DE10246519A1 - Electric razor using foil cutters automatically adjusted to contact skin - Google Patents

Abstract

The razor actuator head (1) has cutters (2,3,4)) connected electrically to the bases of transistors (10,11,12) in the electronic circuit (9). If a cutter is in contact with the skin current flows through body resistance (18) turning on the appropriate transistor indicating that contact exists. Zero current indicates no contact and driver (17) energizes the motor drive (7) adjusting the position of the head until contact is made.

Description

The invention relates to a hair removal device with a movable actuator head and / or at least one movable actuator carrier according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for positioning at least one actuator element of a hair removal device.

Movable actuator heads are coming for example in the form of pivotable shaving heads in electric shavers for use. Due to the mobility of the shaving head during the Shaving causes an improved attachment to the skin area one if possible to achieve optimal shaving results.

So is from the DE 36 10 736 A1 an electric shaver with a shaving head system is known, which is pivotally mounted relative to the housing of the shaver. The shaving head system is set into an oscillating oscillating movement by means of a drive pin by an electric motor arranged in the housing. During shaving, the shaving head system also executes a passive swiveling movement, ie the shaving head system is forced into a swiveling position by pressing against the skin surface, which is predetermined by the current geometric situation. The shaving head system is designed in such a way that the entire usable shaving surface is continuously in contact with the skin surface while shaving.

The well-known system has in the Well proven practice however, is subject to some restrictions. So it is for a flawless Swivel function required, the weight of the shaving head system and strictly limit the location of his center of gravity. So that’s the Arrangement of additional Elements in the shaving head system set narrow limits if there is no deterioration the functionality should be accepted. Besides, is for swiveling the shaving head system with the aim that in each case as possible the entire usable shear area on the skin surface comes into contact with the razor against the skin. A further limitation exists in that a Drive the shaving head system with the drive pin only inside a limited swivel angle range is possible.

The invention is based on the object a hair removal device with a movable actuator head and / or at least one movable Aktuatorträger preferably to train optimally.

This task is accomplished through the combination of features of claim 1 solved.

The hair removal device according to the invention has a movable actuator head and / or at least one movable Aktuatorträger with at least one actuator element for removing hair a skin area on. The specialty according to the invention of the hair removal device consists in the fact that a Detection device for detecting a size is provided, which with the position of the actuator element is related to the skin surface and at least one actively operated Actuator for changing the position of the actuator head and / or the actuator carrier and a control device for controlling the actuating device depending on the captured Size.

The invention has the advantage that incessantly optimal skin contact of each actuator element can be achieved can. This is particularly important if the hair removal device has two or more has more actuator elements for optimal hair removal should be in skin contact at the same time. The invention is suitable therefore especially for use in hair removal devices with several actuator elements. It is for the applicability of the invention is initially irrelevant whether the actuator elements positioned individually or in groups or just all together can be. If there is only one actuator element overall, it is the user usually without additional Aids possible, one to establish sufficient skin contact. In certain applications and especially if the actuator element is movable in several planes is, an application of the invention can also with a hair removal device with a single actuator element may be advantageous. Another advantage the invention is that the with passive positioning of the actuator head limitations in terms of Weight and geometry of the actuator head and in relation to the accessible Positioning range are eliminated.

Come with the hair removal device according to the invention preferably several actuator carriers to apply that independently are movable from each other. An electrical Drive for the actuator element and / or the actuating device can be arranged. It is also possible the electric drive outside to arrange the actuator head and a coupling device for coupling of the electric drive to the actuator head.

The detection device can include means for detecting the contact pressure of the actuator element Skin surface, means for performing a capacitive measurement process or means for performing an impedance measurement.

In a preferred embodiment the actuator element is electrically conductive with the control device connected. Furthermore, a housing is provided in the preferred embodiment, which is at least partially electrically conductive and electrical is conductively connected to the control device.

Within the scope of the invention there is in particular the possibility, suspend the actuator head and / or the actuator bracket pivotally.

In the hair removal device according to the invention, it can an electric shaver with at least act on a foil. The shaver can in particular have a Have middle cutters, which is arranged between two shaving foils. It is an advantage if the shaving foils and the center cutter are both electric are conductively connected to the control device since in this way with relatively little effort information about the position of the shaving foils detected can be.

It is also possible that Hair removal device according to the invention as an epilator with at least training a plucking unit, as in this application too good skin contact is beneficial.

In the method according to the invention for positioning at least one actuator element of a hair removal device for removal of hair on a skin a size is recorded, the with the actual Position of the actuator element is related to the skin surface and the actuator element becomes dependent from the captured Size active positioned. The positioning of the actuator element can be done with the help an actuator head and / or using at least one actuator support, which have at least one actuator element. This is almost any positioning movements possible.

If the acquisition of the size is repeated continuously when handling the hair removal device constantly changing Conditions are optimally taken into account. In a preferred one embodiment the actuator element is positioned so that there is skin contact. To enable a certain dynamic, the speed of the positioning can depend on the detected size, so that rough Incorrect positioning can be quickly compensated. Farther can change the speed of positioning during the positioning process can be varied. To each a defined starting position create, it may be advantageous to the actuator element at predetermined Values of the recorded Size in one Bring basic position. In a preferred embodiment a current flow is detected which through a touch of the actuator element comes into being with the skin surface.

When switching off the hair removal device can the actuator element can be brought into a rest position. This is Particularly advantageous if the actuator head is in a Position is brought in which the actuator element against external influences largely protected is.

In the method according to the invention may depend on at least one other function of the hair removal device the captured Size controlled be so that a Multiple use of this size is possible. In particular, the further function can be control a display device, the control of an automatic on / off and / or the control of the drive power of an electric drive for the Act actuator element.

The positioning of the actuator element can be done by a pivoting movement, in particular also Pivotal movements regarding different pivot axes can be executed. The latter comes into play when both a swiveling actuator head as well as at least one pivotable actuator carrier or if several pivotable Aktuatorträger available.

The invention is set out below Hand explained the embodiments shown in the drawing.

Show it

1 2 shows a functional sketch for an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver designed according to the invention,

2 an embodiment of the electric shaver with a drive outside the shaving head schematically in perspective,

3 an embodiment of the electric shaver with multiple movable shear elements in one 2 corresponding representation,

4 an embodiment of the electric shaver with a different type of shaving head system in one 2 corresponding representation and

5 an embodiment of an epilator designed according to the invention in one 2 corresponding representation.

1 shows a functional sketch for an embodiment of an electric shaver designed according to the invention. The illustration relates to a situation while a shave is being carried out, individual functional elements of the shaving apparatus being depicted in a highly schematic manner and possible wiring of electronic components which are used for carrying out the positioning method according to the invention being shown. The illustrated embodiment of the razor has a pivotable shaving head 1 on, which is pivotally mounted about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The shaving head 1 exhibits a first shaving foil 2 , a second foil 3 and one between the shaving foils 2 and 3 arranged center cutter 4 on. The second shaving foil is in the situation shown 3 in touching contact with a skin area 5 of a user 6 , The shaving head 1 is by means of an actuator 7 relative to a housing 8th panned that the user 6 holds in hand. The two shaving foils 2 and 3 as well as the center cutter 4 are each electrically conductive with an electronic circuit 9 connected, the first shaving foil 2 with the base of a first transistor 10 , the second foil 3 with the base of a second transistor 11 and the center cutter 4 with the base of a third transistor 12 are connected. The emitters of the transistors 10 . 11 and 12 are connected to ground. The first transistor is the collector side 10 with an input of control logic designated F1 13 and with a first collector resistor 14 connected. The second transistor 11 is with an input of the control logic labeled F2 13 and with a second collector resistor 15 connected and the third transistor 12 is with an input of the control logic labeled MS 13 and with a third collector resistor 16 connected. The control logic 13 has an output labeled Z, which has a driver stage 17 with the actuator 7 connected is. The collector resistors 14 . 15 and 16 are still connected to each other and lie, just like the housing 8th that the user 6 holds in hand, at an electrical potential Vdd. From the housing 8th exists about the user 6 one with a body resistance 18 electrical connection to the second shaving foil 3 , The housing is to make this possible 8th at least partially electrically conductive. Depending on the position of the shaving head 1 can also make appropriate electrical connections to the center cutter 4 and the first foil 2 consist. The body resistance 18 represents the total between the skin area 5 and the user's hand 6 effective electrical resistance.

At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the operating principle according to the invention is that the shaving head 1 is pivoted so that the two shaving foils 2 and 3 on the skin surface 5 issue. On the one hand, this requires information about whether the two shaving foils 2 and 3 actually on the skin area 5 and secondly a mechanism that protects the shaving head 1 from a position in which at least one of the shaving foils 2 and 3 not on the skin 5 lies in a position in which both shaving foils 2 and 3 on the skin surface 5 issue. The information which of the shaving foils 2 and 3 on the skin surface 5 is obtained by the fact that with the in 1 pictured electronic circuit 9 for both shaving foils 2 and 3 it is checked whether a current flow occurs. The current flow runs through the body resistance 18 and can therefore only be formed if the respective shaving foil 2 or 3 on the skin surface 5 is applied. If, for example, according to the in 1 situation shown the second foil 3 on the skin surface 5 is present and thus a current flow through the body resistance 18 to the base of the second transistor 11 is formed, the second transistor switches 11 and sets input F2 of the control logic 13 , which is otherwise at the electrical potential Vdd, to ground. The same applies to the first shaving foil 2 if this is on the skin surface 5 is applied. As for the connection of the transistors 10 . 11 . 12 only very small currents are required, the current flow through the body resistance 18 for the user 6 absolutely safe and imperceptible.

The control logic 13 evaluates the signals present at its inputs and controls the driver stage depending on them 17 which in turn is the control device 7 controls in a corresponding manner so that the shaving head 1 is pivoted in a desired manner. The evaluation by the control logic 13 takes place according to a truth table shown as Table 1, which gives every combination of signals at the inputs F1, F2 and MS a control command at the output Z of the control logic 13 assigns. For an input of the control logic 13 , which is grounded, a "0" appears in the truth table and a "1" for an input at the electrical potential Vdd, ie there is skin contact at "0" and there is no skin contact at "1" , The signal at the MS input of the control logic 13 says whether the center cutter 4 on the skin surface 5 is present and is determined in a manner corresponding to the signals at the inputs F1 and F2. Taking into account the signal at the MS input of the control logic 13 is not absolutely necessary, but allows better control of the shaving head 1 , because in this way intermediate positions can also be taken into account.

Tabelle 1: Wahrheitstabelle

Table 1: Truth table

As can be seen from the truth table, the shaving head remains 1 in position when either both shaving foils 2 and 3 together or neither of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 on the skin surface 5 issue. It is irrelevant whether the center cutter 4 on the skin surface 5 is present or not. In a variant, it is also possible to use the shaving head 1 to slowly pivot into a basic position if neither of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 on the skin surface 5 is applied. Only the first foil is lying 2 not on the skin 5 on, so the control device 7 at the in 1 The geometry shown is slowly rotated to the right, ie clockwise, and thus the shaving head 1 pivoted to the left. Also lies the middle cutter 4 not on the skin 5 will result in a stronger incorrect positioning of the shaving head 1 assumed and the actuator 7 therefore quickly turned to the right. Conversely, the adjusting device turns slowly to the left 7 if only the second foil 3 not on the skin 5 is present and a quick turn to the left if the center cutter also 4 not on the skin 5 is applied.

The circuit 9 serves on the one hand as a detection device for detecting information regarding the position of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 and on the other hand as a control device for controlling the actuating device 7 depending on the information collected. The acquisition and control are carried out again and again by checking whether there is a current flow through the body resistance 18 is present and the evaluation is repeated according to the truth table. The position of the shaving head 1 changed until the desired skin contact of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 is present. The skin contact of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 is thus created by a kind of control loop. To further increase the dynamics and a strong mispositioning of the shaving head 1 It is also possible to compensate for the speed as quickly as possible while positioning the shaving head 1 to increase.

If both shaving foils 2 and 3 Having contact with the skin can be the difference between the two electrical resistances or the difference in impedances between a shaving foil and the housing 8th for more precise positioning of the shaving head 1 be used. Such a difference occurs when the skin contact of the two shaving foils is different, ie when one shaving foil is pressed more tightly on the skin than the other. Then the shaving head is pivoted until the two resistances or impedances are the same and both shaving foils are pressed onto the skin with exactly the same force. This is particularly advantageous for an optimal shave.

As an additional function to the pivoting function described above for optimizing skin contact, a parking function can be implemented according to which the shaving head 1 is pivoted into a parking position when the shaver is switched off. In the park position, the shaving foils show 2 and 3 to the housing 8th back and are therefore protected against damage from external influences. It is also possible to use the shaving head 1 to be designed so that by pivoting the shaving head 1 instead of the shaving foil system, an alternative shaving system, for example a long hair cutter or a shaving system for problem areas, is brought into an application position. Other additional functions can be that display elements are controlled or the shaver is switched on automatically depending on whether the housing 8th is touched or whether a component of the shaving head 1 is in skin contact. In particular, it is also possible to reduce the drive power of the shaver if none of the components of the shaving head 1 is in skin contact. The latter is particularly useful when the shaver is equipped with a linear motor.

A long hair trimmer function can be implemented as a further additional function. The The shaving head can be pivoted by the user at the push of a button into a position in which a long-hair trimmer known per se, which is attached to the shaving head at a suitable point, can be used particularly advantageously. Such a long hair trimmer has, for example, a fixed comb, which works together with a blade having oscillating driven cutting webs.

In the razor according to the invention, the entire drive system, ie both the oscillating drive of individual components of the shaving head 1 as well as the actuator 7 for swiveling the shaving head 1 in the shaving head 1 be integrated. This enables any pivoting angle of the shaving head 1 , It is also possible to have the respective drives outside the shaving head 1 in the housing 8th to arrange the shaver. Such an embodiment is in 2 shown.

2 shows an embodiment of the shaver with a drive outside the shaving head 1 schematically in perspective. In this embodiment is an electric motor 19 in the housing 8th arranged. The movement of the electric motor 19 is by means of a belt 20 in the area of the shaving head 1 transfer. Instead of the belt 20 For example, gears can also be used to transmit the movement. In the shaving head 1 is the strap 20 to a gearbox 21 coupled, which is an adjustment to the strap 20 transferred movement to the requirements of the shaving head 1 performs and two shear elements 22 drives, which can consist, for example, of a foil and a knife block, which in 2 are not specifically shown. Furthermore, the transmission 21 a coupling element, not shown, with the aid of a pivoting movement of the shaving head 1 about a pivot axis 23 can be triggered. The coupling element depends on the actual position of the shaving head 1 electronically controlled, the in 1 electronic circuit shown 9 and the control method described there can be used in a corresponding manner. Despite the arrangement of the electric motor 19 outside the shaving head 1 can be with the in 2 illustrated embodiment for the shaving head 1 realize a large swivel range of +/- 180 °.

In addition to the applications described so far for shavers with a pivotable, but otherwise rigidly designed shaving head 1 the invention can also be used with differently designed shavers. Such embodiments are in the 3 and 4 shown.

3 shows an embodiment of the electric shaver with multiple movable shear elements 22 in a 2 corresponding representation. In this embodiment, the shaving head 1 analogous to the embodiment of 2 around the pivot axis 23 pivotable. In contrast to 2 However, this exemplary embodiment has a further possibility of pivoting about a further pivot axis 24 on that is perpendicular to the swivel axis 23 is oriented. The additional pivoting option is based on the fact that two pivotable carriers 25 are provided, on each of which two shear elements 22 are arranged. Both the swivel movement around the swivel axis 23 as well as the pivoting movement about the further pivot axis 24 can be carried out in an active manner according to the principle of the invention. This can in principle be done by the electronic circuit 9 and the tax procedure of the in 1 illustrated embodiment can be used, although some adjustments in the form of additional actuators 7 for swinging the straps independently 25 and a corresponding inclusion of the additional pivoting movement in the control process is to be carried out. Because of the relatively complex movement sequences, it is advisable in this embodiment to drive the shaving head 1 to arrange.

4 shows an embodiment of the shaver with a different type of shaving head system in one 2 corresponding representation. In this embodiment, the shaver has no pivotable shaving head 1 but a fixed shaving head 1 with three independently movable beams 25 on each of which two shear elements 22 are arranged. In contrast to 3 are the bearers 25 not arranged parallel to each other, but each form an angle of 120 ° with each other and are therefore even over the shaving head 1 distributed. Despite the differences in geometry, the principle according to the invention of active positioning of the shear elements also comes in this exemplary embodiment 22 to be applied by for each of the three carriers 25 to what extent the shear elements are determined 22 are in skin contact and depending on the position of the wearer 25 with the help of actuators 7 that in the representation of the 4 are not visible, is actively set. The positioning of the individual carriers 25 is carried out independently of one another with the respective goal of optimal skin contact for the shear elements arranged thereon 22 manufacture.

The invention is not related only on shavers, but can also be used for example in epilators become.

5 shows an embodiment of an epilator designed according to the invention in one 2 corresponding representation. This embodiment is the structure of the in 3 shown razor very similar. So the epilator has one relative to the housing 8th around the pivot axis 23 swiveling epilation head 26 on. The epilation head 26 has four rotating plucking units 27 each in side brackets 28 are attached that a pivoting movement is possible. At the in 5 The geometry shown results in two further pivot axes 29 and 30 . which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the swivel axis 23 of the epilation head 26 are arranged. Analog to the embodiment of 3 can the entire epilation head 26 and the individual plucking units 27 are each pivoted so that the individual plucking units 27 results in optimal skin contact.

As an alternative to the described determination of skin contact by registering a current flow, in all of the exemplary embodiments other procedures can also be used to record information relating to the position of the hair-removing elements relative to the skin surface 5 come into use. For example, pressure sensors can be used or capacitive methods can be used.

Claims (26)

Hair removal device with a movable actuator head ( 1 ) and / or at least one movable actuator carrier ( 25 . 28 ), the at least one actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) for removing hair from a surface of the skin ( 5 ), characterized in that a detection device ( 9 ) is provided for the detection of a variable which corresponds to the position of the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) relative to the skin area ( 5 ) and at least one active actuating device ( 7 ) to change the position of the actuator head ( 1 ) and / or the actuator bracket ( 25 . 28 ) and a control device ( 9 ) to control the control device ( 7 ) depending on the detected size. Hair removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of actuator carriers ( 25 . 28 ) are provided which can be moved independently of one another. Hair removal device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that an electric drive ( 19 ) for the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) and / or the control device ( 7 ) in the actuator head ( 1 ) is arranged. Hair removal device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the electric drive ( 19 ) for the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) and / or the control device ( 7 ) outside the actuator head ( 1 ) is arranged in the hair removal device and a coupling device ( 20 ) for coupling the electric drive ( 19 ) to the actuator head ( 1 ) is provided. Hair removal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection device ( 9 ) Means for detecting the contact pressure of the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) to the skin surface ( 5 ), Means for carrying out a capacitive measuring method or means for carrying out an impedance measurement. Hair removal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator elements ( 22 . 27 ) electrically conductive with the control device ( 9 ) connected is. Hair removal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing ( 8th ) is provided, which is at least partially electrically conductive and electrically conductive with the control device ( 9 ) connected is. Hair removal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pivotable suspension of the actuator head ( 1 ) and / or the actuator bracket ( 25 . 28 ) is provided. Hair removal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is an electric shaver with at least one shaving foil ( 2 . 3 ) is trained. Hair removal device according to claim 9, characterized in that a central cutter ( 4 ) is provided between two shaving foils ( 2 . 3 ) is arranged. Hair removal device according to claim 10, characterized in that the shaving foils ( 2 . 3 ) and the center cutter ( 4 ) each electrically conductive with the control device ( 9 ) are connected. 12, hair removal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a long hair cutter, in particular with a comb and a blade, is arranged on the actuator head. Hair removal device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it as an epilator with at least one plucking unit ( 27 ) is trained. Method for positioning at least one actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) a hair removal device for removing hair on a skin surface ( 5 ), characterized in that a variable is detected which corresponds to the actual position of the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) relative to the skin area ( 5 ) and the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) is actively positioned depending on the detected size. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the positioning of the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) with the help of an actuator head ( 1 ) and / or with the help of at least one actuator carrier ( 25 . 28 ) takes place, the at least one actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) exhibit. Method according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that that the Repeatedly recording the size becomes. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) is positioned so that there is skin contact. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that that the The speed of positioning depends on the detected size. Method according to one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that that the Positioning speed during the positioning process is varied. Method according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) is brought into a basic position with predeterminable values of the detected quantity. Method according to one of Claims 14 to 20, characterized in that a current flow is detected which is caused by touching the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) with the skin surface ( 5 ) comes about. Method according to one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that when the hair removal device is switched off, the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) is brought into a rest position. Method according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that that at least controlled another function of the hair removal device depending on the detected size becomes. Method according to Claim 23, characterized in that the further function is the actuation of a display device, the control of an automatic on / off switch and / or the control of the drive power of an electric drive ( 19 ) for the actuator element ( 22 . 27 ) acts. Method according to one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the positioning of the actuator head ( 1 ) and / or the actuator bracket ( 25 . 28 ) by a swivel movement. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that pivoting movements with respect to different pivot axes ( 23 . 24 . 29 . 30 ) are carried out. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that actuator element so is positioned that a Skin contact with even There is proof.