Skin cleaning appliance with massage function

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a skin cleaning appliance with massage function. The present disclosure relates to a skin cleaning appliance comprising a plurality of bristle elements arranged on a carrier rotatable about a rotation axis. The bristle elements each have an axial tip distance, the distal tip of a bristle element being arranged at the axial tip distance relative to an imaginary reference plane in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. The bristle elements in a second region of the carrier surrounding the first central region are arranged in annular regions. In each annular region, the bristle elements have a different axial tip distance, and a distal tip amplitude is defined as the difference between the maximum axial tip distance and the minimum axial tip distance of the bristle elements in the annular region. The distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the outermost annular region has a maximum amplitude value. The distal tip amplitude can gradually increase in a radially outward direction from the minimum amplitude value of the innermost annular region to the maximum amplitude value of the outermost annular region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a skin cleansing device comprising a base, a carrier connected to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis, and a plurality of bristle elements disposed on a support surface of the carrier, wherein each bristle element has a distal tip and an axial tip distance, the distal tip being disposed at the axial tip distance relative to an imaginary reference plane in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the imaginary reference plane extending perpendicular to the rotation axis and passing through the carrier, wherein:

[0002] The first group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in the first central region of the support surface;

[0003] The amplitude of the distal tip of the first set of bristle elements is less than 1 mm, and the amplitude is defined as the difference between the maximum axial tip distance and the minimum axial tip distance of the first set of bristle elements.

[0004] A second group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a second region of the support surface, the second region surrounding the first central region, and including a plurality of annular regions arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation and in successive adjacent radial positions, including an outermost annular region with the largest radial distance from the axis of rotation, an innermost annular region with the smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation, and at least one intermediate annular region arranged between the innermost annular region and the outermost annular region; and

[0005] In each of the plurality of annular regions, the bristle element has a different axial tip distance, including a minimum axial tip distance and a maximum axial tip distance, and the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element is defined as the difference between the maximum axial tip distance and the minimum axial tip distance of the bristle element in the corresponding annular region.

[0006] This disclosure also relates to a personal care device comprising a main housing and a skin cleansing appliance as described above. Background Technology

[0007] The skin cleansing apparatus described in the "Technical Field" section is disclosed in US 9,107,486 B2. In this known skin cleansing apparatus, a first set of bristle elements is arranged in a ring configuration on a first central region of a planar support surface of the apparatus carrier. The bristle elements of the first set have the same length. A second set of bristle elements is arranged on a second region of the planar support surface, wherein the second region surrounds the first central region. The bristle elements of the second set are arranged in multiple ring regions of the second region. In each ring region, the bristle elements are arranged as a first subgroup having a first length (which is the same length as the bristle elements in the first set) and a second subgroup having a second length less than the first length. The carrier of the apparatus is configured to oscillate about a central axis relative to the base of the apparatus to provide a smoothing and exfoliating effect on the user's skin with or without the use of a skincare formula. The bristle elements of the second subgroup in the second set can also provide a massaging or cleansing effect on the skin.

[0008] WO 2014 / 207503 discloses a brush comprising a plurality of bristle elements in the form of bristle tufts anchored to a carrier in the form of a brush seat, wherein each bristle tuft comprises a plurality of bristles, each bristle having an anchored proximal end and a free distal end. In some embodiments, the plurality of bristle tufts comprises one or more first bristle tufts and one or more second bristle tufts, wherein the distal ends of the first and second bristle tufts are not coplanar. In some embodiments, the non-coplanar arrangement of the distal ends of the first and second bristle tufts is achieved by arranging bristles of constant length on a nonplanar support surface of the carrier. In these embodiments, the nonplanar support surface may have varying peaks and valleys formed by smooth curves. Because bristle tufts with bristles of the same length are arranged on a nonplanar 3D geometric support surface of the carrier, the distal ends of the bristle tufts will perform an up-and-down kneading or massaging motion when the carrier oscillates or rotates.

[0009] US 2015 / 0305486 A1 discloses an electric skin care device equipped with a vibration motor. The device also features a detachable brush head comprising at least two types of bristles. A first set of bristles is used for gentle cleansing, and a second set is used for vigorous cleansing. The skin care device has a damper between a head support platform containing the vibration motor and a device handle. The vibration motor generates vibrations in a relatively mild frequency range of approximately 80 Hz to 250 Hz. The bristles are arranged on an elliptical or egg-shaped carrier. The first set of bristles has equal lengths, and their tips lie in a first plane extending parallel to the surface of the carrier. The second set of bristles has a length less than that of the first set of bristles, and the length gradually decreases towards the tip portion of the elliptical carrier. Therefore, the tips of the second set of bristles lie in a second plane, which defines an obtuse angle relative to the first plane. Due to its longer length, the first portion of the bristles is softer. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One object of this disclosure is to provide a skin cleansing device of the type described in the "Technical Field" section, which can simultaneously provide effective skin cleansing and effective skin massage, while limiting discomfort experienced by the user during use of the device.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a skin cleansing device comprising a base, a carrier connected to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis, and a plurality of bristle elements disposed on a support surface of the carrier, wherein each bristle element has a distal tip and an axial tip distance, the distal tip being disposed at the axial tip distance relative to an imaginary reference plane in a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the imaginary reference plane extending perpendicularly to the rotation axis and passing through the carrier, wherein:

[0012] The first group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in the first central region of the support surface;

[0013] The amplitude of the distal tip of the first group of bristle elements is less than 1 mm, and the amplitude is defined as the difference between the maximum axial tip distance and the minimum axial tip distance of the first group of bristle elements.

[0014] A second group of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a second region of the support surface, the second region surrounding the first central region, and including a plurality of annular regions concentric with respect to the axis of rotation and arranged in successive adjacent radial positions. These annular regions include an outermost annular region with the largest radial distance from the axis of rotation, an innermost annular region with the smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation, and at least one intermediate annular region arranged between the innermost and outermost annular regions.

[0015] In each of the plurality of annular regions, the bristle element has a different axial tip distance, including a minimum axial tip distance and a maximum axial tip distance, and the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element is defined as the difference between the maximum axial tip distance and the minimum axial tip distance of the bristle element in the corresponding annular region.

[0016] The distal tip of the bristle element in the outermost annular region has the maximum amplitude; and

[0017] The amplitude of the distal tip of the bristle element in the innermost annular region and in each intermediate annular region is less than the maximum amplitude value.

[0018] In the skin cleansing apparatus described in this disclosure, a plurality of bristle elements are disposed on a support surface of a carrier, wherein the carrier is connected to a base of the skin cleansing apparatus and is rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis. Preferably, the carrier is rotatable about a single direction of rotation. Alternatively, the carrier is rotatable about the rotation axis in two opposite directions, or oscillates about the rotation axis.

[0019] The inventors have discovered that effective skin cleansing and massage via brush elements arranged on a rotating carrier require different interactions between the brush elements and the skin. Specifically, a cleansing effect is achieved when a specific skin area is in continuous contact with the brush elements on the rotating carrier. Conversely, a massage effect is achieved when a specific skin area is in intermittent contact with the brush elements on the rotating carrier. Continuous contact between a specific skin area and the brush elements on the rotating carrier can be achieved when the amplitude of the distal tip of the brush element (defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum axial tip distance of the brush element) is less than 1 mm. In this context, the axial tip distance of the brush element is defined as the distance between the distal tip of the brush element and an imaginary reference plane arranged in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and passes through the carrier. Conversely, intermittent contact between a specific skin area and the brush elements on the rotating carrier can be achieved when the brush elements have different axial tip distances, particularly when the brush elements arranged in an annular region of a support surface concentrically arranged relative to the axis of rotation have different axial tip distances. The inventors also discovered that the massage effect can be increased by increasing the amplitude of the distal tips of the bristle elements in the annular region, where amplitude is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum axial tip distances of the bristle elements in the annular region. On the other hand, the enhanced massage effect achieved by increasing the amplitude of the distal tips of the bristle elements also appears to increase the discomfort experienced by the user accompanying the massage. Furthermore, increasing the massage effect by increasing the amplitude of the distal tips of the bristle elements seems to reduce the cleaning effect of the same bristle element, while increasing the cleaning effect by reducing the amplitude of the distal tips of the bristle elements to a relatively small value or zero seems to reduce the massage effect of the same bristle element.

[0020] According to this disclosure, a first group of the plurality of bristle elements in the skin cleansing device is arranged in a first central region of the support surface of a rotatable carrier, and the distal tip amplitude of the first group of bristle elements is less than 1 mm, the amplitude being defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum axial tip distances of the first group of bristle elements. Because the distal tip amplitude of the first group of bristle elements is limited to a value of less than 1 mm, due to the elastic properties of the skin, the first group of bristle elements will maintain continuous contact with the skin area as the carrier rotates about the axis of rotation. Therefore, the first group of bristle elements is specifically configured to provide an effective cleansing effect. Because the first group of bristle elements is relatively close to the axis of rotation, the linear velocity of the first group of bristle elements is relatively low. Therefore, the first group of bristle elements is not particularly suitable for providing a massage effect. Therefore, this disclosure optimally utilizes the first group of bristle elements to provide a cleansing effect.

[0021] Furthermore, a second group of the plurality of bristle elements of the skin cleansing device is arranged in a second region of the support surface of the rotatable carrier, the second region surrounding the first central region. The second region comprises a plurality of annular regions arranged concentrically relative to the axis of rotation, and in each annular region, the bristle elements have a different axial tip distance. Due to the different axial tip distances of the bristle elements in the second set of annular regions, the skin area intermittently contacts these bristle elements as the carrier rotates about the axis of rotation; therefore, the second group of bristle elements can be specifically configured to provide an effective massage effect.

[0022] Specifically, according to this disclosure, the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in the outermost annular region of the second region has the maximum amplitude value, while the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in the innermost annular region and each intermediate annular region between the innermost and outermost annular regions is less than the maximum amplitude value. The outermost annular region has the largest radial distance from the rotation axis among the plurality of annular regions, and the innermost annular region has the smallest radial distance from the rotation axis among the plurality of annular regions. Because the bristle element in the outermost annular region has a larger radial distance from the rotation axis compared to the other bristle elements in the first central group and the innermost and intermediate annular regions of the second group, the bristle element in the outermost annular region of the second region will have a greater linear velocity than the other bristle elements, thus providing a stronger massage effect than the other bristle elements. Because the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in the outermost annular region has the maximum amplitude value, the relatively strong massage effect of the bristle element in the outermost annular region is optimally utilized. On the other hand, compared to the bristle elements in the outermost annular region, the bristle elements in the second set of innermost annular regions and each intermediate annular region provide a weaker massage effect due to their lower linear velocity. Because, according to this disclosure, the distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular region and each intermediate annular region is smaller than the maximum amplitude value, the massage effect of the bristle elements in the innermost annular region and each intermediate annular region is still utilized to some extent. More importantly, the discomfort felt by the user accompanying the massage effect of the bristle elements in the innermost annular region and each intermediate annular region is significantly reduced. Furthermore, due to their smaller distal tip amplitude, the bristle elements in the innermost annular region and each intermediate annular region can, to some extent, enhance the cleaning effect of the skin cleansing device. Therefore, this disclosure achieves optimal utilization of the massage effect of the bristle elements of the skin cleansing device arranged at the maximum radial distance from the axis of rotation, optimal utilization of the cleaning effect of the bristle elements in the first central region of the carrier support surface, and optimal reduction of the discomfort felt by the user accompanying the massage effect provided by the skin cleansing device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in the innermost annular region has a minimum amplitude value that is less than the maximum amplitude value, and the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in each intermediate annular region is greater than the minimum amplitude value but less than the maximum amplitude value. Since the bristle element in the innermost annular region of the second region of the support surface has a relatively lower linear velocity compared to other bristle elements in the intermediate and outermost annular regions of the second region, the massage effect of the bristle element in the innermost annular region is relatively weaker than that of the other bristle elements in the second region. Given the relatively weak massage effect of the bristle element in the innermost annular region, in this preferred embodiment, by setting the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in the innermost annular region to be smaller than that of the other bristle elements in the second region, the discomfort felt by the user accompanying the massage effect can be minimized. Furthermore, the contribution of the bristle element in the innermost annular region to the cleansing effect can be maximized compared to the other bristle elements in the second region. In this embodiment, the ratio between the minimum amplitude value and the maximum amplitude value can be between 0.05 and 0.25.

[0024] It should be noted that the minimum amplitude value and the maximum amplitude value refer to the minimum and maximum values ​​of the distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements within the plurality of annular regions of the second region of the carrier support surface, respectively. Specifically, the minimum amplitude value can be greater than the distal tip amplitude of the first group of bristle elements in the first central region of the support surface.

[0025] In another embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in each intermediate annular region is greater than the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in a first adjacent annular region surrounded by the intermediate annular region, and less than the distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in a second adjacent annular region surrounding the intermediate annular region. In this embodiment, the distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the plurality of annular regions of the second region of the support surface increases from each annular region to the adjacent annular region when viewed radially outward relative to the axis of rotation, from the minimum amplitude value of the innermost annular region to the maximum amplitude value of the outermost annular region. Specifically, the distal tip amplitude can gradually increase in the radial outward direction from the minimum amplitude value of the innermost annular region to the maximum amplitude value of the outermost annular region. This allows for an optimal distribution of cleansing and massage effects on the bristle elements of the second region of the support surface, and an optimal balance between the massage effect of the bristle elements in the second region and the discomfort experienced by the user accompanying the massage effect.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, the maximum amplitude value (i.e., the amplitude value of the distal tip of the bristle element in the outermost annular region of the second area) is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm. Maximum amplitude values ​​within these ranges appear to achieve effective skin massage and provide an acceptable level of comfort to the user accompanying the massage effect.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, in each of the plurality of annular regions, bristle elements are arranged in a first subgroup and a second subgroup, wherein the average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each first subgroup is greater than the average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each second subgroup, the number of first subgroups is equal to the number of second subgroups and is at least two, and each first subgroup is arranged between two second subgroups when viewed tangentially relative to the axis of rotation. In this embodiment, the number of first and second subgroups present in each annular region can be combined with the rotational speed of the carrier about the axis of rotation to determine the fundamental (first-order) vibration frequency of the massage effect provided by the bristle elements in the second region of the carrier-supported surface. Furthermore, when the first and second subgroups each extend within the same angular range in the tangential direction about the axis of rotation in each of the plurality of annular regions, the fundamental vibration frequency can be defined as the mathematical product of the number of first subgroups multiplied by the frequency of the carrier's rotational motion about the axis of rotation. Preferably, the fundamental vibration frequency does not exceed 200 Hz. A preferred fundamental vibration frequency may be in the range of 10 Hz to 30 Hz, for example, 12 Hz or 24 Hz.

[0028] In another embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, in each of the plurality of annular regions, when viewed tangentially, the axial tip distance of the bristle elements gradually varies between a minimum and a maximum axial tip distance, such that when viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the distal tips of the bristle elements are arranged in a wavy pattern. Because the distal tips of the bristle elements are arranged in this wavy pattern, the level of discomfort experienced by the user accompanying the massage effect of the bristle elements in the second region of the carrier support surface is significantly reduced, while the bristle elements still effectively massage the skin.

[0029] In another embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, the embodiment has a structure in which the distal tips of the bristle elements are arranged in the aforementioned wavy pattern. In each of the plurality of annular regions, each first subgroup has at least one most prominent bristle element having the maximum axial tip distance within the annular region. The distal tips of the most prominent bristle elements in the plurality of annular regions are arranged on imaginary curves, each imaginary curve extending from the most prominent bristle element in the outermost annular region to the most prominent bristle element in the innermost annular region, and each imaginary curve is concave on the side facing the direction in which the carrier can rotate relative to the base. Because in this embodiment, the distal tips of the most prominent bristle elements in the plurality of annular regions are arranged on the imaginary curves, and these imaginary curves are concave on the side facing the direction of carrier rotation, each group of most prominent bristle elements arranged on the respective curves can produce a pumping effect on cleansing liquid or gel that the user may apply to the skin before using the skin cleansing device. Specifically, due to the concave shape of the imaginary curve, the most prominent bristle element arranged on the imaginary curve will, under the influence of the carrier's rotation, pump the cleaning liquid or gel to a first central region of the carrier's support surface, where a first set of bristle elements configured to provide a cleaning effect is arranged. Therefore, the cleaning liquid or gel applied to the skin is automatically moved towards the bristle elements in the first central region of the carrier to perform the cleaning function.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, the first central region is a circular region concentrically arranged relative to the axis of rotation, and the first set of bristle elements is evenly distributed on the circular region. In this embodiment, the first set of bristle elements can completely cover the central circular region of the carrier support surface, including the intersection of the axis of rotation and the support surface, thereby optimally utilizing the first central region to provide a cleaning effect.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the skin cleansing apparatus described in this disclosure, the distal tip amplitude of the first group of bristle elements in the first central region of the support surface is zero, and each bristle element in the first group has the same axial tip distance. Because the bristle elements in the first group have the same axial tip distance in this embodiment, the bristle elements in the first central region of the support surface achieve optimal continuous contact with the skin during carrier rotation, thereby achieving optimal cleansing effect through the bristle elements in the first central region. In an alternative embodiment where the distal tip amplitude is non-zero, the distal tip amplitude of the first group of bristle elements is preferably smaller than the distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the innermost annular region of the second region of the support surface surrounding the first central region. In embodiments where the bristle elements in the innermost annular region have a minimum amplitude value, the distal tip amplitude of the first group of bristle elements is preferably smaller than said minimum amplitude value.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, each bristle element in the first group has the same axial tip distance, which is less than the maximum axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each of the plurality of annular regions and greater than the minimum axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each of the plurality of annular regions. This embodiment can provide optimal contact between all bristle elements of the first and second groups and the user's skin.

[0033] In another embodiment of the skin cleansing device described in this disclosure, the support surface of the carrier is a planar surface extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In this embodiment, different axial tip distances of the bristle elements can be achieved by providing bristle elements of different lengths. Alternatively, the bristle elements of the first and second groups can have the same length, and different axial tip distances can be achieved by arranging the bristle elements on a non-planar support surface with a three-dimensional (3D) profile corresponding to an imaginary 3D profile passing through the distal tip of the bristle element. In this alternative embodiment, the bristle elements in the first and second groups can have the same mechanical properties, particularly the same flexural stiffness. Alternatively, the bristle elements in the first and second groups, and even the bristle elements in each annular region of the second group, can have different mechanical properties, for example, by providing bristle elements of different lengths and / or different thicknesses and / or using different materials.

[0034] This disclosure also provides a personal care device comprising a main housing and a skin cleansing appliance as described above or any embodiment thereof, wherein the main housing houses a drive system configured to rotate a carrier of the skin cleansing appliance relative to the base of the skin cleansing appliance when the base is coupled to the main housing. In the personal care device of this disclosure, the base of the skin cleansing appliance may include a coupling member through which the base is releasably coupled to a coupling member of the main housing, and the personal care device may include at least one personal care appliance different from the skin cleansing appliance, particularly a hair cutting unit (e.g., a shaving unit), which is releasably coupled to the coupling member of the main housing to be driven by the drive system.

[0035] The above and other aspects of this disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the following detailed description of embodiments of skin cleaning appliances and personal care devices according to this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0036] This disclosure will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar features are indicated by the same reference numerals, and in the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1a shows an embodiment of a personal care device according to the present disclosure, which has an embodiment of a skin cleansing device according to the present disclosure, the skin cleansing device being coupled to the main housing of the personal care device;

[0038] Figure 1b shows the personal care device of Figure 1a, which has a shaving unit coupled to the main housing;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a side view of the skin cleansing apparatus of the personal care equipment shown in Figure 1a;

[0040] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from the central axis of a skin cleansing device;

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A top view of the carrier and multiple bristle elements of a skin cleansing device;

[0042] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the carrier and bristle element taken from line VV in the diagram;

[0043] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Side view of the carrier and bristle element;

[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the carrier and bristle elements;

[0045] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of half of the carrier shows the parameters of the bristle element;

[0046] Figure 9 Is with Figure 4 akin Figure 2 A top view of the carrier and multiple brush elements of a skin cleansing device; and

[0047] Figure 10 A top view of a carrier of an alternative embodiment of a skin cleansing apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figures 1a and 1b illustrate a personal care device 1 according to the present disclosure. The personal care device 1 includes a main housing 3 configured as a handle portion, which can be held by a user's hand during use of the personal care device 1. The main housing 3 houses a drive system 5, which is well known to those skilled in the art and is shown only schematically in the figures. The drive system 5 may include an electric motor, which can be activated by a switch 7 disposed on the main housing 3. The electric motor can drive a drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5 to rotate, which is shown only schematically in the figures.

[0049] The personal care device 1 also includes a plurality of different personal care appliances, each of which can be selectively and individually coupled to the main housing 3 for actuation by the drive system 5. One of the different personal care appliances is an embodiment of the skin cleansing appliance 11 described in this disclosure. Figure 1a shows the personal care device 1 with the skin cleansing appliance 11 coupled to the main housing 3, so that the skin cleansing appliance 11 can be actuated by the drive system 5 within the main housing 3. Figure 1b shows the personal care device 1 with the shaving unit 13 coupled to the main housing 3. In this embodiment, the shaving unit 13 is rotary and includes three rotary hair-cutting units 15. Such a shaving unit 13 is well known to those skilled in the art. The plurality of different personal care appliances of the personal care device 1 may include any number and any type of personal care appliances other than the skin cleansing appliance 11 according to this disclosure. For example, in addition to or in lieu of shaving unit 13, personal care device 1 may include one or more hair-cutting units different from shaving unit 13, such as long hair trimmers, beard trimmers, hair clippers, or nose hair trimmers, or one or more personal care appliances different from hair-cutting units. Personal care device according to this disclosure may also include a main housing and a skin-cleaning appliance according to this disclosure, which is fixedly mounted to the main housing. In such embodiments, the personal care device may be defined as a skin-cleaning device, and the skin-cleaning appliance may not be replaceable by different types of personal care appliances.

[0050] To enable the user of the personal care device 1 to selectively couple each different personal care appliance (including the skin cleansing appliance 11) to the main housing 3, the personal care device 1 may include any suitable type of releasable coupling structure, which includes coupling members disposed in the main housing 3 and coupling members disposed in each different personal care appliance (including the skin cleansing appliance 11), the coupling members being configured and arranged to be releasably coupled to the coupling members in the main housing 3 such that the personal care appliances can be driven by the drive system 5. EP3856471B1, under the applicant's name, discloses an example of a suitable coupling structure. Details of the coupling structure are not shown in the figures and will not be discussed here.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a side view of skin cleansing device 11. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the central axis 17 of the skin cleansing device 11. (Example) Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the skin cleansing device 11 includes a base 19 provided with a coupling member 21, through which the base 19 is releasably coupled to the main housing 3, as previously described. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling member 21 is of the type disclosed in EP3856471B1 as previously described. The skin cleansing device 11 also includes a carrier 23 connected to the base 19 and rotatable relative to the base 19 about a rotation axis 25 coinciding with a central axis 17. The skin cleansing device 11 also includes a driven shaft 27, as... Figure 3 As shown, it is configured and arranged to couple to the drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5 in the main housing 3 when the base 19 is coupled to the main housing 3. Figure 3 As further shown, the driven shaft 27 is connected to the rotatable carrier 23 via a transmission system 29, which is arranged in the base 19 and includes a plurality of gears. The carrier 23 is fixedly mounted to the end gear 31 of the transmission system 29. The end gear 31 is rotatably mounted to the base 19 via a rotary bearing 33, thus the carrier 23 is rotatably mounted to the base 19 via the end gear 31 and the rotary bearing 33. Therefore, when the base 19 is coupled to the main housing 3, the carrier 23 can be driven to rotate about the rotation axis 25 relative to the base 19 via the drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5 in the main housing 3 and via the driven shaft 27 and the transmission system 29 in the base 19.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment of the personal care device according to this disclosure, the base of the skin cleansing instrument may be part of and fixedly arranged relative to the main housing, and the carrier with the bristle elements may be directly and releasably coupled to the drive system in the main housing. In this alternative embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 3 The driven shaft 27 described in the embodiment can be fixedly mounted to the carrier 23, and the carrier 23 can be reliably coupled to the drive shaft 9 of the drive system 5 in the main housing 3 via the driven shaft 27, and can be supported by the drive shaft 9 solely by the driven shaft 27, without being supported by other structural elements. This direct and sole support of the carrier 23 by the drive shaft 9 can be achieved through suitable bearings of the drive shaft 9. In this alternative embodiment, the base of the skin cleaning device can be formed by the upper part of the main housing that houses the bearings of the drive shaft 9.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the skin cleansing device 11 also includes a plurality of bristle elements 35 arranged on the support surface 37 of the carrier 23. Figure 2 and Figure 3In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, the support surface 37 is a planar surface extending perpendicular to the axis of rotation 25. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the carrier 23 includes a first portion 39 and a second portion 41. The first portion 39 is fixedly mounted to the end gear 31 of the transmission system 29, and the second portion 41 is fixedly mounted to the first portion 39 and includes a brush element 35 and a support surface 37. In the illustrated embodiment, the brush element 35 is integrally formed with the second portion 41 of the carrier 23. The brush element 35 and the second portion 41 can be made from a plastic material, such as liquid silicone rubber (LSR), using an injection molding process. Thus, the brush element 35 can have a certain degree of flexibility. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, each of the bristle elements 35 has a distal tip 43, which, in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 25, is axially tip-distance D. T The imaginary reference plane 45 is arranged relative to the axis of rotation 25 and extends perpendicularly to and through the carrier 23. In an embodiment of the skin cleansing appliance 11 having a planar support surface 37, the imaginary reference plane 45 extends parallel to the support surface 37. Therefore, the bristle element 35 extends from the support surface 37 as an elongated protrusion, with its distal tip 43 at an axial tip distance D. T The bristle elements 35 are arranged relative to an imaginary reference plane 45. They may extend parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 25. However, this is not necessary. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, some of the bristle elements 35 of the skin cleaning device 11 are tilted relative to the axis of rotation 25, and the tilt angle of the bristle elements 35 relative to the axis of rotation 25 increases in the outward radial direction R from the axis of rotation 25 toward the outer circumference 47 of the carrier 23.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a top view of the carrier 23 and the plurality of brush elements 35 arranged on the support surface 37 of the carrier 23. Figure 4 As shown, the first group 49 of the plurality of bristle elements 35 is arranged in the first central region 51 of the support surface 37. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, the first central region 51 is a circular region concentrically arranged relative to the axis of rotation 25. Figure 4 In this embodiment, the boundary of the first central region 51 is represented by a dashed circle 53. The bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 are evenly distributed on the first central region 51. Specifically, as... Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 include a central bristle element 35-c (arranged at the rotation axis 25) and three annular rows of bristle elements concentrically arranged around the rotation axis 25. However, alternative boundaries of the first central region 51 of the support surface 37 and alternative arrangements of the bristle elements 35 in the first central region 51 are possible. In this embodiment, each bristle element 35 of the first group 49 in the first central region 51 has the same axial tip distance D. T1 ,like Figure 3 The diagram only shows the central bristle element 35-c. Alternatively, the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 may have different axial tip distances. However, according to this disclosure, the distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 is less than 1 mm, and the amplitude is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum axial tip distances of the bristle elements of the first group 49.

[0055] like Figure 4 As further shown, the second group 55 of the plurality of bristle elements 35 of the skin cleansing device 11 is arranged in a second region 57 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23. The second region 57 surrounds the first central region 51 and includes a plurality of annular regions 59, which are concentric with respect to the rotation axis 25 and arranged in successive adjacent radial positions. The plurality of annular regions 59 includes an outermost annular region 59-1 (which has the largest radial distance from the rotation axis 25), an innermost annular region 59-2 (which has the smallest radial distance from the rotation axis 25), and at least one intermediate annular region 59-i arranged between the innermost annular region 59-2 and the outermost annular region 59-1. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, the second region 57 extends from the dashed circle 53 indicating the boundary of the first central region 51 to the outer circumference 47 of the carrier 23, and each annular region 59 includes a single row of annular bristle elements 35. However, the annular region within the second set 55 of bristle elements as defined in this disclosure may include two or more annular rows of bristle elements arranged at different radial distances from the axis of rotation 25, or bristle elements arranged in a pattern different from (one) row. Figure 4 The second region 57 of the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown includes five intermediate annular regions 59-1 in addition to the outermost annular region 59-1 and the innermost annular region 59-2. The boundaries between the annular regions 59 of the second region 57 are... Figure 4 The upper part is represented by a dashed arc segment.

[0056] In each annular region 59 of the second group of 55 bristle elements 35, the bristle elements 35 have different axial tip distances D. T Including the minimum axial tip distance D TS and the maximum axial tip distance DTL .exist Figure 5 (along Figure 4 In the cross-sectional view of the carrier 23 and the bristle element 35 taken by line VV, the minimum axial tip distance D is indicated for the bristle element 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1 of the plurality of annular regions 59. TS and the maximum axial tip distance D TL .

[0057] Furthermore, in each annular region 59, the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 T Defined as the maximum axial tip distance D of the bristle elements 35 arranged within the corresponding annular region 59. TL Distance D from the minimum axial tip TS The difference. According to this disclosure, the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1. T With maximum amplitude value A TMAX Furthermore, the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the innermost annular region 59-2 and each intermediate annular region 59-i T Less than the maximum amplitude value A TMAX Specifically, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the innermost annular region 59-2 is... T With minimum amplitude value A TMIN It is less than the maximum amplitude value A. TMAX And the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in each intermediate annular region 59-i T Greater than the minimum amplitude value A TMIN And less than the maximum amplitude value A TMAX More specifically, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, the distal tip amplitude A of the bristle element 35 in each intermediate annular region 59-i T The amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the first adjacent annular region 59 surrounded by the intermediate annular region 59-i is greater than the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35. T And smaller than the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the second adjacent annular region 59 surrounding the intermediate annular region 59-i. T Therefore, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the annular region 59 of the second group 55 bristle elements 35 is... T In the outward radial direction relative to the rotation axis 25, the minimum amplitude value A is from the innermost annular region 59-2. TMINThe amplitude value A gradually increases to the maximum value of 59-1 in the outermost annular region. TMAX This distal tip amplitude A T The gradual increase in Figure 5 The clearest view is in the middle. Figure 6 (Side view of the carrier 23 and brush element 35 of the skin cleansing device 11) and Figure 7 The view of the carrier 23 and bristle element 35 of the skin cleansing device 11 is slightly worse.

[0058] The parameters mentioned above for the second group of 55 bristle elements 35 (i.e., the amplitude A at the distal tip) T Maximum axial tip distance D TL Minimum axial tip distance D TS Minimum amplitude value A TMIN and maximum amplitude value A TMAX )exist Figure 8 The text further explains that, Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of half of the carrier 23 taken along the axis of rotation 25. For simplicity, the brush element 35 is not shown. Figure 8 The first central region 51 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23 is shown, on which the first group 49 brush elements 35 are arranged. As previously described, the brush elements 35 in the first central region 51 each have the same axial tip distance D. T1 ,like Figure 8 As shown. Figure 8 The dotted line 61 indicates a virtual line through which the distal tip 43 of the first set 49 bristle elements 35 crosses during use of the skin cleansing device 11 (i.e., during the rotation of the carrier 23 about the axis of rotation 25).

[0059] Figure 8 The location of the second region 57 on the support surface 37 of the carrier 23 is further indicated, on which the second set 55 of brush elements 35 are arranged. Figure 8 In the middle, the boundary between the first central region 51 and the second region 57 of the supporting surface 37 is represented by the dashed line 53'. Figure 8 The outermost annular region 59-1, the innermost annular region 59-2, and the middle annular region 59-i of the second region 57 are also shown, separated by dashed lines. As previously mentioned, in each annular region 59 of the second region 57, the bristle elements 35 have different axial tip distances D. T Including the minimum axial tip distance D TS and the maximum axial tip distance D TL The annular region 59 has the maximum axial tip distance D within the annular region 59. TL The bristle element 35 will be referred to as the most prominent bristle element 35 of the annular region 59. MThe annular region 59 has the minimum axial tip distance D within the annular region 59. TS The bristle element 35 will be referred to as the least prominent bristle element 35L of the annular region 59. Figure 8 This indicates the minimum axial tip distance D of the bristle element 35 in one of the intermediate regions 59-i. TS and the maximum axial tip distance D TL For this intermediate annular region 59-i, Figure 8 It also indicates the amplitude value A of the bristle element 35 within the intermediate annular region 59-i. T (= D) TL – D TS ).also, Figure 8 The curved dashed line 63 at the top center indicates a virtual line representing the most prominent bristle element 35 within different annular regions 59 during the rotation of the carrier 23 around the axis of rotation 25. M The distal tip 43 will cross the line. Figure 8 The lower curved dashed line 65 indicates a virtual line through which the distal tip 43 of the least prominent bristle element 35L crosses during the rotation of the carrier 23. Therefore, at a given location in the annular region 59, the distance between the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65, measured in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, corresponds to the amplitude value A of the bristle element 35 within that annular region 59. T Therefore, as Figure 8 As shown, the distance between the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65, measured at position 59-1 in the outermost annular region, corresponds to the maximum amplitude value A. TMAX The distance between the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65, measured at position 59-2 in the innermost annular region, corresponds to the minimum amplitude value A. TMIN Therefore, the upper and lower curved dashed lines 63 and 65 clearly show the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the annular region 59 of the second region 57. T In the outward radial direction R relative to the rotation axis 25, the minimum amplitude value A is from the innermost annular region 59-2. TMIN The maximum amplitude value A in the outermost annular region 59-1 TMAX The gradual increase, as previously mentioned... Figure 2-7 The skin cleansing device 11 shown is described in the embodiment.

[0060] Figure 8 It also shows that, Figure 2-7 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, the axial tip distance D of the first group 49 bristle elements 35 in the first central region 51 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23 is... T1The maximum axial tip distance D of the second group 55 bristle elements 35 in each annular region 59 of the second region 57 of the support surface 37 is less than the maximum axial tip distance D of the second group 55 bristle elements 35. TL And greater than the minimum axial tip distance D of the bristle element 35 in each annular region 59 of the second region 57. TS This is also Figure 6 and Figure 7 As can be seen, although to a lesser extent.

[0061] from Figure 6 and Figure 7 Most clearly visible is that in each annular region 59 of the second region 57 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23, the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 are arranged in a wavy pattern. Figure 6 (In the image showing the carrier 23 and brush element 35 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 25), the wavy pattern of the distal tip 43 of the brush element 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1 is most clearly visible. Figure 7 In the perspective view of the carrier 23 and the bristle element 35, the wavy pattern of the distal tip 43 of the bristle element 35 in the middle annular region 59-i and the innermost annular region 59-2 can also be seen, although to a slightly lesser degree. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the wavy pattern of the distal tip 43 of the bristle element 35 in each annular region 59 means that, when viewed in the tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation 25 (i.e., the circumferential direction of each annular region 59), the axial tip distance D of the bristle element 35 within the annular region 59 is... T At the minimum axial tip distance D TS Distance D from the maximum axial tip TL It gradually changes between them.

[0062] In addition, from Figure 7 The clearest view is in the middle. Figure 2-7 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, each annular region 59 of the second region 57 of the carrier 23 supporting surface 37 includes three most prominent bristle elements 35. M (As previously stated, it has the maximum axial tip distance D within the annular region 59) TL ) and three least prominent bristle elements 35L (as previously described, having the minimum axial tip distance D within the annular region 59) TS ).exist Figure 7 For simplicity, only the three most prominent bristle elements 35 are marked in the outermost annular area 59-1. M And three least prominent bristle elements 35L. Within each annular region 59, the three most prominent bristle elements 35 MThe three least prominent bristle elements 35L are evenly distributed around the rotation axis 25, with an angular interval of 60° between them. Therefore, as Figure 9 (and Figure 4 As shown in the top view of a similar skin cleansing device 11, which includes a carrier 23 and multiple bristle elements 35, the bristle elements 35 can be considered to be arranged in three first subgroups 67 and three second subgroups 69 in each annular region 59, wherein, when viewed tangentially relative to the axis of rotation 25, the three most prominent bristle elements 35 are... M Each of the three least prominent bristle elements 35L is arranged at the center of the corresponding first subgroup 67, and, when viewed tangentially relative to the axis of rotation 25, each of the three least prominent bristle elements 35L is arranged at the center of the corresponding second subgroup 69. Figure 9 For simplicity, only one intermediate annular region 59-i is designated, with three first subgroups 67 and three second subgroups 69 shown. Clearly, in each first subgroup 67, the average axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 is greater than that in each second subgroup 69. Furthermore, as... Figure 9 As shown, when viewed tangentially relative to the axis of rotation 25, each first subgroup 67 is arranged between two second subgroups 69. Furthermore, it is evident that within each annular region 59, the first subgroup 67 and the second subgroup 69 each extend tangentially around the axis of rotation 25 within the same 60° angular range, as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0063] As mentioned above, refer to Figure 9 In each annular region 59 of the second region 57 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23, each first subgroup 67 bristle element 35 has a most prominent bristle element 35. M It has the maximum axial tip distance D in the annular region 59. TL .like Figure 9 As further shown, the most prominent bristle element 35 of the plurality of annular regions 59 M The distal tip 43 is arranged on three imaginary curves 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3, each curve starting from the most prominent bristle element 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1. M Extending through the adjacent most prominent bristle element 35 in the intermediate annular region 59-i M The most prominent bristle element 35 reaches the innermost ring area 59-2. M .like Figure 9 As shown, the three imaginary lines 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3 are all concave on the side facing the carrier 23 in the direction DR that can rotate relative to the base 19.

[0064] During use of the skin cleansing device 11, the distal tip 43 of the bristle element 35 contacts the user's skin, and the carrier 23 rotates relative to the base 19 about the rotation axis 25 in the direction DR, as... Figure 9 As shown. When the skin cleansing device 11 remains stationary relative to the user's skin, the first set 49 bristle elements 35 in the first central region 51 of the support surface 37, due to their identical axial tip distance D T1 This will provide equal impact to the user's skin portion below the first central area 51. This can be considered as homogeneous or continuous contact between the bristle elements 35 and the skin, which has been found to provide optimal cleansing results. Therefore, the first set 49 bristle elements 35 of the skin cleansing device 11 are configured and arranged to provide optimal skin cleansing results, especially when used in conjunction with cleansing gels, creams, or liquids. However, due to the elasticity of human skin, continuous contact between the first set 49 bristle elements 35 and the skin can also be achieved if the bristle elements 35 of the first set 49 have different axial tip distances during the rotation of the carrier 23. To achieve an effective cleansing effect, the amplitude of the distal tip of the first set 49 bristle elements 35 should be limited to a value of less than 1 mm.

[0065] Due to the axial tip distance D of the bristle element 35 in each annular region 59 of the second region 57 of the support surface 37 T The bristle elements 35 of the second group 55 will provide impacts of varying intensities to the user's skin beneath the second region 57. This can be viewed as non-homogeneous or intermittent contact between the bristle elements 35 and the skin, which will provide a skin massage effect. The intensity of the skin massage effect of the bristle elements 35 in the specific annular area 59 of the second region 57 will depend on the amplitude A of the distal tip. T And the linear velocity of the bristle elements 35 in the annular region 59. Since they are at the largest radial distance from the axis of rotation 25, the bristle elements 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1 will have the largest linear velocity during the rotation of the carrier 23. This is because, according to this disclosure, the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1... T With maximum amplitude value A TMAX This value is greater than the amplitude A of the distal tip of the bristle element 35 in the innermost annular region 59-2 and each intermediate annular region 59-i. T Therefore, the skin cleansing device 11 provides the best skin massage effect in the outermost annular region 59-1. Although the bristle elements 35 in the innermost annular region 59-2 and the middle annular region 59-i have varying axial tip distances D... TIt also provides a skin massage effect, but the skin massage effect of the bristle element 35 in the innermost annular region 59-2 and the middle annular region 59-i is weaker compared to the strong skin massage effect of the bristle element 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1. However, this has the following advantages: the user's discomfort due to the skin massage effect is reduced. Furthermore, due to its smaller distal tip amplitude A... T The innermost bristle element 35 in the innermost annular region 59-2 and the middle annular region 59-i can, to some extent, enhance the skin-cleaning effect of the skin-cleaning device 11. When the minimum amplitude value A... TMIN (In the innermost annular region 59-2) and the maximum amplitude value A TMAX When the ratio between 0.05 and 0.25 (in the outermost annular region 59-1) is between 0.05 and 0.25, an optimal balance can be achieved between the skin massage effect, the skin cleansing effect, and the discomfort experienced by the user. Furthermore, when the maximum amplitude value A... TMAX When the bristle element 35 in the outermost annular region 59-1 is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm (e.g., 2 mm), it can achieve a sufficiently strong skin massage effect.

[0066] In addition, the amplitude A at the distal tip of the bristle element 35 T The gradual increase in the outward radial direction from the innermost annular region 59-2 towards the outermost annular region 59-1 results in optimal contact between the bristle element 35 in the second region 57 and the user's skin portion beneath the support surface 37 of the carrier 23. The contact between the user's skin and the bristle element 35 in the first central region 51 of the support surface 37 (which provides the primary skin-cleaning effect) is optimized by the fact that the axial tip distance D of the bristle element 35 in the first central region 51... T1 The maximum axial tip distance D of the bristle element 35 in each annular region 59 of the second region 57 is less than that in the second region 57. TL And greater than the minimum axial tip distance D of the bristle element 35 in each annular region 59 of the second region 57. TS As previously mentioned Figure 8 As stated above.

[0067] exist Figures 2-9 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, the fundamental (first-order) vibration frequency of the skin massage effect provided by the bristle elements 35 in the second region 57 of the support surface 37 by the carrier 23 can be defined as the mathematical product of the number of bristle elements 35 in the first subgroup 67 of each annular region 59 multiplied by the frequency of the carrier 23's rotational motion about the axis of rotation 25. Preferably, the fundamental vibration frequency does not exceed 200 Hz. A preferred fundamental vibration frequency can be in the range of 10 Hz to 30 Hz, for example, 12 Hz or 24 Hz. Figure 2-9 In the embodiment of the skin cleansing device 11 shown, each annular region 59 has three first subgroups 67 bristle elements 35, and a fundamental vibration frequency of 12 Hz can be achieved by rotating the carrier 23 about the rotation axis 25 at a frequency of 4 Hz. Those skilled in the art will be able to create different values ​​of the fundamental vibration frequency for skin massage effects by using appropriate values ​​of the rotation frequency of the carrier 23 and the number of the first subgroups 67 and / or second subgroups 69 bristle elements 35 in each annular region 59 of the second region 57.

[0068] As previously referenced Figure 9 The most prominent bristle element 35 in the annular region 59 is described. M The distal tip 43 is arranged on imaginary curves 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3, which creates a pumping effect relative to the cleaning gel or fluid by the most prominent bristle elements 35 arranged on the corresponding curves 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3. M Provided. Because curves 71-1, 71-2, and 71-3 are concave on the side facing the rotation direction DR of the carrier 23, the pumping effect will occur towards the first central region 51 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23 under the influence of the carrier 23's rotation, where the first set of bristle elements 35 configured to provide a cleaning effect are arranged. In an alternative embodiment, the bristle elements 35 are most prominent. M The least prominent bristle element 35L can be arranged on an imaginary straight line extending radially relative to the axis of rotation 25. In these alternative embodiments, the pumping effect cannot be achieved.

[0069] Because the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 are arranged in the wavy pattern in each annular region 59 of the second region 57 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23, the level of discomfort experienced by the user accompanying the skin massage effect of the bristle elements 35 in the second region 57 of the support surface 37 is significantly reduced, while the bristle elements 35 in the second region 57 still provide an effective skin massage effect. In an alternative embodiment, the wavy pattern of the distal tips 43 of the bristle elements 35 in the second region 57 is absent. In such an alternative embodiment, the average axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 in each first subgroup 67 of a particular annular region 59 is greater than the average axial tip distance of the bristle elements 35 in each second subgroup 69 of the annular region 59, which can be achieved in different ways, as will be referred to below. Figure 10 illustrate.

[0070] Figure 10A schematic top view of a carrier 123 according to an alternative embodiment of the skin cleansing device of the present disclosure is shown. The carrier 123 has a support surface 137 on which a plurality of bristle elements are arranged. For simplicity, the bristle elements are not shown. The support surface 137 has a first central region 151 and a second region 157 surrounding the first central region 151. The bristle elements in the first central region 151 have the same axial tip distance D. T1 (Not in) Figure 10 (Indicated by the middle label). The second region 157 has an outermost annular region 159-1, an innermost annular region 159-2, and a middle annular region 159-i. Each annular region 159-1, 159-2, 159-i has two first subgroups 167 of bristle elements and two second subgroups 169 of bristle elements. The first subgroups 167 and 169 each extend at a 90° angle around the rotation axis 125 of the carrier 123. The bristle elements in the first subgroup 167 of the outermost annular region 159-1 each have an axial tip distance D. TMAX (Not indicated). The bristle elements in the first subgroup 167 of the innermost annular region 159-2 each have an axial tip distance D. T2 (Unmarked), where D T2 <D TMAX And D T2 >D T1 The bristle elements in the first subgroup 167 of the intermediate annular region 159-i each have an axial tip distance D. T3 (Unmarked), where D T3 <D TMAX And D T3 >D T2 All bristle elements in the second subgroup 169 of each annular region 159-1, 159-2, 159-i have an axial tip distance D. T1 (Not indicated), which is equal to the axial tip distance of the bristle elements in the first central region 151. Therefore, the distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the outermost annular region 159-1 has the maximum amplitude value A. TMAX = D TMAX – D T1 The distal tip of the bristle element in the innermost annular region 159-2 has the minimum amplitude value A. TMIN = D T2 – D T1 The distal tip of the bristle element in the intermediate annular region 159-i has an amplitude value A. T = D T3 – D T1 Therefore A TMIN T TMAX In an alternative embodiment, D T3 It can be equal to D​​T2 Therefore A T = A TMIN .exist Figure 10 In this embodiment, all axial tip distances are measured relative to the planar support surface 137, and thus correspond to the length of the brush element measured parallel to the axis of rotation 125.

[0071] The bristle elements 35 of the skin cleansing device 11 may have equal or different mechanical properties, such as mechanical stiffness. The mechanical stiffness of the bristle elements 35 may vary due to, for example, different bristle lengths, bristle diameters, or bristle material properties. For example, the bristle elements 35 of the first group 49 in the first central region 51 of the support surface 37 of the carrier 23 may have a lower stiffness than the bristle elements 35 of the second group 55 in the second region 57 of the support surface 37.

[0072] Those skilled in the art, upon studying the accompanying drawings, this disclosure, and the appended claims, can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments by practicing the principles and techniques described herein. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A skin cleansing device (11) comprising a base (19), a carrier (23), and a plurality of bristle elements (35), said carrier being connected to the base and rotatable relative to the base about a rotation axis (25), said plurality of bristle elements being arranged on a support surface (37) of said carrier, wherein, Each of the bristle elements has a distal tip (43) and an axial tip distance (D). T The distal tip is positioned in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation at a distance from the axial tip of the imaginary reference plane (45), which extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation and passes through the carrier, wherein: The first group (49) of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in the first central region (51) of the support surface; The distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in the first group is less than 1 mm, and the amplitude is defined as the difference between the maximum axial tip distance and the minimum axial tip distance of the bristle element in the first group. The second group (55) of the plurality of bristle elements is arranged in a second region (57) of the support surface, the second region surrounding the first central region and including a plurality of annular regions (59), the plurality of annular regions being concentric with respect to the axis of rotation and arranged in successive adjacent radial positions, and the plurality of annular regions including an outermost annular region (59-1) with the largest radial distance from the axis of rotation, an innermost annular region (59-2) with the smallest radial distance from the axis of rotation, and at least one intermediate annular region (59-i) arranged between the innermost annular region and the outermost annular region; and In each of the plurality of annular regions, the bristle elements have different axial tip distances, including a minimum axial tip distance (D). TS ) and maximum axial tip distance (D TL ), and the amplitude of the distal tip of the bristle element (A) T The distance between the maximum and minimum axial tips of the bristle elements in the corresponding annular region is defined as the difference between the maximum and minimum axial tip distances. Its features are: The distal tip amplitude (A) of the bristle element (35) in the outermost annular region (59-1) T ) has the maximum amplitude value (A) TMAX );and The distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in the innermost annular region (59-2) and each intermediate annular region (59-i) is less than the maximum amplitude value.

2. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The distal tip amplitude (A) of the bristle element (35) in the innermost annular region (59-2) T It has the minimum amplitude value (A) TMIN The minimum amplitude value is less than the maximum amplitude value (A). TMAX );and The distal tip amplitude of the bristle element in each intermediate annular region (59-i) is greater than the minimum amplitude value and less than the maximum amplitude value.

3. The skin cleaning device (11) according to claim 2, wherein, The distal tip amplitude (A) of the bristle element (35) in each intermediate annular region (59-i) T The amplitude of the distal tip of the bristle element in the first adjacent annular region (59-2, 59-i) surrounded by the intermediate annular region is greater than that of the distal tip of the bristle element in the second adjacent annular region (59-1, 59-i) surrounding the intermediate annular region, and is less than that of the distal tip of the bristle element in the second adjacent annular region (59-1, 59-i) surrounding the intermediate annular region.

4. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The minimum amplitude value (A) TMIN ) and the maximum amplitude value (A) TMAX The ratio between 0.05 and 0.25 is between 0.05 and 0.

25.

5. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The maximum amplitude value (A) TMAX The diameter is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm.

6. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In each of the plurality of annular regions (59): The bristle elements (35) are arranged in the first subgroup (67) and the second subgroup (69); The average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each first subgroup is greater than the average axial tip distance of the bristle elements in each second subgroup; The number of the first subgroup is equal to the number of the second subgroup and is at least two; and When viewed in the tangential direction relative to the axis of rotation (25), each first subgroup is arranged between two second subgroups.

7. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to claim 6, wherein, In each of the plurality of annular regions (59), the first subgroup (67) and the second subgroup (69) each extend the same angular range around the axis of rotation (25) in the tangential direction.

8. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to claim 7, wherein, In each of the plurality of annular regions (59), when viewed along the tangential direction, the axial tip distance (D) of the bristle element (35) is... T ) at the minimum axial tip distance (D TS ) and the maximum axial tip distance (D) TL The bristles gradually change between the two, such that when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation (25), the distal tip (43) of the bristle element is arranged in a wavy pattern.

9. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to claim 8, wherein: In each of the plurality of annular regions (59), each first subgroup (67) has at least one most prominent bristle element (35). M The at least one most prominent bristle element has the maximum axial tip distance (D) in the annular region. TL );and The distal tips (43) of the most prominent bristle elements of the plurality of annular regions are arranged on imaginary curves (71-1, 71-2, 71-3), each imaginary curve extending from the most prominent bristle element of the outermost annular region (59-1) to the most prominent bristle element of the innermost annular region (59-2), and each imaginary curve is rotatable relative to the base (19) in a direction facing the carrier (23). R One side of it is concave.

10. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first central region (51) is a circular region concentrically arranged relative to the axis of rotation (25), and the bristle elements (35) of the first group (49) are evenly distributed on the circular region.

11. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The distal tip amplitude of the bristle elements in the first group is zero, and each bristle element in the first group has the same axial tip distance (D). T1 ).

12. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to claim 11, wherein, The axial tip distance (D) of the bristle elements (35) of the first group (49) T1 The distance between the bristle elements is less than the maximum axial tip distance (D) of the bristle elements in each of the plurality of annular regions (59). TL ), and greater than the minimum axial tip distance (D) of the bristle elements in each of the plurality of annular regions. TS ).

13. The skin cleaning appliance (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The supporting surface (37) of the carrier (23) is a planar surface that extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation (25).

14. A personal care device (1) comprising a main housing (3) and a skin cleansing appliance (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main housing houses the drive system (5), which is configured to rotate the carrier (23) of the skin cleaning device relative to the base (19) of the skin cleaning device while the base is coupled to the main housing.

15. The personal care device (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The base (19) of the skin cleansing device (11) includes a coupling member (21) through which the base is releasably coupled to a coupling member of the main housing (3), and wherein the personal care device includes at least one personal care device different from the skin cleansing device, particularly a hair cutting unit, such as a shaving unit (13), which is releasably coupled to a coupling member of the main housing to be driven by the drive system (5).

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