EP0550835B1 - Wet razor - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject matter of the invention is a wet razor. In order to produce a wet razor which permits the user always to shave under the best possible conditions, the invention proposes a wet razor (2) having a handle part (3) and having a blade part (4) with at least one exchangeable razor blade, proposes a device for registering the use of the razor, proposes an electronic evaluation unit which is connected, via a signal line, to the device for registering the use of the razor (2) and proposes an electric display (12) which is connected to the electronic evaluation unit (20). <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a device for detecting the use of a wet shaver. Unlike in the case of a dry shaver, the user of a wet shaver has to change the razor blade which is subject to heavy wear at relatively short intervals. The problem often arises for the user at the right time for changing the blade. No fixed intervals can be specified for this, since the wear of the razor blade depends very much on the frequency of shaving. However, the wear of the razor blade is also subject to other boundary conditions, such as the thickness of the beard or the type of shaving preparation and the shaving aid used in the form of a foam, a gel or a soap. Finally, the time factor also plays a role, since after using a razor blade for the first time, it is subject to natural wear and tear due to corrosion.

At the same time, however, it is important to change the razor blade in good time so that the desired depth of shave is achieved in an acceptable shaving time. Proper use of the razor blade also reduces the strain on the skin.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a wet shaving device which enables the user to always perform the shave under the best possible conditions.

• a) eine elektronische Auswerteeinheit (20) zur Erfassung des Gebrauchs des Rasierapparates (2),
• b) eine an die Auswerteeinheit (20) angeschlossene elektrische Anzeige (12),
• c) mindestens ein Schaltglied (15), welches durch Aufnahme des Rasierapparates (2) aus der Halterung (5) zur Initiierung eines Steuerungsprogramms für die Anzeige (12) zu betätigen ist und
• d) einen Feuchtigkeitssensor (9), der zur Messung der an der Rasierklinge haftenden Feuchtigkeit in der Halterung (5) angeordnet ist.

The solution to this problem consists in a device for detecting the use of a wet shaving apparatus, comprising a shaving apparatus (2) with a handle part (3) and a blade part (4) with at least one interchangeable razor blade (19) and a holding part (1) with a Holder (5) for receiving the shaver (2) when not in use, which is characterized by

• a) an electronic evaluation unit (20) for recording the use of the shaving apparatus (2),
• b) an electrical display (12) connected to the evaluation unit (20),
• c) at least one switching element (15) which can be actuated by receiving the shaving apparatus (2) from the holder (5) to initiate a control program for the display (12) and
• d) a moisture sensor (9) which is arranged in the holder (5) for measuring the moisture adhering to the razor blade.

A device designed in this way is suitable for giving the user instructions which always enable him to shave under the best possible conditions. For this purpose, the frequency of use of the razor with the same blade is first recorded by means of the device for detecting the use of the razor. The signal generated in this way reaches the electronic evaluation unit via the signal line, which calculates the presumed degree of wear of the razor blade from the assigned data and any existing data and gives the user appropriate information via a connected electrical display. In particular, the user can be shown when it is necessary to change the razor blade at the latest. The number of shaves performed with the same razor blade can also be displayed to the user.

In this way, the user is able to change the razor blade in good time and thus always achieve the desired level of shaving with an acceptable shaving time. The load on the skin when shaving is thus reduced to the minimum possible.

In addition to displaying the number of shaves that have already been carried out, the electrical display can also be used to display further ones Information is used, such as insufficient preparation of the skin before shaving. For example, the user can be informed that additional shaving aids in the form of foam, gel or soap are required for a gentle and thorough shave. Furthermore, the time, the type of beard determined by means of suitable sensors or a recommendation for refilling a blade supply can be given via the electrical display.

In a preferred development of the invention, the device for detecting the use of the shaving apparatus has a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor detects the moisture which is inevitably produced during wet shaving and thus allows a statement to be made about the intended use of the shaving apparatus.

In one embodiment, a holding part with a holder for receiving the shaver when not in use is provided. The moisture sensor is preferably arranged in the holder. This ensures that after each shave is completed and the razor is inserted into the holding part, the previous use is reliably detected. In order to enable the evaluation unit to determine which shaves have already been carried out with the same razor blade, provision is also made for an electronic storage unit to be connected to the evaluation unit. The storage unit preferably has a map memory and is thus prepared to determine the best possible time for changing the razor blade depending on several factors.

In order to also be able to take the time factor into account, the evaluation unit also has a timer.

A further development of the wet shaving device is further characterized by a switching element which is actuated when the shaving apparatus is received by the holder. This makes it possible to record the use of the shaver regardless of or in addition to the function of the moisture sensor. Furthermore, the switching element enables the duration of the respective shave to be determined.

The switching element is preferably designed as an induction switch, for example with a ring magnet arranged in the shaving apparatus, into which a pin of the holding part provided with a reed contact engages without contact. This prevents moisture-related short circuits on the electrical system.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the holding part is provided with a plurality of receptacles for replacement blades.

The receptacles are preferably provided with control devices for the replacement blades. The control devices make it possible to determine whether there are razor blades in the respective receptacles. It can also be determined whether the razor blades are new or used.

In order to enable immediate visual control of the recordings, a display element can be assigned to each recording.

With the invention it is further proposed that the evaluation unit has a counter which switches on each time the shaver is used. In order to be able to inform the user of the number of shaves that have already been carried out by means of the counter, the display has a preferably two-digit display for displaying the respective value of the counter.

The display is preferably designed as an LCD display.

The evaluation unit and the display can, for example, be arranged in the holding part. In this way, the shaver itself does not require moisture-sensitive electrical or electronic components.

Finally, it is proposed that a manually operable input unit be arranged on the holding part. The user can use the input unit to enter information such as the thickness of the beard or the type of shaving aid used, so that this information can also be used as data by the evaluation unit. This can be done, for example, in the form of a self-learning program, which determines the recommendations to be shown on the display from the stored and the respectively updated data by comparison with a stored and possibly overwritten map.

Fig. 1

in einer Ansicht einen Naßrasierapparat mit einem Halteteil;

Fig. 2

in einer Ansicht das Halteteil nach Fig. 1 ohne Naßrasierapparat;

Fig. 3

das Halteteil nach Fig. 2 in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 4

den Naßrasierapparat nach Fig. 1 in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 5

den Naßrasierapparat nach Fig. 4 in einer Seitenansicht und

Fig. 6

den vereinfacht dargestellten schaltungstechnischen Aufbau der Naßrasiervorrichtung.

Further details and advantages emerge from the following description of the associated drawings, in which an embodiment of a wet shaving device is shown. The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

in a view a wet shaver with a holding part;

Fig. 2

in a view the holding part of Figure 1 without wet shaver.

Fig. 3

the holding part of Figure 2 in a side view.

Fig. 4

the wet shaver of Figure 1 in a plan view.

Fig. 5

4 in a side view and

Fig. 6

the simplified circuit design of the wet shaving device.

The wet shaving device shown in Fig. 1 consists of a wall-mounted mount 1 and a razor 2 used therein for wet shaving. The shaving apparatus 2 consists of a handle part 3 and a blade part 4, the razor blade in the arrangement according to FIG. 1 being located within a pivotable holder 5 of the holding part 1 and therefore not being visible. While the front part of the blade part 4 is received by the holder 5 with the razor blade, the shaver 2 is supported with the end of its handle part 3 on a support 6 arranged fixed on the holding part 1 and therefore cannot fall out of the holding part 1 when not in use . Lugs not shown ensure that the shaver 2 can be removed from the holding part 1 only against a certain mechanical resistance.

In Figures 2 and 3 it is shown that the holder 5 of the holding part 1 for removing the razor is pivotally mounted between two supports 7 fixedly connected to the holding part 1. In Figures 2 and 3, the holder 5 is shown in the swung-open position, in which the shaver can be inserted into the holder 5 or removed therefrom. Slit-shaped openings 8 allow the escape of moisture from the pivotable after use of the shaver 2 Holder 5. Moisture sensors 9 are arranged in the holder 5, specifically at that point on the holder 5 at which the razor blade or the razor blade carrier rests when the razor is inserted.

Laterally, the holding part 1 has several receptacles 10 for spare blades in the form of individual compartments. On the top of the holding part 1, a display element 11 in the form of an LED element is arranged above each receptacle 10. On the top of the holding part 1 there is also a display 12 in the form of an LCD display suitable for displaying a large amount of information. A manually operated input unit 13 in the form of keys is also provided near the display 12.

The holding part 1 is provided below the support surface 14 for the shaving apparatus 2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 with an induction switch 15. The induction switch 15 protrudes with a pin 16 from the support surface 14, the pin 16 protruding into a corresponding bore 17 of the shaver 2 when the razor 2 is inserted. The bore 17 is surrounded by an annular induction magnet 18. If the razor 2 with its blade part 4, on which the interchangeable razor blade 19 is located, is inserted into the holder 5 of the holding part 1 and snapped onto the support 6 by pivoting, the pin 16 of the induction switch 15 enters the magnetic field of the induction magnet 18, so that an electrical signal is generated.

The function and mode of operation of the wet shaving device are explained below on the basis of the electrical functional representation according to FIG. 6.

An electronic evaluation unit 20 with a storage unit 21 for data and maps is located in the holding part 1 of the wet shaving device. The evaluation unit 20 is also provided with a timer 22 and a counter 23. The moisture sensors 9, the LCD display 12, the input unit 13 and the switching element designed as an induction switch 15 are connected to the evaluation unit 20 via signal lines. Each of the receptacles 10 for the replacement blades is also assigned to a control device 24, which is also connected to the evaluation unit 20 via a signal line. The control devices 24 detect whether there are 10 razor blades 19 in the respective receptacles and whether these are new or used razor blades 19. A battery is integrated within the holding part 1 for the power supply. An additional network connection is also provided.

The control program for the display 12 in the form of a multi-line LCD display is initiated by removing the shaver 2 from the holding part 1, so that the induction switch 15 is actuated. As a result, the display 12 is switched on, the user being informed, inter alia, of the number of shaves previously carried out with the same razor blade via a two-digit large digital display. The corresponding count value is stored in the counter 23 of the evaluation unit 20. The user is also informed via symbols or signs on the display 12 whether a change of the razor blade is necessary and how many shaves are likely to be possible until the next change. Furthermore, the user is informed by means of a corresponding query of the control devices 24 about how many unused razor blades are still in the receptacles 10 or whether they have to be replaced. By actuating the input unit 13, further information can be requested via the display 12 the current time, for example.

After use of the shaving apparatus, it is reinserted in the holding part 1 in the manner described above, which is registered by the evaluation unit 20 by means of the induction switch 15. At the same time, the moisture sensors 9 detect the moisture still adhering to the razor blades, which is registered by the evaluation unit 20 as confirmation that the razor has actually been used as intended. The value stored within the counter 23 is then increased by one unit and the corresponding information is displayed on the display 12. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 20 carries out a re-evaluation of the respective data, taking into account the duration of the shave recorded by the timer 22, and stores this in the storage unit 21. The display 12 then switches off after 30 seconds.

In addition to removing the shaving apparatus, the display 12 can also be activated by pressing a key on the input unit 13.

In a modification of the embodiment shown in the figures, the moisture sensors can also be arranged directly on the razor blades or the blade part of the razor, in which case a suitable signal transmission between the razor and the holding part is required. In this embodiment, the moisture sensors are activated several times during the shave, for example while the shaving aid is being rinsed off the razor blade. If no further activation of the moisture sensors takes place after a period of time that is determined internally in the device, the time difference between the first and last activation is stored internally in the device. This information is important because the length of time for a shave proportional to the period of use of the respective razor blade and correlated with the type of hair or beard. The duration of the shave is also dependent on the personality structure of the user in that the user usually performs the shave particularly carefully, carefully or quickly. The age of the user and the time of day of shaving also play a role and can therefore be taken into account when the program is run in the form of corresponding parameters of the map. The map is renewed so that the program is self-learning. The initial values are entered by manual actuation of the input unit 13. During the course of the program, this self-assessment of the user is then compared with the actual values determined and the map and thus the display 12 are adapted accordingly.

When a blade change is detected by means of the control devices 24, the variable values are automatically set to zero and the program is restarted.

Reference list

1

Holding part

2nd

shaver

3rd

Handle part

4th

Blade part

5

bracket

6

Support

7

support

8th

opening

9

Humidity sensor

10th

Holder for replacement blades

11

Display element

12th

display

13

Input unit

14

Contact surface

15

Induction switch

16

pen

17th

drilling

18th

Induction magnet

19th

razor blade

20th

Evaluation unit

21

Storage unit

22

Timer

23

Counter

24th

Control device

Claims (13)

1. A device for improving the use of a wet shaving device which comprises a razor (2) with a handle portion (3) as well as a blade portion (4) with at least one exchangeable razor blade (19), and a holding portion (1) with a support (5) to receive the razor (2) during non use, characterised in that

   a) an electronic analyzer unit (20) for detecting use of the razor (2),

   b) an electronic indicator (12) included in the analyzer unit (20),

   c) at least one switching member (15), which is provided to initiate the control programme for the electronic indicator (12) when the razor (2) is removed from the support (5) and

   d) a moisture sensor (9) in the support (5) for the measurement of the moisture of the razor blades.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the analyzer unit (20) includes a memory unit (21).
3. A device according to claim 2, characterised in that the memory unit (21) is provided with a performance memory.
4. A device according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the analyzer unit (20) is provided with a time function element.
5. A device according to claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the switching element (15) is constructed as an induction switch.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the holding portion (1) is provided with several receptacles (10) for spare blades.
7. A device according to claim 6, characterised in that the receptacle (10) is provided with monitoring means (24) for the spare blades.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that an indicator element (11) is arranged in each receptacle (10).
9. A device according to claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the analyzer unit (20) has a counting member (23) which advances every time the razor (2) is used.
10. A device according to claim 9, characterised in that the indicator (12) comprises a two digit numerical indicator for reproducing the respective value of the counting member (23).
11. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the indicator (12) is constructed as a liquid display.
12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the analyzer unit (20) as well as the indicator (12) are arranged in the holding portion (1).
13. A device according to any one of the receding claims, characterised in that a manually operated input unit is arranged on the holding portion (1) and/or the razor (2).

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