阅读说明：本技术 用于护肤装置的磁锁定和释放机构 (Magnetic locking and releasing mechanism for skin care devices ) 是由 P·科佩拉斯 S·皮尔斯 于 2021-03-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于将剃刮头(10)连接至护肤装置(99)的手柄(21)的连接器(45),其包含被配置为连接至所述剃刮头的第一工件(41、41M)、被配置为连接至所述手柄的第二工件(46、46F)、连接至所述第一工件的至少第一磁体(51)、连接至所述第二工件的至少第二磁体(53),所述第一和第二工件可沿插入方向(44)插入彼此内部,使得所述第一和第二磁体的等磁极(51N、53N)倾斜或垂直于所述插入方向布置,用于通过磁排斥力将所述第一和第二工件保持在彼此内部。(A connector (45) for connecting a shaving head (10) to a handle (21) of a skin care device (99), comprising a first workpiece (41, 41M) configured to be connected to the shaving head, a second workpiece (46, 46F) configured to be connected to the handle, at least a first magnet (51) connected to the first workpiece, at least a second magnet (53) connected to the second workpiece, the first and second workpieces being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction (44) such that the iso-poles (51N, 53N) of the first and second magnets are arranged obliquely or perpendicular to the insertion direction for holding the first and second workpieces inside each other by magnetic repulsion forces.)

1. Connector (40, 45) for connecting a shaving head (10) to a handle (20, 21) of a skin care device (9, 99), comprising a first workpiece (41, 41M) configured to be connected to the shaving head, a second workpiece (42, 42F, 46F) configured to be connected to the handle, at least a first magnet (51) connected to the first workpiece, at least a second magnet (52, 53) connected to the second workpiece, the first and second workpieces being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction (44) such that their iso-poles (51N-53N, 51S-53S) are arranged obliquely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction for holding the first and second workpieces inside each other by magnetic repulsion forces, the connector (40, 45) further comprising a connector (41, 45) connected to the second workpiece (46, 46), 46F) The second magnet (53) being fixed relative to the third workpiece (30), the third workpiece (30) being movable relative to the second workpiece between a first position in which the second magnet repels the first magnet (51) so as to increase the insertion of the first (41, 41M) and second workpieces within each other and a second position; in the second position, the second magnet repels the first magnet so as to reduce insertion of the first and second workpieces within each other.

2. Connector (40, 45) according to claim 1, wherein the first piece (41M) is insertable inside the second piece (42F, 46F).

3. Connector (40, 45) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first (41, 41M) and second (42, 42F, 46F) workpieces are rotationally fixed relative to each other about an insertion axis (43) along which the first and second workpieces can be inserted inside each other.

4. Connector (40, 45) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first magnet (51) is configured to move past the second magnet (52, 53) during insertion of the first (41, 41M) and second (42, 42F, 46F) workpieces inside each other.

5. Connector (40, 45) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the first piece (41, 41M) comprising a spacer portion (41S) extending from the first magnet (51) past the second magnet (52, 53) when the first and second (42, 42F, 46F) pieces are inserted inside each other.

6. The connector (40) of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second magnet (52) is fixed relative to the second workpiece (42, 42F).

7. The connector (45) of any of claims 5 to 6, wherein the first (51) and second (53) magnets are configured to bias the third workpiece (30) toward the first position when the spacer portion (41S) of the first workpiece (41, 41M) extends past the second magnet.

8. The connector (45) of any of claims 1 to 7, the third workpiece (30) including a spacer portion (34) extending from the second magnet (53) past the first magnet (51) when the first (41, 41M) and second (46, 46F) workpieces are inserted inside one another and the third workpiece is in the first position.

9. The connector (45) of any of claims 1 to 8, the third piece (30) being resiliently connected to the second piece (46, 46F) so as to be biased towards the first position.

10. The connector (45) of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second magnet (53) is configured to move past the first magnet (51) when the third workpiece (30) moves from the first position to the second position.

11. A skin care device (9, 99) comprising a handle (20, 21), a shaving head (10) and a connector (40, 45) according to any one of claims 1-10 for connecting the shaving head to the handle.

12. The skin care device (9, 99) according to claim 11, wherein the shaving head (10) comprises one or more cutting elements (12).

13. A shaving head (10) for a skin care device (9, 99) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, comprising a connection portion (41) for connection to a handle (20, 21) of the skin care device, the handle and the connection portion being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction (44), the connection portion comprising a magnet (51) whose poles (51N, 51S) are inclined or oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction for holding the head and handle inside each other by magnetic repulsion forces with the handle.

14. Handle (20, 21) for a skin care device (9, 99) according to any one of claims 11 to 12, comprising a connection (42, 46) for connection to a head (10) of the skin care device, the head and connection being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction (44), the connection comprising a magnet (52, 53) whose poles (52N, 52S, 53N, 53S) are inclined or oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction for holding the head and handle inside each other by magnetic repulsion forces with the head.

Technical Field

This application claims the benefit of european patent application EP 20172101.6 filed on 29/4/2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to the field of shaving razors, such as refillable shaving razors, wherein a handle and a shaving head are detachably connected to each other such that one of them can be replaced while the other is stored, and a connector for the shaving razor.

Background

Conventional refillable shaving razors use complex mechanical assemblies to secure the shaving head of the shaving razor to the handle of the shaving razor. Examples of such assemblies include cartridge assemblies as disclosed in WO9737819, for example. Magnetic retention of the head to the handle is known, for example from US10350774B2, in which magnets connected to the handle cooperate attractively with magnets connected to the shaving head to retain the shaving head on the handle. In US10350774B2, removal of the shaving head from the handle is achieved by overcoming the attractive force between the head and the handle magnet, and attachment of the shaving head to the handle is achieved by bringing the magnet of the shaving head into proximity with the magnet on the handle until the attractive magnetic force becomes strong enough to attract the shaving head and the handle together.

Disclosure of Invention

The shaving head may be held on the handle of the shaving device by a magnetic repulsion force. To this end, according to an example of the present disclosure, a connector for connecting a shaving head to a handle of a skin care device may be provided. The connector includes a first workpiece configured to be connected to the shaving head, a second workpiece configured to be connected to the handle, at least a first magnet connected to the first workpiece, and at least a second magnet connected to the second workpiece. The first and second workpieces are insertable inside each other, which means that one of the first and second workpieces is insertable inside the other of the first and second workpieces. The first and second workpieces are insertable into one another in an insertion direction. The equal poles of the first and second magnets are arranged obliquely or perpendicularly to the insertion direction for holding the first and second workpieces inside each other by a magnetic repulsive force.

Isopolar is understood to mean a non-opposing pole. For example, the north poles of the first and second magnets are of equal polarity relative to each other; the south poles of the first and second magnets are of equal polarity relative to each other.

Such connectors may be relatively simple compared to a cartridge assembly, and provide an improved user experience compared to retention by magnetic attraction.

The first workpiece may be inserted inside the second workpiece.

The first and second workpieces are rotationally fixed relative to each other about an insertion axis along which they are insertable inside each other.

The first magnet may be configured to move past the second magnet during insertion of the first and second workpieces within each other.

The first workpiece may include a spacer portion that extends from the first magnet past the second magnet when the first and second workpieces are inserted inside each other.

The second magnet may be fixed relative to the second workpiece.

The connector may include a third workpiece connected to the second workpiece. The second magnet may be fixed relative to the third workpiece. The third workpiece is movable relative to the second workpiece between a first position and a second position. The second magnet may repel the first magnet in the first position to increase insertion of the first and second workpieces within each other. The second magnet may repel the first magnet in the second position to reduce insertion of the first and second workpieces within each other.

The first and second magnets may be configured to bias the third workpiece toward the first position when the spacer portion of the first workpiece extends past the second magnet.

The third workpiece may include a spacer portion extending from the second magnet past the first magnet when the first and second workpieces are inserted within each other and the third workpiece is in the first position.

The third workpiece may be resiliently connected to the second workpiece so as to be biased towards the first position.

The second magnet may be configured to move past the first magnet when the third workpiece moves from the first position to the second position.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a skin care device may be provided comprising a handle, a shaving head and a connector for connecting the shaving head to the handle as previously described herein.

The shaving head may comprise one or more cutting elements.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a shaving head for a skin care device may be provided, as previously described herein, comprising a connection for connecting to a handle of the skin care device, the handle and the connection being insertable inside each other in an insertion direction, the connection comprising a magnet having poles inclined or oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction for holding the shaving head to the handle by magnetic repulsion with the handle.

According to an example of the present disclosure, a handle for a skin care device may be provided, as previously described herein, comprising a connection for connecting to a head of the skin care device, the head and the connection being insertable inside each other along an insertion direction, the connection comprising a magnet having poles inclined or oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction for holding the handle to the head by magnetic repulsion with the head.

Drawings

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various aspects of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows an exemplary shaving device in cross-section during attachment of its shaving head to its handle;

fig. 2 shows the shaving device of fig. 1 during passage of the magnets of the shaving head past the magnets of the handle;

FIG. 3 shows the shaving device of FIG. 1 with the shaving head retained inside the handle;

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary shaving device in cross-section with its shaving head held inside its handle;

fig. 5 shows the shaving device of fig. 4 during passage of the magnet of the ejection switch of the handle past the magnet of the shaving head;

fig. 6 shows the shaving device of fig. 4 during ejection of the head from the handle.

The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "exemplary" rather than "ideal". While aspects of the disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings. The detailed description and drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative aspects and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The depicted illustrative aspects are intended to be exemplary only.

When an element or feature is referred to herein as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or feature, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may be present. In contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or feature, there may be no intervening elements or features present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements or features are to be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between," "directly between," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.).

Although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/or parameters, these elements, components, regions, layers, sections and/or parameters should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary shaving device 9 in a sectional view. The shaving device 9 comprises a shaving head 10 and a handle 20 and is shown during its attachment of the shaving head to its handle by means of a connector 40 comprising connections 41, 42 to be discussed later.

The head 10 includes one or more cutting elements 12, which may be disposed within a shaving cartridge 14 (shown schematically). The cutting element 12 can be connected to the handle 20 by a connection 41 of the head 10. The connecting portion 41 of the head may be permanently or removably attached to the cutting element 12. The connecting portion 41 of the head is a non-limiting example of a first piece of the connector 40.

A hinge 16, such as a hinge, flexure, or any suitable device for allowing the shaving cartridge to move relative to the handle of the shaving device during shaving, may be provided between the cutting element 12 and the connection 41 of the head. However, a connection 41 rigidly connecting the cutting element 12 to the head is also conceivable.

The handle 20 comprises a grip portion 22 for allowing a user to manipulate the shaving device 9 during shaving. The grip portion 22 can be connected to the head 10 by a connecting portion 42 of the handle 10. The connecting portion 42 of the handle may be permanently or removably attached to the grip 22. The connecting portion 42 of the handle is a non-limiting example of the second piece of the connector 40.

The head and handle connections 41, 42 can be directly connected to each other by being inserted inside each other along an insertion axis 43 by a movement of the head 10 relative to the handle 20 in its insertion direction 44.

The connecting portion 41 of the head comprises a projection 41M extending in the insertion direction 43 and in the insertion direction 44 away from the cutting element 12.

The connecting portion 42 of the handle is provided as a concave portion 42F into which the convex portion 41M can be inserted. However, it is also contemplated that the recess 42F is provided on the head 10 and the projection 41M is provided on the handle 20.

The recessed portion 42F includes an insertion hole 42I (provided as a blind hole in this case) extending along an insertion axis 43, and an opening 42V thereof is arranged opposite to the grip portion of the handle.

The coupling portion 41 of the head and the coupling portion 42 of the handle may include abutments that define the maximum insertion of the male portion 41M inside the female portion 42F. In this example, abutment is provided by the cooperation of a flange 41B provided on the connecting portion 41 of the head and a rim 42R provided on the connecting portion 42 of the handle. The flange 41B is arranged between the projection 41M and the cutting element 12 and extends radially with respect to the insertion axis 43. The rim 42R surrounds the opening 42V of the insertion hole and abuts on the flange 41B when the two connection portions 41, 42 are completely inserted inside each other.

The cross-section of the recess 42F and/or the protrusion may be substantially non-circular, as seen on a normal to the insertion direction 44, to prevent the head 10 from rotating relative to the handle 20 about the insertion axis 43 when the connecting portions 41, 42 of the head 10 and the handle 20 are inserted inside each other.

The projection 41M includes a spacer portion 41S and a magnet 51. The spacer portion 41S of the projection separates the magnet 51 of the projection from the flange 41B and extends along the insertion axis 43 therebetween. As a non-limiting example, the length of the spacer portion 41S of the projection may be 2-2.3cm (centimeters) as measured in the insertion direction of the magnet 51 from the flange 41B to the projection.

The magnet 51 of the projection is disposed in the magnet hole 41H provided in the spacer portion 41S of the projection. The magnet holes 41H of the projections may be substantially inclined or perpendicular to the insertion direction 44. The magnet 51 of the projection is fixed in the rotational direction about the insertion axis 43 with respect to the projection 41M. In the shaving device shown in fig. 1, the magnets 51 of the projections are also rotationally fixed relative to the head 10 about the insertion axis 43. In the shaving device shown in fig. 1, the magnets 51 of the protrusion are also fixed in a translational direction along the insertion axis 43 relative to the connection portion 41 of the head.

The recess 42F comprises a magnet 52 which cooperates repulsively with the magnet 51 of the projection during the insertion/extraction of the projection 41M and the recess 42F into/from each other. The magnets of the male and female portions 41M, 42F are arranged so that when the connecting portions 41, 42 of the head and handle are fully inserted inside each other, the flange 41B is closer to the magnet 52 of the female portion than the flange is to the magnet 51 of the male portion. The magnet 52 of the recess is rotationally fixed relative to the recess 42F about the insertion axis 43 and translationally fixed along the insertion axis. In the shaving device shown in fig. 1, the recesses 42F are also fixed in both translational and rotational directions relative to the grip 22.

The magnets 51, 52 of the male and female portions 41M, 42F are oriented relative to the insertion direction 44 and relative to each other such that when a user begins to insert the connecting portions 41, 42 of the head 10 and handle 20 into each other (e.g., when the head is first connected to the handle), the repelling force between the magnets biases the head and handle to prevent their connecting portions from being inserted into each other, and when a user begins to withdraw the head and handle from each other (e.g., when the head is removed from the handle for replacement of the head), the repelling force between the magnets biases the head and handle to prevent the connecting portions from being withdrawn from each other. When two magnets repel each other, the repulsion may be considered a repulsive force exerted on it by the second of the two magnets from the perspective of the first of the two magnets.

The magnet 51 of the projection includes a magnetic axis 51A which is a straight line connecting its north pole 51N and south pole 51S. The magnet 52 of the recess includes a magnetic axis 52A that is a straight line connecting its north pole 52N and south pole 52S.

The poles of the magnets of the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 42F are inclined or perpendicular to the insertion direction, which means that each of the respective magnetic axes 51A, 52A of these magnets may be inclined up to 90 degrees with respect to the insertion direction 44. The magnetic axis 52A of the magnet 52 of the female portion may be at an equal angle to the magnetic axis 51A of the magnet 51 of the male portion with respect to the insertion direction 44; however, it is also contemplated that the magnetic axis 52A of the magnet 52 of the female portion is oriented at a different angle relative to the insertion direction than the magnetic axis 51A of the magnet 51 of the male portion.

The magnet 52 of the recess may be disposed in the magnet hole 42H of the recess 42F. The magnet hole 42H of the recess portion may extend obliquely or perpendicularly with respect to the insertion direction 44.

The recessed portion 42F includes a spacer portion 42S that separates the magnets 52 of the recessed portion from the rim 42R. When the male part 41M is inserted to a depth within the female part 42F such that the flange 41B is closer to the magnet of the male part (in this case the magnet of the head) 51 than to the magnet of the female part (in this case the magnet of the handle) 52, and/or such that the magnet of the male part (in this case the magnet of the head) 51 is located at a position along the insertion axis 43 intermediate between the position of the rim 42R along the insertion axis and the position of the magnet of the female part (in this case the magnet of the handle) 52 along the insertion axis 43, the spacer portion 42S of the female part prevents excessive deflection of the male part 41M in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 44 under the action of repulsion forces between the magnets 51, 52 of the male part 41M and the female part 42F.

The spacer portion 42S of the recessed portion is sufficiently long, as measured in the insertion direction 44, that the repulsive forces between the magnets 51, 52 of the connecting portion do not substantially interfere with aligning the connecting portions 41, 42 of the head 10 and handle 20 with the insertion axis prior to insertion. For example, the spacer portion 42S of the recessed portion may be 1-1.5cm (centimeters).

The spacer portion 42S of the recessed portion is arranged to extend from the rim 42R to the magnet 52 of the recessed portion along the insertion axis 43. However, other spacers and/or locations on the male portion 41F and/or the female portion 42F are also contemplated, which would also allow for initiation of insertion before the repelling forces between the magnets 51, 52 of the male and female portions would make it difficult for the connecting portions 41, 42 to align with the insertion axis 43.

Fig. 3 shows the shaving device 9 of fig. 1, wherein the projections 41M and the recesses 42F are fully inserted inside each other; fig. 2 shows the shaving device 9 of fig. 1 during movement from the position shown in fig. 1 to the position shown in fig. 3. As seen in fig. 2, this movement causes the magnets 51 of the male portion to pass the magnets 52 of the female portion. When the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 42F are inserted into each other, moving from the position shown in fig. 1 to the position shown in fig. 2, the magnets 51, 52 of the convex and concave portions are brought close to each other, so that the repulsive force therebetween increases. Although the magnet of the handle (the magnet 52 of the concave portion in this case) exerts a repulsive force to the magnet 51 of the convex portion with a component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction 44 and a component directed opposite to the insertion direction 44, the contact force exerted by the concave portion 42 to the convex portion 41 cancels out the component of the repulsive force directed perpendicular to the insertion direction 44. In this way, the repelling force perceptible to the user may substantially correspond to a component of the repelling force substantially opposite the insertion direction 44, which may be perceived by the user of the shaving device 9 as a resistance of the connector 40 to connecting the connecting portions 41, 42 of the head 10 and the handle 20 together.

In fig. 2, the magnets 51, 52 of the male and female portions are oriented such that their equal poles are arranged to face opposite directions to each other, e.g., the north pole 52N of the magnet 52 of the female portion is arranged to face the north pole 51N of the magnet 51 of the male portion (although it is contemplated that the south pole 52S of the magnet of the female portion is arranged to face the south pole 51S of the magnet of the male portion as an alternative). When the equal poles of the magnets of the male and female portions face in opposite directions to each other, the magnets 51 of the male portion can be brought into position along the insertion axis 43 relative to the magnets 52 of the female portion, so that the net repulsive force exerted by the magnets 52 of the female portion on the magnets 51 of the male portion lacks (at least temporarily) a component directed along the insertion axis 43.

In the present example, when the magnetic poles arranged to face opposite directions to each other (in this case the respective north poles 51N, 52N of the magnets) have substantially the same positions as each other along the insertion axis 43, the net repulsive force exerted by the magnets 52 of the female portion on the magnets 51 of the male portion lacks (at least temporarily) a component directed along the insertion axis 43.

In the present example, the respective north poles 51N, 52N of the magnets 51, 52 of the male and female portions have substantially the same position as each other along the insertion axis 43 when the two magnets 51, 52 move past each other. Two magnets may be considered to move past each other when the position along the insertion axis 43 of the leading and trailing extremities of one of the two magnets (e.g., convex magnet 51) coincides with or is between the position along the insertion axis of the leading and trailing extremities of the other of the two magnets (e.g., concave magnet 52). The leading extremity of a given magnet is the extremity whose leading surface extends in the insertion direction 44, while the trailing extremity is the extremity whose trailing surface extends opposite the insertion direction 44; the front surface thereof is a surface arranged to face the insertion direction 44, and the rear surface thereof is a surface arranged to face a direction opposite to the insertion direction 44.

In this example, the convex and concave magnets 51, 52 are identical to each other. Although they are shown as cylindrical bar magnets, respectively, it is contemplated that one or both magnets may be provided in any other suitable form or geometry.

As the component of the repulsion force exerted by the magnets of the handle (in this case the magnets 52 of the recesses) on the magnets of the head (in this case the magnets 51 of the protrusions) decreases, which is directed opposite to the insertion direction 44, the user of the shaving device 9 may perceive a decrease in the resistance of the connector 40 connecting the head 10 and the handle 20 together.

A comparison of fig. 1 and 3 reveals that the magnets 51, 52 of the male portion 41M and the female portion 42F have an interchanged position with respect to each other along the insertion axis 43, so that the flange 41B is now closer to the magnet 52 of the female portion than to the magnet 51 of the male portion. Similarly, it can be seen that the cutting element 12 is closer to the magnet of the attachment portion of the handle (in this case magnet 52 of the female portion) than to the magnet of the attachment portion of the head (in this case magnet 51 of the male portion).

When the connecting portions 41, 42 are in the position shown in fig. 3, the repulsion force exerted by the magnets of the handle (in this case the magnets 52 of the female portion) on the magnets of the head (in this case the magnets 51 of the male portion) comprises a component directed in the insertion direction 44 which holds the male portion 41M inside the female portion 42F and thus the head 10 on the handle 20.

As the insertion advances from the position shown in fig. 2 to the position shown in fig. 3, the spacer portion 41S of the convex portion causes the magnet 51 of the convex portion to advance past the magnet 52 of the concave portion. Thus, the spacer portion 41S of the convex portion is made to extend past the magnet 52 of the concave portion. The component directed in the insertion direction 44 by the repulsive force exerted by the magnet of the handle (in this case the magnet 52 of the concave portion) on the magnet of the head (in this case the magnet 51 of the convex portion) increases. A user of the shaving device 9 may perceive that the connector 40 starts to push the protrusion 41M into the recess 42F.

The head 10 may be disconnected from the handle 20 by moving the head relative to the handle opposite the insertion direction 44. During disconnection of head 10 from handle 20, magnets 51, 52 of male portion 41M and female portion 42F are brought into proximity with each other along insertion axis 43 in a relative position to each other. The repulsive force of the magnet of the handle (in this case, the magnet 52 of the concave portion) against the magnet of the head (in this case, the magnet 51 of the convex portion) may be increased. Since the contact between the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 42F cancels out the component of the repulsive force oriented perpendicular to the insertion direction 44, this increase in repulsive force can be perceived by the user as a resistance of the connector 40 to withdrawal of the convex portion 41M from the concave portion 42F.

When the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 42F are drawn out to the positions shown in fig. 2, the component directed in the insertion direction 44 of the repulsive force exerted by the magnet of the handle (the magnet 52 of the concave portion in this case) on the magnet of the head (the magnet 51 of the convex portion in this case) is reduced. The user may perceive this as a reduction in the resistance of the connector 40 to the disconnection of the connection 41 of the head from the connection 42 of the handle.

After the male part 41M and the female part 42F are drawn out of the position shown in fig. 2 from each other, the repulsive force of the magnet of the handle (the magnet 52 of the female part in this case) against the magnet of the head (the magnet 51 of the male part in this case) regains its component directed opposite to the insertion direction 44. The user perceives the restoration of this component as the connector 40 pushing the convex portion 41M to be drawn out from the concave portion 42F.

Although the foregoing description relates to a shaving device 9 whose head 10 comprises a connection portion 41 having a flange 41B and a projection 41M, and whose handle 20 comprises a connection portion 42 having a rim 42R and a recess 42F, it is also contemplated that the connection portion of the head comprises a rim and a recess, and the connection portion of the handle comprises a flange and a projection.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary shaving device 99 in a sectional view, the shaving head 10 of which is held inside its handle 21 by means of the connector 45 of the shaving device, the male portion 41M and the female portion 46F of the connection portion 41 of the head and the connection portion 46 of the handle being shown fully inserted inside each other. The shaving device 99 and the head 10, grip 22, rim 42R and insertion hole 42I of the connector 45 are the same as seen in fig. 1. Like reference numerals in fig. 1-4 refer to like items.

Connector 45 includes ejection switch 30. The switch 30 is a non-limiting example of a third piece of the connector 45. The switch 30 is movable between a hold position and an eject position. Movement from the hold position to the eject position involves a net translation of the switch 30 in the insertion direction 44.

The switch 30 comprises a magnet 53, in this case the magnet of the handle, to cooperate repulsively with the magnet of the head, in this case the magnet 51 of the projection. The magnet 53 of the switch comprises a magnetic axis 53A, which is a straight line connecting its north pole 53N and south pole 53S. The magnetic axis 53A of the switching magnet 53 may be inclined up to an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the insertion direction 44. The magnet 53 of the switch is fixed in the rotational direction about the insertion axis 43.

The connecting portion 46 of the handle may include a switch slot 46S, in this case, disposed in an outer surface 46E of the recessed portion 46F. The magnet 53 of the switch is slidable between the retaining and ejecting positions within the switch slot 46S.

The switch slot 46S may retain the magnet 53 of the switch radially with respect to the insertion axis 43 and may also rotate about the insertion axis. This will be discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 5.

The switch 30 is permanently or removably attached to the connecting portion 46 of the handle (in this case, the connecting portion includes a recessed portion 46F including the rim 42R and the insertion hole 42I). An elastic member 39, such as a spring (shown schematically), is provided between the switch 30 and the connection portion 46 of the handle to bias the switch toward the holding position. When the switch 30 is in the hold position, the resilient member 39 may be in the rest position.

When the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 46F are completely inserted inside each other, and the switch 30 is in the holding position, the magnet 53 of the switch and the magnet 51 of the head repel each other, so that the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 46F are inserted inside each other. For example, when the connection portion 41 of the head and the connection portion 46 of the handle are fully inserted inside each other, and the switch 30 is in the holding position, the position of the magnet 53 of the switch along the insertion axis 43 is intermediate between the position of the magnet 51 of the head and the cutting element 12. In this position, the spacer portion 41S of the head extends along the insertion axis 43 past the magnet 53 of the switch.

The spacer portion 46P of the connecting portion of the handle (in this case the spacer portion of the recessed portion) has a length measured in the insertion direction 44, from the opening 42V to the magnet 53 of the switch in the holding position. The spacer portion 46P of the connecting portion of the handle may be, for example, about 1-1.5cm in length.

The switch 30 may include a magnet holding portion 31 for holding the magnet 53 of the switch, and a manipulating portion 32 for allowing a user to move the magnet of the switch between the holding position and the ejecting position. The magnet holding portion 31 may include a magnet hole 33 in which a magnet 53 of a switch is disposed.

The handling portion 32 may protrude away from the insertion axis 43 relative to the connecting portion 46 of the handle and/or may present a textured surface disposed away from the connecting portion of the handle to allow a user to obtain a grip on the switch 30 during movement between the hold and eject positions.

When the switch 30 is in the holding position and the connecting portions 41, 46 of the head 10 and handle 20 are held inside each other, the magnet 53 of the switch (and the magnet holding portion 31, when present) may be disposed at an extreme end of the switch slot 46S, which is relatively close to the cutting element 12. For example, the magnet holder 31 may be arranged to abut this extreme end of the switch slot 46S.

The switch 30 may be provided with a spacer portion 34 that separates the magnet holding portion 31 from the manipulation portion 32. For example, when the magnet of the switch is in the holding position and the male portion 41M and the female portion 46F are fully inserted inside each other, the spacer portion 34 of the switch may extend from the magnet 53 of the switch to the manipulation portion 32 and past the magnet 51 of the head portion. The spacer portion 34 of the switch may allow the manipulation portion 32 to be relatively distant with respect to the cutting element 12, as compared to the magnet 53 of the switch.

The head coupling portion 41 and the handle coupling portion 46 may be coupled to each other in a manner similar to the coupling portions described with respect to fig. 1-3.

When the insertion is started, the magnet 53 of the switch exerts a repulsive force on the magnet 51 of the head, which includes a component directed opposite to the insertion direction 44 and a component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction 44. The contact force between the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 46F cancels out the component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction in the same manner as described with respect to fig. 1 to 3. The component of the repulsive force directed opposite to the insertion direction 44 can be perceived by the user as a resistance of the connector 45 to the insertion of the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 46F into each other.

As insertion proceeds, the position of the head magnet 51 relative to the switch magnet 53 along the insertion axis 43 becomes such that the repelling force exerted by the switch magnet 53 on the head magnet 51 and the switch magnet 53 is (at least temporarily) devoid of components directed along the insertion axis 43. The convex portion 41M and the concave portion 46F restrict or prevent the magnet of the magnetic head 51 from moving perpendicular to the insertion direction 44. In addition, the switch 30 and/or the switch slot 46S limit or prevent movement of the magnet 53 of the switch perpendicular to the insertion direction 44. This will be discussed in more detail with reference to fig. 5.

When the position of the magnet 53 of the switch along the insertion axis 43 is intermediate the magnet 51 of the head and the cutting element 12, the repulsion force exerted by the magnet 53 of the switch on the magnet 51 of the head comprises a component directed in the insertion direction 44. The user can perceive this repulsive force as the connector 45 pushing the convex portion 41M into the concave portion 46F. In addition, it can be considered that the magnet 51 of the head exerts a repulsive force on the magnet 53 of the switch, which is opposite to the repulsive force exerted on the magnet 51 of the head by the magnet 53 of the switch. The repulsion force exerted by the magnet 51 of the head on the magnet 53 of the switch comprises a component directed opposite to the insertion direction 44. In this position, the repulsion force exerted by the magnet 51 of the head on the magnet 53 of the switch is perceptible to the user as biasing the switch 30 towards the holding position, regardless of whether the resilient member 39 is also provided to bias the magnet 53 of the switch towards the holding position. Fig. 5 shows the shaving device 99 of fig. 4 during movement of the switch 30 from the position seen in fig. 4 (with the switch in the holding position) to the position seen in fig. 6 (with the switch in the ejection position).

When the switch 30 is moved from the hold position to the eject position, it translates in the insertion direction 44. For example, when the magnet 53 of the switch moves from the hold position to the eject position, its net translation in the insertion direction 44 may be approximately 1-1.5 cm.

When the connecting portions 41, 46 of the connectors abut each other, the head 10 is prevented from moving in the insertion direction relative to the handle 20. The translation of the magnet 53 of the switch from the retaining position to the ejection position causes the magnet of the switch and the magnet 51 of the head to pass each other. When the magnet 53 of the switch is moved from the holding position to the position shown in fig. 5, the magnets 51, 53 of the head 10 and the switch 30 are brought close to each other, so that the repulsive force therebetween increases. The repulsion force exerted by the magnet 51 of the head on the magnet 53 of the switch comprises a component directed opposite to the insertion direction 44 and a component directed perpendicular to the insertion direction 44. The switch 30 and/or the switch slot 46S counteract a component of the repulsive force exerted by the head magnet 51 on the switch magnet 53. When the magnet 51 of the head and the magnet 53 of the switch approach each other, the component of the repelling force exerted by the magnet 51 of the head on the magnet of the switch directed opposite to the insertion direction increases and may be perceived by a user of the shaving device 99 as a resistance of the connector 45 to the connection 41, 46 of the connector being disconnected from each other.

The magnets 51, 53 of the head and switch are oriented such that the isopolar poles of the magnets of the head and switch (in this case north poles 51N, 53N, although south poles 51S, 53S are also contemplated) are arranged to face in opposite directions to one another, as described with respect to the magnets of fig. 2. As shown in fig. 5, when the equal poles of these magnets have substantially the same position as each other along the insertion axis 43, the repulsive force exerted by the switch magnet 53 on the head magnet 51 lacks (at least temporarily) the component directed along the insertion axis 43. As previously described, the cooperation between the male portion 41M and the female portion 46F may stabilize the magnet 51 of the head relative to the insertion axis 43. In addition, the repulsion force exerted by the magnet 51 of the head on the magnet 53 of the switch lacks (at least temporarily) a component directed along the insertion axis 43. The switch slot 46S stabilizes the magnet 53 of the switch with respect to the insertion axis 43. For example, the magnet 53 of the switch may be enclosed within the magnet holder 31, and the switch slot 46S may stabilize the magnet holder relative to the insertion axis 43.

When the magnet 53 of the switch is not enclosed in the magnet holding portion 31, the magnet hole 33 of the magnet holding portion may be provided as a blind hole opened toward the insertion axis. In this way, the magnetic repulsive force between the magnet of the head portion and the magnet of the switch can push the magnet of the switch into the magnet hole of the magnet holding portion in a direction away from the opening 35 of the magnet hole.

The switch slot 46S may be arranged such that a surface of the switch slot limits movement of the magnet of the switch relative to the magnet holder 31 when the repulsion force between the magnet 51 of the head and the magnet 53 of the switch tends to move the magnet of the switch away from the magnet holder 31.

For example, the switch groove 46S may surround the magnet holder 31 in all directions perpendicular to the insertion direction 44. A window 46W may be practiced in the peripheral wall 46C of the switch slot 46S on the opposite side of the switch slot from the insertion axis 43. The manipulation portion 32 of the pop-up switch 30 may protrude through the window 46W. The window 46W may have a length measured in the insertion direction 44 that is sufficient to allow the manipulation part 32 to move the magnet 53 of the switch between the holding and ejecting positions.

When the magnet 53 of the switch advances past the magnet 51 of the head, the repulsion of the magnet of the switch against the magnet of the head transitions from being substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction to causing the magnet of the head to repel the magnet of the switch in the insertion direction 44. The user may perceive this transition as a decrease in the resistance of the connector 45 to moving the switch 30 to the ejected position.

When the elastic member 39 is provided, the biasing force may be sufficient to prevent the repulsive force between the magnet 53 of the switch and the magnet 51 of the head from moving the magnet of the switch to the eject position during the insertion of the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 46F into each other.

When the switch 30 is in the eject position, the magnet 53 of the switch and the magnet 51 of the head repel each other so as to reduce the insertion of the convex portion 41M inside the concave portion 46F. For example, when the connection portion 41 of the head and the connection portion 46 of the handle are fully inserted inside each other, and the switch 30 is in the ejection position, the position of the magnet 51 of the head along the insertion axis 43 is intermediate the positions of the magnet 53 of the switch and the cutting element 12. The magnet 53 of the switch repels the magnet 51 of the head opposite the insertion direction 44.

Fig. 6 shows the shaving device 99 of fig. 4 during ejection of the head 10 from the handle 21. The switch 30 is shown in the ejected position, in which case it abuts the extreme of the switch slot 46S away from the head 10.

The positions of these magnets 51, 53 relative to each other along the insertion axis 43 are reversed with respect to the position shown in fig. 4, so that the cutting element 12 is closer to the magnet of the head than to the magnet of the switch, and the repulsion force exerted by the magnet 53 of the switch on the magnet 51 of the head has caused the projection 41M to start to be extracted from the recess 46F.

After the user releases the switch 30, the elastic element 39 returns to its rest position, moving the switch opposite to the insertion direction 44. If the head 10 and the handle 21 have not been completely withdrawn from each other, this movement of the switch 30 may cause the magnet 53 of the switch to approach the magnet 51 of the head, thereby increasing the repulsion force exerted by the magnet of the switch on the magnet of the head (including its component directed opposite to the insertion direction 44) and further facilitating the withdrawal of the male and female portions 41M, 46F from each other.

This movement of the switch 30 can also be performed by the user, for example as an alternative to the action of the elastic element 39, or in order to supplement the action of said elastic element. When the elastic member 39 is not provided, or when the biasing action of the elastic member is insufficient to prevent the switch 30 from moving to the ejection position during insertion of the convex portion 41M and the concave portion 46F into each other, the user can hold the magnet of the switch in the holding position using the operating portion 32 until the convex portion and the concave portion are completely inserted into each other.

Although the foregoing discussion shows the manipulation portion 32 moving in the insertion direction 44 so as to move the magnet 53 of the switch from the holding position to the ejection position, it is contemplated that the switch 30 may alternatively be configured such that the magnet of the switch moves in the insertion direction 44 in response to movement of the manipulation portion opposite the insertion direction. For example, the user may move the magnet 53 of the switch from the holding position to the ejecting position by moving the manipulation part 32 toward the head 10.

Although the foregoing discussion relates to connecting the shaving head to the handle of a skin care device, it is also contemplated to provide such connectors to other kinds of skin care devices. For example, a connector may be provided to connect the exfoliating head to the handle of the skin care device.

While the embodiments are provided as different exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that these embodiments may be combined or that features recited in the embodiments may be interchanged when not conflicting. Furthermore, the features recited in the described embodiments are not inseparably associated with each other, unless such a connection between two given features is explicitly indicated.

Throughout the specification, including the claims, the terms "comprising a" and "comprising a" are to be construed as synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless specified otherwise. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, any ranges set forth herein (including the claims) are to be understood to include their endpoints. Specific values for the described elements are to be understood as being within acceptable manufacturing or industry tolerances as known to those skilled in the art, and any use of the terms "substantially" and/or "approximately" and/or "generally" is to be understood as meaning within such acceptable tolerances.

Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present disclosure.

It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims.