CN1117908A

CN1117908A - Hair cutting apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN1117908A
Application number: CN95106087A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 埃利奥特·考尔曼
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-06-02
Filing date: 1995-06-02
Publication date: 1996-03-06
Also published as: JPH10501464A; WO1995033600A1; CA2191751A1; IL109882A0; AU2571795A; EP0762949A1; TW307707B

Abstract

This invention discloses a hair cutting apparatus comprising a housing, a source of non-coherent light disposed in the housing , a hair entry opening defining in the housing for permitting hair to be cut to enter the housing, and optics directing said non-coherent light from said source of non-coherent light along a hair cutting pathway adjacent said hair entry opening for cutting said hair.

Description

Hair-cutting apparatus

The present invention relates to the radiation shaving apparatus.

The laser shaving apparatus has been proposed in patent documentation.Following list of references has been represented the prior art in the relevant patent field.

U.S.Patent 1,378, and 137; 1,720,775; 3,093,724; 3,197,612; 3,538,919; 3,659,613; 3,693,623; 3,834,391; 3,934,115; 4,051,760; 4,089,110; 4,388,924; [4,578,558; 4,608,978; 4,617,926; 4,819,669; 4,819,669; 5,037,183; 5,038,015; 5,043,553; 5,065,515; 5,059,192; 5,079,402; 5,093,549; 5,182,857; 5,226,907; Disclosed PCT patent applications WO91/06406; WO92/16338; WO93/05920; British Patent 2,123,287; Canadian Patent 1,041,610; French Patent 2,590,791; German Patent 3,220,962.

Purpose of the present invention provides improved hair-cutting apparatus.

Therefore, according to the present invention, provide a most preferred embodiment of hair-cutting apparatus, it comprises:

A shell;

Be arranged on the incoherent light source in this shell;

A hair that is limited in this shell enters opening, is used to make the hair that will be cut to enter shell; And

Optical devices are used to make the incoherent light from incoherent light source to advance with hair cut along entering the adjacent hair cutting path of opening with this hair.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a kind of hair-cutting apparatus also is provided, it comprises:

A shell;

Be arranged on the coherent source in this shell;

The hair that is limited in this shell enters opening, is used to make the hair that will cut to enter this shell; And

Optical devices, be used to make coherent light to advance along entering the adjacent hair cutting path of opening with hair from coherent source, so that hair is cut into multistage, thereby a part that makes these hairs is still attached on user's the skin and its another part remains intact and separate with skin.

This hair cutting equipment preferably includes the beard trimmer that is arranged in this shell.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, this hair cutting equipment comprises that also one is arranged on hair cut receptacle in this shell in removable mode.

This hair-cutting apparatus preferably also comprises a fluid pump that is provided with in this this shell, and the fluid stream that provides the hair that will downcut to suck this receptacle is provided.This fluid pump preferably also provides the fluid that flows to these Optical devices stream, keeps clean with a part that makes these Optical devices at least.In addition, this fluid pump preferably also provides the fluid stream that flows to light source and/or Optical devices so that it is cooled off.

This fluid pump preferably provides power by an electric notor, and this motor preferably also provides power for the beard trimmer.

This hair-cutting apparatus preferably also comprises the electronic control circuit of the operation of controlling light source.This electronic control circuit preferably includes at least one detector that is used for the correct orientation of definite light, and wherein electronic control circuit can move under the incorrect situation of the orientation of light, to revise or to stop the operation of light source.

According to most preferred embodiment of the present invention, this electronic control circuit comprises the detector that the operation between at least one skin that is used for determining shell and user contact, and wherein this electronic control circuit can move operation with correction or termination light source under the incorrect situation of the orientation of light.

This hair enters opening and preferably defines a plurality of hairs and enter opening.According to one embodiment of present invention, this hair enters opening and has gradually thin sidewall, makes from light source and irradiation light thereon and can not reflexed to beyond the shell by it thereby this sidewall obtains suitable setting.

In one embodiment of the invention, hair enters opening and is positioned on a position of shell, this locational shell at least the radius of curvature in a plane at least less than the radius of curvature of all the other most of parts of shell.

This hair enters thickness that opening preferably also comprises at least one part-this part at least less than the thickness of most of remainders of shell.

This hair cutting equipment preferably includes Optical devices, and these Optical devices provide and have been radiated on the hair that will cut to cut the light beam of these hairs, and the width of this light beam has surpassed its height along the hair cutting path.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, light beam and hair have suitable orientation, thereby light beam can be radiated on the many hairs simultaneously along its width, and make its degree of illumination to each root hair equate substantially with the height of this light beam.

This hair cutting equipment preferably also comprises makes the mode luminous light source operation circuit of light source with a plurality of short high energy pulses.Each short high energy pulse preferably has suitable structure, to produce the hair root of hair to the small part slyness.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, this hair cutting equipment preferably includes a receptacle, and this receptacle comprises that an air with odor adsorption function can see through filter.This receptacle preferably includes an admission passage, and this admission passage has suitable structure and releases from receptacle by it with the hair that prevents to downcut.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, enter opening and have gradually thin sidewall, hair is lifted and contact helping with passage cutting.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a kind of hair cutting method also is provided, it comprises:

Provide to be arranged on an incoherent light source in the shell, this shell has the hair that is used to make the hair that will cut enter shell and enters opening; And

Make from the incoherent light of incoherent light source and advance to cut these hairs along entering the adjacent hair cutting path of opening with hair.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a kind of hair cutting method also is provided, comprising:

Provide to be arranged on a light source in the shell, this shell has a hair and enters opening so that the hair that will cut can enter this shell; And

Make from the incoherent light of incoherent light source and advance along entering the adjacent hair cutting path of opening with hair, so that these hairs are cut into multistage, thereby a part that makes these hairs is still on the skin attached to the user, and its another part remains intact and be separated with user's skin.

Said method preferably also comprises provides fluid streams stream, and this fluid stream is carried out at least a in the following function: the hair that downcuts is drawn in the receptacle; The cleaning that keeps at least a portion of Optical devices; And in light source and the Optical devices at least one cooled off.

This method preferably also comprises the correct orientation of definite light and is orientated the operation of revising or stop light source under the incorrect situation at it.

This method preferably also comprises judges that shell contact with operation between user's skin, and the operation of correction or termination light source under the situation of not operation contact.

This method comprises also that preferably to make light source luminous in the modes of a plurality of short high energy pulses.

By below in conjunction with the detailed description that accompanying drawing carried out, can better understanding be arranged to the present invention.In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1A, 1B and 1C have shown the razors according to most preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 has usually shown optics used in the razors of Figure 1A-1C, electronics and mechanical part;

Fig. 3 A, 3B and 3C usually shown be used in Figure 1A-1C, according to the Optical devices in the razors of three alternative embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 4 A and 4B have shown the part of the razors of Figure 1A-3C in a simplified manner;

Fig. 5 A and 5B have shown that in the mode that cuts of part being in each shaves and the razors of Figure 1A-1C of the non-orientation that shaves;

Fig. 6 is hair contact portion razors, when being in the hair contact condition of Figure 1A-1C;

Fig. 7 A and 7B are respectively the A-A in Fig. 6 and the cutaway view of B-B line;

Fig. 8 A has shown undesirable theoretical construct, such as obtaining along VIII-VIII line of Fig. 6, has shown the boundary of the angular range of irradiation light beam thereon;

Fig. 8 B, 8C and 8D have shown the beam path of various light beams of undesirable structure of Fig. 8 A;

Fig. 9 A is usually along the cutaway view of A-A line of Fig. 6, has shown the boundary of the angular range of irradiation light beam thereon in desirable structure;

Fig. 9 B and 9C have shown the beam path of various light beams among the embodiment of Fig. 9 A;

Figure 10 has shown the laser beam that is used for hair cut in a most preferred embodiment according to the present invention in a simplified manner;

Figure 11 has shown the Gaussian distribution of energy of the laser beam of Figure 10 in a simplified manner;

Figure 12 A and 12B have shown that in the embodiment of Figure 10 the difference that enters the wall of opening at hair is provided with under the angle, are allowed to enter opening 152 and leave the relative part of the laser beam energy of shell through hair;

Figure 13 A and 13B have shown that in the embodiment of Figure 10 the difference that enters the wall of opening at hair is provided with under the angle, are allowed to enter opening 152 and escape the relative part of the incoherent light beam energy of shell through hair;

Figure 14 has shown the top margin that enters the slyness of opening according to the hair of a most preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 has shown that the hair that comprises according to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention enters the optimum structure of the hair contact portion of opening;

Figure 16 A and 16B have shown possible shaving apparatus structure;

Figure 17 A and 17B have shown best shaving apparatus structure;

Figure 18 A and 18B have shown another kind of best shaving apparatus structure;

Figure 19 A has shown a kind of cutting light beam setting of the best, and it also comprises a plurality of beam detectors;

Figure 19 B has shown a kind of cutting light beam setting of the best, and it also comprises a plurality of beam detectors that detect the subtest light beam;

Figure 20 has shown the setting of skin contact detector in the shaving apparatus in a most preferred embodiment according to the present invention;

Figure 21 A and 21B provide a flow chart together, have shown the operation of the shaving apparatus of the detector that adopts Figure 19 A, 19B and 20;

Figure 22 is the cutaway view according to the part of a shaving apparatus shell of most preferred embodiment formation according to the present invention and operation;

Figure 23 has shown the typical cross section size of hair cutting light beam used in this invention with respect to the hair that will cut in a simplified manner;

Figure 24 A, 24B and 24C showed according to each stage in the hair cutting of a most preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 25 A and 25B have shown each stage in the hair according to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention cuts;

Figure 26 A and 26B are sequential charts, have shown two alternative embodiments to the useful especially pulse laser operation of the present invention; And

Figure 27 A and 27B are the rough schematic views that is used in two alternative embodiments of the electronic circuit among the embodiment of Figure 20.

Referring now to Figure 1A, 1B and 1C,, wherein shown the radiation shaving apparatus that a most preferred embodiment according to the present invention constitutes and moves.This shaving apparatus comprises a shell 10, and this shell 10 defines a hair and enters opening 14 near one first end 12, and defines an air outlet slit 16 near one second end 15.

This shaving apparatus preferably includes a mechanical beard trimmer 18, and by the three-position switch 20 of operator control, the latter makes the user can select closed condition (0), radiation to shave (1) or beard is pruned (2).

A beard is collected receptacle by label 22 expressions.Failure warning display 24 and 26 can also be set.

Referring now to Fig. 2,, wherein usually shown the mechanical organ in the razors that is used among Figure 1A-1C.Light source 40 can be the coherent source such as diode laser, or such as the incoherent light source of zirconium lamp, xenon arc lamp or halogen lamp, and guide light beam into prism 46 through a collimation lens 42 and a plurality of lens 44, and prism 46 these light beams of guiding are along contiguous and be in substantially parallel relationship to the hair cutting path 48 that hair enters opening 14 and advance.When adopting incoherent light source, its energy efficiency can arrive maximum by by this way it being designed, and promptly it launches a collimated light beam, and the latter is positioned at the optical module in its downstream and compiles.Perhaps, this light source can provide a convergent beam, and this convergent beam can be converged to the suitable beam shape that is suitable for the hair cutting by this optical module.These two kinds may by to speculum and/or have positive amplification ratio, carry out suitable location as the lens of the integral part of light source and realize, wherein considered the position and the design of filament.

According to one embodiment of present invention, path 48 can end at a final element 50.Final element 50 can be a beam absorption device and can comprise a detector.Perhaps, this beam absorption device can be replaced by a reflecting element, thereby this reflecting element reflects light beam many horizontal hair cutting paths are provided.In some cases, may need provides compressed air stream to final element 50, so that chip can not fallen on it.This can be with realizing with the similar mode of the mode that is used for prism 46 shown in Figure 2.

The part in the zone of 48 processes of hair cutting path, the removable lower casing 52 that is configured the part of receptacle 22 (Figure 1B) surrounds.One of vavuum pump 54 inlet 53 is coupled with the inside of shell 52, and vavuum pump 54 is by 56 controls of control electronic installation, and draw hair and other chips so that it contacts with filter 58 within being arranged on shell 52, and filter 58 preferably is set at the position of leaving hair cutting path 48.

Vavuum pump 54 provides two air outputs.In this output one, through an air cleanness filter 60, and be provided to the zone that is close to prism 46, blow away with hair or other chips that will downcut, and be used to keep positive air pressure, thereby reduce pollution to it along the light path between light source 40 and the prism 46.Second air output is provided to the zone of contiguous light source 40 and collimation lens 42, is used for it is cooled off.This second air output is discharged (Figure 1B and 1C) by air outlet slit 16.

To describe control electronic installation 56 below in detail, it in response to the input from 48 the various detectors along the path, is used to control the suitable operation of light source 40 and vavuum pump 54 at least in part.

Referring now to Fig. 3 A,, it has shown the optical element in the razors that adopts at Figure 1A-1C when using coherent source 80 (such as the gallium arsenide diode laser instrument).Coherent source 80 is guided a branch of light into prism 86 through collimation lens 82 and a plurality of cylindrical lens 84, and prism 86 makes this light beam along contiguous and be in substantially parallel relationship to the hair cutting path 88 that hair enters opening 14 and advance.

According to one embodiment of present invention, path 88 can end at a beam absorption device 90, and this beam absorption device 90 can comprise a detector.Perhaps, beam absorption device 90 can be replaced by a reflecting element, and wherein this reflecting element reflects this light beam and thereby provides many horizontal hair cutting paths.

Referring to Fig. 3 B, it has shown the optical element in the razors that adopts at Figure 1A-1C when adopting incoherent light source 100 (such as zirconium, xenon or halogen light source).

In this embodiment, light source 100 drew a plurality of lens with a branch of light, for example by label 102,103,104 and 105 lens of representing.These lens are preferably with coating or color, thereby provide optical filtering, such as the frequency band in visual field between the near-infrared between 750nm and the 980nm (IR) district, 480nm and the 680nm and the district of the ultraviolet (UV) between 330nm and the 480nm to a plurality of narrow-bands.Half-peak value (FWHM) frequency bandwidth of actual optical filtering frequency band is generally less than 10nm.

For example, lens 102,104 and 105 can have coating or color, thereby absorb the light of setted wavelength, and lens 103 can have coating has another setted wavelength with reflection light.Also can adopt other suitable lens combinations with absorption and/or reflection characteristic.

From the output of the optical filtering light of light source 100, reflected by prism 106, and prism 106 makes light beam along contiguous and be in substantially parallel relationship to the hair cutting path 108 that hair enters opening 14 and advance.Except lens 102-105, filter and also can be undertaken by adopting independent filter.

It should be noted that the filter coating on the lens 103 is used for along the direction of leaving lens light being reflected, and make light enter the inside of shell 10.Specific region overheated that this provides comparatively effective radiating effect and has prevented each optical element or shell 10.

Referring now to Fig. 3 C,, wherein shown another embodiment of the optical element in the razors that when the incoherent light source 120 that adopts such as zirconium, xenon or halogen light source, is used in Figure 1A-1C.Light source 120 penetrated a branch of light at collimation lens 122 and a plurality of lens 124 in this embodiment, and lens 124 do not have coating to provide optical filtering with among the embodiment that resembles Fig. 3 B.Nearly all light output from light source 120 is all reflected by prism 126, and prism 126 makes this light beam along contiguous and be in substantially parallel relationship to the hair cutting path 128 that hair enters opening 14 and advance.

Referring to Fig. 4 A and 4B, wherein shown the part of the razors of Figure 1A-1C in a simplified manner.Fig. 4 A has shown the removable hair receptacle assembly that downcuts down that a most preferred embodiment according to the present invention adopts.

The assembly of Fig. 4 A comprises that can be pulled down a receptacle 130, and the latter comprises an end wall 132, and is formed with a protuberance or groove 134 on the end wall 132, so that it can be caught and be pulled out to by the user outside the shell 10 of shaving apparatus.Except end wall 132, receptacle 130 can be made of pore net 135, and the latter is strengthened by rib 136.End wall 132 can be separated with net 135, so that the cleaning receptacle.Perhaps, also can adopt any other suitable cleaning setting.A microswitch 133 preferably is set,, and when receptacle is removed, forbids the operation of shaving apparatus with pulling down of detection receptacle 130.Pore net 135 can also absorb the undesirable smell that produces in the hair cutting operation, and preferably also absorbs rather than reflect the light beam that is not intended to shine thereon.Net 135 generally plays a part the filter 58 in conjunction with Fig. 2 description.

A pair of

wall

137 and 138 defines with the hair of shaving apparatus shell 10 and enters the admission passage 139 that opening 14 is connected, and is used to receive the hair of cutting-

out.Wall

137 and 138 tilts, with the hair that prevents most cutting-out as much as possible through admission passage 139 and be discharged into outside the receptacle 130, as describing in conjunction with Fig. 5 A and 5B.

Receptacle 130 slidably is engaged on (Fig. 2) within the shell 52, and net 135 preferably defines the filter of mentioning 58 in the above.

Fig. 4 B has shown the mechanical device that is used to operate beard trimmer 18 (Figure 1B).This device comprises a clutch 140, it comprise one on the output shaft 142 that is fixed on motor 55 first clutch plate 141 and the second clutch plate 143 that is coupled through an axle 144 and with an eccentric drive element 145, and eccentric drive element 145 is meshed with cam 146 in the beard cutting blade 147.Blade 147 thereby in the oscillating movement shown in arrow 148, be activated with respect to stationary blade 149.

Second clutch plate 143 is coupled with three-position switch 20 by Connection Element 151, to operate beard trimmer 18 selectively.

Referring now to Fig. 5 A and 5B,, the mode that they cut with part has shown that the razors of Figure 1A-1C is in each and shaves and the non-situation that shaves and be orientated.As can be seen, in shaving, shown in Fig. 5 A, the hair of cutting-out enters receptacle 130 through admission passage 139.When shaving apparatus is in non-when orientation of shaving, shown in Fig. 5 B,

wall

137 and 138 incline direction have prevented that most hair is through admission passage 139 and be discharged into outside the receptacle 130.

Fig. 5 B has shown that also the vacuum that produces shown in the pump 54 (Fig. 2) is that the skin surface suction hair that how will have hair enters opening 14.

Referring to Fig. 6,7A and 7B, they have shown the most preferred embodiment of hair contact portion 150 of the razors of Figure 1A-1C, and it defines hair and enters opening 14 (Figure 1A).This hair contact portion 150 defines a plurality of hairs and enters opening 152, and one in these shown openings 152 is contacting with hair.Razors is with respect to the typical main direction of motion of user's skin, shown in arrow 153.

It should be understood that the purpose of the structure shown in Fig. 7 A and the 7B, thereby be to help to mention hair it is contacted with light beam cutting, and make hair become straight, thereby they can be cut off at as close as possible skin place.What can see is, enter along hair opening 152 side 154 angle B and C be set, can differ from one another along the periphery of opening, shown in Fig. 7 A and 7B.Perhaps, these openings can be made of conical side wall.

Referring to Fig. 8 A-8D, they have shown the undesirable structure of hair contact portion of Fig. 6.Fig. 8 A is the cutaway view of the VIII-VIII line along Fig. 6, has shown the boundary of the angular zone of irradiation light beam thereon.

Angle A 1 is provided by following formula:

A1＋arctan?0.5h/L

Angle A 2 is provided by following formula:

A2＝arctan?h/L

Wherein L is the longitudinal opening parallel with beam axis; And h is the thickness of hair contact portion, shown in Fig. 8 A-8D.

Can see that in the undesirable structure shown in Fig. 8 A-8D, it is perpendicular that hair enters the plane of the sidewall of opening 150 and hair contact portion.

Shown in structure in, the whole light along advancing to opening sidewalls 154 greater than the direction at the angles of 90 degree with 154 one-tenth of sidewalls have finally all arrived outside the besieged zone that is limited by hair contact portion part.

Fig. 8 A and 8C demonstrate, and are radiated at light beam sidewall 154 on angle A 1 with an angle A 4 between the A2 with respect to the vertical direction of sidewall 154, are reflected by sidewall 154 and withdraw from this besieged zone.

Fig. 8 B demonstrates, and its direction is in the light beam of angle A 3 (it is greater than angle A 2), leaves this besieged zone and is not radiated on the sidewall 154.Fig. 8 D demonstrates, its direction be in angle A 5 (it less than A1 but with respect to sidewall 154 greater than 90 the degree) light beam, experienced repeatedly reflection, but finally withdrawed from this besieged zone from sidewall.

Referring now to Fig. 9 A-9C,, they have shown a kind of desirable structure of hair contact portion shown in Figure 6.Fig. 9 A is the cutaway view of the VIII-VIII line along Fig. 6, has shown the boundary of the angular range of irradiation light beam thereon.

Angle B 2 is provided by following expression:

B2＝arctan?k/D

Wherein W is the vertical opening length that is parallel to beam axis in the outer surface of hair contact portion;

K is the thickness of hair contact portion, shown in Fig. 9 A-9C;

T is the inclination angle after each independent opening;

D is the distance that shows among Fig. 9 A.

Can see, in the desired structure of Fig. 9 A to 9C, the

sidewall

162 and 164 that hair enters opening 150 from the inside of shell towards its outside towards gradually thin each other.

Fig. 9 A and 9B demonstrate, and with the light beam greater than the angle B3 directive sidewall 162 of B2, do not shine on the sidewall 162 and have left besieged zone.

Fig. 9 C demonstrates, its direction be in angle B 4-it less than B2-light beam, be reflected back at the inboard in besieged zone by sidewall 162.

According to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the direction at angle of opposing sidewalls 164 that each hair enters opening is with the opposite of sidewall 162 but the equating of its angle and sidewall 162, but the inside from shell in them is gradually thin towards relative sidewall towards the outside of shell.Therefore, if light beam will be realized identical effect along being radiated in the opposite direction on the sidewall 164 with the above side that combines sidewall 162 descriptions.

According to another embodiment of the invention, this hair enters opening can have such structure, and promptly it has conical sidewall, all is same thereby make them along the angle structure in any cross section vertical with its plane.

Referring to Figure 10 to 12B, they have shown that (not necessarily proportional) is used for the Gaussian distribution of laser beam He its energy of hair cut.Figure 10 has shown the general type of cutting light beam 270, and this cutting light beam 270 is reflected (Fig. 2) by prism 46 usually.

The distance that P is a light beam between the inner surface of the reflection optical axis at the intersection point place of itself and prism 46 and hair contact portion, and J is the distance of the opening farthest from above-mentioned intersection point to the hair contact portion.

Figure 11 has shown the energy Gaussian distribution of light beam 270 in the given position of light beam 270.By considering Figure 12 A, can see, under the situation of Fig. 9 A to 9, be less than or equal to 0 laser beam for T, (for example example of Fig. 8 A to 8D), the energy of quite a few can leave besieged zone.If T is selected as greater than 0, then shown in the example of Fig. 9 A to 9C, have only about 10 ^-6Energy can leave this besieged zone, shown in Figure 12 B.

Consider Figure 12 A and 12B, can see, the energy in this Gaussian distribution between angle G and B2, the tilted alignment that enters the wall of opening 152 owing to hair has been subjected to prevention, thereby can not leave this besieged zone, shown in Fig. 9 A-9C.

Referring to Figure 13 A and 13B, can see that for zirconium, xenon or halogen light source, under the situation of Fig. 9 A-9C, be less than or equal to 0 even work as T, (for example example of Fig. 8 A-8D) quite a few energy can not leave this besieged zone.If T is chosen to be greater than 0, then shown in the example of Fig. 9 A-9C, there is not energy can leave this besieged zone basically, shown in Figure 13 B.

Referring to Figure 14, it has shown that hair enters the most preferred embodiment of the top edge 280 of opening 152.As shown in figure 14, a part-light beam 282 of top edge 280 can shine along this part along tangential direction-preferably slick and sly, thereby reduces diffraction (when edge when being sharp-pointed, this diffraction can occur).

Figure 15 has shown a kind of optimum structure of hair contact portion 300, it is characterized in that limiting zone that hair enters opening 302 and inwardly and towards the direction of the skin that leaves the user is raised, and is represented as label 304.This structure provides the comparatively level and smooth surface of shaving for user's skin, and the sidewall 306 that has kept hair to enter opening 302 simultaneously is in desirable angle T.Perhaps, can provide to limit the hair contact portion that hair enters opening, wherein this hair enters opening and outwards and towards user's skin is enhanced.

Referring to Figure 16 A and 16B, they have shown possible shaving apparatus structure.The structure of Figure 16 A and 16B is not best, and a hair contact portion 320 placed has than long radius r ₁The part of shell 322 on, radius r wherein ₁With the total radius R that on the big zone of shell, extends ₁Equate.

Adopting this structure, make the user carry out wrong location to shell with respect to its skin (shown in label 324) easily, is not to be in the best thereby make relative its position of hair contact portion 320, shown in the example of Figure 16 B.Shown a kind of ideal orientation of hair contact portion 320 among Figure 16 A, wherein the plane of hair contact portion is vertical with skin surface 324.

Referring to Figure 17 A and 17B, they have shown best shaving apparatus structure.Here, the radius r in the zone around the hair contact portion 340 ₂, littler than the radius R 2 of the bottom of corresponding shell 342.Adopt this structure, shell is with respect to the inappropriate location of skin surface 344, and makes the hair contact portion leave skin surface indistinctively, shown in the embodiment of Figure 17 B.In addition, near the less shell radius hair contact portion 340 makes the hair contact portion be crushed on and be pressed in the skin surface 344, thereby has kept the abundant good contact of shaving betwixt.

Referring to Figure 18 A and 18B, they have shown the shaving apparatus structure of another kind of the best.Here, the zone around the hair contact portion 360 has the radius r littler than the radius R 3 of the bottom of corresponding shell 362 ₃Adopt this structure, shell does not make the hair contact portion significantly leave skin surface, shown in the embodiment of Figure 18 B with respect to the inappropriate location of skin surface 364.Here, near the very little shell radius the hair contact portion 360 makes the hair contact portion easily to be pressed in and to be pressed in the skin surface 364, thereby keeps the good contact of shaving between it.

Referring to Figure 19 A, it has shown the sort of optimum Cutting light beam setting shown in Figure 2, and it also comprises a plurality of beam detectors.The major part of input illumination beam 380 is subjected to the reflection of prism 382, and limiting a cutting light beam 384, this cutting light beam 384 is in substantially parallel relationship to hair contact portion 386 and advances and shine on the illumination beam detector 388.Smaller portions of illumination beam 380 are not reflected by prism 382, but are reflected by a downstream prism 390 and converged on second detector 394 by lens 392.

The purpose of a plurality of detectors is set, and be the suitable beam propagation of check from light source to prism, and this check is independent of the check to the suitable orientation of cutting light beam 384.Therefore, if show that light beam has obtained suitable transmission but the orientation of cutting light beam 384 is inappropriate, then can give demonstration of user, showing need be to clearing up near the hair contact portion 386.In addition, and perhaps be prior, if beam propagation is inappropriate, shaving apparatus can be closed, and has obtained the relevant personnel's repairing up to it.

Referring to Figure 19 B, it has shown a kind of cutting light beam setting of the best, and comprises a plurality of beam detectors that are used to detect the subtest light beam.This subtest light beam is by the secondary light source 400 such as GaALAs or InGaAsP light emitting diode (for example Mod-el SDL-2380 that the Spectra of the San Jose of California, USA-Diode Labs (SDL) provides), and relevant Optical devices 402 and beam splitter 404 provide, and make the globality of image optical device of this device, before shining the high-energy light beam on it, be guaranteed.In the case, detector and detector Optical devices obtain selecting, with corresponding with test beams, and by label 389,395 and 393 expressions.In the case, detector 389 preferably only absorbs from the light of secondary light source 400 and reflects from the high-strength light that cuts light beam, thus the unlikely damage that is subjected to it.

Figure 20 has shown the use of the skin contact detector 410 in the shaving apparatus.Detector 410 is with detector electronics 412 operations of a part that constitutes electronic circuit 56 (Fig. 2).Two alternative embodiments that in Figure 27 A and 27B, shown the circuit of a part that constitutes detector electronics 412.

Referring to Figure 27 A, it has shown a circuit, and this circuit comprises a resistance bridge 414, and a pair of skin contact electrode 416 and 418 of the part of resistance bridge 414 and formation detector 410 is coupled.Resistance bridge 414 comprises three resistance 420,422 and 424, and they each resistance value is preferably same, for example is 15K Ω.Direct voltage source 417 is coupling on the abutment and the abutment between resistance 422 and 424 between resistance 420 and the electrode 416.

Voltage amplifier 426 is coupling between abutment between resistance 424 and the electrode 418 and resistance 420 and 422 on the abutment.The output of this voltage amplifier is provided to comparator 428, and this comparator provides a numeral output.

Referring to Figure 27 B, it has shown an electronic circuit, this circuit comprise one with a pair of skin capacitance electrode 436 and 438 capacitance bridges that are coupled 434, one in these skin capacitance electrodes can comprise the hair contact portion, and its another can constitute the part of detector 410.Capacitance bridge 434 comprises three capacitors 440,442 and 444, its each preferably all have identical capacitance.Oscillator 447 is coupling on the abutment and the abutment between

electric capacity

442 and 444 between electric capacity 440 and the electrode 436.

Voltage amplifier 446 is coupling on the abutment and the abutment between

electric capacity

440 and 442 between electric capacity 444 and the electrode 438.The output of this voltage amplifier is provided to comparator 448, and this comparator provides a numeral output.

Referring to Figure 21 A and 21B, they have shown a flow chart, have shown the operation of the control electronic installation 56 (Fig. 2) in the shaving apparatus of the detector that adopts Figure 19 A, 19B and 20.Three-position switch 20 (Figure 1B) can provide and control two kinds of operator schemes.If selected beard trimmer pattern, the cutting light beam is not started, and 18 operations of beard trimmer.

If selected the shaving apparatus operational mode, input illumination beam 380 has low-intensity at initial period.The output of detector 394 (Figure 19 A) shows at initial period whether the direction of light beam 380 is correct.If not, light source 40 is turned off, thereby has closed light beam 380.A failure warning display 24 (Figure 1A) is luminous.The operation of whole shaving apparatus is under an embargo subsequently, is resetted by the repairman up to it.

If detector 394 display beams 380 have correct direction, detector 388 (Figure 10 A) shows whether the cutting area between prism 382 and the detector 388 is clean, and a skin contact detector 410 (Figure 20) shows whether the hair contact portion is carried out the hair cutting with user's skin and contacted.If then begin the operation of shaving, and light beam 380 becomes high strength.

If cutting area is unclean, a failure warning display 26 (Figure 1A) is luminous.The user can clear up cutting area with brush or other proper implements this moment.Show if the failure warning display extinguishes after cleaning and received skin contact detector 410, then begin the operation of shaving, and light beam 380 changes to high strength.

If failure warning display 26 is still luminous after cleaning, then can attempt to clear up cutting area again.If success, then failure warning display 26 extinguishes, and receives 410 demonstrations of skin contact detector, then begins the operation of shaving, as mentioned above.

If failure warning display 26 is still luminous after further clearing up, then can clear up or change receptacle 22.When pulling down receptacle 22, the action of microswitch 133 (Fig. 4 A) should make shaving apparatus close.If shaving apparatus is not closed owing to fault, then cuts light beam 380 and also should be closed immediately.In another case, after having cleared up receptacle, the user can reclose shaving apparatus and resume operations.

As long as detector 410 demonstration hair contact portions are in the skin and hair cutting state of contact with the user, the operation of shaving just can be carried out.Contact with the cutting of the hair of skin when having interrupted at least preset time (such as 100 milliseconds), cut light beam and be turned off.After the cutting light beam is turned off, and through after suitably postponing, this light beam moves with low-intensity.Subsequently, only when detector 388 and 410 receives sure demonstration, this light beam just changes to high strength.

Operation according to the shaving apparatus of the embodiment of Figure 19 A has more than been described.The operation of the embodiment of Figure 19 B also is that similarly wherein the low-energy operation of light source is replaced by the operation of secondary light source 400, to judge whether cutting area is clean.

According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention (it is not best), can eliminate various detectors.In the case, be lowered in conjunction with Figure 21 A and the described function of 21B more than.

Referring to Figure 22, it is the cutaway view according to the part of the shaving apparatus shell of most preferred embodiment formation according to the present invention and operation.Here, can see that hair contact portion 420 is formed the thin part of inserting shell 422, and has uneven thickness.In this way, the mechanical strength of hair contact portion 420 has obtained maximum increase, and the hair contact portion adjacent with cutting light beam 384 is maintained at less thickness.Perhaps, hair contact portion 420 can form a whole with all or part of of shell 422.

Referring to Figure 23, it has shown the typical cross section size of the hair cutting light beam 384 (Figure 19 A) of LASER Light Source used in this invention with respect to the hair that will cut in a simplified manner.For laser and zirconium, xenon or halogen light source, the width of light beam is all big than its degree of depth along the axis of the hair that will cut, preferably big at least 1 times.

In Figure 23, can see that when adopting laser instrument, the width of light beam preferably is approximately 0.5mm and its thickness (along the axis of the hair that will cut) generally can be 0.2mm.The cross section of this cutting light beam generally is rectangle or ellipse, and represents with label 430.One or many hairs by label 432 expressions can be in this cutting light beam place at any time.Other any suitable cutting beam cross-sections also can be provided.Be shown as the light beam of collimation fully though it should be understood that the cutting light beam in Figure 23, in fact it is convergent beam and has the diversity that does not demonstrate.

Referring to Figure 24 A, 24B and 24C, they have shown each stage of hair cutting according to an embodiment of the invention.Figure 24 A, 24B and 24C demonstrate, and utilize according to laser beam hair cut of the present invention, and the part 440 of hair is blown away, and stay the another part 444 (will be collected by receptacle 22 (Figure 1B)) attached to the part on the skin 442 and the hair that comes off.

Referring to Figure 25 A and 25B, they have shown each stage of hair cutting according to another embodiment of the present invention.Here, hair only is slit into two sections earnestly.This result according to the used laser or the power of other light sources, and according to color or other characteristics of the hair that will cut, can replace the result shown in Figure 24 A-24C.

A concrete feature of the present invention is according to cutting of the present invention, shown in Figure 24 A-24C or Figure 25 A and 25B, provides the comparatively slick and sly and so not sharp-pointed cutting attached to the hair on the skin, thereby provides level and smooth sensation for the user.

The flatness that shaves because it depends on the structure that remains the cut end on user's skin, thereby can be subjected to the character of used cutting light beam and the influence of sequential.Figure 26 A and 26B are sequential charts, and they have shown two alternative embodiments to the operation of the useful especially pulse laser of the present invention, found through experiments these two embodiment and provide satisfied result aspect slick and sly in that hair is cut.

In the embodiment of Figure 26 A, adopted a series of discrete many level pulses, its each all have 10 milliseconds typical duration.In the embodiment of Figure 26 B, the pulse with continuous variation level is provided, its cycle is about 13 milliseconds.In both cases, the high power portion of pulse all has the continuous time when being preferably about 2 milliseconds, and the partial low-power of pulse has about 8 milliseconds duration, and these pulses preferably have and are about 3 milliseconds interval.Best power ratio between high power portion and the partial low-power is approximately 2-3: 1.

It should be understood that according to a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, can adopt waveform and pulse sequence with any suitable shape.

Those skilled in the art it should be understood that the present invention is not limited only to above the concrete content that shows and describe.Scope of the present invention is limited by appended claims, and scope of the present invention comprises the embodiment of equal value of above-described embodiment.

Claims

1. hair-cutting apparatus comprises:

Shell;

Be arranged on the incoherent light source in this shell;

The hair that limits on this shell enters opening, is used to make the hair that will cut can enter this shell; And

Optical devices are used to make the described incoherent light from described incoherent light source to advance along entering an adjacent hair cutting path of opening with described hair, to cut described hair.

2. hair-cutting apparatus comprises:

Shell;

Be arranged on the coherent source in this shell;

Optical devices, be used for and advance so that described hair is cut into multistage along entering an adjacent hair cutting path of opening from the described coherent light of described coherent source with described hair, thereby a part that makes described hair is still on the skin attached to the user, and its another part is remained intact and is separated with user's skin.

3. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprise be arranged in the described shell in the beard trimmer.

4. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of aforementioned any one claim, comprise that further of being arranged in the described shell in removable mode downcuts the hair receptacle.

5. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 4, also comprise a fluid pump that is arranged in the described shell, be used to provide a fluid stream, this fluid stream sucks described receptacle with the hair that downcuts.

6. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 5, wherein said fluid pump also provides the fluid that flows to described Optical devices stream, and this fluid stream is used to make at least a portion of described Optical devices not to be subjected to the pollution of foul.

7. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 5 and 6, wherein said fluid pump also provides the fluid that flows to described light source and described Optical devices stream, is used for it is cooled off.

8. according to any one the hair-cutting apparatus in the claim 5-7, also be included as the electric notor that described fluid pump provides power.

9. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 3 and 8, wherein said electric notor also provides power for described beard trimmer.

10. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of aforementioned any one claim, also comprise the electronic control circuit of the operation of controlling described light source.

11. hair-cutting apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said electronic control circuit comprises that at least one is used for the detector of the correct orientation of definite described light, and wherein said electronic control circuit is operated under the incorrect situation of the orientation of described light to revise or to stop the operation of described light source.

12. hair-cutting apparatus according to claim 10 and 11, wherein said electronic control circuit comprises that at least one is used for determining the detector that shell contact with operation between user's skin, and wherein said electronic control circuit is operated with correction under the situation that does not have described operation to contact or stopped the operation of described light source.

13. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of aforementioned any one claim, wherein said hair enters opening and defines a plurality of hairs and enter opening.

14. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 13, wherein said hair enters opening and has gradually thin sidewall, these sidewalls suitably are provided with so that can not reflexed to outside the shell by it from described light source and irradiation light thereon.

15. according to any one the hair-cutting apparatus in the aforementioned claim, wherein said hair enters opening and is positioned at a position along shell, in the radius of curvature of this position shell at least one plane at least less than the radius of curvature of most of remainders of shell.

16. according to any one the hair-cutting apparatus in the aforementioned claim, wherein said hair enters thickness that opening comprises at least one part-this part at least less than the thickness of most of remainders of shell.

17. according to any one the hair-cutting apparatus in the aforementioned claim, wherein said Optical devices provide the light beam that is radiated on the hair that will cut so that hair is cut, and the width of described light beam has surpassed its height along described hair cutting path.

18. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 17, wherein light beam and hair have suitable orientation, thereby light beam can be radiated on the many hairs simultaneously along its width, and its range of exposures on every hair equates substantially with the height of light beam.

19. according to any one the hair-cutting apparatus in the aforementioned claim, also comprise light source operation circuit, be used to make described light source luminous in the modes of a plurality of short high energy pulses.

20. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 19, wherein each shorter high energy pulse has suitable structure to produce the hair root of hair to the small part slyness.

21. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 4, wherein said receptacle comprises that the air that has the odor adsorption function can see through filter.

22. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 4, wherein said receptacle comprises an admission passage, this admission passage has suitable structure and leaves described receptacle by it easily with the hair that prevents to downcut.

23. according to the hair-cutting apparatus of claim 13, wherein said hair enters opening and has gradually thin sidewall, these gradually thin sidewalls suitably are provided with helping mentions hair and touches with the tangent cutover in described path.

24. a hair cutting method comprises:

Provide to be arranged on an incoherent light source in the shell, this shell has the hair that is used to make the hair that will cut enter this shell and enters opening;

Make from the light of described light source and advance, to cut described hair along entering an adjacent hair cutting path of opening with described hair.

25. a hair cutting method comprises:

Provide to be arranged on a light source in the shell, this shell has the hair that is used to make the hair that will cut enter this shell and enters opening; And

Make from the light of described light source and advance along the hair cutting path that enters opening with described hair, so that described hair is cut into multistage, thereby a part that makes described hair is still attached on user's the skin and its another part is remained intact and be separated with user's skin.

26. according to the method for claim 24 or 25, comprise also a fluid stream is provided that this fluid stream sucks described receptacle with the hair that downcuts.

27. according to any one method in the claim 24-26, also comprise the fluid stream that provides one to flow to described Optical devices, this fluid stream is used to make at least a portion of described Optical devices not to be subjected to the pollution of foul.

28., also comprise at least one the fluid stream so that it is cooled off that flows in described light source and the described Optical devices is provided according to any one the method in the claim 24 to 26.

29. according to any one the method in the claim 24-28, also comprise the correct orientation of determining described light, and be orientated the operation of revising or stop described light source under the incorrect situation at this.

30., also comprise and determine that shell contact with operation between user's skin, and correction or stop the operation of described light source under the situation that this operation not contacts according to any one the method in the claim 24-29.

31. according to any one the method in the claim 24-30, wherein make light beam and hair have suitable orientation, so that light beam can be radiated on the many hairs simultaneously along its width, and its range of exposures on every hair is equated substantially with the height of this light beam.

32., comprise that also to make described light source luminous in the modes of a plurality of short high energy pulses according to any one the method in the claim 24-31.