Personal care appliance

Abstract

The utility model relates to a personal care appliance (100). A personal care appliance (100) includes: a handle (102); a first switch (300) on the handle; the second switch is arranged on the handle; a lighting device (520); a detection module (114) configured to detect at least one of when the first operating head (106) is attached to the handle, when the second operating head (120) is attached to the handle, and when the accessory (107) is attached to the first operating head; and a controller (110) configured to control a primary function of the first operating head or the second operating head in response to actuation of the first switch when the first operating head or the second operating head is attached to the handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this utility model relates to personal care appliances and personal care kits. Background Technology

[0002] Some personal care devices may have multiple operating heads that can be attached to the handle. Furthermore, some operating heads may be equipped with accessories. The operating heads and accessories may have different functions.

[0003] For example, an operating head in the form of an epilator can have the primary function of hair removal. An attachment in the form of a skin stretcher can be attached to the epilator and has a light for selectively emitting a flash to improve the visibility of the epilator during operation. Another operating head in the form of a near-infrared skin treatment device has a different primary light-emitting function.

[0004] Typically, if each operating head and optional attachment uses a single handle, different switches are used to control each function within the device. For example, one switch might be for the main function of the epilator, a second for the light on the attachment, and a third for the light on the near-infrared skin treatment device. However, having multiple switches can make the handle cluttered and confusing for the user.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to improve upon existing technology. Utility Model Content

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a personal care device is provided, comprising: a handle; a first switch on the handle; a second switch on the handle; a lighting device; a detection module configured to detect when a first operating head is attached to the handle, when a second operating head is attached to the handle, and when an accessory is attached to the first operating head; and a controller configured to, when the first or second operating head is attached to the handle, control the primary function of the first or second operating head in response to actuation of the first switch, activate the lighting device in response to the detection module detecting that the second operating head is attached to the handle or an accessory of the first operating head is attached to the first operating head, and, in response to actuation of the second switch, control the secondary function of the second operating head when the second operating head is attached to the handle, and control the function of the accessory when the accessory is attached to the first operating head.

[0007] Depending on which actuating head is attached to the handle to change the function associated with the first switch, and the second switch is only used for the function of the actuating head or accessory with a secondary function, this reduces clutter on the handle because fewer buttons are needed. The reduced number of buttons also lowers the risk of mechanical failure.

[0008] In one embodiment, the primary functions of the first operating head include a first speed and a second speed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the main functions of the second operating head include turning on the light of the second operating head and turning off the light of the second operating head.

[0010] In one embodiment, the accessory's functions include turning on the accessory's light, turning off the accessory's light, and setting the frequency of light pulses emitted from the light.

[0011] In one embodiment, the detection module is configured to detect that the second operating head includes a secondary function controllable by a second switch, and that an attachment to the first operating head includes a function controllable by a second switch, and the controller is configured to activate the lighting device in response to detecting that the attached second operating head includes a secondary function controllable by a second switch, or detecting that an attachment to the first operating head includes a function controllable by a second switch.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lighting device includes a light-emitting diode (LED).

[0013] In one embodiment, the lighting device is configured to illuminate at least a portion of a second switch or a button assembly including the second switch.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first switch is a mechanically operated switch controlled by a corresponding first actuator.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second switch is a mechanically operated switch controlled by a corresponding second actuator.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first actuator is a first button.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second actuator is a second button.

[0018] In one embodiment, the second button includes a support portion and a button portion, the support portion forming a light guide to direct light from the lighting device to the outside of the appliance, thereby illuminating the second switch.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the button portion is translucent.

[0020] In one embodiment, the personal care device includes a first button assembly, which in turn includes a first switch and a first button.

[0021] In one embodiment, the personal care device includes a second button assembly, which in turn includes a second switch and a second button.

[0022] In one embodiment, the second button is configured as a hidden button.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second button is configured as a hidden button because the second button is configured to be less visible or less prominent than the first button.

[0024] In this context, “hidden” can mean that the second switch below is not only covered but also hidden, for example, covered and hidden by a panel formed to match the surrounding portion of the handle housing.

[0025] Therefore, in one embodiment, the second button is configured as a hidden button because the second button includes a panel that is formed to match the surrounding portion of the handle's housing.

[0026] In one embodiment, the panel is formed to match the surrounding portion because the panel includes a profile that matches the profile of the surrounding portion of the housing.

[0027] In one embodiment, the panel serves as a button section.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second button is configured as a hidden button because the controller is configured to deactivate the lighting device when the second operating head is not attached to the handle or when the attachment of the first operating head is not attached to the first operating head.

[0029] In one embodiment, the personal care device further includes at least one of the following: a first operating head; a second operating head; and an accessory.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first operating head is a hair removal device.

[0031] In one embodiment, the accessory is a skin stretching device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the second operating head is a near-infrared skin treatment device.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a personal care kit is provided, the personal care kit comprising: a personal care appliance of any of the foregoing aspects or embodiments; a first operating head; a second operating head; and accessories.

[0034] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent and will be explained with reference to one or more embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The embodiments of this utility model can be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a personal care appliance according to one or more embodiments is shown;

[0037] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the buttons on a personal care appliance;

[0038] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the button used to actuate the first switch;

[0039] Figure 4 Another button similar to this was shown. Figure 2 The view; and

[0040] Figure 5 Another button similar to this was shown. Figure 3 The view. Detailed Implementation

[0041] At least some of the exemplary embodiments described herein can be constructed, in whole or in part, using dedicated hardware. Terms such as 'component,' 'module,' or 'unit' as used herein may include, but are not limited to, hardware devices such as circuit devices in the form of discrete or integrated components, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that perform a particular task or provide associated functionality. In some embodiments, the described elements may be configured to reside on a tangible, persistent, addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute on one or more processors. In some embodiments, these functional elements may include, for example, components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuit devices, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. Although exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the components, modules, and units discussed herein, these functional elements may be combined into fewer elements or separated into additional elements. Various combinations of optional features have been described herein, and it should be understood that the described features can be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, features of any example embodiment may be suitably combined with features of any other embodiment, unless such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" means including the specified components (one or more), but does not exclude the presence of other components.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 Personal care appliance 100 according to one or more embodiments includes a handle 102, an attachment portion 104, a first operating head 106, a second operating head 120, an accessory 107, a power supply 108, a controller 110, an actuator 112, a detection module 114, and a user interface 116.

[0043] It should be understood that the reference numerals for the first operating head 106 and the second operating head 120 point to the same features. This is because the handle 102 is used for multiple different operating heads. The first operating head 106 and the second operating head 120 can be attached to the handle 102 using the attachment portion 104. The first operating head 106 and the second operating head 120 can perform different operations and have different numbers of functions available for performing these operations.

[0044] The first operating head 106 can be an epilator. The epilator may include an additional attachment portion 109. An accessory 107 can be attached to the epilator using the additional attachment portion 109. The accessory 107 can be a skin stretcher device. The skin stretcher device may include a light 113. For example, the light may be configured to emit a flash mode. The skin stretcher device is shown as a dashed line because it can only be attached to the first operating head 106, and not the second operating head.

[0045] The first operating head 106 may have a main function. The main function of the first operating head 106 includes setting a speed by selecting a first speed and a second speed. The first speed and the second speed are different.

[0046] Annex 107 has functions associated with its lamp 113. These functions may include at least one of turning the lamp 113 on, turning the lamp 113 off, and setting the frequency of light pulses emitted from the lamp 113. For example, the frequency can be changed to continuous on or to emit a flash mode. The flash can be used to make hair removal easier for the user to observe.

[0047] The second operating head 120 can be a near-infrared (NIR) skin treatment device. The NIR skin treatment device includes a lamp 111 for emitting light of an appropriate wavelength (e.g., NIR). The light penetrates the user's skin to tighten it. The lamp 111 is shown as a dashed line because it is not a component of the hair removal device.

[0048] The second operating head 120 may have a primary function, which includes at least one of turning on the light 111 and turning off the light 111.

[0049] The power source 108 can be a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a secondary battery.

[0050] Controller 110 may include memory and one or more processors. The memory includes electronic data in the form of instructions. When executed by one or more processors, the instructions can cause one or more processors to perform the computer-implemented methods described herein. In this way, the memory can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Instructions can also be provided as a temporary computer-readable medium when provided as downloads to be stored on the memory. Conversely, a personal care device may include memory and one or more processors, wherein controller 110 is provided as instructions on memory for execution by one or more processors.

[0051] Actuator 112 is configured to supply power to the first operating head 106 and the second operating head 107. The actuator may be a motor or the like.

[0052] The detection module 114 can be used to determine when the first operating head 107 and / or the second operating head 107 have been attached to the handle 102. The detection module 114 in... Figure 1 The contents are shown as functional blocks. Detection module 114 includes a sensor, memory, and one or more processors. When instructions are given by one or more processors, the instructions can cause one or more processors to perform the computer-implemented methods described herein. In this way, memory can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Instructions can also be provided as a temporary computer-readable medium when they are provided as a download to be stored on memory. Conversely, in the case where a personal care device includes memory and one or more processors, detection module 114 may include a sensor and instructions stored on memory for execution by one or more processors.

[0053] The sensor in the detection module can be an electronic circuit. For example, two electrical contacts are provided, which are connected when a first operating head, a second operating head, or an accessory is attached. When the contacts are connected, i.e., when the electronic circuit is closed, the detection module can detect which head or accessory is attached by means of the resistance level. This means of detecting the attached head or accessory is an illustrative example. Other examples that perform the same purpose can also be used. In this way, the detection module can form an identification module because it is able to identify which head or accessory is attached.

[0054] User interface 116 can be mounted on the outer surface of handle 102 and communicatively linked to controller 110.

[0055] The user interface may include a first switch and a second switch, such as Figures 2 to 5 As shown in any of the accompanying figures.

[0056] Also refer to Figure 1The detection module 114 is configured to detect when a first operating head is attached to the handle, when a second operating head is attached to the handle, and when an accessory is attached to the first operating head. It should be understood that only the first operating head 106 or the second operating head 120 can be attached to the handle 102 at a time. Both operating heads cannot be attached to the handle 102 simultaneously. Detecting the attachment of the first operating head 106 / second operating head 120 or the accessory 109 may include detecting the primary functionality of the first head 106 or the second head 120, the functionality of the accessory 109, and the secondary functionality of the second operating head 120. That is, the detection module can appropriately determine whether the currently attached operating head and / or accessory includes additional functionality beyond the primary functionality of the currently attached operating head.

[0057] The controller 110 can be configured to control the primary function of the first operating head 106 in response to actuation of the first switch when the first operating head 106 is attached to the handle 102, and to control the primary function of the second operating head 120 in response to actuation of the first switch when the second operating head 120 is attached to the handle 102. Similarly, the controller 110 is configured to control the secondary functions of the second operating head 120 or the function of the accessory in response to actuation of the second switch when the second operating head 120 or the accessory 109 is attached to the handle 102. (See reference) Figure 2 A button 200 may be provided. The button 200 may include a first actuator 202 and a second actuator 204. The first and second actuators may be different parts of the button. For example, the button 200 may be elongated. The first actuator may be located at one end of the button, and the second actuator may be located at the other end. In this way, both the first and second actuators can be buttons. Each actuator is provided to operate a switch. For example, the first actuator 202 may operate a first switch, and the second actuator may operate a second switch.

[0058] The first switch can be permanently enabled. Suitablely, the first switch controls the main functions of the first operating head 106 (e.g., a hair removal device) and the second operating head 120 (e.g., a skin treatment device).

[0059] The second switch is activated only when the second operating head 120 or accessory 109 is attached to the handle 102. The second switch can control the secondary functions of the second operating head and the functions of the accessory.

[0060] refer to Figure 3 The first switch 300 is displayed below the first actuator of the button. The second switch can be positioned similarly below the second actuator.

[0061] The first and second switches can be mechanical switches. The button can include a support portion 302 and a button portion 304. A seal 306 can be disposed between the actuator and the switch. The first switch 300 and the second switch can be connected to a printed circuit board assembly 308, thereby being connected to a controller.

[0062] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The personal care device also includes a lighting device 520. The lighting device 520 can be located in any suitable visible position on the personal care appliance 100. For example, the lighting device can be mounted on the handle 102. Appropriately, the lighting device provides visual indication to the user of the appliance 100 of any additional functions that can be controlled by the currently operating head / accessory.

[0063] Preferably, the lighting device 520 is configured to illuminate the second switch and / or its actuator components (e.g., the second actuator 204). In other words, the lighting device 520 can be considered as illuminating at least a portion of the button assembly including the second switch. In this way, a visual indicator that indicates to the user that the current operating head / accessory includes additional functions naturally guides the user to the button that can control these additional functions. Appropriately, the second button can be designed to be less visible than the first button, making the first button more noticeable to the user when only the first button is operable to control the main function of the operating head. In other words, the first button can be configured to be more prominent than the second button, and in some examples, the second button can be considered a 'hidden' button (hidden to the extent that the user may not be very aware of the existence of the second button, not necessarily completely imperceptible).

[0064] In this example, the lighting device 520 includes a light-emitting diode (LED). Here, the columnar portion 302 of the second button forms a light guide to direct light from the lighting device 502 to the outside of the device. Suitablely, at least a portion of the button portion 304 may be translucent. In this way, the second button can appear to be illuminated from the inside, which is particularly advantageous for "hidden" second button designs.

[0065] In other embodiments, the first and second switches can be operated by the same actuator. In such cases, a single button can be used for both the first and second actuators by pressing the same component. However, the controller can differentiate between different functions depending on the amount of time the user presses the button. For example, a short press can be used for the primary function of the first operating head. A longer press can be used for a secondary function of the first operating head. Even longer presses can be used for the function of the second operating head.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive; the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0067] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed utility model. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items listed in the claims. The fact that certain measures are recited only in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A personal care appliance characterized in that, Comprising: a handle (102); a first switch (300) on the handle; a button assembly comprising a second switch on the handle and a button (204), the second switch being a mechanically operated switch controlled by the button; a lighting device (520) configured to illuminate at least a portion of the button assembly; a detection module (114) configured to detect at least one of when a first operating head (106) is attached to the handle, when a second operating head (120) is attached to the handle, and when an accessory (107) is attached to the first operating head; and a controller (110) configured to: control a primary function of the first operating head or the second operating head, respectively, in response to actuation of the first switch when the first operating head or the second operating head is attached to the handle, activate the lighting device in response to the detection module detecting that the second operating head is attached to the handle or that the accessory of the first operating head is attached to the first operating head, and control a secondary function of the second operating head when the second operating head is attached to the handle and control a function of the accessory when the accessory is attached to the first operating head in response to actuation of the second switch; wherein the button is configured as a hidden button.

2. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a first button assembly comprising a first switch and a first button (202), the first switch being a mechanically operated switch controlled by the first button, wherein the button controlling the second switch is a second button (204), and wherein the second button is configured as a hidden button in that the second button is configured to be less visible or less prominent than the first button.

3. A personal care appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The button (204) is configured as a hidden button in that the button comprises a panel, wherein the panel is formed to match a surrounding portion of a housing of the handle (102).

4. A personal care appliance according to claim 3, wherein, The panel is formed to match a surrounding portion in that the panel comprises a contour that matches a contour of the surrounding portion of the housing.

5. The personal care appliance of claim 3, wherein, The button (204) comprises a strut portion (302) and a button portion (304), the strut portion forming a light guide to guide light from the lighting device (520) outside the personal care appliance.

6. The personal care appliance of claim 5, wherein, At least a portion of the button portion (304) is light transmissive.

7. The personal care appliance of claim 5, wherein, The panel serves as the button portion (304).

8. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, The button (204) is configured as a hidden button in that the controller (110) is configured to cause the lighting device (520) to be deactivated when the second operating head (120) is not attached to the handle or when the accessory (107) of the first operating head (106) is not attached to the first operating head.

9. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, The primary function of the first operating head (106) comprises at least one of a first speed and a second speed. The primary function of the first operating head (106) comprises at least one of a first speed and a second speed.

10. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, The primary function of the second operating head (120) comprises turning on a light of the second operating head, and turning off the light of the second operating head.

11. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, The function of the attachment (107) comprises turning on a light of the attachment, turning off the light of the attachment, and setting a frequency of light pulses emitted from the light.

12. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, The detection module (114) is configured to detect that the second operating head (120) comprises a secondary function controllable by the second switch, and that the attachment (107) of the first operating head (106) comprises a function controllable by the second switch, and The controller (110) is configured to activate the lighting device (520) in response to the detection module detecting that the second operating head is attached to the handle (102) and comprises a secondary function controllable by the second switch, or that the attachment of the first operating head is attached to the first operating head and comprises a function controllable by the second switch.

13. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, The lighting device (520) comprises a light emitting diode, LED.

14. The personal care appliance of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising at least one of: the first operating head (106); the second operating head (120); and the attachment (107).

15. The personal care appliance of claim 14, wherein, The first operating head (106) is an epilator, wherein the second operating head (120) is a near-infrared skin treatment device, and wherein the attachment (107) is a skin stretching device.

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