Personal care appliance

Abstract

A personal care device (10) has a handle (12) with a connector (14) at a first end (16). A control circuit (36) is positioned within the handle. A consumer user interface (25) is operatively connected to the control circuit. A digital counter (50) is operatively connected to the control circuit. An optical sensor (38) is mounted to the connector, the optical sensor sending an electrical output signal to the control circuit. A blade holder (18) is removably mounted to the connector. When mounted to the connector, the blade holder has an opaque surface (32) covering the optical sensor and blocking ambient light from reaching the optical sensor. The control circuit determines the attachment state of the blade holder by comparing the electrical output signal with one or more predetermined thresholds or by detecting changes in the electrical output signal of the optical sensor over time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to personal care appliances, and more particularly to intelligent shaving razors capable of detecting the presence of a replaceable blade holder. Background Technology

[0002] Personal care appliances can include durable parts (such as reusable handles) and replaceable parts (such as blade holders that need to be replaced after a certain amount of use). Examples of personal care appliances may include, but are not limited to, facial cleansing devices, toothbrushes, and razors. Replaceable blade holders can last a month or even longer. Therefore, consumers often forget how many times they have used a replaceable blade holder. Furthermore, the performance of a replaceable blade holder may gradually degrade over time. Therefore, consumers are unlikely to notice any performance changes that indicate the need for a new blade holder.

[0003] Shaving razors or other personal care appliances can count the number of uses and provide that information to consumers. For some devices, manufacturers can recommend replacing accessories (e.g., blade holders) after a certain period of use, as some accessories lose their functionality over time, and replacement helps maintain the device's performance and additional benefits.

[0004] Some personal care appliances offer sensors that detect the presence of a replaceable blade holder, resetting an internal counter. However, these are not passive systems and require a light emitter (e.g., a light-emitting diode or LED). A drawback of optical detection systems is that they may only confuse the presence of a blade holder under low ambient light conditions, which can be typical of dimly lit bathrooms in the early morning or late at night. Other drawbacks of current blade holder detection systems include resetting the usage count without additional feedback from the consumer, leading to potentially unintended resets.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a personal care device that can sense the presence of an accessory (e.g., a blade holder) and accurately track accessory use in all reasonably assumed lighting settings (including low ambient light) without the need for LEDs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Generally, the present invention is characterized by a personal care device having a handle with a connector at a first end. A control circuit is positioned within the handle. A consumer user interface is operatively connected to the control circuit. A digital counter is operatively connected to the control circuit. An optical sensor is mounted to the connector, the optical sensor sending an electrical output signal to the control circuit. A blade holder is removably mounted to the connector. When mounted to the connector, the blade holder has an opaque surface covering the optical sensor and blocking ambient light from reaching the optical sensor. The control circuit determines the attachment state of the blade holder by comparing the electrical output signal to one or more predetermined thresholds or by detecting changes in the electrical output signal of the optical sensor over time.

[0007] Generally, the present invention is characterized by a personal care device having a handle with a connector at a first end. A control circuit is positioned within the handle. An optical sensor is positioned on the connector and electrically connected to the control circuit. The optical sensor sends an electrical output signal to the control circuit. A blade holder is removably mounted to the connector. The blade holder has an opaque surface covering the optical sensor and blocking ambient light from reaching it. The connector does not have a light emitter.

[0008] Generally, the present invention is further characterized by a method for resetting a digital counter for a personal care device by sending an electrical output signal from an optical sensor to a control circuit. The control circuit compares the electrical output signal with a predetermined value, or detects changes in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor over time. The control circuit sends a signal to a consumer user interface based on the electrical output signal and the predetermined value, or based on the change in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor. The digital counter is reset based on input signals from the consumer user interface.

[0009] Generally, the present invention is further characterized by a method for resetting a digital counter for a personal care device by sending an electrical output signal from an optical sensor to a control circuit. The control circuit compares the electrical output signal with a predetermined value, or detects changes in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor over time. The control circuit sends a signal to a smart device based on the electrical output signal and the predetermined value, or based on the changes in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor over time. The digital counter is reset based on an input signal from the smart device.

[0010] Generally, the present invention is further characterized by a method for resetting a digital counter for a personal care device by sending an electrical output signal from an optical sensor to a control circuit. The control circuit compares the electrical output signal with at least one predetermined value, or detects changes in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor over time. Based on the electrical output signal from the optical sensor, a signal is sent from the control circuit to a cloud. The signal is then sent from the cloud to a smart device or consumer user interface on the personal care device. The digital counter is reset by sending a signal from the smart device or the consumer user interface to the digital counter.

[0011] Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and description below. It should be understood that certain embodiments may combine elements or components of the invention, which are generally disclosed but not expressly illustrated in combination or protected by the claims, unless otherwise specified herein. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description and drawings and from the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Although the specification concludes with claims that specifically point out and clearly claim protection for the subject matter regarded as the invention, it is believed that the invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 Top perspective view of a possible implementation of a personal care appliance with an attached blade holder.

[0014] Figure 2 Enlarged perspective view of the proximal portion of a personal care appliance with the blade holder removed.

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the electronic sub-components of a personal care device.

[0016] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a personal care device.

[0017] Figure 5 A block diagram is provided to depict a method for resetting a digital counter according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0018] Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating another method for resetting a digital counter according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

[0019] Figures 7A to 7C For displaying notifications Figure 1 Top perspective view of personal care equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0020] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This illustration shows one possible embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a personal care appliance 10. The personal care appliance 10 may include a handle 12 having a connector 14 at its first end 16. A blade holder 18 may be removably mounted to the connector 14. The blade holder 18 may include one or more blades 20 for shaving. Although the illustrated personal care appliance 10 is a shaving razor, it should be understood that personal care appliances may also include toothbrushes or other beauty devices with replaceable blade holders. The handle 12 may include an optical sensor subassembly 22. The optical sensor subassembly 22 may have at least one optical sensor (not shown) positioned within a recess 24 of a housing 26. At least one optical sensor (not shown) may be mounted to a printed circuit board 28 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board) extending from the connector into a cavity within the handle 12. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the printed circuit board 28, along with other electronic components, may be positioned outside the handle 12 and sealed to prevent water ingress. A consumer user interface 25 may be operatively connected to control circuitry (not shown). In some implementations, the consumer user interface 25 may be positioned on the handle 12. The consumer user interface (e.g., a touchscreen) can provide information to and receive input from the user regarding the functions of the personal care appliance 10. It should be understood that the consumer user interface 25 can also be physically separated from the handle 12, such as on a smart device (e.g., a phone or watch) or computer, in the form of an application or push notification requesting input from the user. In such cases, control circuitry (not shown) can still be operatively connected to the user interface 25 when the handle 12 is a wirelessly or wired connection to a smart device or computer with a consumer interface. Communication between the handle 12 and the user interface 25 can occur directly (e.g., peer-to-peer) or via an intermediate cloud service.

[0021] The blade holder 118 may be sized to receive the opening 30 of the connector 14. As will be explained in more detail below, the opening 30 may be defined by an opaque surface 32 that, when the blade holder 18 is properly mounted to the connector 14, covers the recess 24 (e.g., in the planar direction) and the optical sensor (not shown). It should be understood that tolerances may still allow for small gaps, and therefore it should be understood that the recess 24 may not be completely covered. The opaque surface 32 prevents any ambient light from reaching the optical sensor and also prevents light from being reflected toward the optical sensor (not shown). When the blade holder 18 is removed from the connector 14, ambient light can reach the optical sensor 38.

[0022] refer to Figure 3 , showed Figure 1 A perspective view of the electronic sub-component 34 of the personal care device 10. The electronic sub-component 34 can be positioned in... Figure 1 The handle 12 is located within the electronic subassembly 34. The electronic subassembly 34 may include control circuitry 36 (e.g., a microcontroller). Control circuitry 36 may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board 28, which is electrically connected to an optical sensor 38 mounted to the printed circuit board 28. The optical sensor 38 may generate one or more electrical output signals. For example, when ambient light is blocked from reaching the optical sensor 38 (e.g., when the blade holder 18 is mounted to the connector 14, such as...). Figure 1 As shown), the optical sensor can generate an electrical output signal. When the optical sensor 38 receives ambient light (e.g., when the blade holder 18 is separated from the connector 14, such as...), Figure 2 As shown), the optical sensor 38 can also generate an electrical output signal. It should be understood that the electrical output signal can vary over time and as the blade holder 18 is mounted to and removed from the connector 14.

[0023] The optical sensor 38 is capable of distinguishing between near-zero lux conditions and low lux conditions (e.g., 1 lux). In near-zero lux conditions, the blade holder 18 is mounted to the connector 14 and its opaque surface blocks ambient light. In low-lux conditions, the blade holder 18 is not mounted to the connector 14, but the personal care device 10 is in a dimly lit room. It should be understood that achieving absolute darkness is difficult even with the blade holder 18 mounted to the connector 14. Therefore, the optical sensor 38 can send an electrical output signal to the control circuit 36 ​​corresponding to a reading from approximately zero lux to approximately 0.5 lux. The control circuit 36 ​​can compare the electrical output signal to one or more predetermined thresholds. For example, the electrical output signal can be compared to a predetermined value stored by the control circuit 36, which indicates that ambient light is blocked by the optical sensor. In some embodiments, the first predetermined value can represent the condition of the blade holder 18 attached to the connector 14. If the electrical output signal is less than the first predetermined value, the control circuit 36 ​​can determine that the blade holder 18 is attached to the connector 14. If the electrical output signal is greater than or equal to a first predetermined value, the control circuit 36 ​​can determine that the blade holder 18 has been removed from the connector 14. As will be explained in more detail below, the control circuit 36 ​​can send various signals depending on whether it determines that the blade holder 18 is attached to or removed from the connector 14.

[0024] In some implementations, the first predetermined value may not be determined by the manufacturer. For example, control circuitry 36 may run diagnostic tests to allow the consumer to determine the corrected light level for the first predetermined value. Consumer user interface 25 ( Figure 1The consumer can be asked to remove the blade holder 18. The consumer can do this via the consumer user interface 25. Figure 1 Confirm blade holder 18 ( Figure 1 The optical sensor 38 has been removed. Then, control circuitry 36 can cause optical sensor 38 to send an electrical output signal, which can be stored by control circuitry 36. Then, consumer user interface 25 can prompt the consumer to attach blade holder 18 to connector 14. Figure 1 Consumers can confirm that the blade holder 18 is attached via the consumer user interface 25. Figure 1 The control circuit 36 ​​can then cause the optical sensor 38 to send an electrical output signal again, which can be stored by the control circuit 36. If the consumer begins using the personal care appliance 10 under different lighting conditions... Figure 1 If so, the consumer can run the diagnostic test again, but under the new lighting conditions.

[0025] refer to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the personal care device 10 is shown. Figure 4 The blade holder 18 is shown mounted to the connector 14. The connector 14 can be positioned in the opening 30 ( Figure 2 Within the recess 24, the opaque surface 32 is positioned above (i.e., covering) the optical sensor 38. The recess 24 can be sized to receive the optical sensor 38. The optical sensor 38 can be positioned toward the lower part 40 of the recess 24, away from the top surface 42 of the connector 14 adjacent to the opaque surface 32.

[0026] The optical sensor 38 may include an overmolded light guide 44. The light guide 44 facilitates the guidance of ambient light to the optical sensor 38 and also protects the optical sensor 38 from physical (e.g., drop) or chemical (e.g., by chemicals commonly found in personal hygiene products) damage. The light guide 48 may comprise a transparent or translucent material that affects the transmission of ambient light to the optical sensor 38 only to an unrelated extent. For example, the material may include silicone, thermoplastic elastomers, various curable liquid adhesives, and / or polycarbonate. Softer materials, such as silicone having a Shore A hardness of about 5 to about 70, more preferably in the range of 30-50, may also provide improved sealing properties against water ingress and allow for less stringent assembly tolerances (e.g., assembly of the light guide 44 within the recess 24). The light guide 44 may completely surround the optical sensor 38 (e.g., side and top surfaces). The light guide 44 may be inserted or positioned within the recess 24 such that the top surface 46 is flush with the top surface 42 of the connector 14. In some implementations, the optical sensor 38 may be recessed (e.g., recessed from about 0.1 mm to about 3.0 mm). When the blade holder 18 is mounted to the connector 14, a small recess or flush surface can help accommodate tolerance variations or prevent any ambient light from reaching the optical sensor.

[0027] Re-reference Figure 1 And refer to other sources Figure 5 Personal care device 10 may include a resettable digital counter 50. Figure 5 A block diagram illustrating one possible implementation of a method for resetting a digital counter 50 is shown. The digital counter 50 can generate information about the personal care appliance 10 ( Figure 1 Usage data, such as counting time (e.g., shaving duration), usage occurrence rate, or stroke (e.g., shaving stroke), can be stored in the optical sensor 38. The optical sensor 38 can send an electrical output signal to the control circuit 36. The control circuit 36 ​​can then compare the electrical output signal with a first predetermined threshold stored in the control circuit 36. In some embodiments, the first predetermined value of the electrical output signal may correspond to approximately 0.5 mW / m². 2 The optical sensor 38 is illuminated by light or approximately 0.5 lux of illumination. In other embodiments, the first predetermined value may correspond to 1.0 mW / m 2 Or 1.0 lux. If the electrical output signal is below these values, the blade holder 18 can be attached to the connector 14. The consumer user interface 25 can display the status of the blade holder 18 (e.g., displaying text and / or blade holder symbols). It should be understood that the consumer user interface 25 can be positioned at... Figure 1 Somewhere on the handle 12; however, as an alternative or otherwise, the smart device 52 (e.g., a computer, tablet, telephone, or watch) may also be equipped with a consumer user interface.

[0028] When the blade holder 18 is removed, the electrical output signal will be greater than or equal to a first predetermined value. Therefore, the control circuitry 36 can send a signal to the consumer user interface 25 and / or the smart device 52 on the handle 12, prompting the consumer to input a response notifying them that the blade holder 18 has been removed from the connector 14. The consumer user interface 25 and / or the smart device 52 can then send a signal to reset the digital counter 50. Alternatively, the control circuitry can bypass the consumer interface 25 and reset the shaving stroke counter. However, this may not be advantageous because the digital counter 50 could be reset without the consumer's knowledge when the blade holder 18 is reattached after being accidentally removed (e.g., during a drop). The consumer user interface 25 and / or the smart device 52 allows the user to confirm the status of the blade holder 18.

[0029] The control circuit 36, which compares the electrical output signal with a predetermined value, can operate under a wide range of ambient light conditions. However, such a system may confuse the attachment condition of the blade holder 18 under very bright light conditions, where the control circuit 36 ​​sends a signal that the blade holder is attached when it is not. Therefore, as an alternative or in addition, the control circuit 36 ​​can detect changes in the electrical output signal over time to compensate for such situations. The time variable can be determined by the approximate amount of time spent detaching the blade holder 18 from the connector 14 plus the time spent attaching the blade holder 18 to the connector 14.

[0030] If the control circuit detects a decrease in the electrical output signal over time, the control circuit 36 ​​can send a signal to the consumer user interface 25 and / or the smart device 52, prompting the consumer to input a response and noting that the blade holder 18 has been removed from the connector 14. The consumer user interface 25 and / or the smart device 52 can then send a signal to reset the digital counter 50. The amount of change in the electrical output signal over time can also be stored by the control circuit 36 ​​(e.g., as a second predetermined value).

[0031] refer to Figure 6 A block diagram illustrating another possible implementation of a method for resetting the digital counter 50 is shown. As previously described for... Figure 5 As described in the disclosed embodiment, optical sensor 38 can send an electrical output signal to control circuitry 36. Control circuitry 36 can then send a signal to cloud 54. Cloud 54 can use an algorithm to process the signal from control circuitry 36 along with additional information (e.g., usage information provided by the consumer and / or control circuitry 36). Cloud 54 can then send a signal to consumer user interface 25 and / or smart device 52 to notify the user and request confirmation. The consumer can provide input to consumer user interface 25 and / or smart device 52 to reset digital counter 50.

[0032] refer to Figure 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C The consumer user interface 25 of the handle 12 of the personal care appliance 10 can display one or more notifications to the user. For example, the consumer user interface 25 can display a blade holder removal notification 56, such as an icon, informing the user that the blade holder 18 has been removed. Figure 7A As shown. The consumer user interface 25 can display blade holder attachment notification 58, such as an icon, informing the user that the blade holder 18 has been successfully attached and is ready for use. The consumer user interface 25 can be based on information from the control circuitry 36 ( Figure 5 ) or Cloud 54 ( Figure 6 The input will change the notification from blade holder attachment 56 to blade holder removal 56. When the blade holder 18 is reattached or replaced with a new blade holder 18, the consumer user interface may display an input request notification 60 for blade holder replacement conditions, such as an icon, requesting the user to confirm that the blade holder 18 has been replaced. If the consumer inputs that the blade holder 18 has been replaced, a signal can be sent to reset the digital counter. Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0033] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the value and a range around which it is functionally equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “about 40 mm”. Therefore, the term “about” should be interpreted by those skilled in the art as being within typical manufacturing and measuring instrument tolerances.

[0034] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0035] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A personal care device (10), comprising: The handle (12) has a connector (14) at a first end (16). Control circuit (36), the control circuit being located within the handle; A consumer user interface (25) is operatively connected to the control circuitry. A digital counter (50) is operatively connected to the control circuit; An optical sensor (38) is mounted to the connector and sends an electrical output signal to the control circuit. Blade holder (18), which is removably mounted to the connector, having an opaque surface (32) covering the optical sensor and blocking ambient light from reaching the optical sensor when mounted to the connector, wherein the control circuit determines the attachment state of the blade holder by comparing the electrical output signal with one or more predetermined thresholds or by detecting changes in the electrical output signal from the optical sensor over time.

2. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1, wherein the consumer user interface (25) is on the handle (12).

3. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the consumer user interface (25) is a smart device.

4. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the electrical output signal exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control circuit (36) sends a signal to at least one of the consumer user interface (25) and the digital counter (50).

5. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the control circuit (36) detects a change in the electrical output signal over time, the control circuit (36) sends a signal to at least one of the consumer user interface (25) and the digital counter (50).

6. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein if the control circuit detects a change in the electrical output signal over time and the electrical output signal exceeds the predetermined threshold, the control circuit (36) sends a signal to the consumer user interface (25).

7. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical sensor (38) is positioned within the recess (24) of the connector (14).

8. The personal care device (10) according to claim 7 further includes a light guide (44) covering the optical sensor (38).

9. The personal care device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the light guide (44) comprises a transparent material filling the recess (24).

10. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 8, wherein the opaque surface (32) contacts the light guide (44).

11. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical sensor (38) is mounted to a printed circuit board (28), and a light guide (44) is positioned around at least a portion of the printed circuit board and the optical sensor.

12. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the digital counter (50) is reset in response to a signal sent from the consumer user interface.

13. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control circuit (36) updates the predetermined threshold.

14. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the predetermined threshold is fixed.

15. The personal care appliance (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connector (14) does not have a light emitter.

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