EP1549468B1 - Hair-removing device - Google Patents

Hair-removing device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1549468B1
EP1549468B1 EP03750660A EP03750660A EP1549468B1 EP 1549468 B1 EP1549468 B1 EP 1549468B1 EP 03750660 A EP03750660 A EP 03750660A EP 03750660 A EP03750660 A EP 03750660A EP 1549468 B1 EP1549468 B1 EP 1549468B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hair removal
removal apparatus
actuator
head
skin surface
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03750660A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1549468A1 (en
Inventor
Bernhard Kraus
Alexander KLÖS
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 EP1549468A1 publication Critical patent/EP1549468A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1549468B1 publication Critical patent/EP1549468B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
    • B26B19/02—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers of the reciprocating-cutter type
    • B26B19/04—Cutting heads therefor; Cutters therefor; Securing equipment thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D26/00—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers
    • A45D26/0023—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers with rotating clamping elements
    • A45D26/0028—Hair-singeing apparatus; Apparatus for removing superfluous hair, e.g. tweezers with rotating clamping elements with rotating discs or blades
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
    • B26B19/02—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers of the reciprocating-cutter type
    • B26B19/04—Cutting heads therefor; Cutters therefor; Securing equipment thereof
    • B26B19/06—Cutting heads therefor; Cutters therefor; Securing equipment thereof involving co-operating cutting elements both of which have shearing teeth
    • B26B19/063—Movable or adjustable cutting head
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
    • B26B19/02—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers of the reciprocating-cutter type
    • B26B19/04—Cutting heads therefor; Cutters therefor; Securing equipment thereof
    • B26B19/10—Cutting heads therefor; Cutters therefor; Securing equipment thereof involving two or more different types of reciprocating cutting elements, e.g. a pair of toothed shearing elements combined with a pair of perforated cutting elements or a combined toothed and perforated cutting assembly
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
    • B26B19/38—Details of, or accessories for, hair clippers, or dry shavers, e.g. housings, casings, grips, guards
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
    • B26B19/38—Details of, or accessories for, hair clippers, or dry shavers, e.g. housings, casings, grips, guards
    • B26B19/3853—Housing or handle
    • B26B19/386—Means for attaching the head thereto
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
    • B26B19/38—Details of, or accessories for, hair clippers, or dry shavers, e.g. housings, casings, grips, guards
    • B26B19/3873—Electric features; Charging; Computing devices
    • B26B19/388—Sensors; Control

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hair removal device according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Movable actuator heads are used, for example, in the form of pivotable shaving heads in electric shavers. Due to the mobility of the shaving head an improved contact with the skin surface is to be effected during shaving in order to achieve the best possible shaving result.
  • an electric shaver with a shaving head system which is pivotally mounted relative to the housing of the shaver.
  • the shaving head system is offset by a drive pin of an electric motor arranged in the housing in an oscillating oscillatory motion.
  • the shaving head system also performs a passive pivoting movement, ie the shaving head system is forced by pressing against the skin surface in a pivot position, which is given by the current geometric situation.
  • the shaving head system is designed in such a way that, as far as possible, the entire usable shearing surface comes to rest against the skin surface during shaving.
  • the known system has been well proven in practice, but is subject to some limitations. So it is necessary for a proper pivoting function to strictly limit the weight of the shaving head system and the position of its center of gravity. Thus, the arrangement of additional elements in the shaving head system are narrow limits, if no deterioration of the operation is to be taken into account. In addition, to pivot the shaving head system with the aim that in each case as far as possible the entire usable shear surface on the skin surface comes to rest, a pressing of the shaver to the skin required. Another limitation is that a drive of the shaving head system with the drive pin is possible only within a limited pivot angle range.
  • the invention has for its object to form a hair removal device with a movable actuator head and at least two actuator elements optimally.
  • the hair removal device has a pivotable actuator head with at least two actuator elements for removing hair on a skin surface.
  • the particular feature of the hair removal device according to the invention consists in the fact that a detection device is provided for detecting a size which is related to the position of the actuator relative to the skin surface and at least one actively actuated adjusting device for changing the position of the Aktuatorkopfes and a control device for controlling the adjusting device depending on the recorded size.
  • the invention has the advantage that continuous optimal skin contact of each actuator element can be achieved. This has an effect, in particular, when the hair removal device has two or more actuator elements, which should simultaneously be in skin contact for optimal hair removal.
  • the invention is therefore particularly suitable for use in hair removal devices with multiple actuator elements. In certain applications, and in particular when the actuator element is movable in several planes, use of the invention may also be advantageous in a hair removal device with a single actuator element.
  • a further advantage of the invention is that the existing in a passive positioning of the Aktuatorkopf existing restrictions in terms of weight and geometry of the Aktuatorkopfes as well as with respect to the accessible Positionier Schemes.
  • an electric drive for the actuator element and / or the adjusting device may be arranged.
  • the electric drive outside of the actuator head and to provide a coupling device for coupling the electric drive to the actuator head.
  • the detection device may comprise means for detecting the contact pressure of the actuator element on the skin surface, means for performing a capacitive measurement method or means for performing an impedance measurement.
  • the actuator element is electrically conductively connected to the control device.
  • a housing is provided, which is at least partially electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the control device.
  • optical means are also advantageous. These can be realized in particular as light barrier systems.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides to form the detection device by at least one displacement, pressure and / or force sensor.
  • the hair removal device may be, for example, an electric shaver with at least one shaving foil.
  • the razor may in particular have a central cutter which is arranged between two shear films. It is advantageous if the shaving foils and the central cutter are each electrically connected to the control device, since in this way information about the position of the shear foils can be detected with relatively little effort.
  • the hair removal device according to the invention is also possible to form the hair removal device according to the invention as an epilator with at least one plucking unit, since good skin contact is also advantageous in this application.
  • a size associated with the actual position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface is sensed and the actuator element is actively positioned depending on the sensed amount.
  • the positioning of the actuator elements takes place with the aid of an actuator head with at least two actuator elements or with the aid of at least two actuator carriers which have at least one actuator element. As a result, almost any positioning movements are possible.
  • the actuator element is positioned so that there is skin contact.
  • the Depend on the speed of the positioning of the detected size so that gross misalignments can be compensated quickly.
  • the speed of positioning during the positioning process can be varied.
  • a current flow is detected, which comes about by a contact of the actuator with the skin surface.
  • the positioning of the actuator can be done by a pivoting movement, in particular also pivoting movements with respect to different pivot axes can be performed.
  • the latter comes into play when both a pivotable actuator head and at least one pivotable actuator carrier or when several pivotable actuator carrier are present.
  • the positioning of the actuator head or of the actuator carrier takes place by a displacement in at least one plane.
  • Fig. 1 shows a functional diagram for an embodiment of an inventive electric shaver.
  • the illustration relates to a situation during the implementation of a shave, wherein individual functional elements of the shaver are shown in a highly schematic and a possible wiring of electronic components is shown, which are used for carrying out the positioning method according to the invention.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the razor has a pivotable shaving head 1, which is mounted pivotably about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
  • the shaving head 1 has a first shaving foil 2, a second shaving foil 3 and a middle cutter 4 arranged between the shearing foils 2 and 3.
  • the second shearing foil 3 is in touching contact with a skin surface 5 of a user 6.
  • the shaving head 1 is pivoted by means of an adjusting device 7 relative to a housing 8, which the user 6 holds in his hand.
  • the two shear films 2 and 3 and the central cutter 4 are each electrically connected to an electronic circuit 9, wherein the first foil 2 with the base of a first transistor 10, the second foil 3 with the base of a second transistor 11 and the central 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 10 is connected to an input designated F1 of a control logic 13 and to a first collector resistor 14.
  • the second transistor 11 is connected to a designated F2 input of the control logic 13 and to a second collector resistor 15 and the third transistor 12 is connected to a designated MS input of the control logic 13 and a third collector resistor 16.
  • the control logic 13 has an output labeled Z, which is connected via a driver stage 17 to the actuator 7.
  • the collector resistors 14, 15 and 16 are further connected to each other and are, as well as the housing 8, which holds the user 6 in the hand, at an electrical potential Vdd. From the housing 8 there is an electrical connection to the second shaving foil 3 which is subject to a body resistance 18 via the user 6. In order to make this possible, the housing 8 is at least partially electrically conductive. Depending on the position of the shaving head 1, corresponding electrical connections can also be made to the central cutter 4 and to the first shearing foil 2.
  • the body resistance 18 represents the total between the skin surface 5 and the hand of the user 6 effective electrical resistance.
  • the principle of the invention is that the shaving head 1 is pivoted in each case so that the two shear films 2 and 3 abut the skin surface 5.
  • information about it is required, whether the two shear foils 2 and 3 actually abut the skin surface 5 and, on the other hand, a mechanism which pivots the shaving head 1 from a position in which at least one of the shearing foils 2 and 3 does not bear against the skin surface 5 to a position in which both shear films 2 and 3 abut the skin surface 5.
  • the information which is applied to the shear surface 2 and 3 on the skin surface 5, is obtained by that with the in Fig. 1 shown electronic circuit 9 is checked for both shear films 2 and 3, if a current flow is established.
  • the flow of current in each case passes over the body resistance 18 and can thus only be formed when the respective shearing foil 2 or 3 bears against the skin surface 5.
  • the second foil 3 is applied to the skin surface 5 and thus a current flow through the body resistor 18 is formed to the base of the second transistor 11, the second transistor 11 turns on and sets the input F2 of the control logic 13, which is otherwise at the electrical potential Vdd lies, on earth.
  • the first foil 2 if this rests against the skin surface 5. Since only very small currents are required for the switching through of the transistors 10, 11, 12, the current flow through the body resistor 18 for the user 6 is absolutely safe and imperceptible.
  • the control logic 13 evaluates the signals present at their inputs and controls depending on the driver stage 17, which in turn controls the actuator 7 in a corresponding manner, so that the shaving head 1 is pivoted in a desired manner.
  • the evaluation by the control logic 13 is carried out according to a truth table shown in Table 1, which assigns a control command at the output Z of the control logic 13 to each combination of signals at the inputs F1, F2 and MS.
  • Table 1 assigns a control command at the output Z of the control logic 13 to each combination of signals at the inputs F1, F2 and MS.
  • the signal at the input MS of the control logic 13 indicates whether the central cutter 4 abuts against the skin surface 5 and is detected in a manner corresponding to the signals at the inputs F1 and F2.
  • the consideration of the signal at the input MS of the control logic 13 is not essential, but allows a better control of the shaving head 1, as in this way, intermediate positions can be considered.
  • Table 1 Truth table F1 F2 MS Z 0 0 0 Stop 0 0 1 Stop 1 1 0 Stop 1 1 1 Stop 1 0 Stop 1 1 1 Stop 1 0 0 Clockwise / slow 1 0 1 Clockwise / fast 0 1 0 Anti-clockwise / slow 0 1 1 Anticlockwise / fast
  • the shaving head 1 remains in its position when either both shaving foils 2 and 3 together or none of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 abut the skin surface 5. It is irrelevant whether the central cutter 4 rests against the skin surface 5 or not. In a variant, it is also possible to pivot the shaving head 1 slowly into a basic position when neither of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 rests against the skin surface 5. If only the first shearing foil 2 does not lie against the skin surface 5, then the adjusting device 7 will be in the position at Fig. 1 shown geometry slowly to the right, ie clockwise, rotated and thus the shaving head 1 pivoted to the left.
  • the circuit 9 serves, on the one hand, as a detection device for detecting information relating to the position of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 and, on the other hand, as a control device for actuating the actuating device 7 as a function of the detected information.
  • the detection and the control are thereby repeatedly performed by the test whether a current flow through the body resistor 18 is present and the evaluation according to the truth table are repeated continuously.
  • the position of the shaving head 1 is changed until the desired skin contact of the two shear films 2 and 3 is present.
  • the skin contact of the two shear films 2 and 3 is thus produced by a kind of control loop.
  • both shaving foils 2 and 3 have contact with the skin, the difference between the two electrical resistances or the difference in impedance between each shearing foil and the housing 8 can be used for more accurate positioning of the shaving head 1.
  • Such a difference occurs when the skin contact of the two sheeting is different, i. when a foil is more pressed against the skin than the other. Then the shaving head is swiveled until the two resistors or impedances are the same and thus both shaving foils are pressed exactly the same amount to the skin. This is particularly advantageous for optimal shaving.
  • a parking function can be implemented, according to which the shaving head 1 is pivoted when switching off the shaver in a parking position.
  • the shaving foils 2 and 3 point towards the housing 8 and are therefore protected against damage due to external influences.
  • an alternative shaving system for example a long-hair trimmer or a shearing system for problem zones, is brought into an application position by pivoting the shaving head 1 instead of the shaving foil system.
  • Other additional functions may be that a control of display elements or an automatic switching on the shaver depending on whether the housing 8 is touched or whether a component of the shaving head 1 is in skin contact.
  • a long-hair trimmer function can be realized.
  • the shaving head can be pivoted by the user by pressing a button into a position in which a shaving head at a suitable location attached per se known long-hair trimmer can be used particularly advantageous.
  • a long-hair trimmer has, for example, a fixed comb, which cooperates with a blade having an oscillatingly driven cutting webs.
  • the entire drive system ie both the oscillating drive of individual components of the shaving head 1 and the adjusting device 7 be integrated to pivot the shaving head 1 in the shaving head 1.
  • the respective drives outside of the shaving head 1 in the housing 8 of the shaver Such an embodiment is in Fig. 2 shown.
  • Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the razor with a drive outside of the shaving head 1 schematically in perspective view.
  • an electric motor 19 is arranged in the housing 8.
  • the movement of the electric motor 19 is transmitted by means of a belt 20 in the region of the shaving head 1.
  • gears can also be used to transmit the movement.
  • the belt 20 is coupled to a gear 21, which performs an adaptation of the transmitted with the belt 20 movement to the requirements of the shaving head 1 and two shear elements 22 drives, which may consist of a foil and a knife block, for example, in Fig. 2 are not shown separately.
  • the gear 21 has a not specifically illustrated coupling element, by means of which a pivoting movement of the shaving head 1 about a pivot axis 23 can be triggered.
  • the coupling element is controlled electronically depending on the actual position of the shaving head 1, wherein the in Fig. 1 represented electronic circuit 9 and the control method described therein can be used in a corresponding manner.
  • the electric motor 19 outside of the shaving head 1 can be with the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment of the shaving head 1 realize a large pivoting range of +/- 180 °.
  • the invention can also be used in differently constructed razors. Such embodiments are in the 3 and 4 shown.
  • Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the electric shaver with multiple movable shear elements 22 in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation.
  • the shaving head 1 is analogous to the embodiment of Fig. 2 pivotable about the pivot axis 23.
  • this embodiment has a further pivoting possibility about a further pivot axis 24, which is oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis 23.
  • the additional pivoting possibility is based on the fact that two pivotable supports 25 are provided, on each of which two shear elements 22 are arranged. Both the pivoting movement about the pivot axis 23 and the Pivoting movement about the further pivot axis 24 can take place in an active manner in accordance with the principle according to the invention.
  • Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the shaver with a different shaving head system in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation.
  • the shaver has no pivotable shaving head 1, but a fixed shaving head 1 with three independently movable supports 25, on each of which two shearing elements 22 are arranged.
  • the carriers 25 are not arranged parallel to each other, but each enclose with each other an angle of 120 ° and are thus uniformly distributed over the shaving head 1.
  • the inventive principle of active positioning of the shear elements 22 is also used in this embodiment by determining for each of the three carriers 25 to what extent the shear elements 22 are in skin contact and depending on the position of the carrier 25 with the help of adjusting devices 7, which in the representation of Fig. 4 are not visible, is actively set.
  • the positioning of the individual carriers 25 takes place independently of each other with the respective goal of producing the best possible skin contact for the shear elements 22 arranged thereon.
  • the invention relates not only to shavers, but can also be used for example in epilators.
  • Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of an inventively embodied epilator in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation.
  • This embodiment is similar in structure to that in FIG Fig. 3 Shaver very similar.
  • the epilator has a relative to the housing 8 about the pivot axis 23 pivotable epilation head 26.
  • the epilation head 26 has four rotating plucking units 27, which are each secured in lateral holders 28 so that a pivoting movement is possible.
  • the entire epilation head 26 and the individual plucking units 27 can each be pivoted in such a way that the optimal possible skin contact results for the individual plucking units 27.
  • FIGS. 6 to 10 Further embodiments of sensor systems according to the invention for detecting the position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface are shown in FIGS FIGS. 6 to 10 shown.
  • FIG. 6 schematically in front and side view of a shaving head 1, at the lateral boundaries on the one hand at least one light emitter 31 and opposite at least one light receiver 32 is arranged.
  • two light emitters 31 and two light receivers 32 are arranged, which are each positioned at the level of the shear foils 2, 3. This is especially the side view in Fig. 6 refer to.
  • the light emitters 31 and the light receivers 32 act as transmission light barriers, which enclose the shaving field formed by the shear foils 2, 3. They detect the position of the skin surface 5 relative to the foil 2, 3 and transmit the measuring signals to an associated signal processing device, which then controls the shaving head control.
  • Fig. 7 shows an arrangement of light emitters 31 and light receivers 32, which act as reflex photoelectric sensors.
  • a respective light emitter 31 and a light receiver 32 with a lateral spacing on the one hand on the front side 33 of the shaving head 1 is arranged and the same arrangement is also located on the back 34th
  • FIG. 7 Characteristic that the light emitted by the light emitters 31 light from the skin surface 5 is reflected and reflected depending on the relative position of the skin surface 5 to the shaving head 1 and the light receivers 32 is supplied. According to the distance between the foil 2, 3 and the skin surface 5 is the on the front side 33 and on the back 34th attached light receivers 32, a corresponding light intensity supplied, which then forward them as a corresponding electrical signal to the associated control device for adjusting the shaving head 1.
  • the corresponding beam path is in the two representations according to Fig. 7 represented by arrows or double arrows (side view).
  • the light receiver can be designed as a photodiode and the light emitter, for example, as an LED or infrared transmitter.
  • a significant advantage of the position detection between shaving head 1 and skin surface 5 by means of the photoelectric sensor is that not only a statement about a present skin contact can be made by these sensors, but also the distance determination between the shaving head 1 and the skin surface 5 already can be made before the shaving head 1 rests against the skin.
  • the relative position of the shaving head 1 to the skin surface 5 can already be determined when the shaving head 1 approaches the skin surface 5 and the shaving head 1 can be correspondingly positioned.
  • the immersion depth of the respective shear foils 2, 3 into the skin surface 5 can be detected by the sensors, whereby the corresponding actuating mechanism can be controlled so that both shaving foils 2, 3 dive equally deep or produce the same skin pressure.
  • Fig. 8 . 9 and 10 each show embodiments of the invention, in which for sensing the An horrauer between the actuator head and the skin surface Weg-, pressure or force sensors of different types are used.
  • shear systems 37 are shown in these figures, which can be adapted not only by pivoting to the required position, but are particularly suitable to be brought by appropriate linear displacement in the required position. Of course, a combination of linear displacement and pivoting can be made.
  • the actuators in order to make this linear shift, the sake of clarity are not shown in the drawing.
  • Fig. 8 shows two shear systems 37 with shear sheets 2, 3, which are biased via at least one spring 35 in the direction of the skin surface.
  • the shear systems also rely on force, pressure and / or displacement sensors 36 on the housing.
  • the measured variable determined by the displacement, pressure or force sensor and converted into an electrical signal then serves to control the associated actuator.
  • Fig. 9 a force or displacement measuring device is shown, which always measures the relative position between the two shear systems.
  • This differential measurement can also be used in addition to an absolute measurement.
  • the structure shown schematically in the figure provides for this purpose that support the two shear systems 37 via springs 35 on the housing and as in the embodiment according to Fig. 8 are mounted longitudinally displaceable.
  • one of the two shearing systems carries a first sensor element 38, while the other shearing system is provided with a second sensor element 39.
  • These sensor elements 38, 39 are able to detect their relative movement and / or their relative distance from one another.
  • the first sensor element 38 may be formed as an LED or other light source, while the associated second sensor element 39 is realized by a photosensor.
  • the first sensor element 38 can also be a magnet to which a Hall sensor is assigned as the second sensor element 39.
  • the first sensor element 38 may also be a metal element whose position can be detected by a current-carrying coil as which the second sensor element 39 is formed.
  • a transmitter element 40 is fixed to the housing, which corresponds to a further stationarily arranged receiver element 41.
  • the two slidably mounted shear systems 37 each carry an intermediate element for influencing the signal transferred from the transmitter element 40 to the receiver element 41.
  • the signal of the transmitter element is received by the receiver element 41 in an appropriately influenced manner.
  • the receiver element 41 then generates a corresponding electrical signal, which is then fed to the associated evaluation device for controlling the actuating mechanism.
  • the transmitting element 40 may be formed as a light source which emits light beams to the receiver element 41 formed as a photosensor.
  • the intermediate elements 42 can be embodied as suitable optical diaphragms which influence the beam path between the elements 40 and 41.
  • this measuring system can be realized by a magnet as a transmitting element 40 with an associated Hall sensor as a receiver element 41. It is also possible to form the receiver element 41 as an electrical coil, to which a corresponding metal core is assigned.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Forests & Forestry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Removal Of Floating Material (AREA)
  • Control And Other Processes For Unpacking Of Materials (AREA)
  • Control Of Cutting Processes (AREA)

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

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Haarentfernungsgerät gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a hair removal device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Bewegliche Aktuatorköpfe kommen beispielsweise in Form von schwenkbaren Scherköpfen bei elektrischen Rasierapparaten zum Einsatz. Durch die Beweglichkeit des Scherkopfes soll während der Rasur eine verbesserte Anlage an der Hautfläche bewirkt werden, um dadurch ein möglichst optimales Rasurergebnis zu erzielen.Movable actuator heads are used, for example, in the form of pivotable shaving heads in electric shavers. Due to the mobility of the shaving head an improved contact with the skin surface is to be effected during shaving in order to achieve the best possible shaving result.

So ist aus der DE 36 10 736 A1 ein elektrischer Rasierapparat mit einem Scherkopfsystem bekannt, das relativ zum Gehäuse des Rasierapparats schwenkbar gelagert ist. Das Scherkopfsystem wird über einen Antriebsstift von einem im Gehäuse angeordneten Elektromotor in eine oszillierende Schwingbewegung versetzt. Während der Rasur führt das Scherkopfsystem zudem eine passive Schwenkbewegung aus, d. h. das Scherkopfsystem wird durch Anpressen an die Hautfläche in eine Schwenkposition gezwungen, die jeweils durch die aktuelle geometrische Situation vorgegeben wird. Dabei ist das Scherkopfsystem so konstruiert, dass während der Rasur möglichst die gesamte nutzbare Scherfläche fortwährend an der Hautfläche zur Anlage kommt.So is out of 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 offset by a drive pin of an electric motor arranged in the housing in an oscillating oscillatory motion. During shaving, the shaving head system also performs a passive pivoting movement, ie the shaving head system is forced by pressing against the skin surface in a pivot position, which is given by the current geometric situation. The shaving head system is designed in such a way that, as far as possible, the entire usable shearing surface comes to rest against the skin surface during shaving.

Das bekannte System hat sich in der Praxis gut bewährt, unterliegt jedoch einigen Einschränkungen. So ist es für eine einwandfreie Schwenkfunktion erforderlich, das Gewicht des Scherkopfsystems und die Lage seines Schwerpunktes streng zu limitieren. Damit sind der Anordnung zusätzlicher Elemente im Scherkopfsystem enge Grenzen gesetzt, wenn keine Verschlechterung der Funktionsweise in Kauf genommen werden soll. Außerdem ist zum Schwenken des Scherkopfsystems mit dem Ziel, dass jeweils möglichst die gesamte nutzbare Scherfläche an der Hautfläche zur Anlage kommt, ein Anpressen des Rasierers an die Haut erforderlich. Eine weitere Einschränkung besteht dahingehend, daß ein Antrieb des Scherkopfsystems mit dem Antriebsstift nur innerhalb eines begrenzten Schwenkwinkelbereichs möglich ist.The known system has been well proven in practice, but is subject to some limitations. So it is necessary for a proper pivoting function to strictly limit the weight of the shaving head system and the position of its center of gravity. Thus, the arrangement of additional elements in the shaving head system are narrow limits, if no deterioration of the operation is to be taken into account. In addition, to pivot the shaving head system with the aim that in each case as far as possible the entire usable shear surface on the skin surface comes to rest, a pressing of the shaver to the skin required. Another limitation is that a drive of the shaving head system with the drive pin is possible only within a limited pivot angle range.

Aus der US 5 687 481 ist ein elektrischer Rasierapparat bekannt, dessen Aktuatorträger durch eine gemeinsame Verstelleinrichtung stets gleich sinnig bezüglich einer Vorspannkraft beeinflußbar sind.From the US 5,687,481 is an electric shaver known, the actuator carrier by a common adjustment always sensible with respect to a biasing force can be influenced.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Haarentfernungsgerät mit einem beweglichen Aktuatorkopf und wenigstens zwei Aktuatorelementen möglichst optimal auszubilden.The invention has for its object to form a hair removal device with a movable actuator head and at least two actuator elements optimally.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmalskombination des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the combination of features of claim 1.

Das erfindungsgemäße Haarentfernungsgerät weist einen schwenkbaren Aktuatorkopf mit mindestens zwei Aktuatorelementen zum Entfernen von Haar auf einer Hautfläche auf. Die erfindungsgemäße Besonderheit des Haarentfernungsgeräts besteht dabei darin, daß eine Erfassungseinrichtung zur Erfassung einer Größe vorgesehen ist, die mit der Position des Aktuatorelements relativ zur Hautfläche zusammenhängt sowie wenigstens eine aktiv betätigte Stelleinrichtung zum Verändern der Position des Aktuatorkopfes und eine Steuereinrichtung zur Ansteuerung der Stelleinrichtung abhängig von der erfaßten Größe.The hair removal device according to the invention has a pivotable actuator head with at least two actuator elements for removing hair on a skin surface. The particular feature of the hair removal device according to the invention consists in the fact that a detection device is provided for detecting a size which is related to the position of the actuator relative to the skin surface and at least one actively actuated adjusting device for changing the position of the Aktuatorkopfes and a control device for controlling the adjusting device depending on the recorded size.

Die Erfindung hat den Vorteil, daß damit fortwährend ein optimaler Hautkontakt jedes Aktuatorelements erreicht werden kann. Dies wirkt sich insbesondere dann aus, wenn das Haarentfernungsgerät zwei oder mehr Aktuatorelemente aufweist, die für eine optimale Haarentfernung gleichzeitig in Hautkontakt stehen sollen. Die Erfindung eignet sich daher vor allem für einen Einsatz bei Haarentfernungsgeräten mit mehreren Aktuatorelementen. In bestimmten Anwendungsfällen und insbesondere wenn das Aktuatorelement in mehreren Ebenen beweglich ist, kann ein Einsatz der Erfindung aber auch bei einem Haarentfernungsgerät mit einem einzigen Aktuatorelement vorteilhaft sein. Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung besteht darin, daß die bei einer passiven Positionierung des Aktuatorkopfes bestehenden Einschränkungen bezüglich Gewicht und Geometrie des Aktuatorkopfes sowie bezüglich des zugänglichen Positionierbereichs entfallen.The invention has the advantage that continuous optimal skin contact of each actuator element can be achieved. This has an effect, in particular, when the hair removal device has two or more actuator elements, which should simultaneously be in skin contact for optimal hair removal. The invention is therefore particularly suitable for use in hair removal devices with multiple actuator elements. In certain applications, and in particular when the actuator element is movable in several planes, use of the invention may also be advantageous in a hair removal device with a single actuator element. A further advantage of the invention is that the existing in a passive positioning of the Aktuatorkopf existing restrictions in terms of weight and geometry of the Aktuatorkopfes as well as with respect to the accessible Positionierbereichs.

Im Aktuatorkopf kann ein elektrischer Antrieb für das Aktuatorelement und/oder die Stelleinrichtung angeordnet sein. Ebenso ist es auch möglich, den elektrische Antrieb außerhalb des Aktuatorkopfes anzuordnen und eine Koppeleinrichtung zur Ankopplung des elektrischen Antriebs an den Aktuatorkopf vorzusehen.In the actuator head, an electric drive for the actuator element and / or the adjusting device may be arranged. Likewise, it is also possible to arrange the electric drive outside of the actuator head and to provide a coupling device for coupling the electric drive to the actuator head.

Die Erfassungseinrichtung kann Mittel zur Erfassung des Anpreßdrucks des Aktuatorelements an die Hautfläche, Mittel zur Durchführung eines kapazitiven Meßverfahrens oder Mittel zur Durchführung einer Impedanzmessung aufweisen.The detection device may comprise means for detecting the contact pressure of the actuator element on the skin surface, means for performing a capacitive measurement method or means for performing an impedance measurement.

Bei einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Aktuatorelement elektrisch leitend mit der Steuereinrichtung verbunden. Weiterhin ist beim bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ein Gehäuse vorgesehen, das wenigstens partiell elektrisch leitend ausgebildet ist und elektrisch leitend mit der Steuereinrichtung verbunden ist.In a preferred embodiment, the actuator element is electrically conductively connected to the control device. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, a housing is provided, which is at least partially electrically conductive and is electrically connected to the control device.

Vorteilhaft ist auch die Ausbildung der Erfassungseinrichtung durch optische Mittel. Diese lassen sich insbesondere als Lichtschrankensysteme realisieren.Also advantageous is the formation of the detection device by optical means. These can be realized in particular as light barrier systems.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, die Erfassungseinrichtung durch mindestens einen Weg-, Druck- und/oder Kraftsensor auszubilden.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides to form the detection device by at least one displacement, pressure and / or force sensor.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung besteht insbesondere die Möglichkeit, den Aktuatorkopf und/oder den Aktuatorträger schwenkbar aufzuhängen.In the context of the invention is in particular the possibility of pivoting the actuator head and / or the actuator carrier.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich ist es von Vorteil, wenn eine in mindestens einer Ebene verschiebbare Lagerung des Aktuatorkopfes und/oder des Aktuatorträgers vorgesehen ist.Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if a bearing of the actuator head and / or of the actuator carrier which is displaceable in at least one plane is provided.

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Haarentfernungsgerät kann es sich beispielsweise um einen elektrischen Rasierapparat mit wenigstens einer Scherfolie handeln. Der Rasierapparat kann insbesondere über einen Mittelschneider verfügen, der zwischen zwei Scherfolien angeordnet ist. Dabei ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Scherfolien und der Mittelschneider jeweils elektrisch leitend mit der Steuereinrichtung verbunden sind, da auf diese Weise mit relativ geringem Aufwand Informationen über die Position der Scherfolien erfaßt werden können.The hair removal device according to the invention may be, for example, an electric shaver with at least one shaving foil. The razor may in particular have a central cutter which is arranged between two shear films. It is advantageous if the shaving foils and the central cutter are each electrically connected to the control device, since in this way information about the position of the shear foils can be detected with relatively little effort.

Es ist des weiteren auch möglich, das erfindungsgemäße Haarentfernungsgerät als Epiliergerät mit wenigstens einer Zupfeinheit auszubilden, da auch bei dieser Anwendung ein guter Hautkontakt vorteilhaft ist.Furthermore, it is also possible to form the hair removal device according to the invention as an epilator with at least one plucking unit, since good skin contact is also advantageous in this application.

Beim Verfahren zum Positionieren wenigstens zweier Aktuatorelemente eines Haarentfernungsgeräts zum Entfernen von Haar auf einer Hautfläche wird eine Größe erfaßt, die mit der tatsächlichen Position des Aktuatorelements relativ zur Hautfläche zusammenhängt und das Aktuatorelement wird abhängig von der erfaßten Größe aktiv positioniert. Die Positionierung der Aktuatorelemente erfolgt mit Hilfe eines Aktuatorkopfes mit mindestens zwei Aktuatorelementen oder mit Hilfe wenigstens zweier Aktuatorträger, die wenigstens ein Aktuatorelement aufweisen. Dadurch sind nahezu beliebige Positionierbewegungen möglich.In the method of positioning at least two actuator elements of a hair removal device to remove hair on a skin surface, a size associated with the actual position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface is sensed and the actuator element is actively positioned depending on the sensed amount. The positioning of the actuator elements takes place with the aid of an actuator head with at least two actuator elements or with the aid of at least two actuator carriers which have at least one actuator element. As a result, almost any positioning movements are possible.

Wenn die Erfassung der Größe fortwährend wiederholt wird, kann den bei der Handhabung des Haarentfernungsgeräts sich ständig ändernden Bedingungen optimal Rechnung getragen werden. In einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel wird das Aktuatorelement so positioniert, daß ein Hautkontakt vorliegt. Um eine gewisse Dynamik zu ermöglichen, kann die Geschwindigkeit der Positionierung von der erfaßten Größe abhängen, so daß grobe Fehlpositionierungen schnell ausgeglichen werden können. Weiterhin kann die Geschwindigkeit der Positionierung während des Positioniervorgangs variiert werden. Um jeweils eine definierte Ausgangsposition zu schaffen, kann es vorteilhaft sein, das Aktuatorelement bei vorgebbaren Werten der erfaßten Größe in eine Grundposition zu bringen. In einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel wird ein Stromfluß erfaßt, der durch eine Berührung des Aktuatorelements mit der Hautfläche zustande kommt.If the detection of the size is repeated continuously, the conditions that are constantly changing when handling the hair removal device can be optimally taken into account. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator element is positioned so that there is skin contact. To enable a certain dynamic, the Depend on the speed of the positioning of the detected size, so that gross misalignments can be compensated quickly. Furthermore, the speed of positioning during the positioning process can be varied. In order in each case to create a defined starting position, it may be advantageous to bring the actuator element into a basic position at predefinable values of the detected variable. In a preferred embodiment, a current flow is detected, which comes about by a contact of the actuator with the skin surface.

Die Positionierung des Aktuatorelements kann durch eine Schwenkbewegung erfolgen, wobei insbesondere auch Schwenkbewegungen bezüglich unterschiedlicher Schwenkachsen ausgeführt werden können. Letzteres kommt dann zum Tragen, wenn sowohl ein schwenkbarer Aktuatorkopf als auch wenigstens ein schwenkbarer Aktuatorträger oder wenn mehrere schwenkbare Aktuatorträger vorhanden sind.The positioning of the actuator can be done by a pivoting movement, in particular also pivoting movements with respect to different pivot axes can be performed. The latter comes into play when both a pivotable actuator head and at least one pivotable actuator carrier or when several pivotable actuator carrier are present.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich zur Verschwenkbarkeit ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Positionierung des Aktuatorkopfes oder des Aktuatorträgers durch eine Verschiebung in mindestens einer Ebene erfolgt.Alternatively or in addition to the pivotability, it is advantageous if the positioning of the actuator head or of the actuator carrier takes place by a displacement in at least one plane.

Die Erfindung wird nachstehend an Hand der in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele erläutert.The invention will be explained below with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Es zeigen

Fig. 1
eine Funktionsskizze für ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten elektrischen Rasierapparats,
Fig. 2
ein Ausführungsbeispiel des elektrischen Rasierapparats mit einem Antrieb außerhalb des Scherkopfes schematisch in perspektivischer Darstellung,
Fig. 3
ein Ausführungsbeispiel des elektrischen Rasierapparats mit mehrfach beweglichen Scherelementen in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung,
Fig. 4
ein nicht unter die Erfindung fallendes Ausführungsbeispiel des elektrischen Rasierapparats mit einem andersartigen Scherkopfsystem in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung und
Fig. 5
ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Epiliergeräts in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung.
Fig. 6 - 10
zeigen weitere Ausführungsbeispiele mit unterschiedlichen Sensoren zur Meßgrößenerfassung.
Show it
Fig. 1
a functional diagram for an embodiment of an inventive electric shaver,
Fig. 2
an embodiment of the electric shaver with a drive outside of the shaving head schematically in perspective view,
Fig. 3
an embodiment of the electric shaver with multiple movable shear elements in one Fig. 2 appropriate representation,
Fig. 4
a not falling under the invention embodiment of the electric shaver with a different shaving head system in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation and
Fig. 5
An embodiment of an inventively embodied epilator in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation.
Fig. 6 - 10
show further embodiments with different sensors for Meßgrößenerfassung.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Funktionsskizze für ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten elektrischen Rasierapparats. Die Darstellung bezieht sich auf eine Situation während der Durchführung einer Rasur, wobei einzelne Funktionselemente des Rasierapparats stark schematisiert abgebildet sind und eine mögliche Verdrahtung von elektronischen Komponenten eingezeichnet ist, die für die Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Positionierverfahrens eingesetzt werden. Das dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel des Rasierapparats weist einen schwenkbaren Scherkopf 1 auf, der um eine Achse senkrecht zur Zeichenebene schwenkbar gelagert ist. Der Scherkopf 1 weist eine erste Scherfolie 2, eine zweite Scherfolie 3 und einen zwischen den Scherfolien 2 und 3 angeordneten Mittelschneider 4 auf. In der dargestellten Situation befindet sich die zweite Scherfolie 3 in einem berührenden Kontakt mit einer Hautfläche 5 eines Benutzers 6. Der Scherkopf 1 wird mittels einer Stelleinrichtung 7 relativ zu einem Gehäuse 8 geschwenkt, das der Benutzer 6 in der Hand hält. Die beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 sowie der Mittelschneider 4 sind jeweils elektrisch leitend mit einer elektronischen Schaltung 9 verbunden, wobei die erste Scherfolie 2 mit der Basis eines ersten Transistors 10, die zweite Scherfolie 3 mit der Basis eines zweiten Transistors 11 und der Mittelschneider 4 mit der Basis eines dritten Transistors 12 verbunden sind. Die Emitter der Transistoren 10, 11 und 12 sind mit Masse verbunden. Kollektorseitig ist der erste Transistor 10 mit einem mit F1 bezeichneten Eingang einer Steuerlogik 13 und mit einem ersten Kollektorwiderstand 14 verbunden. Der zweite Transistor 11 ist mit einem mit F2 bezeichneten Eingang der Steuerlogik 13 und mit einem zweiten Kollektorwiderstand 15 verbunden und der dritte Transistor 12 ist mit einem mit MS bezeichneten Eingang der Steuerlogik 13 und mit einem dritten Kollektorwiderstand 16 verbunden. Die Steuerlogik 13 weist einen mit Z bezeichneten Ausgang auf, der über eine Treiberstufe 17 mit der Stelleinrichtung 7 verbunden ist. Die Kollektorwiderstände 14, 15 und 16 sind weiterhin untereinander verbunden und liegen, ebenso wie das Gehäuse 8, das der Benutzer 6 in der Hand hält, auf einem elektrischen Potential Vdd. Vom Gehäuse 8 besteht über den Benutzer 6 eine mit einem Körperwiderstand 18 behaftete elektrische Verbindung zur zweiten Scherfolie 3. Um dies zu ermöglichen, ist das Gehäuse 8 wenigstens partiell elektrisch leitend ausgebildet. Je nach Position des Scherkopfes 1 können entsprechende elektrische Verbindungen auch zum Mittelschneider 4 und zur ersten Scherfolie 2 bestehen. Der Körperwiderstand 18 repräsentiert den insgesamt zwischen der Hautfläche 5 und der Hand des Benutzers 6 wirksamen elektrischen Widerstand. Fig. 1 shows a functional diagram for an embodiment of an inventive electric shaver. The illustration relates to a situation during the implementation of a shave, wherein individual functional elements of the shaver are shown in a highly schematic and a possible wiring of electronic components is shown, which are used for carrying out the positioning method according to the invention. The illustrated embodiment of the razor has a pivotable shaving head 1, which is mounted pivotably about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The shaving head 1 has a first shaving foil 2, a second shaving foil 3 and a middle cutter 4 arranged between the shearing foils 2 and 3. In the illustrated situation, the second shearing foil 3 is in touching contact with a skin surface 5 of a user 6. The shaving head 1 is pivoted by means of an adjusting device 7 relative to a housing 8, which the user 6 holds in his hand. The two shear films 2 and 3 and the central cutter 4 are each electrically connected to an electronic circuit 9, wherein the first foil 2 with the base of a first transistor 10, the second foil 3 with the base of a second transistor 11 and the central 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. On the collector side, the first transistor 10 is connected to an input designated F1 of a control logic 13 and to a first collector resistor 14. The second transistor 11 is connected to a designated F2 input of the control logic 13 and to a second collector resistor 15 and the third transistor 12 is connected to a designated MS input of the control logic 13 and a third collector resistor 16. The control logic 13 has an output labeled Z, which is connected via a driver stage 17 to the actuator 7. The collector resistors 14, 15 and 16 are further connected to each other and are, as well as the housing 8, which holds the user 6 in the hand, at an electrical potential Vdd. From the housing 8 there is an electrical connection to the second shaving foil 3 which is subject to a body resistance 18 via the user 6. In order to make this possible, the housing 8 is at least partially electrically conductive. Depending on the position of the shaving head 1, corresponding electrical connections can also be made to the central cutter 4 and to the first shearing foil 2. The body resistance 18 represents the total between the skin surface 5 and the hand of the user 6 effective electrical resistance.

Bei dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel besteht das erfindungsgemäße Funktionsprinzip darin, daß der Scherkopf 1 jeweils so geschwenkt wird, daß die beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegen. Hierzu ist zum einen eine Information darüber ertorderlich, ob die beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 tatsächlich an der Hautfläche 5 anliegen und zum anderen ein Mechanismus, der den Scherkopf 1 von einer Position, in der wenigstens eine der Scherfolien 2 und 3 nicht an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt, in eine Position schwenkt, in der beide Scherfolien 2 und 3 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegen. Die Information, welche der Scherfolien 2 und 3 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt, wird dadurch gewonnen, daß mit der in Fig. 1 abgebildeten elektronischen Schaltung 9 für beide Scherfolien 2 und 3 geprüft wird, ob ein Stromfluß zustande kommt. Der Stromfluß verläuft jeweils über den Körperwiderstand 18 und kann somit nur dann ausgebildet werden, wenn die jeweilige Scherfolie 2 bzw. 3 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt. Falls beispielsweise entsprechend der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Situation die zweite Scherfolie 3 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt und somit ein Stromfluß durch den Körperwiderstand 18 zur Basis des zweiten Transistors 11 ausgebildet wird, schaltet der zweite Transistor 11 durch und legt den Eingang F2 der Steuerlogik 13, der andernfalls auf dem elektrischen Potential Vdd liegt, auf Masse. Entsprechendes gilt auch für die erste Scherfolie 2, wenn diese an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt. Da für die Durchschaltung der Transistoren 10, 11, 12 nur sehr geringe Ströme benötigt werden, ist der Stromfluß durch den Körperwiderstand 18 für den Benutzer 6 absolut gefahrlos und nicht wahrnehmbar.At the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, the principle of the invention is that the shaving head 1 is pivoted in each case so that the two shear films 2 and 3 abut the skin surface 5. For this purpose, on the one hand information about it is required, whether the two shear foils 2 and 3 actually abut the skin surface 5 and, on the other hand, a mechanism which pivots the shaving head 1 from a position in which at least one of the shearing foils 2 and 3 does not bear against the skin surface 5 to a position in which both shear films 2 and 3 abut the skin surface 5. The information which is applied to the shear surface 2 and 3 on the skin surface 5, is obtained by that with the in Fig. 1 shown electronic circuit 9 is checked for both shear films 2 and 3, if a current flow is established. The flow of current in each case passes over the body resistance 18 and can thus only be formed when the respective shearing foil 2 or 3 bears against the skin surface 5. If, for example, according to the in Fig. 1 shown situation, the second foil 3 is applied to the skin surface 5 and thus a current flow through the body resistor 18 is formed to the base of the second transistor 11, the second transistor 11 turns on and sets the input F2 of the control logic 13, which is otherwise at the electrical potential Vdd lies, on earth. The same applies to the first foil 2, if this rests against the skin surface 5. Since only very small currents are required for the switching through of the transistors 10, 11, 12, the current flow through the body resistor 18 for the user 6 is absolutely safe and imperceptible.

Die Steuerlogik 13 wertet die an ihren Eingängen anliegenden Signale aus und steuert abhängig davon die Treiberstufe 17 an, die wiederum die Stelleinrichtung 7 in entsprechender Weise steuert, so daß der Scherkopf 1 auf eine gewünschte Weise geschwenkt wird. Die Auswertung durch die Steuerlogik 13 erfolgt gemäß einer als Tabelle 1 dargestellten Wahrheitstabelle, die jeder Kombination von Signalen an den Eingängen F1, F2 und MS einen Steuerbefehl am Ausgang Z der Steuerlogik 13 zuordnet. Für einen Eingang der Steuerlogik 13, der auf Masse liegt, erscheint in der Wahrheitstabelle jeweils eine "0" und für einen Eingang auf dem elektrischen Potential Vdd jeweils eine "1", d. h. bei einer "0" liegt ein Hautkontakt vor und bei einer "1" liegt kein Hautkontakt vor. Das Signal am Eingang MS der Steuerlogik 13 sagt aus, ob der Mittelschneider 4 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt und wird in einer den Signalen an den Eingängen F1 und F2 entsprechenden Weise ermittelt. Die Berücksichtigung des Signals am Eingang MS der Steuerlogik 13 ist nicht unbedingt erforderlich, ermöglicht aber eine bessere Steuerung des Scherkopfes 1, da auf diese Weise auch Zwischenpositionen berücksichtigt werden können. Tabelle1: Wahrheitstabelle F1 F2 MS Z 0 0 0 Stop 0 0 1 Stop 1 1 0 Stop 1 1 1 Stop 1 0 0 Rechtslauf /langsam 1 0 1 Rechtslauf / schnell 0 1 0 Linkslauf / langsam 0 1 1 Linkslauf / schnell The control logic 13 evaluates the signals present at their inputs and controls depending on the driver stage 17, which in turn controls the actuator 7 in a corresponding manner, so that the shaving head 1 is pivoted in a desired manner. The evaluation by the control logic 13 is carried out according to a truth table shown in Table 1, which assigns a control command at the output Z of the control logic 13 to each combination of signals at the inputs F1, F2 and MS. For an input of the control logic 13, which is grounded, appears in the truth table in each case a "0" and for an input at the electrical potential Vdd in each case a "1", ie at a "0" is in front of a skin contact and at a " 1 "is no skin contact. The signal at the input MS of the control logic 13 indicates whether the central cutter 4 abuts against the skin surface 5 and is detected in a manner corresponding to the signals at the inputs F1 and F2. The consideration of the signal at the input MS of the control logic 13 is not essential, but allows a better control of the shaving head 1, as in this way, intermediate positions can be considered. Table 1: Truth table F1 F2 MS Z 0 0 0 Stop 0 0 1 Stop 1 1 0 Stop 1 1 1 Stop 1 0 0 Clockwise / slow 1 0 1 Clockwise / fast 0 1 0 Anti-clockwise / slow 0 1 1 Anticlockwise / fast

Wie aus der Wahrheitstabelle hervorgeht, verharrt der Scherkopf 1 in seiner Position, wenn entweder beide Scherfolien 2 und 3 gemeinsam oder keine der beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegen. Dabei ist es jeweils unerheblich, ob der Mittelschneider 4 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt oder nicht. In einer Variante ist es auch möglich, den Scherkopf 1 langsam in eine Grundposition zu schwenken, wenn keine der beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt. Liegt lediglich die erste Scherfolie 2 nicht an der Hautfläche 5 an, so wird die Stelleinrichtung 7 bei der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Geometrie langsam nach rechts, d. h. im Uhrzeigersinn, gedreht und damit der Scherkopf 1 nach links geschwenkt. Liegt zudem auch der Mittelschneider 4 nicht an der Hautfläche 5 an, so wird von einer stärkeren Fehlpositionierung des Scherkopfes 1 ausgegangen und die Stelleinrichtung 7 daher schnell nach rechts gedreht. Umgekehrt erfolgen eine langsame Linksdrehung der Stelleinrichtung 7, wenn lediglich die zweite Scherfolie 3 nicht an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt und eine schnelle Linksdrehung wenn zudem der Mittelschneider 4 nicht an der Hautfläche 5 anliegt.As can be seen from the truth table, the shaving head 1 remains in its position when either both shaving foils 2 and 3 together or none of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 abut the skin surface 5. It is irrelevant whether the central cutter 4 rests against the skin surface 5 or not. In a variant, it is also possible to pivot the shaving head 1 slowly into a basic position when neither of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 rests against the skin surface 5. If only the first shearing foil 2 does not lie against the skin surface 5, then the adjusting device 7 will be in the position at Fig. 1 shown geometry slowly to the right, ie clockwise, rotated and thus the shaving head 1 pivoted to the left. If, in addition, the central cutter 4 does not lie against the skin surface 5, a stronger mispositioning of the shaving head 1 is assumed, and the setting device 7 is therefore quickly turned to the right. Conversely, a slow turn to the left of the adjusting device 7, if only the second shaving foil 3 is not applied to the skin surface 5 and a quick turn to the left when in addition the central cutter 4 is not applied to the skin surface 5.

Die Schaltung 9 dient zum einen als eine Erfassungseinrichtung zur Erfassung von Informationen bezüglich der Position der beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 und zum anderen als Steuereinrichtung zum Ansteuern der Stelleinrichtung 7 abhängig von den erfaßten Informationen. Die Erfassung und die Steuerung werden dabei immer wieder durchgeführt, indem die Prüfung, ob ein Stromfluß durch den Körperwiderstand 18 vorliegt und die Auswertung gemäß der Wahrheitstabelle fortwährend wiederholt werden. Dabei wird die Position des Scherkopfes 1 solange verändert, bis der gewünschte Hautkontakt der beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 vorliegt. Der Hautkontakt der beiden Scherfolien 2 und 3 wird somit durch eine Art Regelkreis hergestellt. Um die Dynamik weiter zu erhöhen und eine starke Fehlpositionierung des Scherkopfes 1 möglichst schnell auszugleichen ist es zudem möglich, die jeweilige Geschwindigkeit während der Positionierung des Scherkopfes 1 zu erhöhen.The circuit 9 serves, on the one hand, as a detection device for detecting information relating to the position of the two shaving foils 2 and 3 and, on the other hand, as a control device for actuating the actuating device 7 as a function of the detected information. The detection and the control are thereby repeatedly performed by the test whether a current flow through the body resistor 18 is present and the evaluation according to the truth table are repeated continuously. The position of the shaving head 1 is changed until the desired skin contact of the two shear films 2 and 3 is present. The skin contact of the two shear films 2 and 3 is thus produced by a kind of control loop. To further increase the dynamics and a strong misalignment of the To compensate shaving head 1 as quickly as possible, it is also possible to increase the respective speed during the positioning of the shaving head 1.

Wenn beide Scherfolien 2 und 3 Kontakt mit der Haut haben, kann der Differenz der beiden elektrischen Widerstände bzw. die Differenz der Impendanzen zwischen je einer Scherfolie und dem Gehäuse 8 zur genaueren Positionierung des Scherkopfes 1 genutzt werden. Eine solche Differenz tritt dann auf, wenn der Hautkontakt der beiden Scherfolien unterschiedlich ist, d.h. wenn eine Scherfolie stärker an die Haut angedrückt wird als die andere. Dann wird der Scherkopf solange geschwenkt, bis die beiden Widerstände bzw. Impedanzen gleich sind und damit beide Scherfolien genau gleich stark an die Haut angedrückt werden. Dies ist für eine optimale Rasur besonders vorteilhaft.If both shaving foils 2 and 3 have contact with the skin, the difference between the two electrical resistances or the difference in impedance between each shearing foil and the housing 8 can be used for more accurate positioning of the shaving head 1. Such a difference occurs when the skin contact of the two sheeting is different, i. when a foil is more pressed against the skin than the other. Then the shaving head is swiveled until the two resistors or impedances are the same and thus both shaving foils are pressed exactly the same amount to the skin. This is particularly advantageous for optimal shaving.

Als Zusatzfunktion zu der vorstehend beschriebenen Schwenkfunktion zur Optimierung des Hautkontakts kann eine Parkfunktion realisiert sein, gemäß der der Scherkopf 1 beim Abschalten des Rasierapparats in eine Parkposition geschwenkt wird. In der Parkposition weisen die Scherfolien 2 und 3 zum Gehäuse 8 hin und sind somit vor einer Beschädigung durch äußere Einwirkungen geschützt. Ebenso ist es möglich, den Scherkopf 1 so auszubilden, daß durch Schwenken des Scherkopfes 1 anstelle des Scherfoliensystems ein alternatives Schersystem, beispielsweise ein Langhaarschneider oder ein Schersystem für Problemzonen in eine Anwendungsposition gebracht wird. Weitere Zusatzfunktionen können darin bestehen, daß eine Steuerung von Anzeigeelementen oder ein automatisches Einschalten des Rasierapparats abhängig davon erfolgt, ob das Gehäuse 8 berührt wird bzw. ob eine Komponente des Scherkopfes 1 in Hautkontakt steht. Insbesondere ist es auch möglich, die Antriebsleistung des Rasierapparats zu reduzieren, wenn keine der Komponenten des Scherkopfes 1 in Hautkontakt steht. Letzteres bietet sich insbesondere dann an, wenn der Rasierapparat mit einem Linearmotor ausgestattet ist.As an additional function to the above-described pivoting function for optimizing the skin contact, a parking function can be implemented, according to which the shaving head 1 is pivoted when switching off the shaver in a parking position. In the park position, the shaving foils 2 and 3 point towards the housing 8 and are therefore protected against damage due to external influences. It is also possible to form the shaving head 1 in such a way that an alternative shaving system, for example a long-hair trimmer or a shearing system for problem zones, is brought into an application position by pivoting the shaving head 1 instead of the shaving foil system. Other additional functions may be that a control of display elements or an automatic switching on the shaver depending on whether the housing 8 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 when 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.

Als eine weitere Zusatzfunktion kann eine Langhaarschneider-Funktion realisiert sein. Dabei kann der Scherkopf vom Benutzer per Knopfdruck in eine Position geschwenkt werden, in der ein am Scherkopf an geeigneter Stelle angebrachter an sich bekannter Langhaarschneider besonders vorteilhaft benutzt werden kann. Ein derartiger Langhaarschneider weist beispielsweise einen feststehenden Kamm, der mit einer oszillierend angetriebenen Schneidstege aufweisenden Klinge zusammenarbeitet, auf.As a further additional function, a long-hair trimmer function can be realized. In this case, the shaving head can be pivoted by the user by pressing a button into a position in which a shaving head at a suitable location attached per se known long-hair trimmer can be used particularly advantageous. Such a long-hair trimmer has, for example, a fixed comb, which cooperates with a blade having an oscillatingly driven cutting webs.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Rasierapparat kann das gesamte Antriebssystem, d. h. sowohl der oszillierende Antrieb einzelner Komponenten des Scherkopfes 1 als auch die Stelleinrichtung 7 zum Schwenken des Scherkopfes 1 im Scherkopf 1 integriert sein. Dies ermöglicht beliebige Schwenkwinkel des Scherkopfes 1. Ebenso ist es auch möglich, die jeweiligen Antriebe außerhalb des Scherkopfes 1 im Gehäuse 8 des Rasierapparats anzuordnen. Ein derartiges Ausführungsbeispiel ist in Fig. 2 dargestellt.In the razor according to the invention, the entire drive system, ie both the oscillating drive of individual components of the shaving head 1 and the adjusting device 7 be integrated to pivot the shaving head 1 in the shaving head 1. Likewise, it is also possible to arrange the respective drives outside of the shaving head 1 in the housing 8 of the shaver. Such an embodiment is in Fig. 2 shown.

Fig. 2 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel des Rasierapparats mit einem Antrieb außerhalb des Scherkopfes 1 schematisch in perspektivischer Darstellung. Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist ein Elektromotor 19 im Gehäuse 8 angeordnet. Die Bewegung des Elektromotors 19 wird mittels eines Riemens 20 in den Bereich des Scherkopfes 1 übertragen. Statt des Riemens 20 können zur Übertragung der Bewegung beispielsweise auch Zahnräder eingesetzt werden. Im Scherkopf 1 ist der Riemen 20 an ein Getriebe 21 angekoppelt, das eine Anpassung der mit dem Riemen 20 übertragenen Bewegung an die Erfordernisse des Scherkopfes 1 durchführt und zwei Scherelemente 22 antreibt, die beispielsweise aus einer Scherfolie und einem Messerblock bestehen können, die in Fig. 2 nicht eigens dargestellt sind. Weiterhin weist das Getriebe 21 ein nicht eigens dargestelltes Kupplungselement auf, mit dessen Hilfe eine Schwenkbewegung des Scherkopfes 1 um eine Schwenkachse 23 ausgelöst werden kann. Das Kupplungselement wird abhängig von der tatsächlichen Position des Scherkopfes 1 elektronisch gesteuert, wobei die in Fig. 1 dargestellte elektronische Schaltung 9 und das dort beschriebene Steuerverfahren in entsprechender Weise eingesetzt werden können. Trotz der Anordnung des Elektromotors 19 außerhalb des Scherkopfes 1 läßt sich mit dem in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel für den Scherkopf 1 ein großer Schwenkbereich von +/-180 ° realisieren. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the razor with a drive outside of the shaving head 1 schematically in perspective view. In this embodiment, an electric motor 19 is arranged in the housing 8. The movement of the electric motor 19 is transmitted by means of a belt 20 in the region of the shaving head 1. Instead of the belt 20, for example, gears can also be used to transmit the movement. In the shaving head 1, the belt 20 is coupled to a gear 21, which performs an adaptation of the transmitted with the belt 20 movement to the requirements of the shaving head 1 and two shear elements 22 drives, which may consist of a foil and a knife block, for example, in Fig. 2 are not shown separately. Furthermore, the gear 21 has a not specifically illustrated coupling element, by means of which a pivoting movement of the shaving head 1 about a pivot axis 23 can be triggered. The coupling element is controlled electronically depending on the actual position of the shaving head 1, wherein the in Fig. 1 represented electronic circuit 9 and the control method described therein can be used in a corresponding manner. Despite the arrangement of the electric motor 19 outside of the shaving head 1 can be with the in Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment of the shaving head 1 realize a large pivoting range of +/- 180 °.

Neben den bislang beschriebenen Anwendungen bei Rasierapparaten mit einem schwenkbaren, aber ansonsten starr ausgebildeten Scherkopf 1 ist die Erfindung auch bei andersartig aufgebauten Rasierapparaten einsetzbar. Derartige Ausführungsbeispiele sind in den Fig. 3 und 4 dargestellt.In addition to the previously described applications in razors with a pivotable, but otherwise rigid trained shaving head 1, the invention can also be used in differently constructed razors. Such embodiments are in the 3 and 4 shown.

Fig. 3 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel des elektrischen Rasierapparats mit mehrfach beweglichen Scherelementen 22 in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung. Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ist der Scherkopf 1 analog zum Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 2 um die Schwenkachse 23 schwenkbar. Im Gegensatz zu Fig. 2 weist dieses Ausführungsbeispiel jedoch eine weitere Schwenkmöglichkeit um eine weitere Schwenkachse 24 auf, die senkrecht zur Schwenkachse 23 orientiert ist. Die zusätzliche Schwenkmöglichkeit beruht darauf, daß zwei schwenkbare Träger 25 vorgesehen sind, auf denen jeweils zwei Scherelemente 22 angeordnet sind. Sowohl die Schwenkbewegung um die Schwenkachse 23 als auch die Schwenkbewegung um die weitere Schwenkachse 24 kann entsprechend dem erfindungsgemäßen Prinzip in aktiver Weise erfolgen. Dabei kann wiederum grundsätzlich von der elektronischen Schaltung 9 und dem Steuerverfahren des in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels Gebrauch gemacht werden, wobei allerdings einige Anpassungen in Form von zusätzlichen Stelleinrichtungen 7 zum eigenständigen Schwenken der Träger 25 und eine entsprechende Einbeziehung der zusätzlichen Schwenkbewegung in das Steuerverfahren vorzunehmen sind. Wegen der relativ komplexen Bewegungsabläufe empfiehlt es sich bei diesen Ausführungsbeispiel, den Antrieb im Scherkopf 1 anzuordnen. Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the electric shaver with multiple movable shear elements 22 in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation. In this embodiment, the shaving head 1 is analogous to the embodiment of Fig. 2 pivotable about the pivot axis 23. In contrast to Fig. 2 However, this embodiment has a further pivoting possibility about a further pivot axis 24, which is oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis 23. The additional pivoting possibility is based on the fact that two pivotable supports 25 are provided, on each of which two shear elements 22 are arranged. Both the pivoting movement about the pivot axis 23 and the Pivoting movement about the further pivot axis 24 can take place in an active manner in accordance with the principle according to the invention. In turn, in principle of the electronic circuit 9 and the control method of in Fig. 1 However, some adjustments in the form of additional adjusting devices 7 for independently pivoting the carrier 25 and a corresponding inclusion of the additional pivoting movement in the control method are made use of. Because of the relatively complex movement sequences, it is recommended in this embodiment to arrange the drive in the shaving head 1.

Fig. 4 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel des Rasierapparats mit einem andersartigen Scherkopfsystem in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung. Bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel weist der Rasierapparat keinen schwenkbaren Scherkopf 1, sondern einen feststehenden Scherkopf 1 mit drei unabhängig voneinander beweglichen Trägern 25 auf, auf denen jeweils zwei Scherelemente 22 angeordnet sind. Im Gegensatz zu Fig. 3 sind die Träger 25 nicht parallel zueinander angeordnet, sondern schließen miteinander jeweils einen Winkel von 120° ein und sind somit gleichmäßig über den Scherkopf 1 verteilt. Trotz der Unterschiede in der Geometrie kommt auch bei diesem Ausführungsbeispiel das erfindungsgemäße Prinzip der aktiven Positionierung der Scherelemente 22 zur Anwendung, indem für jeden der drei Träger 25 ermittelt wird, inwieweit die Scherelemente 22 in Hautkontakt stehen und abhängig davon die Position der Träger 25 mit Hilfe von Stelleinrichtungen 7, die in der Darstellung der Fig. 4 nicht sichtbar sind, aktiv eingestellt wird. Die Positionierung der einzelnen Träger 25 erfolgt dabei unabhängig voneinander mit dem jeweiligen Ziel, einen möglichst optimalen Hautkontakt für die darauf angeordneten Scherelemente 22 herzustellen. Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the shaver with a different shaving head system in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation. In this embodiment, the shaver has no pivotable shaving head 1, but a fixed shaving head 1 with three independently movable supports 25, on each of which two shearing elements 22 are arranged. In contrast to Fig. 3 the carriers 25 are not arranged parallel to each other, but each enclose with each other an angle of 120 ° and are thus uniformly distributed over the shaving head 1. Despite the differences in geometry, the inventive principle of active positioning of the shear elements 22 is also used in this embodiment by determining for each of the three carriers 25 to what extent the shear elements 22 are in skin contact and depending on the position of the carrier 25 with the help of adjusting devices 7, which in the representation of Fig. 4 are not visible, is actively set. The positioning of the individual carriers 25 takes place independently of each other with the respective goal of producing the best possible skin contact for the shear elements 22 arranged thereon.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich nicht nur auf Rasierapparate, sondern kann auch beispielsweise auch bei Epiliergeräten eingesetzt werden.The invention relates not only to shavers, but can also be used for example in epilators.

Fig. 5 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Epiliergeräts in einer Fig. 2 entsprechenden Darstellung. Dieses Ausführungsbeispiel ist bezüglich seines Aufbaus dem in Fig. 3 dargestellten Rasierapparat sehr ähnlich. So weist das Epiliergerät einen relativ zum Gehäuse 8 um die Schwenkachse 23 schwenkbaren Epilierkopf 26 auf. Der Epilierkopf 26 verfügt über vier rotierende Zupfeinheiten 27, die jeweils derart in seitlichen Halterungen 28 befestigt sind, daß eine Schwenkbewegung möglich ist. Bei der in Fig. 5 dargestellten Geometrie ergeben sich dadurch zwei weitere Schwenkachsen 29 und 30, die parallel zueinander und senkrecht zur Schwenkachse 23 des Epilierkopfes 26 angeordnet sind. Analog zum Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 3 können der gesamte Epilierkopf 26 und die einzelnen Zupfeinheiten 27 jeweils so geschwenkt werden, daß sich für die einzelnen Zupfeinheiten 27 ein möglichst optimaler Hautkontakt ergibt. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of an inventively embodied epilator in one Fig. 2 corresponding representation. This embodiment is similar in structure to that in FIG Fig. 3 Shaver very similar. Thus, the epilator has a relative to the housing 8 about the pivot axis 23 pivotable epilation head 26. The epilation head 26 has four rotating plucking units 27, which are each secured in lateral holders 28 so that a pivoting movement is possible. At the in Fig. 5 shown geometry, this results in two further pivot axes 29 and 30, which are arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pivot axis 23 of the epilation head 26 are. Analogous to the embodiment of Fig. 3 For example, the entire epilation head 26 and the individual plucking units 27 can each be pivoted in such a way that the optimal possible skin contact results for the individual plucking units 27.

Alternativ zur beschriebenen Feststellung eines Hautkontakts durch Registrierung eines Stromflusses können bei allen Ausführungsbeispielen auch andere Vorgehensweisen zur Erfassung von Informationen bezüglich der Position der haarentfernenden Elemente relativ zur Hautfläche 5 zur Anwendung kommen. So können beispielsweise Kraft-, Weg- oder Drucksensoren verwendet werden und auch induktiv, kapazitiv oder optisch/elektronisch arbeitende Verfahren eingesetzt werden.As an alternative to the described determination of a skin contact by registering a current flow, in all exemplary embodiments, other procedures for acquiring information regarding the position of the hair-removing elements relative to the skin surface 5 may also be used. For example, force, displacement or pressure sensors can be used and inductively, capacitively or optically / electronically operating methods can be used.

Weitere erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsformen von Sensorsystemen zur Erfassung der Position des Aktuatorelements relativ zur Hautfläche sind in den Figuren 6 bis 10 dargestellt.Further embodiments of sensor systems according to the invention for detecting the position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface are shown in FIGS FIGS. 6 to 10 shown.

Hierzu zeigt Fig. 6 schematisch in Front- und Seitenansicht einen Scherkopf 1, an dessen lateralen Begrenzungen einerseits mindestens ein Lichtsender 31 und gegenüberliegend mindestens ein Lichtempfänger 32 angeordnet ist. Im vorliegenden Beispiel sind jeweils zwei Lichtsender 31 und zwei Lichtempfänger 32 angeordnet, die jeweils auf Höhe der Scherfolien 2, 3 positioniert sind. Dies ist insbesondere der Seitenansicht in Fig. 6 zu entnehmen. Die Lichtsender 31 und die Lichtempfänger 32 wirken als Transmissionslichtschranken, welche das durch die Scherfolien 2, 3 gebildete Rasierfeld einschließen. Sie erfassen die Lage der Hautfläche 5 relativ zur Scherfolie 2, 3 und übermitteln die Meßsignale an eine zugeordnete Signalverarbeitungsvorrichtung, welche dann die Scherkopfsteuerung kontrolliert.This shows Fig. 6 schematically in front and side view of a shaving head 1, at the lateral boundaries on the one hand at least one light emitter 31 and opposite at least one light receiver 32 is arranged. In the present example, two light emitters 31 and two light receivers 32 are arranged, which are each positioned at the level of the shear foils 2, 3. This is especially the side view in Fig. 6 refer to. The light emitters 31 and the light receivers 32 act as transmission light barriers, which enclose the shaving field formed by the shear foils 2, 3. They detect the position of the skin surface 5 relative to the foil 2, 3 and transmit the measuring signals to an associated signal processing device, which then controls the shaving head control.

Fig. 7 zeigt eine Anordnung von Lichtsendern 31 und Lichtempfängern 32, welche als Reflex-Lichtschranken wirken. Hierzu ist jeweils ein Lichtsender 31 und ein Lichtempfänger 32 mit seitlichem Abstand einerseits auf der Frontseite 33 des Scherkopfes 1 angeordnet und die gleiche Anordnung befindet sich auch auf der Rückseite 34. Fig. 7 shows an arrangement of light emitters 31 and light receivers 32, which act as reflex photoelectric sensors. For this purpose, a respective light emitter 31 and a light receiver 32 with a lateral spacing on the one hand on the front side 33 of the shaving head 1 is arranged and the same arrangement is also located on the back 34th

Während bei der Ausführung gemäß Fig. 6 beim Eintauchen der Hautoberfläche 5 zwischen die durch den Lichtsender 31 und den Lichtempfänger 32 definierte Lichtschranke die Lichtmenge entsprechend der Eintauchtiefe reduziert, ist bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 7 charakteristisch, daß das von den Lichtsendern 31 ausgesendete Licht von der Hautfläche 5 reflektiert und in Abhängigkeit von der Relativlage der Hautfläche 5 zum Scherkopf 1 reflektiert und den Lichtempfängern 32 zugeführt wird. Entsprechend dem Abstand zwischen Scherfolie 2, 3 und der Hautfläche 5 wird den an der Frontseite 33 und an der Rückseite 34 angebrachten Lichtempfängern 32 eine entsprechende Lichtintensität zugeführt, welche diese dann als entsprechendes elektrisches Signal an die zugeordnete Steuereinrichtung zur Verstellung des Scherkopfes 1 weiterleiten. Der entsprechende Strahlengang ist in den beiden Darstellungen gemäß Fig. 7 durch Pfeile bzw. Doppelpfeile (Seitenansicht) dargestellt. Die Lichtempfänger können als Photodiode und die Lichtsender beispielsweise als LED-oder auch Infrarotsender ausgebildet sein.While in the execution according to Fig. 6 when immersing the skin surface 5 between the light barrier defined by the light emitter 31 and the light receiver 32 reduces the amount of light corresponding to the immersion depth, in the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 7 Characteristic that the light emitted by the light emitters 31 light from the skin surface 5 is reflected and reflected depending on the relative position of the skin surface 5 to the shaving head 1 and the light receivers 32 is supplied. According to the distance between the foil 2, 3 and the skin surface 5 is the on the front side 33 and on the back 34th attached light receivers 32, a corresponding light intensity supplied, which then forward them as a corresponding electrical signal to the associated control device for adjusting the shaving head 1. The corresponding beam path is in the two representations according to Fig. 7 represented by arrows or double arrows (side view). The light receiver can be designed as a photodiode and the light emitter, for example, as an LED or infrared transmitter.

Ein bedeutender Vorteil der Lageerkennung zwischen Scherkopf 1 und Hautoberfläche 5 mittels der Lichtschranken-Sensorik besteht darin, daß durch diese Sensoren nicht nur eine Aussage über einen vorliegenden Hautkontakt gemacht werden kann, sondern darüber hinaus auch die Abstandsbestimmung zwischen dem Scherkopf 1 und der Hautfläche 5 bereits vorgenommen werden kann, bevor der Scherkopf 1 an der Haut anliegt. Dadurch kann bereits bei der Annäherung des Scherkopfes 1 an die Hautfläche 5 die relative Position des Scherkopfes 1 zur Hautfläche 5 bestimmt und der Scherkopf 1 entsprechend positioniert werden. Sobald die Scherfolien 2, 3 an der Haut anliegen, kann durch die Sensorik die Eintauchtiefe der jeweiligen Scherfolien 2, 3 in die Hautoberfläche 5 detektiert werden, wodurch der entsprechende Stellmechanismus so gesteuert werden kann, daß beide Scherfolien 2, 3 gleich tief eintauchen bzw. den gleichen Hautandruck erzeugen.A significant advantage of the position detection between shaving head 1 and skin surface 5 by means of the photoelectric sensor is that not only a statement about a present skin contact can be made by these sensors, but also the distance determination between the shaving head 1 and the skin surface 5 already can be made before the shaving head 1 rests against the skin. As a result, the relative position of the shaving head 1 to the skin surface 5 can already be determined when the shaving head 1 approaches the skin surface 5 and the shaving head 1 can be correspondingly positioned. As soon as the shear foils 2, 3 rest against the skin, the immersion depth of the respective shear foils 2, 3 into the skin surface 5 can be detected by the sensors, whereby the corresponding actuating mechanism can be controlled so that both shaving foils 2, 3 dive equally deep or produce the same skin pressure.

Die Fig. 8, 9 und 10 zeigen jeweils Ausführungen der Erfindung, bei welchem zur Sensierung der Andruckverhältnisse zwischen dem Aktuatorkopf und der Hautfläche Weg-, Druck- bzw- Kraftsensoren unterschiedlicher Art verwendet werden. Darüber hinaus sind in diesen Figuren Schersysteme 37 dargestellt, welche sich nicht nur durch Verschwenken an die erforderliche Position anpassen lassen, sondern die besonders dazu geeignet sind, durch entsprechende Linearverschiebung in die benötigte Position gebracht zu werden. Selbstverständlich kann auch eine Kombination aus Linearverschiebung und Verschwenkung vorgenommen werden. Die Aktuatoren um diese Linearverschiebung vornehmen zu können, sind der Übersichtlichkeit wegen zeichnerisch nicht dargestellt.The Fig. 8 . 9 and 10 each show embodiments of the invention, in which for sensing the Andruckverhältnisse between the actuator head and the skin surface Weg-, pressure or force sensors of different types are used. In addition, shear systems 37 are shown in these figures, which can be adapted not only by pivoting to the required position, but are particularly suitable to be brought by appropriate linear displacement in the required position. Of course, a combination of linear displacement and pivoting can be made. The actuators in order to make this linear shift, the sake of clarity are not shown in the drawing.

Fig. 8 zeigt zwei Schersysteme 37 mit Scherfolien 2, 3, die über jeweils mindestens eine Feder 35 in Richtung auf die Hautfläche vorgespannt sind. Zusätzlich zu diesen Federn stützen sich die Schersysteme auch noch über Kraft-, Druck- und/oder Wegsensoren 36 auf dem Gehäuse ab. Die vom Weg-, Druck- bzw. Kraftsensor ermittelte und in ein elektrisches Signal umgesetzte Meßgröße dient dann der Steuerung des zugeordneten Stellantriebes. Fig. 9 ist eine Kraft- bzw. Wegmeßvorrichtung dargestellt, welche stets die Relativlage zwischen den beiden Schersystemen mißt. Diese Differentialmessung kann auch zusätzlich zu einer Absolutmessung eingesetzt werden. Der in der Figur schematisch zeichnerisch dargestellte Aufbau sieht hierzu vor, daß sich die beiden Schersysteme 37 über Federn 35 am Gehäuse abstützen und ebenso wie im Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 8 längsverschiebbar gelagert sind. Dabei trägt eines der beiden Schersysteme ein erstes Sensorelement 38, während das andere Schersystem mit einem zweiten Sensorelement 39 versehen ist. Diese Sensorelemente 38, 39 sind in der Lage, ihre Relativbewegung und/oder ihren Relativabstand zueinander zu detektieren. So kann beispielsweise das erste Sensorelement 38 als LED oder sonstige Lichtquelle ausgebildet sein, während das zugehörige zweite Sensorelement 39 durch einen Photosensor realisiert ist. Das erste Sensorelement 38 kann jedoch auch ein Magnet sein, dem als zweites Sensorelement 39 ein Hallsensor zugeordnet ist. Als weiteres Beispiel kann das erste Sensorelement 38 auch ein Metallelement sein, dessen Lage durch eine stromdurchflossene Spule als welche das zweite Sensorelement 39 ausgebildet ist, erfaßt werden kann. Fig. 8 shows two shear systems 37 with shear sheets 2, 3, which are biased via at least one spring 35 in the direction of the skin surface. In addition to these springs, the shear systems also rely on force, pressure and / or displacement sensors 36 on the housing. The measured variable determined by the displacement, pressure or force sensor and converted into an electrical signal then serves to control the associated actuator. Fig. 9 a force or displacement measuring device is shown, which always measures the relative position between the two shear systems. This differential measurement can also be used in addition to an absolute measurement. The structure shown schematically in the figure provides for this purpose that support the two shear systems 37 via springs 35 on the housing and as in the embodiment according to Fig. 8 are mounted longitudinally displaceable. In this case, one of the two shearing systems carries a first sensor element 38, while the other shearing system is provided with a second sensor element 39. These sensor elements 38, 39 are able to detect their relative movement and / or their relative distance from one another. Thus, for example, the first sensor element 38 may be formed as an LED or other light source, while the associated second sensor element 39 is realized by a photosensor. However, the first sensor element 38 can also be a magnet to which a Hall sensor is assigned as the second sensor element 39. As a further example, the first sensor element 38 may also be a metal element whose position can be detected by a current-carrying coil as which the second sensor element 39 is formed.

Schließlich ist in Fig. 10 noch eine Meßanordnung zur Lageermittlung dargestellt, bei welcher sowohl die Relativ- als auch die Absolutlage einzelner Schersysteme 37 detektiert werden kann. Hierzu ist gehäusefest ein Senderelement 40 vorgesehen, welches mit einem weiteren ortsfest angeordneten Empfängerelement 41 korrespondiert. Die beiden verschiebbar gelagerten Schersysteme 37 tragen jeweils ein Zwischenelement zur Beeinflussung des vom Senderelement 40 zum Empfängerelement 41 transferrierten Signal. Je nach dem in welche Position jedes einzelne der beiden Schersysteme 37 gegenüber einer Normallage verschoben ist, wird das Signal des Senderelementes entsprechend beeinflußt vom Empfängerelement 41 empfangen. Das Empfängerelement 41 generiert dann ein entsprechendes elektrisches Signal, welches dann der zugeordneten Auswerteeinrichtung zur Steuerung des Stellmechanismus zugeführt wird. Hierzu können die unterschiedlichsten physikaischen Effekte genutzt werden. Beispielsweise kann das Sendeelement 40 als Lichtquelle ausgebildet sein, welches Lichtstrahlen zum als Photosensor ausgebildeten Empfängerelement 41 ausstrahlt. Die Zwischenelemente 42 können als geeignete optische Blenden ausgeführt sein, die den Strahlengang zwischen den Elementen 40 und 41 entsprechen beeinflussen. Weitere denkbare Ausführungen dieses Meßsystemes können durch einen Magneten als Sendeelement 40 mit zugeordnetem Hallsensor als Empfängerelement 41 realisiert werden. Auch ist es möglich, das Empfängerelement 41 als elektrische Spule auszubilden, dem ein entsprechender Metallkern zugeordnet ist.Finally, in Fig. 10 nor a measuring arrangement for determining the position shown, in which both the relative and the absolute position of individual shear systems 37 can be detected. For this purpose, a transmitter element 40 is fixed to the housing, which corresponds to a further stationarily arranged receiver element 41. The two slidably mounted shear systems 37 each carry an intermediate element for influencing the signal transferred from the transmitter element 40 to the receiver element 41. Depending on the position in which each of the two shear systems 37 is displaced relative to a normal position, the signal of the transmitter element is received by the receiver element 41 in an appropriately influenced manner. The receiver element 41 then generates a corresponding electrical signal, which is then fed to the associated evaluation device for controlling the actuating mechanism. For this the most different physicical effects can be used. For example, the transmitting element 40 may be formed as a light source which emits light beams to the receiver element 41 formed as a photosensor. The intermediate elements 42 can be embodied as suitable optical diaphragms which influence the beam path between the elements 40 and 41. Further conceivable embodiments of this measuring system can be realized by a magnet as a transmitting element 40 with an associated Hall sensor as a receiver element 41. It is also possible to form the receiver element 41 as an electrical coil, to which a corresponding metal core is assigned.

Claims (17)

  1. Hair removal apparatus with a pivotable actuator head (1) that has at least two actuator elements (22, 27) for removing hair from a skin surface (5) characterized in that a detection device (9) is provided for detecting a variable that is associated with the position of the actuator element (22, 27) relative to the skin surface (5) as well as at least one actively operable adjustment device (7) for changing the position of the actuator head (1) and a control device (9) for controlling the adjustment device (7), depending on the detected variable.
  2. Hair removal apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that multiple actuator supports (25, 28) are provided that are independently movable from one another.
  3. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that an electric drive (19) for the actuator element (22, 27) and/or the adjustment device (7) is arranged in the actuator head (1).
  4. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the electric drive (19) for the actuator element (22, 27) and/or the adjustment device (7) is arranged outside of the actuator head (1) in the hair removal apparatus and a coupling device (20) is provided for coupling the electric drive (19) to the actuator head (1).
  5. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the detection device (9) has means to detect the contact pressure of the actuator element (22, 27) on the skin surface (5), means to implement a capacitive measurement method, or means to implement an impedance measurement.
  6. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that the actuator element (22, 27) is connected in an electrically conductive manner with the control device (9).
  7. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a housing (8) is provided that is designed to be at least partially electrically conductive and is connected in an electrically conductive manner with the control device (9).
  8. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the Claims I through 4, characterized in that the detection device is formed by optical means.
  9. Hair removal apparatus according to Claim 8, characterized in that the optical means are designed as photoelectric barriers (31, 32, 40, 41).
  10. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the Claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the detection device is formed by at least one path, pressure, and/or force sensor.
  11. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a pivotable suspension of the actuator head (1) and/or of the actuator support (25, 28) is provided.
  12. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a displaceable mounting of the actuator head (1) and/or of the actuator support (25, 26) is provided in at least one plane.
  13. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that it is designed as an electrical shaving apparatus with at least one shaver foil (2, 3).
  14. Hair removal apparatus according to Claim 13, characterized in that a middle trimmer (4) is provided that is arranged between two shaver foils (2, 3).
  15. Hair removal apparatus according to Claim 14, characterized in that the shaver foils (2, 3) and the middle trimmer (4) are each connected in an electrically conductive manner with the control device (9).
  16. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a long-hair trimmer, in particular with a comb and a blade, is arranged on the actuator head.
  17. Hair removal apparatus according to any of the Claims 1 through 11, characterized in that it is designed as an epilator with at least one plucking unit (27).
EP03750660A 2002-10-05 2003-09-30 Hair-removing device Expired - Lifetime EP1549468B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE10246519 2002-10-05
DE10246519A DE10246519A1 (en) 2002-10-05 2002-10-05 Electric razor using foil cutters automatically adjusted to contact skin
PCT/EP2003/010829 WO2004033164A1 (en) 2002-10-05 2003-09-30 Hair-removing device

Publications (2)

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EP1549468A1 EP1549468A1 (en) 2005-07-06
EP1549468B1 true EP1549468B1 (en) 2011-11-09

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EP (1) EP1549468B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4795687B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100431810C (en)
AT (1) ATE532611T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003270293A1 (en)
DE (1) DE10246519A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004033164A1 (en)

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EP3450120A1 (en) 2017-08-30 2019-03-06 Braun GmbH Personal care device
EP3546148A1 (en) 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Braun GmbH Personal care device
EP3546150A1 (en) 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Braun GmbH Personal care device
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EP3450120A1 (en) 2017-08-30 2019-03-06 Braun GmbH Personal care device
WO2019043503A1 (en) 2017-08-30 2019-03-07 Braun Gmbh Personal care device
EP3546148A1 (en) 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Braun GmbH Personal care device
EP3546150A1 (en) 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Braun GmbH Personal care device
EP3546153A1 (en) 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Braun GmbH Personal care device
EP3546151A1 (en) 2018-03-27 2019-10-02 Braun GmbH Personal care device
EP3546153B1 (en) 2018-03-27 2021-05-12 Braun GmbH Personal care device
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US11548177B2 (en) 2018-03-27 2023-01-10 Braun Gmbh Personal care device

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EP1549468A1 (en) 2005-07-06
JP2006501911A (en) 2006-01-19
CN100431810C (en) 2008-11-12
CN1688420A (en) 2005-10-26
WO2004033164A1 (en) 2004-04-22
DE10246519A1 (en) 2004-04-15
ATE532611T1 (en) 2011-11-15
JP4795687B2 (en) 2011-10-19
AU2003270293A1 (en) 2004-05-04

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