Abstract
The present disclosure relates to an adjustment drive (50) for an adjustable spacing comb (26) for a hair cutting appliance (10) and to a hair cutting appliance (10) that is fitted with an adjustable spacing comb (26). The present disclosure further relates to a method for operating an adjustable spacing comb (26) for a hair cutting appliance (10). The adjustment drive (50) comprises an actuator (52) that is configured for actuating a movable comb portion (40) of the adjustable spacing comb (26) with respect to a blade set (16) of the hair cutting appliance (10), and a proximity sensitive or touch sensitive sensor element (64), particularly a gesture control user input interface, wherein the sensor element (64) is configured to detect multi-faceted user inputs (70, 72) applied to the sensor element (64) and to output a user input signal that is derived from the multi-faceted user inputs (70, 72), and wherein the actuator (52) is operated on the basis of the user input signal.
Claims
1. An adjustment drive for an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance, the adjustment drive comprising: an actuator that is configured for actuating a movable comb portion of the adjustable spacing comb with respect to a blade set of the hair cutting appliance, and a proximity sensitive or touch sensitive sensor element, particularly a gesture control user input interface, wherein the sensor element is configured to detect multi-faceted user inputs applied to the sensor element and to output a user input signal that is derived from the multi-faceted user inputs, wherein the actuator is operated on the basis of the user input signal, wherein the adjustment drive further comprises a control unit coupled to the actuator and to the sensor element, wherein the control unit is configured to convert the user input signal into an actuator operating signal, and wherein the control unit is further configured to set an adjustment length value based on a detected user input speed.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to set an adjustment direction based on a detected user input direction.
5. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to adjust length adjustment increments depending of detected user input speed, wherein the actuator is operated on the basis of a set length adjustment increment.
6. The adjustment drive as claimed in any of the claims 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to convert a slow user input motion into a small length adjustment increment, and wherein the control unit is further configured to convert a fast user input motion into a large length adjustment increment.
7. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor element is configured to detect touch gestures and/or gestures in the proximity of the sensor element, and wherein the sensor element is preferably configured to detect a user input swipe.
8. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor element comprises a touch sensitive surface including at least one tactile sensor.
9. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor element is a capacitive sensing element or a conductance sensing element, and wherein the sensor element is preferably a multi-touch sensing element.
10. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a feedback unit that is operably coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to provide user guidance indicating that user inputs are enabled at the sensor element, and, wherein the control unit is preferably further configured to provide user feedback in response to detected user inputs to the user.
11. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 10, wherein the feedback unit further comprises at least one of an optical feedback element, an acoustic feedback element and/or a tactile feedback element.
12. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 10, wherein the feedback unit comprises an array of optical feedback elements, particularly an array of chase light elements that are selectively operable to indicate a direction of potential user inputs.
13. An adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance, comprising a movable comb portion that is arranged to be moved with respect to a housing portion of the hair cutting appliance, and an adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1.
14. A hair cutting appliance, particularly a hair trimmer or clipper, comprising a housing portion, a cutting unit including a blade set, an adjustable spacing comb comprising a movable comb portion that is arranged to be moved with respect to the housing portion, and an adjustment drive as claimed in 13.
15. A method for operating an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance, comprising the following steps: providing an adjustment drive comprising an actuator for actuating a movable comb portion of the adjustable spacing comb, providing a proximity sensitive or touch sensitive sensor element, particularly a gesture control user input interface, detecting multi-faceted user inputs applied to the sensor element, outputting a user input signal that is derived from the detected multi-faceted user inputs, providing a control unit coupled to an actuator and to the sensor element for converting the user input signal into an actuator operating signal, wherein the control unit is further configured to set an adjustment length value based on a detected user input speed, and operating the actuator using the actuator operating signal.
16. The adjustment drive as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user input signal is indicative of at least one signal component selected from the group consisting of input speed, input direction, input drag length, input path length, and combinations thereof.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0055] These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings
[0056] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an electric hair cutting appliance and an adjustable spacing comb, wherein the spacing comb is shown in a detached state;
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a partial exploded view of yet another embodiment of a hair cutting appliance and an adjustable spacing comb, wherein the spacing comb is shown in an insertion orientation;
[0058] FIG. 3 shows a simplified top view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance fitted with an adjustable spacing comb and an adjustment drive for the spacing comb;
[0059] FIG. 4 shows a schematic simplified side view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance fitted with a retractable spacing comb and an adjustment drive for adjusting the spacing comb;
[0060] FIG. 5 shows a simplified top view of another exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance fitted with an adjustable spacing comb and an adjustment drive for the spacing comb, the appliance comprising an exemplary user input layout;
[0061] FIG. 6 shows a simplified top view of another exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance fitted with an adjustable spacing comb and an adjustment drive for the spacing comb, the appliance comprising another exemplary user input layout;
[0062] FIG. 7 shows a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance fitted with an adjustable spacing comb and an adjustment drive for the spacing comb, the appliance comprising yet another exemplary user input layout;
[0063] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary hair cutting appliance fitted with an adjustable spacing comb, the hair cutting appliance being held by a user that may operate a sensor element for operating an adjustment drive for the spacing comb;
[0064] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the hair cutting appliance illustrated in FIG. 8, wherein the user's hand is not shown and wherein an extended state of the adjustable spacing comb is illustrated by dashed lines;
[0065] FIG. 10 shows an illustrative block diagram representing several steps of an embodiment of an exemplary method for operating an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance in accordance with several aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0066] FIG. 11 shows yet another illustrative block diagram representing several sub-steps of an embodiment of the method illustrated in FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0067] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a hair cutting appliance 10, particularly an electrically-operated hair cutting appliance 10. The hair cutting appliance 10 may also be referred to as hair clipper or hair trimmer. The hair cutting appliance 10 may comprise a housing or housing portion 12 having a generally elongated shape. At a first end thereof, a cutting unit 14 may be provided. The cutting unit 14 may comprise a blade set 16. The blade set 16 may comprise a movable blade and a stationary blade that may be moved with respect to each other to cut hair. At a second end of the housing portion 12, a handle or grip portion 18 may be provided. A user may grasp or grab the housing at the grip portion 18.
[0068] The hair cutting appliance 10 may further comprise operator controls. For instance, an on-off switch or button 20 may be provided. Furthermore, a length adjustment control 22 may be provided at the housing 12 of the hair cutting appliance 10. The length adjustment control 22 may be provided in case an adjustable spacing comb 26 is attached to the housing portion 12 of the hair cutting appliance 10. In FIG. 1, the adjustable spacing comb 26 is shown in a detached or released state. When the spacing comb 26 is detached from the hair cutting appliance 10, a minimum cutting length may be achieved. When the spacing comb 26 is attached to the hair cutting appliance 10, hairs can be cut to a desired length.
[0069] FIG. 2 shows a partial perspective schematic illustration of a first end of a housing portion 12 of a hair cutting appliance 10. Furthermore, an adjustable spacing comb 26 is shown in an insertion orientation with respect to the housing portion 12. The housing portion 12 and the adjustable spacing comb 26 are shown in an exploded state. By way of example, the spacing comb 26 may comprise an attachment portion 28 which may comprise, for instance, sliding beams 34-1, 34-2. The attachment portion 28 may engage the housing portion 12. More particularly, the attachment portion 28 may be attached to a mounting portion 30 of the housing portion 12. To this end, the sliding beams 34-1, 34-2 may be inserted into respective mounting slots 38-1, 38-2 at the mounting portion 30. The attachment portion 28 may further comprise at least one snap-on member 36 which may be provided at at least one of the sliding beams 34-1, 34-2, for instance. The snap-on member 36 may secure the spacing comb 26 in its mounted state.
[0070] As can be further seen from FIG. 2, the spacing com 26 may further comprise a toothed portion 32 including a plurality of comb teeth. Generally, the toothed portion 32 may comprise a slot in which the blade set 16 can be arranged in the attached state.
[0071] With further reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable spacing comb 26 and an embodiment of an exemplary adjustment drive 50 for operating the spacing comb 26 are further illustrated and described. FIG. 3 shows a schematic back view of a hair cutting appliance 10. FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of a hair cutting appliance 10. It is worth mentioning in this regard that the views shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 do not necessarily represent the same arrangement or embodiment. Respective housing portions 12 of the hair cutting appliance 10 are indicated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 by dashed lines. Consequently, internal components of the hair cutting appliance 10 are visible.
[0072] With particular reference to FIG. 3, the adjustable spacing comb 26 is further described. The adjustable spacing comb 26, refer also to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, may comprise sliding beams 34 that may cooperate with a carriage 42 that is arranged at the housing 12. Generally, a snap-on mounting of the sliding beams 34 at the carriage 42 may be provided. At least a substantial portion of the spacing comb 26 may be regarded as movable comb portion 40. As can be best seen in FIG. 3, the movable comb portion 40 may be coupled to the carriage 42 and consequently moved along with the carriage 42. For driving the carriage 42 and the movable comb portion 40, an engagement member 44 may be provided that is coupled to the carriage 42. For operating or driving the movable comb portion 40 with respect to the blade set 16 (refer to FIG. 1), an adjustment drive 50 may be provided which may also be referred to as adjustment powertrain. In other words, the adjustment drive 50 may be regarded as motorized adjustment drive 50.
[0073] The adjustment drive 50 may comprise an actuator 52 or, more particularly, an electromotor. The actuator 52 may be coupled to a reduction gear 54. The reduction gear 54 may be coupled to a transmission element 56. Generally, the transmission element 56 may be arranged to convert a rotational output motion of the actuator 52 and the reduction gear 54, if any, into a basically longitudinal positioning motion of the movable comb portion 40. A respective longitudinal direction is indicated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 by a double arrow denoted by reference numeral 58.
[0074] As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the transmission element 56 may be arranged as threaded spindle, particularly a small pitch spindle. Consequently, the transmission element 56 may be arranged to be set into rotational movements, refer to the curved arrow denoted by reference numeral 60 in FIG. 3. The transmission element 56 may be configured to engage the engagement member 44 so as to push or pull the carriage 42 and, consequently, the movable comb portion 40. In some embodiments, the transmission element 56 may be arranged as gear rack element. In some embodiments, the transmission element 56 may be arranged as push rod element. Generally, the actuator 52 may be mechanically connected to the carriage 42 and, in the mounted state, to the movable comb portion 40.
[0075] For operating the adjustment drive 50, respective control elements may be provided. To this end, the adjustment drive 50 may comprise a sensor element 64, particularly a sensor element 64 that is sensitive to user gestures. The sensor element 64 may be arranged as a touch-sensitive and/or a proximity-sensitive sensor element 64. The sensor element 64 may be arranged as a basically areally extending sensor element 64, e.g. a sensor element 64 extending in basically two dimensions. Needles to say, the sensor element 64 may include a curved surface. In accordance with the present invention, the sensor element 64 is configured to detect relatively multi-faceted user inputs that are indicative of extended or enhance user input information. By way of example, user inputs may comprise input swipes, e.g. user strokes across the sensor element 64.
[0076] The sensor element 64 may be coupled with a control unit 68. The control unit 68 may be provided with a user input signal that is delivered from the sensor element 64. The control unit 68 may monitor the sensor element 64. The control unit 68 may comprise a processing unit. The control unit 68 may convert the detected user input signal into an actuator operating signal that may be transferred to the actuator 52. Consequently, there is no power transmission or force transmission link between the actuator 52 and the sensor element 64. Rather, electric signals may be transferred from the sensor element 64 to the actuator 52 via the control unit 68. As indicated above, the user input signal may be indicative of extended information, such as input speed, input length, input direction and respective information derivable therefrom. Based on the extended information, the control unit 68 may process a resulting actuator operating signal that can be used to operate the actuator 52.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 3 by arrows 70, 72 indicating opposite directions, the control unit 68 may be configured to derive a user input direction from the user input signal. As a result, the control unit 68 may operate the actuator so as to either extend or retract the movable comb portion 40, depending on the user input detected direction 70, 72. Consequently, multiple functions may be assigned to a single sensor element 64. There is no absolute need to separately set a particular operation mode at the sensor element 64 since the user may apply multi-faceted user inputs (gestures). Alongside the detection of the user input direction 70, 72, the control unit 68 may derive a desired length adjustment value from the user input signal. The length adjustment value may be derived from the input (stroke) speed and/or the input (stroke) length sensed by the sensor element 64. Consequently, the control unit 68 may operator the actuator accordingly so as to induce a desired length adjustment action.
[0078] Further reference is made to FIG. 4. An extracted state of the movable comb portion 40′ is indicated in FIG. 4 by a respective dashed line. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the adjustment drive 50 may further comprise a feedback unit 74 that is capable of providing feedback to user inputs and/or user feedback to the user. Generally, the feedback unit 74 may be arranged as an optical feedback unit, a tactile feedback unit, an acoustic feedback unit, and combinations thereof. The feedback unit 74 and the sensor element 64 may be arranged at spaced apart locations at the hair cutting appliance 10, particularly at the housing portion 12 thereof. However, at least in some embodiments, the feedback unit 74 and the sensor element 64 arranged at the same region of the hair cutting appliance 10, particularly at the housing portion 12 thereof. The feedback unit 74 and the sensor element 64 may at least partially overlap each other. The feedback unit 74 and the sensor element 64 may be integrally formed as a combined input/feedback interface, such as a touchscreen.
[0079] Further reference is made to FIG. 5 and to FIG. 6. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an adjustment drive 50 in accordance with the present disclosure, wherein varying configurations of respective feedback units 74 are illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the feedback unit 74 may comprise a display 76, particularly an LCD or an LED display 76. Generally, the display 76 may be arranged to provide visual feedback and/or user guidance to the user. The display 76 may be arranged to display graphics and/or alphanumeric information. The display 76 may be arranged as a multi-purpose display that is also capable of illustrating information that is not related to the adjustment comb length setting. For instance, the display 76 may be arranged to display a state of charge of a battery of the hair cutting appliance 10 and or a selected hair cutting operation mode.
[0080] With respect to the adjustment comb length setting, the display 76 may be arranged to illustrate alphanumeric comb length related information. Furthermore, display 76 may display user guidance information indication that the user may select a desired length setting by applying a multi-faceted user input to the sensor element 64. As can be further seen from FIG. 5, feedback unit 74 may also comprise at least one array 80 of visual feedback elements 82 which may also referred to as optical feedback elements 82. Generally, the feedback elements 82 may be arranged as light emitting feedback element, such as a light emitting diode (LED). Preferably, the array 80 may be arranged as a chasing light array 80. As shown in FIG. 5, two arrays 80 may be arranged at the housing 12 of the hair cutting appliance. For instance, the arrays 80 of feedback elements 82 may be arranged at opposite (lateral) ends of the sensor element 64 (indicated in FIG. 5 by dashed lines). The arrays 80 of feedback elements 82 may be arranged adjacent to a region in which the sensor element 64 extends.
[0081] This arrangement may have the advantage that the chasing light arrays 80 may clearly indicate that the user may adjust the comb length by dragging across the sensor element 64 in the desired direction (arrows 70, 72) to extend or retract the movable comb portion 40. Each of the feedback elements 82 may be selectively activated or deactivated. Further, feedback elements 82 may be operated in a chasing light manner so as to clearly indicate the directions 70, 72. However, the feedback elements 82 may be also operated so as to indicate absolute and/or relative length adjustment settings, such as absolute and/or relative length adjustment values.
[0082] As can be seen from FIG. 6, the feedback unit 74 may further comprise an integrated touchscreen 86 that is capable of both sensing user inputs and providing user feedback in response to the input and/or providing user guidance in connection with the user inputs. In FIGS. 5 and 6 exemplarily activated feedback elements 82 are shown in a hatched state. Generally, the touchscreen 86 may be arranged to display graphics and/or alphanumeric information. This may involve that “simulated” chasing light arrays 80 including a plurality of feedback elements 82 may be shown by the touchscreen 86. Further, a prominent user guidance element 88 may be displayed at the touchscreen 86 to indicate that the user may directly apply user inputs at the sensor element 64 that is arranged as a part of or associated with the touchscreen 86. The user guidance element 88 may be shown in addition or in the alternative to the chasing light arrays 80.
[0083] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance 10 that is fitted with an adjustable spacing comb 26 and an adjustment drive 50 for the spacing comb 26, wherein the adjustment drive 50 comprises yet another exemplary user input layout. A sensor element 64 is provided that is arranged in a central region of the housing portion 12. With respect to user feedback, the sensor element 64 may be basically passive. The sensor element 64 may comprise a touch-sensitive surface that is arranged between two arrays 80 of visual (optical) feedback elements 82. Consequently, the arrays 80 may be operated as chasing light arrays to indicate the location of the sensor element 64 and the respective surface where user inputs may be applied, e.g. by dragging across the sensor element 64. Furthermore, a display 74 may be provided that is capable of presenting graphics and/or alphanumeric information.
[0084] In some embodiments, the sensor element 64 may be further coupled with a feedback unit that is capable of providing tactile feedback (not shown in FIG. 7). To this end, respective vibrating elements may be provided in the vicinity of the sensor element 64.
[0085] With further reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, exemplary embodiments of the hair cutting appliances 10 are illustrated that are fitted with a respective adjustable spacing comb 26. FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of hair cutting appliances 10 in a state held by a user. The hair cutting appliances 10 may further comprise an adjustment drive for the adjustable spacing comb 26 (not shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4). The user may actuate the adjustment drive by operating sensor element 64, particularly by applying gestures (swipes, strokes, etc.) to a touch-sensitive and/or proximity sensitive surface. Generally, the adjustable spacing comb 26 or, more particularly, a movable comb portion 40 (refer to FIG. 9) thereof may be moved with respect to the blade set 16 of the hair cutting appliance 10 (refer to FIG. 1) to adjust a distance between the adjustable spacing comb 26 and the blade set 16. By way of example, the movable spacing comb 26 may be extracted or retracted in a generally longitudinal direction indicated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9 by a double-arrow denoted by reference numeral 58.
[0086] The spacing comb 26 shown in FIG. 8 is in a retracted state. FIG. 9 illustrates a retracted and an extracted state of the movable comb portion 40 of the spacing comb 26. A respective extracted state of the movable comb portion 40′ is indicated in FIG. 9 by dashed lines. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the user may actuate the sensor element 64 in a basically longitudinal direction 70, 72 to cause an adjustment movement of the spacing comb 26. By actuating or operating the sensor element 64, the user may control the adjustment drive for the adjustable spacing comb 26 so as to define or set a desired cutting length.
[0087] It goes without saying that the exemplary configurations of the adjustment drive 50 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 9, particularly of the sensor elements 64 and the feedback units 74 thereof, are primarily provided for the sake of illustration. Consequently, the respective embodiments shall not be understood in a limiting sense.
[0088] With further reference to FIG. 10, an exemplary method of operating an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance is illustrated and further described. The method may comprise a step S10 which may involve providing an adjustment drive that comprises an actuator for actuating a movable comb portion of an adjustable spacing comb of a hair cutting appliance. Preferably, the adjustment drive is shaped in accordance with at least some embodiments as disclosed herein. A further step S12 may follow which may involve providing sensor element. The sensor element may be arranged as a proximity sensitive or touch sensitive, particularly a gesture control user input interface. A further step S14 may follow which may involve the detection of multi-faceted user inputs applied to the sensor element. Multi-faceted user inputs may involve strokes, gestures, etc. In a subsequent step S16, based on the detected user inputs, a respective user input signal may be generated and provided for further processing. Preferably, the user input signal is at least indicative of input speed. Further, the user input signal may be indicative of input direction, input length and further input values that are derivable therefrom. At still another step S18, the actuator of the adjustment drive may be operated on the basis of the user input signal. The step S18 may involve the conversion of the user input signal into an actuator operating signal. To this end, a control unit may be provided. In case the user input basically consists of a user input stroke, the actuator operating signal may be dependent on the detected user input stroke speed, user input stroke direction, and the user input stroke length.
[0089] FIG. 11 illustrates several sub-steps of an embodiment of a method of operating an adjustable spacing comb in accordance with the present disclosure. Particularly, the detection of input in from of strokes across the sensitive surface of the sensor element is addressed. A step S20 may involve the detection of the stroke at the sensor element. Consequently, a multi-faceted user input signal may be detected by a control unit. The user input signal may comprise information as to several aspects of the input stroke.
[0090] The user input signal may be analysed and processed accordingly. By way of example, the method may comprise optional sub-steps that may be implemented as optional steps or in combination. The sub-steps may comprise a step S22 that involves the derivation of an input stroke direction from the input signal. Consequently, it may be assessed whether the user wants to extract or retract the movable comb portion. The sub-steps may further comprise a step S24 that involves the derivation of an input stroke speed from the input signal. Consequently, it may be assessed whether the user wants to operate movable comb portion at high speed or low speed to bridge large or small adjustment distances. The sub-steps may further comprise a step S26 that involves the derivation of an input stroke length from the input signal. Consequently, conclusions as to the desired qualitative and/or quantitative length adjustment values can be drawn from the input stroke length. A subsequent step S28 may involve the generation of a output signal under consideration of data obtained at any of the (sub-)steps S22, S24 and S26. Based on the output signal, the adjustment drive and thus the adjustable spacing comb may be operated to set the desired cutting length.
[0091] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or 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 in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.
[0092] In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. 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.
[0093] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
