Hair cutting device and accessory thereof

Abstract

According to one aspect there is provided an electrically powered hair cutting device (100) comprising: a body (102) comprising a radio frequency, RF, generator unit (108) configured to generate RF energy; and a first plurality of electrodes (110) electrically coupled to the RF generator unit; and an attachment assembly (104) removably mounted to the body, the attachment assembly comprising a second plurality of electrodes (114) configured to contact the skin of the user during use; a cutting element (112); wherein the attachment assembly (104) is a comb accessory having teeth (106) for separating and / or lifting hair to be cut during use; wherein the first plurality of electrodes is configured to be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly when the attachment assembly is mounted to the body such that RF energy generated by the RF generator unit can be transmitted to the skin of the user in order to increase the temperature of the skin of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric hair cutting device and an accessory for use with the electric hair cutting device, and more particularly, to an electric hair cutting device and an accessory capable of increasing the temperature of a user's skin. Background Art

[0002] Hair cutting devices such as electric shavers, hair trimmers or hair clippers can be used to cut or shave the hair on a human body part (such as a head or face). For the user of such devices, by heating the human body part where the hair is to be cut, an improved hair cutting experience can be obtained.

[0003] One existing shaving device includes a component that generates heat during use and transfers the heat to the user's skin. A disadvantage of this type of direct heating method is that the user can experience "hot spots" where the user's skin surface feels particularly hot in the area that contacts the shaving device, but little to no effect elsewhere. In addition, the heat from this type of direct heating is concentrated on the skin surface, with little warming effect below the skin surface.

[0004] Another problem to be overcome is providing components that enable a warming effect in a handheld device where space is limited.

[0005] There is therefore a need for an alternative form of hair cutting device which heats the skin of a user and which addresses the above mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to provide an improved user experience, a hair cutting device that can provide warmth to a user during safe use is needed. The inventors of the present disclosure have recognized that such a warming experience can be achieved by generating radio frequency (RF) energy using an RF generator unit and transmitting the RF energy into the user's skin via electrodes. The electrodes can be located on the hair cutting device itself, or on an attachment (e.g., a comb attachment) that can be mounted on the hair cutting device.

[0007] According to a first specific aspect, an electric hair cutting device is provided, comprising: a main body, the main body comprising a radio frequency RF generator unit configured to generate RF energy; and a first plurality of electrodes, the first plurality of electrodes being electrically coupled to the RF generator unit; and an attachment assembly, the attachment assembly being removably mounted to the main body, the attachment assembly comprising: a second plurality of electrodes, the second plurality of electrodes being configured to contact the user's skin during use. The electric hair cutting device also includes a cutting element. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth, the teeth being used to separate and / or lift the hair to be cut during use. The first plurality of electrodes are configured to be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly when the attachment assembly is mounted to the main body, so that the RF energy generated by the RF generator unit can be transmitted to the user's skin so as to increase the temperature of the user's skin.

[0008] In some embodiments, the RF generator unit may be configured to generate RF energy to be transmitted to the user's skin such that the temperature of the user's skin is caused to increase to a temperature between 38°C and 42°C.

[0009] The RF generator unit may be configured to operate according to at least one of the following parameters:

[0010] i) radio frequency between 0.5 MHz and 100 MHz;

[0011] ii) an RF peak-to-peak voltage between 10 Vpp and 100 Vpp; and

[0012] iii) Rated power of 20W.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electric hair cutting device may further comprise a processing unit in operative communication with the RF generator unit, the processing unit being configured to control operating parameters of the RF generator unit; and to control operating parameters of the cutting element of the electric hair cutting device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electric hair cutting device may further comprise a skin impedance measuring unit configured to measure the impedance of the skin between a pair of electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes during use. The processing unit is configured to control operating parameters of the RF generator unit based on the measured skin impedance.

[0015] The second plurality of electrodes may include a first pair of electrodes of opposite polarity and a second pair of electrodes of opposite polarity. The skin impedance measurement unit may be configured to measure the impedance of the skin between each electrode in the first pair of electrodes and between each electrode in the second pair of electrodes. The processing unit may be configured to control parameters of the RF energy delivered to each pair of electrodes in the first pair of electrodes and the second pair of electrodes based on the measured impedance of the skin.

[0016] In some embodiments, the relative positions of the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes are adjustable.

[0017] The electric hair cutting device may further comprise at least one electrically insulating element between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity of the second plurality of electrodes, the at least one electrically insulating element being configured to contact the skin of the user during use so as to limit the flow of electric current between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity via fluid present on the skin of the user.

[0018] The second plurality of electrodes may include a first electrode of a first polarity, a second electrode of a second polarity, and a third electrode of a second polarity. The second electrode and the third electrode may be located on either side of the first electrode.

[0019] In some embodiments, the skin-contacting surface area of ​​the first electrode may be two to four times the skin-contacting surface area of ​​each of the second electrode and the third electrode.

[0020] The width of the first electrode may be between 2.8 mm and 7 mm, the width of the second electrode may be between 1 mm and 3.5 mm, and / or the width of the third electrode may be between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the spacing between the first electrode and each of the second electrode and the third electrode may be between 3 mm and 15 mm.

[0022] According to a second specific aspect, there is provided an attachment for an electric hair cutting device, the attachment being configured to be removably mounted to the body of the electric hair cutting device, the attachment comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to contact the skin of a user during use; and a contact element electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured such that when the attachment is mounted to the body of the electric hair cutting device, the contact element receives radio frequency (RF) energy from an RF generator unit of the electric hair cutting device and transmits the RF energy to the skin of the user via the plurality of electrodes so as to increase the temperature of the skin of the user. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth for separating and / or lifting the hair to be cut during use.

[0023] According to a third specific aspect, an electric hair cutting device is provided, comprising: a body including a radio frequency (RF) generator unit configured to generate RF energy; and a cutting assembly including a cutting element; and a first plurality of electrodes electrically coupled to the RF generator unit and configured so that when the first plurality of electrodes contact the user's skin, the RF energy is conducted from the RF generator unit into the user's skin so as to increase the temperature of the user's skin. The electric hair cutting device also includes an attachment assembly removably mounted to the body, the attachment assembly including a second plurality of electrodes configured to contact the user's skin during use. The attachment assembly is a comb attachment having teeth for separating and / or lifting hair to be cut during use. The first plurality of electrodes can be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly so that, in use, RF energy can be conducted from the RF generator unit to the second plurality of electrodes and into the user's skin so as to increase the temperature of the user's skin.

[0024] These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of an electric hair cutting device;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an example of an arrangement of electrodes;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of another example of an arrangement of electrodes;

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of another example of an arrangement of electrodes;

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of another example of an arrangement of electrodes;

[0031] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of another example of an arrangement of electrodes;

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an example of electrodes whose relative positions can be changed;

[0033] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of another example of electrodes whose relative positions can be changed;

[0034] Fig. 9is a schematic illustration of an example of an arrangement of electrodes having an electrically insulating element;

[0035] Fig.10 is a schematic illustration of a further example of an arrangement of electrodes with an electrically insulating element;

[0036] Fig.11 is a schematic illustration of a further example of an electric hair cutting device; and

[0037] Fig.12 is an illustration of an example of an attachment for an electric hair cutting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] According to embodiments disclosed herein, an electric hair cutting device is provided that can provide a warming effect in the skin of a user when the device is used to cut or trim hair. The warming effect is achieved by transmitting radio frequency (RF) energy into the skin of the user via a plurality of electrodes. In this way, the hair cutting experience of the user is enhanced. In addition, by warming the skin, the cutting effect of the hair cutting activity can be improved, for example, if a close shave is to be achieved.

[0039] According to a first aspect, there is provided an electric hair cutting device. Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of an electric hair cutting device 100. The hair cutting device 100 may include a shaving device (e.g., an electric shaver), a hair trimming device (e.g., a hair clipper), or any other electric device for cutting hair. The shaving device or the hair trimming device is referred to as a cutting element (112). The hair cutting device 100 may, for example, include a handheld device and may be powered by a mains power supply, one or more batteries, and / or one or more other power supplies.

[0040] The electric hair cutting device 100 includes a body 102 (also referred to as a body portion or housing) and an attachment assembly 104 that can be removably mounted to the body 102. For example, the attachment assembly 104 can include a coupling element or a fixture to enable it to be mounted on and removed from the body 102. The attachment assembly 104 includes an attachment that is configured to engage the user's skin during use so as to separate the user's skin from the cutting element (e.g., blade) of the electric hair cutting device 100. The attachment assembly 104 includes a comb attachment having teeth 106 for separating and / or lifting hair to be cut during use.

[0041] The body 102 of the hair cutting device 100 includes a radio frequency (RF) generator unit 108 configured to generate RF energy. The body 102 also includes a first plurality of electrodes 110 electrically coupled to the RF generator unit 108. For example, the first plurality of electrodes 110 can receive RF energy from the RF generator unit 108. In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes 110 can be located on or near a cutting element 112 of the hair cutting device 100. The cutting element 112 can include one or more blades configured to cut hair during use. The RF generator unit 108 can receive electrical energy from a power source (not shown), which, as described above, can include a mains power source and / or one or more batteries. The same power source can be used to power other components in the electric hair cutting device 100.

[0042] The attachment assembly 104 includes a second plurality of electrodes 114 that are configured to contact the user's skin during use. For example, when the attachment assembly 104 is mounted to the body 102 of the hair cutting device 100, the second plurality of electrodes 114 can engage the user's skin during hair cutting activities (e.g., when the hair cutting device is used to cut the user's hair).

[0043] The first plurality of electrodes 110 are configured to be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes 114 of the attachment assembly 104 when the attachment assembly is mounted to the body 102, so that the RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can be transmitted to the skin of the user so as to increase the temperature of the skin of the user. Each electrode of the second plurality of electrodes 114 may, for example, include or be electrically coupled to one or more electrical contacts 116 located on the attachment assembly 104, which may engage a corresponding one or more electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes 110 on the body 102 of the hair cutting device 100. For example, when the attachment assembly 104 is mounted to the body 102, an electrical connection may be formed between the first plurality of electrodes 110 and the second plurality of electrodes 114.

[0044] During use, the RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can enter the user's skin (e.g., between a pair of electrodes of opposite polarity) via the first plurality of electrodes 110 and the second plurality of electrodes 114, thereby causing the temperature of the skin to increase, which causes a feeling of warmth to the user and also improves the effectiveness of the cutting activity. The RF energy can be delivered to the user's skin when the electric hair cutting device 100 is used to cut hair, or independently of the hair cutting function, such as when the cutting element 112 is not operated.

[0045] By changing one or more parameters of the RF generator unit, the amount of RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can be changed. For example, by increasing the power supplied to the RF generator unit 108, the amount of RF energy generated can be increased, thereby causing a greater increase in the temperature of the user's skin.

[0046] In some embodiments, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to generate RF energy to be transmitted to the user's skin so that the temperature of the user's skin is caused to increase to a temperature between 38°C and 42°C. In some examples, the RF energy can be supplied so that the temperature of the user's skin surface is caused to increase to a maximum of about 42°C, because this temperature can provide a comfortable warm feeling and improve the effectiveness of the hair cutting activity without causing pain or discomfort to the user. When the temperature of the skin surface is about 42°C, the temperature within the epidermis and dermis of the skin can reach between about 38°C and 40°C. Such a temperature increase deep in the user's tissue can provide a comfortable warm feeling.

[0047] The amount of RF energy transmitted to the user's skin can be changed by adjusting one or more parameters of the electric hair cutting device 100, so as to achieve the desired temperature increase in the user's skin. For example, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be changed. The RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate according to one or more specific parameters, such as those discussed below. For example, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate with an RF frequency between 0.5MHz and 100MHz, or more preferably between 0.5MHz and 50MHz, or even more preferably between 0.5MHz and 10MHz. In some examples, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate with an RF peak-to-peak voltage between 10Vpp and 100Vpp. In some examples, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to operate with a rated power of 20W. For a typical user, with typical skin properties, electrode geometry and RF parameters (e.g., frequency and voltage), the RF generator unit 108 configured in this manner will deliver RF energy to the user's skin with an RF power dissipation between 1W and 20W. The RF power dissipation can be varied (e.g., by adjusting parameters of the RF generator unit 108), depending on the electrode geometry (e.g., the size and arrangement of the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes) and / or the RF voltage input (i.e., the voltage supplied by the RF generator unit 108 that is delivered to the user's skin). In other words, the RF generator unit 108 can be configured to deliver RF energy to the user's skin at an RF power dissipation between 1 W and 20 W. One or more of the above parameters, as well as one or more other parameters of the RF generator unit 108, can be adjusted to generate RF energy suitable for increasing the temperature of the user's skin to within a desired temperature range.

[0048] The parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted and / or controlled by one or more processors or processing units located within the electric hair cutting device 100 or remotely located relative to the electric hair cutting device (e.g., wirelessly communicating with the RF generator unit 108). In some examples, the electric hair cutting device 100 may also include a processing unit 118 that operatively communicates with the RF generator unit 108. The processing unit 118 may be configured to control the operating parameters of the RF generating unit 108. In some embodiments, the processing unit 118 may also be configured to control the operating parameters of the cutting element 112 of the hair cutting device 100. For example, the processing unit 118 may control a motor to cause one or more blades of the cutting element 112 to rotate or move, and / or the processing unit may adjust the relative position of the blade in the cutting element to change the hair cutting length to be achieved by the hair cutting device 100. In other examples, the processing unit 118 may be configured to control other components of the electric hair cutting device 100.

[0049] In general, the RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 is transmitted from the first electrode to the second electrode via the skin of the user. In examples where the electric hair cutting device 100 is used without the attachment assembly 104, the RF energy may be transmitted from the first electrode of the first plurality of electrodes through the skin to the second electrode of the first plurality of electrodes, and in examples where the attachment assembly is attached to the body 102 during use, the RF energy may be transmitted from the first electrode of the second plurality of electrodes through the skin to the second electrode of the second plurality of electrodes.

[0050] In some embodiments, the amount of RF energy generated by the RF generator unit 108 can remain constant during use. However, in other embodiments, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted during use to change the amount of RF energy provided to the user's skin, thereby changing the temperature change experienced by the user. In one example, a skin temperature measurement component can be provided to measure the skin temperature near the location of contact with one or more electrodes. If it is determined that the skin temperature reaches or exceeds a threshold temperature, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted to reduce the amount of RF energy generated. Thus, one or more parameters of the RF generator unit 108 can be adjusted based on the measured skin temperature.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the electric hair cutting device 100 may further include a skin impedance measurement unit 120, which is configured to measure the impedance of the skin between a pair of electrodes during use (e.g., between a pair of electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes if the hair cutting device is used without the attachment assembly 104, or between a pair of electrodes in the second plurality of electrodes if the attachment assembly is used). The impedance of the skin of the user's skin may vary depending on how wet the skin is or how much liquid is present on the skin surface. For example, if the user applies a gel or fluid (shaving gel or water) to their skin before starting a shaving activity, the impedance of their skin may be different from the impedance of their skin when no gel or fluid is applied. The processing unit 118, which may be in operative communication with the skin impedance measurement unit 120, may be configured to control operating parameters of the RF generator unit 108 based on the measured impedance of the skin. For example, the power and / or peak-to-peak voltage of the RF generating unit 108 may vary based on the measured impedance of the skin. For example, if it is determined that the impedance of the skin is below a threshold impedance, the processing unit 118 may control the RF generator unit 108 to reduce the amount / power of the generated RF energy.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes may include multiple pairs of electrodes, such as multiple pairs of discrete electrodes or multiple pairs of electrodes sharing a common electrode. In such embodiments, the impedance measurement unit 120 of the skin may be configured to measure the impedance of the skin between each pair of electrodes, and the operating parameters of the RF generator unit 108 may be adjusted to change the parameters (e.g., power and / or peak-to-peak voltage) of the RF energy supplied to each electrode or a pair of electrodes based on the impedance of the skin measured at each electrode or a pair of electrodes. In this way, the RF energy supplied to the user's skin may be adjusted to take into account the different moisture levels of the user's skin within the range where the cutting element 112 or the attachment assembly 104 contacts the user's skin during use. Therefore, in some embodiments, the second plurality of electrodes 114 (or the first plurality of electrodes if the electric hair cutting device 100 is to be used without the attachment assembly 104) may include a first pair of electrodes of opposite polarity and a second pair of electrodes of opposite polarity. The impedance measurement unit 120 of the skin may be configured to measure the impedance of the skin between each electrode in the first pair of electrodes and between each electrode in the second pair of electrodes. The processing unit 118 may be configured to control parameters of the RF energy delivered to each of the first pair of electrodes and the second pair of electrodes (or to control parameters of the RF generation unit 108 ) based on the measured impedance of the skin.

[0053] In another embodiment, the frequency of the RF energy supplied to the user's skin via the electrodes may vary from user to user. Although there is an optimal frequency range for achieving a desired target skin temperature of 38°C to 42°C, the optimal frequency may be different for different users. Therefore, before using the electric hair cutting device 100, the user may perform a calibration or detection step so that the optimal frequency of the RF energy may be determined. During such calibration, the user may position the electric hair cutting device 100 so that the first plurality of electrodes 110 or the second plurality of electrodes 114 are in contact with the skin to be cut. The RF generator unit 108 may then generate RF energy having at least three different frequencies, and the generated RF energy may be supplied to each pair of electrodes in the plurality of pairs of electrodes through the user's skin. When supplying RF energy of multiple different frequencies, the impedance measuring unit 120 of the skin may then measure the impedance of the skin on each pair of electrodes. According to the slope of the impedance curve of the skin measured at each frequency of the RF energy, the optimal frequency for the user may be determined. Once the optimal frequency for a particular user is determined, the processing unit 118 may control the RF generator unit 108 to generate RF energy at the optimal frequency. In some examples, the optimal frequency for a particular user may be stored in memory, for example as part of a user profile, so that it may be used for the same user during future hair cutting activities.

[0054] In addition to changing the parameters of the RF generator unit 108, different numbers and arrangements (e.g., size and relative position) of electrodes can be used to achieve different warming effects in the user's skin. Although a minimum of two electrodes can be provided to transmit RF energy to the user's skin and achieve the expected warm feeling, three or more electrodes can be provided alternatively. Using more electrodes, the warming effect can be increased, but more space is used on the cutting element 112 or the attachment assembly 104. Therefore, while maintaining good cutting ability, a compromise is needed to achieve a good warming skin effect. In a preferred embodiment, three electrodes can be provided.

[0055] Figures 2 to 6 Various possible arrangements of electrodes are shown. The electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 110 and / or the second plurality of electrodes 114 may be arranged in a manner such that Figures 2 to 6 Arrange as shown.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first plurality of electrodes 110 and / or the second plurality of electrodes 114 may be configured to Figure 2 The arrangement shown is arranged in which the plurality of electrodes includes a first electrode 202 of a first polarity, a second electrode 204 of a second polarity, and a third electrode 206 of a second polarity. In this example, the second electrode 204 and the third electrode 206 are located on either side of the first electrode 202.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In the arrangement shown, the polarity of the plurality of electrodes alternates such that adjacent electrodes have opposite polarity (electrode 302 has a first polarity and electrode 304 has a second polarity). In this example, the plurality of electrodes are arranged in a single row.

[0058] exist Figure 4 In the arrangement shown, the plurality of electrodes are arranged in two rows, with a first row of electrodes 402 having a first polarity and a second row of electrodes 404 having an opposite second polarity.

[0059] exist Figure 5 In the arrangement shown, a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a first row 502 and a second row 504, and in each row, adjacent electrodes have opposite polarities. The arrangement is such that the electrodes in the first row 502 are opposite electrodes in the second row 504 having opposite polarities.

[0060] Figure 6 Shows something like Figure 2 The arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is an arrangement in which the first electrode 602 is arranged centrally relative to the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. Figure 6In the arrangement shown, the first central electrode 602 has a larger skin contact surface area than the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606 located on either side. In some embodiments, the skin contact surface area of ​​the first electrode 602 can be two to four times the skin contact surface area of ​​each of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. In a preferred embodiment, the skin contact surface area of ​​the first electrode 602 can be 2.5 to 3 times the skin contact surface area of ​​each of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. In one embodiment, the skin contact surface area of ​​the first electrode 602 can be 2.8 times the skin contact surface area of ​​each of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606. By arranging the electrodes at a skin contact surface area ratio between 2:1 and 4:1, a good balance of current density between the electrodes can be achieved. This results in improved heating performance compared to other surface area ratios and ensures that good heating performance is maintained when smaller electrodes are used.

[0061] The size of each electrode may also affect the heating performance and / or the depth of tissue heated by the electrode. In some embodiments, when the first plurality of electrodes 110 and / or the second plurality of electrodes 114 include Figure 6 When three electrodes are arranged as shown, the size (e.g., width) of the first central electrode 602 can be greater than the equivalent size of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606 located on either side of the central electrode. For example, the length of all electrodes can be substantially the same, and the length can correspond to or be similar to the width of the cutting element 112 and / or the width of the attachment assembly 104. For example, the length of the electrode can be about 20mm. In some embodiments, the first electrode 602 can have a width between 2.8mm and 7mm. Although in general, larger electrodes can achieve better heating performance, the maximum size (e.g., width) of each electrode is limited by the available area on the cutting element 112 and / or the attachment assembly 104. Therefore, there is a trade-off between providing a large electrode to improve heating performance and maintaining sufficient cutting capacity by exposing enough cutting elements 112 and / or attachment assemblies 104. In some embodiments, the second electrode 604 and / or the third electrode 606 can have a width between 1mm and 3.5mm. In one specific example, the first electrode 602 can have a width of about 7 mm, and the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606 can have a width of about 2.5 mm. In some examples, the skin contacting surface of the electrode can be flat (i.e., planar), while in other examples, the skin contacting surface can be curved. The electrodes can be made of any conductive material capable of conducting RF energy into the user's skin. For example, the electrodes can be formed of metal.

[0062] The spacing between electrodes can also affect the heating performance and / or the depth of the tissue heated by the electrodes. Generally speaking, the smaller the gap between adjacent electrodes, the better the heating performance, because the guidance of the RF current between the electrodes is better. However, if the interval between adjacent electrodes is too small, this may cause current concentration, thereby causing hot spots, which may cause pain to the user. As with the selection of electrode size, a larger gap between adjacent electrodes can provide improved hair cutting functionality. In some examples, the interval between the first electrode 602 and each of the second electrode 604 and the third electrode 606 can be between 3mm and 15mm. More preferably, in some embodiments, the interval can be between 3.4m and 14.3mm. In another specific embodiment, the interval can be between 3mm and 4mm.

[0063] In some embodiments, the optimal spacing between adjacent electrodes may depend on the width of the electrodes.Thus, in some examples, the relative positions of the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes are adjustable. Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an example of how to adjust the relative positions of multiple electrodes.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In FIG. 7 , a pair of electrodes 702 and 704 are shown, but it should be understood that when any number of electrodes are provided, the relative positions of the electrodes can be adjusted. Figure 7 In the example shown, one or more of electrodes 702, 704 can be attached to all electrodes mounted on a moving mechanism so that at least one of the electrodes can move relative to another electrode (e.g., slide along a track) to adjust the relative position of the electrodes and adjust the spacing between adjacent electrodes.

[0065] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, six electrodes 802 to 812 are shown, although again it should be understood that the following discussion applies to any number of electrodes. In this example, the electrodes themselves are fixed and not removable. However, a mechanism is provided that enables different ones of the electrodes 802 to 812 to be used to transmit RF energy into the user's skin at any particular time. For example, the mechanism may include a plurality of switches to mechanically connect and / or disconnect particular electrodes to the RF generator unit 108 as needed. In some embodiments, the processor 118 may be configured to control which of the electrodes 802 to 812 is active at any particular time. In this way, the effective spacing between the electrodes can be controlled. Figure 8, shaded electrodes 804 and electrode 810 are indicated as active. For example, if electrodes 806 and 808 are active, but the other electrodes are inactive, the effective spacing between the active electrodes is relatively small, while if electrodes 802 and 812 are active, but the other electrodes are inactive, the effective spacing between the active electrodes is relatively large.

[0066] As discussed herein, the RF energy transmitted between the electrodes is intended to pass through the user's skin and tissue. However, in some cases, fluids on the user's skin (e.g., water, sweat, moisturizer, shaving gel, etc.) can create an electrical connection between the electrodes, causing an effective "short circuit" condition, whereby the RF energy is transmitted between the electrodes through the fluid rather than through the user's skin. In order to reduce the possibility of RF energy being transmitted via the fluid, in some embodiments, an electrically insulating (i.e., non-conductive) element can be provided to prevent such short circuit events. The electrically insulating element can be formed of any non-conductive material, such as a plastic material. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a schematic illustration of an example of how such an insulation element may be implemented.

[0067] exist Fig. 9 , a plurality of electrodes (e.g., a first plurality of electrodes 110 or a second plurality of electrodes 114) are shown. The plurality of electrodes includes a first subset of electrodes 902 having a first polarity and a second subset of electrodes 904 having a second polarity. An electrically insulating element 906 is located between each pair of adjacent electrodes 902, 904. In use, the electrically insulating element 906 engages the user's skin and limits the flow of current between adjacent electrodes 902, 904 of opposite polarity unless RF energy passes through the user's skin.

[0068] Fig.10 Different arrangements of multiple electrodes 902, 904 are shown. In this example, the electrodes 902, 904 are arranged such that the electrodes 902 of the first polarity are arranged in a first row, and the electrodes 904 of the second polarity are arranged in a second row. In this example, multiple cutting elements 1002 (e.g., rotating blades) are provided, and an electrical insulation element 906 is provided between each cutting element 1002 to limit RF energy from flowing directly from the electrode 902 of the first polarity to the electrode 904 of the second polarity unless the RF energy is transmitted via the user's skin.

[0069] Therefore, more generally, the electric hair cutting device 100 may include at least one electrically insulating element 906 located between adjacent electrodes 902, 904 of opposite polarity of the second plurality of electrodes 114 (and / or the first plurality of electrodes 110). The at least one electrically insulating element 906 is configured to contact the skin of the user during use so as to limit the flow of electric current between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity via fluid present on the skin of the user.

[0070] In the absence of an electrical insulating element between adjacent electrodes, any fluid surrounding the electrodes acts as a conductive material, directing current from the sides of the electrodes toward the skin surface. This increases the equivalent contact area between the electrodes and the skin compared to the actual skin contact area of ​​the electrodes, thus directing more RF current toward the skin surface rather than deeper into the skin than when no fluid is present on the skin.

[0071] As discussed herein, the functionality of the electrodes of the present invention may be implemented as electrodes on the cutting element 112 (e.g., the first plurality of electrodes 110) and / or electrodes on the attachment assembly 104 (e.g., the second plurality of electrodes 114). Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment comprises a main body 102 of an electric hair cutting device 100 and an attachment assembly 104, but another aspect of the invention relates to an electric hair cutting device that does not comprise an attachment assembly.

[0072] Fig.11 1 is a schematic illustration of an example of an electric hair cutting device 1100 including a body 102. The body 102 includes a radio frequency (RF) generator unit 108 configured to generate RF energy, and a cutting assembly 1102 including a cutting element 112 and a first plurality of electrodes 110. The first plurality of electrodes 110 are electrically coupled to the RF generator unit 108 and are configured such that when the first plurality of electrodes contact the user's skin, the RF energy is conducted from the RF generator unit into the user's skin so as to increase the temperature of the user's skin.

[0073] Thus, the electric hair cutting device 1100 can provide the benefits of the disclosed invention without using an attachment assembly. Optionally, an attachment assembly 104, such as a comb, can be provided to lift and / or separate the hair being cut while still providing the benefits of the present invention. Thus, the electric hair cutting device 1100 can also include an attachment assembly 104 removably mounted to the body 102. The attachment assembly 104 can include a second plurality of electrodes 114 configured to contact the user's skin during use. The first plurality of electrodes 110 can be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes 114 of the attachment assembly 104 so that in use, RF energy can be conducted from the RF generator unit 108 to the second plurality of electrodes and into the user's skin to increase the temperature of the user's skin. In some examples, when the attachment assembly 104 is mounted on the body 102, the second plurality of electrodes 114 can be electrically coupled to at least one electrical contact 1106 configured to engage one or more electrodes in the first plurality of electrodes 110.

[0074] According to another aspect, the invention provides an attachment for an electric hair cutting device. Fig.12 1 is an illustration of an example of an accessory 1200 that may include or be similar to the attachment assembly 104. The accessory 1200 suitable for an electric hair cutting device such as the device 1100 is configured to be removably mounted to the body 102 of the electric hair cutting device. The accessory 1200 includes a plurality of electrodes 114 configured to contact the skin of a user during use. The accessory 1200 also includes a contact element 1106 electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes 114 and configured such that when the accessory is mounted on the body 102 of the electric hair cutting device 1100, the contact element will receive radio frequency RF energy from the RF generator unit 108 of the electric hair cutting device and transmit the RF energy to the skin of the user via the plurality of electrodes so as to increase the temperature of the skin of the user. In some examples, a plurality of contact elements 1106 may be provided. The accessory 1200 may include any number of features of the attachment assembly 104 disclosed herein.

[0075] Thus, the present disclosure provides a mechanism by which a warming effect can be provided to a user's skin when performing hair cutting activities using an electric hair cutting device or its attachments. Radio frequency energy provides a pleasant warming experience in a person's skin, and the electric hair cutting device and attachment assembly according to the disclosed embodiments enable a user to experience such warming in their skin.

[0076] The processing unit 118 may include one or more processors, processing units, multi-core processors or modules that are configured or programmed to control the components of the electric hair cutting device and / or assembly in the manner described herein. In a particular embodiment, the processing unit 118 may include multiple software and / or hardware modules, each of which is configured to perform or be used to perform a single or multiple steps of the method described herein.

[0077] The term "module" used herein is intended to include a hardware component, such as a processor or a processor component configured to perform a specific function, or a software component, such as a set of instruction data that has a specific function when executed by a processor.

[0078] It should be understood that embodiments of the present invention are also applicable to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, suitable for putting the present invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, target code, code intermediate source and target code, such as partially compiled form, or any other form applicable to the implementation of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should also be understood that such programs may have many different architectural designs. For example, the functional program code implementing the method or system of the present invention may be subdivided into one or more subroutines. Many different ways of allocating functionality between these subroutines are obvious to the technician. The subroutines may be stored together in an executable file to form a self-contained program. Such executable files may include computer executable instructions, such as processor instructions and / or interpreter instructions (e.g., Java interpreter instructions). Alternatively, one or more or all of the subroutines may be stored in at least one external library file and linked statically or dynamically with the main program, such as at runtime. The main program includes at least one call to at least one subroutine. The subroutines may also include function calls between each other. Embodiments relating to computer program products include computer executable instructions corresponding to each processing stage of at least one method described herein. These instructions may be subdivided into subroutines and / or stored in one or more files that may be statically or dynamically linked. Another embodiment relating to a computer program product includes computer executable instructions corresponding to each device of at least one of the systems and / or products set forth herein. These instructions may be subdivided into subroutines and / or stored in one or more files that may be statically or dynamically linked.

[0079] The carrier of a computer program may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may include a data storage device, such as a ROM, such as a CD ROM or a semiconductor ROM, or a magnetic recording medium, such as a hard disk. In addition, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier, such as an electrical signal or an optical signal, which may be transmitted via an electric cable or an optical cable or by radio or other equipment. When the program is embodied in such a signal, the carrier may be constituted by such a cable or other device or equipment. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which a program is embedded, which is suitable for executing the relevant method, or for executing the relevant method.

[0080] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement changes to the disclosed embodiments when practicing the principles and techniques described herein. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "one" or "an" does not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can implement the functions of several items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are cited only in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that the combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. The computer program may be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided with or as a component of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any figure mark in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An electric hair cutting device (100), comprising: A main body (102), the main body comprising: a radio frequency (RF) generator unit (108) configured to generate RF energy; and a first plurality of electrodes (110) electrically coupled to the RF generator unit; and an attachment assembly (104) removably mounted to the body, the attachment assembly comprising: a second plurality of electrodes (114) configured to contact the skin of a user during use; and A cutting element (112); wherein the attachment assembly (104) is a comb attachment having teeth (106) for separating and / or lifting hair to be cut during use; Wherein the first plurality of electrodes are configured to be electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly when the attachment assembly is mounted to the body, so that the RF energy generated by the RF generator unit can be transmitted to the user's skin so as to increase the temperature of the user's skin.

2. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the RF generator unit (108) is configured to generate RF energy to be transmitted to the user's skin so that the temperature of the user's skin is caused to increase to a temperature between 38°C and 42°C.

3. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the RF generator unit (108) is configured to operate according to at least one of the following parameters: i) radio frequency between 0.5 MHz and 100 MHz; ii) an RF peak-to-peak voltage between 10 Vpp and 100 Vpp; and iii) Rated power of 20W.

4. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a processing unit (118) in operative communication with the RF generator unit (108), the processing unit being configured to: controlling operating parameters of the RF generation unit; and An operating parameter of the cutting element (112) of the electric hair cutting device is controlled.

5. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to claim 4, further comprising: a skin impedance measurement unit (120) configured to measure the impedance of the skin between a pair of electrodes of the second plurality of electrodes (114) during use; The processing unit (118) is configured to: An operating parameter of the RF generator unit (108) is controlled based on the measured impedance of the skin.

6. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to claim 5, wherein the second plurality of electrodes (114) comprises a first pair of electrodes of opposite polarity and a second pair of electrodes of opposite polarity; wherein the skin impedance measurement unit (120) is configured to measure the skin impedance between each electrode in the first pair of electrodes and between each electrode in the second pair of electrodes; and The processing unit (118) is configured to: Parameters of the RF energy delivered to each of the first and second pairs of electrodes are controlled based on the measured impedance of the skin.

7. An electric hair cutting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the relative positions of the electrodes of the first plurality of electrodes and / or the second plurality of electrodes are adjustable.

8. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: At least one electrically insulating element (906) is located between adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity of the second plurality of electrodes, the at least one electrically insulating element being configured to contact the skin of the user during use so as to limit the flow of electrical current between the adjacent electrodes of opposite polarity via fluid present on the skin of the user.

9. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second plurality of electrodes (114) comprises a first electrode of a first polarity, a second electrode of a second polarity and a third electrode of a second polarity; The second electrode and the third electrode are located on either side of the first electrode.

10. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the skin contact surface area of ​​the first electrode is two to four times the skin contact surface area of ​​each of the second electrode and the third electrode.

11. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the width of the first electrode is between 2.8 mm and 7 mm; wherein the width of the second electrode is between 1 mm and 3.5 mm; and The width of the third electrode is between 1 mm and 3.5 mm.

12. The electric hair cutting device (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the spacing between the first electrode and each of the second electrode and the third electrode is between 3 mm and 15 mm.

13. An accessory (1200) for an electric hair cutting device (100, 1100), the accessory being configured to be removably mounted to a main body of the electric hair cutting device, the accessory comprising: a plurality of electrodes (114) configured to contact the skin of a user during use; as well as a contact element (1106) electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured such that, when the accessory is mounted on the body of the electric hair cutting device, the contact element will receive radio frequency (RF) energy from an RF generator unit of the electric hair cutting device and transmit the RF energy into the skin of the user via the plurality of electrodes so as to increase the temperature of the skin of the user, The attachment assembly (104) is a comb attachment having teeth (106) for separating and / or lifting hair to be cut during use.

14. An electric hair cutting device (100, 1100), comprising: A main body (102), the main body comprising: a radio frequency (RF) generator unit (108) configured to generate RF energy; and A cutting assembly (1102), the cutting assembly comprising: a cutting element (112); and a first plurality of electrodes (110) electrically coupled to the RF generator unit and configured such that when the first plurality of electrodes contact the user's skin, RF energy is conducted from the RF generator unit into the user's skin so as to increase the temperature of the user's skin, The electric hair cutting device (100, 1100) further comprises: an attachment assembly (104) removably mounted to the body, the attachment assembly comprising: a second plurality of electrodes (114) configured to contact the skin of a user during use; wherein the attachment assembly (104) is a comb attachment having teeth (106) for separating and / or lifting hair to be cut during use; Wherein the first plurality of electrodes is electrically coupled to the second plurality of electrodes of the attachment assembly such that, in use, RF energy can be conducted from the RF generator unit to the second plurality of electrodes and into the skin of the user so as to increase the temperature of the user's skin.

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