Linear oscillating actuator

Abstract

An improved linear oscillating actuator is capable of minimizing the undesired vibrations while moving first and second oscillators in parallel paths. The first and second oscillators carry first and second drive elements respectively for driving connection to individual reciprocating loads. The first and second drive elements project upwardly respectively from the first and second oscillators such that the first drive element is disposed immediately upwardly of the second oscillator and the second drive elements is disposed immediately upwardly of the first oscillator. With this reverse arrangement of the first and second drive elements relative to the first and second oscillators, the individual oscillating systems each including the oscillator, the drive element and the corresponding reciprocating load can have its mass center disposed in close proximity to a mass center of the actuator, thereby enabling to reduce undesired vibrations which would otherwise occur around the mass center of the actuator.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention is directed to a linear oscillating actuator, and more particularly to a linear oscillating actuator having a pair of oscillators moving in parallel paths for driving individual loads.[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004] A linear oscillating actuator has been utilized in many fields as an alternative to the rotary driving source. Particularly, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,087, the linear actuator has found itself advantageous for use as a driving source of dry shavers of reciprocatory type. When applied to the shaver having a pair of inner cutters, i.e., the reciprocating loads, the linear oscillating actuator is designed to have a corresponding pair of oscillators running in parallel oscillating paths and being adapted for driving connection respectively with the inner cutters. In this instance, each individual oscillating system composed of the oscillator and the corresponding reciprocating load has its ma...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The first and second oscillators are configured to have lengths respectively extending along the liner paths and to have respective upright axes. In a preferred embodiment, the first drive element is integrally connected to a lengthwise center of the first oscillator by way of a center stem which extends obliquely with respect to the upright axis of the first oscillator, while the second drive element is integrally connected to opposite lengthwise ends of the second oscillator by way of a gate which is offset laterally in a direction perpendicular to the length of the second oscillator. The gate has an opening through which the center stem of the first oscillator extends loosely so that the first drive element is allowed to oscillate without being jammed with the second drive element. Thus, the first and second drive elements can be successfully disposed respectively immediately above the second and first oscillators without sacrificing the oscillatory movement.

[0007] Projecting on top of the first oscillator is a reinforcement fin which merges into the juncture of the center stem with the first oscillator. The reinforcement fin extends in the lengthwise direction of the first oscillator over a distance greater than the lengthwise dimension of the center stem measured with respect to the length of the first oscillator. With the inclusion of the reinforcement tin, the first oscillator is given sufficient rigidity against deforming force acting in the lengthwise direction along the oscillating path, assuring a stable and reliable oscillating performance.

[0008] The gate on the side of the second oscillator is shaped to have a bridge anchored at its opposite ends to the lengthwise ends on top of the second oscillator so as to define the opening between the bridge and the second oscillator. The reinforcement fin opposes the bridge with a small clearance therebetween so as to be capable of bearing the bridge when the second drive element is depressed. Thus, the gate can be protected against a possible impact or stress applied to the reciprocating load or the second drive element.

Problems solved by technology

Due to this offset arrangement of the individual oscillating systems from the mass center of the actuator, the actuator suffers from undesired vibrations around its mass center.

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