Assembly configured for use in a handheld personal care appliance

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an assembly configured for use in a hand-held personal care appliance (1). In the field of hand-held personal care appliances, an assembly (7) is provided comprising a base member (8) and a head member (9) coupled to each other. The head member (9) is movable relative to the base member (8) in a direction about a pivot axis. The base member (8) comprises an engagement element at the location of which the head member (9) is engaged on the base member (8), wherein the engagement element is specifically designed to enable the head member (9) to move relative to the base member (8) with low levels of play and friction as required. The pivot axis is mainly defined by a first engagement member, whereas a second engagement member at a distance from the first engagement member in the direction in which the pivot axis extends is shaped and sized differently from the first engagement member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a component configured for use in a handheld personal care device, the component including a base member and a head member, the base member being configured to be coupled to a handle of the personal care device, the head member being disposed on the base member and coupled to the base member, wherein the head member is movable relative to the base member in a direction about a pivot axis extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component.

[0002] Furthermore, this utility model relates to a handheld electric shaver that includes the components described above. The handheld electric shaver may also include a hair cutting unit and a drive system. The hair cutting unit includes at least one movable cutting element, and the drive system is configured to cause the movable cutting element to perform reciprocating movement during operation of the electric shaver. Background Technology

[0003] Electric shavers are well-known and are generally used for shaving body hair, including facial hair, chest hair, etc. Electric shavers are powered by a power source and / or an energy storage device such as a battery. A common alternative term for electric shavers is electric trimmer.

[0004] In commonly known configurations, handheld electric shavers include a handle and a shaving unit. The handle is configured to be gripped by a user's hand, and the shaving unit moves over the skin to be shaved during use of the shaver. The handle and shaving unit are coupled to each other in the assembled state of the shaver. Traditionally, the shaving unit includes at least one combination of an outer cutting member as a non-driven component, having a hair-cutting area with a hair entry opening, and an inner cutting member as a driven component, wherein at least the inner cutting member has one or more cutting blades. In such cases, the use of the electric shaver involves placing the shaver in an operating mode in which the inner cutting member of the shaver is driven to move relative to the outer cutting member, and the shaver is moved over the skin in such a manner that the hair-cutting area of ​​the outer cutting member of the shaver faces and contacts the skin. During this process, hair protruding from the skin is captured in the hair entry opening, thereby creating an opening extending through the internal space of the shaver, in which the hair is cut when touched by the cutting blades of the moving inner cutting member.

[0005] To improve the efficiency and comfort of the handheld electric shaver described above, a concept called contour following is known to be applied. Specifically, contour following allows the orientation of the outer cutting member relative to the handle to change relative to the shape characteristics of the skin, ensuring that the outer cutting member is correctly oriented relative to the skin in all situations. Contour following is typically achieved by using an assembly comprising a base member and a head member in the shaving unit of the shaver, wherein the base member is configured to be coupled to the handle of the shaver, wherein the head member is disposed on and coupled to the base member, and wherein the head member is movable relative to the base member in a direction about at least one pivot axis extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly.

[0006] For example, a known shaving unit has an outer cutting member that is generally elongated, and an inner cutting member that is driven to perform reciprocating linear movement relative to the outer cutting member. In such shaving unit components, contour following may include enabling a head member to move relative to a base member in a direction about a pivot axis that extends in a direction perpendicular to both the direction in which the inner cutting member can move relative to the outer cutting member. For optimal contour following, the pivot axis is desired to be at a level as close to the skin as possible. Given the fact that the cutting member exists at skin height, there is no space for a pivot at this location. A solution has been found in component designs that aim to achieve a virtual pivot axis.

[0007] One object of this invention is to provide a component as described above, comprising a base member and a head member, wherein smooth movement of the head member relative to the base member is achieved with minimal risk of blockage and prevention of vibration or other noise-generating factors. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention provides a component configured for use in a handheld personal care device, the component including a base member and a head member, the base member being configured to be coupled to a handle of the personal care device, and the head member being disposed on and coupled to the base member, wherein:

[0009] The head member is movable relative to the base member in a direction about a pivot axis that extends longitudinally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the assembly.

[0010] The base member includes a first engagement element at which the head member engages with the base member. The first engagement element includes a concave, curved pivot guide rail for the head member, configured to control movement of the head member relative to the base member in a direction about a pivot axis.

[0011] The base member includes a second engagement element at which the head member engages with the base member. The second engagement element is spaced apart from the first engagement element in the direction of the pivot axis and is configured to contact the head member along a path significantly shorter than the pivot guide track of the first engagement element in the direction about the pivot axis.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, the components according to this invention employ special measures related to the design of the engaging elements of the base member. Specifically, elements at the position where the head member engages with the base member provide guidance and / or control over the movement of the head member relative to the base member. One aspect of this invention is that control over the movement of the head member relative to the base member in the direction about the pivot axis does not necessarily require two engaging elements of the same size, or in fact, two concavely curved pivot guide tracks of the same size. According to this invention, the base member includes a first engaging element comprising a concavely curved pivot guide track for the head member, configured to control the movement of the head member relative to the base member in the direction about the pivot axis. A second engaging element is spaced a distance from the first engaging element in the direction extending along the pivot axis, thereby also facilitating pivotal movement of the head member. However, the second engaging element is configured to contact the head member along a path significantly smaller than that of the first engaging element in the direction about the pivot axis. One advantageous outcome is that such a low level of friction between the base and head components can be achieved, thus preventing jamming that could occur under the influence of forces acting around the central longitudinal axis of the assembly. Therefore, the reliability of personal care appliances is improved through relatively simple structural measures.

[0013] Compared to the size of the contact path of the first engaging element in the direction about the pivot axis, this invention covers a variety of possibilities regarding the size of the contact path of the second engaging element. For example, the second engaging element is configured to contact the head member along a path that is at least twice as short as the pivot guide track of the first engaging element in the direction about the pivot axis. The contact path of the second engaging element can even be significantly shorter than this, where theoretically point contact or line contact may be sufficient, and where in practice contact, at least over a small area, may be useful. In the latter case, it is advantageous if the second engaging element has a concave curved surface, because the presence of such a surface can help guide the head member in movement relative to the base member in the direction about the pivot axis. Furthermore, considering the overall control of the movement of the head member relative to the base member, it is advantageous to at least prevent movement of the head member relative to the base member in the direction about an axis extending in both the longitudinal direction and the direction in which the pivot axis extends, if the second engaging element is configured to engage the head member with the base member at the location of the second engaging element.

[0014] In the context of this invention, various designs for the engaging elements of the base member are feasible. For example, the first engaging element may include a crescent-shaped feature comprising a pivot guide rail. In this case, it is practical if the head member includes a portion comprising a curved groove, and the crescent-shaped feature of the first engaging element is received within the groove. To achieve a defined minimum clearance for the engagement of the groove and the crescent-shaped feature, it is practical if the crescent-shaped feature of the first engaging element is received within the curved groove with variable clearance along the groove, wherein the clearance in two regions of the groove is significantly smaller than the clearance outside those two regions. One way to achieve this feature involves the design of the crescent-shaped feature of the first engaging element, wherein the crescent-shaped feature has a thickened end portion. In a more or less similar manner, the head member may include another portion comprising a curved groove, and a second engaging element is partially received within the groove, optionally having variable clearance along the groove, wherein the clearance in at least one region of the groove is significantly smaller than the clearance outside that region.

[0015] In one advantageous aspect, the present invention proposes equipping the base member with guide engagement elements at critical locations. Specifically, two guide engagement elements are spaced apart from each other in directions perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the direction of the pivot axis extension. These guide engagement elements are configured to engage the head member with the base member at the locations of the guide engagement elements, at least preventing movement of the head member relative to the base member in the direction about the central longitudinal axis of the assembly. This makes the guide engagement elements act as rotational stop elements for the head member. Based on the use of such guide engagement elements in the base member, it is unnecessary for a second engagement element of the base member to have the function of preventing movement of the head member relative to the base member in the direction about the central longitudinal axis of the assembly, which supports the overall concept of having a relatively small size for the second engagement element.

[0016] It is practical if the component includes at least one biasing element configured to bias the head member relative to the base member in a defined default position in the direction about the pivot axis. In this way, it is ensured that once the personal care appliance has been used to perform the corresponding personal care action, the head member always returns to its default position relative to the base member in the direction about the pivot axis once the component is no longer subjected to external force. For example, the biasing element includes a spring appropriately arranged within the component.

[0017] Other practical possibilities covered by this invention include a base component and a head component both being integral plastic components formed by injection molding, wherein the head component is connected to the base component by a snap-fit ​​connection feature.

[0018] This invention relates to various types of handheld personal care appliances. A handheld electric shaver, including the components defined and described above, is a viable example. Such shavers may include a hair-cutting unit and a drive system comprising at least one movable cutting element, the drive system being configured to either reciprocate or rotate the movable cutting element during operation of the electric shaver. To ensure that the interaction between the hair-cutting unit and the skin is subjected to the shaving action as desired, the hair-cutting unit is located at the head member of the assembly. Another type of handheld personal care appliance covered by this invention is an epilator.

[0019] The above and other aspects of this invention will become apparent and will be elucidated from the following detailed description of an embodiment of an assembly for a handheld electric shaver, comprising a base member and a head member pivotable relative to the base member, wherein the base member is provided with a plurality of specific engagement elements for controlling the movement of the head member relative to the base member while achieving a low level of play and friction. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A handheld electric shaver including a shaving unit and a handle is schematically shown, wherein the hair cutting unit of the shaving unit is in a default vertical orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaving unit.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates a shaving unit in which the hair cutting unit is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaving unit.

[0023] Figure 3 The component is schematically shown as part of the shaving unit, and includes a base component and a head component;

[0024] Figure 4 The diagram schematically illustrates a shaving unit in which the head component of the components has been removed;

[0025] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Two different views of the head component are shown;

[0026] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the component is shown, in which the head member is in its default position relative to the base member in the direction about the pivot axis;

[0027] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the assembly is shown, in which the head member is tilted relative to the base member in the direction about the pivot axis; and

[0028] Figure 9 Another cross-sectional view of the assembly is shown, in which the head member is in its default position relative to the base member in the direction about the pivot axis. Detailed Implementation

[0029] As indicated above, this utility model relates to a component suitable for a handheld personal care device, the component comprising a base member and a head member, wherein the head member is tiltable relative to the base member. Hereinafter, the component is described in the context of a handheld electric shaver, which is not intended to imply that the utility model is limited in any way to that context, nor that the details in the description are necessarily related only to that context.

[0030] Figure 1A handheld electric shaver 1 including a shaving unit 2 and a handle 3 is shown. The size and shape of the handle 3 can be any suitable size and shape, and therefore, the handle 3 is depicted only by means of dashed lines. Generally, the handle 3 is designed to allow the user of the shaver 1 to hold and manipulate the shaver 1, wherein the shaving unit 2 constitutes a part of the shaver 1, which is positioned on and moved over the skin, thereby performing shaving actions on the skin. The handle 3 may have the function of housing at least one electric motor for driving the components of the shaving unit 2. The handle 3 may also include means for powering the at least one electric motor, such as a rechargeable battery. This is practical if at least a portion of the shaving unit 2 can be removed from the shaver 1, such as for cleaning or replacement purposes.

[0031] The shaving unit 2 includes a hair-cutting unit 4 and a support unit 5 for the hair-cutting unit 4, connecting the hair-cutting unit 4 to the handle 3. In this example, the shaving 1 is of a type commonly referred to as a foil shaving. This means that the hair-cutting unit 4 includes an outer cutting member 6, which is generally elongated in shape, as shown, and the inner cutting member of the hair-cutting unit 4 is driven to perform reciprocating linear movement relative to the outer cutting member 6. Furthermore, in this example, the shaving unit 2 is designed to perform contour following as the shaving unit 2 moves over the skin. This means that the orientation of the hair-cutting unit 4 relative to the longitudinal axis Ls of the shaving unit 2 is variable, which is beneficial for shaving performance and user comfort. In this regard, Figure 1 The hair cutting unit 4 is shown in a default vertical orientation relative to the longitudinal axis Ls, while Figure 2 The hair cutting unit 4 is shown to be tilted relative to the longitudinal axis Ls.

[0032] To achieve the aforementioned change of the hair cutting unit 4 relative to the longitudinal axis Ls, the shaving unit 2 includes, as follows: Figure 3 Component 7 is shown. Component 7 includes a base member 8 and a head member 9, wherein the base member 8 is located on one side of the handle 3, and the head member 9 is arranged on top of the base member 8. As seen in the longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis Ls, it is assumed that the handle 3 is in a lower position in the longitudinal direction, and the shaving unit 2 is in a higher position in the longitudinal direction. Any references to lower and higher positions suggested herein are based on the assumption that the handle 3 is in a lower position and the shaving unit 2 is in a higher position.

[0033] The head member 9 is suitably coupled to the base member 8, such as by a snap-fit ​​connection feature. An important aspect of the assembly 7 relates to the contour-following function of the shaving unit 2, and to the fact that the head member 9 is movable relative to the base member 8 in a direction about a pivot axis P, which extends in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions, and this direction is also referred to as the first lateral direction, noting that the longitudinal axis La of the assembly extends integrally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis Ls of the shaving unit 4. Figure 3 In the diagram, the head member 9 is shown in an inclined orientation relative to the base member 8. The pivot axis P and the direction of extension can be... Figure 4 It can be seen from this that Figure 4 A perspective top view of the shaving unit 2 with the head component 9 of component 7 removed is shown.

[0034] refer to Figure 4 to Figure 8 Note that the base member 8 includes engaging elements that enable the head member to engage with the base member, and these engaging elements are located in appropriate corresponding positions within the base member 8. Each of these engaging elements will be described below, with their function in guiding and / or controlling the movement of the head member 9 relative to the base member 8 explained in detail.

[0035] First, the base member 8 is equipped with a pair of engaging elements, including a first engaging element 10 and a second engaging element 11, wherein the second engaging element 11 is spaced a distance from the first engaging element 10 in the direction extending along the pivot axis P. The first engaging member 10 includes a concave, curved pivot guide rail 12 for the head member 9, which is a key feature for controlling the movement of the head member 9 relative to the base member 8 in the direction about the pivot axis P as needed. In fact, it is the pivot guide rail 12 that defines the pivot axis P.

[0036] The pivot guide rail 12 is located at the top of the crescent-shaped feature 13 of the base member 8. The second engagement element 11 has a concave curved surface 14 for contacting the head member 9 and enabling the head member 9 to perform pivoting movements defined by the pivot guide rail 12. Figure 5As can be seen, the head member 9 includes a portion comprising a curved groove 15 at a location for receiving a portion of the second engaging element 11. In the direction about the pivot axis P, the concave curved surface 14 of the second engaging element 11 is significantly shorter than the pivot guide track 12. Generally, in a second transverse direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and first transverse directions, the second engaging element 11 is significantly smaller than the first engaging element 10. Furthermore, a portion of the curved groove 15 may be narrower than the remainder of the curved groove 15, such that the guidance of the head member 9 at the location of the second engaging member 11 in the direction about the pivot axis P occurs only along a limited path. An alternative is feasible, wherein the contact between the base member 8 and the head member 9 at the location of the second engaging member 11 is reduced to no more than line contact or near-line contact.

[0037] Based on the fact that the shape of the second engaging element 11 is more or less like a lip protruding in the first lateral direction, the function of the second engaging element is based on the head member 9 engaging with the base member 8 at the position of the second engaging element 11, preventing the head member 9 from moving relative to the base member 8 in the direction of the axis Y extending about the second lateral direction.

[0038] exist Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As can be seen from the image, the head component 9 includes a portion containing a bending groove 16. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates how the crescent-shaped feature 13 of the first engaging element 10 is received in the slot 16. The crescent-shaped feature 13 and the slot 16 cooperate to prevent movement of the head member 9 away from the base member 8 in the longitudinal direction, and also define a specific pivoting movement of the head member 9 upon which the contour-following function of the shaving unit 2 is based. The crescent-shaped feature 13 is received in the slot 16 with a defined minimum clearance, i.e., at the location of the thickened end portion 17 of the crescent-shaped feature 13. This facilitates smooth contour-following and minimizes noise generated at the location of the shaving unit 2 during operation of the shaving unit 2.

[0039] Second, the base member 8 is equipped with a pair of guide engagement elements 18, 19, which are spaced apart from each other in the second lateral direction. Based on their positioning and shape, the guide engagement elements 18, 19 serve to prevent movement of the head member 9 relative to the base member 8 in the direction about the central longitudinal axis La of the assembly 7, based on the engagement of the head member 9 with the guide engagement elements 18, 19 at their positions. The relatively small size of the second engagement element 11 helps to prevent excessive constraint on the structure including the first engagement element 10, the second engagement element 11, and the two guide engagement elements 18, 19, and friction is kept at a low level because the surface involved in the contact between the base member 8 and the head member 9 is designed to be as small as possible. The guide engagement elements 18, 19 also serve to prevent movement of the head member 9 relative to the base member 8 in the first lateral direction and are shaped to not impede the pivoting movement of the head member 9 in any way.

[0040] If the contour-following function of shaving unit 2 also involves ensuring that shaving unit 2 is in its default configuration without being subjected to external forces, i.e., the configuration of shaving unit 2 where hair cutting unit 4 is in a default vertical orientation relative to the longitudinal axis Ls, then this is practical. In this example, as... Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, this is achieved by means of a spring 20 in component 7, which is arranged to hold the head member 9 in a default orientation relative to the base member 8, wherein the head member 9 is not tilted relative to the base member 8 in a direction about the pivot axis P, and to return the head member 9 to that orientation during the time the head member 9 is forced to another orientation.

[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of this invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, and that various modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. This invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. Although this invention has been detailed and described in the accompanying drawings and specification, such descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. This invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, in which details not necessary for understanding this invention may be omitted, and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0042] Based on a study of the accompanying drawings, description, and appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed utility model. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.

[0043] Unless otherwise expressly stated, elements and aspects discussed with respect to a particular embodiment or with respect to a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments. Therefore, the fact that certain measures are referenced only in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0044] As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “including” will be understood by those skilled in the art to encompass the term “consisting of”. Thus, the terms “comprising” or “including” in one embodiment may mean “consisting of”, but in another embodiment may mean “containing / having / equipped with at least the defined substances and optionally one or more other substances”.

[0045] The significant aspects of this invention are summarized below. In the field of handheld personal care appliances, a component 7 for such appliances is provided. Component 7 includes a base member 8 and a head member 9 connected to each other, wherein the head member 9 is movable relative to the base member 8 in a direction about a pivot axis p. The base member 8 includes at least two engaging elements 10, 11, at which the head member 9 engages with the base member 8, wherein the engaging elements 10, 11 are specifically designed to allow the head member 9 to move relative to the base member 8 with a low level of play and friction as needed. The pivot axis P is primarily defined by the first engaging member 10, while a second engaging member 11, located at a distance from the first engaging member 10 in the direction in which the pivot axis P extends, differs in shape and size from the first engaging member 10. A practical example of the component 7 according to this invention is that it is intended for use in a handheld electric shaver 1 for implementing a contour-following function.

Claims

1. A component configured for use in a handheld personal care device (1), characterized in that, Includes a base component (8) and a head component (9), the base component being configured to be coupled to a handle (3) of the personal care appliance (1), the head component (9) being disposed on and coupled to the base component (8), wherein: The head member (9) is movable relative to the base member (8) in a direction about a pivot axis (P), which extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (La) of the assembly (7). The base member (8) includes a first engagement element (10), at which the head member (9) engages with the base member (8). The first engagement element (10) includes a concavely curved pivot guide rail (12) for the head member (9), the pivot guide rail being configured to control movement of the head member (9) relative to the base member (8) in the direction about the pivot axis (P). The base member (8) includes a second engagement element (11), and the head member (9) engages the base member (8) at the location of the second engagement element (11). The second engagement element (11) is spaced apart from the first engagement element (10) in the direction in which the pivot axis (P) extends, and is configured to contact the head member (9) in the direction about the pivot axis (P) along a path that is significantly shorter than the pivot guide rail (12) of the first engagement element (10).

2. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second engagement element (11) is configured to contact the head member (9) along a path that is at least twice as short as the pivot guide rail (12) of the first engagement element (10) in the direction about the pivot axis (P).

3. The component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second bonding element (11) has a concave curved surface (14).

4. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second engagement element (11) is configured to engage the head member (9) at the location of the second engagement element (11) on the base member (8), at least preventing the head member (9) from moving relative to the base member (8) in a direction about an axis (Y) that extends in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the direction in which the pivot axis (P) extends.

5. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head member (9) includes a portion containing a curved groove (15), wherein the second engaging element (11) is partially received in the groove (15).

6. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first engagement element (10) includes a crescent-shaped feature (13), which includes the pivot guide rail (12).

7. The component according to claim 6, characterized in that, The head member (9) includes a portion containing a curved groove (16), wherein the crescent-shaped feature (13) of the first engaging element (10) is received in the groove (16).

8. The component according to claim 7, characterized in that, The crescent-shaped feature (13) of the first engaging element (10) is received in the curved groove (16) with a variable clearance along the groove (16), and the clearance in two regions of the groove (16) is significantly smaller than the clearance outside the two regions.

9. The component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The crescent-shaped feature (13) of the first engaging element (10) has a thickened end portion.

10. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base member (8) includes two guide engagement elements (18, 19) spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the direction in which the pivot axis (P) extends, and the two guide engagement elements are configured to engage the head member (9) on the base member (8) at the positions of the guide engagement elements (18, 19), at least preventing the head member (9) from moving relative to the base member (8) in a direction about the central longitudinal axis (La) of the assembly (7).

11. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes at least one biasing element (20) configured to bias the head member (9) relative to the base member (8) to a defined default position in the direction about the pivot axis (P).

12. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base component (8) and the head component (9) are both integral plastic components formed by injection molding.

13. The component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head component (9) is connected to the base component (8) by a snap-fit ​​connection feature.

14. A handheld personal care device, characterized in that, Includes component (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The handheld personal care device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The assembly includes a hair cutting unit (4) and a drive system, the hair cutting unit including at least one movable cutting element, the drive system being configured to cause the movable cutting element to move during operation of the electric shaver (1), wherein the hair cutting unit (4) is located at the position of the head member (9) of the assembly (7).

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