EP0814682B1 - Appliance for plucking hairs out of human skin - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an appliance for plucking hairs out of human skin (21), the appliance comprising a housing for accommodating a motor which houses a drive for at least one clamping device by means of which hairs can be plucked out of a user. The device further comprises means for reducing the sensation of pain whilst the hairs are being removed. These means comprise at least one element (16) which emits a one-off pulse to the skin (21) immediately before each hair is plucked out. This pulse causes the user pain which is less unpleasant than the sharp pain felt when a hair is removed and overlays this sharp pain. Consequently, at least subjectively, the user feels less pain when the hairs are plucked out.

Description

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for plucking human hair Skin.

Such an epilation device and associated epilation method is known from European patent application EP 493 849 A1. The hairs are then continuously gripped and plucked by rollers rotating in opposite directions. In front of the rollers there are bars that lie flat on the skin during use and together perform a vibrating back and forth movement. The frequency of this vibration can be between 5 Hertz and 1000 Hertz. When using the epilation device, the vibrations of the webs resting on the skin of the user should cause a pain which is superimposed on the pain caused by the plucking of the hair. At least subjectively, this should result in a reduction in the pain sensation caused by the actual plucking of the hair. However, it has been found in practice that the actual stinging pain which is generated by plucking hair, despite the use of these vibrating webs lying on the skin, is still perceived by the user and is perceived as unpleasant.
EP-A-0 596 283 describes a further prior art.

According to the unpublished German patent application P 44 08 809 an epilation device has a rotary cylinder with clamping devices that a enable cyclical detection and plucking of hair. Furthermore are at least two electrodes are provided, via which a stimulation current to the Skin can be released. This allows the underlying nerve structures are irritated with the consequence of the at least subjective impression a reduction in pain for the user.

The object of the invention is a device or a method for plucking To create hair of human skin by plucking hair the user is largely reduced in pain.

This object is achieved by the features of independent claims 1, 14 and 27 for the countries BE, NL and PT solved (EP-A-0 795 283 is a prior art according to 54 (3) EPC) and 1, 15, 28 for the Countries CH / LI, DK, FI, GR, IE, SE, SI, LK and LV solved.

The pulse before or during the actual plucking process turns on Pain that is usually caused by plucking hair, artificially, preferably with less strength but essentially the same pain characteristic, reproduced and superimposed or upstream of the actual pain. The additional pain is felt by the user due to the low strength but not nearly as uncomfortable as the actual one sharp pain from the actual plucking. On the contrary, it is in Studies carried out in practice have shown that the users of the epilation device now the actual due to the upstream impulse hardly feel any stinging pain, but instead essentially only the much more pleasant that is caused by the respective impulse Take note of pain. This should be due to this be that due to the pain caused by the impulse the nerve cells practically paralyzed for a short time, making them insensitive to pain that the actual stinging caused by the plucking process Pain essentially disappears, i.e. not or only by the user is perceived weakened. All in all, the one-time impulse has as a result that the user plucks the actual stinging pain of hair or hardly felt and thus the feeling of pain is significantly reduced.

An optimization of the device or method is achieved in that the Impulse temporally or locally or temporally and locally immediately before the respective individual plucking process is given to or on the skin, because thus precisely the nerve cells involved in the imminent plucking process should be activated by the upstream and / or local Impulse can be stunned or deactivated for a short time, so to speak.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the element is around the axis rotatably associated with the clamping device. So element becomes immediate rotated with the clamping device. Special Components for driving the element are therefore not required.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the element is open the skin can be moved in and out. The impulse is thereby simple mechanically generated by the back and forth movement of the element. This requires few additional components and thus only a small additional manufacturing effort.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the element immediately before plucking hair from a retracted position in a protruding position and thus movable towards the skin. This Movement creates the desired impulse and thus the artificial pain in the skin. The movement should be advantageous shortly before Plucking of hair take place and the way of movement, in particular their acceleration or speed are impulsive.

The impulse creates an artificial, weak pain that actual, immediately following stinging pain caused by the Plucking hair arises, overlays and its perception by the Users at least subjectively diminished.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the element immediately after the impulse is given to the skin in the protruding Movable position. This will ensure that the element in the next plucking operation is in the starting position and again can trigger an impulse on the skin. It is thus by the impulse of produces desired artificial pain, but without this has other negative consequences for the user.

According to the invention, it is particularly useful if the element of the Skin itself can be pushed back. So there are no special components or the like is required. Instead, the element automatically gives way giving an impulse to or on the skin as soon as it hits the skin has reached. Every single clamping device of the device is advantageous each assigned an element to deliver a pulse. This measure represents an independent feature of the invention.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the clamping device perform a rotary motion with a cyclical plucking of hair can, the element is coupled to the rotational movement of the clamping device and arranged in the direction of rotation immediately in front of the clamping device. This ensures in a simple manner that the element has one Pulse in time and space immediately before each cyclical plucking of Gives hair through the clamp. This will be without any special additional components, but only through the advantageous arrangement of the element reached in the direction of rotation before the clamping device.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the element can be retracted Take position, which is a diameter when rotating which is smaller than the largest diameter of the clamping device, as well as a protruding position, which has a diameter when rotated has, which is larger than the largest diameter of the clamping device. When rotating, the element protrudes in the protruding one Position beyond the clamp while in the retracted position Position of the element is not the case.

It is particularly useful for these two positions of the element for exploit the following options for pulse generation. A first option is to provide the protruding position as the starting position and the element in the retracted position when it hits the skin convict. The impact of the element on the skin represents the release of the impulse. Then the element returns to the protruding position transferred. A second option is the retracted position to be provided as the starting position and the element immediately before Plucking of hair into the protruding position in an impulsive manner. As a result, the desired pulse is generated and activated in a simple manner the skin released. Then the element is pulled back into the Position deferred. It is understood that there are also others to the person skilled in the art Common possibilities are conceivable for the two positions of the element Can use pulse generation.

In practice, it has proven particularly useful if the protruding position has a diameter during a rotary movement, which is about 0.1 mm to about 6 mm larger than the largest diameter of the Clamping device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the element is by centrifugal force and / or by spring force and / or by cam or cam tracks or the like movable. This will move the element back and forth between the retracted position and the protruding position simple way achieved. Especially when using cam or cam tracks is a very precise control of the back and forth movement of the element possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the element a pointed and / or a toothed and / or a bristled wheel and / or one appropriately trained roller or the like. This configuration has in practice in particular with the first option described above the pulse generation was found to be particularly advantageous. So there for example, a toothed wheel with the help of a cam or cam track directly before plucking hair in an impulse from the withdrawn moved into the protruding position.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the element a bump and / or a tip or the like and is connected to the rotary cylinder coupled resiliently. This configuration has been in practice especially with the second possibility of pulse generation described above turned out to be particularly advantageous. There, for example, the Bumps on the skin and generates the desired impulse to stop afterwards the skin from the protruding position to the retracted position to be pushed back.

It is particularly expedient according to the invention if the hump or the Tip or the like on a threading device for the to be plucked Hair is held.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the element leads an essentially rectilinear movement. This ensures that Impact of the element on the skin a particularly good stimulation Causes nerves. Due to the essentially linear movement of the element an impulse is generated which is particularly well suited to a to generate artificial pain and thus the subsequent pain overlaying the plucking of hair. Another straightforward advantage Movement of the element is that such movement is simple and is nevertheless to be generated and controlled precisely.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the element is in particular lowered just before or during the plucking of hair on the skin and especially immediately after hitting the skin of the Skin lifted off. This sequence of movements of the element has changed in practice turned out to be particularly useful. In particular, this way ensures that the pulse triggered by the element is very short and in in any case before or during the plucking of hair.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the lowering of the Mechanically applying the element to the skin and lifting the element off the skin controlled. This will make it accurate, yet simple and inexpensive Control of the movement of the element achieved.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the element is for the purpose its control coupled with the clamping device. This also simplifies the Control of the element. Furthermore, this coupling becomes the drive of the element achieved in a simple and inexpensive way.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the element is pestle-like trained and has a tip that strikes the skin. With the element it is therefore a simple, elongated component, but in particular is particularly suitable due to its tip when hitting the Skin to generate the desired impulse and thus pain.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the element is a drive shaft assigned, with the help of which the element is lowered onto the skin and is lifted off again. With the help of the drive shaft, the movement of the Elements generated and controlled at the same time. The drive shaft is in so far expediently assigned a double function. This simplifies the entire construction of the drive and the control of the element and acts has a positive impact on production and the associated costs.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the drive shaft is crank-like trained and coupled to the element. Especially the training The drive shaft as a crankshaft simplifies the drive and control of the Elements essential. It is particularly useful if the element is a Has guide in which the drive shaft engages. In this way, one simple, yet effective coupling of the element and the drive shaft reached.

In an advantageous development of the invention, gears, bevel gears, or the like for connecting the drive shaft and the clamping device intended. These types of connections make simple, yet effective Possibilities to drive the drive shaft with the clamping device couple. On the one hand and on the gearwheels or bevel gears or the like on the other hand, the guide of the element engaging in the crank-like drive shaft the element is thus coupled to the clamping device as a whole. The Element is in this way from the clamping device via the drive shaft driven and controlled.

In an advantageous development of the invention, a plurality of Elements arranged approximately parallel to each other. That way you can Corresponding elements are provided over the entire width of the clamping device so that wherever hair is plucked, too appropriate impulses for pain relief can be generated.

It is particularly useful if the drive shaft is approximately parallel to Axis of the clamping device is arranged. This arrangement facilitates the Coupling the drive shaft with the clamping device and is also advantageous in With regard to the arrangement of the or driven by the drive shaft and controlled elements.

In further advantageous developments of the invention, the element or the elements slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction and / or the drive shaft is rotatably mounted on the housing.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the element gives a mechanical Pulse and / or an electrical pulse. The mechanical Impulse has the particular advantage that the element is simple and inexpensive way can be manufactured. Furthermore, this will Type of impulse generation easily understandable for the user, what for the Acceptance of the innovations by the user is an advantage. The electric one Impulse has the advantage that no moving parts are usually required are and the impulse can be easily controlled with conventional electronic means.

It is particularly expedient to implement the electrical pulse by that in the epilation device of the aforementioned German patent application P 44 08 809 the stimulation current depending on the cyclic plucking is controlled by hair, especially by each cyclical tweezing process a stimulation current in pulses, in particular locally and / or is sent ahead of time.

Further features, advantages and possible uses of the invention result itself from the following description of exemplary embodiments are shown in more detail in the drawing. All described and / or features depicted individually or in any meaningful combination the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their relationship.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Perspektivdarstellung eines Zupfkopfs eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Epilationsgeräts,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Drehzylinders für den Zupfkopf nach der Fig. 1 mit Klemmvorrichtungen und Elementen zur Impulserzeugung in einer Schnittansicht,

Fig. 3

ein spitzes Rad als Element zur Impulserzeugung entprechend der Fig. 2 in einer Draufsicht und einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 4

ein gezahntes Rad als Element zur Impulserzeugung entprechend der Fig. 2 in einer Draufsicht und einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 5

eine Anzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Rädern als Elemente zur Impulserzeugung entprechend der Fig. 2 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung des Drehzylinders nach der Fig. 2 mit Federn zur Bewegung der Elemente zur Impulserzeugung in einer Schnittansicht,

Fig. 7

eine schematische Darstellung des Drehzylinders nach der Fig. 2 mit Kurvenbahnen zur Bewegung der Elemente zur Impulserzeugung in einer Schnittansicht,

Fig. 8

eine schematische Darstellung des Drehzylinders ähnlich der Fig. 2 mit einer ersten Ausführungsform von federelastisch gehaltenen Höckern in einer Draufsicht mit teilweise geschnittenen Seitenansichten, und

Fig. 9

eine schematische Darstellung des Drehzylinders ähnlich der Fig. 2 mit einer zweiten Ausführungsform von federelastisch gehaltenen Höckern in Draufsichten mit einer teilweise geschnittenen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 10

eine schematische Perspektivdarstellung eines Zupfkopfs eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Epilationsgeräts,

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung des Zupfkopfs der Fig. 10 in einer Seitenansicht aus der Richtung D der Fig. 12,

Fig. 12

eine schematische Darstellung des Zupfkopfs der Fig. 10 in einer Draufsicht aus der Richtung A der Fig. 11,

Fig. 13

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Zupfkopfs der Fig. 10 entlang der Ebene B - B der Fig. 11, und

Fig. 14

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des Zupfkopfs der Fig. 10 entlang der Ebene C - C der Fig. 11.

Show it:

Fig. 1

2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a plucking head of an exemplary embodiment of an epilation device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

2 shows a schematic illustration of a rotary cylinder for the plucking head according to FIG. 1 with clamping devices and elements for generating pulses in a sectional view,

Fig. 3

a pointed wheel as an element for pulse generation according to FIG. 2 in a plan view and a side view,

Fig. 4

a toothed wheel as an element for pulse generation corresponding to FIG. 2 in a plan view and a side view,

Fig. 5

FIG. 2 shows a number of wheels arranged next to one another as elements for generating pulses in accordance with FIG. 2 in a top view,

Fig. 6

3 shows a schematic illustration of the rotary cylinder according to FIG. 2 with springs for moving the elements for generating pulses in a sectional view,

Fig. 7

3 shows a schematic illustration of the rotary cylinder according to FIG. 2 with cam tracks for moving the elements for generating pulses in a sectional view,

Fig. 8

a schematic representation of the rotary cylinder similar to FIG. 2 with a first embodiment of spring-elastic humps in a plan view with partially sectioned side views, and

Fig. 9

2 shows a schematic representation of the rotary cylinder similar to FIG. 2 with a second embodiment of spring-elastic humps in plan views with a partially sectioned side view,

Fig. 10

2 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a plucking head of a further exemplary embodiment of an epilation device according to the invention,

Fig. 11

10 shows a schematic illustration of the plucking head of FIG. 10 in a side view from direction D of FIG. 12,

Fig. 12

10 shows a schematic illustration of the plucking head of FIG. 10 in a plan view from direction A of FIG. 11,

Fig. 13

10 is a schematic sectional view of the plucking head of FIG. 10 along the plane B - B of FIG. 11, and

Fig. 14

10 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the plucking head of FIG. 10 along the plane CC of FIG. 11.

The on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 14 features described below are suitable for operation with an epilation device, as described in the European patent application 596 283 A1 and as hereby expressly Reference to the disclosure content of the present patent application is recorded.

There is an epilation device for plucking hair from human Skin described, in which a rotary cylinder is rotatably mounted in a housing and can be driven by a particularly electric motor. The rotary cylinder has a plurality of clamping devices, which in the switched-on operating state perform a rotary movement together with the rotary cylinder and cyclically capture the hair of a user's skin facing them and pluck.

1 shows a plucking head 1 of such an epilation device. This has a housing 2 in which one facing the skin of the user Opening 3 is present. Within the opening 3 are a variety of Clamping devices 4 through the housing 2 to the outside. The clamps 4 are arranged side by side in a row 5. On both Sides of this row 5 are a plurality of threading devices 6 provided, which are also each arranged in a row 7, 8 and by the opening 3 protrude outwards. There is one in each threading device 6 Contain opening 9 through which an element described below for Impulse generation can pass through to the outside.

As can be seen from European laid-open specification 596 283 A1 and as will be described at least in part, the one shown in FIG. 1 shown plucking head 1 not only a single row 5 of clamping devices 4, but several such rows. The same applies to the rows 7, 8 of threading devices 6, the number of rows of clamping devices 4 usually the number of rows of threading devices 6 equivalent.

2 shows a rotary cylinder 10 which is rotatable about an axis 11 in the housing 2 of the plucking head 1 is mounted. The rotary cylinder 10 has three Rows 5, 12, 13 of clamping devices 4, which are symmetrical in the direction of rotation 14 are arranged and protrude from the axis 11 in the radial direction. Of further three rows 7, 8, 15 of threading devices 6 are provided, the between the rows 5, 12, 13 of clamping devices 4 indicated in plan view are.

Approximately between the three rows 5, 12, 13 of clamping devices 4 is in each case a single element 16 for pulse generation or a row 17, 18, 19 arranged by elements 16 for pulse generation. The elements 16 are with coupled to the rotary cylinder 10 and perform the rotary movement of the rotary cylinder around the axis 11 in the direction of rotation 14. The elements 16 are on the inside of the threading devices 6 and can pass through the openings 9 of the threading devices 6 protrude outwards. Each element 16 is in Direction of rotation 14 immediately before the next subsequent clamping device 4 arranged. Each element 16 is coupled to the rotary cylinder 10 in such a way that it is rectilinear or curved in a substantially radial to axis 11th arranged direction 20 is reciprocable. So every element is 16, as soon as it faces approximately the skin 21, approximately in the direction 20 towards the Skin 21 can be moved in and out.

This back and forth movement of the element 16 has a retracted Position 22 and a protruding position 23, being in the end points the direction of movement is reversed. When the Rotary cylinder 10 and thus the elements 16 is the outermost, of which in the retracted position 22 elements 16 passing through diameter 24 smaller or equal to the largest diameter 25 of the clamping devices 4. Correspondingly, that of those in the prominent position 23 elements 16 traversed diameter 26 larger than the largest Diameter 25 of the clamping devices 4. The in the protruding position The diameter 26 traversed by 23 is around a value 27 of approximately 0.1 mm to about 6 mm larger than the largest diameter 25 of the clamping devices 4th

When the epilation device is switched on, the element 16 generates a mechanical impulse on the skin 21 in the form of an impact or Stiches. The arrangement of the element 16 in the direction of rotation 14 directly in front of the associated clamping device 4, the pulse is immediately temporal and spatially before plucking hair through the clamping device 4 to the Skin 21 released. By assigning exactly one element 16 to each one clamping device 4 each before each individual plucking operation given an impulse. With respect to each individual clamping device 4 and 4 each clamping process is the pulse generation by the associated element 16 unique.

The element 16 strikes in its protruding position 23 to generate the pulse on the skin 21 and thus gives the impulse to the skin 21. Right away when it hits the skin 21, the element 16 is in at least as long the retracted position 22 transferred until the element 16 is no longer the Skin 21 faces or rests on it. This is shown in FIG. 2.

The retraction of the element 16 in the retracted position 22 can may be achieved in that the element 16 from the skin 21st itself, for example, against the force of a spring or against the centrifugal force or the like is pushed back. This is explained below with the help of FIGS. 5 and 6 are explained in more detail.

If the element 16 in the protruding position 23 is only a small one Measure or slightly over the largest diameter 25 of the clamping device 4 survives, the transfer of the element 16 into the withdrawn Position 22 may be omitted in individual cases.

Alternatively, it is possible for the element 16 to be plucked immediately before the plucking of hair from the retracted position 22 to the protruding position 23 is moved. This represents a movement of the element 16 in the direction 20 on the skin 21 through which an impulse from the element 16 to the skin 21 is delivered. Immediately after the impulse is given, the element 16 back into the retracted position 23 and thus from the skin 21 moved away. This back and forth movement of the element 16 can, for example are generated by corresponding cam or cam tracks that on the Act on element 16. This is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 7 become.

Various embodiments of element 16 are shown in FIGS. 3a, b and 4a, b. Thus, the element 16 can be configured as a wheel 28, which is attached to has a tip 29 around its circumference. Additionally and / or alternatively, this can Wheel 28 in the form of a plurality of teeth 30, the free Ends are optionally provided with the tips 29. Other embodiments consist of appropriately designed rollers or the like. The The diameter of the wheel 28 or the roller is usually essential smaller than the largest diameter 25 of the clamping device 4.

Different embodiments to the back and forth movements of the element 16 are to be generated in FIGS. 5 to 7 shown.

In accordance with FIGS. 5 or 6 a single element 16 or one A plurality, for example, in the form of a series of arranged on a shaft 31 Elements 16 can be connected to the rotary cylinder 10 via springs 32, 33. This has the consequence that the elements 16 during a rotary movement of the rotary cylinder 10 about the axis 11 by the spring force in the projecting position 23 are pressed. The impact of the elements 16 on the skin 21 the elements 16 against the force of the springs 32, 33 as long as approximately parallel pushed back towards the direction 20 in the retracted position 22 until the Elements 16 no longer face the skin 21 due to the rotational movement.

The spiral springs 32 are approximately parallel in the embodiment of FIG. 5 arranged to the direction 20, while the leaf springs 33 in the embodiment 6 are arranged approximately transversely to direction 20. In both cases the spring force of the springs 32, 33 acts radially approximately parallel to the direction 20 outside, so that the elements 16 of the springs 32, 33 always approximately parallel to Direction 20 are pressed outwards into the projecting position 23.

In addition and / or alternatively, a cam or Cam track 34 may be provided, with which the element 16 is coupled and through which controls the reciprocation of element 16. The cam or Curved track 34 has the consequence that the element 16 immediately before plucking of hair approximately parallel to the direction 20 in the protruding position 23 is transferred. This is approximately the case when the element 16 is approximately the same Skin 21 faces. The element 16 is preferably transferred in the protruding position 23 as quickly as possible or in an impulse by a corresponding design of the cam or cam track 34. After delivery of the momentum, the element 16 is designed accordingly the cam or cam track 34 again in the retracted position 22nd moved back.

Other embodiments of element 16 are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 out.

In accordance with FIGS. 8a, b, c the element 16 is formed as a bump 35 be arranged at the free end 36 of a threading device 6 and is connected to the rotary cylinder 10. At least the free end 36 of the Threading device 6 is designed to be resilient, for example by its manufacture from a plastic. In the normal state, the hump 35 the protruding position 23 a. When hitting the skin 21 Hump 35 from the skin 21 itself against the resilient force in the retracted Position 22 pushed back. Once the hump 35 is no longer the Skin 21 faces, it is due to the resilient force back into the protruding position 23 pressed forward.

Alternatively, according to FIGS. 9a, b, c the element 16 is not a bump 35, but as a tip 37, which are interconnected with rods 39, be formed in the radial direction through the opening 9 of the threading device 6 is inserted, and with a resilient arm 38 with the threading device 6 or other components of the rotary cylinder 10 connected is. The arm 38 can be made from spring steel or from a plastic his.

In Figs. 10 to 14, a plucking head 40 is shown for an epilation device, such as it already with the help of the European patent application 596 283 A1 was explained. The plucking head 40 has a housing 41 in which one of the Skin of the user facing opening 42 is present. Inside the opening 42 are a plurality of clamping devices 43 through the housing 41st through to the outside. The clamping devices 43 are side by side in a row arranged. As in European publication 596 283 A1 is described, the in Figs. 10 to 14 plucked head 40 not shown have only a single row of clamping devices 43, but several such ranks. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 14, form in this case, the clamping devices 43 a rotary cylinder 44 which by a Axis 45 is rotatably mounted in the housing 41 of the plucking head 40.

Two bearing blocks 46, 47 are held on the housing 41 of the plucking head 40, in which the ends of a drive shaft 48 are rotatably mounted. The drive shaft 48 is arranged approximately parallel to the clamping devices 43, and thus also approximately parallel to the axis 45 of the rotary cylinder 44.

The drive shaft 48 bears directly next to the two bearing blocks 46, 47 each a gear 49, 50. The gears 49, 50 are rotationally fixed to the drive shaft 48 connected and protrude through openings 51, 52 in the housing 41 in the Inside of plucking head 40. There the gears 49, 50 mesh an associated tooth flange 53, 54, which in turn is rotationally fixed to the rotating cylinder 44 and thus connected to the clamping devices 43. This is 13 can be seen in particular.

The drive shaft 48 is designed like a crank and thus has non-axial Ingredients. In particular, the drive shaft is a crankshaft formed, at the ends, as already described, the gears 49, 50 arranged are.

At least one element 55 is assigned to the drive shaft 48. In the present Embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 14 are a total of eight elements 55 of the Assigned drive shaft 48. Each of the elements 55 has a plunger-like, elongated appearance and has a tip 56 at one free end. Approx each of the elements 55 has a guide 57 in the center, which is U-shaped is. The non-axial components of the each engage in these guides 57 Drive shaft 43 a.

The individual elements 55 are arranged approximately parallel to one another. Regarding of the housing 41, the elements 55 are also approximately parallel to the outside thereof arranged. The tips 56 of the elements 55 are on the same side arranged like the opening 42 in the housing 41. The tips 56 have thus when using the epilation device on the skin of the user. The order and length of the elements 55 is chosen such that the tips 56 of the elements 55 when in use form just one level with the clamping devices 43 of the plucking head 40, so that the tips 56 just the skin of the user can touch. This is particularly evident from FIGS. 13 and 14 can be seen.

The drive shaft 48, the gears 49, 50 and the area of the guides 57 of the elements 55 are under a cover held on the housing 41 58 housed. Bores 59, 60 are made in the cover 58, in which the elements 55 slide on both sides of the guides 57 are led.

The rotary cylinder guides when the epilation device is switched on 44 a rotary movement about the axis 45. Via the tooth flange 53, 54 and the associated gear 49, 50 becomes the rotary motion on the drive shaft 48 transferred. About the non-axial components of the drive shaft 48 and the Guides 57, the elements 55 in an up and down movement added.

The movement is essentially rectilinear and runs approximately in the longitudinal direction of the elements 55. The movement is oriented approximately transversely to the skin 61 of the user. This is particularly evident from FIGS. 13 and 14 can be seen.

Through an offset arrangement of the non-axial components of the drive shaft 48, the elements 55 can move up and down in opposite directions be transferred. This can be seen in particular from FIG. 10.

Due to the number of teeth of the tooth flange 53, 54 and the gear 49, 50 the speed of the up and down movement of the elements 55 can be set become. The frequency of the up and down movement is preferably Elements 55 about 30 Hertz. However, the frequency can also be higher or lower his.

The arrangement of the elements 55 on the housing 41 has the up and down movement with the result that the tips 56 of the elements 55 when applied to the skin 61 the plucked head 40 just hit the skin 61. This is particularly so from FIGS. 13 and 14 can be seen.

The mechanical control of the elements 55 by means of the drive shaft 48 is designed such that the tips 56 of the elements 55 immediately before or during the plucking of hair by the clamping device 43 the skin 61 are lowered and thus hit the skin 61. Thereby a mechanical impulse is exerted on the skin 61, which is an artificial Pain creates, which in turn is the actual, caused by the plucking Pain is superimposed and thus reduced. Furthermore, it is Control designed such that the tips 56 of the elements 55 immediately after hitting the skin 61 can be lifted off the skin again.

Claims (32)

1. An appliance for the epilation of the human skin (61), having a housing (41) to accommodate a motor for driving a rotary body with at least one clamping device (43) for epilation, and having a tool to reduce the sense of pain during epilation, characterized in that the rotary body (40) with the at least one clamping device (43) engages the user's skin (61) during epilation, and that said tool includes at least one element (55) striking the skin in the manner of a pulse during epilation, said element (55) being arranged outside the rotary body on the appliance.
2. The appliance as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the element (55) performs an essentially rectilinear movement.
3. The appliance as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the element (55) is lowered onto the skin (61) in particular directly before or during epilation and is lifted from the skin (61) in particular directly upon striking the skin (61).
4. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (55) is coupled with the clamping device (43) for control purposes.
5. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (55) is of a ram-type configuration and has a point (56) striking the skin (61).
6. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (55) is associated with a drive shaft (48) that operates to lower the element (55) into contact with the skin (61) and lift it off again.
7. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive shaft (48) is configured in the manner of a crank and is coupled with the element (55).
8. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (55) includes a guide (57) in which the drive shaft (48) engages.
9. The appliance as claimed in any one of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that provision is made for gears (49, 50, 53, 54), bevel gears or the like to establish connection between the drive shaft (48) and the clamping device (43).
10. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of elements (55) are in juxtaposed arrangement approximately parallel to each other.
11. The appliance as claimed in any one of the claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the drive shaft (48) is arranged approximately parallel to the axis of the clamping device (43).
12. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (55) or the elements (55) are mounted for displacement in the longitudinal direction.
13. The appliance as claimed in any one of the claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the drive shaft (48) is rotatably mounted on the housing (41).
14. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (55) is movable by cam tracks or the like.
15. An appliance for the epilation of the human skin (21), having a housing (2) to accommodate a motor for driving a rotary body (10) with at least one clamping device (4) for epilation, and having a tool to reduce the sense of pain during epilation, characterized in that the rotary body (10) with the at least one clamping device (4) engages the user's skin (21) during epilation, and that said tool includes at least one element (16) striking the skin in the manner of a pulse during epilation, said element (16), arranged for rotation about the axis (11) of the rotary body, being associated with the clamping device, and said element (16) being capable of occupying a retracted position (22) which, in relation to the skin (21), lies within the diameter (25) of the clamping device (4) configured preferably as roller or cylinder having clamping elements arranged thereon, as well as an advanced position (23) lying outside the diameter (25) of the clamping device (4).
16. The appliance as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that during a rotary movement the advanced position (23) has a diameter (26) exceeding the maximum diameter (25) of the clamping device (4) by a value of about 0.1 mm to about 6 mm.
17. The appliance as claimed in any one of the claims 15 to 16, characterized in that the element (16) is movable by means of centrifugal force and/or spring force (32, 33) and/or cam tracks (34) or the like.
18. The appliance as claimed in any one of the claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the element (16) has a protuberance (35) and/or a point (37) or the like and is resiliently coupled with the rotary cylinder (10).
19. The appliance as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the protuberance (35) or the point (37) or the like is mounted in particular on a threading device (6) of the rotary cylinder (10) itself.
20. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (16, 55) is movable toward and away from the skin (21, 61).
21. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (16, 55) strikes the skin directly before epilation and is movable from an advanced position (23) into a retracted position (22) away from the skin (21, 61).
22. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (16, 55) is movable into the advanced position (23) directly upon delivery of the pulse to the skin (21, 61).
23. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving away of the element (16, 55) into the retracted position (22) is effected by the element's (16) striking of the skin (21, 61).
24. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping device (4, 43) is capable of performing a rotary movement with a cyclic epilation, and that the element (16, 55) is coupled with the rotary movement of the clamping device (4, 43) and arranged directly ahead of the clamping device (4, 43) viewed in the direction of rotation (14), each clamping device (4, 43) being preferably assigned one element (16, 55).
25. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (16, 55) is configured as a pointed and/or toothed and/or bristled wheel (28, 29, 30) and/or as an accordingly formed roller or the like.
26. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the element (16, 55) delivers a mechanical pulse and/or an electrical pulse.
27. The appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the striking by the element (16, 55) provokes an additional pain which corresponds to the pain during epilation with regard to the pain characteristic, but preferably has a lower pain amplitude.
28. A method for the epilation of the human skin (21, 61), in which a mechanical pulse is delivered to the user's skin (21, 61) by means of at least one element (16, 55) coupled with the drive mechanism of a rotary body having at least one clamping device (4, 43) for epilation, said pulse causing the user either not to feel the actual pain of the epilation or to feel it only as a pain of lower pain amplitude, with a free end (16) of the at least one element (16, 55) striking the skin (21, 61) in the manner of a pulse and laterally of the clamping device (4, 43), and said rotary body (10, 40) with the at least one clamping device (4, 43) engaging the user's skin (21, 61) during epilation.
29. The method as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that the element (16) is moved essentially on an orbital path.
30. The method as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that the element (55) is moved essentially in a straight line.
31. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 28 to 30, characterized in that the pulse is emitted at an instant of time and/or place ahead of an epilation operation or during an epilation operation.
32. The method as claimed in any one of the claims 28 to 31, characterized in that an appliance according to any one of the claims 1 to 27 finds application.

Images