EP1646916A2 - Method for displaying time-dependent processes and toothbrush - Google Patents

Method for displaying time-dependent processes and toothbrush

Info

Publication number
EP1646916A2
EP1646916A2 EP04763330A EP04763330A EP1646916A2 EP 1646916 A2 EP1646916 A2 EP 1646916A2 EP 04763330 A EP04763330 A EP 04763330A EP 04763330 A EP04763330 A EP 04763330A EP 1646916 A2 EP1646916 A2 EP 1646916A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
indicator strip
dye
liquid
toothbrush
capsule
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04763330A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1646916B1 (en
Inventor
Pedro Stange
Klaus Horbaschek
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Braun GmbH
Original Assignee
Braun GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Braun GmbH filed Critical Braun GmbH
Publication of EP1646916A2 publication Critical patent/EP1646916A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1646916B1 publication Critical patent/EP1646916B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0004—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means
    • A46B15/0008—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with a controlling means with means for controlling duration, e.g. time of brushing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B15/00—Other brushes; Brushes with additional arrangements
    • A46B15/0002—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process
    • A46B15/0038—Arrangements for enhancing monitoring or controlling the brushing process with signalling means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F1/00—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals without driving mechanisms, e.g. egg timers
    • G04F1/04—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals without driving mechanisms, e.g. egg timers by movement or acceleration due to gravity
    • G04F1/06—Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals without driving mechanisms, e.g. egg timers by movement or acceleration due to gravity by flowing-away of a prefixed quantity of fine-granular or liquid materials, e.g. sand-glass, water-clock
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04F—TIME-INTERVAL MEASURING
    • G04F13/00—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by means not provided for in groups G04F5/00 - G04F10/00
    • G04F13/06—Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by means not provided for in groups G04F5/00 - G04F10/00 using fluidic means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B2200/00—Brushes characterized by their functions, uses or applications
    • A46B2200/10—For human or animal care
    • A46B2200/1066—Toothbrush for cleaning the teeth or dentures

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for displaying time-dependent processes according to the preamble of claim 1 and a toothbrush according to the preamble of claim 12.
  • the carrier material is the "agar-agar” gel
  • the carrier or solvent is water
  • the dye is methylene blue. Since the gel agar agar already contains the solvent water, the starting process is relatively difficult. Furthermore, the gel variant has a large surface, which promotes increased dehydration before the time measurement is actually used.
  • a toothbrush with a consumption indicator is known from US Pat. No. 4,802,255, in which a dye contained in the toothbrush filaments gradually escapes with increasing use due to the action of brushing the teeth.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to improve the method according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that the color front is always sharply imaged even over several months in order to be able to clearly read the elapsed time at any time.
  • the display device should be realizable with simple means and be extremely inexpensive.
  • the object of the invention to provide a toothbrush according to the preamble of claim 12, which enables an easy-to-use consumption display.
  • the object relating to the method is achieved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1.
  • the porous carrier material is such that the molecules of the dye adhere to its inner surface, a sharp color front is created according to the invention, which allows an operator to know exactly what time has elapsed since the start of the time measurement.
  • the water (or solvent) and color molecules are subject to the Braun molecular movement, ie they move back and forth in the microscopic chambers in the tissue structure and are deposited at the interfaces. The rest of the color molecules continue to migrate in the diffusion process and look for a deposit at other, still free interfaces.
  • the diffusion process is a time-predefined process for each substance, the choice of the dye, the material of the indicator strip and the chosen liquid can also be used to predetermine the diffusion rate in order to obtain timekeepers for different time intervals.
  • the combination In order to obtain this sharp diffusion front, the combination must be chosen so that small amounts of the dye can adhere to the support material.
  • the diffusion of the dye molecules bound to the carrier material must be significantly slower than that of the dye molecules freely located in the solvent.
  • the dye may no longer be completely bound by the carrier material at higher concentrations.
  • the material of the indicator strip, the liquid and the dye are matched to one another so that dye molecules can adhere to the indicator strip until the interfaces of the pores are covered with dye molecules, while the remaining part of the dye molecules continues to diffuse in the liquid, so that the attachment process is time-dependent progresses.
  • the liquid is dissolved in the depot chamber. After the contents of the depot chamber have been connected to the indicator strip, the gradual diffusion of the dye along the indicator strip shows the consumption.
  • Color particles attach to the porous edge points of the indicator strip, while the excess part continues to diffuse in the direction of the not yet colored end of the indicator strip. This creates a relatively high-contrast boundary layer between the color layer and the differently colored rest of the indicator strip. The longer the diffusion time of the dye, the longer the time measurement can take place.
  • the features of claim 6 ensure that the indicator strip does not dry out and therefore always remains moist, so that a time measurement can be carried out over a very long time.
  • the features of claim 8 represent a particularly simple start of the time measurement, in that the depot chamber can be operated by an operator in a simple manner. son is pressed so tightly that it bursts open and allows the liquid to pass into the indicator strip.
  • other opening mechanisms can also be selected on a depot chamber, such as, for example, a pressure relief valve formed on the depot chamber or an intervention by means of thermal action.
  • FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross section through the display device according to the invention, but on an enlarged scale, the schematically illustrated display device being arranged in a recess in a wall of a component which is only partially shown,
  • FIG. 2 shows a top view of the display device attached to a component in FIG. 1, FIG.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematically represented microstructure of a cellulosic filter paper in which individual color particles of a dye have already deposited on the walls and
  • FIGS. 4 is a front view of four display devices that show different time states, the first display device showing the new state and the last display device showing the state after the passage of time, and the dimensions being shown smaller than in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the display device 1 consists of a narrow, elongated protective cover 2, which is closed in a pressure-tight and watertight manner and which has a receiving space 3 which extends approximately in the same length and width as the protective cover 2 itself thin wall 4 of the protective cover 2 consists of a waterproof, transparent plastic, preferably of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), the trade name is Aclar (manufacturer: Honeywell) or Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), the trade name is Topaz (manufacturer: Ticona). These materials guarantee that no water can escape from the protective cover 2.
  • CTFE chlorotrifluoroethylene
  • a capsule 6 filled with water 5 is located at the right end in the receiving space 3 and serves as a depot chamber for the water 5.
  • the capsule 6 is still filled with water 5.
  • To the left of the capsule 6 is a narrow indicator strip 7, which almost completely fills the receiving space 3 - with the exception of the area around the capsule 6.
  • the indicator strip 7 is impregnated with a dye 8, printed or otherwise, whose sharp dividing line 9, which represents the color transition from the dye to the lighter section of the indicator strip, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the display device 1 or the indicator strip 7 runs.
  • the dye 8 is shown dark in the drawings and extends over the entire width but in the new state only over a very small length of the indicator strip 7.
  • the dye 8 used here can be erythrosin B or Coomassie® brilliant blue G 250, as described in the features of claims 2 and 3 is specified.
  • the display device 1 is inserted in a depression 10 in a surface 11 of a component, preferably a toothbrush handle 12, toothbrush or bristle holder or toothbrush neck, in such a way that it completely fills the depression 10 and is flush with its surface 13 with the surface 11. This avoids sharp edges.
  • the display device 1 can be glued, clipped, welded or otherwise fastened into the depression 10. While at least the visible area
  • the underside of the protective cover 2 may not be transparent, which may be advantageous for cost reasons.
  • the display device 1 is used in such a way that from both sides 13,
  • both sides must be transparent.
  • toothbrush handle 12 is only partially cut or shown in view.
  • any wall component of a device or other workpiece can be used if you want to use this workpiece to measure its useful life or other conditions as a function of time.
  • the mode of operation of the display device 1 works as follows: In the non-actuated state of the display device, that is, as long as an operator does not remove the manual toothbrush from its packaging and uses it for the first time, the color scale 15 formed on the indicator strip 7 is already displayed at the lowest end with the corresponding color. If the toothbrush is now used for the first time, an operator's finger (not shown) according to FIG. 1 must first press on the wall 4 of the protective cover 2 from above. The capsule can also be opened automatically during the opening process of the packaging. Alternatively, the toothbrush has a pressure pin, the actuation of which causes the capsule to burst. The pressure pin is accordingly arranged adjacent to the capsule. The push pin enables easier handling, which causes the capsule to burst.
  • the protective cover 2 Since the protective cover 2 is elastic, it passes the pressure on to the capsule 6 in the first case, which then bursts when it is pressed sufficiently firmly. Now the liquid 5, here water, formed in the capsule 6 flows into the receiving space 3 of the protective cover 2 and passes this to the right end 16 of the indicator strip 7 (not shown) according to FIGS. 1 and 2. From there, the water 5 diffuses into the indicator strip 7 and migrates to the color scale 15, where the water 5 dissolves the dyes 8 located in the indicator strip 7. Since this process is very fast, it is also irrelevant for time measurement. The now colored water 5 diffuses from left to right in a very long time according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • FIG. 3 a very simplified microscopic illustration of a cellulosic material of the filter strip 7 was undertaken in which the color molecules 21, which in practice are much smaller and are practically invisible, between those of the individual fibers 17 Form the pores or chambers 18 back and forth and slowly diffuse in the indicator strip 7 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 from left to right and according to FIG. 4 from bottom to top. Due to the color material composition, some color molecules 18 reach the interface 19 of the fibers 17 and are bound to it due to the acting attractive forces. This is particularly so because the nature of the color and cellulose 20, which consists of many fibers 17 shown in FIG. 3, allow these docking. At the points where color molecules 18 already adhere to the interfaces 19 of the fibers 17, further color molecules 18 will only adhere more or less.
  • the remaining part diffuses further in the indicator strip 7 in the direction of the right end 16.
  • the adherence of the color molecules 18 to the interface 19 of the fibers 17 results in an extremely sharp dividing line 9 when the indicator strip 7 itself consists of a differently colored, preferably lighter material , ever the lighter the indicator strip 7 and the darker the color scale 15, the more clearly the time can be read.
  • FIG. 4 shows four time states of the display device 1, the left one showing the start, the following approximately half, the subsequent approximately three quarters and the last display device 1 showing the course of the time measurement.
  • a scale 22 from example 1 to 4 was indicated schematically in order to be able to read the elapsed time as quickly as possible.
  • the numbers 1 to 4 can be hours, months or even years, depending on how quickly the diffusion with appropriately selected dyes 8 and celluloses 20 is used. Since the diffusion process generally gets slower the longer it takes and because there are different diffusion speeds depending on the respective configuration, the scale must be adapted to the speed of the diffusion process in order to represent the time course in real terms.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Brushes (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By The Use Of Chemical Reactions (AREA)
  • Drying Of Semiconductors (AREA)
  • Apparatuses And Processes For Manufacturing Resistors (AREA)

Abstract

A method for displaying a time-dependent process including applying a liquid onto a porous indicator strip disposed on a toothbrush, the strip having a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion and containing a dye and diffusing the dye along the length of the indicator strip at a predetermined rate.

Description

Verfahren zur Anzeige von zeitabhängigen Vorgängen und ZahnbürsteProcedure for displaying time-dependent processes and toothbrush
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Anzeige von zeitabhängigen Vorgängen nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 und eine Zahnbürste nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 12.The invention relates to a method for displaying time-dependent processes according to the preamble of claim 1 and a toothbrush according to the preamble of claim 12.
Ein derartiges Verfahren ist bereits aus der US 4,229,813 bekannt. Bei diesem Verfahren wird zu Beginn der Zeitmessung eine mit Flüssigkeit gefüllte Kapsel zerdrückt, deren Flüssigkeit auf das Ende eines mit einem Farbstoff bedruckten Streifens aus Filtermaterial gegeben wird. Die Flüssigkeit löst die Farbe im Streifen auf und infolge der nun eintretenden Diffusion wandert der Farbstoff den Streifen in vorgegebener Zeit entlang, so daß eine Bedienungsperson an einer an der Frontseite angebrachten Skala erkennen kann, wie lange die Zeitmessung schon im Gange ist. Bei dieser Anordnung ist es als weniger vorteilhaft anzusehen, daß die verstrichene Zeit nur sehr ungenau abgelesen werden kann, weil keine scharfe Front der Farbe am Indikatorstreifen gebildet wird.Such a method is already known from US 4,229,813. In this method, at the beginning of the time measurement, a capsule filled with liquid is crushed, the liquid of which is placed on the end of a strip of filter material printed with a dye. The liquid dissolves the color in the stripe and as a result of the diffusion now occurring, the dye migrates along the stripe in a predetermined time, so that an operator can see from a scale attached to the front how long the time measurement has been in progress. With this arrangement, it is considered less advantageous that the elapsed time can only be read very inaccurately, because no sharp front of the color is formed on the indicator strip.
Aus der japanischen Patentschrift 1141976 wird weiterhin eine spezielle Materialkombination zur Erreichung einer scharfen Front bei einem zur Zeitmessung verwendeten Diffusionspro- zeß unter Schutz gestellt. Dabei handelt es sich bei dem Trägermaterial um das Gel "Agar- Agar", bei dem Träger- bzw. Lösungsstoff um Wasser und bei dem Farbstoff um Methylenblau. Da das verwendete Gel Agar-Agar bereits das Lösungsmittel Wasser enthält, gestaltet sich der Vorgang des Startens verhältnismäßig schwierig. Weiterhin hat die Gelvariante eine große Oberfläche, die eine verstärkte Austrocknung vor der eigentlichen Anwendung der Zeitmessung begünstigt.From Japanese patent specification 1141976, a special material combination for achieving a sharp front is also protected under a diffusion process used for time measurement. The carrier material is the "agar-agar" gel, the carrier or solvent is water and the dye is methylene blue. Since the gel agar agar already contains the solvent water, the starting process is relatively difficult. Furthermore, the gel variant has a large surface, which promotes increased dehydration before the time measurement is actually used.
Aus der US 4,802,255 ist eine Zahnbürste mit einer Verbrauchsanzeige bekannt, bei der ein in den Zahnbürstenfilamenten enthaltener Farbstoff mit zunehmender Benutzung durch die Einwirkung beim Zähneputzen allmählich entweicht.A toothbrush with a consumption indicator is known from US Pat. No. 4,802,255, in which a dye contained in the toothbrush filaments gradually escapes with increasing use due to the action of brushing the teeth.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, das Verfahren gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 derart zu verbessern, daß die Farbfront auch über mehrere Monate stets scharf abgebildet wird, um zu jeder Zeit die verstrichene Zeit deutlich ablesen zu können. Gleichzeitig soll die Anzeigeeinrichtung mit einfachen Mitteln realisierbar und äußerst kostengünstig sein.The object of the invention is therefore to improve the method according to the preamble of claim 1 in such a way that the color front is always sharply imaged even over several months in order to be able to clearly read the elapsed time at any time. At the same time, the display device should be realizable with simple means and be extremely inexpensive.
Weiterhin ist es eine Aufgabe der Erfindung, eine Zahnbürste gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 12 bereitzustellen, die eine einfach handhabbare Verbrauchsanzeige ermöglicht. Die Aufgabe bezüglich des Verfahrens wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst. Dadurch, daß das poröse Trägermaterial so beschaffen ist, daß an seiner inneren Oberfläche die Moleküle des Farbstoffes anhaften, entsteht nach der Erfindung eine scharfe Farbfront, die eine Bedienungsperson ge- nauestens erkennen läßt, welche Zeit seit Beginn der Zeitmessung verstrichen ist. Die Wasser- (bzw. Lösungsmittel-) und Farbmoleküle unterliegen der Braun'schen Molekularbewegung, d.h., sie bewegen sich in den in der Gewebestruktur mikroskopisch kleinen Kammern hin und her und lagern sich an den Grenzflächen ab. Der übrige Teil der Farbmoleküle wandert im Diffusionsprozeß weiter und sucht sich an anderen, noch freien Grenzflächen eine Ablagerungsmöglichkeit. An der Stelle, wo bereits Farbmoleküle abgelagert sind, können sich keine weiteren Farbmoleküle ablagern und dieser Farbstoff wird daher durch die Diffusion im Lösungsmittel weiter transportiert. Da der Diffusionsprozeß ein bei jedem Stoff zeitlich vordefinierter Vorgang ist, kann durch die Wahl des Farbstoffes, des Materials des Indikatorstreifens und der gewählten Flüssigkeit auch die Diffusionsgeschwindigkeit vorbestimmt werden, um auf diese Weise Zeitmesser für verschiedene Zeitintervalle zu erhalten.Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a toothbrush according to the preamble of claim 12, which enables an easy-to-use consumption display. The object relating to the method is achieved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1. Because the porous carrier material is such that the molecules of the dye adhere to its inner surface, a sharp color front is created according to the invention, which allows an operator to know exactly what time has elapsed since the start of the time measurement. The water (or solvent) and color molecules are subject to the Braun molecular movement, ie they move back and forth in the microscopic chambers in the tissue structure and are deposited at the interfaces. The rest of the color molecules continue to migrate in the diffusion process and look for a deposit at other, still free interfaces. At the point where color molecules are already deposited, no further color molecules can be deposited and this dye is therefore transported further through the diffusion in the solvent. Since the diffusion process is a time-predefined process for each substance, the choice of the dye, the material of the indicator strip and the chosen liquid can also be used to predetermine the diffusion rate in order to obtain timekeepers for different time intervals.
Um diese scharfe Diffusionsfront zu erhalten, muß also die Kombination so gewählt werden, daß geringe Mengen des Farbstoffes an dem Trägermaterial anhaften können. Die Diffusion der am Trägermaterial gebundenen Farbstoffmolekule muß deutlich langsamer sein, als die der frei im Lösungsmittel befindlichen Farbstoffmolekule. Darüber hinaus darf der Farbstoff bei höheren Konzentrationen nicht mehr vollständig durch das Trägermaterial gebunden werden. Das Material des Indikatorstreifens, die Flüssigkeit und der Farbstoff sind so aufeinander abgestimmt, daß Farbstoffmolekule an dem Indikatorstreifen anhaften können, bis die Grenzflächen der Poren mit Farbstoffmolekülen bedeckt sind, während der übrige Teil der Farbstoffmolekule in der Flüssigkeit weiter diffundiert, so daß der Anhaftungsvorgang zeitabhängig fortschreitet.In order to obtain this sharp diffusion front, the combination must be chosen so that small amounts of the dye can adhere to the support material. The diffusion of the dye molecules bound to the carrier material must be significantly slower than that of the dye molecules freely located in the solvent. In addition, the dye may no longer be completely bound by the carrier material at higher concentrations. The material of the indicator strip, the liquid and the dye are matched to one another so that dye molecules can adhere to the indicator strip until the interfaces of the pores are covered with dye molecules, while the remaining part of the dye molecules continues to diffuse in the liquid, so that the attachment process is time-dependent progresses.
In einer Variante ist die Flüssigkeit in der Depotkammer gelöst. Nachdem der Inhalt der Depotkammer mit dem Indikatorstreifen in Verbindung gebracht wurde, zeigt hier die allmähliche Diffusion des Farbstoffes entlang des Indikatorstreifens den Verbrauch an.In one variant, the liquid is dissolved in the depot chamber. After the contents of the depot chamber have been connected to the indicator strip, the gradual diffusion of the dye along the indicator strip shows the consumption.
Es entsteht dann eine äußerst scharfe Trennschicht, wenn der Farbstoff aus "Erythrosin B" C.l. 45430 (roter Farbstoff) der Firma SIGMA-ALDRICH Chemie GmbH, Postfach 1161, D- 82018 Taufkirchen und der Indikatorstreifen aus zellulosem Filterpapier besteht. Die Abkürzung C.l. steht für Colour Index. Als Flüssigkeit wird hier Wasser verwendet. Bei dieser An- Ordnung färbt sich der Indikatorstreifen rot. Die scharfe Front (Diffusionsfront) wird also durch eine geeignete Kombination aus Farbstoff, Lösungsmittel und porösem Indikatorstreifen, das das Trägermaterial ist, erreicht.An extremely sharp separating layer is created when the dye consists of "Erythrosin B" Cl 45430 (red dye) from SIGMA-ALDRICH Chemie GmbH, Postfach 1161, D-82018 Taufkirchen and the indicator strip consists of cellulose filter paper. The abbreviation Cl stands for Color Index. Water is used as the liquid here. With this approach Order, the indicator strip turns red. The sharp front (diffusion front) is therefore achieved by a suitable combination of dye, solvent and porous indicator strip, which is the carrier material.
Um die gleiche Wirkung und Anzeige, allerdings in einem blauen Farbstoff, zu erreichen, ist der Farbstoff "Coomassie® Brillantblau G 250" (C.l. 42655) vorgesehen, dieser kann bei der Firma VWR International GmbH, Hilpertstraße 20a in D- 64259 Darmstadt, bestellt werden. Die Abkürzung C.l. steht für Colour Index.In order to achieve the same effect and display, but in a blue dye, the dye "Coomassie® Brillantblau G 250" (Cl 42655) is provided, which can be ordered from VWR International GmbH, Hilpertstrasse 20a in D-64259 Darmstadt become. The abbreviation C.I. stands for Color Index.
Dadurch, daß die auf den Indikatorstreifen abzugebende Flüssigkeit nicht mehr direkt auf den mit einem Farbstoff versehenen Bereich des Indikatorstreifens, sondern auf der der Farbstelle gegenüberliegenden Stelle auf den Indikatorstreifen abgegeben wird (Ansprüche 5 und 16), wandert zunächst infolge der Kapillarkräfte oder infolge von anderen Strömungsmechanismen die Flüssigkeit auf dem Indikatorstreifen in Richtung der Farbstelle, also hin zu dem Teilbereich, der von Beginn an mit Farbstoff versehen ist, entlang, bis sie diese erreicht hat. Dieser Vorgang verläuft in recht kurzer Zeit, so daß dann die Farbstoffe im Indikatorstreifen mit der Flüssigkeit gemischt und aufgelöst werden. Nachdem also der gesamte Indikatorstreifen durchfeuchtet ist und die Flüssigkeit den Farbstoff auflöst, beginnt der Farbstoff in Richtung der Skala zur Depotkammer zurück im Indikatorstreifen zu diffundieren. Dabei setzen sich an den porösen Randstellen des Indikatorstreifens Farbpartikel an, während der überschüssige Teil weiter in Richtung des noch nicht eingefärbten Endes des Indikatorstreifens diffundiert. Hierdurch entsteht eine verhältnismäßig kontrastreiche Grenzschicht zwischen der Farbschicht und dem anders gefärbten Rest des Indikatorstreifens. Je länger die Diffusionszeit des Farbstoffes ist, desto länger kann die Zeitmessung erfolgen.The fact that the liquid to be dispensed on the indicator strip is no longer dispensed directly onto the area of the indicator strip provided with a dye, but rather at the point opposite the color point on the indicator strip (claims 5 and 16) initially migrates as a result of the capillary forces or as a result of others Flow mechanisms along the liquid on the indicator strip in the direction of the color point, that is to say towards the partial area which has been provided with dye from the start, until it has reached it. This process takes place in a very short time, so that the dyes in the indicator strip are then mixed with the liquid and dissolved. After the entire indicator strip has been moistened and the liquid dissolves the dye, the dye begins to diffuse back towards the scale towards the depot chamber in the indicator strip. Color particles attach to the porous edge points of the indicator strip, while the excess part continues to diffuse in the direction of the not yet colored end of the indicator strip. This creates a relatively high-contrast boundary layer between the color layer and the differently colored rest of the indicator strip. The longer the diffusion time of the dye, the longer the time measurement can take place.
Die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 6 sorgen dafür, daß der Indikatorstreifen nicht austrocknet und daher immer feucht bleibt, so daß über eine sehr lange Zeit eine Zeitmessung durchgeführt werden kann.The features of claim 6 ensure that the indicator strip does not dry out and therefore always remains moist, so that a time measurement can be carried out over a very long time.
Die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 7 führen einerseits zu einer wasserdichten Schutzhülle für den Indikatorstreifen sowie zu einer dichten Depotkammer, die, sobald sie geöffnet wurde, ihr Wasser an den Indikatorstreifen abgibt, der es dann aufgrund der wasserdichten Schutzhülle in sich hält.The features of claim 7 lead on the one hand to a watertight protective cover for the indicator strip and to a tight deposit chamber which, as soon as it has been opened, releases its water to the indicator strip, which then holds it due to the waterproof protective cover.
Die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 8 stellen einen besonders einfachen Start der Zeitmessung dar, indem auf einfache Weise die Depotkammer von der Hand einer Bedienungsper- son so fest zusammengedrückt wird, daß sie aufplatzt und die Flüssigkeit in den Indikatorstreifen übertreten läßt. Selbstverständlich können auch andere Öffnungsmechanismen an einer Depotkammer gewählt werden, wie beispielsweise ein an der Depotkammer ausgebildetes Überdruckventil oder ein Eingriff mittels thermischer Einwirkung.The features of claim 8 represent a particularly simple start of the time measurement, in that the depot chamber can be operated by an operator in a simple manner. son is pressed so tightly that it bursts open and allows the liquid to pass into the indicator strip. Of course, other opening mechanisms can also be selected on a depot chamber, such as, for example, a pressure relief valve formed on the depot chamber or an intervention by means of thermal action.
Die Aufgabe wird hinsichtlich der Zahnbürste mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 11 gelöst.The object is achieved with respect to the toothbrush with the features of claim 11.
Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den weiteren Unteransprüchen angegeben.Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the further subclaims.
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird im folgenden näher erläutert. Es zeigen:An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below. Show it:
Fig. 1 einen Längsquerschnitt durch die erfindungsgemäße Anzeigeeinrichtung, allerdings in vergrößertem Maßstab, wobei die schematisch dargestellte Anzeigeeinrichtung in einer Vertiefung einer nur teilweise dargestellten Wand eines Bauteiles angeordnet ist,1 shows a longitudinal cross section through the display device according to the invention, but on an enlarged scale, the schematically illustrated display device being arranged in a recess in a wall of a component which is only partially shown,
Fig. 2 eine Draufsicht auf die in Fig. 1 an einem Bauteil befestigte Anzeigeeinrichtung,FIG. 2 shows a top view of the display device attached to a component in FIG. 1, FIG.
Fig. 3 eine schematisch dargestellte MikroStruktur eines Zellulosen Filterpapieres, in dem einzelne Farbpartikel eines Farbstoffes sich bereits an den Wänden angelegt haben und3 shows a schematically represented microstructure of a cellulosic filter paper in which individual color particles of a dye have already deposited on the walls and
Fig. 4 Ansicht von vorne auf vier, verschiedene Zeitzustände wiedergebende Anzeigeeinrichtungen, wobei die erste Anzeigeeinrichtung den Neuzustand und die letzte Anzeigeeinrichtung den Zustand nach Zeitablauf zeigt und wobei die Abmessungen kleiner als beim Ausführungsbeispiel nach den Figuren 1 und 2 wiedergegeben ist.4 is a front view of four display devices that show different time states, the first display device showing the new state and the last display device showing the state after the passage of time, and the dimensions being shown smaller than in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
In den Figuren 1 und 2 besteht die Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 aus einer schmalen langgestreckten Schutzhülle 2, die druck- und wasserdicht verschlossen ist und die einen Aufnahmeraum 3 aufweist, der sich in etwa in der gleichen Länge und Breite erstreckt, wie die Schutzhülle 2 selbst. Die dünne Wand 4 der Schutzhülle 2 besteht aus einem wasserdichten, durchsichtigen Kunststoff, vorzugsweise aus Chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), der Handelsname lautet Aclar (Hersteller: Honeywell) oder Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), der Handelsname lautet Topas (Hersteller: Ticona). Diese Werkstoffe garantieren, daß aus der Schutzhülle 2 kein Wasser austreten kann.In Figures 1 and 2, the display device 1 consists of a narrow, elongated protective cover 2, which is closed in a pressure-tight and watertight manner and which has a receiving space 3 which extends approximately in the same length and width as the protective cover 2 itself thin wall 4 of the protective cover 2 consists of a waterproof, transparent plastic, preferably of chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), the trade name is Aclar (manufacturer: Honeywell) or Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), the trade name is Topaz (manufacturer: Ticona). These materials guarantee that no water can escape from the protective cover 2.
Gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 befindet sich am rechten Ende in dem Aufnahmeraum 3 eine mit Wasser 5 gefüllte Kapsel 6, die als Depotkammer für das Wasser 5 dient. In dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figuren 1 und 2 ist die Kapsel 6 noch prall mit Wasser 5 gefüllt. An die Kapsel 6 schließt sich nach links ein schmaler Indikatorstreifen 7 an, der den Aufnahmeraum 3 - mit Ausnahme des Bereiches um die Kapsel 6 - nahezu voll ausfüllt. Am linken Ende ist der Indikatorstreifen 7 mit einem Farbstoff 8 getränkt, bedruckt oder sonstwie behaftet, dessen scharfe Trennlinie 9, die den Farbübergang von dem Farbstoff zu dem helleren Abschnitt des Indikatorstreifens darstellt, im wesentlichen senkrecht zur Längsrichtung der Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 bzw. des Indikatorstreifens 7 verläuft. Der Farbstoff 8 ist in den Zeichnungen dunkel dargestellt und erstreckt sich über die ganze Breite aber im Neuzustand nur über eine sehr geringe Länge des Indikatorstreifens 7. Der hier eingesetzte Farbstoff 8 kann Erythrosin B oder Coomassie® Brillantblau G 250 sein, wie er in den Merkmalen der Patentansprüche 2 und 3 angegeben ist.According to FIGS. 1 and 2, a capsule 6 filled with water 5 is located at the right end in the receiving space 3 and serves as a depot chamber for the water 5. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the capsule 6 is still filled with water 5. To the left of the capsule 6 is a narrow indicator strip 7, which almost completely fills the receiving space 3 - with the exception of the area around the capsule 6. At the left end, the indicator strip 7 is impregnated with a dye 8, printed or otherwise, whose sharp dividing line 9, which represents the color transition from the dye to the lighter section of the indicator strip, is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the display device 1 or the indicator strip 7 runs. The dye 8 is shown dark in the drawings and extends over the entire width but in the new state only over a very small length of the indicator strip 7. The dye 8 used here can be erythrosin B or Coomassie® brilliant blue G 250, as described in the features of claims 2 and 3 is specified.
Die Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 ist nach Figur 1 in einer Vertiefung 10 einer Oberfläche 11 eines Bauteils, vorzugsweise eines Zahnbürstenhandgriffes 12, Zahnbürste oder Borstenaufnahme oder Zahnbürstenhalses, derart eingesetzt, daß sie die Vertiefung 10 vollständig ausfüllt und mit seiner Sichtfläche 13 bündig mit der Oberfläche 11 abschließt. Hierdurch werden scharfe Kanten vermieden. Die Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 kann in die Vertiefung 10 eingeklebt, eingeklipst, eingeschweißt oder sonstwie befestigt sein. Während zumindest die SichtflächeAccording to FIG. 1, the display device 1 is inserted in a depression 10 in a surface 11 of a component, preferably a toothbrush handle 12, toothbrush or bristle holder or toothbrush neck, in such a way that it completely fills the depression 10 and is flush with its surface 13 with the surface 11. This avoids sharp edges. The display device 1 can be glued, clipped, welded or otherwise fastened into the depression 10. While at least the visible area
13 transparent ausgebildet ist, kann beispielsweise die Unterseite der Schutzhülle 2 nicht transparent ausgebildet sein, was möglicherweise aus Kostengründen sich vorteilhaft rechnet. Wird allerdings die Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 so verwendet, daß man von beiden Seiten 13,13 is transparent, for example the underside of the protective cover 2 may not be transparent, which may be advantageous for cost reasons. However, if the display device 1 is used in such a way that from both sides 13,
14 die Zeit abmessen möchte, so müssen beide Seiten transparent ausgebildet sein.If the time is to be measured, both sides must be transparent.
In den Figuren 1 und 2 ist der Zahnbürstenhandgriff 12 nur teilweise geschnitten bzw. in Ansicht dargestellt. Anstelle eines Zahnbürstenhandgriffes 12 kann selbstverständlich jedes beliebige Wandbauteil eines Gerätes oder sonst eines Werkstückes benutzt werden, wenn man mit diesem Werkstück dessen Nutzungsdauer oder sonstige Zustände zeitabhängig messen möchte.In Figures 1 and 2, the toothbrush handle 12 is only partially cut or shown in view. Instead of a toothbrush handle 12, of course, any wall component of a device or other workpiece can be used if you want to use this workpiece to measure its useful life or other conditions as a function of time.
Die Wirkungsweise der erfindungsgemäßen Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 arbeitet wie folgt: lm nicht betätigten Zustand der Anzeigeeinrichtung, also solange eine Bedienungsperson die Handzahnbürste nicht aus ihrer Verpackung nimmt und zum erstenmal benutzt, ist die am Indikatorstreifen 7 ausgebildete Farbskala 15 am untersten Ende bereits mit der entsprechenden Farbe angezeigt. Wird nun die Zahnbürste das erste Mal benutzt, so muß zunächst ein Finger einer Bedienungsperson (nicht dargestellt) gemäß Fig. 1 von oben auf die Wand 4 der Schutzhülle 2 drücken. Ein Öffnen der Kapsel kann auch während des Öffnungsvorganges der Verpackung selbsttätig erfolgen. Alternativ weist die Zahnbürste einen Druckstift auf, durch dessen Betätigung die Kapsel platzt. Der Druckstift ist dementsprechend benachbart zur Kapsel angeordnet. Mit dem Druckstift ist eine einfachere Handhabung ermöglicht, durch die die Kapsel zum Zerplatzen gebracht wird.The mode of operation of the display device 1 according to the invention works as follows: In the non-actuated state of the display device, that is, as long as an operator does not remove the manual toothbrush from its packaging and uses it for the first time, the color scale 15 formed on the indicator strip 7 is already displayed at the lowest end with the corresponding color. If the toothbrush is now used for the first time, an operator's finger (not shown) according to FIG. 1 must first press on the wall 4 of the protective cover 2 from above. The capsule can also be opened automatically during the opening process of the packaging. Alternatively, the toothbrush has a pressure pin, the actuation of which causes the capsule to burst. The pressure pin is accordingly arranged adjacent to the capsule. The push pin enables easier handling, which causes the capsule to burst.
Da die Schutzhülle 2 elastisch ausgebildet ist, gibt sie den Druck im ersten Fall auf die Kapsel 6 weiter, die dann, wenn ausreichend fest gedrückt wird, zerplatzt. Nun strömt die in der Kapsel 6 ausgebildete Flüssigkeit 5, hier Wasser, in den Aufnahmeraum 3 der Schutzhülle 2 und gibt dieses an das gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 rechte Ende 16 des Indikatorstreifens 7 (nicht dargestellt). Von dort diffundiert nun das Wasser 5 in den Indikatorstreifen 7 und wandert bis zur Farbskala 15, wo das Wasser 5 die im Indikatorstreifen 7 befindlichen Farbstoffe 8 auflöst. Da dieser Prozeß sehr schnell verläuft, ist dieser auch für die Zeitmessung unerheblich. Das nunmehr eingefärbte Wasser 5 diffundiert nun zeitabhängig in sehr langer Zeit gemäß den Figuren 1 und 2 von links nach rechts.Since the protective cover 2 is elastic, it passes the pressure on to the capsule 6 in the first case, which then bursts when it is pressed sufficiently firmly. Now the liquid 5, here water, formed in the capsule 6 flows into the receiving space 3 of the protective cover 2 and passes this to the right end 16 of the indicator strip 7 (not shown) according to FIGS. 1 and 2. From there, the water 5 diffuses into the indicator strip 7 and migrates to the color scale 15, where the water 5 dissolves the dyes 8 located in the indicator strip 7. Since this process is very fast, it is also irrelevant for time measurement. The now colored water 5 diffuses from left to right in a very long time according to FIGS. 1 and 2.
Wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt ist, wurde hier eine sehr vereinfachte mikroskopische Darstellung eines Zellulosewerkstoffes des Filterstreifens 7 vorgenommen, in dem die Farbmoleküle 21, die allerdings in der Praxis sehr viel kleiner sind und praktisch nicht sichtbar sind, zwischen den von den einzelnen Fasern 17 gebildeten Poren bzw. Kammern 18 hin- und herzappeln und so langsam in dem Indikatorstreifen 7 nach Figur 1 und 2 von links nach rechts und nach Figur 4 von unten nach oben diffundieren. Dabei gelangen aufgrund der Farbmaterialzusammensetzung einige Farbmoleküle 18 an die Grenzfläche 19 der Fasern 17 und werden an dieser aufgrund der einwirkenden Anziehungskräfte gebunden. Und dies insbesondere deshalb, weil die Beschaffenheit der Farbe und der Zellulose 20, die aus vielen in Fig. 3 gezeigten Fasern 17 besteht, diese Andocken erlauben. An den Stellen, wo also bereits Farbmoleküle 18 an den Grenzflächen 19 der Fasern 17 anhaften, werden weitere Farbmoleküle 18 nur mehr oder weniger anhaften. Der übrige Teil diffundiert weiter in dem Indikatorstreifen 7 in Richtung zum rechten Ende 16. Durch das Anhaften der Farbmoleküle 18 an der Grenzfläche 19 der Fasern 17 entsteht eine äußerst scharfe Trennlinie 9, wenn der Indikatorstreifen 7 an sich aus anders gefärbtem, vorzugsweise hellerem Werkstoff besteht. Je heller also der Indikatorstreifen 7 und je dunkler die Farbskala 15 ist, um so deutlicher läßt sich die Zeit ablesen.As shown in FIG. 3, a very simplified microscopic illustration of a cellulosic material of the filter strip 7 was undertaken in which the color molecules 21, which in practice are much smaller and are practically invisible, between those of the individual fibers 17 Form the pores or chambers 18 back and forth and slowly diffuse in the indicator strip 7 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 from left to right and according to FIG. 4 from bottom to top. Due to the color material composition, some color molecules 18 reach the interface 19 of the fibers 17 and are bound to it due to the acting attractive forces. This is particularly so because the nature of the color and cellulose 20, which consists of many fibers 17 shown in FIG. 3, allow these docking. At the points where color molecules 18 already adhere to the interfaces 19 of the fibers 17, further color molecules 18 will only adhere more or less. The remaining part diffuses further in the indicator strip 7 in the direction of the right end 16. The adherence of the color molecules 18 to the interface 19 of the fibers 17 results in an extremely sharp dividing line 9 when the indicator strip 7 itself consists of a differently colored, preferably lighter material , ever the lighter the indicator strip 7 and the darker the color scale 15, the more clearly the time can be read.
In Fig. 4 sind vier Zeitzustände der Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 dargestellt, wobei die linke den Beginn, die darauffolgende etwa die Hälfte, die sich anschließende etwa zu Dreiviertel und die letzte Anzeigeeinrichtung 1 den Ablauf der Zeitmessung anzeigt. Der Einfachheit halber wurde in Fig. 4 nur der Ausschnitt der Indikatorstreifen 7 selbst angezeigt und daneben schematisch eine Skala 22 von beispielhaft 1 bis 4 angegeben, um möglichst schnell die verstrichene Zeit ablesen zu können. Die Zahlen 1 bis 4 können Stunden, Monate oder gar Jahre sein, je nachdem, wie schnell die Diffusion mit entsprechend gewählten Farbstoffen 8 und Zellulosen 20 eingesetzt werden. Da der Diffusionsprozess, je länger er dauert, in der Regel immer langsamer wird und weil es unterschiedliche, von der jeweiligen Konfiguration abhängige Diffusionsgeschwindigkeiten gibt, muß die Skala an die Geschwindigkeit des Diffusionsprozesses angepaßt werden, um den Zeitverlauf real darzustellen. 4 shows four time states of the display device 1, the left one showing the start, the following approximately half, the subsequent approximately three quarters and the last display device 1 showing the course of the time measurement. For the sake of simplicity, only the section of the indicator strips 7 themselves was shown in FIG. 4 and, in addition, a scale 22 from example 1 to 4 was indicated schematically in order to be able to read the elapsed time as quickly as possible. The numbers 1 to 4 can be hours, months or even years, depending on how quickly the diffusion with appropriately selected dyes 8 and celluloses 20 is used. Since the diffusion process generally gets slower the longer it takes and because there are different diffusion speeds depending on the respective configuration, the scale must be adapted to the speed of the diffusion process in order to represent the time course in real terms.

Claims

Patentansprüche: claims:
1. Verfahren zur Anzeige von zeitabhängigen Vorgängen, insbesondere für die Anzeige des Wechsels einer verbrauchten Zahnbürste, mit einer eine Flüssigkeit (5) enthaltenden Depotkammer (6), die zum Start der Zeiterfassung mit einem porösen Indikatorstreifen (7) und einem Farbstoff in Verbindung gebracht wird, wobei der Farbstoff den Indikatorstreifen (7) zeitabhängig über seine Länge verfärbt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Material des Indikatorstreifens (7), die Flüssigkeit (5) und der Farbstoff (8) so aufeinander abgestimmt werden, daß Farbstoffmolekule (18) an dem Indikatorstreifen (7) anhaften, daß die an den Indikatorstreifen gebundenen Farbstoffmolekule langsamer wandern als die frei im Lösungsmittel befindlichen Farbstoffmolekule und daß nach der teilweisen Bedeckung des Indikatorstreifens mit Farbstoffmolekülen ein Teil der Farbstoffmolekule in der Flüssigkeit (5) weiterwandert, so daß der Anhaftungsvor- gang zeitabhängig fortschreitet.1. A method for displaying time-dependent processes, in particular for displaying the change of a used toothbrush, with a depot chamber (6) containing a liquid (5), which is associated with a porous indicator strip (7) and a dye at the start of the time recording is, the dye discolors the indicator strip (7) over its length as a function of time, characterized in that the material of the indicator strip (7), the liquid (5) and the dye (8) are matched to one another in such a way that dye molecules (18) attach to the indicator strip (7), that the dye molecules bound to the indicator strip migrate more slowly than the dye molecules freely in the solvent and that after the indicator strip has been partially covered with dye molecules, some of the dye molecules migrate further in the liquid (5), so that the adhesive preparation progresses depending on the time.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Farbstoff in der Flüssigkeit in der Depotkammer gelöst wird.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye is dissolved in the liquid in the depot chamber.
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Farbstoff (8) auf einem Teilbereich des Indikatorstreifens aufgebracht ist und nach Abgabe der Flüssigkeit an den Indikatorstreifen von der Flüssigkeit aufgenommen wird.3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the dye (8) is applied to a portion of the indicator strip and is absorbed by the liquid after the liquid has been dispensed to the indicator strip.
4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Flüssigkeit (5) aus Wasser, der Farbstoff aus Erythrosin B oder aus Coomassie Brilliantblau und der Indikatorstreifen aus zellulosem Filterpapier ausgebildet wird.4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the liquid (5) from water, the dye from erythrosin B or from Coomassie brilliant blue and the indicator strip is made of cellulose filter paper.
5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Flüssigkeit zum Beginn der Zeitmessung an der zu dem mit Farbstoff versehenen Teilbereich entfernteren Stelle des Indikatorstreifens, insbesondere am gegenüberliegenden Ende des Indikatorstreifens, an den Indikatorstreifen abgegeben wird. 5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the liquid is dispensed to the indicator strip at the beginning of the time measurement at the point of the indicator strip which is more distant from the portion provided with dye, in particular at the opposite end of the indicator strip.
6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Indikatorstreifen (7) in eine Schutzhülle (2) eingeschlossen wird, die für die Flüssigkeit (5) ganz oder weitgehend undurchlässig ist.6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator strip (7) is enclosed in a protective cover (2) which is completely or largely impermeable to the liquid (5).
7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Flüssigkeit (5) ihrerseits in einer für diese Flüssigkeit ganz oder weitgehend undurchlässigen Kapsel (6) angeordnet ist, die ebenfalls in der Schutzhülle (2) des Indikatorstreifens dichtend untergebracht wird oder mit dieser beim Zerplatzen der Kapsel dichtend verbunden wird.7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the liquid (5) is in turn arranged in a completely or largely impermeable for this liquid capsule (6), which is also sealed in the protective cover (2) of the indicator strip or with this Bursting of the capsule is sealed.
8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abgabe der Flüssigkeit (5) an den Indikatorstreifen (7) durch Zerplatzen der Kapsel (6) erfolgt.8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the delivery of the liquid (5) to the indicator strip (7) is carried out by bursting the capsule (6).
9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Zerplatzen der Kapsel mit Hilfe einer mechanischen Druckvorrichtung, insbesondere eines Druckstiftes, erfolgt.9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the bursting of the capsule takes place with the aid of a mechanical pressure device, in particular a pressure pin.
10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die mechanische Druckvorrichtung von der Rückseite des Indikatorstreifens her angedrückt wird.10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the mechanical printing device is pressed from the back of the indicator strip.
11. Zahnbürste mit einer Anzeigeeinrichtung (1) zur zeitabhängigen Anzeige des Wechsels einer verbrauchten Zahnbürste, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Anzeigeeinrichtung an einen Griffbereich oder an einen Borstenaufnehmer oder zwischen Griffbereich und Borstenaufnehmer ausgebildet ist, daß die Anzeigeeinrichtung (1) wasserdicht von einer zumindest teilweisen transparenten Schutzhülle (2) umschlossen ist und daß in der Schutzhülle (2) eine eine Flüssigkeit (5) enthaltende Depotkammer (6), ein poröser Indikatorstreifen (7) und ein Farbstoff (8) vorgesehen sind, wobei der Indikatorstreifen (7) über dessen Längserstreckung durch den Farbstoff (8) verfärbbar ist.11. Toothbrush with a display device (1) for time-dependent display of the change of a used toothbrush, characterized in that the display device is designed on a handle area or on a bristle pickup or between the handle area and bristle pickup that the display device (1) is watertight at least partially transparent protective cover (2) is enclosed and that in the protective cover (2) a liquid (5) containing depot chamber (6), a porous indicator strip (7) and a dye (8) are provided are, the indicator strip (7) over its longitudinal extent being discolored by the dye (8).
12. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 11 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß beim Start der Zeiterfassung der Farbstoff (8) in der Flüssigkeit (5) der Depotkammer (6) gelöst ist.12. Toothbrush according to claim 11, characterized in that at the start of the time recording the dye (8) in the liquid (5) of the depot chamber (6) is dissolved.
13. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 11 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß beim Start der Zeiterfassung der Farbstoff (8) auf einem Abschnitt des Indikatorstreifens (7) vorgesehen ist.13. A toothbrush according to claim 11, characterized in that the dye (8) is provided on a portion of the indicator strip (7) at the start of the time recording.
14. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Flüssigkeit (5) mit dem Farbstoff (8) über den Indikatorstreifen (7) in Verbindung bringbar ist.14. Toothbrush according to claim 13, characterized in that the liquid (5) with the dye (8) via the indicator strip (7) can be brought into connection.
15. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Flüssigkeit (5) aus Wasser, der Farbstoff aus Erythrosin B oder aus Coomassie Brillantblau und der Indikatorstreifen aus zellulosem Filterpapier ausgebildet wird.15. Toothbrush according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the liquid (5) from water, the dye from erythrosin B or from Coomassie brilliant blue and the indicator strip from cellulose filter paper is formed.
16. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der mit Farbstoff versehene Teilbereich des Indikatorstreifens am Ende des Indikatorstreifens, gegenüberliegend zur Depotkammer am anderen Ende des Indikatorstreifens angeordnet ist.16. A toothbrush according to claim 13, characterized in that the portion of the indicator strip provided with dye is arranged at the end of the indicator strip, opposite the depot chamber at the other end of the indicator strip.
17. Zahnbürste nach einem der Ansprüche 11 bis 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Flüssigkeit (5) ihrerseits in einer für diese Flüssigkeit ganz oder weitgehend undurchlässigen Kapsel (6) angeordnet ist, die ebenfalls in der Schutzhülle (2) des Indikatorstreifens dichtend vorgesehen ist. 17. A toothbrush according to one of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that the liquid (5) is in turn arranged in a capsule (6) which is completely or largely impermeable to this liquid and which is also provided sealingly in the protective sheath (2) of the indicator strip ,
18. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Abgabe der Flüssigkeit (5) an den Indikatorstreifen (7) durch Zerplatzen der Kapsel (6) erfolgt und insbesondere beim Zerplatzen der Kapsel mit der Schutzhülle (2) dichtend verbindbar ist.18. Toothbrush according to claim 17, characterized in that the delivery of the liquid (5) to the indicator strip (7) takes place by bursting the capsule (6) and in particular when the capsule bursts with the protective cover (2) can be sealingly connected.
19. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß zum Zerplatzen der Kapsel eine mechanische Druckvorrichtung, insbesondere ein Druckstift, vorgesehen ist.19. A toothbrush according to claim 18, characterized in that a mechanical pressure device, in particular a pressure pin, is provided for bursting the capsule.
20. Zahnbürste nach Anspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die mechanische Druckvorrichtung auf der der Anzeige abgewandten Seite des Indikatorstreifens angeordnet ist. 20. Toothbrush according to claim 19, characterized in that the mechanical pressure device is arranged on the side of the indicator strip facing away from the display.
EP04763330A 2003-07-19 2004-07-19 Method for displaying time-dependent processes Expired - Lifetime EP1646916B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070058490A1 (en) 2007-03-15
HK1094988A1 (en) 2007-04-20
EP1646916B1 (en) 2009-09-16
CN1826563A (en) 2006-08-30
WO2005010624A2 (en) 2005-02-03
ATE443284T1 (en) 2009-10-15
DE10332873A1 (en) 2005-04-21
CN1826563B (en) 2011-02-09
DE502004010078D1 (en) 2009-10-29
DE10332873B4 (en) 2014-02-13
US7593290B2 (en) 2009-09-22
WO2005010624A3 (en) 2005-08-25

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