as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2005/0144784 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Jul. 7, 2005
`
`Ibuki et al.
`
`US 20050144784A1
`
`(54) ELECTRIC RAZOR
`
`(52) US. Che
`
`cecsssssssstsssssssstsntensnsststtsesntenssee 30/41
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Yasuo Ibuki, Hikone-shi (JP); Mikihiro
`Yamashita, Hatasho-cho Echi-gun (JP)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN,P.L.C.
`1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
`RESTON, VA 20191 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/502,047
`
`(22) PCT Filed:
`
`Jun. 10, 2003
`
`(86) PCT No.:
`
`PCT/JP03/07308
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Jun. 12, 2002
`
`(IP) wee eeeecseecscssetereteneeenes 2002-171774
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(SL) Tne CU? eccccccceeeesscscesssnneeeeeeecceesnnnnees B26B 21/40
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An electric razor has a normal drive mode and a cleaning
`drive mode. The electric razor has a non-latch main switch,
`a driving unit for driving a blade of the razor, an indicator
`for notifying a user that the razor is operated in the cleaning
`drive mode, an indicator for prompting the user to perform
`cleaning, a timer for measuring a predetermined time, an
`integration timer for integrating a time during which the
`razor is operated in the normal drive mode, and a controller
`for controlling the operation of the driving unit, and for
`causing the indicators to emit light. The controller causes the
`timer to measure a time during which the main switch is in
`an ON-state, switches over the mode of the razor between
`the normal drive modeand the cleaning drive mode depend-
`ing on a judgmentresult as to whether the ON-state time has
`reached a predetermined time, controls the blade to moveat
`a speed suitable for shaving the beard while the razor is in
`the normal drive mode, and controls the blade to move at a
`speed suitable for cleaning the blade whilethe razoris in the
`
`cleaning drive mode.
`
`APPLE 1038
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1038
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 7, 2005 Sheet 1 of 6
`
`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`FIG.1 _ i
`
`PATOASS
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 7, 2005 Sheet 2 of 6
`
`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`FIG.2
`
`13
`
`
`
`
`
`4 MAINSWITCH
`DRIVING
`CONTROLLER
`UNIT
`
`
`
`12
`
`MODE SWITCH
`
`
`
`FIG.3
`
`
`
`CLEANING
`|NORMAL
`
`DRIVE
`DRIVE
`
`
`MODE
`MODE
`
`
`
`
`
`STANDBY
`MODE
`
`
`
`
`MODE
`
`RECHARGEABLE
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 7, 2005 Sheet 3 of 6
`
`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`FIG.4
`
`4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 7, 2005 Sheet 4 of 6
`
`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`FIG.S5
`
`DRIVING
`UNIT
`
`
`
`
`INDICATOR
`
`10
`
`INDICATOR
`
`13
`
` MAIN
`
` CONTROLLER
`
`
`11
`
`14
`
`SWITCH
`
`MODE
`SWITCH
`
`15
`
`INTEGRATION
`TIMER
`
`5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 7, 2005 Sheet 5 of 6
`
`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`FIG.6
`
`CSTART)
`
`NORMAL
`DRIVE MODE
`
`31
`
`S2
`
`Ta LAPSED?
`
`YES
`
` CONTINUOUSLY
`
`ON?
`
`$3
`
`>?
`
`YES
`
`CLEANING F~S5|
`DRIVE MODE
`
`NORMAL
`DRIVE MODE
`
`[-~-S4
`
`S6
`
`Tb LAPSED?
`
`YES
`SUSPEND
`DRIVING
`
`(END)
`
`S7
`
`oO
`
`6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 7, 2005 Sheet 6 of 6
`
`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`FIG.7
`
`NORMAL
`DRIVE MODE
`$12
`
`$11
`
`Ta LAPSED?
`
`YES
`
`$13
`
`CONTINUOUSLY
`
`ON?
`
`YES
`FIRST CLEANING
`DRIVE MODE
`
`S1
`
`iA
`Td LAPSED?i
`Te LAPSED?if
`
`YES
`SUSPEND DRIVING|[-~
`
`Si
`
`YES
`SECOND CLEANING|~
`DRIVE MODE
`
`S2
`
`>>N2
`
`15
`
`S14
`
`NORMAL
`DRIVE MODE
`
`$17
`
`S19
`
`YES
`SUSPEND DRIVING/~S21
`
`N
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`ELECTRIC RAZOR
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`[0001] The present invention relates to an electric razor
`capable of cleaning a blade.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`[0002] Heretofore, there have been knownelectric razors
`capable of removing shaving debris adhering to the blades of
`the razors by washing the blades with water while driving
`the blades. In such anelectric razor, the blade can be washed
`with water for cleaning by applying running water to the
`blade in a state that the inner blade and the outer blade are
`
`attached to the razor body. Further, applying a cleaning
`agent to the blade while driving the same makesit possible
`to more effectively clean the blade.
`
`If, however, the blade has been left for a long time
`[0003]
`with shaving debris adhering thereto, it is more likelythat
`the shaving debris firmly adheresto the inner blade, with the
`result that sufficient cleaning effect is not obtainable even if
`the blade is washed with water as mentioned above. There
`
`is known that a method of detaching the outer blade of the
`razor and applying running water directly to the inner blade
`while driving the inner blade provides sufficient cleaning
`effect, as a measure for such a case that the shaving debris
`has firmly adhered to the inner blade. Such a method,
`however, involves a drawbackthat the water and the shaving
`debris may beflicked off and scattered around the razor due
`to a relatively high-speed driving of the inner blade.
`
`In view of the above, there has been proposed a
`[0004]
`method of using a dedicated cleaning vessel. According to
`the method, the electric razor body itself is accommodated
`in the cleaning vessel, and the innerbladeis driven in a state
`that the portion of the razor to be cleaned is encased in the
`cleaning vessel. This method eliminates likelihood that the
`water and the shaving debris may be flicked off and scat-
`tered.
`
`In the former method of detaching the outer blade
`[0005]
`of the razor and directly applying running waterto the inner
`blade while driving the inner blade in an attempt to obtain
`sufficient cleaning effect, there is a drawback that the water
`and the shaving debris may be flicked off and scattered by
`the driving of the inner blade. In the latter method of using
`the dedicated cleaning vessel
`in an attempt
`to prevent
`scattering of the water and the shaving debris, the dedicated
`cleaning vessel is required to clean the blade ofthe electric
`razor. In the latter method, further, a large appliance is
`required as the cleaning vessel in light of the necessity that
`the cleaning vessel must enclose the cleaning portion of the
`electric razor, which obstructs easy cleaning of the electric
`razor.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`In view of the above problemsresiding in the prior
`[0006]
`art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an
`electric razor capable of effectively and easily cleaning a
`blade of the razor without scattering water and shaving
`debris.
`
`[0007] The above object is accomplished by an electric
`razor provided with an inner blade and an outer blade to
`allow a user to shave hair such as beard, whiskers or
`
`mustache by nipping the hair between the inner blade and
`the outer blade while driving either or both the inner blade
`and the outer blade. The electric razor is operatively change-
`able between a normal drive mode of allowing the user to
`shave the hair, and a cleaning drive mode of allowing the
`user to clean the blade, wherein at least one of a driving
`frequency, the numberof revolutions per unit time, and an
`amplitude of the blade in the cleaning drive mode its differ-
`entiated from a corresponding one in the normal drive mode.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0008] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing an external
`appearance ofan electric razor as a first embodimentof the
`present invention, as well as a manner as to how a blade
`portion is cleaned.
`
`[0009] FIG.2 is a block diagram of the electric razor as
`the first embodiment of the present invention.
`
`{0010] FIG.3 is an illustration showing a modetransition
`to explain an operation of the electric razor as the first
`embodimentof the present invention.
`
`{0011] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing an external
`appearance of an electric razor as second and third embodi-
`mentsof the present invention, as well as a manneras to how
`a blade portion is cleaned.
`
`[0012] FIG.5 is a block diagram of the electric razor as
`the second and third embodiments of the present invention.
`
`[0013] FIG.6 isa flowchart for explaining an operation of
`the electric razor as the second embodimentof the present
`invention.
`
`(0014] FIG.7 isa flowchart for explaining an operation of
`the electric razor as the third embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0015] The present invention will be illustrated in detail
`with embodiments, which, however, do not limit the inven-
`tion. Adequate modification is allowable asfar as it does not
`depart from the object of the present invention described
`above or below, and every such modification is intended to
`be embracedin the technical scope of the present invention.
`Arrangements equivalent to each other in the drawings will
`be denoted at the same reference numerals, and description
`thereof will be omitted herein.
`
`Construction of First Embodiment
`
`[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration showing an external
`appearanceofan electric razor 1 as a first embodimentof the
`present invention, as well as a manner as to how an outer
`blade 2 is detached from the electric razor 1, and an inner
`blade 3 is washed with running water A. A housing 4 of the
`electric razor 1 shown in FIG.1 has a substantially rectan-
`gular column-like shape with a small thickness. The inner
`blade 3 is mounted on an upper surface at one end of the
`housing 4 via a driving unit 7. The outer blade 2 is mounted
`to the housing 4 in such a mannerasto substantially cover
`the inner blade 3.
`
`{[0017] The outer blade 2 is detachably mountable by the
`user. Whenthe outer blade 2 is mountedto the housing 4,the
`
`8
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`

`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`to sliding
`inner portion of the outer blade 2 is brought
`contact with the inner blade 3. FIG. 1 showsa state that the
`outer blade 2 is detached. Slidable switch handles 5 and6 are
`provided on the front surface of the housing 4 in such a
`manner that each of the switch handles 5 and 6 is slidably
`movable up and down.
`
`3 by controlling the driving frequency of the driving unit 7
`based on the control signal. Further alternatively, the con-
`troller 13 may be configured in such a manner that the
`driving unit 7 controls the moving speed of the inner blade
`3 by controlling both the driving frequency and the driving
`amplitude.
`
`{0018] The switch handle 5 is a manipulating portion
`manipulated by the user to operate the electric razor 1. The
`switch handle 5 is slidably movable between twopositions
`respectively corresponding to ON (close) state and OFF
`(open) state of the razor 1. The switch handle 6 is a
`manipulating portion manipulated by the user in selecting
`the operation modeof the electric razor 1. The switch handle
`6 is slidable between two positions respectively correspond-
`ing to normal drive mode and cleaning drive mode.
`
`FIG.2 is a block diagram ofthe electric razor 1 as
`[0019]
`the first embodimentof the present invention. A main switch
`11 is turned on in responseto sliding of the switch handle 5
`to the ON position, and is turned off in responseto sliding
`of the switch handle 5 to the OFF position. The ON/OFF
`signal of the main switch 11 is outputted to a controller 13.
`
`[0020] A mode switch 12 is turned on in response to
`sliding of the switch handle 6 to the position corresponding
`to the cleaning drive mode, and is turedoff in response to
`sliding of the switch handle 6 to the position corresponding
`to the normal drive mode. The ON/OFFsignal of the mode
`switch 12 is outputted to the controller 13.
`
`[0021] The controller 13 detects the ON/OFF signals
`outputted from the main switch 11 and the mode switch 12,
`and outputs a control signal to the driving unit 7 to control
`the operation of the driving unit 7 depending onthestatus of
`the ON/OFFsignals outputted from the main switch 11 and
`the mode switch 12. The controller 13 comprises,
`for
`example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read
`Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and
`controls the operation of the driving unit 7, as the CPU
`executes a program stored in the ROM. A controller 14 (sic)
`may be composed ofindividual parts such as a logic circuit,
`a transistor, and an oscillating circuit, in place of the CPU or
`a like component.
`
`Thedriving unit 7 is electrically connected with the
`[0022]
`inner blade 3, and drives the inner blade 3 to reciprocate the
`inner blade 3. The driving unit 7 is constituted by a linear
`motor, or a rotary motor, and a cam, for instance. The driving
`unit 7 is configured in such a manner that a driving fre-
`quency, which is the numberof reciprocating the inner blade
`3 per unit time, is variable depending on the control signal
`outputted from the controller 13, and that a driving ampli-
`tude, which is a moving distance of the inner blade 3 in one
`reciprocation, is set constant. In this arrangement, the mov-
`ing speed of the inner blade 3 is proportional to the driving
`frequency. Further, the controller 13 is configured in such a
`manner that
`the moving speed of the inner blade 3 is
`controllable by controlling the driving frequency of the
`driving unit 7 based on the control signal.
`
`[0023] Alternatively, the driving unit 7 may be configured
`in such a mannerthat the driving amplitude, which is the
`moving distance of the inner blade 3 in one reciprocation,is
`variable, with the driving frequency set constant, and the
`controller 13 may be configured in such a mannerthat the
`driving unit 7 controls the moving speed of the inner blade
`
`invention is applicable to a rotary
`[0024] The present
`electric razor in which the inner blade is maderotatable. In
`
`the driving unit 7 may be
`such an altered arrangement,
`configured in such a mannerthat the numberof revolutions,
`which is the numberof rotating the inner blade 3 per unit
`time,
`is variable, and the controller 13 may control the
`moving speed of the inner blade 3 by controlling the number
`of revolutions of the driving unit 7 based on the control
`signal.
`
`[0025] The controller 13 implements control in the normal
`drive mode of shaving beard, whiskers or mustache (here-
`inafter, simply called as “hair”), if the signal outputted from
`the mode switch 12 is in an OFF state, and the signal
`outputted from the main switch 11 is in an ONstate.
`
`[0026] Specifically, in the normal drive mode, the control-
`ler 13 outputs a control signal to the driving unit 7 to cause
`the driving unit 7 to reciprocate the inner blade 3 at a certain
`driving frequency, so that the inner blade 3 is driven at a
`moving speed suitable for shaving the hair. Reciprocating
`the inner blade 3 with the outer blade 2 mounted on the
`housing 4 makesit possible to shave the hair with the hair
`nipped between the inner blade 3 and the outer blade 2.
`
`[0027] The controller 13 implements control in the clean-
`ing drive mode of cleaning the blade portion, if the signal
`outputted from the mode switch 12 is in an ONstate, and the
`signal outputted from the main switch 11 is in an ONstate.
`
`[0028] Specifically, in the cleaning drive mode, the con-
`troller 13 outputs a control signal to the driving unit 7 to
`cause the driving unit 7 to reciprocate the inner blade 3 at a
`certain driving frequency, so that the inner blade 3 is driven
`at a moving speed suitable for cleaning the inner blade 3.
`
`in the case where cleaning is per-
`[0029] For instance,
`formed by detaching the outer blade 2, and directly applying
`running water A to the inner blade 3, the controller 13 sets
`the driving frequency of the driving unit 7 lower than the
`frequency in the normaldrive modeto suppress scattering of
`the water and the shaving debris due to driving of the inner
`blade 3, so that the moving speed of the inner blade 3 driven
`by the driving unit 7 is set lower than the moving speed in
`the normal drive mode.
`
`[0030] Various experimentresults revealthatit is desirable
`to cause the controller 13 to control the operation of the
`driving unit 7 in such a manner that a maximum instanta-
`neous moving speed of the inner blade 3 is set at 60 m or
`lower per minute to suppress scattering of the water and the
`shaving debris resulting from driving of the inner blade 3. In
`case of using the rotary electric razor in the present inven-
`tion, it is desirable to cause the controller 13 to control the
`operation of the driving unit 7 in such a manner that the
`moving speed of the inner blade 3 at an outermost perimeter
`thereof is set at 60 m or lower per minute to suppress
`scattering of the water and the shaving debris.
`
`It is desirable to cause the controller 13 to control
`[0031]
`the operation of the driving unit 7 in such a mannerthat the
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`moving speed of the inner blade 3 instantaneously reaches
`20 m or higher per minute in order to obtain sufficient
`cleaning effect by cleaning operation of directly applying
`running water A to the inner blade 3 while driving the inner
`blade 3. In such a case, it is desirable to cause the controller
`13 to control the operation of the driving unit 7 in such a
`manner that the moving speed of the inner blade 3 reaches
`20 m or higher per minute in the vicinity of the center of
`amplitude when the inner blade 3 is reciprocated at a
`possible maximum speed.
`
`the controller 13 may control the
`[0032] Alternatively,
`driving frequency of the driving unit 7 to cause the driving
`unit 7 to drive the inner blade 3 in such a mannerthat the
`moving speedofthe inner blade 3 in the cleaning drive mode
`is set higher than that in the normal drive mode, in a case that
`the blade portion is cleaned by applying water, a cleaning
`agent, or the like to the outer blade 2 as well as the inner
`blade 3, with the outer blade 2 attached to the housing 4 in
`order to enhance cleaning effect. In such an altered arrange-
`ment, since the inner blade 3 is driven at a higher moving
`speed, enhanced cleaning effect can be obtained. Further-
`more, since the electric razor 1 is washed in a state that the
`outer blade 2 is mounted,it is less likely that the water and
`the shaving debris may be scattered.
`
`the mode switch 12 to the controller 13, and an ON-state
`signal is outputted from the main switch L1 to the controller
`13. Thereby, the controller 13 is shifted from the standby
`mode to the normal drive mode.
`
`In the normal drive mode, the controller 13 con-
`[0036]
`trols the driving frequency of the driving unit 7 to cause the
`driving unit 7 to drive the inner blade 3 at a moving speed
`suitable for shaving the hair.
`
`[0037] On the other hand, in the case where the switch
`handle 5 slides to the ON-position while the switch handle
`6 is set to the position corresponding to the cleaning drive
`mode, an ON-state signal is outputted from the mode switch
`12 to the controller 13, and an ON-state signal is outputted
`from the main switch 11 to the controller 13. Thereby, the
`controller 13 is shifted from the standby mode to the
`cleaning drive mode.
`
`In the cleaning drive mode, the controller 13 con-
`[0038]
`trols the driving frequency of the driving unit 7 to cause the
`driving unit 7 to drive the inner blade 3 in such a mannerthat
`the moving speed of the inner blade 3 is set lower than that
`in the normal drive mode, e.g., 20 m or higher per minute
`instantaneously, with a maximum instantaneous moving
`speed of 60 m or lower per minute. This arrangementis
`advantageous in effectively cleaning the inner blade 3 by
`detaching the outer blade 2 of the razor 1 and directly
`applying running water A to the inner blade 3, and in
`suppressing scattering of the water and the shaving debris.
`Further,
`this arrangement eliminates use of a dedicated
`washing vessel or a like appliance to wash the inner blade 3
`and the like, thereby allowing the user to easily clean the
`blade of the electric razor 1.
`
`[0033] Alternatively, the controller 13 may be provided
`with multiple drive modes as the cleaning drive mode in
`such a mannerthatthe inner blade3 is driven in the multiple
`drive modes where the moving speeds of the inner blade 3
`are differentiated from each other. For instance, there are
`prepared a modeofdriving the inner blade 3 at a high speed,
`a mode of driving the inner blade 3 at a low speed, and a
`mode of setting the moving speed of the inner blade 3 to
`[0039] On the other hand, in the case where the switch
`zero, and the inner blade 3 is driven according to a combined
`handle6slides to the position corresponding to the cleaning
`order of the multiple drive modes in such a mannerthat the
`drive mode while the controller 13 is in the normal drive
`drive mode of the inner blade 3 is shifted from the high
`mode, and an ON-state signal is outputted from the mode
`speed mode to the low speed mode quickly, or shifted from
`switch 12, then, the controller 13 is shifted from the normal
`the high speed modeto the zero mode quickly,or these drive
`drive mode to the cleaning drive mode. Further, in the case
`modes are repeated in an arbitrary combined order to vary
`where the switch handle 6 slides to the position correspond-
`the moving speed of the inner blade 3 stepwise, or to
`ing to the normal drive mode while the controller13 is in the
`accelerate the moving speed of the inner blade 3. Such an
`cleaning drive mode, and an OFF-state signal is outputted
`altered arrangementis advantageousin obtaining high clean-
`from the mode switch 12, then, the controller 13 is shifted
`ing effect because the shaving debris is easily shaken off by
`from the cleaning drive mode to the normal drive mode.
`the varied moving speed of the inner blade3, the accelerated
`Further, in the case where the switch handle 5 slides to the
`speed of the inner blade 3 or the like.
`OFF-position while the controller 13 is in the normal drive
`modeor the cleaning drive mode, and an OFF-state signal is
`outputted from the main switch 11, then, the controller 13 is
`shifted from the normal drive mode (or the cleaning drive
`mode) to the standby mode. As a result, the driving unit 7
`suspends driving of the inner blade 3.
`
`[0034] Furthermore, the electric razor 1 is provided with a
`rechargeable battery (not shown), and a charge control
`circuit (not shown) for controlling charge of the recharge-
`able battery. The charge control circuit is operative to switch
`over the modeofthe electric razor 1 between a rechargeable
`modeof charging the rechargeable battery and an operation
`mode other than the rechargeable mode, depending on an
`output voltage of the rechargeable battery.
`
`Operation of First Embodiment
`
`FIG.3 is an illustration showing a modetransition
`[0035]
`to explain an operation of the electric razor 1 as the first
`embodimentof the present invention. Referring to the mode
`transition diagram of FIG. 3, standby mode indicates that
`the inner blade 3 is in an operation suspended state. When
`the switch handle 5 slides to the ON-position while the
`switch handle 6 is set to the position corresponding to the
`normal drive mode, an OFF-state signal is outputted from
`
`Construction of Second Embodiment
`
`[0040] FIG. 4 is an illustration showing an external
`appearanceof an electric razor 1 as a second embodimentof
`the present invention, as well as a manneras to how an outer
`blade 2 is detached, and an inner blade 3 is washed with
`running water A. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the
`electric razor 1 as the second embodiment of the present
`invention. The electric razor shown in FIG.4 is different
`from the electric razor 1 shown in FIG.1 in the following
`points.
`
`[0041] Specifically, the electric razor 1 shown in FIG.4 is
`not provided with slidable switch handles 5 and 6, and is
`
`10
`
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`

`US 2005/0144784 Al
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`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`provided with a switch button 8, an indicator 9, and an
`indicator 10 on the front surface of a housing 4. The switch
`button 8 is cooperatively connected with a main switch 11.
`In this example, a push button switch such as a non-latch tact
`switch is used as the main switch 11. The main switch 11 is
`so designed that it is kept in an ON-state while the user
`pushes the switch button 8, and is turned off in response to
`the user’s release of the switch button 8.
`
`[0042] The indicator 9 notifies the user that the electric
`razor 1 is operated in the cleaning drive mode by emitting
`light based on a signal outputted from a controller 13. The
`indicator 10 notifies the user of prompting cleaning by
`emitting light based on a signal outputted from the controller
`13. The indicators 9 and 10 each is constituted of a light
`emitting diode, for instance.
`
`[0043] The block diagram shown in FIG.5 is different
`from the block diagram shown in FIG. 2 in the following
`points. Specifically, the arrangement shownin FIG.5 is not
`provided with a mode switch 12, and is provided with a
`timer 14, an indicator 9, an indicator 10, and an integration
`timer 15. The timer 14 measures a time predefined by the
`controller 13. A general-purpose timer IC or the like is used
`as an exampleof the timer 14. The timer 14 starts measuring
`the time, and outputs a time-up signal to the controller 13
`when the measured time has reached the time predefined by
`the controller 13.
`
`Theintegration timer 15 reads out a signal which is
`[0044]
`outputted from the controller 13 and indicates that the razor
`1 is operated in the normal drive mode, and integrates a time
`during which the signal is outputted. The integration timer
`15 outputs an integration time-up signal to the controller 13
`when the integration time has reached a predetermined Tg.
`The integration timer 15 resets the integration time to zero
`if the controller 13 outputs a signal indicating that the razor
`1 is operated in the cleaning drive mode.
`
`[0045] A timer IC operated by power supplied from a
`battery is used as an exampleofthe integration timer 15. The
`integration time 15 holds (stores) the integration time even
`if the switch of the electric razor 1 is turned off, or the
`voltage of the rechargeable battery equipped in the electric
`razor 1 is lowered below a predeterminedlevel. In the case
`where the controller 13 outputs, to the integration timer 15,
`a signal indicating that the razor 1 is operated in the normal
`drive mode, the integration timer 15 integrates a time during
`which the signal is outputted from the controller 13,
`in
`addition to the aforementioned stored integration time.
`
`[0046] The controller 13 detects the status of the ON/OFF
`signal outputted from the main switch 11, scts a predeter-
`mined time T,, in the timer 14, and causes the timer 14 to
`measure the predetermined time T,. The controller 13 judges
`whether the time during which the detected ON/OFFsignal
`is kept in an ONstate is not shorter than the predetermined
`time T, measured by the timer 14, and switches over the
`modeofthe electric razor 1 between the normal drive mode
`
`and the cleaning drive mode, based on a judgmentresult.
`
`tively, the meansfor notifying the user that the electric razor
`1 is operated in the cleaning drive mode may be alert means
`equipped with a buzzeror the like to alert the user by way
`of sound.
`
`Operation of Second Embodiment
`
`[0048] FIG.6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation
`of the electric razor 1 as the second embodiment of the
`present invention. First, when the main switch 11 is turned
`on, the controller 13 outputs, to the driving unit 7, a control
`signal for controlling the driving unit 7 at a given driving
`frequency in the normal drive mode (Step S1). Then, the
`driving unit 7 drives the inner blade 3 in the normal drive
`mode, so that the inner blade 3 is controllably driven at a
`moving speed suitable for shaving the hair. Further,
`the
`controller 13 sets the predetermined timeT, in the timer 14,
`and the timer 14 starts measuring the predetermined timeT,.
`
`[0049] As an altered form of Step S1, the controller 13
`may control the driving unit 7 in such a manner that the
`moving speed of the inner blade 3 is set lower than the
`moving speed in the normal drive mode. In this case, it is
`desirable that the moving speed of the inner blade 3 at the
`time of starting driving is not lower than the moving speed
`in the cleaning drive mode and is lower than the moving
`speed in the normal drive mode. Such an altered arrange-
`mentis effective in suppressing scattering of the water and
`the shaving debris in the case where, for example, the main
`switch 11 is turned on while running water Ais appliedto the
`inner blade 3 in a state that the outer blade 2 has been
`detached.
`
`[0050] Steps S1 and S2 are cyclically repeated to keep
`driving the inner blade 3 in the normal drive mode until the
`controller 13 detects the time-up signal outputted from the
`timer 14 (YESin Step S2). When the predetermined time Ta
`lapses, and the controller 13 detects the time-up signal
`outputted from the timer 14,the routine proceeds to Step S3.
`
`In Step S3, if it is judged that the main switch 11
`[0051]
`is kept in the ON-state (YES in Step S3), the routine goes to
`Step S5, so that the controller 13 implements control in the
`cleaning drive mode. If it is judged that the main switch 11
`is not kept in the ON-state (NO in Step S3), the routine goes
`to Step S4, so that the controller 13 keeps control in the
`normal drive mode.
`
`[0052] The controller 13 is switched over to the cleaning
`drive mode when the user continues to push the switch
`button 8 for the predetermined time Ta by the operations of
`Steps $2 and S3. In this embodiment, since the non-latch
`switch is used as the main switch 11 which is operated in
`cooperation with the switch button 8, the user is allowed to
`turn off the main switch 11 by merely releasing the hand
`from the switch button 8. The user is allowed to switch over
`
`the modeofthe electric razor 1 to the normal drive mode by
`merely releasing the hand from the switch button 8 before
`lapse of the predetermined time T,, thus making it possible
`to select the operation mode with a handy operation.
`
`[0047] The controller 13 outputs a signal for causing the
`indicator 9 to emit light while a driving unit 7 drives the
`inner blade 3 in the cleaning drive mode,thereby causing the
`indicator 9 to emit light. With this arrangement, the user is
`notified that the electric razor 1 is operated in the cleaning
`drive mode by light emission of the indicator 9. Alterna-
`
`[0053] For instance, when the user applies a cleaning
`agent or the like from the outside of the outer blade 2 with
`the outer blade 2 mounted on the housing 4, pushes the
`switch button 8, and drives the inner blade 3 in the normal
`drive mode,
`then,
`the cleaning agent is spread over the
`entirety of the outer blade 2 and the inner blade 3 to make
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US 2005/0144784 Al
`
`Jul. 7, 2005
`
`lather with the cleaning agent. In this case, since the inner
`blade 3 is driven at a moving speed higher than that in the
`cleaning drive mode, the cleaning agent can be moreeffi-
`ciently spread over, thus making lather with the cleaning
`agentefficiently.
`
`If the user keeps pushing the switch button 8 for the
`[0054]
`predetermined time,
`the mode of the electric razor 1 is
`shifted to the cleaning drive mode. Thereafter,
`the user
`detaches the outer blade 2, and applies running water A
`directly to the inner blade 3, whereby cleaning is carried out
`with the cleaning agent being spread entirely over the inner
`blade 3, thus, providing enhanced cleaning effect. In detach-
`ing the outer blade 2, the user is required to temporarily
`release the hand from the switch button 8. In view ofthis,it
`is preferable to configure the controller 13 in such a manner
`that the cleaning drive mode is continued for a while once
`the mode is shifted to the cleaning drive mode, even if the
`user releases the hand from the switch button 8.
`
`[0055] Further, in this embodiment,if the user releases the
`hand from the switch button 8 before the predetermined time
`Ta lapses after applying the cleaning agent, the modeof the
`electric razor 1 is shifted to the normal drive mode. This
`arrangement makesit possible to clean the electric razor 1 in
`the normal drive mode with the outer blade 2 mounted,as is
`the case with the conventional art. An example of the
`predetermined time T, may range from about 2 to about 5
`seconds, which is considered to be a time enough to spread
`the cleaning agent over the outer blade 2 and the inner blade
`3.
`
`[0056] As an altered arrangement, the routine may go to
`Step $4 to allow the controller 13 to implement control in
`the normal drive mode by skipping Step S3, if the main
`switch 11 is turned off before the predetermined time T,
`lapses in Step S2. In such an altered arrangement, when the
`user releases the hand from the switch button 8 before the
`
`predetermined timeT, lapses, the routine promptly proceeds
`to Step S4 to drive the driving unit 7 in the normal drive
`mode without waiting for lapse of the predetermined time
`T.at
`
`[0057] Next, when the normal drive modeis set in Step S4,
`the controller 13 controls the driving frequency of the
`driving unit 7 in the normal drive mode. As a result, the
`driving unit 7 is driven at a moving speed suitable for
`shaving the hair. The controller 13 sets a predetermined time
`Tg in the integration timer 15.
`
`[0058] Further, the controller 13 outputs, to the integration
`timer 15, a signal indicating that the driving unit 7 is driven
`in the normal drive mode, and the integration timcr 15
`integrates a time during which the signal is outputted. If the
`integration