EP0547390A1 - Depilating apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a depilating apparatus for removing hair from the human body, having a housing (2) which the user can hold in one hand, having a rotary cylinder (4) which is driven by a motor (103) and has clamping elements (42, 43, 105, 106), and having an actuating element (109, 110) for actuating the clamping elements (42, 43, 105, 106) coupled to said actuating element, at least one actuating element (109, 110) being actuable directly or indirectly via a pressure element (147) assigned thereto. The relative angular position of at least one pressure element (147) and/or control element (145) for adjusting the actuating element (109, 110) in the closing direction of the clamping elements (42, 43 or 105, 106) is variable relative to a fixed axis x-y of the apparatus 1. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to an epilation device for removing hair on the human body with a housing that can be held by the user in the hand, with a motor-driven, clamping elements having rotating cylinder with at least one actuating element passing through the rotating cylinder for actuating the latter coupled clamping elements, wherein at least one actuating element can be actuated indirectly or directly via a pressure element assigned to it.

A device for removing body hair is already known (EP 0 328 426 A2), which consists of a housing with a removable epilation head. The housing also serves to receive a rotary cylinder which can be driven by a motor and is mounted on a shaft and has a plurality of actuating elements which pass through the rotary cylinder to actuate the clamping elements coupled to it. Each end of the actuating elements is acted upon by a roller rotatably mounted on a bracket arranged in the epilation head and can be moved back and forth in opposite directions against the pressure of a common spring. The oppositely adjustable actuating elements can always be brought into their neutral position after a working process by means of a spring, the clamping elements also being returned to their starting position. Epilation devices designed in this way always work in the same direction of rotation and are designed such that they can only be guided in one direction over the skin surface to be epilated in order to capture and remove the hair. However, in order to achieve a perfect epilation effect, the front of the epilation device must always be moved against the direction of growth of the body hair. However, if the direction of growth changes on the skin surface to be epilated, the epilation device would have to be rotated be so that the body hair can be grasped in time and thus completely. The movement of the device in the direction of growth of the body hair means that the hairs are grasped too late or only imperfectly and pressed down so that they are only partially removed. The invention seeks to remedy this.

The invention has for its object to improve the removal of body hair by means of a device of the type mentioned.

The invention solves the problems in that the relative angular position of at least one pressure element and / or control element for adjusting the actuating element in the closing direction of the clamping elements can be changed relative to a fixed axis xy of the device. The advantageous design and arrangement of the various actuators or pressure elements or control elements for direct or indirect adjustment of the clamping elements ensures that the body hairs are always correctly gripped by the clamping elements and fed to the clamping area, no matter how the implement is used or in which direction it moves across the skin. For this purpose, it is advantageous that when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder changes, the relative angular position of the contact point between the pressure element and the actuating element can be changed. The direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder of the epilation device can be adapted or reversed by switching the motor to the direction of movement of the epilation device during work. If, for example, the epilation device is taken from one hand to the other and thus placed on the skin surface in the direction of growth of the body hair, the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder can be changed immediately by switching the motor and thereby achieve that the clamping elements are now against the direction of growth of the hair via the Skin surface are moved. In this way, the body hair can be easily fed to the clamping elements and thereby be properly grasped by them.

It is also advantageous that the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder of the epilation device is reversible, and that when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder changes, the position of the contact point a between the pressure element and the actuating element or control element, at which an adjustment of at least one clamping element in the direction of the adjacent clamping element with reference to a fixed axis xy of the device begins, can be changed. For this purpose, it is also advantageous that the direction of rotation of the rotating cylinder of the epilation device can be automatically adjusted to the changed working direction when the working direction of the epilation device changes. As a result, the clamping elements are brought into the clamping position at the right time. Furthermore, by changing the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder, it can be ensured in a simple manner that the clamping elements can always be used against the direction of growth of the hair and can be moved along the skin surface when the holder is in the optimal angular position with respect to the skin surface. If the direction of growth of the hair changes, then only the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder has to be changed during the epilation process, so that the clamping elements are now also moved against the direction of growth of the hair. For this purpose, it is advantageous that the pressure element and / or actuating element and / or control element is adjustable between two stops which are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the axis xy of the housing. It is also advantageous that when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder changes, the actuating element or the pressure element or the control element or the holder can be moved from one stop to another stop. As a result, the holder for receiving the clamping elements is pivoted into the optimum position in each case in a simple manner and thereby ensures that the clamping elements are closed at the right time, ie at a point which is in relation to the working direction of the device in front of the contact point of the rotary cylinder with the Skin surface lies. In this way, lying or depressed hair can be gripped and clamped by the clamping elements.

The change in the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder of the epilation device and also the change in the start of the movement of the clamping elements in the clamping direction is particularly advantageous when using the device in the upper lip area, especially if the device is always to be held in the same hand and the direction of growth of the body hair on the skin surface is different. For this purpose, the direction of rotation of the motor and thereby also that of the rotary cylinder need only be changed by an actuation switch.

For this purpose, it is advantageous that an actuating element on the pressure element automatically changes the direction of a stop or an end position at which the linear adjustment of at least one actuating element takes place when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder changes.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the control element is automatically adjusted into an end position by the driver resting against the stop of the control element when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder changes.

It is also advantageous that the spaced stops on the epilation head are provided in particular on the frame of the epilation head and that the two ends of the axis of the rotary cylinder each have a slot opening at the end through which one leg of the bracket extends. It is also advantageous that the stops arranged at a distance from one another are formed by the side walls of the slot opening provided in the shaft or axis and are received in the legs of the bracket. As a result, stops are obtained with simple structural means for limiting the pivoting of the bracket.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous that the holder is designed as a bracket which is pivotally mounted in the epilation head, the axis being accommodated in a bearing bush provided in the device.

According to a further embodiment, the holder is designed as a bearing block which, together with the pressure element, is pivotably mounted on a bearing bush provided in the epilation head. The holder is preferably designed as a U-shaped, pivotable bracket, on the two legs of which a pressure element is arranged.

It is also advantageous that a pressure element is arranged on each leg of a bracket or a holder, which comes into contact with the rotating end in a definable angular range against the outer end of an actuating element and a mutual adjustment of the actuating elements against the action of at least one spring causes, the angular position of the legs and the pressure element between the stops is adjustable.

According to a preferred embodiment of the solution according to the invention it is finally provided that the pressure element is rotatably mounted as a pressure roller on the leg of a U-shaped bracket and that a disk is provided between the pressure element and the end face of the rotary cylinder. This can greatly reduce the running noise.

It is also advantageous that the control element cooperating with the stationary pressure element is mounted rotatably and linearly displaceably on a shaft with the stops.

It is also advantageous that the pressure element is rotatably mounted on a bearing pin fixedly arranged in the housing, wherein the bearing pin for receiving the pressure element intersects the rotation shaft of a transmission for driving the rotary cylinder at approximately a right angle.

It is of particular importance for the present invention that the control element is arranged on the rotary shaft, which is operatively connected on the one hand to the pressure element and on the other hand to at least one actuating element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous that the pressure element, which rolls with its outer surface on the control surface of the control element, is designed as a truncated cone, and that the control element which is rotatably and linearly displaceably mounted on the rotary shaft has a recess formed by the stops, in which extends the driver that is operatively connected to at least one actuating element, the driver coming into contact with one of the stops of the rotatably mounted control element when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder changes.

It is particularly advantageous that the displaceable control element acts on the displaceably mounted actuating element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is finally provided that, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder, the respective contact point is determined by contact of the driver on one of the stops and by the respective increase in the control curve of the control element on the pressure element.

It is also advantageous that the control element cooperating with the pressure element is rotatably mounted on a shaft between the stops.

Further advantages and details of the invention are set out in the patent claims and in the description and illustrated in the figures, it being noted that all individual features and all combinations of individual features are essential to the invention.

Fig. 1

eine Vorderansicht eines schematisch dargestellten, nur die wesentlichen Teile aufweisenden Epilationsgerätes mit einem elektrischen Antriebsmotor zum Antrieb eines Klemmelemente aufweisenden Drehzylinders, teilweise im Schnitt;

Fig. 2

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel zusammenwirkender Betätigungselemente eines Drehzylinders und den zugehörigen Druckelementen mit einem Verstellhebel und einem Exzenter in perspektivischer Darstellung;

Fig. 3

eine weitere Schnittdarstellung des einen Bügel aufweisenden Drehzylinders in Klemmstellung, in der die einzelnen Klemmelemente an ihren äußeren Enden gegeneinander anliegen;

Fig. 4a-4d

verschiedene Arbeitsstellungen von unterschiedlichen Epilationsgeräten;

Fig. 5

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Drehzylinders in Klemmstellung, in der die einzelnen Klemmelemente an ihren äußeren Enden gegeneinander anliegen, in Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 6

Schnitt durch ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Epilationsgerätes zum Entfernen von Haaren, insbesondere für den Einsatz im Oberlippenbereich, mit im Klemmzustand befindlichen Klemmelementen;

Fig. 7

Schnitt durch ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Epilationsgerätes mit im Öffnungszustand befindlichen Klemmelementen;

Fig. 8

perspektivische Darstellung eines Steuerelements;

Fig. 9-12

verschiedene Stellungen des Bügels bzw. des Lagerblocks mit Druckelement in einer linken bzw. rechten Anschlagstellung;

Fig. 13-14

schematische Darstellungen der Positionen eines Steuerelements zur Beaufschlagung der Betätigungselemente, und

Fig. 15-17

Bewegungsablauf eines reversiblen Drehzylinders eines Epilationsgerätes mit Bezug zur Hautoberfläche mit den zugehörigen Positionen zur Steuerung der Betätigungselemente.

In the figures, the invention is shown in one embodiment, for example, without being limited to the embodiment. It shows:

Fig. 1

a front view of a schematically illustrated, only the essential parts having epilation device with an electric drive motor for driving a rotating cylinder having clamping elements, partially in section;

Fig. 2

a first embodiment of interacting actuators of a rotary cylinder and the associated pressure elements with an adjusting lever and an eccentric in a perspective view;

Fig. 3

a further sectional view of the rotary cylinder having a bracket in the clamping position, in which the individual clamping elements abut against each other at their outer ends;

Figures 4a-4d

different working positions of different epilation devices;

Fig. 5

a further embodiment of a rotary cylinder in the clamping position, in which the individual clamping elements abut against each other at their outer ends, in a sectional view;

Fig. 6

Section through a further embodiment of an epilation device for removing hair, in particular for use in the upper lip area, with clamping elements in the clamped state;

Fig. 7

Section through a further embodiment of an epilation device with clamping elements in the open state;

Fig. 8

perspective view of a control element;

Fig. 9-12

different positions of the bracket or the bearing block with pressure element in a left or right stop position;

Fig. 13-14

schematic representations of the positions of a control element for loading the actuating elements, and

Fig. 15-17

Sequence of movements of a reversible rotating cylinder of an epilation device with reference to the skin surface with the associated positions for controlling the actuating elements.

In the drawing, a device 1 for removing body hair from humans or an epilation device is shown in section in FIG. 1, which consists of a housing 2 and a removable epilation head 3 for receiving a drivably mounted rotary cylinder 4. (Further details can be found in patent application FR A 91 051 35).

The rotary cylinder 4 is driven by an electric motor 103 which can be connected to a power supply or to a rechargeable battery 5 or replaceable batteries.

The drive motor 103 is in drive connection with a drive wheel 8 of the rotary cylinder 4 via a gear 7 having numerous gear wheels 9.

According to FIG. 1, the epilation head 3, which can be plugged onto the housing 2, has a left bearing shell 11 which is fixedly or integrally connected to a horizontally running support part.

In each of the bearing shells 11 and 12 according to FIG. 3 there is a bearing bush 17 and 18 for receiving an axis 19 on which the rotary cylinder 4 is rotatably mounted. At both ends of the axis 19 there is a cylindrical slot opening 20, through each of which a leg 21 of a bracket 22 shown in side view extends. The bracket 22 can, as will be described in more detail below, be pivoted between two stops 611, 612 (cf. FIGS. 3, 11, 10). The pivoting of the bracket 22 between the stops 611, 612 takes place when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 changes. For this purpose, the axis 19 is rotated in a bore 693 of a bearing journal 25 until the bracket 22 comes to bear against the stop 611 or 612. In Fig. 3 only the stop 612 is indicated.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, two half-shell-shaped threading elements 49, 50 are arranged on the right and left or above and below numerous clamping elements 42 and 43 arranged side by side, which have numerous, parallel and parallel slats 51, which have the task to straighten the body hair in such a way that they each easily reach an intermediate space 52 of the two cooperating clamping elements 42, 43.

The threading elements 49, 50 are arranged on a bearing part 24 surrounding the axis 19 and releasably connected to the latter. These parts are, among other things, a component of the rotary cylinder 4, which is rotatably mounted on the axis 19 via the bearing part 24 and is driven by the gear wheel 8.

The axis 19 of the rotary cylinder 4 of the epilation head 3 serves, according to FIG. 3, for the rotatable reception of the central, rectangular, elongated bearing part 24.

On the upper and diametrically opposite, lower side of the bearing part 24, two actuating elements 109, 110 which are displaceable relative to one another are each mounted.

As can also be seen from FIG. 3, the clamping elements 42 and 43 shown in FIG. 3 are arranged on the actuating elements 109, 110 or are connected to them in terms of drive. Numerous clamping elements 42, 43 work together and each form a clamping device for removing body hair. The clamping device is part of the rotary cylinder 4.

The two upper actuating elements 109, 110 are shown in perspective in FIG. 2. One actuating element 110 is U-shaped and has parallel rods 30, 31 which are connected to one another at the ends via a transverse web 32. On the upper side of the two parallel rods 30, 31 there are numerous, evenly spaced slots 33 which form a right angle with one longitudinal side of the rods 30, 31. The slots 33 of the actuating element 110 lie on the same transverse plane as the slots 41 of the actuating element 109.

The two parallel rods 30, 31 form a U-shaped recess 34 in which the actuating element 109 is received in an axially displaceable manner.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, there is a pressure element 147 on each of the two legs 21 of the U-shaped bracket 22, which can be designed as a pressure roller. In the shown in Fig. 3 During the turning process of the rotary cylinder 4, the left and right pressure elements 147 compress the actuating elements 109, 110 against the action of a spring 6 via a disk 63 when the rotary cylinder 3 is moved past the pressure elements 147 with the actuating elements 109, 110.

2, with its left end against a left abutment 73 and with its right end against a right abutment 74. The two stops 36, 37 ensure that the actuating element 109 is not pushed out of the actuating element 110.

Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the device for removing body hair, which can be easily used in both directions of movement against the direction of growth of the body hair.

The epilation device 1 consists of the rotary cylinder 4 and a component 261 rotatably mounted in the epilation head 3 with the fixed clamping elements 42 and the movable clamping elements 43. (Further details can be found in the patent application FR A 91 10 965).

The movable clamping elements are coupled to the actuating element 109 passing through the clamping elements 42 of the component 261 and are pivotably mounted in bearing points provided on the component 261. To hold and guide the actuating element 109 within the rotary cylinder 4, the clamping elements 42 and 43 passing through it are assigned holding elements 601. At the end facing the pressure element 147, the actuating element 109 and the holding elements 601 are mounted within the opening of a guide element 602 and connected to a unit by means of a pin 603 penetrating the actuating element 109, the holding elements 601 and a guide element 602. The one The end face 603 on the pressure element 147 bearing guide element 602 is mounted in an end plate 605 of the rotatably mounted component 261 so as to be horizontally movable. The end of the actuating element 109 facing away from the pressure element 147 is mounted in an opening 607 provided in an end plate 606 of the component 261 so as to be horizontally displaceable against the pressure of the spring 6. In order to use the clamping elements 42 and 43 twice in the course of one revolution of the rotary cylinder 4, the second actuating element 110 is arranged in the component 261 offset by 180 ° to the previously described actuating element 109 and is designed analogously. Since this second actuating element 110 is not in contact with the pressure element 147, the spring 6 is in the relaxed state. As a result, the movable clamping element 43 is at a predetermined distance from the clamping elements 42, which is necessary for grasping the hair to be pulled out. The component 261 of the rotary cylinder 4 is rotatably mounted with a left shaft end 610 in a bearing block 608 'and with a right shaft end 610 in the bearing bush 18. A right bearing block 608 is pivotally mounted on the bearing bush 18.

The component 261 is driven in rotation by the drive wheel 8 and a drive device located in the housing 3. The pressure element 147 is rotatably mounted on a correspondingly designed eccentric 10. The eccentric 10 provided with an adjusting lever 100 is rotatably mounted on a rod 222 which is received in the bearing block 608. By adjusting the lever 100, the eccentric 10 transmits its eccentricity via the pressure element 147 to the actuating element 109 or 110 and brings about a corresponding change in the clamping action of interacting clamping elements 42 and 43.

FIG. 6 shows an epilation device similar to that in FIG. 7 but with a tensioning element 150. (Further details can be found in patent application FR A 91 106 96).

Electrical and mechanical drive elements, such as the motor 103, a gearbox 208 and a switch 104, are provided in the housing 2. Furthermore, the epilation device 1 according to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 has 4 clamping elements 105 and 106 on the rotary cylinder. The rotary cylinder 4 consists of the actuating elements 109, 110 which are movable relative to one another and which are coupled to the clamping elements 105, 106 and bring them into their clamping position.

A rotary shaft 114 passing through the actuating element 109 is fixedly connected to the actuating element 109 and is rotatably mounted in bearing points 115, 116 provided in the housing 2. The rotation shaft 114 is driven by the motor 103.

6, a spring 149 designed as a bow spring is shown. The side of the bow spring 149 facing away from the rotary cylinder is in contact with the stops 152 and 180 with the two bow legs.

A control element 145 with a control cam 146 is provided between the actuating element 110 and the pressure element 147, in which a ball 148 is mounted in a rolling manner (FIG. 8). The control cam 146 is, for example, wave-shaped and has at least one recess 162 and one elevation 161.

The clamping force (FIG. 6) of the clamping elements 105 and 106 interacting in pairs is adjusted after the epilation device has been installed by adjusting the clamping element 150 via a clamping lever 151. The clamping force of the clamping elements 105 and 106 is dependent on the spring force of the bow spring 149.

FIG. 7 shows a section through the housing 2 of the epilation device 1 without a clamping element (fourth exemplary embodiment), in which electrical and mechanical drive elements such as a memory cell, the motor 103, and the electrical connection of the memory cell to the motor 103 producing or interrupting switch, the gear 208 and the rotary cylinder 4 having the clamping elements 105 and 106 are arranged. (Further details can be found in patent application FR A 91 106 97).

The rotary cylinder 4 consists of the actuating elements 109 and 110 which can be moved relative to one another, the clamping elements 105 and 106 coupled to the actuating elements and a cylindrical comb part which has a plurality of comb teeth.

The rotary shaft 114 passing through the actuating element 109 is fixedly connected to the actuating element 109 and is rotatably mounted in the two bearing points 115 and 116 provided in the housing 2.

In this way, all movable clamping elements 105 of the rotary cylinder 4 are coupled to the actuating element 110 by engaging in grooves (not shown in the drawing) and, on the other hand, are pivotably supported by arms in the grooves of the actuating element 109.

Since the method of operation and the structure are similar to those in FIG. 6, only the parts that have not yet been described are discussed below, which can be found in detail in patent application P 91 106 97.

As can be seen from FIG. 7, between a stop 142 arranged on the actuating element 109 and a stop 143 formed on the actuating element 110, a spring 144 is provided, which moves the actuating elements 109, 110, which are movable relative to one another, and consequently the clamping elements 105, 106 coupled to them from a clamping position moved to an open position.

The control element 145 is displaceably mounted on the rotary shaft 114 and is provided with a link 153 which runs parallel to the rotary shaft 114 and into which a driver element 154 arranged on the actuating element 109 engages for the purpose of transmitting the rotary movement. The length of the link 153 and the driver element 154 engaging in it is coordinated with one another in such a way that the control element 145, which is displaceably mounted on the rotary shaft 114, can execute the actuation stroke predetermined by the control cam 146.

The gearbox 208, which consists of a plurality of gearwheels, is arranged between the bearing points 115 and 116 and is drivingly coupled to the rotary shaft 114.

On the end face facing away from the actuating element 110, the control element 145 with the control cam 146 is provided, which, in connection with the pressure element 147 arranged in the housing 2, displaces the actuating element 110 via the control element 145 against the pressure of the spring 144.

If the clamping elements 105 and 106 of the epilation device are in the open position, then the pressure element 147 is located in the recess 162 provided in the control curve 146 of the control element 145. During the course of a rotation of the control curve 146 by 180 °, the increase 161 provided in this comes into contact to the pressure element 147, as a result of which the actuating element 110 with the clamping lamella 105 is displaced against the pressure of the spring 144 and the clamping lamella 105 come to rest against the clamping lamella 106 coupled with the actuating element 109, as shown in FIG. 6.

The pressure element 147 is rotatably supported by means of a bore on a bearing pin 159 (FIG. 7) which is fixedly arranged in the housing 2 and is designed as a truncated cone with a cone tip aligned with the central axis xx of the rotary cylinder 4.

The pressure element 147 lies with its outer surface on the control surface 146 of the control element 145 rotatably mounted on the rotary shaft 114, which runs parallel to this outer surface. The tip of the cone of the pressure element 147 designed as a truncated cone preferably ends at point 0 on the central axis x-x. Accordingly, the linear speeds of all points of contact of the control surface 146 of the control element 145 rolling on the lateral surface of the pressure element 147 are the same.

Details of an embodiment of the control element 145 are also shown in FIG. The circular control surface 146 which is inclined from the inside to the outside in adaptation to the lateral surface of the pressure element 147 designed as a truncated cone is provided with a wave-like shape, as a result of which at least one elevation 161 and one depression 162 are formed in accordance with the respective application. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control surface 146 of the control element 145 is provided with an elevation 161 and a depression 162. Depending on the embodiment of the epilation device, several elevations and depressions can also be provided alternately below.

In the device types according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the axis of rotation runs parallel to the main axis of the device and also parallel to the skin surface during use. The mode of operation is the same for both devices.

As explained below, the body hair can only be optimally detected if the device is moved over the skin in the opposite direction to the growth of the body hair.

In order to provide a device that can be used effectively in both working directions according to FIGS. 15 to 17, it is particularly advantageous that the direction of rotation of the device and the setting angle α of the bracket 22, a holder 690 (FIGS. 9 to 12) or the control element 145 (FIGS. 13, 14) can be changed accordingly depending on the handling.

There are various ways of advantageously adjusting the device 1 to the different conditions. On the one hand, it is advantageous to change the direction of rotation of the device and, on the other hand, at the same time to adapt the setting angle α of the driver 154 with respect to the axis x-y to the changed condition.

15 to 17 show how the individual clamping elements become effective.

In Figure 15, the housing 2 of the device 1 is shown schematically in a vertical position, so that the axis xy forms a right angle with the contact surface of the skin, an axis of rotation 108 of the rotary cylinder 4 runs parallel to the surface of the skin and the area labeled A the front of the device, which points in the direction of the hair to be removed. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation 108 runs at right angles to the main axis x-y of the device 1 (cf. the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 15, 17).

In the device type according to FIGS. 15 and 4a, b, the device is moved over the skin by hand against the direction of growth of the hair. 15 and 4a, b, the rotary cylinder 4 advantageously rotates in direction A according to arrow R.

The device 1 is placed on the skin surface with its epilation head 3 at point b (FIG. 15). In this embodiment, the main axis xy forms a right angle with the skin surface. The rotary cylinder 4 rotates according to arrow R with reference to the representation in the clockwise direction. Before point a the clamping elements 42, 43 and 105, 106 are still in an open position, since the pressure elements 147 have not yet become effective.

The respective contact point a according to FIG. 15 is determined as a function of the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 by contacting the driver 154 on one of the stops 611 or 612 and by contacting the respective elevation 161 of the control curve of the control element 145 on the pressure element 147.

The point a is also the contact point between the pressure element 147 and the actuating element 109 or 110.If the actuating element 109 or 110 comes to rest against the pressure element 147 when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 changes, then at least one actuating element 109 begins to move in the direction of the adjacent one Actuating element 110 or both are displaced against each other so that the clamping elements 42, 43, 105, 106 move into their closed position by further rotation of the rotary cylinder 4.

The clamping elements 42, 43 and 105, 106 close gradually from point a towards point b. The point b corresponds to the point of contact of the clamping element with the skin surface.

The clamping elements 42, 43, 105, 106 remain closed between the points b and c and only open again gradually between the two points c and d. This ensures that a stroke is created to remove the body hair, which is sufficient for the body hair to be gripped and removed properly. It also follows from this that the sole change in the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 is not sufficient to optimally remove the body hair. This working cycle is repeated at least once per cylinder rotation.

It can also be seen in FIG. 15 that no body hair is detected if only the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 is changed and the epilation device 1 is moved to the right. Then the closing process of the clamping elements begins at point d and is closed at c. Therefore, no hair can be gripped by the clamping elements and therefore cannot be pinched.

16 shows the individual positions of the actuating elements 109, 110 between the points a and d. 1 indicates between x-y and P the path of the actuating rods 109, 110 when the rotary cylinder 4 passes through the angles α. The dimension e represents the working width of the actuating rods 109, 110. When the actuating rods 109, 110 come into contact with the pressure elements 147 in the position 2a, the clamping elements 105, 106 are still open (see FIG. 15, point a). From position 2 (a) to 2 (b), the pressure elements 147 adjust the actuating elements 109, 110 by the amount X and bring them together in point b. The clamping elements remain closed in position 2 (b) until the working width e of the actuating elements 109, 110 has passed the contact point P on the pressure elements 147. Then the opening phase of the clamping elements begins between 2 (c) and 2 (d). The rest of the process is as described.

This diagram shows that the travel paths 2 (a), 2 (d) and the travel paths 2 (b), 2 (c) run symmetrically with respect to the main axis x-y.

In order to ensure that when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 is reversed, the clamping elements 42, 43 and 105, 106 in the same way as shown in FIG. 15 (the closing point of point b according to FIG. 15 corresponds to the shooting point c 'in FIG. 17 ), close at the right time, the position of the pressure element 147 is pivoted by the size 2 α from the position according to FIG. 11 into the position according to FIG. 12 beyond the axis xy.

For this purpose, the individual pressure elements 147 according to FIGS. 9 to 12 are arranged on the pivotable device or holder 690, which can be designed as a bracket 22 or as a bearing block 608, which is adjustable between the two fixed stops 611, 612 provided on the epilation head 3 is. This swiveling device or holder 690 can be used for all epilation devices which work according to this principle (FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 4a, b) and are described in particular in this application.

The manner of changing the working direction for the arrangement of the first device type is explained below. In Figure 3, a storage and in Figures 11, 12 the adjustment of the bracket between the stops is shown.

As can be seen from FIGS. 11, 12 and comparably from FIG. 3, the legs 21 of the bracket 22 are received in the slot openings 20 of the bearing pins 25, which are part of the axis 19. The bearing journals 25 are received in the bores 693 of the bearing bush 17, 18 of the epilation head 3 in such a way that the brackets 22 with the pressure element 147 can pivot between the stops 611, 612 arranged at a distance from one another.

The pivoting of the bracket 22 between the stops 611, 612 ensures that the bracket 22 with the pressure elements 147 is always pivoted into the desired and thus most favorable position (see FIGS. 11, 12).

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, when the direction of rotation of the motor changes, the bracket 22 is pivoted from the position shown in FIG. 12 after the actuating element 110 bears against the pressure element 147 by means of the rotational movement of the actuating element 110. As shown in FIG. 12, the lateral boundaries of the slot opening 20 (see FIG. 12) can also act as stops 691, 691 '.

In FIG. 11, the pressure element 147 has assumed the position in which the rotary cylinder 4 rotates according to the arrow in the direction R (see also FIG. 15) and the contact point between the pressure element 147 and the actuating element 109 has assumed an angular position characterized by the angle α. The rotary cylinder 4 with the associated bracket 22 assumes the working position according to this figure 11, so that the axis xy forms an approximately right angle with the contact surface of the skin and the axis of rotation 108 of the rotary cylinder 4 runs parallel to the skin surface and the side labeled A (Verl. FIG. 15) represents the front of the device, which points against the direction of growth of the hair to be removed. Furthermore, in this exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation 108 runs at right angles to the main axis of the device 1 (cf. the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 3 and the individual positions of the two device types according to FIGS. 11, 12). The hair is now, as already described in detail, starting at a and removed during the lifting process between b and c.

This is advantageously achieved by changing the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 when the direction of growth of the hair changes, thereby automatically changing the bracket 22 from the position shown in FIG. 11 to the optimal working position shown in FIG left over the skin.

Since the clamping elements between the points b and c remain closed and only open between the two points c and d, it is ensured during the lifting process between b and c that the body hair is clamped properly and then removed between a and b.

According to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, the device operates in a similar manner to the device according to FIG. 3. For this purpose, the eccentric 10 receiving the pressure element 147 is arranged on the rod 222. which is received in the bearing block 608, which is pivotally mounted on the bearing bush 18 between a position according to FIG. 9 and a position according to FIG. 10, so that the bearing block 608 bears once against the left stop 611 or the right stop 612. Here, too, the bearing block 608 is pivoted by the actuating element 109 (as in the case of the bracket 22) resting against the pressure element 147 when the direction of rotation of the motor is changed.

As a result, the effective contact point (see P in Figures 9 to 12) between the pressure element 147 and the actuating element 109, 110, at which an adjustment of at least one clamping element 109 in the direction of the adjacent clamping element 110 with respect to the fixed main axis xy of Housing 2 begins to shift. The center line running through the bearing block 608 and the point P forms an angle α with the axis x-y, which can also be referred to as the transverse center plane of the device 1. By changing the direction of rotation, the bearing block 608 is adjusted between + α and - α and thus also the relative contact point P between the pressure element 147 and the actuating element 109. It is fundamentally important that the contact point P is changed in its angular position with respect to the axis x-y.

In order to avoid repetitions, only the mode of operation of the adjustment of the driver 154 of the third and fourth exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 6, 7, 13, 14, which is firmly connected to one of the actuating elements 109, is explained in more detail below.

In epilation devices in which the pressure element 147 and the corresponding control element 145 cooperate according to FIGS. 6 and 7, the control element 145 rotatably mounted on the rotation shaft 114 is adjusted relative to the driver 154 between the stops 611, 612.

For this purpose, the control element 145 is provided with a cutout 692 which is delimited by the two stops 611, 612. When the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder 4 changes, the control element 145 is adjusted in the angular range α (see FIGS. 13 and 14), so the stops 611 and 612 alternately come to rest against the driver 154 arranged on the rotation shaft 114 in a rotationally fixed manner.

As already described, the device according to FIGS. 6, 7 contains the clamping elements 105, 106, which are adjustable relative to one another, one clamping element 105 being stationary and the other clamping element 106 being movable.

According to FIGS. 6, 7 and 13, the rotary cylinder 4 rotates in the direction of rotation according to arrow R. The driver 154, which is part of the actuating element 109, is also rotated by the rotary shaft 114 and thereby rotates the control element 145, the driver 154 supports against the stop 611.

In the position shown in FIG. 13, there is a protruding part or the control surface or control cam 146 of the control element 145 on an axis xy of the ball 148 labeled 614. In this position (see contact point P) the clamping elements 105, 106 are already in the closed state - point b - and remain in the angular range α in this position, then the clamping elements 105, 106 are moved apart again.

If the direction of rotation is changed, which is indicated by the arrow R according to FIG. 14, then the ball 148 brakes the control element 145 and the driver 154 comes to rest against the stop 612. Now the same clamping and opening process described above can be repeated. (Cf. the function which is basically the same in relation to the examples according to FIGS. 9 and 11).

The clamping elements 42, 43 and 105, 106 are always pressed against each other in all device types if at least one actuating element 109, 110 is either moved past the pressure element 147 or past an elevation 161 of the control surface 146 of the control element 145 (see contact point P), so that, according to FIGS. 6, 7, the pressure element 147 can act on the actuating element 110 via the control element 145 or, according to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, the pressure elements 147 can act directly on the actuating elements 109, 110.

It is possible that when the direction of rotation of the motor or other drive elements changes (by means of an embodiment not shown in the drawing), the position change of the pressure elements 147 or of the actuating elements 109, 110 with respect to the axis xy is automatically brought about, so that the detection of the body hair always done in time using the clamping elements.

The bracket 22 can also be automatically adjusted to the desired position by an electrical control device, not shown in the drawing, which can be influenced manually or by an encoder, depending on a disturbance variable. It is possible, for example, for the bracket 22 to be adjusted automatically when the direction of rotation of the drive motor 3 changes, which can be connected to an encoder via a pulse generator (not shown in the drawing). For this purpose, it is advantageous that the start of the movement of a clamping element 42, 43, 105, 106 can be controlled in the direction of the clamping element interacting with it and adjacent to it.

Claims (27)

Epilation device for removing hair from the human body with a housing (2) which can be held by the user in the hand, with a rotating cylinder (4) which is driven by a motor (103) and has clamping elements (42, 43, 105, 106) with at least one actuating element (109, 110) passing through the rotary cylinder (49) for actuating the clamping elements (42, 43, 105., 106) coupled thereto, at least one actuating element (109, 110) via a pressure element (147) assigned to it can be actuated directly or indirectly, characterized in that the relative angular position of at least one pressure element (147) and / or control element (145) for adjusting the actuating element (109, 110) in the closing direction of the clamping elements (42, 43 or 105, 106 ) can be changed relative to a fixed axis (xy) of the device (1). Epilation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the direction of rotation of the rotating cylinder (4) of the epilation device (1) is reversible. Epilation device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder (4) changes, the position of the contact point (a) between the pressure element (147) and the actuating element (109, 110) or control element (145), at least one adjustment of a clamping element (109) in the direction of the adjacent clamping element (110) with reference to a fixed axis (xy) of the device (1), can be changed. Epilation device according to claim 3, characterized in that the direction of rotation of the rotating cylinder (4) of the epilation device (1) when the working direction of the epilation device (1) changes is automatically adjustable to the changed working direction. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element (147) and / or actuating element (109, 110) and / or control element (145) is adjustable between two stops (611, 612, 691, 691 '), which are arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to the axis (xy) of the housing (2). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder (4) changes, the actuating element (109, 110) or the pressure element (147) or the control element (145) or the holder (690) from a stop (611 ) can be moved to another stop (612). Epilation device according to claim 6, characterized in that by the application of an actuating element (109, 110) to the pressure element (147) when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder (4) changes, the pressure element (147) is automatically adjusted in the direction of a stop (611, 612, 691, 691 ') or into an end position at which the linear adjustment of at least one actuating element (109, 110) takes place. Epilation device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control element (145) is automatically adjusted to an end position by the driver (154) bearing against the stop (611 or 612) of the control element (145) when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder (4) changes. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element (147) for actuating the actuating element (109, 110) on an adjustable bracket (22) or on an adjustable holder (690) or on a bearing block (608) is arranged. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element (147) for actuating the actuating element (109, 110) is arranged on the holder (690) which can be pivoted about an axis (19) which is approximately parallel runs to the longitudinal center axis of the actuating element (109, 110) and / or the axis of rotation (19, 114) of the rotary cylinder (4). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stops (611, 612) arranged at a distance from one another are provided on the epilation head (3), in particular on the frame of the epilation head (3). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two ends of the axis (19) of the rotary cylinder (4) each have a slot opening (20) at the end, through each of which a leg (21) of the bracket (22) extends . Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spaced stops (691, 691 ') are formed by the side walls of the slot opening (20) provided in the shaft or axis (19), in which the legs (21) of the bracket (22) are added. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (690) is designed as a bracket (22) which is pivotably mounted in the epilation head (3), the axis (19) being provided in a bearing bush (17) provided in the device , 18) is included. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (690) is designed as a bearing block (608) which, together with the pressure element (147), is pivotably mounted on a bearing bush (18) provided in the epilation head (3). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holder (690) is designed as a U-shaped, pivotable bracket (22), on each of the two legs (21) of which a pressure element (147) is arranged. Epilation device according to claim 16, characterized in that a pressure element (147) is arranged on each leg (21) of a bracket (22) or a holder (690), which in each case upon rotation of the rotary cylinder in a definable angular range against the outer end of an actuating element (109, 110) comes into contact and causes a mutual adjustment of the actuating elements (109, 110) against the action of at least one spring (6), the angular position of the legs (21) and the pressure element between the stops (611, 612) being adjustable is. Epilation device according to claim 17, characterized in that the pressure element is rotatably mounted as a pressure roller (147) on the leg (21) of a U-shaped bracket (22). Epilation device according to claim 17, characterized in that a disk (63) is provided between the pressure element (147) and the end face of the rotary cylinder (4). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (145) which interacts with the stationary pressure element (147) is mounted rotatably and linearly displaceably on a shaft (114) with the stops (611, 612). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element (147) is rotatably mounted on a bearing pin (159) fixedly arranged in the housing (2). Epilation device according to claim 19, characterized in that the bearing pin (159) for receiving the pressure element (147) cuts the rotation shaft (114) for driving the rotary cylinder (4) approximately at right angles. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (145) is arranged on the rotation shaft (114), which is operatively connected on the one hand to the pressure element (147) and on the other hand to at least one actuating element (109, 110). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure element (147) which rolls with its outer surface on the control surface (146) of the control element (145) is designed as a truncated cone. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control element (145), which is rotatably and linearly displaceably mounted on the rotation shaft (114), has a recess (692) formed by the stops (611, 612) into which the At least one actuating element (109) has a driver (154) in operative connection, the driver (154) coming into contact with one of the stops (611 or 612) of the rotatably mounted control element (145) when the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder (4) changes. Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the displaceable control element (145) acts on the displaceably mounted actuating element (110). Epilation device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, depending on the direction of rotation of the rotary cylinder (4), the respective contact point (a) by contacting the driver (154) on one of the stops (611 or 612) and by contacting the each increase (161) of the control curve of the control element (145) on the pressure element (147) is determined.

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