Locking spring, personal care device, and assembly method

Abstract

The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a lock spring 18 for securing a battery frame 16 to a housing 14 in a personal care device assembly 10. The lock spring includes a plurality of anchor points 36 for engaging a plurality of separate anchor formations on the battery frame and the housing, respectively, in use; a plurality of pinch tabs, each pinch tab of the plurality of pinch tabs 38 configured to engage a user's finger in use; and a resilient structure connecting the plurality of anchor points and extending in a plane P, the resilient structure configured to deform in use based on an external force applied to the plurality of pinch tabs by the finger to reduce a separation distance D between a first anchor point and a second anchor point of the plurality of anchor points. Each anchor point of the plurality of anchor points has a reinforcement portion extending outwardly of the plane.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter of this disclosure relates to the field of personal care devices. More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates to lock springs, personal care device assemblies, and methods of assembling personal care devices. [Background technology]

[0002] The personal care device assembly can include a housing, a battery frame for supporting the battery within the housing, and a locking spring for securing the housing and battery frame together, such that the locking spring reduces axial movement of the battery frame relative to the housing during use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, under certain circumstances, the relative forces can be significant. For example, if the personal care device is dropped on its end, the inertia of the battery can cause excessive forces from the battery frame. Such excessive forces can result in damage to the locking spring or breakage to the housing and battery frame.

[0004] It is noted that JP H11 86814A discloses a device having a battery unit that is removably attached to a battery holder of the device's housing. To remove the battery unit from the housing, a user must use two fingers to punch out two end elements of the spring, which results in the protrusions of the spring being released from the battery holder.

[0005] The purpose of the subject matter of this disclosure is to improve upon the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a locking spring for securing a battery frame to a housing in a personal care device assembly, the locking spring comprising: a plurality of anchor points for engaging, in use, a plurality of separate anchor formations on the battery frame and the housing, a plurality of pinch tabs, each pinch tab configured to engage, in use, with a user's finger; and a resilient structure connecting the plurality of anchor points and extending in a plane, the resilient structure configured to deform, in use, based on an external force applied to the pinch tabs by the finger to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point of the plurality of anchor points, each anchor point having a reinforcing portion extending out of the plane.

[0007] Thus, the reinforcement 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 can include a third anchor point, and the resilient structure can have 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 and second resilient arms may be curved 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 can be configured to extend outwardly within a plane.

[0011] In embodiments, the reinforcement may be configured to extend from the battery frame toward the assembly cap of the personal care device assembly during use.

[0012] In this way, the reinforcement can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane, which provides a greater counter force when the personal care device is dropped compared to other extension directions.

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

[0014] In one embodiment, the reinforcement can be formed as a folded portion of a single piece of wire, which is easy to manufacture.

[0015] In one embodiment, each pinch tab of the plurality of pinch tabs extends substantially perpendicular to the plane, making the pinch tabs easy for a user to grasp.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a personal care device assembly comprising: a battery frame for housing a battery and securing a motor within the personal care device assembly, the battery frame including a plurality of anchor formations; a housing cooperable with the battery frame for sealing the battery and the motor from an external environment, the housing including a plurality of anchor formations; and a lock spring of any preceding aspect or embodiment, the plurality of anchor points configured to engage a plurality of individual anchor points on the battery frame and the housing to limit axial movement of the battery frame relative to the housing during use.

[0017] In one embodiment, the battery frame has ribs adjacent each anchor formation configured to receive the first and second anchor points, the ribs configured to engage the locking springs in use to limit their separation distance, which prevents the locking springs from binding within the assembly and prevents wear on other portions of the battery frame or housing.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery frame can have a retention tab for pivotally retaining the third anchor point during installation or removal of the locking spring during use. Pivotally retaining the locking spring makes installation and removal more intuitive and improves repeatability.

[0019] In one embodiment, the battery frame can further include a post located on either side of one of the anchor formations configured to receive a third anchor point for contacting the locking spring to limit the separation distance in use. Limiting the separation distance prevents the locking spring from binding within the assembly and prevents wear on other parts of the battery frame or housing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery frame can have a threaded post extending axially away from the battery frame, the threaded post can include a threaded hole for screwing the end cap onto the assembly cap, and the battery frame can have a ramp extending above the threaded post on either side to prevent the locking spring from contacting the threaded post during use. Preventing the locking spring from contacting the threaded post prevents the locking spring from grabbing the threaded post during disassembly. Another advantage is that the ramp guides the locking spring away from the battery frame during disassembly and toward the battery frame during assembly.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of assembling a personal care device, the method comprising the steps of providing a personal care device assembly according to any of the preceding aspects or embodiments; applying an external force to a plurality of pinch tabs to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point; moving the first anchor point and the second anchor point adjacent anchor forming portions that receive them in the housing and the battery frame, respectively; and releasing the clamping force.

[0022] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional schematic representation of a personal care device assembly according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a display similar to that of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 illustrates a lock spring of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5A] 5 is a view showing a protrusion at the end of the lock spring of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 5B] 5 is a view showing the protrusion on the top of the lock spring of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 5C] 5 is a diagram showing a protrusion on the side of the lock spring of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 6. [Figure 8A] 2A-2C show perspective views of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 at various stages of assembly. [Figure 8B] 2A-2C show perspective views of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 at various stages of assembly. [Figure 8C] 2A-2C show perspective views of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 at various stages of assembly. [Figure 8D] 2A-2C show perspective views of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 at various stages of assembly. [Figure 8E] 2A-2C show perspective views of the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 at various stages of assembly. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart comprising steps for disassembling the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart comprising steps for assembling the personal care device assembly of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention can be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Although various combinations of optional features are described herein, it should be understood that the described features can be combined in any suitable combination. In particular, features of any one exemplary embodiment can be combined with features of any other embodiment, as appropriate, except where such combinations are mutually exclusive. Throughout this document, the terms "having" or "comprising" mean including the specified components but do not exclude the presence of other components.

[0026] 1, personal care device assembly 10 (or simply assembly) includes an appliance 12, a housing 14, a battery frame 16, a locking spring 18, and an assembly cap 20. Housing 14 may include an inner tube 22 and an outer tube 24. Within assembly 10 is a motor 26 and a battery 28.

[0027] Personal care devices are well known in the art and include not only grooming devices, but also cleaning devices, skin treatment devices, hair removal devices, massage devices, etc. Generally, personal care devices are used to treat or manipulate the human or animal body.

[0028] Hair cutting and hair grooming devices are well known in the art and may include, for example, shavers, trimmers, epilators, hair styling devices, and combinations thereof. Typically, a hair grooming device includes an electric motor configured to drive a cutting unit, e.g., a blade set, to perform a hair cutting and / or hair grooming action. More generally, a hair cutting device may also be referred to as a grooming device.

[0029] The device 12 comprises a device used to perform the function of the personal care device. For example, if the personal care device is a shaver, the device may be a cutting unit, such as a blade set, for shaving hair.

[0030] As mentioned above, the housing 14 can include an inner tube 22 and an outer tube 24. In other embodiments, the inner tube 22 and the outer tube 24 can be replaced with a different number of tubes, for example, a single tube or three or more tubes.

[0031] Generally, the housing 14 cooperates with the battery frame 16 to seal the battery and motor from the external environment. In this embodiment, the inner tube 22 cooperates with the battery frame 16 to seal the motor 26 and battery 28 from the external environment. The outer tube 24 provides structural support to the inner tube and can function to prevent damage to elements within the assembly as a result of, for example, an impact.

[0032] The inner tube 22 and outer tube 24 are substantially hollow and have a substantially tubular 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 an attachment means 30. The attachment means 30 may include a thread or multiple threads.

[0033] A motor 26 fits within the inner tube 22. This is shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0034] The battery frame 16 may be substantially tubular. In other embodiments, it may have a different shape. The battery frame 16 may house the battery 28 and secure the motor 26 within the personal care device assembly 10. Thus, the battery 28 may be removed by removing the battery frame 16. The battery frame 16 may have opposing ends. The ends may be substantially disc-shaped and may be referred to as end caps 40. The battery frame 16 may include a rim 41 around the distal end cap 40. The battery frame 16 may be sized to provide a clearance fit with the inner tube 22. A seal 32 may be provided between the inner tube 22 and the battery frame 16. The seal 32 may help prevent moisture from penetrating from another end of the device to the motor within the housing 14.

[0035] The locking spring 18 is adapted to secure the battery frame to the housing 14 in the personal care device assembly 10 .

[0036] The assembly cap 20 is a substantially disc-shaped member that is connected to the closed end of the battery frame 16 using attachment means 30. The attachment means 30 may be, for example, a screw.

[0037] 2, the assembly 10 is shown from the perspective of its distal end, i.e., the end distal to the instrument 12. The closed end 34 of the battery frame 16 is shown, along with the locking spring 18, inner tube 22 and outer tube 24.

[0038] In FIG. 3, the assembly 10 is shown from the same perspective as in FIG. 2, but with the lock spring fully shown and the inner tube 22 faded.

[0039] 4, the locking spring 18 includes a plurality of anchor points 36 for engaging a plurality of separate anchor formations on the battery frame 16 and the housing 14, respectively, during use. The locking spring may be a single piece of wire. The locking spring 18 includes a plurality of pinch tabs 38, each of which is configured to engage a user's finger during use. To this end, the pinch tabs 38 include a loop. In some embodiments, there may be two pinch tabs 38. One of the two pinch tabs 38 is adapted to engage with the thumb, and the other is adapted to engage with the index finger.

[0040] The two pinch tabs 38 are each coupled to a different anchor point 36, for example, the first and second anchor points 36. The anchor points to which the pinch tabs 38 are connected are not directly connected.

[0041] The locking spring 18 includes a resilient structure connecting the plurality of anchor points 36. The resilient structure extends in a plane. The resilient structure is configured to deform during use based on an external force applied by a finger to the pinch tab 38 to reduce the separation distance D between the first anchor point 38 and the second anchor point 38.

[0042] Each pinch tab 38 extends from the plane, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. During use, the pinch tabs 38 can extend away from the battery frame 16, and in particular, away from the battery 28 held by the battery frame 16.

[0043] Each anchor point 36 may have a reinforcing portion 42. The reinforcing portion 42 may extend from the plane. The reinforcing portion 42 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane. In use, the reinforcing portion is configured to extend from the battery frame toward the assembly cap 40. As such, the reinforcing portion 42 may extend in the same direction as the pinch tabs 38. The reinforcing portion 42 may be formed as a second bend in a piece of wire. As such, the reinforcing portion 42 may provide some resilience against outward axial forces, such as battery inertia, when the assembly is dropped on its distal end.

[0044] 4, the plurality of anchor points 36 includes 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 and second resilient arms may be curved outward in a plane.

[0045] Each anchor point 36 can be configured to extend outwardly in a plane relative to the resilient structure.

[0046] 5A-5C, the lock spring 18 is shown in three views: end view, top view, and side view.

[0047] Plane P is shown in the end and side views of Figures 5A and 5C, respectively.

[0048] FIG. 6 shows a portion of the assembly, particularly the distal end of the assembly. Referring to FIG. 6, two of the mounting portions 50 on the battery frame 16 and two of the mounting portions 52 on the inner tube 22 are sized and configured to receive the first and second anchor points 36, 36. The mounting portions 50 on the battery frame 16 are provided as holes through the rim 41. The mounting portions 52 on the inner tube 22 are provided as holes through its sidewall, more specifically, through its sidewall. When the assembly is dropped onto the assembly cap (FIG. 1), force B may be exerted on the inner tube 22. Additionally, these forces are purely residual because the parts are held together and not simply due to an external force from the drop. Thus, the reinforcement portions 42 bridge the dimensional tolerance gaps of the entire assembly. The inertia of the battery causes force A to act on the battery frame 16. As a result, force C acts on the anchor points 36. Force C has at least one component acting in the same direction as force B. Thus, the reinforcement sections 42 or reinforcing members, which extend substantially perpendicular to the plane, extend parallel to and opposite force B. Thus, the reinforcement sections limit axial movement of the battery frame 16 relative to the housing during use. Because the reinforcement sections 42 are made from bent sections of wire, the reinforcement sections 42 are resilient. Thus, the reinforcement sections 42 can deform elastically, rather than plastically, in response to force B.

[0049] 7, the distal end of the assembly 10 is shown in perspective. The battery frame 16 includes anchor formations 50. The battery frame 16 also includes ribs 54 adjacent each anchor formation that are configured to receive the first and second anchor points 36. The ribs are configured to engage the locking springs to limit the separation distance D.

[0050] The battery frame 16 includes retention tabs 56 for pivotally retaining the third anchor point during installation or removal of the locking spring 18. The battery frame 16 also includes posts 58 located on either side of one of the anchor formations configured to receive the third anchor point 36. The posts 58 contact the locking spring 18 to limit the separation distance D.

[0051] The battery frame 16 includes a threaded post 60 extending axially from the battery frame. The threaded post 60 includes threaded holes 62 for receiving screws that thread the end cap 40 to the assembly cap 20 (see FIG. 1). The battery frame 16 may have ramps 64 on either side of the threaded post 60 to prevent the locking spring 18 from contacting the threaded post during use.

[0052] Referring to Figures 8A through 8E, the personal care device assembly 10 can be disassembled based on multiple assembly steps. The disassembly step includes providing an assembled assembly as shown in Figure 8A. In Figure 8B, a user applies an external force to the pinch tabs to reduce the separation distance between the first and second anchor points. In Figure 8C, the lock spring 18 is moved to remove the third anchor point from its anchor formation. The movement of the lock spring 18 continues until the third anchor point is positioned behind the retention tab 56, so that the retention tab pivotally holds the third anchor point. Next, referring to Figure 8D, the lock spring 18 is pivoted around the third anchor point, which is held by the retention tab 56. This moves the first and second anchor points away from the battery frame 16. The external force is then removed to return the separation distance to its original position. 8E, a pulling force pulls the locking spring 18 to remove the battery frame from the inner tube 22. After removal, the locking spring can be moved to remove the third anchor point 36 from the retention tab 56.

[0053] The method of assembling the personal care device assembly involves the reverse sequence of the steps outlined in connection with Figures 8A through 8E.

[0054] For example, a method of assembling a personal care device may include applying an external force to decrease the separation distance. Next, the lock spring 18 is moved so that the third anchor point is pivotally retained by the retaining tab 56. The lock spring 18 is then rotated so that the lock spring 18 is flush with the end cap of the battery frame 16. Next, the third anchor point is moved at the respective anchor formation on the inner tube 22. The external force is then released, resulting in the separation distance increasing to a normal distance and the first and second anchor formations engaging the respective anchor formations on the inner tube 22.

[0055] The disassembly method of the assembly can be summarized with reference to FIG.

[0056] The method for disassembling the assembly can be summarized as a method for disassembling a personal care device assembly, which includes step S100 of providing a personal care device assembly, step S102 of applying an external force to a plurality of pinch tabs to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point, step S104 of moving the first and second anchor points away from the anchor forming portions, and step S106 of releasing the clamping force.

[0057] The assembly method can be summarized with reference to Figure 10. The method of assembling a personal care device assembly includes the step S200 of providing a personal care device assembly, the step S202 of applying an external force to a plurality of pinch tabs to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point, the step S204 of moving the first and second anchor points adjacent anchor formations configured to receive them in the housing and the battery frame, respectively, and the step S206 of releasing the clamping force.

[0058] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and description, such illustration and description are exemplary or explanatory only and are not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0059] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprises" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. Thus, the mere 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 signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A lock spring for securing a battery frame in a housing of a personal care device assembly, comprising: a plurality of anchor points that, in use, engage a plurality of discrete anchor formations on each of the battery frame and the housing; a plurality of pinch tabs, each pinch tab of the plurality of pinch tabs engaging a user's finger during use; a resilient structure connecting the plurality of anchor points and extending in a plane, the resilient structure deforming in use based on an external force applied to the plurality of pinch tabs by the fingers so as to reduce a separation distance between a first anchor point and a second anchor point of the plurality of anchor points; A locking spring, wherein each anchor point of the plurality of anchor points has a reinforcement portion extending from the plane.

2. 2. The lock spring of claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchor points includes a third anchor point, and 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. 3. The lock spring of claim 2, wherein said first and second resilient arms are curved outwardly within said plane.

4. 4. A lock spring according to claim 1, wherein each anchor point of said plurality of anchor points extends outwardly within said plane.

5. 5. The lock spring of claim 1, wherein the reinforcement extends away from the battery frame toward an assembly cap of the personal care device assembly during use.

6. 6. A lock spring according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcement extends substantially perpendicularly from the plane.

7. 7. A lock spring according to any preceding claim made from a single piece of wire.

8. 8. The lock spring of claim 7, wherein the reinforcement is formed as a bent portion of the piece of wire.

9. The lock spring of claim 1 , wherein each pinch tab of the plurality of pinch tabs extends substantially perpendicularly from the plane.

10. 1. A personal care device assembly comprising: a battery frame for housing a battery and securing a motor within the personal care device assembly, the battery frame including a plurality of anchor formations; a housing cooperable with the battery frame that seals the battery and the motor from an external environment, the housing including a plurality of anchor formations; 10. A personal healthcare device assembly comprising a lock spring according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of anchor points engage with a plurality of individual anchor points on the battery frame and the housing to limit axial movement of the battery frame relative to the housing during use.

11. 11. The personal care device assembly of claim 10, wherein the battery frame has ribs adjacent each anchor formation that receive the first and second anchor points, the ribs engaging the lock spring to limit separation distance during use.

12. 12. A personal care device assembly as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein when the lock spring is that of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, the battery frame has a retention tab that, in use, pivotally retains the third anchor point when the lock spring is attached or detached.

13. 13. A personal care device assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein when the lock spring is that of claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, the battery frame further comprises a support post located on either side of one of the anchor forming portions that receives the third anchor point so as to contact the lock spring in use to limit the separation distance.

14. 13. The personal care device assembly of claim 10, wherein the battery frame has a threaded post extending axially therefrom, the threaded post including a threaded hole for screwing the end cap to an assembly cap, and the battery frame has ramps extending above the threaded post on either side of the threaded post to prevent the first and second anchor points from contacting the threaded post during use.

15. 1. A method of assembling a personal care device, comprising: Providing a personal care device assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14; applying an external force to the plurality of pinch tabs to reduce a separation distance between the first anchor point and the second anchor point; moving the first anchor point and the second anchor point adjacent the anchor formations that receive them on the housing and the battery frame, respectively; and releasing the clamping force.

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