JP4795687B2 - Hair removal equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The razor actuator head (1) has cutters (2,3,4)) connected electrically to the bases of transistors (10,11,12) in the electronic circuit (9). If a cutter is in contact with the skin current flows through body resistance (18) turning on the appropriate transistor indicating that contact exists. Zero current indicates no contact and driver (17) energizes the motor drive (7) adjusting the position of the head until contact is made.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hair removal device according to the prior art part of claim 1 having a movable actuator head and / or at least one movable actuator support. The invention further relates to a method for positioning at least one actuator element of a hair removal device.

  The movable actuator head is used, for example, in the form of a pivotable shear head for an electric shaver. In order to get the best possible shaving result, the shearing head is moved in order to make good contact with the skin surface during shaving.

  For example, German Patent DE 36 10 736 A1 discloses an electric shaver having a shearing head system pivotally mounted with respect to the shaver housing. The shearing head system is configured to perform a swing-vibration motion via a drive pin by an electric motor disposed in a housing. During shaving, the shear head system also performs a passive pivoting motion. That is, the shear head system is pressed into a pivot position determined by the associated geometric situation by pressing against the skin surface. In this case, the shear head system is designed so that the available shear surface is always in contact with the skin surface during shaving.

  While the known systems have proven satisfactory in practice, there are some limitations. For example, for a satisfactory pivoting function, it is necessary to strictly limit the weight of the shearing head system and its pivot point. Thus, the limitations on placing additional elements and shear head systems are narrow without compromising the mode of operation. Furthermore, it is necessary to press the shaver against the skin in order to pivot the shearing head system in order to bring the entire available shearing surface in each case as close as possible to the skin surface. Another limitation is that the extent to which the shearing head system is driven by the drive pin is only possible within a limited pivot angle range.

  The invention is based on the object of constructing a hair removal device that is optimally equipped with a movable actuator head and / or at least one movable actuator support.

  This object is achieved by a combination of the features of claim 1.

  The hair removal device according to the invention comprises at least one movable actuator support having a movable actuator head and / or a movable actuator element for removing hair on the skin surface. A particular feature of the hair removal device according to the invention is that a detection device for detecting a parameter associated with the position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface and at least one for changing the position of the actuator head and / or the actuator support. A positively operated positioning device and a control device for operating the positioning device according to the detected parameters are provided.

  The invention has the advantage that each actuator element can always be in optimal contact with the skin. In particular, this effect is always obtained when the hair removal device comprises two or more actuator elements and these elements are brought into contact with the skin at the same time for optimal hair removal. Thus, the present invention is particularly suitable for use with a hair removal device having multiple actuator elements. In this regard, it is not initially important for the applicability of the present invention whether the actuator elements can be positioned individually or in groups or simply all together. If there is only one actuator element in total, the user can generally make adequate and even contact with the skin without additional assistance. However, in certain applications, and particularly when the actuator element is movable in many planes, it is advantageous to use the present invention for a hair removal device having a single actuator element. Another advantage of the present invention is that the limitations that exist when the actuator head is passively positioned with respect to its weight and shape and with respect to an acceptable positioning range no longer apply.

  In the case of the hair removal device according to the invention, a number of actuator heads are used which can move independently of each other. An electric drive for the actuator element and / or the positioning device may be arranged on the actuator head. Similarly, the electric drive device can be arranged outside the actuator head, and a connecting device for connecting the electric drive device to the actuator head can be provided.

  The detection device may include means for detecting the contact pressure exerted by the actuator element on the skin surface, means for performing a capacitive measurement process, or means for performing impedance measurements.

  In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the actuator element is conductively connected to the controller. In the case of the preferred exemplary embodiment, there is further provided a housing that is at least partially conductively formed and is conductively connected to the control device.

  It is also advantageous for the detection device to form an optical means. These can be realized in particular as light barrier systems.

  Another advantageous configuration of the invention discloses that the detection device comprises at least one displacement sensor, pressure sensor and / or force sensor.

  The scope of the present invention specifically includes that the actuator head and / or actuator support can be pivotally suspended.

  In another aspect, or in addition, it is advantageous for the actuator head and / or actuator support to be mounted so as to be displaceable in at least one plane.

  The hair removal device according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric shaving machine having at least one shearing foil. The electric shaving machine may in particular comprise a central cutter arranged between the two shearing foils. In this case, it is advantageous that the shear foil and the central cutter are each electrically connected to the control device. This is because the information about the position of the shear foil can be detected relatively easily.

  Furthermore, the hair removal apparatus according to the present invention can also be configured as a hair removal apparatus having at least one hair removal unit. This is because in this application it is advantageous to have good contact with the skin.

  In the case of the method according to the invention for positioning at least one actuator element of a hair removal device for removing hair on the skin surface, parameters relating to the actual position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface are detected and the actuator element is Position positively according to the detected parameters. The positioning of the actuator element is performed using an actuator head and / or using at least one actuator support having at least one actuator element. As a result, practically any positioning movement is possible.

  If the detection of the parameters is always repeated, an optimum tolerance can be provided for constantly changing conditions in the handling of the hair removal device. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the actuator element is positioned to contact the skin. In order to allow a specific movement, the positioning speed is determined according to the detected parameters, so that the overall positioning error can be corrected quickly. Furthermore, the positioning speed can be changed during the positioning operation. In order to generate a predetermined starting position in each case, it is advantageous to place the actuator element at a base position of a predeterminable value of the detected parameter. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the current generated by contact between the actuator element and the skin surface is detected.

  Another advantageous development of the method according to the invention is to detect the relative position of the actuator element relative to the skin surface by optical means. This method is particularly stable and practical for use on wet skin or skin to which a care product or cleansing product has been applied.

  In a further advantageous development of the method according to the invention, the magnitude of the contact pressure exerted by the actuator element on the skin surface (5) is detected by means of force, pressure and / or displacement measurements. This is a particularly reliable method for performing detection in the state described above.

  When the epilator is switched off, the actuator element can be placed in a rest position. This is particularly advantageous whenever the actuator head is placed in a position where the actuator element is greatly protected from external influences.

  In the case of the method according to the invention, at least one further function of the hair removal device can be controlled according to the detected parameter, so that this parameter can be used multiple times. Specifically, this other function includes the function of energizing the display device, the function of controlling the automatic switching on / off of the switch, and / or the function of controlling the drive power of the electric drive for the actuator element. included.

  The positioning of the actuator element may be performed by pivoting, in particular pivoting with respect to various pivot axes. The latter occurs when both a pivotable actuator head and at least one pivotable actuator support are provided, or when multiple pivotable actuator supports are provided.

  In another aspect, in addition to being pivotable, it is advantageous to position the actuator head or actuator support by displacement in at least one plane.

  The invention will be described below on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

  FIG. 1 shows a functional diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver constructed in accordance with the present invention. This figure is related to the situation during the shaving operation, the individual functional elements of the shaving machine are shown in highly schematic form, and the electronic components used to carry out the positioning method according to the invention Possible wiring is shown. An exemplary embodiment of a shaving machine has a pivotable shearing head 1. The head is pivotally mounted about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The shearing head 1 includes a first shearing foil 2, a second shearing foil 3, and a central cutter 4 disposed between the shearing foils 2, 3. In the state shown here, the second shear foil 3 is in physical contact with the skin surface 5 of the user 6. The shearing head 1 is pivoted by a positioning device 7 with respect to a housing 8 that is gripped by the user 6 by hand. The two shear foils 2 and 3 and the central cutter 4 are each conductively connected to an electronic circuit 9. The first shear foil 2 is connected to the base of the first transistor 10, the second shear foil 3 is connected to the base of the second transistor 11, and the central cutter 4 is connected to the base of the third transistor 12. Yes. The emitters of these transistors 10, 11 and 12 are grounded. On the collector side, the first transistor 10 is connected to the input labeled F 1 of the control logic 13 and the first collector resistor 14. The second transistor 11 is connected to the input of the control logic 13 labeled F 2 and the second collector resistor 15, and the third transistor 12 is connected to the input of control logic 13 MS and the third collector resistor 16. It is connected to the. The control logic 13 has an output labeled Z. This output is connected to the positioning device 7 via the driver stage 17. The collector resistors 14, 15, and 16 are further connected to each other and have a potential of Vdd, similar to the housing 8 that the user 6 holds by hand. The housing 8 is electrically connected to the second shear foil 3 via the user 6 by a body resistance 18. In order to make this possible, the housing 8 is formed to be at least partially conductive. Depending on the position of the shearing head 1, corresponding electrical connections may be made to the central cutter 4 and the first shearing foil 2. Body resistance 18 represents the total effective resistance between the skin surface 5 and the user's 6 hand.

  In the case of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the functional principle according to the invention is that the shearing head 1 is pivoted so that in each case the two shearing heads 2 and 3 are in contact with the skin 5. That is. What is needed for this purpose is information on the one hand whether the two shearing heads 2 and 3 are in actual contact with the skin surface 5, on the other hand, the shearing head 1 is connected to the shearing heads 2 and 3. This is a mechanism for pivoting from a position where at least one of them is not in contact with the skin surface 5 to a position where both the shearing heads 2 and 3 are in contact with the skin surface 5. Information about that the shear heads 2 and 3 are in contact with the skin surface 5 is obtained by checking whether an electrical current has been generated for both shear foils 2 and 3 in the electronic circuit 9 shown in FIG. Electric currents each flow through the body resistance 18 and are therefore formed only when the respective shear foil 2 or 3 comes into contact with the skin surface 5. For example, when the second shear foil 3 is in contact with the skin surface 5 in a manner corresponding to the situation shown in FIG. 1, and thus a current is formed through the body resistance 18 to the base of the second transistor 11, the second transistor 11 Switching is performed, and when the switching is not performed, the input F2 of the control logic 13 having the potential Vdd is connected to the ground. The same applies correspondingly when the first shear foil 2 comes into contact with the skin surface 5. Since the current required for switching the transistors 10, 11, 12 is very small, the current through the body resistance 18 is quite safe for the user 6 and is not sensed.

The control logic 13 evaluates the input signals and activates the driver stage 17 in accordance with them, which in a corresponding manner so that the positioning device 7 is pivoted as desired by the shearing head 1. Control. The evaluation by the control logic 13 is performed according to the truth table shown in Table 1 in which a control command at the output Z of the control logic 13 is assigned to each combination of signals at the inputs F1, F2 and MS. For the input of the control logic 13 connected to the ground, “0” is shown in the truth table, and for the input of the potential Vdd, “1” is shown, that is, in the case of “0”, the skin In the case of “1”, it is not in contact with the skin. The signal at the input MS of the control logic 13 indicates whether the central cutter 4 is in contact with the skin surface 5 and is determined in a manner corresponding to the signals at the inputs F1 and F2. Although it is absolutely unnecessary to consider the signal of the input MS of the control logic 13, since the intermediate position can be considered in this way, the shearing head 1 can be controlled well.

  As shown in the truth table, the shear head 1 can be used either when both shear foils 2 and 3 are in contact with the skin surface 5 or when neither of the two shear foils 2 and 3 is in contact with the skin surface 5. If so, stay in that position. In each case, it is not important whether the central cutter 4 is in contact with the skin surface 5. In a variant, if either of the two shear foils 2 and 3 is in contact with the skin surface 5, the shear head 1 can be slowly pivoted to the basic position. If only the first shear foil 2 is not in contact with the skin surface 5, the positioning device 7 rotates slowly to the right, ie in the clockwise direction, to the state shown in FIG. Pivot left. Furthermore, if the central cutter 4 is also not in contact with the skin surface 5, it is considered that a more serious positional error of the shearing head 1 will occur, and thus the positioning device 7 is rapidly rotated to the right. Conversely, if only the second shear foil 3 is not in contact with the skin surface, the positioning device 7 is slowly rotated to the left, and if the central cutter 4 is not in contact with the skin surface 5 Rotate quickly to the left.

  The circuit 9 serves on the one hand as a detection device for detecting information about the position of the two shear foils 2 and 3 and on the other hand as a control device for operating the positioning device 7 according to the detected information. In this case, detection and control are repeated, and the test for whether there is a current through the body resistance 18 and the evaluation based on the truth table are always repeated. When this is done, the position of the shear head 1 is changed until the two shear foils 2 and 3 are in contact with the skin as desired. Thus, contact between the two shear foils 2 and 3 and the skin is established by a kind of closed loop control circuit. The respective speeds can also be increased during the positioning of the shearing head 1 in order to further enhance the movement and to correct as much as possible severe shear head 1 position errors.

  If both shear foils 2 and 3 are in contact with the skin, the difference between the two electrical resistances or the difference between the impedance between the respective shear foil and the housing 8 is used to further connect the shear head 1. Accurate positioning is possible. Such a difference occurs when the contact between the two shear foils and the skin is different, ie when one shear foil is pressed against the skin more strongly than the other shear foil. In that case, the shear head is pivoted until the two resistances or impedances are equal, and thus both shear foils are pressed against the skin with exactly the same strength. This is particularly advantageous for optimal shaving.

  In addition to the pivoting function described above to optimize contact with the skin, a standby function is also provided. According to this function, when the electric shaver is switched off, the pivot head 1 is pivoted to the standby position. In the standby position, the shear foils 2 and 3 face the housing 8 and are thus protected from damage due to external action. Similarly, by pivoting the shear head 1, the shear head 1 can be configured to place an alternative shear system in place of the shear foil system, such as a problem zone long blade cutter or shear system, in use. it can. Further additional functions are to control the display element according to whether the housing 8 is touched, or whether the components of the shearing head 1 are in contact with the skin, or automatically switch the shaving machine. Is to put. Specifically, when any component of the shearing head 1 is not in contact with the skin, the driving force of the electric shaving machine can be reduced. The latter is always appropriate when the electric shaver is equipped with a linear motor.

  The long cutter function can be realized as another additional function. In this case, the user can pivot the shearing head by pushing the button into a position where it can be used particularly advantageously with a perforated cutter mounted on the shearing head in a suitable position. This type of long blade cutter includes, for example, a stationary comb having cutting fins that operate with a blade driven in a vibrating manner.

  In the case of an electric shaver according to the invention, the entire drive system, ie the vibration drive of the individual components of the shear head 1 and the positioning device 7 for pivoting the shear head 1 are integrated in the shear head 1. To do. This allows any desired pivot angle of the shear head 1. Similarly, each drive device can be arranged outside the shearing head 1 in the housing 8 of the electric shaver. Such an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver with a drive device outside the shaving head 1. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the electric motor 19 is accommodated in the housing 8. The movement of the electric motor 19 is transmitted by the belt 20 into the area of the shearing head 1. Instead of the belt 20, for example, a gear may be used for transmission. In the shearing head 1, the belt 20 is connected to a gear mechanism 21, which adapts the motion transmitted by the belt 20 to the requirements of the shearing head 1 and includes, for example, a shearing foil and a cutter block not shown in FIG. Two shearing elements 22 are driven. Furthermore, the gear mechanism 21 has a coupling element (not shown), which can trigger the pivoting of the shearing head 1 about the pivot 23. The coupling element is electronically controlled according to the actual position of the shearing head 1. This can be done by the electronic circuit 9 shown in FIG. 1 in the control process to be used in the corresponding manner described there. In spite of the fact that the electric motor 19 is arranged outside the shearing head 1, a large pivot range of ± 180 ° can be realized in the exemplary embodiment of the shearing head 1 shown in FIG. 2.

  The invention can also be used for electric shaving machines having different types of structures other than those described for electric shaving machines having shear heads 1 that are pivotal but otherwise rigidly configured. it can. Such an exemplary embodiment is shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver with multiple movable shear elements 22. In this exemplary embodiment, the shearing head 1 is pivotable about the pivot 23 in the same manner as the exemplary embodiment of FIG. However, in contrast to FIG. 2, this exemplary embodiment has another pivot 24 that is oriented perpendicular to pivot 23. This additional pivotability is made possible by providing two pivotable supports 25 on which two shear elements 22 are respectively arranged. The pivoting about the pivot 23 and the pivoting about another pivot 24 can be done in a positive manner corresponding to the principle according to the invention. Thereby, in this case as well, in principle, the electronic circuit 9 and the control process of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be used, but in order to pivot the support 25 independently and Correspondingly, some changes must be made to the configuration of the additional positioning device 7 to include additional pivoting in the control process. Due to the relative complexity of the sequence of movement, it is recommended to place the drive on the shearing head 1 in this exemplary embodiment.

  FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver having various types of shearing head systems in the representation corresponding to FIG. In the case of this exemplary embodiment, the electric shaver is not equipped with a pivotable shearing head 1 but with a stationary shearing head 1 with three supports 25. These supports can move independently of each other, and two shear elements 22 are arranged on each. In contrast to FIG. 3, the supports 25 are not arranged parallel to each other, but are each at an angle of 120 ° with respect to each other and are therefore evenly distributed over the shearing head 1. In spite of the difference in geometry, the principle according to the invention of positively positioning the shearing element 22 is also applied in this exemplary embodiment, with the shearing element 22 being skinned for each of the three supports 25. In accordance with this, the position of the support 25 is positively set using a positioning device 7 not shown in FIG. The positioning of the individual supports 25 is in this case carried out independently of one another in order to bring the shearing elements 22 arranged on the supports into the best possible contact with the skin.

  The present invention is not only related to an electric shaving machine, but can also be used, for example, for a hair removal device.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a hair removal device constructed in accordance with the present invention. This exemplary embodiment is very similar in construction to the electric shaver shown in FIG. For example, this epilation device has an epilation head 26 that is pivotable about a pivot 23 with respect to the housing 8. The epilation head 26 has four rotary pulling units 27, which are each attached to a lateral holder 28 so as to be pivotable. In the shape shown in FIG. 5, this forms two further pivots 29 and 30 which are arranged parallel to each other and perpendicular to the pivot 23 of the epilation head 26. Similar to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the epilation head 26 and the individual extraction units 27 can be pivoted, respectively, so that the individual extraction units 27 are in optimal contact with the skin.

  As an alternative to the above-described method of establishing contact with the skin by matching the current, other exemplary methods for detecting information about the position of the hair removal element relative to the skin surface 5 are all exemplary embodiments. Can be used in the case of For example, force sensors, displacement sensors, or pressure sensors can be used, and inductive, capacitive, or optical / electronic actuation methods may be used.

  Another embodiment of a sensor system according to the present invention for detecting the position of an actuator element relative to the skin surface is shown in FIGS.

  In this regard, FIG. 6 schematically shows a view of the shearing head 1 from the front and the side. The transverse boundary of the shearing head 1 is on the one hand provided with at least one optical transmitter 31 and on the opposite side at least one optical receiver 32. In this example, two optical transmitters 31 and two optical receivers 32 are arranged respectively, and these are positioned at the height of the shear foils 2 and 3. This can be seen in detail from the side view of FIG. The light transmitter 31 and the light receiver 32 act as a transmission light barrier surrounding the shaving zone formed by the shear foils 2, 3. They detect the position of the skin surface 5 with respect to the shear foils 2, 3 and transmit the measurement signal to the assigned signal processing device, which controls the shear head control device.

  FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the optical transmitter 31 and the optical receiver 32 that act as a reflection light barrier. For this purpose, the optical transmitter 31 and the optical receiver 32 are respectively disposed at positions spaced laterally on the front side 33 of the shearing head 1, and the same configuration is formed on the rear side 34.

  In the case of the configuration according to FIG. 6, when the skin surface 5 enters the light barrier defined by the optical transmitter 31 and the optical receiver 32, the amount of light decreases to an extent corresponding to the penetration depth, and in the case of the embodiment according to FIG. 7. The light emitted by the light transmitter 31 is reflected by the skin surface 5 according to the relative position of the skin surface 5 with respect to the shearing head 1 and reaches the light receiver 32. Corresponding to the distance between the shear foils 2, 3 and the skin surface 5, a corresponding intensity of light is supplied to the optical receivers 32 mounted on the front side 33 and the rear side 34, which are then In order to adjust the shearing head 1, a corresponding electrical signal is supplied to the assigned control device. The corresponding optical paths are indicated by arrows and double-headed arrows (side view) in FIG.

  The optical receiver may be configured as a photodiode, and the optical transmitter may be configured as, for example, an LED or an infrared transmitter.

  The great advantage of detecting the position between the shearing head 1 and the skin surface 5 by means of light barrier technology is that not only can these sensors be in contact with the skin, but also the shearing head 1 This means that the distance between the already moved shearing head 1 and the skin surface 5 can be determined before it comes into contact with the skin. As a result, the relative position of the shearing head 1 relative to the skin surface 5 can be determined when the shearing head 1 approaches the skin surface 5, and the shearing head 1 can be positioned correspondingly. As soon as the shear foils 2, 3 come into contact with the skin, the depth by which the respective shear foils 2, 3 enter the skin surface 5 can be detected by means of sensor technology, whereby the corresponding positioning mechanism is connected to both shear foils 2. 3 can be controlled to enter the same depth, i.e. generate the same skin contact pressure.

  FIG. 8, FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show the configuration of the present invention using various types of displacement sensors, pressure sensors, or force sensors, respectively, to detect the contact pressure condition between the actuator head and the skin surface. Indicates. Furthermore, these figures show a shearing system 37 that is not only able to be adapted to the required position by means of pivoting but also to be brought to the required position by means of a corresponding linear displacement. It goes without saying that a combination of linear displacement and pivoting can also be performed. The actuator that enables this linear displacement is not shown for the purpose of clarifying the drawing.

  FIG. 8 shows two shearing systems 37 with shearing foils 2, 3 prestressed in the direction of the skin surface by at least one spring 35 in each case. These shear systems are supported on the housing by force sensors, pressure sensors and / or displacement sensors 36 in addition to the springs. The measured parameter determined by the displacement sensor, pressure sensor or force sensor is converted into an electrical signal and then used to control the assigned position driver.

  FIG. 9 shows a force or displacement measuring device that always measures the relative position between two shear systems. The difference between the measured values may be used in addition to the absolute measured value. The structure schematically shown in FIG. 9 is provided for this purpose, and two shearing systems 37 are supported on the housing by springs 35 in a manner similar to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. This system is mounted so that it can be displaced in the length direction. In this case, one of the two shearing systems supports the first sensor element 38 and the other shearing system is provided with a second sensor element 39. These sensor elements 38, 39 can detect their relative movement and / or their relative distance from each other. For example, the first sensor element 38 may be configured as an LED or other light source, in which case the associated second sensor element 39 is realized by a light sensor. However, the first sensor element 38 may be a magnet, in which case a Hall effect sensor is assigned as the second sensor element 39. As another example, the first sensor element 38 may be a metal element whose position can be detected by a coil through which a current is passed. The second sensor element is provided in the form of this coil.

  Finally, FIG. 10 shows a measuring device for determining the position that can detect both the relative position and the absolute position of the individual shearing system 37. For this purpose, the transmitter element 40 is fixedly provided in the housing, which corresponds to another fixedly arranged receiver element 41. Two shearing systems 37, which are displaceably mounted, each support an intermediate element for influencing the signal transmitted from the transmitter element 40 to the receiver element 41. Depending on the position at which each of the two shear systems 37 is displaced with respect to the normal position, the signal of the transmitter element is received by the receiver element 41 in a correspondingly affecting manner. The receiver element 41 then generates a corresponding electrical signal, which is then passed to an associated evaluation device for controlling the positioning mechanism. Various physical effects can be used for this purpose. For example, the transmitter element 40 may be configured as a light source that emits light to a receiver element 41 configured as an optical sensor. The intermediate element 42 may be configured as a suitable light diaphragm or shutter. This has a corresponding effect on the optical path between the elements 40, 41. Another possible configuration of this measuring system can be realized by the magnet being the transmitter element 40 and the assigned Hall effect sensor being the receiver element 41. The receiver element 41 can also be configured as an electrical coil to which a corresponding metal core is assigned.

2 is a functional diagram for an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaving machine in which a driving device is provided outside a shearing head. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver with multiple movable shear elements. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an electric shaver having different types of shear head systems. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a hair removal apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment with various sensors for detecting measured parameters. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment with various sensors for detecting measured parameters. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment with various sensors for detecting measured parameters. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment with various sensors for detecting measured parameters. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment with various sensors for detecting measured parameters.

Claims (34)

A removal comprising a movable actuator head (1) and at least one movable actuator support (25, 28) having at least one actuator element (22, 27) for removing hair on the skin surface (5). In the hair device,
A detection device (9) for detecting parameters associated with the position of the actuator elements (22, 27) relative to the skin surface (5);
At least one positively actuated positioning device (7) for changing the position of the actuator head (1) and / or said actuator support (25, 28);
A hair removal device comprising a control device (9) for operating the positioning device (7) according to the detected parameter.   2. Hair removal device according to claim 1, characterized in that a number of actuator supports (25, 28) are provided which can move independently of one another.   3. An element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an actuator element (22, 27) and / or an electric drive (19) for the positioning device (7) are arranged in the actuator head (1). Hair device.   The actuator element (22, 27) and / or the electric drive device (19) for the positioning device (7) are arranged outside the actuator head (1) of the hair removal device, and the electric drive device (19). The hair removal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a connection device (20) is provided for connecting the actuator head (1) to the actuator head (1).   Said detection device (9) is a means for detecting the contact pressure exerted by the actuator elements (22, 27) on the skin surface (5), a means for performing a volumetric measurement process, or for measuring impedance The hair removal apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising means.   6. A hair removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuator element (22, 27) is electrically connected to the control device (9).   7. The housing according to claim 1, further comprising a housing (8) that is at least partially conductive and is electrically connected to the control device (9). The hair removal apparatus according to one item.   The hair removal apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection device is configured by optical means.   9. A hair removal device according to claim 8, characterized in that the optical means is configured as a light barrier (31, 32, 40, 41).   The hair removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the detection device includes at least one of a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor, and a force sensor.   11. A suspension according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pivoting suspension for the actuator head (1) and / or the actuator support (25, 28) is provided. Hair removal device.   12. An actuator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator head (1) and / or the actuator support (25, 26) are mounted in at least one plane. Hair device.   Hair removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured as an electric shaving machine having at least one shearing foil (2, 3). Two or more shear foils (2, 3) are provided,
14. Hair removal device according to claim 13, characterized in that a central cutter (4) is arranged between two adjacent shear foils (2, 3).   Hair removal device according to claim 14, characterized in that the shear foils (2, 3) and the central cutter (4) are each electrically connected to the control device (9).   A hair removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a long cutter, in particular a comb and a blade, are arranged on the actuator head.   12. Hair removal device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured as a hair removal device having at least one hair removal unit (27). In a method for positioning at least one actuator element (22, 27) of a hair removal device for removing hair on a skin surface (5),
Parameters relating to the actual position of the actuator elements (22, 27) relative to the skin surface (5) are detected;
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator elements (22, 27) are positively positioned according to the detected parameters.   The positioning of the actuator elements (22, 27) is performed using an actuator head (1) and / or at least one actuator support (25, 28) having at least one actuator element (22, 27). 19. A method according to claim 18, characterized.   20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the detection of the parameter is always repeated.   21. A method according to claim 18, 19 or 20, characterized in that the actuator element (22, 27) is positioned in contact with the skin.   The method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the speed of the positioning is determined by the detected parameter.   23. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the speed of positioning changes during a positioning operation. 24. The actuator element (22, 27) according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the actuator element (22, 27) is placed in a basic position when the detected parameter is at a predeterminable value. Method.   25. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the parameter comprises a current generated by contact between the actuator element (22, 27) and a skin surface (5).   26. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 25, characterized in that the relative position of the actuator element (22, 27) relative to the skin surface (5) is detected by optical means.   27. The magnitude of the contact pressure exerted on the skin surface (5) by the actuator element is detected by means of force and / or displacement measurements. Method.   28. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 27, characterized in that the actuator element (22, 27) is placed in a standby position when the hair removal device is switched off.   29. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 28, characterized in that at least one further function of the hair removal device is controlled according to the detected parameter.   The other function includes a function of driving the display device, a function of controlling automatic switching on / off of the switch, or a driving power of the electric drive device (19) for the actuator elements (22, 27). 30. The method of claim 29, wherein a function is included.   31. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 30, characterized in that the positioning of the actuator head (1) and / or the actuator support (25, 28) is effected by pivoting.   32. Method according to claim 31, characterized in that the pivoting is performed with respect to various pivot axes (23, 24, 29, 30).   33. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 32, characterized in that the positioning of the actuator head (1) or the actuator support (25, 28) is effected by displacement in at least one plane. .   34. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 33, characterized in that the actuator element is positioned to contact the skin with a uniform contact pressure.

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