JP2022050397A - Small electric device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small electric device that is able to smoothly perform a lock operation after use by a user and, moreover, has a lock function that requires no increase in the number of component parts.

SOLUTION: A small electric device is configured such that, when an unlock operation for operating a power switch is performed in a lock mode, the lock mode is cancelled. This device includes lock notification means M2 that notifies a user of the lock mode. The unlock operation is a long pressing operation of the power switch. In the case of a short pressing operation in the lock mode, an unlock operation cannot be performed. In the case where the short pressing operation is performed in the lock mode, the lock notification means M2 is driven, and the drive of the lock notification means M2 is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed after the drive. In the case where the long pressing operation is performed in the lock mode, the drive of the lock notification means M2 is stopped after the predetermined long pressing time T1 has elapsed. Notification content in the case where the short pressing operation is performed and that in the case where the long pressing operation is performed are made different from each other.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a small electric device having a lock function that invalidates an on operation of a power switch contrary to the intention of the user.

A small electric device having this kind of locking function is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 previously proposed by the present applicant. A push-type switch knob as a power switch is arranged on the front surface of the electric shaver described in Patent Document 1, and a slide-type lock body for preventing the switch knob from being pushed is arranged immediately above the push-type switch knob. ing. An engaging protrusion is provided at the lower part of the lock body, and a corresponding engaging recess is formed on the upper surface of the switch knob. When the lock body is slid downward, the engaging protrusion fits into the engaging recess of the switch knob, and the inward movement of the switch knob is prevented.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-62165

A user who has finished using the small electric device (electric shaver) described in Patent Document 1 needs to take the following steps to stop the use and lock the switch knob. First, push the switch knob with your fingertip to stop the small electrical device. Then, the fingertip is moved to the lock body above the switch knob, and the lock body is slid downward. That is, it is necessary to take three steps of operating the switch knob, moving the fingertip, and operating the lock body, which some users find annoying. Further, the small electric device of Patent Document 1 has a disadvantage that the number of parts is increased by the amount of the lock body as compared with the small electric device having no lock function.

An object of the present invention is to provide a small electric device having a lock function that allows a user to smoothly perform a lock operation after use and does not cause an increase in the number of parts.

The small electric device according to the present invention includes a load 13 whose drive source is electric power, and a power switch 26 that controls the supply of electric power to the load 13. When the lock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed, the mode shifts to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch 26 becomes invalid. In the lock mode, the lock mode is released when an unlock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed. When the power switch 26 is operated in the lock mode, the lock notification means M2 for notifying that the lock mode is set is provided. The unlock operation for releasing the lock mode is a long press operation of the power switch 26 over a predetermined long press time T1. In the lock mode, the unlock operation is impossible in the case of the short press operation for a time shorter than the long press operation time. When the short press operation is performed in the lock mode, the lock notification means M2 is driven, and the lock notification means M2 is stopped after a predetermined time after the drive. When the long press operation is performed in the lock mode, the lock notification means M2 is driven, and the drive of the lock notification means M2 is stopped after the predetermined long press time T1 elapses. It is characterized in that the notification content by the lock notification means M2 when the short press operation is performed and the notification content by the lock notification means M2 when the long press operation is performed are different.

The lock notification means M2 includes a light source 34. When the short press operation is performed in the lock mode, the light source 34 is driven, and the drive of the light source 34 is stopped after a predetermined time from the drive. When the long press operation is performed in the lock mode, the light source 34 is driven, and the drive of the light source 34 is stopped after the predetermined long press time T1 elapses. The notification content of the light source 34 when the short press operation is performed includes at least a lighting state, and the notification content of the light source 34 when the long press operation is performed includes at least a blinking state to make the two notification contents different.

The notification time by the lock notification means M2 when the short press operation is performed is set shorter than the notification time by the lock notification means M2 when the long press operation is performed.

The small electric device according to the present invention is provided with the lock notification means M2 for notifying the user that the power switch 26 is in the lock mode when the power switch 26 is operated in the lock mode, so that the user can easily be in the lock mode. Can be recognized by. When the operation of the power switch 26 is intended to activate the load 13, the lock notification means M2 can be turned on to notify the user that the unlock operation is necessary.

Unless the user is aware that the unlocking operation for releasing the lock mode is the pressing operation of the power switch 26 over the long press time T1, that is, the long pressing operation, the lock mode is performed. Is not released, so it is possible to reliably prevent the release of the lock mode against the user's will.

When the lock notification means M2 includes the light source 34, the user can easily recognize that the lock mode is set and that the mode is properly shifted to the lock mode.

It is a front view of the electric shaver (small electric device) which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is a front view which shows the various display parts of an electric shaver. It is a block diagram of the control system of an electric shaver. It is a transition diagram between modes of electric shaver. It is a timing chart for explaining the operation of each part in an operation mode and a standby mode. It is a timing chart when the lock operation is performed properly. It is another timing chart when the lock operation is performed properly. It is a timing chart when the lock operation is performed improperly. It is another timing chart when the lock operation is performed improperly. It is a timing chart when the unlock operation is performed properly. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the lock operation of the electric shaver (small electric device) which concerns on Example 2 of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the unlocking operation of the electric shaver (small electric device) which concerns on Example 3 of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation of each part in the lock mode of the electric shaver (small electric apparatus) which concerns on Example 4 of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the operation of each part in the lock mode of the electric shaver (small electric apparatus) which concerns on Example 5 of this invention. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of each notification means of the electric shaver (small electric device) according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the various display parts of the electric shaver (small electric device) which concerns on Example 7 of this invention.

(Example 1) FIGS. 1 to 10 show Example 1 in which the present invention is applied to a rotary electric shaver. In FIG. 1, the electric razor includes a vertically long main body case 1 that also serves as a grip, and a razor head 2 that is supported by the upper part of the main body case 1. The main blade 3 is arranged on the upper part of the razor head 2, and the trimmer unit 4 is arranged before and after the main blade 3. The main blade 3 is composed of an inner blade 5 that rotates around a horizontal axis and a mesh-shaped outer blade 6 that is in contact with the inner blade 5, and each trimmer unit 4 has a fixed blade 7 made of comb teeth. It is composed of a movable blade 8.

Below the main blade 3, a light source substrate 12 on which a plurality of excitation light sources 11 are mounted is arranged. Each excitation light source 11 is composed of a blue LED, and irradiates light during or after the use of the electric shaver to excite the photocatalyst coated on the inner blade 5 and the outer blade 6 to promote the decomposition of organic substances. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of offensive odors associated with the decay of organic matter. A motor (load) 13 with a speed reducer is housed in a lower portion of the razor head 2 in a posture parallel to the inner blade 5. The motor 13 outputs rotational power toward the inner blade 5 of the main blade 3 and outputs reciprocating power toward the movable blade 8 of each trimmer unit 4. That is, the electric shaver according to the present embodiment has an inner blade 5 driven by a motor 13 as a power source and an outer blade 6 that slides around the inner blade 5 and cuts a whiskers in cooperation with the inner blade 5. Be prepared.

The secondary battery (battery) 15, which is the drive source of the motor 13, is housed inside the main body case 1 together with the vertically long control board 16. On the front of the main body case 1, there is a push-type switch button 19, a remaining amount display unit 20 that displays the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15, and a lock display unit that displays that the electric shaver is in the lock mode described later. 21 and a charge display unit 22 indicating that the secondary battery 15 is being charged are arranged in the order described from top to bottom. When the power supply plug is connected to the socket 25 provided at the lower end of the main body case 1, the secondary battery 15 can be charged. The inner surface of the switch button 19 faces the power switch 26 provided on the front surface of the control board 16, and the user can operate the power switch 26 via the switch button 19. The power switch 26 switches from the open state to the closed state only while receiving the pressing force from the switch button 19.

As shown in FIG. 2, the remaining amount display unit 20 includes a pair of left and right 7-segment display units 30, and displays the remaining amount (%) of the secondary battery 15 as a two-digit number (in units of 10%). However, when the remaining amount is 100% (FULL), "FU" is displayed. Each 7-segment display unit 30 is composed of seven translucent units 31 and a light source 32 arranged in the shape of "8", and the lock display unit 21 and the charge display unit 22 are also translucent units 33 and 35. It is composed of a combination of light sources 34 and 36. The translucent portion 33 of the lock display unit 21 imitates a padlock, and the translucent portion 35 of the charge display unit 22 imitates a plug. The light sources 32, 34, and 36 constituting the display units 20, 21, and 22, respectively, consist of LEDs, and together with the excitation light source 11 and the motor 13 of the razor head 2, the control unit 40 mounted on the control board 16 (see FIG. 3). ).

As shown in FIG. 4, the electric shaver is configured to switch between an operation mode in which the motor 13 is driven, a standby mode in which the motor 13 is stopped, and a lock mode in which the motor 13 is stopped and the on operation is invalidated. Has been done. Specifically, when the power switch 26 is turned off in the operation mode, the mode shifts to the standby mode, and when the power switch 26 is locked in the standby mode, the mode shifts to the lock mode. Further, when the power switch 26 is unlocked in the lock mode, the mode shifts to the standby mode, and when the power switch 26 is turned on in the standby mode, the mode shifts to the operation mode. In this embodiment, the operation mode does not shift to the lock mode without going through the standby mode, and the lock mode does not shift to the operation mode without going through the standby mode.

The on operation and the off operation of the power switch 26 are the pressing operations of the power switch 26 via the switch button 19 (regardless of the length of the pressing time), and the locking operation and the unlocking operation are the long pressing time T1 (the pressing time T1 (regardless of the length of the pressing time)). In this embodiment, it is a pressing operation of the power switch 26 (for 3 seconds), that is, a long pressing operation. The period during which the lock operation is possible in the standby mode (lockable period) is limited to the reception time T2 (5 seconds in this embodiment) immediately after the transition from the operation mode to the standby mode. Therefore, even if the user presses and holds the power switch 26 in the standby mode excluding the lockable period, the electric shaver does not shift to the lock mode.

The timing chart of FIG. 5 shows changes in the driving state of each part in the operation mode and the standby mode. When the power switch 26 is pressed in the standby mode (time point t1), the control unit 40 regards this as an on operation and shifts the electric shaver to the operation mode. Specifically, the motor 13 is started, and the excitation light source 11 and the remaining amount display unit 20 are turned on. When the user who has finished shaving presses the power switch 26 (time point t2), the control unit 40 regards this as an off operation and shifts the electric shaver to the standby mode. Specifically, the motor 13 is stopped while maintaining the lighting state of the excitation light source 11 and the remaining amount display unit 20. At the same time, the timer 41 (see FIG. 3) provided in the control unit 40 starts timing, and the lock display unit 21 starts blinking with a slight delay to inform the user that the lockable period in which the lock operation is possible has started. Notify (the lock display unit 21 functions as the period notification means M1).

At the next time point t3, the reception time T2 has elapsed from the time point t2 without the user performing the lock operation. In this case, the control unit 40 ends the time counting by the timer 41, and at the same time, turns off the lock display unit 21 and the remaining amount display unit 20. The remaining amount display unit 20 also functions as the period notification means M1 together with the lock display unit 21 by maintaining the lighting state for the reception time T2. The excitation light source 11 is in a lit state until a predetermined time (20 minutes in this embodiment) elapses from the time t2 when the power switch 26 is pressed during its lighting (time point t4) or the time when the standby mode is entered. Is maintained at. Further, the control unit 40 performs an afterglow display for turning on the remaining amount display unit 20 for a predetermined time (3 seconds in this embodiment) immediately after the excitation light source 11 is turned off. This afterglow display may be a display of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15, or may be another display.

The timing chart of FIG. 6 shows a case where the lock operation is performed within the lockable period. The time point t11 to the time point t12 is the same as the time point t1 to the time point t2 in FIG. 5, but at the next time point t13, the user's long press operation of the power switch 26 is started. The time point t13 is before the reception time T2 elapses from the time point t12, that is, within the lockable period. When the long press time T1 elapses from the time point t13 while the power switch 26 is kept closed (time point t14), the control unit 40 switches the lock display unit 21 from blinking to constantly lit, and further switches the remaining amount display unit 20. The light is turned off to notify the user that the lock operation has been properly performed (the lock display unit 21 and the remaining amount display unit 20 function as the lock notification means M2). The control after the next time point t15 is almost the same as that after the time point t4 in FIG. 5, except that the lock display unit 21 is turned off at the same time as the end of the afterglow display (time point t16).

The timing chart of FIG. 7 shows a case where the user starts a long press operation of the power switch 26 immediately before the lockable period ends. As a time series, the power switch 26 is first turned off to shift to the standby mode (time point t21), then the long press operation of the power switch 26 is started (time point t22), and then the reception time T2 elapses from the time point t21. (Time point t23), then the long press time T1 has elapsed from the time point t22 (time point t24). In this way, even if the time when the long press time T1 is reached (time point t24) is after the reception time T2 has elapsed, if the time when the long press operation is started (time point t22) is within the lockable period, the control unit 40 Regards this as a proper locking operation, and performs the same control as at the time point t14 in FIG. In this embodiment, the lighting state of the remaining amount display unit 20 and the blinking state of the lock display unit 21 are continued during the long press operation even after the time point t23 when the reception time T2 has elapsed. Both display units 20 and 21 may be turned off.

The timing charts of FIGS. 8 and 9 show the case where the lock operation is not performed properly. In FIG. 8, the long press operation of the power switch 26 starting from the time point t31 is completed before the long press time T1 is reached (t32-t31 <T1). At the time point t33 after the end of the lockable period, the user who noticed that the lock operation failed has started the long press operation again, but the control unit 40 does not regard this as the lock operation, and is the time point of FIG. The same control as t4 is performed. In FIG. 9, the long press operation is started from the time point t41 in the operation mode, and the duration thereof exceeds the long press time T1, but the control unit 40 does not consider this as a lock operation, and the time point t41 is shown. Only the same control as the time point t2 at 5 is performed. That is, only the long press operation with the long press time T1 or more started in the standby mode and within the lockable period is recognized by the control unit 40 as the lock operation.

The timing chart of FIG. 10 shows changes in the driving state of each part from the lock mode to the operation mode through the standby mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, immediately after the transition from the standby mode to the lock mode, the lock display unit 21 indicating that the lock mode is set is lit (time point t14), but the lock display is displayed shortly after the excitation light source 11 is turned off. The unit 21 is also turned off (time points t15 to t16). When the power switch 26 is pressed (on) after the light is turned off, the control unit 40 turns on the lock display unit 21 for a predetermined time to indicate that the lock mode is set, as shown at the time point t51 in FIG. Notify the user. Of course, this pressing operation does not shift the electric shaver to the operation mode or the standby mode.

At the next time point t52, the long press operation of the power switch 26 is started. When the long press time T1 elapses from the time point t52 while the power switch 26 is kept closed (time point t53), the control unit 40 turns off the lock display unit 21 and further turns on the remaining amount display unit 20. , Notifies the user that the unlock operation has been performed properly (the lock display unit 21 and the remaining amount display unit 20 function as the unlock notification means M3). The motor 13 does not start only when the unlock operation is completed. The user does not always use the electric shaver immediately after the unlock operation, and the unlock operation may be performed only for the purpose of releasing the lock mode. This is because if the motor 13 is driven in such a case, electric power is wasted.

When a predetermined time has elapsed from the time point t53, the control unit 40 turns off the remaining amount display unit 20. The display content of the remaining amount display unit 20 here may be a display of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15, or may be another display. If the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15 is displayed, the user can be notified of the remaining amount before the user starts using the electric shaver, and if the remaining amount is insufficient, charging or the like can be performed in advance. You can encourage preparation. When the power switch 26 is pressed (time point t54) in the standby mode after the unlock operation, the control unit 40 regards this as an on operation and shifts the electric shaver to the operation mode. This point is the same as the time point t1 in FIG.

As described above, the electric shaver according to the present embodiment is configured to shift to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch 26 becomes invalid when the user locks the power switch 26 (long press operation). Therefore, the user who has finished using the electric razor can stop the motor 13 and shift the electric razor to the lock mode simply by continuously performing two operations of turning off the power switch 26 and locking the power switch 26. There is no need to move the fingertip between the off operation and the lock operation as in the past, and the user can smoothly perform the off operation to the lock operation. Further, in this embodiment, the unlock operation is a long press operation of the power switch 26, which is the same as the lock operation. Therefore, a user who wants to use the electric shaver immediately after the unlock operation can start the motor 13 and start using it simply by performing two operations of unlocking and turning on the power switch 26 in succession. can. There is no need to move the fingertip between the unlock operation and the on operation as in the past, and the user can smoothly perform the unlock operation to the on operation.

In this embodiment, the lock display unit 21 is blinked within the lockable period, and the display unit 21 is always lit when the lock mode is set. On the contrary, the lock display unit 21 is always turned on during the lockable period. It may be turned on and the display unit 21 may be blinked during the lock mode. Alternatively, the lock display unit 21 may be blinked at long intervals within the lockable period, and the display unit 21 may be blinked at short intervals during the lock mode. Of course, the length of the interval can be reversed. The same can be said when the power switch 26 is pressed (on) during the lock mode. That is, instead of lighting the lock display unit 21 for a predetermined time, it may be blinked. The point that the lock display unit 21 is turned off when the lock is released is the same.

(Example 2) The second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 is different from the first embodiment in that the lock operation can be performed even in the operation mode. In this timing chart, the long press operation, that is, the lock operation is started from the time point t61 in the operation mode, and when the duration reaches the long press time T1 (time point t62), the control unit 40 blinks the lock display unit 21. Is switched to constant lighting, and the remaining amount display unit 20 is turned off to notify the user that the lock operation has been properly performed. The motor 13 stops at the same time as the start of the long press operation. In this embodiment, the entire operation mode and standby mode are lockable periods, and the user can perform the lock operation at any time. Others are the same as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. The same shall apply in the following examples. As a modification of this embodiment, the motor 13 may not be stopped at the time t61 when the long press operation is started, and the motor 13 may be stopped at the time t62 when the duration of the long press operation reaches the long press time T1. This may be stopped between time points t61 and time point t62. Further, instead of setting the entire operation mode and standby mode as the lockable period, it is also possible to set only the entire one mode as the lockable period.

(Embodiment 3) The third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 12 is different from the previous embodiment 1 in that the motor 13 is started at the same time as the unlock operation is completed. In this timing chart, the long press operation, that is, the unlock operation is started from the time point t71 in the lock mode, and when the duration reaches the long press time T1 (time point t72), the control unit 40 displays the lock display unit 21. Turn off the lights and shift the electric shaver to the operation mode. Specifically, the motor 13 is started, and the excitation light source 11 and the remaining amount display unit 20 are turned on. According to this embodiment, for a user who wants to use the electric shaver immediately after the unlock operation, the trouble of the on operation after the unlock operation can be omitted.

(Example 4) The fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 13 is different from the first embodiment in that the remaining amount display unit 20 is turned on in the lock mode. When the power switch 26 is pressed (on) in the lock mode, the control unit 40 lights the lock display unit 21 to notify the user that the power switch is in the lock mode (time point t81). Up to this point, it is the same as the time point t51 in FIG. 10, but in this embodiment, the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15 is notified to the user by lighting the remaining amount display part 20 later than the lock display part 21 (time point). t82). As a result, the user can know the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15 without releasing the lock mode, which improves convenience. The remaining amount display unit 20 turns off when the predetermined lighting time T3 elapses (time point t83), and the lock display unit 21 also turns off when the predetermined lighting time T4 elapses (time point t84). The lighting times T3 and T4 of both display units 20 and 21 are sufficiently shorter than the long press time T1. In this embodiment, the relationship is T3 <T4, but instead of this, the lock display unit 21 may be turned off first as a relationship of T3 = T4 or T3> T4. Both display units 20 and 21 can be turned off at the same time.

At the next time point t85, the long press operation of the power switch 26 is started, and the lock display unit 21 is lit again. The remaining amount display unit 20 lights up later than the lock display unit 21 (time point t86) even when the power switch 26 is pressed and held for a long time, and turns off when the lighting time T3 elapses (time point t87). That is, the remaining amount display unit 20 is controlled in the same manner regardless of whether the pressing operation of the power switch 26 is a long press or a short press (single click). On the other hand, the lock display unit 21 continues to be lit until the time point t88 after the lapse of the lighting time T4, which is the same as in the case of the short press operation, but the long press time T1 elapses (the unlock operation is completed). ) It is different from the case of the short press operation in that it blinks until the time point t89. That is, the control unit 40 turns off the lock display unit 21 if the power switch 26 is in the open state when the lighting time T4 of the lock display unit 21 has elapsed, but the power switch 26 is maintained in the closed state for the lighting time T4. That is, when the user presses and holds the power switch 26 for a long time, the lock display unit 21 is switched from the constantly lit state to the blinking state to notify the user that the unlock operation is in progress. If the power switch 26 is switched to the open state before the long press time T1 elapses in the blinking state of the lock display unit 21, the control unit 40 turns off the lock display unit 21 at that time.

At the time point t89 when the long press time T1 has elapsed from the time point t85, the control unit 40 turns off the lock display unit 21 and further turns on the remaining amount display unit 20 over the lighting time T3. As a result, it is possible to notify the user that the unlock operation has been properly performed and to re-recognize the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15.

In this embodiment, the lock display unit 21 is turned on at the time point t81 and the time point t85, but the display unit 21 may be blinked instead. In this case, at the time point t88 after the lapse of the lighting time T4, the blinking interval of the lock display unit 21 is changed (extended or shortened), or the display unit 21 is switched from the blinking state to the constantly lit state. It is possible to notify the user that the unlock operation is in progress. The small electric device (electric shaver) according to this modification and the present embodiment can be implemented in the following forms. The following form can solve the problem of making the user recognize the remaining amount of the battery 15 even in the lock mode.

A load 13 using the electric power of the battery 15 as a drive source, a power switch 26 for controlling the supply of electric power to the load 13, and a remaining amount display unit 20 for displaying the remaining amount of the battery 15 are provided.
When the lock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed, the lock mode shifts to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch 26 becomes invalid.
In the lock mode, the lock mode is released when an unlock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed.
A small electric device characterized by driving a remaining amount display unit 20 in addition to the lock notification means M2 for notifying that the power switch 26 is in the lock mode when the power switch 26 is operated in the lock mode.

In the conventional small electric device, since the power switch and the lock body are separate bodies, it is necessary to move the fingertip between the off operation and the lock operation, and between the unlock operation and the on operation. According to the above, since it is possible to save the trouble of moving the fingertip, the user can smoothly perform from the off operation to the lock operation and from the unlock operation to the on operation. Further, if the lock notification means M2 is driven when the power switch 26 is operated in the lock mode, the user can easily recognize that the lock mode is set. When the operation of the power switch 26 is intended to activate the load 13, the lock notification means M2 can be driven to notify the user that the unlock operation is necessary. Further, when the remaining amount display unit 20 is driven in addition to the lock notification means M2, the user can be notified of the remaining amount of the battery 15 in addition to the lock mode (unlocking operation is required). .. The user can know the remaining amount of the battery 15 without releasing the lock mode, which improves convenience.

The above-mentioned small electric device that drives the lock notification means M2 before the remaining amount display unit 20 when the power switch 26 is operated in the lock mode.

Even if the user turns on the power switch 26 in the lock mode, the load 13 is not driven. In this case, the first thing to inform the user is that the small electrical device is in the lock mode, in other words, the load 13 is not driven because of a failure. When the lock notification means M2 is preferentially driven, it is possible to promptly notify the user that the small electric device has not failed and give a sense of security.

The above-mentioned small electric device that stops the lock notification means M2 after the remaining amount display unit 20 when the power switch 26 is operated in the lock mode.

As described above, it is important for the user to recognize that the lock notification means M2 is being driven. When the lock notification means M2 is stopped after the remaining amount display unit 20 as in this configuration, the risk that the user overlooks the lock notification means M2 is reduced, and the information that the small electric device is in the lock mode is notified to the user. You can tell more accurately.

The above-mentioned small electric device that drives the remaining amount display unit 20 for a predetermined driving time from the time when the lock mode is released.

When the remaining amount display unit 20 is driven from the time when the lock mode is released, the user is notified of the remaining amount of the battery 15 before the user starts using the small electric device, and the remaining amount is insufficient. It is possible to encourage advance preparation such as charging.

The unlock operation for releasing the lock mode is a pressing operation of the power switch 26 over a predetermined long press time T1.
The lock notification means M2 includes a light source 34 and includes a light source 34.
From the start of the unlock operation until the lighting time T4 shorter than the long press time T1 elapses, and between the time when the lighting time T4 elapses and the time until the long press time T1 elapses, the light source 34 Make the lighting state different,
The above-mentioned small electric device that turns off the light source 34 when the long press time T1 elapses and the unlock operation is completed.

Unless the user is aware that the unlocking operation for releasing the lock mode is the pressing operation of the power switch 26 over the long press time T1, that is, the long pressing operation, the lock mode is performed. Is not released, so it is possible to reliably prevent the release of the lock mode against the user's will. Further, if the lock notification means M2 includes the light source 34, the user can easily recognize that the lock state is in the locked state. Further, if the lighting state of the light source 34 is changed during the unlock operation (long press operation), the user can be made to recognize that the unlock operation is being performed accurately, and a sense of security can be given.

The unlock operation for releasing the lock mode is a pressing operation of the power switch 26 over a predetermined long press time T1.
The lock notification means M2 includes a light source 34 and includes a light source 34.
The light source 34 is always lit until the lighting time T4 shorter than the long press time T1 elapses after the unlock operation is started.
The light source 34 is blinked until the long press time T1 elapses after the lighting time T4 elapses.
The above-mentioned small electric device that turns off the light source 34 when the long press time T1 elapses and the unlock operation is completed.

Unless the user is aware that the unlocking operation for releasing the lock mode is the pressing operation of the power switch 26 over the long press time T1, that is, the long pressing operation, the lock mode is performed. Is not released, so it is possible to reliably prevent the release of the lock mode against the user's will. Further, if the lock notification means M2 includes the light source 34, the user can easily recognize that the lock state is in the locked state. Further, if the light source 34 is switched from constantly lit to blinking during the unlock operation (long press operation), the user can be made aware that the unlock operation is being performed accurately, and a sense of security can be given. ..

In this embodiment and the previous embodiment 1, the motor 13 is used exclusively as a drive source for the inner blade 5 (main blade 3) and the movable blade 8 (trimmer unit 4), but this is used as the lock notification means M2 and the unlock notification. It can also be used as means M3. When the motor 13 is temporarily driven, sound or vibration is generated by the motor 13 itself, the blades 3 and 4, or the transmission mechanism between them. By using this sound or vibration, it is possible to notify the user that the lock operation or the unlock operation has been properly performed. The timing for driving the motor 13 as the lock notification means M2 is, for example, the time point t14 (see the imaginary line) in FIG. 6 or the time point t24 (same) in FIG. 7, and the motor 13 as the unlock notification means M3 is driven. The timing is, for example, the time point t53 (same as above) in FIG. 10 or the time point t89 (same as above) in FIG.

The above-mentioned small electric device (electric shaver) can be implemented in the following form. In order for the load (motor 13) to function as the lock notification means M2, the load 13 must have already stopped before the lock operation is completed. Since the time when the lock operation is completed is the standard, not only the small electric device that needs to stop the load 13 and then start the lock operation as in the first embodiment, but also the lock as in the modified example of the second embodiment. The following modes can also be applied to small electric devices in which the load 13 is stopped during the operation. The load 13 in the following form includes a motor for an electric shaver, a light source for a portable lighting fixture, and the like.

(First form)
A load 13 using the electric power of the battery 15 as a drive source and a power switch 26 for controlling the supply of electric power to the load 13 are provided.
When the lock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed, the lock mode shifts to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch 26 becomes invalid.
In the lock mode, the lock mode is released when an unlock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed.
A small electric device characterized in that the load 13 is temporarily driven when the lock operation is completed.

In the conventional small electric device, since the power switch and the lock body are separate bodies, it is necessary to move the fingertip between the off operation and the lock operation, and between the unlock operation and the on operation. According to the above, since it is possible to save the trouble of moving the fingertip, the user can smoothly perform from the off operation to the lock operation and from the unlock operation to the on operation. Further, when the load 13 as the lock notification means M2 is driven at the completion of the lock operation, the user can be surely recognized that the operation is completed and the small electric device is properly locked. ..

(Second form)
A load 13 using the electric power of the battery 15 as a drive source and a power switch 26 for controlling the supply of electric power to the load 13 are provided.
When the lock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed, the lock mode shifts to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch 26 becomes invalid.
In the lock mode, the lock mode is released when an unlock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed.
A small electric device characterized in that the load 13 is temporarily driven when the unlock operation is completed.

In the conventional small electric device, since the power switch and the lock body are separate bodies, it is necessary to move the fingertip between the off operation and the lock operation, and between the unlock operation and the on operation. According to the above, since it is possible to save the trouble of moving the fingertip, the user can smoothly perform from the off operation to the lock operation and from the unlock operation to the on operation. Further, when the load 13 as the unlock notification means M3 is driven at the completion of the unlock operation, the user is surely recognized that the operation is completed and the small electric device is properly unlocked. Can be done.

(Third form)
A motor 13 driven by the electric power of the battery 15, an inner blade 5 driven by the motor 13 as a power source, an outer blade 6 that slides in contact with the inner blade 5 and cuts a whiskers in cooperation with the inner blade 5, and a motor. An electric shaver provided with a power switch 26 that controls the supply of electric power to 13.
When the lock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed, the lock mode shifts to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch 26 becomes invalid.
In the lock mode, the lock mode is released when an unlock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed.
A small electric device characterized in that the motor 13 is temporarily driven when the lock operation is completed.

In the conventional electric shaver, since the power switch and the lock body are separate, it is necessary to move the fingertip between the off operation and the lock operation, and between the unlock operation and the on operation. Therefore, since the trouble of moving the fingertip can be saved, the user can smoothly perform from the off operation to the lock operation and from the unlock operation to the on operation. Further, when the motor 13 as the lock notification means M2 is driven in accordance with the completion of the lock operation, the user can be surely recognized that the operation is completed and the electric shaver is properly locked. In particular, in the case of an electric shaver, since a large vibration is generated by driving the inner blade 5, it is possible to more reliably notify the user of the completion of the lock operation.

(Fourth form)
A motor 13 driven by the electric power of the battery 15, an inner blade 5 driven by the motor 13 as a power source, an outer blade 6 that slides in contact with the inner blade 5 and cuts a whiskers in cooperation with the inner blade 5, and a motor. An electric shaver provided with a power switch 26 that controls the supply of electric power to 13.
When the lock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed, the lock mode shifts to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch 26 becomes invalid.
In the lock mode, the lock mode is released when an unlock operation for operating the power switch 26 by a predetermined method is performed.
An electric shaver characterized by temporarily driving the motor 13 when the unlock operation is completed.

In the conventional electric shaver, since the power switch and the lock body are separate, it is necessary to move the fingertip between the off operation and the lock operation, and between the unlock operation and the on operation. Therefore, since the trouble of moving the fingertip can be saved, the user can smoothly perform from the off operation to the lock operation and from the unlock operation to the on operation. Further, when the motor 13 as the unlock notification means M3 is driven at the completion of the unlock operation, the user can be surely recognized that the operation is completed and the electric shaver is properly unlocked. can. Particularly in the case of an electric shaver, since a large vibration is generated by driving the inner blade 5, it is possible to more reliably notify the user of the completion of the unlock operation.

In the first and third embodiments described above, the completion of the lock operation and the drive of the load (motor) 13 do not have to be simultaneous, and there may be a slight time lag between the two. Similarly, in the second and fourth modes described above, the completion of the unlock operation and the drive of the load (motor) 13 do not have to be simultaneous, and there may be a slight time lag between the two. The first form and the second form relating to the small electric device can be combined, and the third form and the fourth form relating to the electric shaver can also be combined. Further, it is also possible to combine each of the first to fourth forms and the form described in the claims.

(Embodiment 5) The fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14 is different from the previous embodiment 4 in that only the remaining amount display unit 20 is turned on when the power switch 26 is pressed in the lock mode. When the power switch 26 is pressed (on), the control unit 40 lights the remaining amount display unit 20 for a predetermined time to notify the user that the lock mode is set (time point t91). At this time, the lock display unit 21 is maintained in the off state. Just by turning on the remaining amount display unit 20 as in this embodiment, it is possible to notify the user not only of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15 but also that the lock mode is in effect.

At the next time point t92, the long press operation of the power switch 26 is started, and the remaining amount display unit 20 is lit as in the time point t91. When a predetermined time shorter than the long press time T1 elapses while the power switch 26 is kept closed, the control unit 40 starts blinking the lock display unit 21 to indicate that the unlock operation is in progress. Notify the user. Then, when the long press time T1 elapses from the time point t92 (time point t93), the control unit 40 turns off the remaining amount display unit 20 and the lock display unit 21 to notify the user that the unlock operation is completed.

As a modification of this embodiment, the lock display unit 21 may be turned on at the same time as the remaining amount display unit 20 at the time point t91 and the time point t92 when the power switch 26 is pressed. Alternatively, the remaining amount display unit 20 may be turned off at the same time as the lock display unit 21 starts blinking. Alternatively, at the time point t93 when the long press time T1 has elapsed, the remaining amount display unit 20 may be switched from the display of the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15 to another display to notify the user of the completion of the unlock operation. In this case, the remaining amount display unit 20 may be turned off at the time when the user finishes the long press operation of the power switch 26 (when the finger is released from the switch button 19) or after a predetermined time at the time point t93.

(Embodiment 6) In the sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 15, the point that the period notification means M1, the lock notification means M2, and the unlock notification means M3 are configured by different light sources, for example, LEDs, is the above-mentioned first embodiment. Different from. The period notification means M1 is turned on at the same time as the power switch 26 is turned off (time point t101), and is turned off at the same time as the reception time T2 elapses or the lock operation is completed (time point t103). Of course, the period notification means M1 may be blinked instead of being constantly lit. The lock notification means M2 starts blinking at the same time as the lock operation (long press operation) of the power switch 26 starts (time point t102), is always lit at the same time as the lock operation is completed (time point t103), and turns off after a predetermined time. do. Further, the lock notification means M2 is turned on again at the same time as the unlock operation (long press operation) of the power switch 26 is started (time point t104), and is turned off at the same time as the unlock operation is completed (time point t105). The unlock notification means M3 starts blinking at the same time as the unlock operation starts (time point t104), is always lit at the same time as the unlock operation is completed (time point t105), and turns off after a predetermined time. In this embodiment, the remaining amount display unit 20 is not used as the notification means M1 to M3, and is turned on only in the operation mode.

(Example 7) In Example 7 of the present invention shown in FIG. 16, the configuration of each display unit 20 to 22 of Example 1 is changed. There, below the switch button 19 on the front surface of the main body case 1, a display screen 45 constituting each display unit 20 to 22 is provided. The display screen 45 is composed of a rectangular liquid crystal panel, and the remaining amount display unit 20 is arranged above the rectangular liquid crystal panel, and the lock display unit 21 and the charge display unit 22 are arranged below the remaining amount display unit 20. The remaining amount display unit 20 is composed of 10 bars that gradually increase from left to right, and displays the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15 in 10 steps of 10 to 100%.

According to the present embodiment using the display screen 45, the portion of the entire display screen 45 excluding the display units 20 to 22, that is, the background unit 46 can be utilized as the notification means M1 to M3. For example, if the lock display unit 21 and the background unit 46 are alternately blinked during the lockable period, the background unit 46 can function as the period notification means M1 together with the lock display unit 21. Further, when the background portion 46 is made to emit light for a short time when the lock operation is performed and the mode shifts to the lock mode, this can be made to function as the lock notification means M2. Even when the power switch 26 is pressed in the lock mode (time point t51 in FIG. 10) or during the unlock operation (time point t52 to t53 in FIG. 10), the background portion 46 is made to emit light to notify the lock. It may function as means M2. Further, when the background unit 46 is made to emit light together with the remaining amount display unit 20 at the same time as the unlock operation is completed, this can be made to function as the unlock notification means M3. In the present invention, the display screen 45 can be arranged so as to surround the light source 34 such as an LED. In this case, for example, the light source 34 is controlled in the same manner as the lock display unit 21 of the present embodiment, and the display screen 45 is displayed. It can be controlled in the same manner as the background portion 46 of this embodiment.

In addition, the remaining amount display unit 20 is not limited to the bar display of this embodiment and the 7-segment display of the first embodiment. For example, the remaining amount display unit 20 is composed of a plurality of LEDs arranged vertically and horizontally, and is secondary. The number of LEDs to be lit can be changed according to the remaining amount of the battery 15. Alternatively, the remaining amount display unit 20 can be composed of a plurality of LEDs corresponding to "HIGH", "MID", "LOW", "EMPTY", etc., and only the LED corresponding to the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15 can be turned on. .. The remaining amount display unit 20 may be composed of one multicolor light emitting type LED, and the emission color may be changed according to the remaining amount of the secondary battery 15.

The period notification means M1, the lock notification means M2, and the unlock notification means M3 may be a buzzer or a synthetic voice that appeals to the auditory sense, or may be a vibration stimulus by a vibrator, in addition to appealing to the user's vision. Two or more of these can be used together. The lock operation and the unlock operation are not limited to the long press operation, and may be, for example, a single-click operation or a double-click operation of the power switch 26.

The object of application of the present invention is not limited to the rotary type electric razor, and the present invention can also be applied to the electric razor provided with the reciprocating drive type main blade. In this type of electric shaver, the rotational power of the motor is converted into reciprocating power by an oscillator, and the inner blade of the main blade is reciprocated, so that more vibration is generated compared to the rotary method. Therefore, when the motor is used as the lock notification means M2 or the unlock notification means M3, the notification function can be further enhanced. Further, the present invention is applied to, for example, a massager having a vibrator as a load 13, a massager having a fir ball rotationally driven by a motor as a load 13, or a portable lighting device having a light source as a load 13. be able to.

1 Main body case 2 Razor head 11 Excitation light source 13 Load (motor)
15 Battery (secondary battery)
16 Control board 19 Switch button 20 Remaining amount display 21 Lock display 22 Charge display 26 Power switch T1 Long press time T2 Reception time M1 Period notification means M2 Lock notification means M3 Unlock notification means

Claims (3)

It is equipped with a load (13) that uses electric power as a drive source and a power switch (26) that controls the supply of electric power to the load (13).
When the lock operation for operating the power switch (26) by a predetermined method is performed, the lock mode shifts to the lock mode in which the on operation of the power switch (26) becomes invalid.
In the lock mode, the lock mode is released when the unlock operation for operating the power switch (26) by a predetermined method is performed.
When the power switch (26) is operated in the lock mode, the lock notification means (M2) for notifying that the lock mode is set is provided.
The unlock operation for releasing the lock mode is a long press operation of the power switch (26) over a predetermined long press time (T1).
In the lock mode, the unlock operation is impossible in the case of the short press operation for a time shorter than the long press operation time.
When the short press operation is performed in the lock mode, the lock notification means (M2) is driven, and after a predetermined time after the drive, the lock notification means (M2) is stopped.
When the long press operation is performed in the lock mode, the lock notification means (M2) is driven, and after the predetermined long press time (T1) has elapsed, the lock notification means (M2) is stopped.
A small electric device characterized in that the content of notification by the lock notification means (M2) when the short press operation is performed and the content of notification by the lock notification means (M2) when the long press operation is performed are different. The lock notification means (M2) includes a light source (34) and includes a light source (34).
When the short press operation is performed in the lock mode, the light source (34) is driven, and after a predetermined time after the drive, the drive of the light source (34) is stopped.
When the long press operation is performed in the lock mode, the light source (34) is driven, and after the predetermined long press time (T1) elapses, the drive of the light source (34) is stopped.
If the notification contents of the two are different, including at least a lighting state as the notification content by the light source (34) when the short press operation is performed, and at least a blinking state as the notification content by the light source (34) when the long press operation is performed. The small electric device according to claim 1, wherein the small electric device is characterized. Claim 1 is characterized in that the notification time by the lock notification means (M2) when the short press operation is performed is set shorter than the notification time by the lock notification means (M2) when the long press operation is performed. Or the small electric device according to 2.

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