DUAL MOTION CLEANSING WITH A MECHANICAL CLICK-ON ACCESSORY

Abstract

The invention provides a device (1) connectable to an apparatus (1000) with a rotational driving element (1001), the device (1) comprising a connector element (58) for functional coupling to the apparatus (1000), wherein the connector element (58) is configured to be detachably attached to the apparatus (1000), a receiving element (10) for functionally coupling to the rotational driving element (1001), wherein the receiving element (10) has an axis of rotation (A), a base (20) suitable to be connected to a skin treatment element (200), a rotational coupling mechanism (30) for rotationally coupling of the base (20) with the receiving element (10), and an oscillation generator (40) configured to introduce an oscillation movement (45) to the base (20) parallel to the axis of rotation (A) during rotation of the base (20) with a base rotation frequency, based on a periodical repulsion or attraction of a first permanent magnet (41) and a second permanent magnet (42) comprised by the oscillation generator (40), induced by rotation of the receiving element (10).

Claims

1. A device connectable to an apparatus with a rotational driving element, the device comprising a connector element for functional coupling to the apparatus, wherein the connector element is configured to be detachably attached to the apparatus, a receiving element for functionally coupling to the rotational driving element, wherein the receiving element has an axis of rotation, a base suitable to be connected to a skin treatment element, a rotational coupling mechanism rotationally coupling of the base with the receiving element, and an oscillation generator introducing an oscillation movement to the base parallel to the axis of rotation during rotation of the base with a base rotation frequency, based on a periodical repulsion or attraction of a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet comprised by the oscillation generator, induced by rotation of the receiving element.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first permanent magnet is configured to repel the second permanent magnet when at a shortest mutual distance during a rotation of the receiving element.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element comprises the first permanent magnet and wherein the base comprises the second permanent magnet.

4. The device according to claim 1, comprising one or more of a plurality of first permanent magnets and a plurality of second permanent magnets, for providing an oscillation frequency of the base higher than the base rotation frequency during the rotation of the base.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein one or more first permanent magnets are arranged at a first circular plane having a first distance to the axis of rotation, and wherein one or more second permanent magnets are arranged at a second circular plane having a second distance to the axis of rotation and wherein a ratio of the first distance to the second distance is selected from the range of 0.9-1.1.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein a total number of first permanent magnets equals a total number of second permanent magnets, and wherein the total number of first permanent magnets is at least two.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the rotational coupling mechanism comprises a first gear and a second gear, wherein the receiving element comprises the first gear and wherein the base comprises the second gear, and wherein the first gear and the second gear are rotationally coupled, optionally via one or more further gears, and wherein the rotational coupling mechanism is configured to provide the base rotation frequency to the base based on a receiving element rotation frequency of the receiving element during rotation of the receiving element.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the first gear, the second gear, and the optional one or more further gears are configured to provide a ratio of the base rotation frequency to the receiving element rotation frequency selected from the range of 0.2-5, during rotation of the receiving element.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the oscillation generator is configured to provide a ratio of a frequency of the oscillation movement to a base rotation frequency selected from the range of 3-50.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the rotational coupling mechanism is configured to provide a rotational movement of the base in an opposite direction to a rotational movement of the receiving element.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element comprises a protrusion protruding at a first end of the receiving element in a direction of the axis of rotation and configured rotationally symmetric around the axis of rotation, a coupling element arranged at a second end of the receiving element and configured to functionally couple to the rotational driving element of the apparatus, wherein the base comprises a first base end configured to be connected to the skin treatment element, and a second base end comprising a second base end opening configured rotationally symmetric around the axis of rotation and encompassing the protrusion, wherein the second base end opening is configured to allow the base to rotate about the protrusion and to oscillate parallel to the axis of rotation relative to receiving element.

12. The device according to claim 1, for cleansing a skin, wherein the device comprises the skin treatment element connected to the base.

13. A kit of parts comprising a device according claim 1 and one or more skin treatment elements functionally connectable to the base.

14. A kit of parts comprising a device according to claim 1 and a shaver comprising a rotational driving element, wherein the device is functionally connectable to the rotational driving element of the shaver.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured for repeatedly connecting to and disconnecting from the apparatus with a rotational driving element, and wherein the connector element is configured to provide a click-on fixation with the apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

[0066] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a device according to the invention; and

[0067] FIGS. 2-5 schematically depict some aspects of device according to the invention.

[0068] The schematic drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0069] FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a device 1. The device 1 is connectable to an apparatus 1000 with a rotational driving element 1001, very schematically depicted below the device 1. The apparatus 1000, such as a shaver 1010, may be coupled to a connector element 58 for functional coupling to the apparatus 1000, comprised by device 1. The connector element 58 is especially configured to be detachably attached to the apparatus 1000, especially thereby providing a connection wherein the connector element 58 may not move relative to the apparatus 1000 (also if the rotational driving element 1001 rotates). The device 1 comprises a receiving element 10 for functionally coupling to the rotational driving element 1001 of the apparatus 1000. The receiving element 10 has an axis of rotation A. The receiving element 10 is rotatable and may rotate based on rotation of the rotational driving element 1001 (when coupled). The device further comprises a base 20 suitable to be connected to a skin treatment element 200, as is also schematically depicted by the skin treatment element 200 pictured on top of the device 1.

[0070] The device 1 is especially configured to provide simultaneously a rotational movement 35 and an oscillation movement 45 (vibration 45) to the base 20 (and successively to the treatment head 200 (when attached to the device 1)) based on a rotation of the receiving element 10 (and especially a rotation of the rotational driving element 1001). Especially, for providing these simultaneous movements 35, 45 to the treatment element 200, the device 1 comprises a rotational coupling mechanism 30 and an oscillation generator 40. The rotational coupling mechanism 30 is configured for rotationally coupling of the base 20 with the receiving element 10. The oscillation generator 40 comprises a first permanent magnet 41 and a second permanent magnet 42. The oscillation generator 40 is especially configured to introduce an oscillation movement 45 to the base 20 parallel to the axis of rotation A during rotation of the base 20. The oscillation movement 45 is based on a periodical repulsion or attraction of the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42, especially induced by (as a function of) rotation of the receiving element 10.

[0071] It is noted that the first end 19 of the receiving element 10 is partly given in exploded view demonstrating the first magnets 41 which are in this embodiment actually incorporated in the first end 19 of the receiving element 10 and also showing the first gear 16 as seen from the axis of rotation A. Also a part of the base has been pictured in exploded view to indicate the second permanent magnet 42, which is in this embodiment actually comprised in the base 20.

[0072] Especially, the repulsion or attraction is provided when the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42 are positioned at a mutual shortest distance that is provided during a rotation of the receiving element 10 (see also FIGS. 4 and 5). In embodiments, the first permanent magnet 41 is configured to repel the second permanent magnet 42 when at a shortest mutual distance during a rotation of the receiving element 10.

[0073] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 further comprises a housing 50 comprising a first inner wall 51 at a first side 56 of the housing 50 and a second inner wall 52 at a second side 57 of the housing 50. As such, encloses the housing 50 the rotational coupling mechanism 30 and the oscillation generator 40 and further almost the entire base 20 and almost the entire receiving element 10. The housing 50 is especially configured to allow the base 20 to rotate in the housing 50 and to allow the base to oscillate in the housing 50 between the first inner wall 51 and the second inner wall 52.

[0074] The device 1 may comprise one or more of a plurality of first permanent magnets 41 and a plurality of second permanent magnets 42 for providing an oscillation frequency of the base 20 higher than a basis rotation frequency during the rotation of the base 20. In the depicted embodiment, the receiving element 10 comprises the (especially three) first permanent magnet(s) 41, and the base 20 comprises the (especially three) second permanent magnet(s) 42.

[0075] In the embodiment, all of the first permanent magnets 41 are arranged at a first circular plane D1 having a first distance L1 to the axis of rotation A, and all second permanent magnets 42 are arranged at a second circular plane D2 having a second distance L2 to the axis of rotation A, see e.g. FIG. 4 depicting these circular planes D1, D2. Especially, the first magnet(s) 41 are arranged at the first circular plane D1 such that a minimal distance between the axis of rotation A and the first magnet equals the first distance L1. Likewise, the second magnet(s) 42 are arranged at the second circular plane D2 especially such that a minimum distance between the second magnet(s) 42 and the axis of rotation A equals L2. In preferred embodiments, a ratio of the first distance L1 to the second distance L2 is selected from the range of 0.9-1.1. In the given embodiment, the first distance L1 and the second distance L2 are substantially the same.

[0076] FIGS. 1 and 3 further depict an embodiment, wherein a total number of first permanent magnets 41 equals three. In addition, a total number of second permanent magnets 42 equal three. Especially, if the total number of first permanent magnets 41 is at least two, the total numbers of first permanent magnets 41 may be selected to equal the total number of second permanent magnets 42. Yet in further embodiments, these total numbers may differ from each other.

[0077] In the embodiments depicted in the Figs, the rotational coupling mechanism 30 comprises a first gear 16 and a second gear 26 and a further gear 36. In FIG. 2, the rotational coupling mechanism 30 is depicted in more detail. In the figs, the receiving element 10 comprises the first gear 16 and the base 20 comprises the second gear 26, and the first gear 16 and the second gear 26 are rotationally coupled, especially via the further gear 36. Especially, the second gear 26 comprises an internal gear. The first gear 16, and also the optional further gears 36 may comprise external gears. The rotational coupling mechanism 30 is especially configured to provide a base rotation frequency to the base 20 based on a receiving element rotation frequency of the receiving element 10 during rotation of the receiving element 10. In further embodiments, no further gear 36 or more than one further gear 36 are comprised by the coupling mechanism 30.

[0078] In embodiments, the first gear 16, the second gear 26, and the optional one or more further gears 36 are configured to provide a ratio of the base rotation frequency to the receiving element 10 rotation frequency selected from the range of 0.2-5, during rotation of the receiving element 10.

[0079] Depending on the number of gears 16, 26, 36 (together providing a gear train) the rotational movement 35 of the base 20 may be in the same direction as the rotational movement of the receiving element. Yet, in other embodiments, the rotational coupling mechanism 30 is configured to provide the rotational movement 35 of the base 20 in a direction opposite to a rotational movement (direction) of the receiving element 10. Schematically this is depicted in FIG. 4 with the arrows at the first magnets 41 and at the second magnets 42.

[0080] Especially, based on the number of first permanent magnets 41 and second permanent magnets 42, and especially also by the base rotation frequency relative to the receiving element rotation frequency, the oscillation frequency may be set. In embodiments, the oscillation generator 40 is configured to provide a ratio of a frequency of the oscillation movement 45 to a rotation frequency of the receiving element 10 selected from the range of 5-50, during rotation of the receiving element 10. Additionally or alternatively, the oscillation generator 40 is configured to provide a ratio of a frequency of the oscillation movement 45 to a base rotation frequency selected from the range of 3-50, during rotation of the receiving element 10.

[0081] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the receiving element 10 comprises a protrusion 18 protruding at a first end 19 of the receiving element 10 in a direction of the axis of rotation A and a coupling element 12 arranged at a second end 11 of the receiving element 10. The protrusion 18 is configured rotationally symmetric around the axis of rotation A. The coupling element 12 is configured to functionally couple to the rotational driving element 1001 of the apparatus 1000. The base 20 further comprises a first base end 29 and a second base end 21, wherein the first base end 29 is configured to connect to the skin treatment element 200, and the second base end 21 comprises a second base end opening 23 configured rotationally symmetric around the axis of rotation A and encompassing the protrusion 18. This way the base 20 may rotate and oscillate relative to the remainder of the device 1. To allow these movements 35,45, the second base end opening 23 may be configured to allow the base 20 to rotate about the protrusion 18 and to oscillate parallel to the axis of rotation A relative to receiving element 10.

[0082] The device 1, especially comprising the skin treatment element 200 functionally coupled to the device 1, may be configured for treating a skin, such as cleansing a skin. In embodiments, the device 1 of the invention is configured for cleansing a skin. Especially, such (cleansing) embodiment of the device 1 comprises the skin treatment element 200 connected to the base 20, and is configured for rotating the skin treatment element 200, especially at a skin treatment element rotation frequency, relative to the connector element 58 and for simultaneously oscillation of the skin treatment element 200, especially at a skin treatment oscillation frequency, relative to the connector element 58, (during rotation of the receiving element 10). Also in such embodiment, the skin treatment rotation frequency and the oscillating frequency of the skin treatment element 200 are especially based on the rotation frequency of the receiving element 10. Especially, the skin treatment rotation frequency and the base rotation frequency are equal. Also, the oscillation frequency of the skin treatment head may equal the oscillation frequency of the base. An embodiment of the device 1 may especially be configured to provide a ratio of the oscillation frequency to the rotation frequency of the receiving element 10 equal to or larger than 12. The oscillation movement 45 may be defined by a movement in a first direction (away from the connector element 58) and a movement in the second opposite direction. Especially, repelling first and second permanent magnets 41, 42 may cause the movement in the first direction. The movement in the second direction may be provided by pressing the treatment element 200 to a skin. The embodiment given in FIG. 1 comprises resilient elements 47 to (also) force the base 20 in the direction of the connector element 58. In further embodiments, a number of first permanent magnets 41 and second permanent magnets 42 may be arranged to attract each other during rotation of the receiving element 10.

[0083] The invention may especially comprise the use of an arrangement of magnets 41, 42 in a counter-rotating setting to create a force-actuation for the axial motion, i.e. the oscillation movement 45. Especially, the axial movement 45 may be created without introducing friction, wear or excessive acoustic noise.

[0084] When using sets of opposing or attracting magnets 41, 42, there is a repelling or attracting force as these are translated relative to each other. The increase of this force over the travel may be gradual, without any shocks or discontinuities, see FIG. 5 showing a changing force F as a function of a distance between the first permanent magnet 41 and the second permanent magnet 42, (when the magnets 41, 42 move relatively towards and away from each other during rotation of the receiving element 10).

[0085] When there is no load on the axial motion, especially no external pressure force acting via the base 20 in a direction of the connector element 58, there is no net loss of energy from this axial force F provided by the magnets 41, 42. The increase in (rotary) load during a ramp-up of the axial force F is offset by an equal decreasing of (rotary) load during the ramp-down. The inertia and momentum of the entire drive train of the appliance and accessory 200 may dampen this variation in (rotary) load. Hence, the load may have no significant impact on the rotating speed of the assembly.

[0086] When an axial load is applied, this load may have an effect of an increased rotary net-load on the receiving element 10. The arrangement has a high efficiency, having no inherent losses other than for the intended function.

[0087] For a cleansing function, the oscillation frequency preferably is at a higher frequency than the rotation frequency of the treatment head 200 (or the base 20). Using a plurality of first and/or second permanent magnets 41, 42 over the diameter of the device 1 may increase the oscillation frequency. This opens the possibility to multiply the oscillation frequency by a factor of 2 to 4, or even more, without incurring prohibitive cost or requiring too large a space envelope. However, arranging the first and second permanent magnets 41, 42 respectively on two counter-rotating planes D1, D2, may increase the oscillation frequency further, see e.g. FIG. 4, wherein the curved arrows indicate a direction of rotation of the first permanent magnets 41 and the second permanent magnets 42 respectively.

[0088] With e.g. a receiving element rotation frequency of the receiving element 10 of 3000 rpm, a 3 to 1 gearing down (provided by the rotational coupling mechanism 30) may provide a base rotation frequency of the base 20 (and eventually of the treatment element 200) at 1000 rpm (the opposite direction). Then the first permanent magnet(s) 41 and the second permanent magnets(s) 42 may comprise a mutual rotation frequency relative to each other of 4000 rpm. With three first permanent magnets 41 and three second permanent magnets 42 over the circumference, the oscillation frequency may then be equal to 12000 rpm. Thus, the ratio of the oscillation frequency to the receiving element frequency may in such embodiment be 12.

[0089] It is noted that the described embodiment having a 3 to 1 gearing down ratio is a simplified example. In further embodiments, a reduction of 9 to 1 is provided. This could be done by changing the ratios of the mechanism of the gears 16, 26, 36 or by adding extra further gears 36. With increased overall gear ratio, the frequency increase effect is even larger than in the pictured embodiment. Furthermore, a modified or completely different rotational coupling mechanism 30 may be used to improve the running properties of the base 20 with respect to the receiving element 10.

[0090] The compact arrangement with the opposing sets of magnets 41,42 close to the axis of rotation A, as is depicted in the Figs, allows for an actuation at the point the motion is required. This may reduce the need for stiffness and tight tolerances in the build-up (configuration) of the device 1 and/or or accessory.

[0091] To enable the oscillation motion 45, in embodiments, the force can be alternatingly applied in one direction, relying on a resilient element 47, such as a spring operating on the arrangement to provide the return motion. A resilient element 47 may be configured to force the base 20 in a direction of the connector element 58. The resilient element 47 may e.g. be arranged between the housing 50 and the base 20 and configured to resiliently translate the base 20 in a direction to the first inner wall 51, see FIG. 1.

[0092] In further embodiments the first and second permanent magnets 41, 42 are configured to provide periodically a mutually alternating attracting and repulsion force during rotation of the receiving element 10. Hence, in embodiments the device 1 comprises opposing sets of magnets 41, 42 to generate alternating axial forces from the magnet-sets 41, 42.

[0093] The invention further provides a kit of parts, comprising a device 1 and one or more skin treatment elements 200 functionally connectable to (the base 20 of) the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, a kit of parts may comprise the device 1 and a shaver 1010.

[0094] The term substantially herein, such as in substantially all light or in substantially consists, will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term substantially may also include embodiments with entirely, completely, all, etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term substantially may also relate to 90% or higher, such as 95% or higher, especially 99% or higher, even more especially 99.5% or higher, including 100%. The term comprise includes also embodiments wherein the term comprises means consists of. The term and/or especially relates to one or more of the items mentioned before and after and/or. For instance, a phrase item 1 and/or item 2 and similar phrases may relate to one or more of item 1 and item 2. The term comprising may in an embodiment refer to consisting of but may in another embodiment also refer to containing at least the defined species and optionally one or more other species.

[0095] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0096] The devices herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

[0097] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb to comprise and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article a or an preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements, and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. 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.

[0098] The invention further applies to a device comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings. The invention further pertains to a method or process comprising one or more of the characterizing features described in the description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

[0099] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Further, the person skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and that also more than two embodiments can be combined. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.