastic plastic is like the bristle holder 16.

The basic construction of that shown in Figs. 4a to 4g Brush head 14 is the same as that in FIGS. 1a to 1g shown brush head 14. Both have one bristle carrier divided into five segments 17 by tunnel 20 16 made of hard, elastic plastic.

The difference between that shown in Figs. 1a to 1g Embodiment and that shown in Figs. 4a to 4g Embodiment is that in the in 4a to 4g described embodiment of the brush head 14 the bristle carrier 16 instead of a side groove 30 has a groove 28 which extends along the central longitudinal axis 24 'on the opposite side of the bristle-bearing side Back of the brush head 14 extends (Fig. 4c). The groove 28 that with the second, soft, rubbery elastic plastic is filled, interspersed the bristle carrier 16 so that the tunnel 20 over the groove 28 are connected to one another (FIGS. 4c, 4d, 4f, 4g).

For efficient production using the two-component injection molding process has the brush handle 12 on the bristle-carrying Side opposite back of the toothbrush 10 has a grip groove 26 in the area of the brush head 14 into the groove 28 along the central longitudinal axis 24 ' the brush head 14 passes. Both grooves 26 and 28 are filled with the soft, rubber-like elastic plastic (Fig. 4c, 4d, 4e).

The possible variations of the brush head according to the invention 14 are with those described and in the figures illustrated embodiments are far from exhausted. Like especially those in FIGS. 2a to 2e and 3a to 3g illustrate the exemplary embodiments shown, can the geometric shape of the bristle carrier 16 in the When viewed from above, it takes almost any shape. The bristle carrier 16 and its segments 17 must therefore not be rectangular, as shown in the Examples of FIGS. 1a to 1g and 4a to 4g shown is. The same applies to the tunnel 20 between the Segments 17 of the bristle carrier 16, as shown in FIGS. 3a, 3c, 3f is shown. Variations in the outward visible distribution between parts from the first, hard, elastic plastic and the second, soft, rubber-like elastic plastic from creative Of course, reasons are also conceivable.

In all the exemplary embodiments shown extend the tunnels 20 over the entire width of the bristle carrier 16 and are continuous from page to page. It is now also conceivable not to design the tunnels 20 continuously, i.e. the tunnels 20 through an intermediate piece interrupt.

It is also possible to fill the tunnel 20 with the second, soft, elastic plastic. In such an embodiment, the side groove 30 or the groove 28 and the grip groove 26 are omitted become. Thus, through the tunnels 20 there are segments 17 divided bristle holder 16 and the brush handle 12 of such an embodiment from only one Material, namely the first, hard, elastic plastic.

The brush head 14 designed according to the invention can not just used for a manual toothbrush as shown but also for slip-on toothbrushes, such as for Electric toothbrushes can be used. With one Slip-on toothbrush is the brush head according to the invention 16 connected with a plug-on part.

Instead of the brush head 14 in one piece with the brush handle 12 or the push-on part can form the brush head 14 also interchangeable with the brush handle 12 or the Plug-on part can be connected.

The configuration of the bristles or bristle bundles 18 can can also be varied, as shown in Fig. 3b by the different length of the bristle bundle 18 and the Partly cut brush surfaces already indicated is. As mentioned, it is also possible to intersecting bristles or bristle bundles 18, as in 2b and 2d, be useful and still also contribute to better cleaning of the dentition.

Those areas 22 of the bristle carrier 16 that the Tunnels 20 can be configured in different ways his. As in that shown in Figures 2a-2e and 3a-3g Embodiment described, the flexibility of the Brush head 14 are increased when the areas 22 of the Bristle carrier 16 designed thin and slightly curved become. The extensibility of these areas 22 in the longitudinal direction of the brush head 14 can e.g. also by a Dilution of the areas 22 improved towards their center become. A very advantageous because it is very stretchy The shape of these areas 22 is thin, in the longitudinal direction of the brush head 14 configuration folded like an accordion. This also applies accordingly to the areas 22 'on the opposite side of the bristle-bearing side Back of the bristle carrier 16, which at a through Force acting on the bristle bundle 18 occurring Deflection of the bristle carrier segments 17 is elastically compressed become.

A configuration of these areas 22 of the bristle carrier is also possible 16, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b leads to a very high flexibility of the brush head. 5a and 5b show a toothbrush 10 with a brush head 14, which is constructed analogously to that The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2es. Indeed are of the thin areas 22 and 22 ', which cover the tunnels 20, in the embodiment shown here the areas 22 on the bristle-bearing side of the brush head 14 through one over the entire Width of the brush head 14 extending parting plane 21 divided into two sections 22a and 22b, which are in the Normal state, as shown in Fig. 5a, closing touch. The parting plane widens under bending stress 21 to a gap 21 ', as shown in Fig. 5b is shown what enables a large deflection. The restoring force of the soft, elastic plastic material in the tunnels 20 ensures that the Gap 21 'again with no bending stress closes and sections 22a and 22b of the areas 22 clashing again. Also regarding torsional stress along the longitudinal axis 24 'of the bristle carrier 16 increases the parting plane 21 in the Areas 22 the flexibility of the brush head 14.

Claims (17)

1. Flexible brush head for toothbrushes (10), having a bristle carrier (16) which consists of a first, hard, elastic plastic, in which bristles are anchored, these bristles being combined to form bristle clusters (18) and projecting from a bristle-carrying, top side of the bristle carrier (16), and which is subdivided into interconnected segments (17) arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal axis (24) of the brush head (14), the bristle carrier (16) being subdivided into segments (17) by in each case one cutout (20) in the bristle carrier (16), said cutout running between adjacent segments (17) and extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (24) of the brush head (14), characterized in that each cutout is designed as a tunnel (20) which, both on the top side of the bristle carrier (16) and on the bottom side of the bristle carrier (16), which is located opposite the top side, is bounded by a region (22, 22') of the bristle carrier (16), which extends between adjacent segments (1), adjacent segments (17) on the bottom side of the bristle carrier (16) being connected to one another via the region (22'), which bounds the tunnel (20) located between them.
2. Brush head according to Claim 1, characterized in that adjacent segments (17) are also connected to one another on the top side of the bristle carrier (16) via the region (22), which bounds the tunnel (20) located between them.
3. Brush head according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each tunnel (20) passes through the bristle carrier (16) over its entire width.
4. Brush head according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the regions (22) of the bristle carrier (16), which bound the tunnels (20) on the bristle-carrying side of the bristle carrier (16), are thin and can be expanded in the direction of the longitudinal axis (24) of the brush head (14).
5. Brush head according to Claim 4, characterized in that the regions (22), which bound the tunnels (20) on the bristle-carrying side of the bristle carrier (16), are folded in the manner of an accordion in the longitudinal direction of the brush head (14).
6. Brush head according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the regions (22), which bound the tunnels (20) on the bristle-carrying side of the bristle carrier (16), are subdivided into two abutting sections (22a, 22b) by a parting plane (21) extending over the entire width of the bristle carrier (16).
7. Brush head according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the regions (22') of the bristle carrier (16), which bound the tunnels (20) on the bottom side of the bristle carrier (16), are thin and can be compressed elastically in the direction of the longitudinal axis (24) of the brush head (14).
8. Brush head according to Claim 7, characterized in that the regions (22'), which bound the tunnels (20) on the bottom side of the bristle carrier (16), are folded in the manner of an accordion in the longitudinal direction of the brush head (14).
9. Brush head according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bristle carrier (16) is divided up into at least three segments (17) by at least two tunnels (20), the tunnels (20) being connected to one another.
10. Brush head according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that each tunnel (20) is filled with a second, soft, elastic plastic.
11. Brush head according to Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that, laterally, the bristle carrier (16) has a lateral groove (30) via which the tunnels (20) are connected to one another and which is filled with the second, soft, elastic plastic.
12. Brush head according to Claims 9 and 10, characterized by a groove (28) which extends along the centre longitudinal axis (24') of the brush head (14), is arranged on the bottom side of the bristle carrier (16), passes through the bristle carrier (16), connecting the tunnels (20) to one another in the process, and is filled with the second, soft, elastic plastic.
13. Brush head according to Claims 9 and 10, characterized by an interspace (34) which extends over the entire width of the bristle carrier (16), separates at least some of the segments (17, 17', 17'') of the bristle carrier (16) approximately halfway up the height (h) of the bristle carrier (16), connects at least some of the tunnels (20) to one another, and is filled with the second, soft, rubber-elastic plastic.
14. Brush head according to Claim 13, characterized in that the interspace (34) extends into the segment (17'') which is located opposite a brush handle (12), the bristle-carrying part (17a'') and the part (17b'') of the segment (17''), said part (17b'') being located opposite the bristle-carrying part (17a''), being connected to one another at least at one location.
15. Toothbrush having a brush handle (12) and a brush head (14) connected thereto, or having a plug-on part and a brush head (14) connected thereto, characterized in that the brush head (14) is configured according to one of Claims 1 to 14.
16. Toothbrush according to Claim 15, characterized in that the brush head (14) is formed integrally on the brush handle (12) or the plug-on part.
17. Toothbrush according to Claim 15, characterized in that the brush head (14) is fastened in a removable manner on the brush handle (12) or on the plug-on part.

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