Housing assembly for a grooming device

Abstract

A housing assembly for a grooming device comprises a fixed housing part and a movable housing part. The fixed housing part is affixable to a handle. The movable housing part is configured to house a grooming element and is pivotably connected to the fixed housing part for enabling pivoting movement over a range of pivot positions. The housing assembly further comprises a light guide having a fixed light guide section and a movable light guide section. The fixed light guide section is arranged to receive light from a light source and the movable light guide section is arranged to direct the light to a region of skin to be groomed. The fixed light guide section is housed within the fixed housing part and the movable light guide section is housed within the movable housing part, the movable light guide section being thereby constrained to follow the pivoting movement of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part over the range of pivot positions. The housing assembly further comprises an optical coupling interface between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section. The optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range, thereby enhancing grooming precision and visibility.

Description

[0001] 2024PF00275

[0002] 1

[0003] HOUSING ASSEMBLY FOR A GROOMING DEVICE

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a housing assembly for a grooming device, a grooming device comprising the housing assembly, and a light guide for the housing assembly.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Shaving devices often exhibit contour following capability, which means the shaving device comprises a housing part which is movable with respect to its handle. Shaving devices may furthermore incorporate light sources to illuminate the area of skin to be shaved, enhancing visibility and improving shaving precision. To bring the light as close as possible to the region of skin to be shaved, a light guide is used that conveys light from a light source in the handle to the movable housing part. Ergo, the exit of the light guide moves with respect to the light source. Ensuring efficient light delivery in a shaving device that has contour following capability poses challenges in maintaining effective optical coupling between movable and fixed parts.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention addresses the aforementioned challenges by providing a housing assembly for a grooming device, a grooming device comprising the housing assembly, and a light guide for the housing assembly, as defined by the appended claims.

[0010] The housing assembly comprises: a fixed housing part and a movable housing part, wherein the fixed housing part is affixable to a handle, wherein the movable housing part is configured to house a grooming element, and wherein the movable housing part is pivotably connected to the fixed housing part for enabling pivoting movement over a range of pivot positions; a light guide comprising a fixed light guide section and a movable light guide section, wherein the fixed light guide section is arranged to receive light from a light source, and wherein the movable light guide section is arranged to direct the light to a region of skin to be groomed, wherein the fixed light guide section is housed within the fixed housing part and wherein the movable light guide section is housed within the movable housing part, the movable light guide section being thereby constrained to follow the pivoting movement of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part over the range of pivot positions; and 2024PF00275

[0011] 2 an optical coupling interface between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section, wherein the optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range.

[0012] By maintaining effective optical coupling between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section, efficient light delivery is ensured even in a grooming device which has pivoting capability.

[0013] The optical coupling interface may be configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range by virtue of its size and shape. In an example, the optical coupling interface comprises two windows arranged in mutual opposition, with a gap formed therebetween. In this example, the optical coupling interface comprises an exit window on a superior side of the of the fixed light guide section and an entry window on an inferior side of the movable light guide section. Advantageously, at least one of the exit window and the entry window may be curved, for adaptation to the pivoting movement. In an example, in which the axis of rotation (of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part or of the movable light guide section relative to the fixed light guide section) is located in the movable housing part, at the superior side of the optical coupling interface, i) the exit window is concave, or ii) the entry window is convex, or iii) both i) and ii). In another example, in which the axis of rotation (of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part or of the movable light guide section relative to the fixed light guide section) is located in the handle or in the fixed housing part, at the inferior side of the optical coupling interface, i) the exit window is convex, or ii) the entry window is concave, or iii) both i) and ii). A centre of curvature of the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window may spatially coincide with the at least one axis of rotation, for ensuring proper curvature of the respective window. In an example, the exit window and the entry window are both curved and have the same centre of curvature such that they remain equidistant in all pivot positions in the range. Proper shaping of window curvature in any of these ways facilitates reduction of light loss through the optical coupling interface.

[0014] In an example, the movable housing part is pivotable about a single axis of rotation relative to the fixed housing part, and the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window describe a single-curved plane. In another example, the movable housing part is pivotable about two axes of rotation relative to the fixed housing part, and the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window describe a double-curved plane. Curvature of the entry / exit window is thus efficiently adapted to the axis or axes of rotation.

[0015] Advantageously, the gap between the fixed light guide section and the movable light guide section may be located within the movable housing part to contain any leakage of light from the optical coupling interface.

[0016] For ensuring efficient optical coupling in all pivot positions, the entry window may be larger than the exit window in at least one dimension. More particularly, the entry window may be so 2024PF00275

[0017] 3 wide that it covers the exit window in all pivot positions in the range. Additionally, a depth of the entry window may be larger than a depth of the exit window.

[0018] In a further aspect, a grooming device is provided comprising the housing assembly as described or claimed herein. In an example, the grooming device comprises a shaving device and the grooming element comprises a cutting element. In another example, the grooming device comprises one of an epilator, massager, exfoliator, or trimmer.

[0019] In an example, the pivoting movement serves to provide skin contour-following capability, that is, continuous pivoting during use. In this case, the pivot positions may be regarded as contour-following positions. In another example, the pivoting movement serves to enable user modification or setting of an angle of the grooming element, for example of the cutting element in the case of a trimmer, which can be fixed until readjusted.

[0020] In a yet further aspect, provided is a light guide for a housing assembly for a grooming device. The light guide comprises: a fixed light guide section and a movable light guide section, wherein the fixed light guide section is arranged to receive light from a light source, and wherein the movable light guide section is arranged to direct the light to a region of skin to be groomed, wherein the fixed light guide section is configured to be housed within a fixed housing part of the housing assembly and wherein the movable light guide section is configured to be housed within a movable housing part of the housing assembly, the movable light guide section being thereby constrained to follow pivoting movement of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part over a range of pivot positions; and an optical coupling interface between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section, wherein the optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range.

[0021] The above-described aspects will become apparent from, and elucidated with, reference to the detailed description provided hereinafter.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A detailed description will now be given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figs. 1A and IB are perspective views of a housing assembly for a shaving device;

[0025] Figs. 2A-C illustrate a light guide of the housing assembly; and

[0026] Figs. 3A and 3B schematically depict the light guide in use, showing optical coupling between fixed and movable parts of the light guide.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Fig. 1A illustrates a housing assembly 100 for a shaving device. The housing assembly 100 comprises a fixed housing part 102 and a movable housing part 104. The movable housing part 104 is 2024PF00275

[0029] 4 configured to house a cutting element 106 in which hair is received when the shaving device is in use. In one non-limiting example, the cutting element 106 is an SFS cutting element with two straight (S) linear cutters and one foil (F) trimmer in the middle. The movable housing part 104 is pivotably connected to the fixed housing part 102 allowing it pivot around an axis of rotation 108. Pivoting of the movable housing part 104 relative to the fixed housing part 102 permits the cutting element 106 to follow the contours of the skin during shaving, which is useful for achieving a satisfactory cutting length. A gap 110 separates the fixed housing part 102 from the movable housing part 104. The housing assembly 100 further comprises a light guide 200 for directing light received from a light source towards the region of skin to be shaved, for better shaving performance. To bring the light as close as possible to the skin, the light guide 200 protrudes through the movable housing part 104 to reach its exterior. The fixed housing part 102 is attachable to a handle (not shown) by means of resiliently deformable clips 114. The light source may be retained in the handle, for proximity to its power source and / or for containment in a waterproof environment. By “fixed” is meant herein that the component in question remains stationary relative to the handle, whereas “movable” is used in relation to components which move relative to the handle.

[0030] Fig. IB is partially exploded view illustrating the housing assembly 100 partially exploded to reveal the light guide 200 in situ. The light guide 200 as further described below, comprises a fixed section 202 and a movable section 204, which can be integrated respectively within the fixed housing part 102 and the movable housing part 104.

[0031] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the light guide 200 in isolation. The fixed light guide section 202 is mountable within the fixed housing part 102 by means of an abutment 214. The fixed light guide section 202 is designed to receive, via an entry window 228 on its inferior side, light from a light source (not shown) located in the handle. The light source may be an LED or similar light-emitting component. The movable light guide section 204 is to be housed within the movable housing part 104 and thereby constrained to follow the pivoting movement of the movable housing part 104. The movable light guide section 204 is configured to direct light received from the fixed light guide section 202 toward the region of skin to be shaved and comprises forthat purpose an exit window 230 on its superior side. Notably, the exit window 230 is located on the movable light guide section 124, which is movable with respect to the light source. By “superior” is meant herein toward or facing the head or upper part of the shaving device (the head being that part in which the cutting element is located), whereas “inferior” denotes away from the head or toward the lower part of the shaving device. Surfaces of the light guide 200 may be polished to promote total internal reflection. For a softer distribution of light at the exit of the light guide 200, the exit window 230 may comprise a textured surface.

[0032] Fig. 2B is a top view showing an optical coupling interface between the fixed light guide section 202 and the movable light guide section 204 of the light guide 200. The optical coupling interface is designed to facilitate maximum light transmission efficiency regardless of the pivot position of the movable light guide section 204. As described herein, the movable housing part 104, in use, pivots about 2024PF00275

[0033] 5 its axis 108 to follow the contour of the skin, while the movable light guide section 204, which is housed within the movable housing part 104, pivots correspondingly. The extent of the pivoting of the movable housing part 104 is mechanically constrained, so as to define a range of operational positions of the movable light guide section 204, which are referred to herein as contour-following positions. The optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all contour-following positions in the range by virtue of its size and shape, as will now be explained.

[0034] Concerning shape, the optical coupling interface comprises an exit window 242 on the superior side of the fixed light guide section 202 and an entry window 244 on the inferior side of the movable light guide section 204. The two windows 242, 244 are arranged in mutual opposition, with a narrow gap 210 formed therebetween. In the non-limiting example illustrated in Fig. 2B, the exit window 242 is concave and the entry window 244 is convex. The concave exit window 242 and the convex entry window 244 describe parallel, single-curved surfaces. The concave exit window 242 and the convex entry window 244 have the same centre of curvature, which spatially coincides with the axis of rotation 108. With this arrangement, during the pivoting movement of the movable light guide section 204 relative to the fixed light guide section 202, the complementary concave and convex surfaces 242, 244 remain equidistant in all contour-following positions, for unhindered optical coupling. For free movement between sections, the gap 210 may be more than or equal to 0.3 mm. To minimize light escape, the gap 210 may be less than or equal to 1 mm. Moreover, the gap between the fixed light guide section 202 and the movable light guide section 204 is located within the movable housing part 104, to contain the inevitable leakage of light from the optical coupling interface.

[0035] Furthermore, concerning size, the entry window 244 is larger than the exit window 242 in at least one dimension. In particular, the entry window 244 is wider than the exit window 242. Yet more particularly, the entry window 244 is so wide that it covers the exit window 242 in all contour-following positions. Fig. 2C is a side cross section view of the light guide 200. Fig. 2C further illustrates that also the depth of the entry window 244 is larger than that of the exit window 242. The two windows 242, 244 may alternatively have the same depth. The optical coupling interface is thus configured to maintain alignment and minimize light loss during movement, by ensuring that the entry window 244 completely covers the exit window 242 in all contour-following positions.

[0036] The term “length” as used herein refers to the direction in which light propagates through the light guide 200, i.e., perpendicular to the entry window 228, whereas “width” refers to the largest dimension that describes the entry window 228, and “depth” concerns the remaining direction. Defined with respect to the reference frame as indicated in Fig. 2A, “length” relates to the X-dimension, “width” to the Y-dimension, and “depth” to the Z-dimension.

[0037] Figs. 3A and 3B schematically represent the light guide 200 in operation. In use, the light source (not shown) in the handle (not shown) emits light L into the fixed light guide section 202. Light L propagates by total internal reflection through the interior of the light guide 200, passes through the optical coupling interface, and enters the movable light guide section 204, which guides the light to the 2024PF00275

[0038] 6 area of skin S being shaved. In Fig. 3A, the movable light guide section 204 is pivoted in a clockwise direction around the axis 108 to the full extent of its range of motion, yet the optical coupling interface couples the same amount of light to the movable light guide section 204 as it does when the latter is in a central position. The configuration of the light guide 204 as described herein thus ensures efficient light transfer even as the movable light guide section 204 pivots to follow the contours of the skin S, thereby providing consistent illumination for improving shaving visibility and precision.

[0039] In a variant to the above-described arrangements, the movable housing part 104 is pivotable around two axes of rotation relative to the fixed housing part 102, and the concave and convex surfaces 242, 244 follow a double-curved plane. In this case, double-axis pivoting movement can be achieved using a gimbal, in which the outer axle facilitates pivoting in a first direction and the inner axle facilitates pivoting movement in a second direction.

[0040] In a further variant, only one of the exit window 242 and the entry window 244 is concave or convex, respectively. In such an arrangement, the other window may exhibit infinite curvature, following a flat plane.

[0041] In a yet further variant, the exit window 242 is convex and / or the entry window 244 is concave, with the axis of rotation 108 being located in the fixed housing part 102 or in the handle rather than in the movable housing part 104.

[0042] The following examples furthermore form part of the present disclosure.

[0043] Example 1. A housing assembly for a grooming device, the housing assembly comprising: a fixed housing part and a movable housing part, wherein the fixed housing part is affixable to a handle, wherein the movable housing part is configured to house a grooming element, and wherein the movable housing part is pivotably connected to the fixed housing part for enabling pivoting movement over a range of pivot positions; a light guide comprising a fixed light guide section and a movable light guide section, wherein the fixed light guide section is arranged to receive light from a light source, and wherein the movable light guide section is arranged to direct the light to a region of skin to be groomed, wherein the fixed light guide section is housed within the fixed housing part and wherein the movable light guide section is housed within the movable housing part, the movable light guide section being thereby constrained to follow the pivoting movement of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part over the range of pivot positions; and an optical coupling interface between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section, wherein the optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range.

[0044] By maintaining effective optical coupling between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section, efficient light delivery is ensured even in a grooming device which has pivoting capability. 2024PF00275

[0045] 7

[0046] Example 2. A housing assembly of Example 1, wherein the optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range by virtue of its size and shape.

[0047] Example 3. The housing assembly of Example 1 or 2, wherein the optical coupling interface comprises two windows arranged in mutual opposition, with a gap formed therebetween.

[0048] Example 4. The housing assembly of Example 3, wherein the optical coupling interface comprises an exit window on a superior side of the of the fixed light guide section and an entry window on an inferior side of the movable light guide section, and wherein at least one of the exit window and the entry window is curved. This facilitates adaptation to the pivoting movement.

[0049] Example 5. The housing assembly of Example 4, wherein the movable housing part is pivotable relative to the fixed housing part about at least one axis of rotation, wherein a centre of curvature of the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window spatially coincides with the at least one axis of rotation. This ensures proper curvature of the respective window.

[0050] Example 6. The housing assembly of Example 5, wherein the exit window and the entry window are both curved and have the same centre of curvature such that they remain equidistant in all pivot positions in the range. Proper shaping of window curvature in any of these ways facilitates reduction of light loss through the optical coupling interface.

[0051] Example 7. The housing assembly of any of Examples 4-6, wherein the movable housing part is pivotable about a single axis of rotation relative to the fixed housing part, and wherein the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window describe a single-curved plane.

[0052] Example 8. The housing assembly of any of Examples 4-6, wherein the movable housing part is pivotable about two axes of rotation relative to the fixed housing part, and wherein the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window describe a double-curved plane. Curvature of the entry / exit window is thus efficiently adapted to the axis or axes of rotation.

[0053] Example 9. The housing assembly of any of Examples 3-8, wherein the gap between the fixed light guide section and the movable light guide section is located within the movable housing part to contain leakage of light from the optical coupling interface.

[0054] Example 10. The housing assembly of any of Examples 3-9, wherein the entry window is larger than the exit window in at least one dimension.

[0055] Example 11. The housing assembly of Example 10, wherein the entry window is so wide that it covers the exit window in all pivot positions in the range.

[0056] Example 12. The housing assembly of Example 10 or 11, wherein a depth of the entry window is larger than a depth of the exit window.

[0057] Example 13. A grooming device comprising the housing assembly of any of Examples 1- 12.

[0058] Example 14. A light guide for a housing assembly for a grooming device, the light guide comprising: 2024PF00275

[0059] 8 a fixed light guide section and a movable light guide section, wherein the fixed light guide section is arranged to receive light from a light source, and wherein the movable light guide section is arranged to direct the light to a region of skin to be groomed, wherein the fixed light guide section is configured to be housed within a fixed housing part of the housing assembly and wherein the movable light guide section is configured to be housed within a movable housing part of the housing assembly, the movable light guide section being thereby constrained to follow pivoting movement of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part over a range of pivot positions; and an optical coupling interface between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section, wherein the optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range.

[0060] The indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used herein should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0061] Unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrases “one or more of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, and C”, and “A, B and / or C” as used herein are intended to mean all possible permutations of one or more of the listed items. That is, the phrase “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), while the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0062] The term “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps. Furthermore, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “having” and the like may be used interchangeably herein.

[0063] The invention may include one or more aspects, examples or features in isolation or combination whether specifically disclosed in that combination or in isolation. Any optional feature or sub-aspect of one of the above aspects applies as appropriate to any of the other aspects.

[0064] The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features.

[0065] It has to be noted that embodiments of the invention are described with reference to different categories. In particular, some examples are described with reference to methods whereas others are described with reference to apparatus. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the description that, unless otherwise notified, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one category, also any combination between features relating to different category is considered to be disclosed by this application. However, all features can be combined to provide synergetic effects that are more than the simple summation of the features. 2024PF00275

[0066] 9

[0067] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0068] 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 advantageously.

[0069] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

2024PF0027510CLAIMS:

1. A housing assembly for a grooming device, the housing assembly comprising: a fixed housing part and a movable housing part, wherein the fixed housing part is affixable to a handle, wherein the movable housing part is configured to house a grooming element, wherein the movable housing part is pivotably connected to the fixed housing part for enabling pivoting movement over a range of pivot positions, wherein the movable housing part is pivotable relative to the fixed housing part about at least one axis of rotation; a light guide comprising a fixed light guide section and a movable light guide section, wherein the fixed light guide section is arranged to receive light from a light source, and wherein the movable light guide section is arranged to direct the light to a region of skin to be groomed, wherein the fixed light guide section is housed within the fixed housing part and wherein the movable light guide section is housed within the movable housing part, the movable light guide section being thereby constrained to follow the pivoting movement of the movable housing part relative to the fixed housing part over the range of pivot positions; and an optical coupling interface between the fixed light guide section and movable light guide section, wherein the optical coupling interface is configured to maintain optical coupling in all pivot positions in the range by virtue of its size and shape, wherein the optical coupling interface comprises two windows arranged in mutual opposition, with a gap formed therebetween, wherein the optical coupling interface comprises an exit window on a superior side of the of the fixed light guide section and an entry window on an inferior side of the movable light guide section, and wherein at least one of the exit window and the entry window is curved, and wherein a centre of curvature of the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window spatially coincides with the at least one axis of rotation.

2. The housing assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exit window and the entry window are both curved and have the same centre of curvature such that they remain equidistant in all pivot positions in the range.

3. The housing assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable housing part is pivotable about a single axis of rotation relative to the fixed housing part, and wherein the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window describe a single-curved plane.2024PF00275114. The housing assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable housing part is pivotable about two axes of rotation relative to the fixed housing part, and wherein the curved exit window and / or the curved entry window describe a double-curved plane.

5. The housing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gap between the fixed light guide section and the movable light guide section is located within the movable housing part to contain leakage of light from the optical coupling interface.

6. The housing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the entry window is larger than the exit window in at least one dimension.

7. The housing assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the entry window is so wide that it covers the exit window in all pivot positions in the range.

8. The housing assembly as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein a depth of the entry window is larger than a depth of the exit window.

9. A grooming device comprising the housing assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.

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