Locking spring and personal care device assembly

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a locking spring and a personal care device assembly. The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a locking spring for securing a battery frame to a housing in a personal care device assembly. The locking spring includes: a plurality of anchor points for engaging, in use, a respective plurality of anchoring structures on each of the battery frame and the housing; a plurality of gripping tabs, each gripping tab of the plurality of gripping tabs configured to engage a finger of a user in use; the elastic structure is used for anchoring a plurality of anchor points; and a resilient structure linked together and extending in a plane, the resilient structure configured to deform in response to an external force applied to the plurality of gripping tabs by a finger to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point of the plurality of anchor points in use. Each anchor point of the plurality of anchor points includes a reinforcement portion extending out of the plane. In this way, the reinforcing portion prevents damage to the locking spring in the event of an excessive force, such as a drop of the personal care device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to the field of personal care devices. More specifically, the subject matter described herein relates to a locking spring and a personal care device. Background Art

[0002] The personal care device assembly may include a housing, a battery frame for supporting the battery inside the housing, and a locking spring for fixing the housing and the battery frame together. In this way, in use, the locking spring reduces the axial movement of the battery frame relative to the housing.

[0003] However, in some cases, the relative forces may be large. For example, if the personal care device is dropped on its end, the inertia of the battery may cause excessive forces from the battery frame. Such excessive forces may cause damage to the locking spring or to the housing and battery frame.

[0004] It should be noted that JP H 11 86814 A discloses a device having a battery unit that is removably attached to a battery holding portion of a housing of the device. To remove the battery unit from the housing, the user must use two fingers to press the two end elements of the spring so that the spring protrusion is released from the battery seat.

[0005] It is an object of the presently disclosed subject matter to improve upon the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to a first aspect of the utility model, a locking spring for fixing a battery frame to a housing in a personal care device assembly is provided. The locking spring comprises: a plurality of anchor points, the plurality of anchor points being used to engage a corresponding plurality of anchor structures on each of the battery frame and the housing in use; a plurality of clamping sheets, each of the plurality of clamping sheets being configured to engage a user's finger in use; an elastic structure, the elastic structure linking the plurality of anchor points together and extending in a plane, the elastic structure being configured to deform in response to an external force applied by a finger to the plurality of clamping sheets, so as to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point in the plurality of anchor points in use, wherein each of the plurality of anchor points comprises a reinforcement portion, the reinforcement portion extending out of the plane.

[0007] In this way, the reinforced portion prevents damage to the locking spring in the event of excessive force, such as dropping the personal care device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the plurality of anchor points may include a third anchor point, and wherein the resilient structure may include a first resilient arm connecting the first anchor point to the third anchor point and a second resilient arm connecting the second anchor point to the third anchor point.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm can be bent outward in a plane, so that the locking spring has a larger contact area with the battery frame.

[0010] In one embodiment, each anchor point of the plurality of anchor points may be configured to extend outwardly within a plane.

[0011] In one embodiment, the reinforcement portion may be configured to extend away from the battery frame towards an assembly cover of the personal care device assembly in use.

[0012] In this way, the reinforcing portion can extend substantially orthogonally from the plane. In the event of the personal care device falling, this configuration provides a greater reverse reaction force compared to other extension directions.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking spring may be made from a single wire.

[0014] In one embodiment, the reinforcement portion may be formed as a bent portion of a single wire. A single wire is simple to manufacture.

[0015] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of clamping pieces extends substantially orthogonally from the plane. In this way, the clamping piece is easier for the user to grasp.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a personal care device assembly is provided, comprising: a battery frame for accommodating a battery and for fixing a motor within the personal care device assembly, the battery frame comprising a plurality of anchoring structures; a shell capable of operating together with the battery frame for hermetically sealing the battery and the motor from the external environment, the shell comprising a plurality of anchoring structures; and a locking spring of the aforementioned aspect or embodiment, wherein the plurality of anchor points are configured to engage the shell and the corresponding plurality of anchor points of the battery frame to limit the axial movement of the battery frame relative to the shell during use.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery frame includes a rib adjacent to each anchoring structure configured to receive the first anchor point and the second anchor point, wherein the rib is configured to engage the locking spring to limit the separation distance in use. Limiting the separation distance prevents the locking spring from getting stuck in the assembly and prevents wear on other components of the battery frame or housing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery frame may include a retaining tab for pivotably retaining the third anchor point during installation or removal of the locking spring in use. Pivotably retaining the locking spring makes installation and removal more intuitive and improves repeatability.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery frame may further include a support located on either side of one of the anchor structures configured to receive the third anchor point to contact the locking spring to limit the separation distance in use. Limiting the separation distance prevents the locking spring from getting stuck in the assembly and prevents wear on other parts of the battery frame or housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery frame may include a screw post extending axially away from the battery frame, the screw post may include a screw hole for screwing the end cap to the assembly cover, wherein the battery frame may include a chamfer located on either side of the screw post and extending upward to the screw post to prevent the locking spring from contacting the screw post during use. Preventing the locking spring from contacting the screw post prevents the locking spring from pinching the screw post during disassembly. Another benefit is that the chamfer guides the locking spring away from the battery frame during disassembly and guides the locking spring toward the battery frame during assembly.

[0021] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The embodiments of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a personal care device assembly according to one or more embodiments;

[0024] Figure 2 Shown from Figure 1 A perspective view of a personal care device assembly;

[0025] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 2 Similar views;

[0026] Figure 4 According to one or more embodiments, Figure 1 a locking spring of a personal care device assembly;

[0027] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C Shown from Figure 4 corresponding end, top and side protrusions of the locking spring;

[0028] Figure 6 Shown from Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a portion of a personal care device assembly;

[0029] Figure 7 Shown from Figure 6a perspective view of a portion of a personal care device assembly;

[0030] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E Shown from Figure 1 perspective views of a personal care device assembly at various stages of assembly;

[0031] Fig. 9 According to one or more embodiments, Figure 1 A flowchart of a process for disassembling components of a personal care device;

[0032] Fig.10 According to one or more embodiments, Figure 1 Flowchart of a process for assembling components of a personal care device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it will be appreciated that the described features may be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, the features of any one exemplary embodiment may be suitably combined with the features of any other embodiment, unless the combination is mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the specified components but not excluding the presence of other components.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , the personal care device assembly 10 (or just assembly) includes an appliance 12, a housing 14, a battery frame 16, a locking spring 18, and an assembly cover 20. The housing 14 may include an inner tube 22 and an outer tube 24. Within the assembly 10 are a motor 26 and a battery 28.

[0035] Personal care devices are well known in the art and include grooming devices, but also cleansing devices, skin treatment devices, hair removal devices, massage devices, etc. Typically, a personal care device performs a treatment or operation on the human or animal body.

[0036] Hair cutting devices and hair combing devices are well known in the art and may include, for example, shavers, trimmers, epilators, hair styling devices and combinations thereof. Typically, a hair combing device comprises an electric motor arranged to drive a cutting unit (e.g., a blade set) so as to achieve hair cutting and / or hair combing operations. More generally, a hair cutting device may also be referred to as a combing device.

[0037] The appliance 12 comprises a device for performing the functions of a personal care device. For example, in the case where the personal care device is a shaver, the appliance may be a cutting unit, such as a blade set, for shaving hair.

[0038] As described above, the housing 14 may include an inner tube 22 and an outer tube 24. In other embodiments, the inner tube 22 and the outer tube 24 may be replaced with a different number of tubes, such as a single tube, three tubes, or more.

[0039] In general, the housing 14 can generally operate with the battery frame 16 to hermetically seal the battery and the motor from the external environment. In this embodiment, the inner tube 22 cooperates with the battery frame 16 to hermetically seal the battery and the motor from the external environment. The outer tube 24 can be used to provide structural support for the inner tube and prevent damage to the components within the assembly, such as due to impact.

[0040] The inner tube 22 and the outer tube 24 are substantially hollow and substantially tubular in shape. In other embodiments, they may have different shapes. The device 12 is coupled to one end of the outer tube 24. The inner tube 22 is open at both ends. The proximal end of the inner tube may be attached to the device. The inner tube 22 is connected to the device 12 by means of an attachment device 30. The attachment device 30 may include a screw or a plurality of screws.

[0041] The motor 26 is mounted in the inner tube 22. Figure 1 It is schematically shown in FIG.

[0042] The battery frame 16 can be substantially tubular. In other embodiments, it can have different shapes. The battery frame 16 can be used to accommodate the battery 28 and to secure the motor 26 within the personal care device assembly 10. In this way, the battery 28 can be removed by removing the battery frame 16. The battery frame 16 can have opposite ends. The ends can be substantially disc-shaped and can be referred to as end caps 40. The battery frame 16 can include an edge 41 around the distal end cap 40. The size of the battery frame 16 can be a clearance fit with the inner tube 22. A sealing member 32 can be provided between the inner tube 22 and the battery frame 16. The sealing member 32 can help reduce moisture from penetrating from the other end of the device into the motor within the housing 14.

[0043] The locking spring 18 is adapted to secure the battery frame to the housing 14 in the personal care device assembly 10 .

[0044] The assembly cover 20 is basically a disc-shaped member that is connected to the closed end of the battery frame 16 using an attachment means 30. The attachment means 30 may be, for example, a screw.

[0045] exist Figure 2 , the assembly 10 is shown from a perspective of the distal end of the assembly 10 (ie, to the distal end of the implement 12). In addition to the locking spring 18, the inner tube 22, and the outer tube 24, the closed end 34 of the battery frame 16 is also shown.

[0046] exist Figure 3 In, from Figure 2 The same view shows the assembly 10, but with the entire locking spring shown and the inner tube 22 faded.

[0047] Reference Figure 4 , the locking spring 18 includes a plurality of anchor points 36 for engaging a corresponding plurality of anchoring structures on each of the battery frame 16 and the housing 14 in use. The locking spring can be a single wire. The locking spring 18 includes a plurality of clamping tabs 38, each of the plurality of clamping tabs 38 being configured to engage a user's finger in use. For this reason, the clamping tab 38 includes a ring. In some embodiments, there may be two clamping tabs 38. One of the two clamping tabs 38 may be adapted to engage a thumb, while the other may be adapted to engage an index finger.

[0048] The two clamping pieces 38 are each coupled to a different anchor point 36, such as a first anchor point 36 and a second anchor point 36. The anchor points to which the clamping pieces 38 are connected are not directly connected together.

[0049] The locking spring 18 comprises an elastic structure linking together a plurality of anchor points 36. The elastic structure extends in a plane. The elastic structure is configured to deform in response to an external force applied to the clamping piece 38 by a finger to reduce the separation distance D between the first anchor point and the second anchor point 38 in use.

[0050] Each clamping piece 38 extends from the plane, and preferably extends substantially orthogonally to the plane. In use, the clamping piece 38 can extend away from the battery frame 16, and in particular, away from the battery 28 held by the battery frame 16.

[0051] Each anchor point 36 may include a reinforcing portion 42. The reinforcing portion 42 may extend out of the plane. The reinforcing portion 42 may extend substantially orthogonal to the plane. In use, the reinforcing portion is configured to extend away from the battery frame toward the assembly cover 40. In this way, the reinforcing portion 42 may extend in the same direction as the clamping piece 38. The reinforcing portion 42 may be formed as a second curved portion of a single wire. In this way, the reinforcing portion 42 may provide a degree of resilience to resist axial forces, such as the outward inertial force of the battery in the event that the assembly falls from its distal end.

[0052] exist Figure 4 In the particular embodiment shown, the plurality of anchor points 36 include a third anchor point, and the resilient structure includes a first resilient arm 44 connecting the first anchor point to the third anchor point and a second resilient arm 46 connecting the second anchor point to the third anchor point. The first resilient arm and the second resilient arm can bend outward in a plane.

[0053] Each anchor point 36 may be configured to extend outwardly in a plane relative to the resilient structure.

[0054] refer to FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C , the locking spring 18 is shown in three views, namely an end view, a top view and a side view.

[0055] The plane P is Figure 5A and 5C The end view and the side view are shown.

[0056] exist Figure 6 , a portion of the assembly is shown, and in particular the distal end of the assembly is shown. Figure 6 , two of the mounting structures 50 of the battery frame 16 and two of the mounting structures 52 of the inner tube 22 are sized and configured to receive the first anchor point 36 and the second anchor point 36. The mounting structures 50 of the battery frame 16 are provided as holes through the edge 41. The mounting structures 52 of the inner tube 22 are provided as holes through it, and more specifically through its side wall. When the assembly is dropped on the assembly cover ( Figure 1 ), force B can be applied to the inner tube 22. Moreover, the remnants of those forces exist purely because the components are held together, not just because there are external forces due to the drop. In this way, the reinforcing portion 42 fills any gaps in the overall dimensional tolerance of the entire assembly. The inertia of the battery causes force A to act on the battery frame 16. Therefore, force C acts on the anchor point 36. Force C has at least a component acting in the same direction as force B. In this way, the reinforcing portion 42 or reinforcing member extending generally orthogonal to the plane extends parallel to force B and in a direction opposite to force B. In this way, in use, the reinforcing portion limits the axial movement of the battery frame 16 relative to the housing. Because the reinforcing portion 42 is made of a bend in the wire, the reinforcing portion 42 is elastic. In this way, the reinforcing portion 42 can deform elastically rather than plastically in response to force B.

[0057] exist Figure 7 , the distal end of the assembly 10 is shown in perspective. The battery frame 16 includes anchor structures 50. The battery frame 16 also includes a rib 54 adjacent to each anchor structure, the rib 54 being configured to receive the first anchor point 36 and the second anchor point 36. The rib is configured to engage the locking spring to limit the separation distance D.

[0058] The battery frame 16 includes a retaining tab 56 for pivotably retaining the third anchor point during installation or removal of the locking spring 18. The battery frame 16 also includes a post 58 located on either side of one of the anchor structures configured to receive the third anchor point 36. The post 58 contacts the locking spring 18 to limit the separation distance D.

[0059] The cell frame 16 includes a screw support 60 extending axially away from the cell frame. The screw support 60 includes a screw hole 62 for receiving a screw that screws the end cap 40 to the assembly cover 20 (see Figure 1 ). The battery frame 16 may include bevels 64 on either side of the screw posts 60 to prevent the locking spring 18 from contacting the screw posts during use.

[0060] refer to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E The personal care device assembly 10 can be disassembled according to a plurality of assembly steps. The disassembly steps include providing Fig. 8A The assembled components are shown. Figure 8B In the embodiment of the present invention, a user applies an external force to the plurality of clamping pieces to reduce the separation distance between the first anchor point and the second anchor point. Figure 8C In the embodiment of the present invention, the locking spring 18 is moved to remove the third anchor point from its anchoring structure. The movement of the locking spring 18 continues until the third anchor point is located behind the retaining plate 56, so that the retaining plate can pivotally retain the third anchor point. Next, refer to Fig.8D , the locking spring 18 is pivoted about the third anchor point held by the retaining piece 56. In this way, the first anchor point and the second anchor point are moved away from the battery frame 16. In addition, the external force is removed to restore the separation distance to the normal position. Fig. 8E , the locking spring 18 is pulled to remove the battery frame from the inner tube 22 by tension. After removal, the locking spring can then be moved to remove the third anchor point 36 from the retaining tab 56.

[0061] A method of assembling a personal care device assembly includes FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E Steps in reverse order as outlined.

[0062] For example, the method of assembling the personal care device includes applying an external force to reduce the separation distance. Then, the locking spring 18 is moved so that the third anchor point is pivotably held by the retaining tab 56. Then, the locking spring 18 is pivoted so that the locking spring 18 is flush with the end cap of the battery frame 16. Then, the third anchor point is moved into the corresponding anchor structure of the inner tube 22. Then, the external force is released so that the separation distance increases to its normal distance, and the first anchor structure and the second anchor structure engage the corresponding anchor structure of the inner tube 22.

[0063] For the method of disassembling components, please refer to Fig. 9 Give an overview.

[0064] The method of disassembling an assembly can be summarized as a method of disassembling a personal care device assembly, the method comprising: providing S100 a personal care device assembly; applying S102 an external force to a plurality of clamping pieces to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point; moving S104 the first anchor point and the second anchor point away from an anchoring structure; and releasing S106 the clamping force.

[0065] The assembly method can refer to Fig.10 In summary, a method of assembling a personal care device assembly, the method comprising: providing S200 a personal care device assembly; applying S202 an external force to a plurality of clamping pieces to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point; moving S204 the first anchor point and the second anchor point adjacent to an anchor structure configured to receive the first anchor point and the second anchor point on each of a housing and a battery frame; and releasing S206 the clamping force.

[0066] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the above description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary rather than restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0067] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art when practicing the claimed utility model. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "one" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement the functions of several items recited in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A locking spring for securing a battery frame to a housing in a personal care device assembly, characterized in that: The locking spring comprises: a plurality of anchor points for engaging, in use, a corresponding plurality of anchoring structures on each of the battery frame and the housing; a plurality of gripping tabs, each gripping tab of the plurality of gripping tabs being configured to engage a finger of a user in use; and an elastic structure linking the plurality of anchor points together and extending in a plane, the elastic structure being configured to deform in response to an external force applied to the plurality of gripping pieces by the finger to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point of the plurality of anchor points in use, Each of the plurality of anchor points includes a reinforcement portion extending out of the plane.

2. The locking spring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of anchor points includes a third anchor point, and wherein the resilient structure includes a first resilient arm connecting the first anchor point to the third anchor point and a second resilient arm connecting the second anchor point to the third anchor point.

3. The locking spring according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are bent outwardly in the plane.

4. The locking spring according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each anchor point of the plurality of anchor points is configured to bend outwardly in the plane.

5. The locking spring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcement portion is configured to extend away from the battery frame towards an assembly cover of the personal care device assembly in use.

6. The locking spring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reinforcement portion extends substantially orthogonally from the plane.

7. The locking spring according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking spring is made of a single wire.

8. The locking spring according to claim 7, characterized in that: The reinforcement portion is formed as a bent portion of the single wire.

9. The locking spring according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of clamping tabs extends substantially orthogonally from the plane.

10. A personal care device assembly, characterized in that The personal care device assembly comprises: a battery frame for housing a battery and for securing a motor within the personal care device assembly, the battery frame comprising a plurality of anchoring structures; a housing operable with the battery frame to hermetically seal the battery and the motor from an external environment, the housing comprising a plurality of anchoring structures; and A locking spring according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of anchor points are configured to engage corresponding plurality of anchor points of the housing and the battery frame to restrict axial movement of the battery frame relative to the housing in use.

11. The personal care device assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that The battery frame includes a rib adjacent to each anchoring structure configured to receive the first anchor point and the second anchor point, wherein the rib is configured to engage the locking spring to limit the separation distance in use.

12. The personal care device assembly of claim 10, wherein: When the locking spring is the locking spring of claim 2, the battery frame includes a retaining tab for pivotably retaining the third anchor point during installation or removal of the locking spring in use.

13. The personal care device assembly of claim 10, wherein: When the locking spring is the locking spring of claim 2, the battery frame further comprises a support located on either side of one of the anchoring structures configured to receive the third anchor point to contact the locking spring in use to limit the separation distance.

14. The personal care device assembly of claim 10, wherein: The battery frame includes a screw post extending axially away from the battery frame, the screw post including a screw hole for screwing the end cover to the component cover, wherein the battery frame includes a chamfer located on either side of the screw post and extending upwardly to the screw post to prevent the first anchor point and the second anchor point from contacting the screw post during use.

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