EP1326738B1 - Electrically driven hair removal device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrically operated hair removing device, comprising a housing, an operating system connected to the housing for clipping and/or plucking hair, the system having at least two operating elements which are movable relative to one another and at least one of which is driven, and an illumination device for illuminating the operating system, the illumination device being integrated in at least one of the operating elements.

Description

The invention relates to an electrically operated hair removal device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a hair removal device is known from EP 0 069 468 A1. The one shown there electric dry shaver has a housing and a translationally oscillating driven Lower knife, which is located under a foil. Inside the case is an electrical one in an area adjacent to the shaving head below the lower knife Lamp arranged, which shines through both the bottom knife and the shaving foil and thus illuminates the skin area to be shaved. A disadvantage of this shaver is, however, that the electric light through both the lower knife and through the Shaving foil is darkened significantly, which significantly reduces the lighting effect. Out For this reason, a further embodiment of EP 0 069 468 A1 has an additional one Lighting arrangement outside of the shaving head, which in turn with an additional Effort is connected.

The invention is therefore based on the object of an electrically operated hair removal device to improve the type indicated above in such a way that with little construction The best possible lighting for the actual work surface of the device is ensured.

This object is achieved by the characterizing features of the claim 1 solved.

The solution according to the invention is characterized in that the required light is directly on the working surface of the device is generated or at least directly available there stands. This not only enables optimal lighting of the work surface, but also offers also the possibility of using appropriate light signals, for example flashing, Change in brightness, change in color and the like can be generated display operationally relevant properties or information to the user without that he has to look away from the actual work surface. So the user for example information about the contact pressure to the skin, the remaining Battery capacity or the like can be indicated by appropriate light signals.

Such visualization of system properties directly in the user's field of vision increases the ease of use and the practical value of such a device. However, an important condition for such a display is a special one Safe and complete transmission of the light signal into the user's field of vision.

The lighting directly on the work elements also makes it an ideal display option given for their possible contamination or wear.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lighting device is in at least one moving working element, in particular in a driven bottom knife or a driven epilation roller, which allows the user of the Hair removal device whose dynamics can be shown particularly impressively.

In order to achieve strong system lighting, the lighting device at least has a light guide, it being advantageous if the lighting device is off at least one light guide, which is on a relative to another working element and / or to the housing movable working element is arranged, and from at least a arranged on a housing section light source, the light rays in the Coupling light guide exists. When coupling the light rays of the light source contactless Via an air gap, the lighting can be driven more easily Realize components. Of course, the light source can also directly in at least be arranged one of the working elements.

The light source is advantageous in terms of energy consumption, construction volume and luminosity formed by at least one light emitting diode; especially since LEDs are particularly suitable for pulsating operation and for displaying different colors.

With little construction effort, a particularly good visualization of the mechanical To achieve work system with its work elements moved relative to each other, if the lighting device emits stroboscopically pulsed light signals. And one System dynamics are ideally represented when the frequency the light signals in the range of approximately +/- 20% of the frequency of the movement of the working elements lies. In this way, standing or moving very slowly Images of a highly dynamic or high-frequency movement are generated.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the work system is a shear system with a shaving foil and a lower knife movable relative to this, which is driven rotationally or translationally, or it consists of two relative to each other movable cutting combs. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the work system is an epilation system with tweezers that can be moved relative to each other.

An ideal display option for possible wear of the work system is given if the lighting device or at least part of it defines reproducible aging properties possesses that are matched to the wear behavior of the device.

Other objects, features, advantages and uses of the present invention result from the following description of the exemplary embodiments. there form all described or depicted features for themselves or in any Combination the subject of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their relationship.

Fig. 1

eine Prinzipskizze eines Scherkopfes,

Fig. 1A

eine Seitenansicht des Untermessers gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 2A

eine Seitenansicht eines Mehrfachscherkopf mit zwei Untermessern

Fig. 2B

eine Vorderansicht eines Mehrfachscherkopf gemäß Fig. 2A

Fig. 2C

eine Draufsicht auf einen Mehrfachscherkopf gemäß Fig. 2A oder 2B

Fig. 3

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Scherkopfes,

Fig. 3A

eine Ausführungsform einer Lichtquelle,

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung des Bewegungsverlaufs eines angetriebenen Untermessers und

Fig. 5

den Epilierkopf eines elektrischen Epilationsgerätes zeigt.

In the drawing, several embodiments of the invention are shown, wherein

Fig. 1

a schematic diagram of a shaving head,

Fig. 1A

2 shows a side view of the lower knife according to FIG. 1,

Figure 2A

a side view of a multiple shaving head with two lower knives

Figure 2B

a front view of a multiple shaving head according to FIG. 2A

Figure 2C

a plan view of a multiple shaving head according to FIG. 2A or 2B

Fig. 3

another embodiment of a shaving head,

Figure 3A

one embodiment of a light source,

Fig. 4

a representation of the course of movement of a driven lower knife and

Fig. 5

shows the epilation head of an electric epilation device.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic section of a shaving head of an electric shaver outlined. This shaving head consists essentially of in a manner known per se a shaving foil 1 with openings 2, which is stretched over a lower knife 3, which, as indicated by arrow 4, driven in a suitable manner in a translationally oscillating manner becomes. The lower knife 3 is a so-called blade block with a plurality of parallel blades 5 arranged in a row next to each other. The knife block or the Blades 5 rest under elastic pretension on the shaving foil 1, so that in the openings 2 threaded hair between the hole edge of the corresponding opening 2 and the blade 5, the oscillation amplitude of which is greater than the extent of the openings 2, be sheared off.

As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1A, the blades 5 have approximately the contour a half circular ring. Through the blades 5 is a light guide 6, the one has semicircular cross section. This extends over the entire Length of the lower knife 3.

Located on the side of the lower knife 3, opposite the end faces of the light guide 6 each have a light source 7 which is attached to the shaving head housing, not shown. Between the respective light source 7 and the light guide 6 there is a color filter 8 and 9, respectively arranged with different color to give light beams with two different To be able to couple colors into the light guide 6. The light sources 7 are preferred designed as light emitting diodes and (not shown in the drawing) via a signal generator connected to a power source. When using LEDs in appropriate Colors as light sources can of course be omitted from the color filters.

The light coupled in via the end faces of the light guide 6 can now be between the blades 5 emerge and is visible from the outside through the openings 2 on the one hand for the user and on the other hand the skin area to be shaved can be illuminated. As a result of that the light sources 7 in a suitable relation to the oscillation frequency of the lower knife stroboscopically operated, i.e. can be switched on and off like a flash, the dynamics visualize the shaving system very impressively.

The stroboscopic effect then makes it possible for the user to stand, for example Generate image of the shear system when the frequency of the light signals exactly the oscillation frequency of the shear system or an integer multiple or an integer Part of the oscillation frequency corresponds. However, the frequency of the light signals gives way by a certain, not too big difference within a certain range of for example plus / minus 20% of the oscillation frequency from the oscillation frequency of the Shear system, the user can visualize the lower knife achieve a slow sideways movement in one or the other direction of oscillation shows. By varying the frequency of the light pulsation accordingly therefore possible to give the user certain operating conditions or properties of the shaver display.

For example, a display concept can provide that the user always has a standing image of the shear system is generated when at least one system parameter, such as for example, degree of contamination, battery or battery charge or the like, not optimal is. On the other hand, an image of the shear system moving slowly in the direction of oscillation becomes displayed if the system parameter (s) are optimal or still sufficient classified condition.

For example, if the razor is soiled due to the stroboscopic effect are displayed, the light source 7 is controlled at a frequency which deviates by a certain amount from the oscillation frequency of the shear system, if the shaver is completely cleaned. With increasing pollution of the shaving system through use, this deviation is successively reduced to zero. The user is then signaled by a standing image of the shaving system that it is now a Cleaning. This deviation can be controlled, for example, by a known counting device for the cutting events taking place.

By changing the color of the lighting, you can of course also provide information for display the user. For this purpose, for example, the light sources with the different Color filters or light-emitting diodes of the corresponding color are operated alternately; however, it is also possible to use a corresponding color control to mix colors to produce or a continuous color change over the entire To represent shaving head length.

The double shaving head shown in FIGS. 2A-2C has two lower knives 3, which are provided with a plurality of blades 5, and which, as already explained with reference to FIG. 1, pressed against a shaving foil, not shown, are driven to oscillate. Between the two lower knives 3 there can additionally be a known manner Middle cutter for cutting longer and / or hair that is close to the skin be arranged, which is composed of two comb-like blades, one of which Blade is driven to oscillate; this would be a so-called triple shaving head educated.

In each of the two lower knives 3, light guides 6 are integrated, which extend over their entire length Length. In front of at least one end face of the respective light guide 6 is one Optical fiber fork 11 is arranged, which is attached to the shaving head housing 12. Here are the Ends 13 and 14 of this light guide fork 11 directly opposite the end face one each Light guide 6, so that light can be coupled into the light guide. The third end 15 of the light guide fork 11 is in the form of a circular sector with a downward expanding cross-section and is located with its arcuate conclusion opposite the end face of a further light guide 18.

The shaving head housing 12 is mounted in the shaving head holder 17 so as to be pivotable about the axis 16. The light guide 18 is fastened in the razor housing 19 and protrudes upward therefrom out into the shaving head housing 12. Immediately in front of the one opposite the light guide fork 11 A light source 7 is arranged on the end face 20 of the light guide 18 Coupling light rays directly into the light guide 18. The angle between the legs of the circular sector corresponds to the maximum swivel angle of the shaving head housing 12 the razor housing 19 or the shaving head holder 17 Formation of the end 15 of the optical fiber fork 11 is ensured that in each Pivotal position of the shaving head housing 12 relative to the razor housing 19 light from the Light source 7 or the light guide 18 can be coupled into the light guide fork 11 can. The light fed into the optical fiber fork 11 at the end 15 becomes at the junction 21 divided into two portions each directed in opposite directions.

These two partial light flows are then still at the respective deflection point 22 or 23 deflected once by 90 ° and then they occur at the ends 13 and 14 of the light guide fork 11 out.

By using the light guide fork 11, only one light source 7 is for lighting two lower knives 3 required. The light source 7 can also be directly on the circuit board the shaver be arranged, which is an electrical line in the shaving head spared. This is particularly advantageous if the shaving head should be washable.

In a shaving head, not shown in the drawing, it is provided that in addition to Oscillation of the lower knife 3 also the shaving head housing 12 and thus the shaving foil moved oscillating in opposition to the movement of the lower knife; i.e. the shaving head housing 12 is both pivotable about the axis 16 and swinging in the longitudinal direction drivable. In such an embodiment, the use of the optical fiber fork 11 offers advantageous the possibility that the light source 7 is not on a driven, but on a stationary component, namely the printed circuit board.

In order to be able to display different colors, it is possible to include the ends 13 and 14, respectively to provide different color filters. If the lower knife 3 is such on both sides Fiber optic fork used, so at least four different with little effort Represent colors in the light guides 6 of the lower knife.

Fig. 3 shows a shaving head design, in which the light source 7 on a moving part of the shear drive system is arranged. The shaving head comprises a shaving foil 1 which is in is held in a known manner in an interchangeable frame 30, which in turn is on the shaving head housing 12 is attached. The lower knife (s) 3 receives the knife head carrier 31, which is connected to the housing section 33 via the swing bridge 32. The cutter head carrier 31 is on the side opposite the lower knife 3 with a driving groove 34 provided which the recording of a drive eccentric, not shown in the drawing, a drive crank or the like is used. This will in conjunction with the leaf spring-like sections which act as joints and are flexible in the direction of vibration 35, 36 of the swing bridge 32 an oscillating in the longitudinal direction of the lower knife 3 movable vibration system formed.

Electrical lines 37 and run along the sections 35, 36 of the swing bridge 32 38, which connect the light source 7 to the electrical contact points 39, 40. at A plastic swing bridge allows the electrical lines 37 and 38 into the material the swing bridge must be integrated; in the exemplary embodiment, two are metallic Swing bridge halves, which are electrically insulated from each other, are then used form the electrical lines. The electrical contact points 39, 40 are (in the drawing not shown) connected to a current source via a signal generator. Between A light guide 41 runs alongside the lower knife (s) 3 and the light source 7 is connected to the lower knife (s) 3, and from the light source 7 in the direction Lower knife 3 expanded in a funnel shape to approximately the entire lower knife length. Consequently the shaving head can be compared over its entire extent by a light source small dimensions are illuminated.

FIG. 3A shows a light source, which is formed by two light-emitting diodes 42, 43 connected in parallel is formed. The use of such a light source enables illumination independently from the direction of current flow; will apply a positive electrical voltage to the connector 44 applied, the light-emitting diode 42 lights up, however, one is connected to the connection 45 positive electrical voltage is applied, the light emitting diode 43 is switched on. Will in one 3 uses a light source corresponding to FIG. 3A, wherein the connections 44 and 45 are connected to the electrical lines 37 and 38, and if light-emitting diodes 42, 43 with different colors are used, only two can be used electrical power supplies a lighting of the shaving head with two different ones Realize colors. As a result, the assembly effort is reduced in particular.

Fig. 4 shows the course of movement of an oscillating driven lower knife 3 over 1.5 oscillation periods or 1.5 crank or eccentric revolutions. Any time t a specific angular position of the drive motor is assigned. If the lower knife 3 flashed for the first time to the operating point 46, so one can display a standing one Generate the lower knife 3 when the next flash to the operating point 47, ie after an oscillation period T takes place. However, the next flash to the operating point occurs 48, ie after an oscillation period T + Δ t, a "wandering movement" of the driven lower knife 3 are shown. The speed of the "wandering" virtual image depends on the size of the Δ t.

Due to the sinus movement of the lower knife 3, through which it is at least twice per revolution over every place of its movement path, it can also twice per Rotation flashed without causing an optically blurred representation its movement comes. This applies to every angular position except the two extreme values which are only passed once per revolution. The time interval of the additional Flash from the regular flash depends on the phase position of the regular flash. In the The middle position is exactly 1 / 2T and decreases in the extreme positions to zero. Should the lower knife 3 is shown moving (moving), the phase position of the permanently change the regular flash in relation to the current location of the lower knife 3 and with it the required time interval. An electronic controller can, however then calculate if it is based on a specific position of the lower knife 3 as a reference is known .. An additional flash doubles the coupled light reached. The phase position of the flashes can also be used as a display device. If an optically standing image of the lower knife 3 is to be generated, it can be flash to operating points 46, 49, 47 and 49 '

The electronic controller can also control the (then variable) flash duration in such a way that at low speed of the oscillating driven Under knife 3, i.e. near the turning points, generates a slightly longer light signal than at higher speed. This ensures high lighting performance without reaches the risk of optical blurring of the image visible to the user. In addition, by correlating the light signal generator with the speed of the electrical Drive motor the synchronicity to the current speed or speed of the Cutting system can be achieved.

Fig. 5 shows the plucking head 50 of an electric epilation device, in which a rotating driven epilation cylinder 51 is mounted. Are on the circumference of the epilation cylinder 51 a plurality of pairs of tweezers 52 are arranged distributed, which during the rotary movement of the epilation cylinder operated by known and the clarity open and close because of means not shown in order to capture body hair, pinch and tear out when the epilation cylinder 51 over an epilated Skin section is guided.

The epilation cylinder 51 has a plurality of light guide strips 53 distributed around the circumference, in which light can be fed by a light source, not shown in the drawing. In this case, too, the light source is operated by strobe flashing, so that at appropriate coordination between the flash frequency of the light source and the rotational frequency of the epilation cylinder 51 is a virtually stationary or very slowly moving one Representation of the epilation cylinder, including the pair of tweezers.

In this case, the stroboscopic effect, for example, can be applied to the End of battery capacity indicate the flashing frequency of the light source maximum battery capacity deviates by a certain amount, while it decreases with decreasing Battery capacity gradually approaches the rotational frequency of the epilation cylinder until then when the limit of the capacity of the batteries is reached, the flashing frequency of the Rotation frequency corresponds and thus a virtually standing epilation cylinder 51 is shown. The virtual image of a "standing" epilation cylinder for the user signals to him that he will soon replace or recharge the battery should.

The illumination of the shaving head or the epilation cylinder can not only do that shaving or epilating skin area are illuminated, but possibly deposited Dirt particles, hair or hair dust accumulations become clear to the user displayed.

By stroboscopic lighting of the shaving head or the epilation cylinder the user in a simple and particularly clear manner at the beginning of each use demonstrate the device's operational capability. This runs every time you switch on the following process automatically: First, the light signals pulse with the lowest approved frequency; this frequency is now gradually increasing to the highest permissible frequency increased. Is once for the user during this process to see an optically standing image of a shear element or of the epilation cylinder the device is at least in order of speed.

Instead of an electrically operated light source, a so-called light collector, the ambient light collects and bundles over a small compared to the total surface Light emission surface emits, this simplifies the construction effort and reduces energy consumption; on the other hand, this causes automatic regulation of the Illuminance of the hair removal device compared to the intensity of the ambient lighting.

Claims (15)

1. Electrically operated hair removing device, such as shaver, hair/beard clipper, epilation device or the like, having an operating system - connected to a housing - for clipping and/or plucking hair, which system has at least two operating elements which are movable relative to one another and at least one of which is driven, and having at least one illumination device for illuminating or transilluminating the operating system, characterized in that at least one illumination device (6) is integrated in at least one of the operating elements.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the illumination device (6) is provided in a moved operating element.
3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device has at least one optical wave guide (6).
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device comprises at least one optical wave guide (6), which is arranged on one operating element which is movable relative to another operating element and/or to the housing, and at least one light source (7), which is arranged on a housing section and whose light beams couple into the optical wave guide.
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the light beams of the light source are coupled contactlessly via an air gap.
6. Device according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the light source is formed by at least one light-emitting diode.
7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device emits stroboscopically pulsed light signals.
8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two different colours can be represented by means of the illumination device.
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating system is a clipping system with a clipping foil (1) and a lower blade (3) which is movable relative to said system.
10. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the lower blade (3) is driven in rotary fashion.
11. Device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the lower blade is driven in translatory fashion.
12. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating system is a clipping system with two clipping combs which are movable relative to one another.
13. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the operating system is an epilation system with tweezers (52) which are movable relative to one another.
14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the illumination device or at least part of it has defined reproducible aging properties which are coordinated with the wear behaviour of the device.
15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a light collector is used as the light source.

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