Hair cutting device with display

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hair cutting device, such as an electric shaver or trimmer, comprising a handle provided with a housing, a battery, a motor, an on / off button, a display for indicating a functional status of the device by at least one of images, text, numeric symbols, and a PCB electrically connected to the display, the battery, and a portion of the motor, where the on / off button and the display are disposed on the same side of the housing, and where the hair cutting tool is located at a top end of the device opposite a bottom end thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hair cutting device, such as an electric shaver or trimmer, comprising a handle and a hair cutting tool, the handle being provided with a housing, a battery, a motor, an on / off button, a display for indicating a functional state of the device by at least one of images, texts, and digital symbols, a PCB electrically connected to the display, the battery, and a portion of the motor, wherein the on / off button is arranged on the same side of the housing as the display, and wherein the hair cutting tool is located at a top end of the device opposite to its bottom end. Background Art

[0002] A hair cutting device (such as an electric razor, a wet razor, a trimmer or a hair clipper) is provided with at least one blade and a handle connected to the at least one blade at the top. The handle is shaped so that it can be well gripped by the user's hand, and an on / off button for switching the internal motor on and off is located on one side of the housing of the handle. In addition, known razors and other hair cutting devices are provided with some display members for displaying razor functions, such as battery load status or on / off status or a specific shaving mode, via a display. In order to avoid that the user's hand does not cover the display, the display is arranged below the on / off button, further away from the top of the device. In addition, finger grip ribs can be arranged on another housing of the known hair cutting device, wherein for example, protruding elastomeric grip ribs embedded in the housing. The problem with this conventional design is that many openings for on / off buttons (possibly additional mode buttons), some displays and some parts intended to enhance grip are provided in the housing of the handle, which is crucial because more and more hair cutting units are used in humid environments and water may pass through the small gaps of these openings. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved ergonomic design of a hair cutting device, such as an electric razor, so as to reduce the number of holes through the housing provided for different features of the user interface while ensuring improved grip and usability. Another object is that the display of the hair cutting device can be well read independently of the current lighting conditions. Another object is to improve the device so that scratches do not damage the display.

[0004] In order to achieve at least one of the above objects, a hair cutting device is provided having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are provided by the features of the dependent claims.

[0005] A hair cutting device, such as an electric shaver or trimmer, is proposed, the hair cutting device comprising a handle and a hair cutting tool, the hair cutting tool being arranged in a head, the head being supported on the handle to allow the head to rotate, and the cutting tool comprising at least three separate hair cutting units, the handle being provided with a housing, a PCB, a battery, a motor, an on / off button or a switch, and a display for indicating a functional status of the device by at least one of an image, text, and a digital symbol, wherein the display and a portion of the on / off button or the switch are electrically connected to a first side of the same PCB, and the battery and the motor are electrically connected to a second side of the same PCB opposite to the first side, wherein the on / off button and the display are arranged on the same front side of the housing, and wherein the hair cutting tool is located at the top end of the device opposite to its bottom end, wherein the display is arranged closer to the top end of the device than the on / off button, and wherein the display also forms a thumb resting area. Alternatively, a hair cutting device, such as an electric shaver or trimmer, is proposed, the hair cutting device comprising a handle and a hair cutting tool, the handle being provided with a housing, a battery, a motor, an on / off button, a display for indicating a functional state of the device by means of at least one of images, texts, and digital symbols, a PCB electrically connected to the display, the battery, and a portion of the motor, wherein the on / off button is arranged on the same side of the housing as the display, wherein the hair cutting tool is located at a top end of the device opposite to its bottom end, wherein the display is arranged closer to the top end of the device than the on / off button, and wherein the display also forms a thumb resting area.

[0006] Thus, the display can be used for dual functions: displaying razor information, but also providing a thumb placement area to enhance the grip of the device without the need for additional ribs or other surface structured features that would require additional housing openings. In addition, the operation and use of the razor can be very intuitive because the thumb will be directly positioned on the display, which is located just above and adjacent to the on / off button. Therefore, the razor is safely manipulated (where the thumb is placed on the designated thumb placement area) with only a small thumb displacement, and then the razor is turned on or off by activating the adjacent on / off button. Placing the thumb on the display may sound counterintuitive because the display is covered by the thumb and is no longer readable. However, it has been proven that the benefits of a designated thumb placement area next to and above the on / off button are greater, and the user can read the display by simply moving the thumb away. In addition, the side-by-side arrangement of the display and the on / off button or switch on one side of the PCB and the motor and battery on the other side of the PCB makes it easy to connect electrical parts to the PCB. Preferably, the battery is arranged farther from the top end than the motor, so that the PCB also extends to one side of the battery, so as to also ensure electrical connection between the battery and the PCB using a short connecting member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present disclosure will be further clarified by a detailed description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings,

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a hair cutting device according to a first embodiment,

[0009] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of line AA in FIG.

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a handle of a device according to a second embodiment,

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a handle of a device according to a first embodiment,

[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic front view of a handle of a device according to a third embodiment,

[0013] Figure 6 is a schematic front view of the handle of the device and the user's hand,

[0014] Figure 7a is a perspective view of variant a of an outer window part with a portion of the surrounding housing,

[0015] Figure 7b is along Figure 7a A cross-sectional view of line BB,

[0016] Figure 8a is a perspective view of variant b of an outer window part with a portion of the surrounding housing,

[0017] Figure 8b is along Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of line CC in FIG.

[0018] Figure 9a is a perspective view of variant c of an outer window part with a portion of the surrounding housing, and

[0019] Figure 9b is along Figure 9a Cross-sectional view along line DD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] A hair cutting device, such as an electric razor or trimmer, is provided, the hair cutting device comprising a handle and a hair cutting tool. The hair cutting tool, which preferably comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 separate hair cutting units, is located at the top end of the device opposite to its bottom end. The handle is provided with: a housing, a battery, a motor, an on / off button, a display for indicating the functional state of the device by at least one of an image, text, and a digital symbol, and a PCB electrically connected to the display, the battery and a part of the motor. The on / off button is arranged on the same (front) side of the housing as the display, wherein the display is arranged closer to the top end of the device than the on / off button, and wherein the display also forms a thumb placement area. The thumb placement area is an area that is distinguished / separated from the surrounding housing and provides an area that substantially matches the shape of the thumb to be placed thereon. The thumb placement area may be provided with additional features for ensuring finger stops.

[0021] More specifically, the hair cutting tool is arranged in a razor head which is supported on the handle to allow rotational movement of the head, and / or the cutting tool comprises at least 3 separate hair cutting units. Such a larger razor head with at least 3 hair cutting units, each having an upper blade and a lower blade, also needs to be movably supported, generating momentum relative to the handle during use, so that safe handling is ensured due to the above-mentioned ergonomic features.

[0022] More specifically, the housing is provided with a display opening, the display comprises an outer window part which fits in the display opening, and the part of the display connected to the PCB comprises electronic display elements. Thus, the display comprises several parts and it is easy for the outer window part to be specially shaped to allow good thumb resting characteristics that are different from the thumb resting characteristics on the housing. The outer window part comprises a central main part and a rim part. The concave central main part of the outer window part provides good thumb resting characteristics because the rest of the housing is convex or convexly rounded outwards if viewed in horizontal cross section.

[0023] More specifically, the outer window part is a one-piece part made of plastic and is formed with a recessed portion and / or wherein the rim portion is mounted substantially flush with the adjacent housing and the central main portion is recessed or depressed relative to the rim portion. Thus, the outer window part is formed as a basin with a recessed central portion and a finger stop feature towards the rim portion. Thus, the user intuitively knows that this is shaped for placing a thumb therein.

[0024] More specifically, the window part is a two-component injection-molded part having a transparent central main portion and an opaque edge portion.

[0025] More specifically, the on / off button is part of the window part.

[0026] More specifically, the rim portion is provided with a top portion of at least 0.5 mm wide and with an inwardly adjacent inclined portion, the top portion being mounted substantially flush with the outwardly adjacent housing, wherein the inclined portion connects the central main portion with the top portion. More preferably, the rim portion is 1 mm to 3 mm wide. Thereby, the thumb rest portion is surrounded by the rim, which also ensures good mechanical connectivity with the housing and overall stability despite the rather thin main portion of the outer window. The transition between the outermost top portion of the rim portion and the main portion is inclined at an angle of between 25 and 75 degrees. This inclined transition not only ensures a comfortable finger stop feature, but also ensures good cleanability of the outer window.

[0027] More specifically, the PCB, the display and the motor are positioned next to each other side by side, wherein the PCB is located between the display and the motor. This facilitates connecting both the motor and the electronic display to the PCB. Preferably, the battery is arranged further away from the top end than the motor, so that the PCB also extends to one side of the battery, so as to also ensure an electrical connection between the battery and the PCB using a short connecting member.

[0028] More specifically, the thumb resting area is recessed or concave relative to the housing. This recessed or basin shape of the thumb resting area provides the different outer shape for receiving the thumb thereon relative to the outward bulge or other shape of the housing near the display.

[0029] More specifically, the display or the electronic display element is provided as one of the LCD, TFT, touch display, QLED, OLED, LED, AMOLED or Super AMOLED types. Preferably, the display is thus able to visualize symbols, texts and numbers. Alternatively, the visualization can be performed by LEDs. Furthermore, the display can be a so-called touch display, which reacts to finger touches at least in some of its areas. The on / off button can be part of the display.

[0030] More specifically, wherein the display comprises a sensing area for activating and / or deactivating a function of the hair cutting device. As examples of such hair cutting functions, activation of the device, operation in different modes (such as a change in motor speed) or different display settings may be options.

[0031] More specifically, the display allows gesture or finger-slide control of the hair cutting device functions. Thus, user manipulation of the hair cutting device can be similar to gesture control of a smartphone. Since most users are accustomed to controlling smartphones by finger gestures acting on the display, intuitive manipulation can be ensured in a similar manner to a razor. As a function, for example, different operating modes can be selected, and can also be selected by placing a fingertip on the touch-sensitive display surface.

[0032] More specifically, the housing is made of metal. Since making openings through a metal housing is an extra step and since more openings may reduce the stability of the housing, the above display concept allows reducing the number of openings and allows easy manufacturing. As metal, aluminum or steel or alloys thereof may be used.

[0033] More specifically, a watertight inner shell is provided for accommodating the PCB, the electronic display element, the battery and the motor. Thus, two housings are provided: an outer shell and an inner shell. This allows the inner shell to be focused only on functional aspects. The electronic display is arranged in the inner shell so that it is positioned just adjacent to the outer window. Thus, the image of the electronic display can be read through the translucent or transparent inner shell wall and the outer window part.

[0034] More specifically, the outer window is translucent and dark (e.g., tinted black). This allows the illuminated portion of the electronic display to be seen through the window on the one hand, while preventing the non-displayed or non-illuminated portion from being seen through the window on the other hand.

[0035] More specifically, the user interface comprises the display and the on / off button and / or at least one mode button, and wherein the housing is provided with a single display opening for accommodating all parts of the user interface therein, and / or wherein the outer window part is provided with the user interface. Thus, the overall required number of openings in the housing for accommodating operating buttons and the display is one.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, an electric razor is shown as an example of a hair cutting device. The razor is provided with a handle 1 and a head 2. The head is supported via a support arm 3 so that the head can be moved along Figure 2 The head also includes at least three hair cutting tools 5, 6, for example, two short hair cutting units 5 and two long hair central trimmers 6 are provided here.

[0037] The handle 1 is provided with a housing 7 made of metal, for example steel. An upper plastic closure 9 and a lower plastic closure 8 close the substantially cylindrical housing at the upper and lower ends. The housing 7 can have different shapes, with a narrower cross section at the lower end and a wider cross section in the upper part. The horizontal cross section of the housing 7 is rounded, preferably an oval rounding with an outwardly bulging part, see also Figures 3 to 6 The housing has a cutout display opening 28 in which is received the outer window part 10 which is part of the display 11 and which may receive the on / off button 12 .

[0038] according to Figure 2The handle 1 is also provided with an inner shell 13, which is substantially can-shaped and closed at the end portion by a seal, forming a waterproof closure. The inner shell 13 is made of a translucent or transparent thermoplastic material. The inner shell 13 is enclosed inside a frame part, which holds a battery 15 at the lower end and a motor 16 at the upper end. The motor 16 is coupled to a transmission system 17 to drive the cutting tools 5, 6. A printed circuit board (PCB) 18 extends from the lower end to the upper end inside the inner shell 13 at the side of the battery 15 and the motor 16. With this arrangement, the battery 15 and the motor 16 are electrically connected to the PCB 18 without the need for longer electrical connections. On the other side of the PCB 18, opposite to the battery and the motor, are an electric switch and an electronic display element 19 arranged and electrically connected to the PCB 18. Therefore, the electronic display element 19 and the motor 16 are arranged adjacent to each other, separated only by the PCB 18 arranged between the motor and the electronic display element (and possibly part of the frame 14). The electronic display element 19 may be a TFT or LCD or other types of displays as described above. The electronic display 19 directly faces the inner side of the inner shell 13, so that the image visualized by the electronic display 19 can be seen through the inner shell 13. Alternatively, the electronic display element may be composed of several LED lights.

[0039] Figure 3 and Figure 5 Shown as Figure 1 and Figure 2 Different alternatives for the front side of the handle 1 of a portion of the razor. Figure 4 It roughly shows Figure 1 and 2 The handle 1. Figures 2 to 6 The outer contour of the housing 7 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 The outer contours in are more curved, but can still have different shapes. Figures 3 to 5 A different arrangement of the user interface of the razor will be shown, wherein the display 11 has an active display area "W", an on / off button 12 (here shown as "B1") and at least one mode button 20 (indicated as "B2" in the figure) for changing the razor function, such as the razor speed / movability of the cutting unit of the head. It should be noted that for all variants, the position of the mode button and the position of the on / off button can be swapped. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The mode button 20 (or alternatively, the on / off button) is shown as part of the active display area W, so that the mode button can be a touch-sensitive screen that allows the button to be activated without the need for an additional conventional switching member. Figure 3 and Figure 5The buttons in the may not be part of the display area but may be provided as designated buttons separate from the display. For all examples, the display is closest to the top of the razor and the buttons are arranged below, closer to the lower end of the razor further away from the cutting tool. However, in case of direct activation of the buttons via the display (e.g. via a touch screen or via gestures or similar display manipulations), such buttons may be located at the lower end, in the middle or upper end (closest to the cutting tool) or in the entire display extension. Advantageously, Figure 2 and 3 Examples of the present invention only require one display opening in the housing 7 to accommodate the display 11 and the on / off button and the additional mode button 20 therein, or the additional mode button is absent. The shape / contour of the display openings 28, 29, 31 may be like a racetrack, an oval or other longitudinally extending shapes. For all figures, the display openings 28, 29, 31 for the display and buttons are shown with a contour corresponding to a racetrack. Only for Figure 5 In the example of the embodiment of the invention, an additional circular opening 30 for one or the other button is provided in the housing 7. Thus, in particular if the housing is not an injection-molded plastic part but is made of metal, manufacturing is easier and requires fewer additional steps for cutting out the openings. The "racetrack" shape means having two semicircular ends and two parallel extensions connecting the semicircular ends.

[0040] Figure 3 is an example of a racetrack-shaped outline of an interface module including all displays and buttons thereon. Here, the display 11 is touch-sensitive and allows the operating mode or function to be changed by tapping or touching a "button" 20 on the display 11. An on / off button 12 movably supported within the interface module is provided below the display 11.

[0041] Figure 4 Also shown is the racetrack-shaped outline of an interface module with a display 11 in the upper region and an on / off button 12 below the display.

[0042] Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 , however, the own designated portion for the on / off button 12 is preferably circular in shape, separate from the racetrack-shaped outer window 10. The display 11 is also touch-sensitive and allows changing the operating mode or function of the razor by pressing the display button B2.

[0043] Figure 6The ergonomic advantages of the display and button arrangement on the razor handle 1 are shown. During use of the razor, the user's thumb can intuitively find the position in the display 11 of the racetrack shape or other shape. The shape of the display 11 substantially corresponds to the shape required to place the thumb. By a small vertical movement downward, the thumb 22 can be moved from the placement position shown on the display 11 towards the on / off button and / or mode button 20. The display 11 can have an outer shape that is different from the adjacent shape of the housing 7, or in other words, the display does not continue the shape of the housing 7 at the location of the display 11. Preferably, the outer window of the display is flat or planar in its middle area. Further preferably, the display with the outer window 10 is concave or recessed. Therefore, the thumb intuitively finds its position without the user having to pay attention to this.

[0044] Figure 7a , Figure 8a and Figure 9a A portion of the front side of the handle 1 with a different alternative shape of the external window 10 for the display 11 is shown. Figure 7b It is along Figure 7a The line BB Figure 7a Cross-sectional view of . Figure 8b is along Figure 8a The line CC Figure 8a Cross-sectional view of . Figure 9b It is along Figure 9a The line of DD Figure 9a Cross-sectional view of .

[0045] The outer window part 10 comprises all parts of a user interface for displaying and activating the razor functions, including an on / off button and an optional additional mode button in a single display opening 28 in the housing 7 of the razor handle 1. The outer window part is provided with an upper area near the top end of the razor with the cutting tool, in which the display 11 is housed, and a lower area for the on / off button 12.

[0046] The shape of the on / off button is Figure 7a , Figure 8a and Figure 9a Identical in all the examples shown, the outline of the display 11 is also identical. However, the examples are configured differently because a thumb resting area is established on the display.

[0047] Figure 7a , Figure 7bThe example of a display device is provided with an outer window part 10, which surrounds a central main part 23 by a rim part 24. The rim part 24 includes an outer top part 25, which is mounted substantially flush with the housing 7 so that no height step is generated. The rim part 24 also includes an inclined part 26 located between the top part 25 and the main part 23. The inclined part 26 is inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees, or alternatively at an angle in the range of 10 degrees to 80 degrees or 25 degrees to 60 degrees. The main part 23 is flat or planar or flat, i.e. not convexly or concavely curved. This flatness reduces ambient light reflections and defines a well-recognizable thumb placement and allows touch screen functionality. The inclined part 26 provides a finger stop function. With this configuration, the main part 23 is recessed or depressed relative to the frame-like top part of the outer window part 10 of the display. This depression protects the main part from scratches and provides ergonomic thumb placement characteristics. The electronic display element 19 is arranged inside the main portion 23 of the outer window part 10 and directly adjacent thereto.

[0048] Figure 8a , Figure 8b The exterior window 10 of the example is still provided with a flat or planar main portion 23, but no inclined portion is provided or a portion inclined at a small angle is provided.

[0049] Figure 9a , Figure 9b The example exterior window 10 is also provided with a main portion 32 which is not planar or flat, but is recessed or concave or curved. The main portion is curved outwardly, conforming to the outer shape of the housing 7. Alternatively, the main portion is curved inwardly. The thumb resting properties are provided by a surface texture different from the housing 7. For example, the thumb resting surface of the main portion 32 may be coated to enhance grip relative to the less enhanced gripping properties of the adjacent housing surface.

[0050] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A hair cutting device, such as an electric shaver or trimmer, comprising a handle (1) and a hair cutting tool (5, 6), wherein the hair cutting tool (5, 6) is arranged in a head (2), the head is supported on the handle (1) to allow the head (2) to rotate, and the cutting tool (5, 6) is arranged in a head (2) 6) comprises at least three separate hair cutting units, the handle being provided with a housing (7), a PCB (18), a battery (15), a motor (16), an on / off button (12) or a switch, and a display (11) for indicating a functional status of the device by at least one of an image, text, and a numeric symbol, wherein the display (11) and a portion of the on / off button or the switch (12) are electrically connected to a first side of the same PCB (18), and the battery (15) and the motor (16) are electrically connected to a second side of the same PCB (18) opposite to the first side, wherein the on / off button (12) and the display (11) are arranged on the same front side of the housing (7), and wherein the hair cutting tools (5, 6) are located at a top end of the device opposite to its bottom end, wherein the display (11) is arranged closer to the top end of the device than the on / off button (12), and wherein the display (11) also forms a thumb resting area.

2. A hair cutting device according to claim 1, wherein the housing (7) is provided with a display opening (28, 29, 31), the display (11) comprises an external window part (10) fitted in the display opening (28, 29, 31), and the part of the display connected to the PCB (18) comprises an electronic display element (19), and wherein the external window part (10) comprises a central main part (23) and a border part (24).

3. A hair cutting device according to claim 2, wherein the outer window part (10) is a one-piece part made of plastic and is formed with a recessed portion, and / or wherein the rim portion (24) is mounted substantially flush with the adjacent housing (7) and the central main portion (23) is recessed or depressed relative to the rim portion (24).

4. Hair cutting device according to any of the preceding claims 2 or 3, wherein the outer window part (10) is translucent and dark in color.

5. Hair cutting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outer window part (10) is a two-component injection-moulded part having a transparent central main part and an opaque edge part.

6. Hair cutting device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the on / off button (12) is part of the outer window part (10).

7. Hair cutting device according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein the rim portion (24) is provided with a top portion (25) of at least 0.5 mm width and with an inwardly adjacent inclined portion (26), which is mounted flush with the outwardly adjacent housing (7), wherein the inclined portion (26) connects the central main portion (23) with the top portion (25).

8. Hair cutting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display (11), the PCB (18) and the motor (16) are positioned next to each other, wherein the PCB is located between the display and the motor.

9. Hair cutting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the thumb resting area is recessed or indented relative to the housing (7).

10. Hair cutting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display (11) or the electronic display element (19) is provided as one of LCD, TFT, touch display, QLED, OLED, LED, AMOLED or Super AMOLED type.

11. Hair cutting device, preferably according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display (11) comprises a sensor area for activating and / or deactivating a function of the hair cutting device.

12. The hair cutting appliance, preferably according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the display (11) allows gesture or finger swipe control of hair cutting appliance functions.

13. Hair cutting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (7) is made of metal.

14. Hair cutting device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a water-tight inner housing (13) is arranged for accommodating the PCB (18), electronic display element (19), battery (15) and motor (16) therein.

15. A hair cutting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a user interface comprises the display (11) and the on / off button (12) and / or at least one mode button, and wherein the housing (7) is provided with a single display opening (28, 31) for accommodating all parts of the user interface therein, and / or wherein the outer window part (10) is provided with the user interface.

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