Cutting set comprising an NFC chip, NFC hair cutting machine and method for the use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a hair cutting machine, and a method for use of such a hair cutting machine. In particular, the invention relates to a hair cutting machine comprising a main device and a mountable cutting set, wherein the main device has an NFC read and write device, and the mountable cutting set has an NFC chip.

Description

[0001] Cutting set with NFC chip, NFC hair clipper and method for using the same

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a cutting set with an NFC chip, an NFC hair clipper, and a method for using such a hair clipper.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Hair clippers are known from the prior art and include, among other things, a cutting set provided at a front end of the hair clipper and suitable for cutting hair of the person or animal to be treated or of the user.

[0006] The cutting blade assembly is a replaceable part of a hair clipper that generally loses its performance after repeated use, as it wears out and becomes blunt through normal use. The user must decide when to replace the blades by assessing the condition of the blades, which requires considerable experience. Even then, the individual user doesn't always know whether someone else has used the clipper, making it difficult to assess. Among other reasons, the performance of the hair clipper may be impaired due to contamination of the parts with hair particles or similar. The condition of the cutting blade assembly may not be immediately obvious to the user in everyday life. The part may need to be replaced before the user realizes it, and as a result, it may perform worse than expected.On the other hand, the user may inadvertently decide to replace the cutting set before it's necessary, resulting in waste and increased costs. Furthermore, it's difficult for the user to determine the intensity with which different types of cutting sets should be used. Using a cutting set with a suboptimal speed can also result in reduced performance or overload the part, requiring it to be replaced sooner than otherwise necessary.

[0007] Description of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a hair clipper in which the wear of the machine components is optimized with respect to the service life and, in particular, that the service life is easy to determine for the user.

[0009] This object is achieved by a hair clipper or a cutting set according to the independent claims. Further features embodying the invention are contained in the dependent claims. A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for using such a hair clipper.

[0010] The invention relates to a hair clipper comprising a main unit and a mountable cutting set, wherein the main unit has an NFC reading and writing device, and wherein the mountable cutting set has an NFC chip. Information is captured and written via the NFC reading and writing device of the main unit. This makes it possible to determine how long the cutting set has been in use and how worn or dirty it may be after this time. This information is stored in the NFC chip of the cutting set itself and can be displayed to the user by the hair clipper.Furthermore, each time the cutting set is attached to the same or another hair clipper according to the invention, the cutting set's NFC chip is read by the main unit's NFC reader / writer, and the information is retrieved and made available to the user to assist them in deciding when to replace the part. Therefore, data covering the entire service life of the cutting set can be provided in the same component and can be retrieved by any hair clipper according to the invention. The cutting set's NFC chip can also be used to store identification information. This allows the hair clipper to identify each individual cutting set and determine the optimal speed at which each cutting set should be used. For this purpose, the cutting set's NFC chip has at least one readable and writable memory.The memory not only allows the individual serial number of the cutting set to be stored for identification purposes, but also allows data on the running time, total wear and the associated contamination of the respective cutting set to be stored.

[0011] When the cutting set is attached to the main unit, the NFC chip of the cutting set is preferably arranged adjacent to the NFC reader / writer of the main unit and preferably in contact so that they can communicate with each other. The NFC chip can optionally be arranged on the inside of the cutting set, parallel or perpendicular to a side wall of the cutting set or to the NFC reader / writer. Accordingly, the NFC chip can be brought close to or into contact with the NFC reader / writer vertically or parallel.

[0012] Preferably, the NFC chip is arranged on the inside of a cutting set housing, so that the NFC chip is better protected against damage caused by impacts, falls, or liquids, such as water. Preferably, the NFC chip is arranged parallel to an inner side wall of the cutting set, and in particular on this side wall, so that the NFC chip is arranged in a more space-saving manner with respect to the other parts inside the cutting set, so as not to interfere with their operation.

[0013] Preferably, the NFC chip of the blade set has a unique serial number and is uniquely identifiable by the NFC reader / writer of the main unit. Such identification may also include information about the type of blade set installed or other blade set data such as the optimal engine speed.

[0014] Preferably, the optimal cutting length setting is also stored on the NFC chip.

[0015] Preferably, the speed of the hair clipper is adjustable depending on the installed cutting set. This allows the hair clipper to determine an optimal speed for the operation of the respective cutting set or the respective type of cutting set attached. This can preferably be done automatically by a controller. Preferably, the main unit has at least one readable and writable memory. For example, the main unit can also store and update data about the cutting sets used. Since the data for all cutting sets used is stored in the main unit's memory, it is possible to access this data even when the cutting set is not installed on the hair clipper.

[0016] Preferably, the NFC reader / writer of the main unit can retrieve data about the cutting set from the NFC chip of the cutting set. In particular, the retrieved data includes the running time, wear, and contamination of the cutting set. This data enables a decision to be made as to whether and when the cutting set needs to be replaced or cleaned.

[0017] Preferably, the main unit has a display area so that the retrieved data from the cutting set can be displayed on the display area of ​​the main unit. This allows the user to access the data directly and easily from the main unit. In this case, the user can read the data without having to pair the device with another electronic device.

[0018] The hair clipper is preferably connectable to at least one electronic device, preferably also wirelessly connectable. In particular, the retrieved data of the cutting set can be displayed by the at least one connected electronic device. An electronic device can be a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, a laptop, a desktop computer, or any other electronic device that can somehow display the data retrieved by the NFC reading and writing device of the main device. This allows the user to conveniently access and manage the data about the cutting set.

[0019] Preferably, feedback for replacing or cleaning the cutting set can be displayed on the display area of ​​the main unit or on the at least one connected electronic device.

[0020] Preferably, feedback regarding the replacement or cleaning of the cutting set can be provided by means of a visual and / or acoustic device. A further aspect of the invention is a method for using a hair clipper, in particular for using a hair clipper according to the invention, comprising the steps:

[0021] • Providing an NFC chip in a cutting set;

[0022] • Providing an NFC reading and writing device in a main unit of a hair clipper; and

[0023] • Reading data from the NFC chip using the NFC reading and writing device and in particular displaying this read data on a display.

[0024] These steps can, for example, be used to make a recommendation for replacing the cutting set. The recommendation is based in particular on the length of time the cutting set has been in use. The recommendation is also preferably based on the motor's current consumption. If the cutting set becomes dirty, this results in higher resistance and the motor's current consumption increases, resulting in additional heating. A recommendation for replacement or cleaning can then be derived from the current consumption or heat development. If the contaminants are removed and the cutting set is oiled, the cutting resistance and current consumption decrease again. The current consumption trend can also be taken into account when recommending a replacement. This is because if the cutting set is operated frequently and over an extended period in a dirty condition, its service life is reduced accordingly.For example, a shortened battery life may not be due to the battery capacity itself, but rather a result of higher power consumption because the cutting unit is operated for too long in a dirty state. The invention also aims to address this problem by prompting the user to clean it in a timely manner.

[0025] Therefore, the method preferably comprises one or more of the following steps: a) identification of the cutting set by the NFC reader of the main body using the identifier stored in the memory of the NFC chip on the cutting set; b) retrieval of the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set by the main unit of the hair clipper; c) displaying the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set; d) determination of the speed of use of the cutting set by the main unit depending on the type of cutting set installed; e) determination of the trend of motor power consumption, cutting resistance and / or heat development on the motor; f) determination of the trend of battery life; g) storage of the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set in the memory of the NFC chip on the cutting set and / or in the memory of the main unit;h) reattaching the cutting unit to the main unit of the same or a different hair clipper; i) repeating steps b) and c) as required until the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting unit indicate that the cutting unit needs to be replaced or cleaned; and j) notifying the user that the cutting unit needs to be replaced or cleaned.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention is a cutting set for a hair clipper as described above, and in particular in combination with one of the previously described hair clippers, further comprising a first and a second cutting blade for cutting hair, a tensioning device, usually a spring, for holding the first and second cutting blades together, and an NFC chip. Such a cutting set can store and update its data to provide reliable feedback on wear and prompts for cleaning or replacement.

[0027] Short description of the characters

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a hair clipper.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a hair clipper. Fig. 3 shows a top view of a cutting set and a bottom view of a main body of a hair clipper in an unassembled state.

[0030] Fig. 4 shows another view of a cutting set and a main unit of a hair clipper in an unassembled state.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows a data diagram of an algorithm for detecting, evaluating and outputting the degree of wear.

[0032] Description of the preferred embodiments

[0033] Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a hair clipper 1. The cutting set 3 is mounted on the main unit 2. Figure 2 shows a sectional view with a motor 6 and a drive unit 7, which converts the torque of the motor 6 into a movement of the blades of the cutting set 3. A battery 8 with a charging port 9 is provided below the motor. An NFC chip 4 is attached to the cutting set 3, in particular to the housing wall 11 of the cutting set 3. The NFC chip 4 is preferably arranged perpendicular to the NFC reading and writing device 5. In such an embodiment, it is particularly easy for the NFC chip 4 and the NFC reading and writing device 5 to come into contact.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows a main unit 2 and a cutting set 3 in an unassembled state. The NFC chip 4 is arranged on the inside of the cutting set 3 in the cutting set frame 11, although here it is not arranged flat against the inside of the cutting set frame 11, but perpendicular to the frame wall. The NFC reading and writing device 5 is arranged on the inside of the main unit 2, here also flat on the drive cover 12. In this embodiment, the NFC chip 4 is arranged such that the NFC chip 4 is brought parallel into proximity with the NFC reading and writing device 5 of the main unit 2 when the cutting set 3 is attached to the main unit 2. Furthermore, a display 10 can be formed on the hair cutting device 1, with which various information about the hair cutting device 1 and / or the cutting set 3 can be displayed.The display is arranged here at the end of the hair cutting device 1 opposite the cutting set 3, the lower end in Figure 3. Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the main unit 2 and the cutting set 3 in an unassembled state, in which an NFC chip 4 is arranged on the inside of the cutting set 3 and an NFC reading and writing device 5 is arranged on the inside of the main unit 2. In this embodiment, the NFC chip 4 is arranged such that the NFC chip 4 is brought vertically close to or into contact with the NFC reading and writing device 5 of the main unit 2 when the cutting set 3 is attached to the main unit 2.

[0035] When the cutting head is attached to the main unit, the NFC reader / writer reads the cutting head's NFC chip. When the user uses the hair clipper, the cutting head starts working. When the cutting head is in use, the NFC reader / writer records the cutting head's runtime and wear data on the cutting head's NFC chip.

[0036] The invention can be applied, for example, with a method comprising the following steps: providing an NFC chip 4 in a cutting set 3; providing an NFC reading and writing device 5 in a main unit 2 of a hair clipper 1; and reading data from the NFC chip 4 by means of the NFC reading and writing device 5 and, in particular, displaying this read data on a display. The NFC chip 4 can be provided on the inside or outside of the cutting set 3, preferably on the inside, and it can be arranged parallel or perpendicular to the inside of a side wall of the cutting set 3. The provided NFC chip 4 preferably comprises a readable and writable memory.The NFC reading and writing device 5 is arranged on the inside of a main unit 2 of a hair clipper 1, preferably in a position where it is brought into proximity with or into contact with the NFC chip 4 of the cutting set 3 when the cutting set 3 is attached to the main unit 2. The NFC reading and writing device 5 of the main unit 2 retrieves the information stored in the memory of the NFC chip 4 of the cutting set 3. The retrieved information is preferably data about the running time, wear, and / or contamination of the cutting set 3, or also data about the power consumption trend, the cutting resistance, and / or the heat development of the motor. The battery life can also be recorded.The data is then preferably displayed to the user, preferably on the display device 10 of the hair clipper 1 and / or on a paired electronic device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, or another corresponding device. If the retrieved information indicates that the cutting set 3 needs to be replaced or cleaned, a notification is displayed to the user, preferably a visual and / or audible notification. The notification is then displayed on the display device 10 of the hair clipper 1 or on the paired electronic device.

[0037] Such a method preferably comprises one or more of the following steps: a) Identification of the cutting set 3 by the NFC reading and writing device 5 of the main unit 2 using the identifier stored in the memory of the NFC chip 4 on the cutting set 3; b) Retrieval of the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set 3 by the main unit 2 of the hair clipper 1; c) Display of the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set 3; d) Determination of the speed of use of the cutting set 3 by the main unit 2 depending on the type of cutting set 3 installed; e) Determination of the course of the motor power consumption, the cutting resistance and / or the heat development on the motor; f) Determination of the battery life; g) Storage of the running time data,Wear and contamination of the cutting set 3 in the memory of the NFC chip 4 on the cutting set 3 and / or in the memory of the main unit 2; h) reattaching the cutting set 3 to the main unit 2 of the same hair clipper 1 or a different hair clipper; i) repeating steps b as needed until the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set 3 indicate that the cutting set 3 needs to be replaced or cleaned; and j) notifying the user that the cutting set 3 needs to be replaced or cleaned. Identification is achieved by reading a serial number of the cutting set 3, which is stored in a memory of the NFC chip 4 of the cutting set 3. The individual serial number for the respective cutting set 3 preferably contains information about the type of cutting set 3, its optimal speed, the service life,the remaining service life and / or the degree of soiling, and other data. Data on the running time, wear, and soiling of the cutting set 3, as well as the serial number and type of the cutting set 3, are retrieved when the cutting set 3 is attached to the main unit 2. This data is then displayed on the hair clipper 1 itself or on a connected electronic device. The hair clipper 1 can then use the retrieved information to determine the optimal speed for using the attached cutting set 3. When the cutting set 3 stops operating, the NFC read / write device 5 of the main unit 2 writes data on the running time,wear and contamination and updates the information stored in the memory. The data can also be stored in a memory of the main unit 2. This data can now be retrieved and displayed to the user during the same operating process (when the cutting set 3 is no longer in operation but is still attached to the main unit 2), or retrieved and displayed to the user when the cutting set 3 is reattached to the same hair clipper 1 or another hair clipper according to the invention. The process is then repeated until the hair clipper 1 or another hair clipper according to the invention determines from the retrieved data that the cutting set 3 needs to be replaced or cleaned. This is communicated to the user, for example, on the same display device on which the data on the running time,Wear and contamination of the cutting set 3 are displayed. The motor current is preferably measured directly in the hair clipper, but can also be stored on the NFC chip. This allows the information to be read from the NFC chip, and corresponding conclusions can be drawn about the previous condition of the cutting set. The motor current and / or the running time allow cleaning and maintenance instructions, e.g., visualization via bars ("progress bar" and / or in %) and conclusions about the cutting set's need for maintenance or its wear. For example, 100% can represent "like new," while low percentages (50%-0%) can mean "maintain / clean / oil" or even "replace." An "acknowledgment function" can also be provided, with which the user confirms that maintenance has been carried out. Furthermore, a comparison is preferably also provided to determine whether the power consumption has reduced, and a corresponding output,in the event of improvement (cleaning successful) or in the event of no change (request to replace the blade set). A flag (notification) can also be stored on the NFC chip indicating that the blade set is noticeably worn, so that when switching to another machine, the machine immediately recognizes that it is a defective / worn blade set. If the blade set is combined with an attachment comb, this can also be stored on the NFC chip, especially along with the correct cutting length, so that the length of the blade set can be adjusted correctly. Furthermore, the machine's speed can then also be adjusted to the attachment comb.

[0038] Figure 5 shows the data processing as a diagram. Algorithm A is fed with data, processes it, and then issues instructions for replacing or cleaning the cutting set if necessary. This data is the data already described above, such as the motor current M, the current running time L, and / or the wear data D, which is already stored on the cutting set's NFC chip. The data is then written back to the cutting set's NFC chip and saved so that the NFC chip receives an update U. The updated data is then subjected to a comparison V with one or more limit values. For example, an overall value can be calculated from the data and compared with a corresponding overall limit value. Alternatively, each data set itself can be compared with a limit value.If the comparison is to result in instructions for cleaning or replacing the cutting set, this information is then output to the user. Reference symbol list.

[0039] 1 hair clipper

[0040] 2 Main unit

[0041] 3 cutting sets

[0042] 4 NFC chip

[0043] 5 NFC reader and writer

[0044] 6 Engine

[0045] 7 Drive unit

[0046] 8 accumulator

[0047] 9 Charging port

[0048] 10 Advertisement

[0049] 11 Cutting set frame

[0050] 12 Drive cover

[0051] A wear algorithm

[0052] D NFC chip wear data

[0053] I Information output to the user

[0054] L Duration

[0055] M Motor current

[0056] U Update

[0057] V Comparison

Claims

Patent claims 1. A hair clipper (1) comprising a main unit; and a mountable cutting set, wherein the main unit has an NFC reading and writing device and wherein the mountable cutting set has an NFC chip.

2. The hair clipper according to claim 1, wherein the NFC chip of the cutting set is arranged adjacent to the NFC reader and writer of the main unit when the cutting set is attached to the main unit.

3. The hair clipper according to claim 2, wherein the NFC chip of the cutting set has an individual serial number and is uniquely identifiable by the NFC reading and writing device of the main unit.

4. Hair clipper according to claim 3, wherein the speed of the hair clipper is adjustable depending on the cutting set installed.

5. Hair clipper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the main unit has a read / write memory.

6. Hair clipper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the NFC reading and writing device of the main unit can retrieve data about the cutting set from the NFC chip of the cutting set, the retrieved data being data about the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set.

7. Hair clipper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main unit has a display area, wherein the retrieved data of the cutting set can be displayed on the display area of ​​the main unit.

8. Hair clipper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hair clipper is connectable to at least one electronic device, wherein the retrieved data of the cutting set can be displayed by the at least one connected electronic device.

9. The hair clipper according to claim 9, wherein the hair clipper is wirelessly connectable to at least one electronic device.

10. Hair clipper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein feedback for replacing or cleaning the cutting set can be displayed on the display area of ​​the main unit or on the at least one connected electronic device.

11. Hair clipper according to one of the preceding claims, wherein feedback for replacing or cleaning the cutting set can be displayed by means of a visual and / or acoustic device.

12. A method for using a hair clipper, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: • Providing an NFC chip in a cutting set; • Providing an NFC reading and writing device in a main unit of a hair clipper; and • Reading data from the NFC chip using the NFC reading and writing device and in particular displaying this read data on a display.

13. A method of using a hair clipper according to claim 13, wherein the second step additionally comprises providing an NFC writing device in the main body of a hair clipper.

14. The method according to claim 13 or 14, comprising one or more of the following steps: a) Identification of the cutting set by the main body's NFC reader using the identifier stored in the memory of the NFC chip on the cutting set; b) Retrieval of data on the cutting set's running time, wear, and contamination by the hair clipper's main unit; c) Display of data on the cutting set's running time, wear, and contamination; d) Determination of the cutting set's speed of use by the main unit depending on the type of cutting set installed; e) Determination of the motor power consumption, cutting resistance, and / or heat generation history; f) Determination of the battery life; g) Storage of data on the cutting set's running time, wear, and contamination in the memory of the NFC chip on the cutting set and / or in the memory of the main unit; h) Reattachment of the cutting set to the main unit of the same or another hair clipper;i) repeating steps b and b as required until the data on the running time, wear and contamination of the cutting set indicate that the cutting set needs to be replaced or cleaned; and j) notifying the user that the cutting set needs to be replaced or cleaned.

15. A cutting set for a hair clipper of the preceding claims, further comprising a first and a second cutting blade for cutting hair, a clamping device for holding the first and second cutting blades together, the cutting set further comprising an NFC chip.

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