RU2784550C2 - Drive unit of personal hygiene device, personal hygiene system, method for control of functional unit and computer-readable carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: personal hygiene.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to a drive unit of a personal hygiene device, a personal hygiene system, a method for control of a functional unit, and to a computer-readable carrier. The drive unit of the personal hygiene device contains the main case, a motor located in the main case, a means for coupling with a connection, located on the main case, made with the possibility of provision of a connection of any selected one of a set of different functional units to the main case in such a way that to provide a possibility of actuation of a movable functional element of the selected one of the set of different functional units by means of the motor. The drive unit of the personal hygiene device also contains a current sensor for measurement of at least one current parameter related to electrical current actuating the motor, and a controller made with the possibility of generation of an output signal related to the selected one of the set of different functional units. The drive unit of the personal hygiene device additionally contains a vibration sensor located in the main case for measurement of at least one vibration parameter related to vibration of the main case during actuation of the selected one of the set of different functional units, when it is connected to the main case. The controller is made with the possibility of generation of an output signal related to the selected one of the set of different functional units, depending on a value of at least one current parameter measured by the current sensor and a value of at least one vibration parameter measured by the vibration sensor.

EFFECT: possibility of reliable identification of a large number of different functional units.

17 cl, 9 dwg

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to systems for personal care, in particular, having a set of different functional units that can be selectively attached to and detached from a common main body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern personal care devices such as shavers, trimmers, female depilation devices, and the like are often modular devices in which various functional units can be selectively attached to the main body. Examples of such functional units are shaving units, trimming units, beard styling units, cleansing brushes (for face), and the like.

In addition, such devices are becoming smarter in the sense that they enable various device settings and provide the user with status feedback through the user interface. For these features to work optimally, it is often helpful or even necessary to know which functional unit is currently attached to the main body.

This requires the function block to communicate its performance information to the controller in the main body. The transmission of such information has traditionally been carried out using electrical or mechanical (micro-)switches, or even using advanced wireless communication technologies.

However, it is often undesirable to implement this approach, for example, due to insufficient space for the required components in the functional block or main body, or because electrical or mechanical connections cannot withstand the harsh conditions in which they have to work (water, soap etc.). Methods using wireless data transmission (eg, RFID) are expensive and often not possible due to limited antenna placement options.

In addition, known methods are not backward compatible with existing functional blocks. They require functional block modifications and cannot detect them if those modifications are not present.

Therefore, there is a need for a detection method that uses the existing features of the functional blocks, does not require many additional parts, is reliable enough to operate in a wet or dirty environment, and allows a relatively large number of different functional blocks to be reliably identified.

WO 2018/192788 discloses a personal care device in which a treatment head can be identified based on the motor current drawn as a result of using the treatment head. However, this may not give accurate results and therefore not be able to reliably identify if there are a significant number of processing heads, for example with similar motor current characteristics.

WO 2014/135589 A1 discloses a dental device comprising a gripper body, a processing head connected to the gripper body, and an acceleration sensor located in the main body for measuring the acceleration of the gripper body. The device further comprises a control unit configured to control the processing head based on the acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor. Specifically, the controller compares the motion sequence measured by the acceleration sensor with the predetermined motion sequence that is associated with the predetermined command. When the measured motion sequence matches the predetermined motion sequence, the controller controls the processing head based on said predetermined command. Thus, the user of the dental device can control the operation of the dental device by moving the gripping body in accordance with a predetermined sequence of movements. For example, the treatment head includes a light guide that directs the light generated by the LED to the mouth, and the user can switch the intensity of the light generated by applying an operating force with a fingertip to the surface of the grip body.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.

According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, a personal care device drive unit is provided, comprising:

main body;

an engine located in the main body;

connection interface means located on the main body, configured to connect any selected one of the set of different functional blocks to the main body in such a way as to enable the movable functional component of the selected one of the set of different functional blocks to be driven by a motor;

a current sensor for measuring at least one current parameter related to an electrical current driving the motor;

a vibration sensor located in the main body for measuring at least one vibration parameter related to the vibration of the main body at the time of actuation of the selected one of the set of different functional units when it is connected to the main body; and

controller,

wherein the controller is configured to generate an output signal associated with a selected one of a set of different functional blocks depending on the value of at least one current parameter measured by the current sensor and the value of at least one measured vibration parameter measured by the vibration sensor.

The drive unit of the personal care device according to the invention uses vibration measurement and motor current measurement to generate an output signal that is associated with a selected one of the various functional blocks. Functional units are, for example, personal care products attached to the main body. The output signal is "associated with" the selected (ie, connected) function block in the sense that the output signal is selected as the signal that belongs to that particular function block. This may be a control signal to control the function block in a certain way, or to control another component, such as an output device, to represent information related to the function block. For example, the output may drive the display to cause the display to show an identifiable functional component, or to cause the user to present a set of options related to that functional block. By generating an output signal associated with a selected one of a set of different functional blocks, depending on the value of at least one current parameter measured by the current sensor and the value of at least one vibration parameter measured by the vibration sensor, the device drive unit controller for personal hygiene device is configured to identify a selected one from a set of different functional blocks actually connected to the main body of the personal care device drive unit, based on both the measured value of at least one current parameter and the measured value of at least one vibration parameter. In this case, the output signal can automatically control the identified function block to be driven by the motor, as appropriate.

The use of both vibration measurement and current measurement (which determines the electrical load caused by a functional block) makes it possible to identify many different functional blocks. In particular, rotational motion may be used in some blocks and therefore only little (or no) vibration may occur. Other functional blocks may use reciprocating motion that causes vibrations. Considering both the vibration and the drive current of the motor (i.e. the load taken by the motor), it is possible to distinguish between different functional blocks, even if they cause the same type of vibration (at different current), or if they result in the same and the same motor current (with different vibration characteristics). Thus, by providing two degrees of freedom in the measurement process, the detection accuracy can be greatly improved.

The controller may include a memory configured to store a plurality of data sets, wherein:

each data set of the plurality of data sets is associated with a corresponding one of a set of different function blocks; and

the controller is configured to select a data set from a plurality of data sets depending on the measured value of at least one current parameter and the measured value of at least one vibration parameter and generate an output signal so that the output signal relates to the selected data set.

Thus, a data set is associated with each functional block, and the data set is selected based on which functional block is identified as being connected to the main body.

The personal care device drive unit may further comprise a speed feedback control system configured to control the speed of the motor drive.

By controlling the motor drive speed with an accurate speed feedback control system, vibrations caused by the motor itself (for example, due to slight unbalance) will produce known vibration parameters, which can then be filtered out or ignored as irrelevant. connected function block. In addition, vibrating function blocks that vibrate at frequencies close to each other are also better distinguishable.

The speed feedback control system, for example, is configured to control the engine speed to cause the engine drive speed to deviate by less than 1% from the target drive speed.

The more accurate the speed of the motor drive, the more accurately the vibrations caused by the motor itself can be determined, and therefore they will not be considered as related to the connected functional unit.

The speed feedback control system, for example, is configured to generate an engine speed feedback signal based on a measured value of at least one current parameter, and the speed feedback control system comprises a PI controller for processing the difference between the motor speed feedback signal and the target speed of the drive.

Using motor drive current to derive motor speed eliminates the need for additional feedback sensors. The PI controller provides the required precise control of the motor drive speed.

The controller may be configured to:

starting the motor with default motor drive characteristics; and

generating, after a predetermined period of time after starting the engine, an output signal associated with a selected one of a set of different functional blocks, depending on the measured value of at least one current parameter and the measured value of at least one vibration parameter.

This predetermined period of time allows the motor drive current to stabilize. The initial start of a motor, for example, is based on a generic drive type that can be safely applied to any function block. Thus, this initial actuation corresponds to the default motor drive characteristics. After identifying the functional block, an output signal is generated. This may, for example, refer to a drive scheme specific to a particular function block. The predetermined time may, for example, be 1 second or less, such as 500 ms or less, but typically at least 250 ms.

The time period, for example, is short enough to generate an output signal before the function block actually comes into contact with the user. Thus, prior to actual use of the function block, an output signal is generated for automatic control or for presenting appropriate options or information to the user.

The output signal associated with the selected one of the set of different function blocks is, for example, associated with the desired motor drive characteristics associated with the selected one of the set of different function blocks.

Thus, the output signal refers to the characteristics of the drive that are suitable for the connected function block. This may then allow the functional unit to be automatically controlled without the need for any input from the user of the personal care device drive unit.

The vibration sensor, for example, contains an accelerometer.

It is an inexpensive component designed to generate the necessary vibration information. It may contain a triaxial accelerometer. The at least one vibration parameter may comprise one or both of vibration frequency and vibration amplitude. They are possible identifying characteristics for vibrations caused by the connected functional block. If both parameters are used, a better discrimination between different vibration sources is possible.

The controller, for example, is configured to determine if a predetermined threshold value of the maximum vibration amplitude occurring in a predetermined range of vibration frequencies is exceeded. Thus, the controller may seek to identify a vibration with a characteristic amplitude in a particular frequency band. In general, the controller may be configured to compare a measured value of at least one vibration parameter with at least a first value of at least one vibration parameter associated with the vibration. of the main body caused by actuation of the first selected one of the set of different functional blocks when it is connected to the main body, and with the second value of at least one vibration parameter associated with the vibration of the main body caused by the actuation of the second selected one of the set of different functional blocks when it is connected to the main body.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a personal care system is provided, comprising a personal care device drive unit as defined above, and a set of various functional units, each of which is releasably connected with an interface to a personal care device drive unit connection. , i.e. with the main body of the driving unit of the personal care device, and each of which contains a movable functional component.

The set of different functional blocks may contain at least first and second functional blocks, each of which contains a functional component configured to perform reciprocating motion, and at least third and fourth functional blocks, each of which contains a functional component, made with the ability to perform rotational movement in one direction.

In this case, the first and second functional blocks are associated with the occurrence in the main body of the maximum vibration amplitude exceeding, respectively, the first and second specified threshold values, respectively, in the first and second specified vibration frequency ranges that differ from each other, and the third and fourth functional blocks then associated with the occurrence of the value of at least one current parameter, respectively, in different first and second predetermined ranges of at least one current parameter that differ from each other.

In this case, the controller is configured to generate, in a first step, an output signal associated with the first or second functional block when the maximum vibration amplitude occurring within the first or second predetermined vibration frequency range, respectively, exceeds the first or second predetermined threshold value. . In addition, the controller is further configured to generate, in a second step following the first step, an output signal associated with the third or fourth functional block when the value of at least one current parameter is within said first or said second predetermined range, respectively. at least one current parameter.

Thus, at least two of the set's functional blocks use rotation and therefore do not generate strong vibration signals, and at least two others use reciprocation, which causes vibrations. The personal care device drive unit is configured to distinguish between all the different types of function blocks and thus provide suitable outputs, such as those relating to motor control, for each type of function block.

To identify the first and second functional blocks, it may be sufficient just to measure the vibration amplitude, since each of them has unique vibration characteristics. This reduces the amount of processing. Thus, two measurements (current and vibration) may not always be needed, but the system is configured to take both measurements, and both measurements are used to cover the entire set of functional blocks.

The set of various functional units, for example, includes at least a rotary type shaving unit, a reciprocating type precision trimmer, a rotating type facial brushing unit, and a reciprocating type beard styling unit.

This is one example of a personal care hair care system with (at least) four different functional units.

More generally, a set of different functional units may comprise at least two of a shaving unit, a face brush unit, a beard styling unit, and a precision trimmer. In this more general system configuration, there are at least two functional units, again in this example related to hair care. In other examples, the system may be for depilation or even for dental care.

In addition, in accordance with the invention, a method is provided for controlling a functional unit connected to the main body of the personal care system, the personal care system comprising said main body, a motor located in the main body, a set of various functional units, each of which is configured to detachable connection with the main body, and each of which contains a movable functional component, and a means of interfacing with the connection, located on the main body and configured to provide connection of any selected one from a set of different functional blocks to the main body in such a way as to enable action of a movable functional component from a set of motors,

wherein the method includes:

measuring at least one current parameter related to the electric current driving the motor;

measuring at least one vibration parameter related to vibration of the main body at the time of actuation of the selected one of the set of different functional blocks when it is connected to the main body; and

performing an output function associated with the selected one of the set of different function blocks, depending on the measured value of at least one current parameter and the measured value of at least one vibration parameter.

This method is implemented by the personal care device drive unit and the personal care system described above. The method may further include controlling the engine drive speed with a deviation of less than 1% from the target drive speed.

This makes the measurement of at least one vibration parameter more reliable.

The method proposed in accordance with the invention can be implemented at least partially in software.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the embodiment(s) of the invention described in this application and will be explained with reference to these variants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention and to show more clearly how it can be put into practice, reference will be made hereinafter only by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a personal care system in the form of a razor;

Fig. 2 shows the main body of the personal care system (which includes components located within the main body and can be defined as the power unit of the personal care device) along with a corresponding set of functional blocks;

Fig. 3 shows an example of possible rotation characteristics of functional blocks;

Fig. 4 shows the frequency spectrum of the accelerometer signal along the x-axis for a beard styling unit connected to a handle;

Fig. 5 shows the frequency spectrum of the accelerometer signal along the "x" axis for a precision trimmer attached to a handle;

Fig. 6 shows an example of a possible speed feedback control system;

Fig. 7 shows the resulting components of a personal care device drive unit;

Fig. 8 shows a series of measurements using different knobs (of the same type) and different function blocks; and

Fig. 9 graphically depicts a two-step measurement approach.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the Figures.

It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples indicating exemplary embodiments of devices, systems, and methods are provided for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems, and methods of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. In addition, it is to be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to refer to the same or similar parts.

According to the invention, a personal care device drive unit is provided, comprising a main body housing a motor, each set of different functional units being releasably coupled to the main body. The controller generates an output signal associated with the connected functional blocks, depending on the measured current and the measured vibration. The use of both vibration measurement and current measurement (which determines the electrical load caused by a functional block) allows a more reliable identification of many different functional blocks.

On FIG. 1 shows a personal care system 10 in the form of a razor.

The razor comprises a functional unit 12, in particular a shaving head, releasably connected to the main body 15 (in this example, the handle) via a coupling interface 14 . The main body including the components housed within the main body is referred to herein as a personal care device drive unit. The shaving head has a movable functional component, in this example a set of three rotating blades 13. A motor 16 is located in the main body to enable the movable functional component to be driven by the motor. The shaving head is just one of a set of functional units that can be attached to the main body.

A current sensor 18 is provided to measure at least one current parameter related to the electric current driving the motor, and a vibration sensor 19 is located on the main body to measure at least one vibration parameter related to the vibration of the main body 15 during driving. shaving head action.

The current sensor 18 measures the electrical current supplied to the motor 16 which drives the functional unit. The motor is usually mounted in a main body, such as a handle, and the functional unit is connected to it through a rotating or shifting mechanical interface. Motor current is usually an important parameter for the electronics and/or software that controls the motor, so this information is usually already available. The sensor may simply contain a resistor, such as a surface mount component. Voltage is measured and is proportional to current.

The vibration sensor measures the mechanical vibrations of the main body or inside the main body. This can be implemented as an accelerometer, such as a surface mount device, which is a small and inexpensive component that can be added to the main circuit board. In some cases, such as devices where the user interface is automatically activated when the device is picked up, such accelerometers are already present and thus can be used. The position on the PCB will affect the level of vibration detected. Preferably, the accelerometer is placed in a position where the vibration of the functional units is easily picked up.

The controller 20 generates an output signal associated with the connected functional component, i. e. shaving head in this case, depending on the value of at least one current parameter measured by the current sensor and the value of at least one measured vibration parameter measured by the vibration sensor.

Thus, the personal care device drive unit uses vibration measurement and motor current measurement to generate an output signal that is associated with a selected one of the various functional blocks. The output signal is "associated with" the connected function block in the sense that the output signal is selected to be the signal that belongs to that particular function block. The use of both vibration measurement and current measurement (which determines the electrical load caused by a functional block) makes it possible to identify many different functional blocks. In particular, rotational motion may be used in some blocks and therefore only little (or no) vibration may occur. Other functional blocks may use reciprocating motion that causes vibrations.

On FIG. 2 shows the main body 15 of the personal care device drive unit, together with a corresponding set of functional units, each of which can be releasably coupled to the main body. The functional units comprise a rotary-type shaving unit 12, a reciprocating-type precision trimmer 30, a rotary-type facial brushing unit 32, and a reciprocating-type beard styling unit 34. Each of them has a connection interface for interacting with the connection interface 14 of the main body. This is one example of a personal care hair care system with (at least) four different functional units. More generally, a set of different functional blocks may contain at least two of the different types shown.

When the personal care device drive unit is turned on, the engine speed increases until it reaches a steady state level. Until this steady state level is reached, the current sensor and accelerometer readings are unstable. A sufficiently stable signal can be obtained, for example, after a delay period of, for example, 250 to 500 ms. Therefore, the current sensor and accelerometer signals used to determine the output signal, for example, are obtained within a time period of 250 ms to 500 ms after switching on. up to a maximum delay, for example 1 second. Preferably, sensor signals are collected and analyzed before the user starts using the device.

The current sensor signal can be filtered by hardware and/or software. In the case of software filtering, the average current is determined starting after the delay period and over a time interval, for example up to 250 ms.

The accelerometer signal may, for example, be sampled, for example, at a frequency of about 1 kHz, for example, at a frequency of 1600 Hz. The signals of interest are vibration signals and not acceleration signals due to gravity or other slow movements of the user moving the handle, so the accelerometer signal is filtered with a band pass or high pass filter, for example with a low pass cutoff of about 30 Hz. The high frequency cutoff for the band pass filter may be, for example, about 200 Hz. The accelerometer is, for example, a triaxial device.

Different function blocks have different current and vibration characteristics.

On FIG. 3 shows an example of possible rotation characteristics. The engine 16 is shown with a rotor speed of 6000 rpm. The output gear train has a reduction gear ratio of 2.273, giving the engine output speed of 2640 rpm.

Each functional block has a different gear train that provides the rotation ratio. The shaving unit 12 has a reduction gear ratio of 1.32 providing a rotation speed of 2000 rpm with no vibration (or minimal vibration). The precision trimmer 30 has a gear ratio of 1.0, providing a reciprocating motion at 2640 rpm, which provides a strong vibration signal at the corresponding frequency of 44 Hz. Rotary brush 32 has a reduction gear ratio of 11.52 giving a rotation speed of 229 rpm with no vibration (or minimal vibration). The beard styler 34 has a reduction gear ratio of 0.437, providing a reciprocating motion of 5573 rpm, which provides a strong vibration signal at the corresponding frequency of 92.9 Hz.

In this example, there are only two vibrating function blocks. This is a beard styling block and precision trimmer. The shaving unit and brush are rotating systems. Therefore, no vibration frequency is expected from these two function blocks.

If predictive control is used to control the engine speed, +/- 10% deviation from the set speed can be expected. This deviation is directly reflected in the expected vibration frequency. With this level of tolerance, the frequency of the precision trimmer can range from 39.6 Hz to 48.4 Hz, and the frequency of the beard trimmer can range from 83.6 Hz to 10.2 Hz.

On FIG. 4 shows the frequency spectrum obtained by performing an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) on the accelerometer signal along the x-axis (which is the dominant axis of vibration) for a beard styler connected to a handle.

On FIG. 4 shows that in the frequency range where the beard block signal is expected, there is an amplitude peak 50 . This indicates that a beard block should be attached. However, in FIG. 4 also shows the amplitude peak caused by motor imbalance at about 100 Hz (corresponding to 6000 rpm). This frequency is in the same general frequency range as the beard block signal. In some cases, the amplitude of the imbalance frequency can be high enough that it looks like a beard block is attached to the handle, when in fact a shaving block is attached. This may lead to misclassification.

This motor imbalance problem is even more evident in FIG. 5. The frequency spectrum is again shown based on the FFT of the x-axis accelerometer signal with a precision trimmer attached to the handle.

In this case, it is not clear what is attached to the handle because both the expected frequency range of the beard trimmer and the frequency range of the precision trimmer show a large amplitude peak. Peak 60 is in the precision trimmer interval, and peaks 62 and 64 are in the general interval where the beard block signal is expected. Peak 62 is the second harmonic frequency of the precision trimmer. For example, peak 60 is at 43.5 Hz and peak 62 is at 87 Hz, with a lower amplitude than peak 60 of the first harmonic. Peak 64 represents the peak of the motor unbalance. It can also lead to misclassification.

To improve reliability, the motor speed can be controlled more precisely using the feedback method. To this end, a digital algorithm or an analog system can be used to measure the engine speed, and a digital or analog system can be used to accurately control the engine speed using feedback control.

On FIG. 6 shows an example of a possible speed feedback control system; This means that vibrations caused by the motor itself (for example, due to a slight imbalance) will cause known vibration parameters, which can then be filtered out or ignored as not related to the connected function block. In addition, vibrating function blocks that vibrate at frequencies close to each other are also better distinguishable. A speed feedback control system, for example, controls the engine speed to within 1% of the target drive speed.

The desired engine speed 70 is provided as input. It is compared with the feedback signal and the difference is transmitted to the PI controller 72 (proportional-integral). The control output is the control signal Um for the engine 16. The engine speed is determined by the position encoder 74, and the encoder pulses are converted into a speed feedback signal by the pulse-to-speed converter 76 . In fact, the detection by the encoder may be based on the motor current (ie, at least one current parameter). Thus, the motor drive current can be used to determine the motor speed, eliminating the need for additional feedback sensors.

The speed feedback control system eliminates the need to improve the motor's own balance through an expensive design. In addition, such a design must also include surrounding elements such as the engine frame.

In the case of controlling the motor speed deviation within +/- 1%, the frequency interval for the example of the beard trimmer is 91.97 Hz to 93.83 Hz. If the target engine speed is 6000 rpm, the unbalance frequency is 100 Hz (+/- 1%). In this case, the imbalance frequency is out of the required detection interval for the beard styler, and misclassification can be avoided.

On FIG. 7 shows the resulting components of a personal care device drive unit. The motor 16, current sensor 18, vibration sensor 19 (i.e. accelerometer) and controller 20 have already been described above.

On FIG. 7 shows that the controller 20 includes a memory 40 in which a plurality of data sets 42 are stored. Each data set of the plurality of data sets is associated with a corresponding one of a set of different function blocks. The controller 20 selects a data set from a plurality of data sets 42 depending on the measured current and vibration values, and then generates an output signal based on the selected data set.

On FIG. 7 also shows that controller 20 includes a PI control algorithm 44. In addition, it shows the output display 46.

The output signal generated by the controller 20 may be used to control the motor 16 and/or to control the display 46. Both are shown in FIG. 7. Of course, other output devices can be used.

In a preferred embodiment, an identified functional unit is automatically controlled, such as a preferred engine speed or change in engine speed over time. Thus, once the function block has been identified, it may be desirable not to keep the engine speed at 6000 rpm, but to implement a time-varying engine speed profile.

Initial operation at 6000 rpm (for example) can be considered as a general mode of operation that can be safely applied to any function block. Thus, the initial actuation of the motor corresponds to the default motor drive characteristics. After identifying the functional block, an output signal is generated. This may, for example, refer to a drive scheme specific to a particular function block.

On FIG. 8 shows a series of measurements using different knobs (of the same type) and different function blocks. Measurements are collected using proactive control. This gives a speed deviation of approximately +/- 10%. Thus clustering will be even better when using closed loop speed control.

The x-axis represents the natural logarithm of the average measured current. The y-axis represents the natural logarithm of Max1 and Max2. Max1 is the maximum amplitude in the frequency range where the precision trim (PT) and nose trim (NT) are expected to be used. Max2 is the maximum amplitude in the frequency range in which the beard styling unit (BS) is expected to be used.

Area 80 is for the shaving brush (BR), area 82 is for the nose trimmer (NT), area 84 is for the precision trimmer (PT), area 86 is for the shaving unit, and area 88 is for the beard trimmer (BS) .

In one example, the set of functional blocks includes a brush, a precision trimmer, a shaving unit, and a beard styling unit. In such a case, the set of different functional blocks comprises a first (precision trimmer) and a second (beard trimmer) functional blocks, each of which contains a functional component (for example, a blade) capable of reciprocating motion, and at least a third (shaving unit) and a fourth (brush) functional units, each of which contains a functional component (for example, a cutting disc or bristle head) configured to perform rotational movement in one direction.

In this case, the first and second functional blocks are associated with the occurrence in the main body of the maximum vibration amplitude exceeding the first and second specified threshold values, respectively, in the first and second specified vibration frequency ranges, respectively, differing from each other. Thus, they vibrate at different frequencies with their own characteristic amplitude. The third and fourth functional blocks are associated with the appearance of the value of at least one current parameter in the first and second predetermined ranges of at least one current parameter, respectively, differing from each other. They thus generate a characteristic load current for the drive motor.

In such a case, it is sufficient to check whether a sufficiently large vibration amplitude is detected in one of the two frequency intervals to identify the first and second functional blocks. Thus, the controller determines the presence of exceeding the specified threshold value of the maximum vibration amplitude that occurs in the specified range of vibration frequencies. Thus, the controller may seek to identify a vibration with a characteristic amplitude in a certain frequency band.

Thus, the controller generates, in a first step, an output signal associated with the first or second functional block when the maximum vibration amplitude occurring within the first or second predetermined vibration frequency range, respectively, exceeds the first or second predetermined threshold value, respectively. In this example, if the required amplitude was reached in the frequency range in which the precision trimmer is expected to operate, the function block must be the precision trimmer. If this happens in the frequency range in which the beard styler is expected to operate, the functional block must be the beard styler.

If the vibration amplitude in both frequency ranges is not high enough (not above the calculated threshold), the attached functional unit must be a brush or a shaving unit. In this case, the two blocks can be distinguished by the average current level. Below a certain current threshold, it should be a brush, above this threshold, a shaving unit.

In addition, the controller generates, in a second step following the first step, a control signal associated with the third or fourth functional block when the value of at least one current parameter is within said first or said second predetermined range of at least one parameter, respectively. current.

A simple switch can be used to detect the attached function block.

On FIG. 9 is a graphical representation of the two-stage measurement approach.

The first stage is indicated by the position 90. The vibration amplitude is measured in two frequency intervals, as shown in the graph. The first measurement determines if a precision trimmer (PT) is present and the second measurement determines if a beard styling block (BS) is present.

The second step is indicated at 92. The average current value is used to distinguish between the brush (BR) and the shaving unit (SU) (and optionally also the nose trimmer NT, as shown if the frequency detection alone is not enough).

The invention can be applied to personal care systems other than shaving systems. For example, it can be applied to other hair care systems, such as hair removal systems, or even modular oral care systems.

By using the practice of the claimed invention, by examining the drawings, the description, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art may understand and make modifications to the described embodiments. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the grammatical form of the singular does not exclude the presence of a plurality. A single processor or other module may perform the functions of several elements listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are set forth in mutually distinct dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid state media supplied with or as part of other equipment, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as over the Internet or other long distance wired or wireless communication systems. Where the term "intended to" is used in a claim or description, it should be noted that this term is equivalent to the term "capable of".

No reference positions in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (41)

1. A drive unit for a personal care device, comprising main body (15); an engine (16) located in the main body; means (14) for interfacing with the connection, located on the main body, made with the possibility of connecting any selected one of the set of different functional blocks (12, 30, 32, 34) with the main body in such a way as to enable the movable functional element to be actuated selected one of the set of different functional blocks by the engine; a current sensor (18) for measuring at least one current parameter related to the electric current driving the motor; and a controller (20) configured to generate an output signal associated with a selected one from a set of different functional blocks; characterized in that: the drive unit of the personal care device further comprises a vibration sensor (19) located in the main body for measuring at least one vibration parameter related to the vibration of the main body during actuation of a selected one of the set of different functional blocks when it is connected to main body; and the controller is configured to generate an output signal associated with a selected one of a set of different functional blocks, depending on the value of at least one current parameter measured by the current sensor and the value of at least one vibration parameter measured by the vibration sensor. 2. The drive unit of the personal care device of claim 1, wherein: the controller includes a memory (40) configured to store a plurality of data sets (42); each data set of the plurality of data sets is associated with a corresponding one of a set of different function blocks; the controller is configured to select a data set from a plurality of data sets depending on the measured value of at least one current parameter and the measured value of at least one vibration parameter and generate an output signal so that the output signal relates to the selected data set. 3. The personal care device drive unit of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a speed feedback control system (70, 72, 74, 76) configured to control the speed of the motor drive. 4. The personal care device drive unit of claim 3, wherein the speed feedback control system is configured to control the engine speed to cause the engine drive speed to deviate by less than 1% from the target drive speed. 5. The personal care device drive unit of claim 4, wherein the speed feedback control system is configured to generate an engine speed feedback signal based on a measured value of at least one current parameter, and wherein the control system with speed feedback contains a PI controller (72) for processing the difference between the engine speed feedback signal and the target drive speed. 6. The personal care device drive unit of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to: start the motor with default motor drive characteristics and generating, after a predetermined period of time after starting the engine, an output signal associated with a selected one of a set of different functional blocks, depending on the measured value of at least one current parameter and the measured value of at least one vibration parameter. 7. A personal care device drive unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output signal associated with the selected one of the set of various functional blocks is associated with the desired motor drive characteristics associated with the selected one of the set of various functional blocks. 8. The drive unit of the personal care device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration sensor (19) comprises an accelerometer. 9. The personal care device drive unit of claim 8, wherein the at least one vibration parameter comprises one or both of vibration frequency and vibration amplitude. 10. The personal care device drive unit of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to determine if a predetermined threshold value of a maximum vibration amplitude occurring in a predetermined range of vibration frequencies has been exceeded. 11. System (10) for personal care, containing the drive unit of the device for personal care according to any one of paragraphs. 1-10 and a set of various functional blocks, each of which is releasably connected with an interfacing means with a connection of the main body of the drive unit of the personal care device, and each of which contains a movable functional component. 12. Personal hygiene system according to claim 11, in which: a set of different functional blocks contains at least the first and second functional blocks, each of which contains a functional component configured to perform reciprocating motion, and at least the third and fourth functional blocks, each of which contains a functional component configured to making a rotational movement in one direction; the first and second functional blocks are associated with the occurrence in the main body of the maximum vibration amplitude exceeding, respectively, the first and second specified threshold values in respectively different first and second specified vibration frequency ranges; the third and fourth functional blocks are associated with the appearance of the value of at least one current parameter in respectively different first and second predetermined ranges of at least one current parameter; the controller is configured to generate, in a first step, an output signal associated with the first or second functional block when the maximum vibration amplitude occurring within the first or second predetermined vibration frequency range, respectively, exceeds the first or second predetermined threshold; and the controller is configured to generate, in a second step following the first step, an output signal associated with the third or fourth functional block when the value of at least one current parameter is within said first or said second predetermined range of at least one parameter, respectively current. 13. The personal care system of claim 12, wherein the set of different functional units comprises at least a rotary type shaving unit, a reciprocating type precision trimmer, a rotating type face brushing unit, and a reciprocating type beard styling unit. 14. The personal care system of claim 11, wherein the set of different functional units comprises at least two of a shaving unit (12), a facial brush unit (32), a beard styling unit (34), and a precision trimmer (30) for hair. 15. A method for controlling a functional unit connected to the main body of the personal care system, the personal care system comprising said main body, an engine located in the main body, a set of various functional blocks, each of which is configured to be detachably connected to the main body, and each of which contains a movable functional component, and a connection interface located on the main body and configured to connect any selected one of the set of different functional blocks to the main body in such a way as to enable the movable functional component from the set to be actuated engine, wherein the method includes: measuring at least one current parameter related to the electric current driving the motor; and executing an output function associated with the selected one from the set of different function blocks; characterized in that: the method further includes measuring at least one vibration parameter related to vibration of the main body at the time of actuation of the selected one of the set of different functional blocks when it is connected to the main body; a an output function associated with a selected one of the set of different function blocks is executed depending on the measured value of at least one current parameter and the measured value of at least one vibration parameter. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling the motor drive speed to less than 1% of the target drive speed. 17. A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored therein, comprising computer program code means configured to carry out the method of claim 15 or 16, when said program is executed on the personal care device controller of one of claims. 11-14.

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