STATIONARY BLADE FOR A BLADE ASSEMBLY FOR A HAIR CUTTER, BLADES ASSEMBLY FOR A HAIR CUTTER AND HAIR

专利摘要:
stationary blade for a blade assembly of a hair clipper, a blade assembly for a hair clipper and a hair clipper The present invention relates to a hair clipper (10), a blade pack (20) for a hair clipper (10), and to a stationary blade (22) for said blade assembly (20), said blade comprising a first wall portion (44) and a second wall portion (44) wall (46), each wall portion defining a first surface (80, 82, 84), a second surface (86, 88, 90) and at least one toothed leading edge (32, 34) comprising a plurality of mutually spaced apart projections (36) provided with respective spikes (38), the first surfaces (80, 82) of the first wall portion (44) and second wall portion (46) facing each other, at least on their leading edges (32, 34), with the projections facing each other (36) at the along the leading edges (32, 34) of the first and second wall portions (46) are mutually connected at their ends (38) to define a plurality of teeth (40), the first surfaces (80, 82) of the first wall portion (44) and second wall portion (46) define therebetween a guide slot (76) for a movable blade (24) of said blade assembly (20), and wherein the first wall portion (44) ), on the second surface (86) thereof, comprises a smoothed transitional region (94), at least in the forward-extending projections (36).
公开号:BR112016006922B1
申请号:R112016006922-6
申请日:2014-09-29
公开日:2021-09-14
发明作者:Martinus Bernardus Stapelbroek；Jan Bennik；Robbert Freerk Johan Van Der Scheer；Albert Jan Aitink；Remy Ripandelli
申请人:Koninklijke Philips N.V.；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Field of Invention
[001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for haircutting, particularly an electrically operated haircutting apparatus, and more specifically to a stationary blade of a blade assembly for such apparatus. The blade assembly can be arranged to be moved through the hairs in one direction of movement to cut hairs. The stationary blade can be composed of a first wall portion and a second wall portion which define therebetween a guide slot, where a movable blade can be at least partially covered and guided. Background of the invention
[002] DE 2.026.509 A discloses a shaving head for an apparatus for trimming hair and/or beards, the shaving head comprising a stationary comb shape as a basically tubular laterally extended body. tubular body comprises two laterally extending curved projecting sections facing opposite each other, each curved section comprising a first wall portion and a second wall portion extending into a common tip portion, the first wall portion and the second wall portion surrounds a guide area for a movable blade, and that the curved sections comprise a plurality of slots in which the by-cut pieces can be retained and guided towards the movable blade during a cutting operation. The movable blade comprises a basically U-shaped profile which cooperates with the first and second curved sections, each leg of the U-shaped profile comprising an outwardly curved edge portion extending into the defined guide area. by the respective first and second wall portions, the edge portion further comprising a serrated cutting edge for cutting by retained in a relative movement between the serrated cutting edge of the movable blade and a serrated edge of the stationary comb defined by the plurality of slots in the first and second curved sections.
US Patent No. 2,948,063 A discloses a head for a dry shaving or shaving apparatus comprising a cutter having a pair of outwardly extending flanges, two rows of cutter teeth defined along the outer ends of said flanges, recessed portions formed on said flanges, parallel and immediately adjacent to said rows of teeth to reinforce said flanges and prevent twisting thereof, the portion of each of said flanges connecting the row of teeth to said recessed portion, extending downwardly at an acute angle to the planar defined by the upper face of said teeth, and comprises a comb having two rows of teeth thereon and resilient means forcing said cutter teeth into engagement with the said comb teeth, said flanges engaging said comb only along said two rows of cutter teeth.
[004] US patent No. 2,290,326 A discloses a cutting device comprising a casing, a blade holder affixed to the front end of said casing, said holder having a pair of claws, each with a lip inwardly protruding adapted to overlap the corresponding end of a cutting blade assembly, securing closure means within the holder and means associated with respective claws, and exposed for manual operation to allow opening of said claws to release the assembly from the cutting blade.
[005] For the purpose of cutting body hair, there are basically two types of electrically powered appliances that are usually distinguishable: the electric shaving or shaving appliance, and the hair trimmer or clipper. In general, the electric razor or epilator is used for shaving or epilation, that is, cutting body hair at skin level in order to obtain a flat skin without bristly hairs. The hair trimmer is normally used to cut the hair at a chosen distance from the skin, that is, to cut the hair to a desired length. The difference in application is reflected in the different structure and architectures of the cutting blade arrangement implemented in any apparatus.
[006] An electric razor or waxing apparatus typically includes a sheet, i.e. an ultra-thin perforated screen, and a cutter blade that is movable along the interior of and with respect to the sheet. During use, the outside of the sheet is placed and pushed against the skin, so that any hair that penetrates the sheet is cut by the cutter blade that moves relative to the inside of the sheet, and falls into the hollow hair-collecting portions of the sheet. inside the appliance for shaving or epilating.
[007] An electric hair trimmer, on the other hand typically includes, in general, two cutter blades having a serrated edge, one placed on top of the other so that the respective serrated edges overlap. In operation, the cutter blades reciprocate with respect to one another, cutting any hairs that are trapped between their teeth in a scissors action. The exact level above the skin at which the hair is cut is usually determined by means of an additional attachable part called a shield (spacer) or comb.
[008] Additionally, combination devices are known which are basically adapted for both shaving or waxing and trimming purposes. However, these devices merely include two separate and distinct cutting sections, namely, a shaving or epilating section comprising an assembly that corresponds to the concept of electric razors or epilators as set out above, and a trimming section comprising an assembly which, on the other hand, corresponds to the concept of fur trimmers. Invention Summary
[009] Unfortunately, common electric razors or shaves are not particularly suited to cutting hair to a desired variable length above the skin, ie, for precise trimming operations. This can be explained, at least in part, by the fact that they do not include mechanisms for spacing the sheet and, consequently, the skin cutting blade. But even if they included, for example, adding spacer fastening parts such as spacing combs, the sheet configuration, which typically involves a large number of small circular perforations, would decrease the efficient capture of almost all of the shorter and harder hairs. .
[010] Similarly, common hair trimmers are not particularly suitable for shaving or waxing, mainly because the separate cutter blades require a certain rigidity, and therefore thickness, to carry out the scissors action without deformation. It is the minimum blade thickness required of a skin facing blade that often prevents hair from being cut close to the skin. Consequently, a user who wants to either shave or shave or trim their body hair may need to purchase and use two separate appliances.
[011] Additionally, combined shaving or waxing and trimming devices show several disadvantages, as they basically require two sets of cutting blades and respective drive mechanisms. Consequently, these devices are heavier and more susceptible to wear and tear than standard, single-function hair trimmers, and they also require expensive assembly and manufacturing processes. Similarly, the operation of these combined devices is often considered to be quite uncomfortable and complex. Even in case a conventional combined shaving or waxing and trimming device is used, which comprises two separate cutting sections, handling the device and switching between different operating modes can be considered to be time consuming and not very user-friendly. Since the cut sections are normally provided at different locations on the device, the guidance accuracy (and therefore also the cutting accuracy) can be reduced as the user needs to get used to two distinct, dominant holding positions, during operation.
[012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an alternative stationary razor, and a corresponding set of blades that allow for both shaving or waxing and trimming. Particularly a stationary blade and a set of blades can be provided, which can contribute to a pleasant user experience in both shaving or waxing and trimming operations. More preferably, the present disclosure can address at least some disadvantages inherent in known prior art hair cutter blades, as discussed above, for example. It would also be advantageous to provide a blade assembly that can exhibit improved operational performance, while preferably being adapted to various skin types.
[013] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a stationary blade is presented for a set of blades of a hair-cutting apparatus, said set of blades being arranged to be moved through hairs in a direction of motion to cut hairs, said blade comprising a first wall portion arranged to serve as a wall portion facing the skin during operation, and a second wall portion, each wall portion defining a first surface, a second surface. facing away from the first surface, and at least one serrated guide edge comprising a plurality of mutually spaced apart projections provided with respective tips, the serrated guide edge extending at least partially in a transverse direction Y, t in relation to the direction of movement assumed during operation, with the projections mutually spaced from each other extending at least partially to the r front in a longitudinal direction X, r approximately perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, t, the first surfaces of the first wall portion and the second wall portion facing each other, at least at their leading edges, wherein the facing projections along the leading edges of the first and second wall portions are mutually connected at their tips to define a plurality of teeth, the first surfaces of the first wall portion and the second wall portion defining between itself a guide slot for a movable blade of said blade assembly, the first wall portion, on the second surface thereof, comprising a smoothed transitional region, at least in the forwardly extending projections, the transitional region extending backwards from a substantially flat (or flat) region of the first wall portion towards the second wall portion, thus making the transition. section of the substantially flat region to the respective tips of the forwardly extending projections, the transitional region comprising a tip rounding of the teeth, the end rounding comprising at least a first edge rounding Rt1 and a second rounding of the teeth. edge Rt2, where the tip round is more tangentially connected to the second surface of the second wall portion, and where a ratio of the radii of the first edge round Rt1 to the second edge round Rt2 is greater than about 1, 5:1, preferably greater than about 2:1, more preferably greater than about 2.5:1.
[014] In other words, more generally speaking, a blade assembly for a hair cutting apparatus is presented, said blade assembly being arranged to be moved through hairs in a direction of movement to cut hair, wherein said blade assembly comprises a mobile blade and a stationary blade, the stationary blade being arranged to at least partially enclose the mobile blade during operation of the blade assembly and guide the mobile blade in at least a first direction, and the movable blade comprising a main portion and a cutting portion, the stationary blade comprising a first, second and third shield portion, each shield portion having a first and second surface, the first side of the respective bulkhead portion - during use - the side facing the skin and the second side being that facing the opposite side of the skin, the first being the next. nda and the third shield portions at least partially enclose the cutting portion of the movable blade so that when viewed in the direction of movement of the blade assembly the third shield portion precedes the cutting portion and the first and second shield portions extend from the third bulkhead portion on one side of the movable blade facing the skin and an opposite side to the skin respectively, the first surface of the third bulkhead portion comprising a smoothed transitional region, and the transitional region extends rearwardly from a substantially flat (or flat) region of the first surface towards the third bulkhead portion.
[015] In an embodiment the stationary blade currently disclosed may comprise at least one essentially U-shaped guide edge, having a first skin contact wall and a second support wall. In this pattern, the walls extend oppositely and generally parallel to each other, and are connected to one another along a guide edge under the formation of a series of separate, U-shaped (ie, double-walled) teeth. The U-shape of the stationary blade in general and the U-shape of the teeth in particular reinforces the structure of the stationary blade. Between the legs of the U-shaped teeth of the stationary blade modality a slot is provided in which the movable blade can be accommodated and guided. In other words, the stationary blade embodiment comprises an integrated guard portion comprising a plurality of teeth which at the same time define an integrated guard cage for the movable blade teeth. Consequently, the contour of the stationary blade can be shaped so that the teeth of the movable blade cannot protrude beyond the teeth of the stationary blade.
[016] Particularly, the structural strength of the set of blades can be improved, compared to a single, conventional planar cutter blade of a hair trimmer. The second wall portion can serve as a column for the blade assembly. The overall stiffness or strength of the blade assembly can be increased as well, compared to conventional razors or hair removal devices. This allows the first skin contact wall of the stationary blade to become significantly thinner than conventional hair trimmer cutter blades, so thin in reality that, in some embodiments, its thickness can approach that of a sheet of appliance. shaving or waxing if necessary.
[017] The stationary blade can at the same time provide the cutting edge arrangement with sufficient rigidity and strength. Consequently, the reinforced serrated cutting edges can extend outwards, and can comprise tooth spaces between respective teeth which can be, seen in a top view, in U-shape or V-shape and therefore can define a portion. a comb-like receiving blade that can receive and guide the hairs to be cut to the cutting edges provided on the movable blade and stationary blade, basically independent of an actual length of the hairs to be cut. Consequently, the blade set is also adapted to efficiently capture longer hairs, which significantly improves trimming performance. However, shaving or depilation of longer hairs can also be facilitated in this way, as the hairs to be cut can be guided to the cutting edge of the teeth without being excessively curved by the stationary blade, as can happen with appliance sheets of conventional shaving or waxing. The stationary blade can thus provide adequate shaving or waxing and trimming performance.
[018] As used herein, the term "smoothed transitional region" or, more generally, "transitional region" refers to the beveled transitional region or a curved transitional region, or a combination thereof. Additionally, a transitional region comprising at least one chamfered section and at least one curved section may be contemplated. Also, as used herein, the guide slit may be referred to as a "transversely extending guide slit", which may include a laterally extending guide slit and a circumferentially and/or tangentially extending guide slit, depending on the overall layout of the device.
[019] The transition portion can, in general, be considered a sliding portion adapted to glide smoothly along the skin during cutting operations. It has been observed that under certain conditions, the at least one cutting edge (jagged) actually used for cutting may tend to sink into the skin. This is true in particular in case portions of cutouts with sharp edges are used. This “sag” in the skin can, in general, depend on the skin type. Blade assembly is more likely to penetrate wrinkled skin than flat skin. Also, the fatty tissue under the skin can make the skin extremely soft and therefore more susceptible to such sag occurrences. Whenever the blade assembly sinks into the skin during operation and somehow forces the skin due to the guided movement, the skin may wrinkle and a bump in the skin may form and move similarly to a wave on the skin along with the blade assembly. Dipping into the skin can generally increase the risk of unwanted skin irritation or even cuts.
[020] The at least one leading edge is therefore provided with the transition portion which is advantageously shaped. In general, the transition portion can be considered a curved and/or chamfered portion. The blade assembly is generally guided at a slight angle to the skin, while large angles of inclination between the skin surface and the blade assembly can increase the risk of sags in the skin. The transition portion close to the leading edge can considerably reduce the sinking in the skin. In other words, the leading edge can be beneficially shaped and can therefore be deflected into the surface of the skin rather than sinking into it. Assuming a user moves the blade assembly in the same orientation and with the same guiding force, a blade assembly that includes a transition portion on its respective leading edge will smooth the skin when moved over it, as a set Blades that have sharp edges will more likely sink into the skin, bulge the skin, and cause irritation.
[021] In this regard, it is also worth mentioning that it is additionally preferred that the transitional region, preferably a second general surface of the first wall portion, does not comprise a shape involving outwardly extending projections on the second surface of the first wall portion that extend in the Z height direction towards the skin. Consequently, in at least some embodiments, the transitional region should not be considered additional geometry that has been superimposed on the second substantially flat or flat surface.
[022] As used here, the term “transverse direction” can also refer to a lateral direction and a circumferential (or: tangential) direction. Basically, a linear configuration of the blade set can be predicted. Additionally, also a curved or circular configuration of the set of blades can be provided, which can also include shapes comprising curved or circular segments. In general, the transverse direction can be considered to be (at least substantially) perpendicular to an intended direction of movement during operation. The last definition can apply to both linear and curved modalities.
[023] The separate projections that form the teeth of the stationary blade can be arranged as laterally and/or circumferentially separate projections, for example. Projections can be separated in parallel, particularly in connection with linear modalities. In some embodiments, the projections may be circumferentially separated, that is, aligned or angled to each other. The guide slit may be arranged as a transversely extended guide slit, which may include a laterally extended and/or circumferentially extended guide slit. It can also be envisaged that the guide slit is a substantially tangentially extended guide slit. In addition, a filled region can be provided in an area where the first wall portion and the second wall portion are connected. The filled region can be thought of as or formed by a third intermediate wall portion. In other words, the first wall portion and the second wall portion can be connected immediately through the intermediate wall portion at their leading edges.
[024] As stated above, the transitional region extends backward from the substantially flat region of the first wall portion towards the second wall portion. It may, therefore, be preferred that the transitional region not project onto a reference edge planar adjacent to the substantially flat region (i.e., projecting in a height Z direction towards the skin, when in use). The reference end planar may be considered a planar which is perpendicular to the Z direction. The transitional region may comprise an end zone indented from the second surface of the first wall portion. The recessed end zone of the second surface can be considered a surface somewhat retracted in the region of at least one leading edge. The transitional region can provide at least one leading edge, when viewed in a side view orientation perpendicular to the Y direction (or: t direction), with a brace shape.
[025] In general, the stationary blade and the mobile blade can be configured and arranged so that, after linear or rotational movement of the mobile blade relative to the stationary blade, the toothed guide edge of the mobile blade acts together with the teeth of the stationary blade to allow cutting of hair caught together in a cutting action. Linear motion can particularly refer to reciprocating linear cutting motion.
[026] It may also be preferable that the transitional region is tangentially connected to the substantially flat (or flat) region of the first wall portion. In this way a smooth sliding movement can be achieved. Preferably, the transitional region comprises a rounded edge of the teeth. While it is recognized that tip rounding as such is sometimes found in conventional hair trimming devices, it should be further emphasized in this regard that the transitional region extends over a larger portion of the edge. toothed guide than just the tips of the teeth.
[027] According to another preferred aspect, the transitional region comprises, seen in a planar cross-section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, t, at least one substantially convex curved section (or: connected curved section). It may be even more preferable that the transitional region, seen in a planar in cross section perpendicular to the cross direction Y, t, comprises a curved shape composed of sections with different radii.
[028] In this sense, it may be more preferable that the transitional region comprises a series of adjacent radii comprising, on the second surface of the first wall portion, a lower radius Rtb that makes the transition to the tip rounding comprising the first rounding of edge Rt1 and the second round of edge Rt2. In other words, in addition to edge spokes which are arranged on the sharp front edges of the serrated guide edge, a rearward facing spoke can also be provided.
[029] In this regard, it may be even more preferred that the ratio between the radii of the lower radius Rtb and the first edge rounding Rt1 be greater than about 8:1, preferably greater than about 10:1, more preferably greater than about 12:1. It should be emphasized, in relation to this modality, that the transitional region can have a longitudinal extension that is comparable to the longitudinal extension of the projections that form the teeth of the stationary blade. The transitional region is not merely limited to the edge rounding portion of the tines of the stationary blade teeth.
[030] In other words, the radius on the skin-facing side of the cutting edge may be larger than the radius on the cutting edge side away from the skin. This can be beneficial as only a little material on the opposite side of the skin is removed in this way. Consequently, the second edge of the leading edge can further considerably reinforce the stationary blade.
[031] In this sense, it may be more preferable that the transitional region comprises a longitudinal dimension, lt1, extending from the tips to the substantially flat region, and where a ratio between the lower radius Rtb and the longitudinal dimension lt1 is it is in the range of about 2.5:1 to 4.5:1, preferably in the range of about 3.2:1 to 4:1, more preferably in the range of about 3.4:1 to 3.8:1. In this way, an even smoother transition can be achieved.
[032] In another alternative embodiment, the transitional region comprises, seen in a planar cross-section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, t, at least one substantially chamfered section (or: chamfered section). As already indicated above, particularly at least a portion of the lower radius Rtb may be replaced by an inclined section extending substantially linearly. In other words, the chamfered section can connect the bottom radius Rtb and the first edge fillet Rt1.
[033] In this regard, it may be more preferred that a bevel angle α between a at least one substantially beveled section and a horizontal planar that is substantially parallel (or: parallel) to the longitudinal direction X, re to the transverse direction Y, t lie it is in the range of about 25° to 35°, preferably that the bevel angle α is in the range of about 28° to 32°.
[034] According to another embodiment, the transitional region comprises a longitudinal dimension, lt1, extending from the tips to the substantially flat region, which at least substantially corresponds to a longitudinal dimension lf1 of a filled region of the blade, where respective projections of the first and second wall portions are mutually connected. Thanks to the general layout of the stationary blade, its teeth can extend longitudinally to form a comb-like structure with a plurality of rods (teeth), each of which is defined by a respective tooth. It is preferred in this embodiment that the tips of the teeth forming the rods of the stationary blade are displaced significantly forward (in a feed or guide direction along the longitudinal direction X, r) relative to the respective tips of the teeth of the movable blade. It is, then, particularly beneficial to extend the longitudinal extent of the transitional region correspondingly.
[035] According to another embodiment, the first wall portion and the second wall portion define a first serrated guide edge and a second serrated guide edge, whereby the first guide edge and the second guide edge are arranged in portions of longitudinal end of said portions, facing away from each other, the stationary blade being arranged to accommodate a movable blade comprising two corresponding toothed guide edges. In this regard, it is more preferred that at least the first wall portion comprises a substantially smooth (or planar) shape, with the substantially flat region on the second surface thereof being disposed between a first transitional region associated with the first leading edge and a second transitional region associated with the second leading edge.
[036] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for cutting hair comprising a housing that accommodates a motor, and a blade assembly that includes a stationary blade in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, wherein the blade is stationary. is connectable to the housing, and that the movable blade is operably connectable to the motor, so that the motor is able to linearly drive or rotate the movable blade within the guide slot of the stationary blade. In particular, the array of blades, at least the stationary blade thereof, may be formed in accordance with at least some of the aspects and modalities discussed herein.
[037] These and other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, included herein to illustrate and not limit the disclosure. Brief description of the drawings
[038] Various aspects of the invention will become evident and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an apparatus for cutting electric hair, exemplary adapted with an exemplary embodiment of a set of blades according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective bottom view of a blade assembly comprising a stationary blade and a movable blade in accordance with the present disclosure which is attachable to the pile cutting apparatus shown in Figure 1 for pile cutting operations; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective top view of the blade assembly shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a top view of the blade assembly shown in Figure 2; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the blade assembly shown in Figure 2 taken along line V-V of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an enlarged detailed view of the blade assembly shown in Figure 5 on a leading edge thereof; Figure 7a is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the blade assembly shown in Figure 2 taken along line VII-VII of Figure 4; Figure 7b is an enlarged detail view of the blade assembly shown in Figure 7a in a clearance portion between the stationary blade and the movable blade thereof; Figure 8 is a partial perspective bottom view of the blade assembly shown in Figures 7a and 7b showing a portion of a leading edge thereof including a plurality of teeth; Figure 9 is a partial top perspective view of the blade assembly shown in Figure 2 illustrating a side end thereof comprising a side opening; Figure 10 is a further partial perspective top view corresponding to the view of Figure 9, and a wall portion of the stationary blade being omitted merely for illustrative purposes; Figure 11 is an exploded top perspective view of the blade assembly of Figure 2; Figure 12 shows a detailed top view of the blade assembly shown in Figure 4 on a leading edge thereof comprising several teeth; Figure 13 shows a detailed top view of the blade assembly shown in accordance with Figure 12, while hidden contours are indicated by broken lines primarily for illustrative purposes; Figure 14 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a blade assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; Figure 15a shows an enlarged partial side view of the stationary blade of the blade assembly shown in Figure 14; Figure 15b shows an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the stationary blade shown in Figure 15a; Figures 16a to 16f illustrate a layered structure of an exemplary blade assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, which is in production at various stages of a manufacturing process, with Figure 16a showing a top view in schematic perspective of various segments or layers being provided in the form of strip material; Figure 16b illustrates a schematic partial perspective top view of a bonded strip being formed of several segments or layers; Figure 16c illustrates a schematic top view in perspective of a segmented stack obtained from the bonded strip shown in Figure 16b; Figure 16d illustrates an enlarged, schematic partial perspective view of the layered stack shown in Figure 16c, a leading edge portion of the layered stack has been machined; Figure 16e illustrates a schematic enlarged partial perspective top view of a leading edge portion of the layered stack shown in Figure 16d, wherein, on the leading edge, a plurality of longitudinal projections have been formed; Figure 16f illustrates a schematic enlarged perspective top view of the leading edge of the layered stack according to Figure 16e, with the edges of the longitudinal projections being processed; Figure 17 illustrates a simplified schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for manufacturing a layered or segmented stationary blade for a blade assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; Figure 18 illustrates a simplified schematic top view of a number of intermediate strips from which a stationary blade in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure may be formed, the intermediate strips being shown in a mutually separated state, primarily for illustrative purposes; Figure 19 shows an illustrative block diagram depicting various steps in one embodiment of an exemplary manufacturing method in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure; and Figure 20 shows a further illustrative block diagram depicting further steps of one embodiment of an exemplary method for fabricating a blade assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Detailed description of the invention
[039] Figure 1 schematically illustrates, in a simplified perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus for cutting hair 10, particularly an apparatus for cutting electrical hair 10. The cutting device 10 may include a housing 12, a motor indicated by a dashed block 14 in housing 12 and a drive mechanism indicated by a dashed block 16 in housing 12. To drive the motor 14, at least in some modes of the cutting apparatus 10, an electric battery, indicated by a block dotted lines 17 in the housing 12, such as a rechargeable battery, a replaceable battery etc. can be provided. However, in some embodiments, the cutting apparatus 10 may also be provided with a power cord for connection to a power source. A power supply connector can be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the electric (internal) battery 12.
[040] The cutting apparatus 10 may further comprise a cutting head 18. In the cutting head 18, a set of blades 20 can be attached to the apparatus for cutting hair 10. The set of blades 20 can be driven by the motor 14 through drive mechanism 16 to allow a cutting movement.
[041] The cutting movement can in general be considered as relative movement between a stationary blade 22 and a movable blade 24 which are shown and illustrated in more detail in Figures 2 to 18 and will be hereinafter described and discussed. In general, a user can hold and guide the cutting apparatus 10 through the hairs in a direction of movement 28 to cut the hairs. In some applications, the shaving apparatus 10 or, more specifically, the shaving head 18 including the blade assembly 20 can be passed along the skin to cut hair that grows on the skin. When cutting the hairs close to the skin, basically a shaving or waxing operation can be performed, aiming to cut (or: shave) at the level of the skin. However, also cutting operations (or: trimming) can be foreseen, whereby the cutting head 18 comprising the set of blades 20 passes along a path at a desired distance in relation to the skin. Prior art razor sets generally cannot perform gentle shaving or waxing close to the skin and cutting (or: trimming) at a distance from the skin.
[042] When being guided or driven through the hairs, the cutting apparatus 10 including the blade assembly 20 is normally moved along a common direction of motion which is indicated by reference numeral 28 in Figure 1. Worth mentioning in that connection that, since the lint-cutting apparatus 10 is normally guided and moved manually, the direction of movement 28 does not necessarily have to be thus interpreted as a precise geometric reference entity that has a fixed definition and relationship with respect. to the orientation of the cutting apparatus 10 and its cutting head 18 adapted with the blade assembly 20. That is, a general orientation of the hair cutting apparatus 10 with respect to the hairs to be cut into the skin can be interpreted as somewhat fickle. However, for illustrative purposes only, it can reasonably be assumed that the (imaginary) direction of motion is parallel (or: in general parallel) to a main axis of a coordinate system which can then serve as a means of describing structural features. of the blade set 20.
[043] For ease of reference, coordinate systems are indicated in several of Figures 1 through 18. By way of example, an X-YZ Cartesian coordinate system is indicated in several of Figures 1 through 13. An X axis of the system of Respective coordinates extend in a longitudinal direction generally associated with length, for the purpose of this disclosure. A Y axis of the respective coordinate system extends in a lateral (or: transverse) direction generally associated with width, for the purpose of this disclosure. A coordinate system Z direction extends in a height or thickness direction which may also be referred to for illustrative purposes, at least in some embodiments, as a generally vertical direction. It goes without saying that an association of the coordinate system with characteristic features and/or extension of the stationary blade is primarily provided for illustrative purposes and will not be interpreted in a limiting way. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can readily convert and/or transfer the coordinate system provided in the present invention when faced with alternative embodiments, respective Figures and illustrations which include different orientations. It is worth mentioning in this regard that the (linear) modality of the blade assembly 20 illustrated in Figures 2 to 13 may generally involve a single-sided layout comprising a single toothed cutting edge at only one longitudinal end, or a layout double-sided comprising two generally opposite toothed cutting edges defined by respective toothed guide edges of stationary blade 22 and movable blade 24.
[044] In relation to the alternative embodiment of the blade assembly 20a shown in Figures 14, 15a and 15b, an alternative coordinate system is presented primarily for illustrative purposes. As can be seen in Figure 14, a polar coordinate system is provided having a central axis L which can basically correspond to the height - (or: thickness-) indicating the Z axis of the Cartesian coordinate system. The central axis L can also be considered as the central rotation axis. Additionally, a radial direction or distance r that originates from the central axis L is indicated in Figures 14, 15a and 15b. Additionally, a δ (delta) coordinate indicating an angular position can be given representing an angle between a reference radial direction and a present radial direction. Additionally, a curved arrow t’, particularly a circumferential arrow t’ is illustrated in Figures 14, 15a and 15b. Curved arrow t' indicates a circumferential and/or tangential direction, also indicated by the straight tangential arrow t shown in Figure 14. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various aspects of the present disclosure described in connection with an embodiment are not limited to the embodiment. revealed specific and therefore can be readily transferred and applied in other modalities, regardless of whether they are introduced and presented in connection with a Cartesian coordinate system or a cylindrical coordinate system or not.
[045] The cutting movement between the movable blade 24 and the stationary blade 22 can basically involve a linear relative movement, particularly a linear reciprocating movement; see Figure 3 (part number 30), for example. However, particularly in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 14, 15a, 15b, it is to be understood that the relative cutting movement between the stationary blade 22 and the movable blade 24 may also involve a (relative) rotation. The rotary cutting motion may involve unidirectional rotation. Furthermore, as an alternative, the cutting movement may also involve a bi-directional rotation, particularly an oscillation. Various arrangements of drive mechanism 16 for cutting apparatus 10 are known in the art which allow linear and/or rotational cutting movements. In particular with reference to an oscillating cutting movement it is further noted that a curved or circular blade set 20a does not necessarily have to be molded in a full circular mode. In contrast, the curved or circular blade assembly 20a can also be shaped as a mere circular segment or a curved segment. It is also worth mentioning in this regard that those skilled in the art understand that particularly a set of circular blades 20a arranged for rotational cutting movement that has a considerably large radius can be interpreted, for purposes of understanding, as a set of blades of approximate linear shape, particularly when only a portion or circular segment of a respective leading edge is considered. Consequently, the Cartesian coordinate system for defining and explaining the linear modality can also be transferred and is illustrated in Figure 14.
[046] Figures 2 to 13 illustrate modalities and aspects of linear form blade assemblies 20 introduced in Figure 1. As can be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the blade assembly 20 comprises a stationary blade 22 (i.e., the blade of the blade assembly 20 which is not normally directly driven by the motor 14 of the cutting apparatus 10). Furthermore, the blade assembly 20 comprises a movable blade. 24 (i.e., the blade assembly blade 20 which, when attached to the cutting apparatus 10, can be driven by the motor 14 to generate a cutting motion with respect to the stationary blade 22). A linear (reciprocal) cutting movement is illustrated in Figure 3 by a double arrow indicated by the reference numeral 30. In other words, the movable blade 24 can be moved with respect to the stationary blade 22 along the transverse (or: lateral) direction ), see Y axis in Figure 3. In general, linear cutting motion can involve relatively small bidirectional strokes, and can therefore be interpreted as reciprocating linear motion. In addition, the (assumed) direction of movement 28 is illustrated in Figure 3. Theoretically, when cutting strands, the cutting apparatus 10 and, consequently, the blade assembly 20 will be moved along a direction 28 that may be perpendicular to the Lateral or transverse direction Y. Still referring in this connection to the alternative modality of circular or curved blade assembly 20a shown in Figures 14, 15a and 15b, it becomes clear that for this format the ideal (imaginary) direction of movement 28 can be perpendicular to the tangential or circumferential direction t at a forward point of the blade assembly 20a during the guided feed movement through the hairs to be cut. In other words, the ideal direction of movement 28 for the circular or curved mode of the blade assembly 20 may be generally coincident with the effective radial direction r extending from the central axis L to the effective forward point.
[047] However, it should be emphasized that during operation, the actual feed movement direction may significantly differ from the ideal (imaginary) movement direction 28. Therefore, it should be understood that it is quite likely during operation that the direction of axial movement is not perfectly perpendicular to the lateral Y direction or the tangential t direction, therefore, not perfectly parallel to the X longitudinal direction.
[048] Again with reference to the linear modality of the blade assembly 20 shown in Figures 2 to 13, further reference is made to Figure 3 illustrating a drive engagement element 26 that can be coupled to the movable blade 24 to drive the movable blade 24 in the cutting direction 30. To that end, the drive engaging member 26 can be attached or secured to the movable blade 24. When the blade assembly 20 is attached to the cutting apparatus 10, the drive engaging member 26 can be coupled to drive mechanism 16 so as to be driven by motor 16 during operation.
[049] As can be seen in Figure 4, the set of blades 20 can basically comprise a rectangular shape or contour, when seen in a top view perpendicular to the height direction Z, in reference to Figures 2 and 3. The stationary blade 22 may comprise at least one guide edge 32, 34 at a longitudinal end. More specifically, at least one guide edge 32, 34 may also be referred to as at least one toothed guide edge 32, 34 for the purpose of this disclosure. In accordance with the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the stationary blade 22 comprises a first guide edge 32 and a second guide edge 34, the first guide edge 32 and the second guide edge 34 being opposite one another. Each of the guide edges 32, 34 can be provided with a plurality of projections 36 and respective slots therebetween. In some embodiments, the projections 36 may project substantially in the longitudinal dimension X (or: the radial dimension r). In other words, the longitudinal extension of the projections 36 can be considerably greater than their width extension along the transverse or lateral direction Y (or: the tangential direction t). For illustrative purposes, but not to be understood in a limiting way, the projections 36 may hereinafter be referred to as longitudinally extending projections 36. The longitudinally extending projections 36 may comprise respective outwardly facing ends 38. The longitudinally extending projections 36 may define respective ones. teeth 40 of stationary blade 22. Along respective leading edge 32, 34, teeth 40 may alternate with respective tooth spaces 42. An exemplary embodiment of blade assembly 20 may comprise a general longitudinal dimension llo in the range of about 8 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range of about 8 mm to 12 mm, more preferably in the range of about 9.5 mm to 10.5 mm. Blade assembly 20 may comprise a total lateral extent in the range of from about 25mm to 40mm, preferably in the range from about 27.5mm to 37.5mm, more preferably in the range from about 31mm to 34 mm (see also Figure 18 in this regard). However, this exemplary modality will not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[050] Blade assemblies 20, 20a in accordance with the present disclosure provide wide applicability, preferably covering both shaving or waxing and trimming (or: trimming) operations. This can be attributed, at least in part, to a stationary blade 20 housing functionality that at least partially surrounds and accommodates the movable blade 24. With further reference to Figures 5 and 6, a side cross-sectional view of the blade assembly 20 along the line V - V in Figure 4 and a respective detailed view are hereinafter shown and explained. As can be seen in Figure 5, the stationary blade 22 comprises a first wall portion 44, a second wall portion 46 and disposed therebetween an intermediate wall portion 48. While recognized in connection with Figures 5 and 6, whereas the preparation of the respective wall portions 44, 46, 48 may indicate that the stationary blade 22 must necessarily be composed of distinct layers or slices, it should be noted that in some embodiments the stationary blade 22 may actually be composed of a portion. single integral forming the first wall portion 44, the second wall portion 46 and the intermediate wall portion 48. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the stationary blade 22 may be composed of two distinct parts, at least one of the parts being able to form at least two between the first wall portion 44, the second wall portion 46 and the intermediate wall portion 48. Furthermore, it is worth noting that in some embodiments The at least one alternative between first wall portion 44, second wall portion 46 and intermediate wall portion 48 may be composed of two or even more layers or segments.
[051] As used herein, the term "first wall portion" 44 can normally refer to the wall portion of the stationary blade 22 that faces the skin during operation of the cutting apparatus 10. Consequently, the second wall portion 46 can be thought of as the wall portion of the stationary blade 22 facing away from the skin during operation, and facing the housing 12 of the cutting apparatus 10. With continuous reference to Figure 4, and specific reference to the exploded view of Figure 11, an advantageous embodiment of the stationary blade 22 is described. Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the blade assembly 20 with reference also to Figure 3. As can be seen from Figure 11, in a preferred embodiment, the first wall portion 44 may be formed by a first wall segment 50 , particularly by a first layer 50. The first layer 50 can be considered as a skin facing layer. The second wall portion 46 may be formed by a second wall segment 52, particularly a second layer 52. The second layer 52 may be thought of as a layer facing away from the skin during operation. Intermediate wall portion 48 may be formed of an intermediate wall segment 54, particularly an intermediate layer 54. When assembled and secured together, the intermediate layer 54 is disposed between the first layer 50 and the second layer 52.
[052] As can best be seen in Figure 11, the middle layer 54 does not necessarily have to be a single, integrated part. Rather, at least in an advanced manufacturing state, at least the intermediate layer 54 may be composed of a plurality of separate sub-parts, which will be shown and discussed further below in more detail. When taken together, for example when fixedly interconnected, the first layer 50, the second layer 52 and the intermediate layer 54 can define a segmented stack 56, more preferably a layered stack 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the layered stack 56 can be considered as a triple layer stack 56. The formation of the stationary blade 22 from a plurality of wall portions 44, 46, 48 or preferably a plurality of layers 50, 52, 54 basically allows to make use of distinct single portions or layers of different type and shape. For example, with specific reference to Figure 6, a height dimension t1 of the first wall portion 44 (or: layer 50), which may also be referred to as (average) thickness t1 may be different from a respective height dimension t2 of the second wall portion 46 (or: second layer 52), which may also be referred to as (average) thickness t2, and different from a height dimension t1 of intermediate wall portion 48 (or: intermediate layer 54) which may also be referred to as (average) thickness t1. This is particularly beneficial as in this way each of the wall portions 44, 46, 48 (or: layers 50, 52, 54) can have distinct characteristics and a distinct shape suitably adapted to an intended function.
[053] For example, thickness t2 can be considerably larger than thickness t1. Thereby, the second wall portion 46 (or: second layer 52) can serve as a stiffening element and provide considerable rigidity. Consequently, the first wall portion 44 (or: first layer 50) can be made considerably thinner without making the stationary blade 22 too flexible. The provision of a particularly thin first wall portion 44 (or: first layer 50) allows to cut the hairs close to the skin, preferably at skin level. In this way, a smooth shaving or waxing experience can be obtained. An overall height dimension to of the stack 56 is basically defined by the respective partial height dimensions t1, t2, ti. It is worth noting in this regard that, in some embodiments, the thickness t1 of the first wall portion 44 (or: first layer 50) and the thickness t2 of the second wall portion 46 (or: second layer 52) can be the same or at least substantially the same. In yet another embodiment, also the thickness t1 of the intermediate wall portion 48 (or: intermediate layer 54) can be the same.
[054] By way of example, the thickness t1, at least at one leading edge 32, 34 may be in the range of about 0.04 mm to 0.25 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.04 mm to 0.18 mm, more preferably in the range of about 0.04 mm to 0.14 mm. Thickness t2 at least at one leading edge 32, 34 may be in the range of about 0.08mm to 0.4mm, preferably in the range of about 0.15mm to 0.25mm, with more preferably in the range of about 0.18 mm to 0.22 mm. Thickness ti, at least on at least one leading edge 32, 34 may be in the range of from about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm . The overall thickness of the at least one leading edge 32, 34 may be in the range of about 0.3mm to about 0.75mm, preferably in the range of about 0.4mm to 0.5 mm.
[055] It is generally preferred in some embodiments that the first wall portion 44 may have an average thickness t1 that is less than an average thickness t2 of the second wall portion 46, at least in the longitudinally projecting portions thereof at the leading edge 32, 34. It should further be noted that not all embodiments of the stationary blade 22, 22a of the present disclosure need include a second wall 46 having an average thickness t2, at least at the leading edge thereof, which is greater than an average thickness t1 of the first wall portion 44, at least at the leading edge thereof.
[056] Referring further to Figure 5, at least one filled region 58 on at least one leading edge 32, 34 of the stationary blade 22 is shown. The solid portion 58 can be thought of as the portion of the intermediate wall portion 48 (or: intermediate layer 52) which connects the first and second wall portions 44, 46 (or: layers 50, 52) at their guide edges 32, 34 As can be seen in Figures 5, 6, 10 and 11, at least in a finished state, the filled region 58 can be composed of a plurality of sub-portions which can correspond to the number of teeth 40 on the respective guide edge 32, 34 Adjacent to filled region 58 at guide edges 32, 34, at least one housing region 92 can be provided, where stationary blade 22 at least partially encompasses movable blade 24. In other words, at least one guide slit 76 (referring to Referring particularly to Figures 3, 9, 10 and 16c) it can be defined that it can serve as a guided path for the movable blade 24 when being driven by the motor 14 of the cutting apparatus 10 during the cutting operation. As best seen in Figures 10, 11, 16a and 16c, guide slit 76 can basically be defined by a cut-out portion 68 in intermediate wall portion 48 (or: intermediate layer 54). In some embodiments, cutout portion 68 extends to a lateral or transverse end of stationary blade 22, thus defining a side opening 78 through which movable blade 24 can be inserted into stationary blade 24 during fabrication, with reference also to Figures 9 and 10.
[057] The guide slot 76 can define a linear path for the movable blade 24 of the linear modality exemplifying the set of blades 20 illustrated in Figures 2 to 13. However, with reference to the curved or circular mode of the set of blades 20a shown in the Figures 14, 15a and 15b, the guide slot 76 may also define a curved path, particularly a circumferentially extended path for a respective movable blade (curved or circular) 24.
[058] Returning to Figure 5, and still referring to Figure 11, surfaces extending laterally and longitudinally basically 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 and 90 of the stationary blade will be described. For ease of reference, the terms “first layer” 50, “second layer” 52 and “middle layer” 54 will be used hereinafter to describe the general layout of stationary blade 22. However, this should not be interpreted in a limiting way, therefore , it should be emphasized that the term “layer” may be optionally substituted by the alternative terms “wall portion” and “wall segment”, respectively.
[059] The first layer 50 facing the skin during operation may comprise a first surface 80 facing the opposite side of the skin and a second surface 86 facing the skin. Second layer 52 may comprise a second surface 88 facing away from the skin and a first surface 82 facing the skin and first layer 50. Intermediate layer 54 may comprise a first surface 84 facing first layer 50 and a second surface 90 facing the second layer 52. The respective first surfaces 80, 82 of the first layer 50 and the second layer 52 may at least partially cover the cut-out portion 68 in the intermediate layer and define at least one housing region 92 and, consequently, the guide slot 76 for the movable blade 24.
[060] At least on one guide edge 32, 34, particularly on the skin facing the second surface 86 of the first layer 50 of the stationary blade 22, at least one transitional region 94 may be provided which may be referred to as the planar transitional region 94. Since the exemplary illustrative embodiment of stationary blade 22 shown in Figures 5 and 6 comprises, at each longitudinal end, a respective guide edge 32, 34, two respective transitional regions 94 can be provided. At least one transitional region 94 can enhance the slideability characteristics of the blade assembly 20 by being moved along the direction of movement 28 through the hairs on the skin to cut the hairs. Particularly, at least one transitional region 94 can prevent the blade assembly 20 particularly the leading edge 32, 34 thereof that is used for cutting, from plunging deeply into the skin portions when sliding along the skin. In this way, skin irritation can be lessened. Preferably, skin incision appearances can also be avoided or at least reduced to a great extent in this way. The transitional region 94 may be connected to and extend from a substantially flat region 98 of the first layer 50. This substantially planar region 98 may be thought of as a basically planar shaped portion of the second surface 86 of the first layer 50. In general As used here, the term "substantially planar" can involve a planar shape, but slightly uneven surfaces as well. It is worth mentioning that the substantially flat region 98 may comprise perforations, small recesses etc., which do not substantially detract from the flat or overall planar shape. In some embodiments, the substantially flat region 98 may surround a flat surface. This applies in particular when at least the first layer 50 is originally supplied as a sheet or sheet-like material. Transition region 94 may cover a considerable portion of leading edge 32. Particularly, transitional region 94 may connect substantially flat region 98 in first layer 50 and substantially flat region 100 in second layer 52. Likewise, the region substantially planar 100 can be shaped as a flat or planar region, but it can also be provided with (smaller) perforations or recesses, which do not detract from its overall planar shape.
[061] As best seen in Figure 4, see line V - V, the cross section illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 includes a longitudinal cross section through a tip 102 of the teeth 40 of the guide edges 32, 34. Consequently, too the transitional region 94 may be primarily formed on teeth 40 of the serrated guide edge 32, 34. The transitional region 94 may comprise a longitudinal extension lt1 between tooth tips 102 of the stationary blade 22 and the substantially flat region 98. By way of example, longitudinal extent lt1 can be in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.6 mm to about 1.2 mm, more preferably in the range of about 0 .7mm to about 0.9mm. In addition, transitional region 94 can comprise several sections. As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, transitional region 94 may comprise a substantially convex surface tangentially incorporated into substantially flat region 98 and substantially flat region 100. Furthermore, transitional region 94 does not protrude over substantially flat region 98 (ie in the Z height direction). In other words, transitional region 94 may extend backwards from substantially flat region 98 towards second layer 52. Transitional region 98 may at least partially extend away from substantially flat region 98 in the direction of height Z.
[062] As can be seen better in Figure 6, the transitional region 94 can comprise a lower radius Rtb. By way of example, the lower radius Rtb may be in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 5.0 mm, preferably in the range of about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, more preferably in the range of about 2.7mm to about 3.3mm. Furthermore, a nose round 116 can be provided which can involve at least one edge radius. Particularly, the nose round 116 may comprise a first edge round Rt1 and a second edge round Rt2. By way of example, the first edge round Rt1 can be in the range of about 0.10 mm to about 0.50 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.15 mm to about 0.40 mm, with more preferably in the range of from about 0.20 mm to about 0.30 mm. By way of example, the second edge roundness Rt2 can be in the range of about 0.03mm to about 0.20mm, preferably in the range of about 0.05mm to about 0.15mm, with more preferably in the range of from about 0.07mm to about 0.10mm. The lower radius Rtb, the first edge round Rt1, and the second edge round Rt2 can tangentially merge with each other. However, alternatively or additionally, respective straight portions can be provided between them, which can also be tangentially connected to the respective radii. The lower radius Rtb may tangentially embed the substantially flat region 98. The second edge round Rt2 may tangentially embed the substantially flat region 100.
[063] However, as can be seen better in Figures 7a and 8, the transitional region 94 can also be provided with a chamfered section 124 that can replace or complement the lower radius Rtb. The bevel section 124 may comprise a bevel angle α (alpha) relative to a horizontal planar that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y, the bevel angle α being in the range of about 25° at 35°. Preferably, the beveled section is tangentially incorporated with the substantially flat region 98. More preferably, the beveled section 124 is tangentially incorporated by the nose rounding 116. As seen in Figure 4 with reference to line VII-VII Figure 7a shows a partial cross-sectional view of the blade assembly 20 surrounding a tooth space 42.
[064] In other words, the transitional region 94 can also comprise a combination of the lower radius Rtb and the beveled section 124. In other words, the lower radius Rtb can serve as a tangential transition between the substantially flat region 98 and the beveled section 124 including the bevel angle α. At an end facing the longitudinal end thereof, the chamfered section 124 can be incorporated tangentially to the nose round 116 which can be defined, for example, by the first edge round Rt1 and the second edge round Rt2 which have been further described above.
[065] Still referring to Figure 11 and Figure 4, the layout of the movable blade 24 is further detailed and described. The movable blade 24 can also be provided with at least one leading edge. As indicated by the exemplary embodiment of the blade assembly 20 shown in Figures 4 and 11, the movable blade 24 may comprise a first leading edge 106 and a second leading edge 108. Each of the leading edges 106, 108 may be provided with a plurality of teeth. 110. Needless to say, in some embodiments of a blade assembly 20 adapted to allow relative cutting movement between the movable blade 24 and the stationary blade 22, only one stationary blade leading edge 32 and a respective single movable blade leading edge 106 can be provided. However, for many applications, the configuration of the blade assembly 20 involving two guide edges 32, 34 on the stationary blade 22 and two corresponding guide edges 106, 108 on the movable blade 24 can be particularly beneficial, as the cutting apparatus thereby 10 can be made more flexible and allow for even additional cutting operations, for example back and forth movement on the skin along the direction of movement 28 which can improve cutting performance. In other words, the embodiment of blade assembly 20 illustrated in Figures 2 to 13 may generally involve a single-sided layout comprising a single cutting edge at only a longitudinal end of blades 22, 24, or a double-sided layout. comprising two generally opposite cutting edges mutually defined by respective guide edges 32, 34 and 106, 108.
[066] With reference to Figures 12 and 13, relevant dimensions of the teeth 40 of the stationary blade 22 and teeth 110 of the movable blade 24 will be described. Figure 12 illustrates a partial enlarged top view of a serrated portion of the blade assembly 20, while Figure 13 further details the view shown in Figure 12 by indicating hidden edges by dashed lines. The teeth 40 of the stationary blade 22 are arranged in a pitch dimension p. By way of example, step p may be in the range from about 0.4 mm to about 1.0 mm, preferably in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm, more preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm. range from about 0.6 mm to about 0.7 mm. The teeth 40 further comprise a lateral extension wts. By way of example, the lateral extent wts may be in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 0.60 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.30 mm to about 0.50 mm, more preferably in the range of about 0.35 mm to about 0.45 mm. The tooth spaces 42 of the stationary blade comprise a lateral extension wss. By way of example, the lateral extent wss may be in the range of about 0.15mm to about 0.40mm, preferably in the range of about 0.20mm to about 0.33mm, more preferably in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 0.28 mm. The teeth 40 further comprise a longitudinal extension lts between their tips 102 and a respective tooth base 104. By way of example, the longitudinal extension lts may be in the range of about 0.6 mm to about 2.5 mm , particularly in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm, more particularly in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 2.0 mm.
[067] Correspondingly, the teeth 110 of the movable blade 24 may comprise a longitudinal dimension ltm, a lateral tooth spacing (average) wtm, and a lateral tooth space extension (average) wsm. By way of example, the longitudinal extent ltm may be in the range of about 0.15 mm to about 2.0 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 1.0 mm, more preferably in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm. Furthermore, between the tips 102 of the teeth 40 of the stationary blade 22 and the tips 112 of the teeth 110 of the movable blade 24, a longitudinal displacement dimension lot is defined. By way of example, the longitudinal displacement dimension lot may be in the range of about 0.3 mm to about 2.0 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.7 mm to about 1.2 mm, with more preferably in the range of from about 0.8 mm to about 1.0 mm. As can be seen from the top view, as shown in Figure 13, the tips 102 of the teeth 40 of the stationary blade 22 may comprise a taper angle β (beta). Between the respective taper angle legs β, at the tip end 102, a blunt tip portion may be provided, which comprises a lateral tooth tip width wtt. In some embodiments, the taper angle β of the tips 102 can be in the range of about 30° to 50°, more preferably in the range of about 35° to 45°, even more preferably in the range of about 38° to 42°. The lateral width of the tooth tips 102 can be in the range of about 0.12 mm to 0.20 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.14 mm to 0.18 mm.
[068] Returning to Figures 5 and 6, an additional beneficial aspect of the segmented structured shape of the blade assembly 20 is illustrated and described in detail. As can be seen in Figure 6, where a tooth 110 of the movable blade 24 and a tooth 40 of the stationary blade 22 are aligned (see also line VV in Figure 4), a defined clearance portion 118 is provided between an end face facing inwardly 114 of stationary blade filler 58 and tips 112 of teeth 110 of movable blade 24 also referring to Figure 13. The clearance portion 118 comprises a clearance longitudinal dimension Icl and a clearance height dimension Tcl. The slack longitudinal dimension lcl and slack height dimension tcl are suitably defined so as to prevent hairs from entering the slack portion 118, at least with a high probability. If, for example, sufficient space were provided to allow single hairs to easily enter the opening between the tips 112 of the teeth 110 of the movable blade 24 and the end face 114 of the stationary blade filler 58, such hairs could be blocked or trapped therein. place. This could degrade cutting performance. Also, blockers are likely to be ripped out rather than cut. This is often considered uncomfortable or even painful and can irritate the skin. Therefore, it is particularly preferred that the space (longitudinal and lateral) provided by the clearance portion 118 is smaller than an expected diameter of a hair to be cut. Thereby, the risk of blockages caused by those entering the slack portion 118 can be significantly reduced. It may be sufficient in many cases that at least one of the longitudinal dimension lcl and the clearance height dimension tcl is smaller than the pile diameter to be expected. By way of example, the longitudinal dimension lcl may be less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.2 mm, more preferably less than 0.1 mm. By way of example, the height dimension tcl, perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension lcl, may be in the range of from about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.05 mm to about 0. 2 mm.
[069] The clearance portion 118 may be composed of a rearward portion 120, adjacent to tips 112 of teeth 110 of movable blade 24, and a front portion 122 on end face 114 of the filled region of stationary blade 58. As if can best be seen in Figure 7b, which is a detailed view of the illustration provided in Figure 7a showing the clearance portion 118, the front portion 122 of the clearance portion 118 may comprise at least one transition radius rc1, rc12. In this embodiment, radius rc1 can connect intermediate layer 54 and first layer 50. Ray rc12 can connect intermediate layer 54 and second layer 52. By way of example, radii rc1 and rc12 may be in the range of about 0.025mm to about 0.25mm, preferably from about 0.025mm to about 0.1mm.
[070] Returning to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, it is clarified that the layered structure of the layered stack 56 forming the stationary blade 22 can be particularly beneficial, since thereby the longitudinal dimension lcl and the height dimension tcl of clearance portion 118 are selectable over wide ranges. By providing the stationary blades 22 as a layered stack 56 or, more generally, as a segmented stack, tight tolerances can be achieved which cannot be achieved by applying prior art blade assembly structures. As can be seen further from Figure 6, the filled region 58 on the leading edge 32, 34 of the stationary blade 22 may comprise a longitudinal extension 1f1. By way of example, longitudinal extent 1f1 may be in the range of about 0.6 mm to 1.2 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.75 mm to 0.9 mm, more preferably in the range of about 0.75 mm to 0.9 mm. from 0.8 mm to about 0.85 mm. Since each of the layers 50, 52, 54 of the layered stack 56 can be extensively customized with respect to geometric properties, the stationary blade 22 can be molded in a manner that cannot be achieved using array structure approaches. prior art blades.
[071] The clearance height dimension tcl can basically correspond to the height dimension ti of the intermediate layer 54. Since the height ti of the intermediate layer 54 can be defined and selected precisely, additionally having close tolerances, even an adjustment of clearance fitting of the movable blade 24 in the guide slot 76 in the stationary blade 22 can be obtained, at least in the height direction Z. The clearance height dimension tcl is defined by the height dimension ti of the intermediate layer 54 and the height dimension tm of the movable blade 24, at least in a region thereof that is guided in the guide slot 76 can be precisely defined with close design tolerances, so that the movable blade 24 is properly guided in the guide slot 76 for smooth, noise-free operation ( excessive loose fit) or obstruction (excess tight fit). A resulting mounting clearance height dimension trcl is indicated in Figure 6 and basically defined by the clearance height dimension tcl of the guide slot 76 and the height dimension tm of the movable blade 24. By way of example, the height dimension of clearance trcl can be in the range of about 0.003 mm to about 0.050 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.005 mm to about 0.030 mm.
[072] As can be seen in Figures 4, 11 and 16a-16c, the cutout portion 68 in the intermediate layer 54 can further define an inner guide portion 126 to guide the movable blade 24 when moving along the lateral direction Y (or tangential t direction). The inner guide portion 126 may be formed as a tab or strip. The inner guide portion 126 may be basically disposed on a central longitudinal portion of the stationary blade 22. At one end of the inner guide portion 126 adjacent the side opening 78, a tapered portion 128 may be provided, referring also to Figure 9 and to Figure 10. The tapered portion 128 can facilitate the assembly or insertion step for the movable blade 24.
[073] With specific reference to Figure 11, the structure of the movable blade 24 of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is further described and detailed. When viewed in top view (referring to Figure 4), the movable blade 24 may be basically U-shaped, comprising a first arm portion 132 associated with the first guide edge 106, a second arm portion 134 associated with the second edge. guide 108 and a connector portion 136 connecting the first arm portion 132 and the second arm portion 134. By way of example, the connector portion 136 may be provided on a side end of the movable blade 24 and, when mounted on the blade. stationary 22, disposed in the vicinity of the lateral opening 78 of the stationary blade 22. In other words, the first arm portion 132 and the second arm portion 134 can be arranged in parallel at a distance in the longitudinal direction X that is adapted in an extension longitudinally of the inner guide portion 126 in the intermediate layer 54. To guide the movable blade 24, the inner guide portion 126 may comprise a laterally extending first guide surface 140 and a the second laterally extending guide surface 142, referring to Figure 4. Correspondingly, the movable blade 24 may comprise respective inwardly facing contact portions 146, 148 at respective arm portions 132, 134 thereof.
[074] In some embodiments, at least one guide portion 146, 148 disposed on at least one arm portion 132, 134 of the movable blade 24 may be provided with at least one contact element 150, 152 particularly with at least one flap guide 150, 152. By way of example, the movable blade 24 shown in Figure 4 (in a partially concealed mode) may comprise two guide tabs 150 on the first contact portion 146 on the first arm portion 132. The movable blade 24 may comprise further two guide tabs 152 on the second contact portion 148 of the second arm portion 134 thereof. The laterally extending guide surface 140, 142 of the inner guide portion 126 may be separated by a longitudinal extension lgp. Correspondingly, at least one first contact element 150 (or: guide tab) and at least one second contact element 152 (or: guide tab) can be separated by a longitudinal clearance dimension lgt. It is preferred that the longitudinal clearance dimension lgt of guide tabs 150, 152 is selected to be slightly greater than the longitudinal extent lgp of inner guide portion 126. Thereby defined clearance fit orientation for the movable blade 24 enabling a movement of relative cut, smooth, can be obtained. By way of example, a resultant slack endurance dimension, defined by slack endurance lgp and slack endurance dimension lgt, may be in the range of about 0.003 mm to about 0.05 mm, preferably in the range of about 0.005 mm to about 0.030 mm. It is particularly preferred in some embodiments that the guide slot 76 in the stationary blade 22 provide shaped locked orientation of the movable blade 24 in the longitudinal dimension X and the height dimension (or: vertical) Z, thereby allowing smooth operation along the lateral Y direction. Needless to say, the beneficial principles described above can readily be transferred to the circular or, more generally, curved modality of the blade assembly 20a shown in Figures 14, 15a and 15b.
[075] With specific reference to Figures 15a and 15b, the stationary blade 22a of the set of blades (circular) 20a is further detailed. In the cross-sectional view provided in Figure 15b a hatch is shown and indicates that the stationary blade 22a can be formed as an integral part. However, the stationary blade 22a may also comprise a first wall portion 44, a second wall portion 46 and an intermediate wall portion 48 which mutually define a guide slot 76 for a respective movable blade. It should also be noted in this regard that the stationary blade 22a may also comprise a layered structure in accordance with the above-described principles of various beneficial modalities of the (linear) blade assembly 20 and its respective stationary blade 22. Accordingly, each of the first wall portion 44, the second wall portion 46 and the intermediate wall portion 48 can be formed of a respective layer or wall segment. As mentioned above, terms like “longitudinal” can be considered as radial in connection with the circular modality. Furthermore, the term “lateral” or “transverse” can be considered as “tangential” or “circumferential” in connection with the circular modality.
[076] With specific reference to Figures 16a to 16f, and with further reference to Figure 17, an exemplary fabrication method and an exemplary fabrication system for a stationary blade 22 of a blade assembly 20 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated and detailed below. As can be seen from Figure 16a, the first layer 50, the second layer 52 and the intermediate layer 54, at least one of them, can be provided in the form of strip material. The first layer 50 is obtainable from a first strip 194. The second layer 52 is obtainable from a second strip 196. The intermediate layer 54 is obtainable from an intermediate strip 198. Further reference in relation to this is done to Figure 18. As already indicated in Figure 16a, at least some of the strips 194, 196, 198 may be pre-machined or pre-processed. In the preliminary stage illustrated in Figure 16A, a cut-out portion 68 may be processed into the intermediate strip 198 defining the intermediate layer 54. The cut-out portion 68 may comprise a substantially U-shaped shape. Different shapes can also be envisaged. Particularly, cutout portion 68 may comprise a first leg 158, a second leg 160, and a transition portion 162 connecting the first leg 158 and the second leg 160. The first leg 158, the second leg 160, and the transition portion 162 define the inner guide portion 126 in the intermediate layer 54.
[077] Similarly, also the second layer 52 formed by the second strip 196 may be provided with a cut-out portion 166. For example, the cut-out portion 166 may comprise a substantially U-shaped shape. provided. Cutout portion 166 may comprise a first leg 168, a second leg 170, and a transition portion 172 connecting the first leg 168 and the second leg 170. The first leg 168, the second leg 170, and the transition portion 172 may defining therebetween a guide tab 174. In general, irrespective of its actual shape and size, the cut-out portion 166 can be thought of as an opening in the stationary blade 22 through which the drive engagement element 26 (referring to Figure 3 in that regard) may contact and drive the movable blade 24 for relative cutting movement with respect to the stationary blade 22. Consequently, when fitted to the pile cutting apparatus 10, the cutting portion 166 in the second layer 52 may face toward the housing 12 is facing away from the skin during operation.
[078] As can be further seen in Figure 16a, at least the first layer 50, preferably each layer 50, 52, 54 may comprise a substantially flattened or planar shape. Each of the strips 194, 196, 198 can be supplied as a metal strip, particularly as a stainless steel strip. However, in some embodiments, at least one of the second layer 52 and the intermediate layer 54 may be formed of a different material, for example, a non-metal material. In general, the bristle cutting functionality as such is performed, at the level of the stationary blade 20, by the first layer cutting edges 50 (or: the first wall portion 44) which cooperate with respective cutting edges at the level of the movable blade 24 Therefore, it is often preferred that at least the first layer 50 be formed of metal material, particularly stainless steel. Each of the layers 50, 52, 54 can be provided as sheet material. The sheet material can be supplied from respective sheet metal spools or, in general, from sheet metal forms.
[079] As can be seen in Figure 16b, the first layer 50, the second layer 52 and the intermediate layer 54, can be mutually aligned in preparation to be interconnected. In particular, the respective layers can be fixedly connected by joining or, more preferably, by welding. A resulting bonded strip is indicated in Figure 16b by reference numeral 208. Welding of the respective layers 50, 52,54 may involve, particularly, laser welding. Layers 50, 52, and 54 can be bonded together at their leading edges (reference numeral 210 in Figure 16b). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the layers 50, 52, 54 may be connected at their central longitudinal portion, where the inner guide portion 126 and the guide strip 174 are present (reference number 212). Welding may involve the formation of continuous welds and/or spot welds.
[080] As can be seen in Figure 16c, after the step of interconnecting or splicing illustrated in Figure 16b, a separation step may then occur in which the layered stack 56 is separated from or cut from the bonded strip 208. if the bonded strip 208 is cut so that at least a small side portion of the cutout portions 68 and/or 166 is cut from the resulting layered stack 56, the side opening 78 can be formed through which the guide slit 76 can be accessed. . The cut or split operation can further define a basically rectangular contour 216 of the layered stack.
[081] In a further stage, illustrated in Figure 16d, at least one leading edge 94 of the layered stack may be processed, which may particularly involve processing to remove material, so as to define or form at least one transitional region 94 (referring also to Figures 5, 6 and 7a). As further seen in Figure 16d, the leading edge 32 of the layered stack 56 may comprise a substantially U-shaped shape which is also present on the teeth after tooth processing. Particularly, guide slot 76 may extend longitudinally at least partially into guide edge 32 so that a first tooth leg 178, a second tooth leg 180 and a connector region 182 are defined. The first tooth leg 178 may be primarily defined by the first wall portion 44 (or: the first layer 50). The second tooth leg 180 may be formed primarily from the second wall portion 46 (or: the second layer 52). The connecting region 182 may be formed primarily from the intermediate wall portion 48 (or: the intermediate layer 54). Processing of the leading edge 94 may involve processing to remove material, particularly electrochemical machining.
[082] In a further manufacturing stage, the layered stack 56 may be additionally provided with teeth 40 and respective tooth spaces 42 on at least one leading edge 42. Tooth machining may involve processing to remove material to form a plurality of slots which can define the tooth spaces so as to further define a plurality of teeth 40 therebetween. Tooth machining may involve cutting operations. Particularly, tooth machining can involve wire erosion. As can be further seen in Figure 16e, at the intermediate manufacturing stage, teeth 40 may comprise sharp transition edges 218, where side surfaces 222 and contact surfaces 224 thereof are connected.
[083] In an additional fabrication stage shown in Figure 16f which may follow the stage illustrated in Figure 16e, the toothed layer stack 56 may be further machined or, more generally, processed. Particularly, sharp edges 218 that may be present after the formation of teeth 40 may be rounded. Consequently, rounded edges 220 that have a lateral edge radius of Rtle tooth can be formed. Rounding can involve processing to remove material, particularly electrochemical machining. Additional reference is made to Figure 8 in this regard. By way of example, the radius Rtle of the curved edge transition may be in the range of about 0.05mm to 0.07mm, particularly in the range of about 0.053mm to 0.063mm.
[084] It is worth mentioning in connection with Figures 16a to 16f that their order and the order of the respective manufacturing stages do not necessarily involve or determine a fixed manufacturing order. For example, the manufacturing steps illustrated in Figures 16d and 16e can be changed or, more particularly, interchanged. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the manufacturing method the step of forming the transitional region and the step of forming the toothed shape can be performed even simultaneously or, at least, temporally superimposed.
[085] Figure 17 illustrates a fabrication system 214 for fabricating a stationary blade 22 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In particular, at least some of the preliminary and intermediate stages illustrated in Figures 16b to 16f can be carried out or processed using fabrication system 214.
[086] The respective strip material 194, 196, 198 to form the first layer 50, the second layer 52 and the intermediate layer 54 can be supplied from the respective spools 200, 202, 204. The first strip 194 can be supplied from from the first coil 200. The second strip 196 can be supplied from the second coil 202. The intermediate strip 198 can be supplied from the intermediate coil 204. A feed direction is indicated in Figure 17 by the reference number 226. embodiments, the spools 202 and 204 may already comprise respective cut-out portions 68 and 166 for the second layer 52 and the intermediate layer 54. Provision may also be made for the supply of coil material also for the second strip 196 and for the intermediate strip 198 which comprises a solid surface, i.e. a surface without respective indentations. In that case the manufacturing system 214 may further comprise at least one cutting or stamping unit to form respective cutouts 68, 166 in the strips 196, 198.
[087] According to the modality illustrated in Figure 17, the reels 202, 204 may comprise prefabricated or preprocessed strips 196, 198. The strip material 194, 196, 198 forming the respective first, second and intermediate layers 50, 52, 54 can be supplied or shipped to a joining device 228. In general, the joining device 228 may also be called an interconnecting or fastening device. In the splicing device 228, respective portions of the straps 194, 196, 198 may be received, supported and placed in alignment. In that regard, further reference is made to Figure 18 which shows a top view representation of pre-processed or pre-machined strips 194, 196, 198. It should be noted in this regard that strips 194, 196, 198 do not they necessarily have to be supplied from spools 200, 202, 204. Instead, flat pre-products, eg sheets or blanks, can also be used. Some or each of the strips 194, 196, 198 may be provided with respective corresponding alignment elements 242, 244. The alignment elements 242, 244 may provide mutual positional alignment between respective portions of the strips 194, 196, 198 in the X and longitudinal direction X and in the lateral or transverse direction Y. By way of example, the first alignment elements 242 in the strips 194, 196, 198 can provide alignment in both the longitudinal and transverse (or: lateral) direction. In addition, the alignment elements 244 in the strips 194, 196, 198 can generally provide alignment in the transverse (or: lateral) direction. In this way, an excess positional determination of the strips 194, 196, 198 can be avoided. In some embodiments, the alignment elements 242 can be molded as cylindrical holes. In contrast, the alignment elements 244 can be molded as elongated holes. By being sufficiently aligned and stacked in the joining or interconnecting device 228, the respective strips 194, 196, 198 can be fixedly interconnected, preferably bonded, more preferably welded, thus forming a bonded strip 208, see also Figure 16b in this regard.
[088] The manufacturing system 214 may further comprise a separating device 230, particularly a cutting or stamping device 230. By means of the separating device 230, respective portions of the bonded strip 208 supplied by the joining device 228 and fed for the separator device 230 can be cut (or: cut). Referring again to Figure 18 in that regard, a portion to be separated from the bonded strip 208 may have an overall transverse length dimension of greater. Each of the alignment elements 242, 244 which is disposed between respective portions to be separated from the bonded strip 208 may be disposed in a portion comprising a scrap dimension of length lwa1 and a scrap dimension of length lwa2 respectively. In other words, by cutting respective portions of the bonded strip 208 so as to obtain a plurality of layered stacks 56 having an overall transverse length dimension ltro, also cutouts or scrap portions indicated in Figure 18 by respective scrap dimensions of length lwa1 and lwa2 can be cut (or: cut out) from bonded strip 208. It should be mentioned that, merely for illustrative purposes, bonded layer 208 and layered stack 56 are shown in Figure 18 in a separate exploded view. It is also worth noting that strips 194, 196, 198 may preferably have the same longitudinal extension llo.
[089] With further reference to Figure 17, the fabrication system 214 may further comprise a tooth-shaped forming device 232, particularly a wire erosion device 232. It is particularly preferred that the device 232 is adapted to process a stack 238 comprising a plurality of layered stacks 56 at the same time. In the tooth-shaped forming device 232, basically longitudinally extending slits can be generated on respective guide edges 32, 34 of the layered stacks 56, see also Figure 16e.
[090] The manufacturing system 214 may further comprise a processing or machining device 334, particularly a device that can perform electrochemical processing or machining of the layered stacks 56 provided and provided thereto. In doing so, chamfering and/or rounding processes can be applied to sharp edges in layered stacks 56, see also Figure 16f. It should further be noted that, in some embodiments, the processing device 234 may still be capable of forming or machining at least one transitional region 94 in the layered stacks 56, see also Figure 16d. Alternatively, the fabrication system 214 may comprise an additional, separate machining or processing device, particularly a device that is capable of performing electrochemical machining. Such a device may be arranged, for example, between the separating device 230 and the tooth shape shaping device 232, and be capable of forming at least one transitional region 94 prior to the formation or generation of the teeth 40 of the layered stack. It can also be envisaged to use basically the same machining or processing device 234 to process at least one transitional region 94 and to round or chamfer the teeth 40 at different manufacturing stages.
[091] With further reference to Figure 19 and Figure 20, various steps of an exemplary embodiment of a method for fabricating a stationary blade and a method for fabricating a blade assembly in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure will be illustrated and described in follow. Figure 19 schematically illustrates a method for fabricating a stationary blade from a set of blades. In general, optional steps are indicated in Figure 19 by dashed blocks. Initially, in steps 300, 304, 308, respective strips for forming a first layer, a second layer and an intermediate layer can be presented or provided. Prior to steps 304, 308, additional optional steps may occur. Steps 302, 306 may include forming respective cutout portions in the respective second strip, from which the second layer can be formed, and the intermediate strip, from which the intermediate layer can be formed. However, as an alternative, steps 302, 306 can be omitted if pre-processed cut strips can be provided. An optional alignment step 310 may occur following steps 300, 304, 308. The alignment step may be thought of as a separate step 310, but it may alternatively also be included in a subsequent step 312 with respect to an arrangement of the respective strips, one over the other, in an adjusted manner. Step 312 may further involve an intermediate strip arrangement between the first strip and the second strip. Alignment step 310 may involve a longitudinal and/or lateral (or: transverse) alignment of respective strip portions. After step 312, a connecting step 314 can take place next, the respective strips being fixedly interconnected. Particularly, step 314 may involve a joining, preferably a soldering step. Thereby, a bonded strip, particularly a bonded layered strip, can be formed.
[092] In a subsequent optional additional step 316, a respective stack portion may be separated from the bonded strip. This can particularly apply in cases where the bonded strip, or more precisely the original strips forming the respective layers, is formed and dimensioned so that a plurality of layered stack segments can be formed therefrom. For example, each of the first strip, the second strip and the intermediate strip may be provided as elongated sheet metal material, particularly as coil material. In this way, a large number of layered stack segments can be formed on the basis of a single strip. However, in some embodiments, strip portions that are already adapted to a general shape resulting from the layered stack to be formed can be provided in steps 300, 304, 308. In that case, separation step 316 can be omitted. If the alignment of the strips in step 310 is carried out in consideration of separate alignment elements provided on the strips, the respective alignment portions can also be cut out or cut out in the separation step 316.
[093] In some embodiments, a general point machining and/or 318 edge smoothing process may occur next. In step 318, at least one transition region can be formed or processed on at least one leading edge of the layered stacks. Step 318 may particularly comprise chamfering and/or rounding processes. For this purpose, step 318 can be configured as an electrochemical machining process. An additional step 320 can be provided which can occur after (or, alternatively, before) optional step 318. Step 320 can be thought of as tooth forming or, more explicitly, teeth cutting step. For example, step 320 may involve a cutting operation at at least one leading edge of the layered stack so as to create a plurality of slots or tooth spaces therein. Step 320 may make use of, for example, wire erosion cutting operations. During formation of the teeth and tooth spaces in step 320, in general sharp edges on the teeth can be generated. Consequently, an additional step 322 may then occur which may involve a tooth machining operation to remove material. Particularly, step 322 may comprise rounding or chamfering operations on the edges of sharp teeth. Since at least a cutout portion can be present in the intermediate strip forming the intermediate layer, the arrangement, connection and machining of the layers can also generate, at the same time, a guide slot in the layered stack that can accommodate a blade mobile. At the end of step 322, a stationary blade may be produced for a hair-cutting apparatus surrounding a layered structure.
[094] In other words, more generally, another aspect of the present disclosure may be directed to a method of manufacturing a stationary blade 22 of a set of blades 20 for a pile cutting apparatus 10, comprising the following steps: providing a first wall segment 50, a second wall segment 52, and an intermediate wall segment 54, wherein at least the first wall segment 50 comprises an overall substantially flat shape forming at least a cut-out portion 68 in the segment. intermediate wall 54; arranging the intermediate wall segment 54 between the first wall segment 50 and the second wall segment 52; fixedly interconnecting, particularly connecting the first wall segment 50, the second wall segment 52 and the intermediate wall segment 54, thus forming a segmented stack 56, so that the first wall segment 50 and the second segment of wall 52 at least partially cover at least one cutout in the intermediate wall segment 54 disposed therebetween, the first wall segment 50, the second wall segment 52 and the intermediate wall segment 54 comprising a substantially equivalent overall dimension. , wherein the step of interconnecting the first wall segment 50, the second wall segment 52 and the intermediate wall segment 54 further comprises: forming, at a longitudinal end of the segmented stack 56, at least one guide edge 32, 34 where first wall segment 50, second wall segment 52, and intermediate wall segment 54 are connected together; forming a guide slot 76 for a movable blade 24, the guide slot 76 being defined by at least one cutaway portion 68 in the intermediate wall segment 54, the first wall segment 50 and the second wall segment 52; and forming, at least one leading edge 32, 34 of the segmented stack 56, a plurality of mutually spaced projections 36 alternating with respective slots, thus defining a plurality of teeth 40 and respective tooth spaces 42. The wall segments 50, 52, 54 can be formed by respective layers.
[095] Referring now to Figure 20, an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a set of blades for an apparatus for hair cutting is presented. The method may comprise a step 330, whereby a stationary blade which has been manufactured in accordance with various aspects of the manufacturing method described above may be provided. It is preferred that the stationary blade comprises an opening, particularly a side opening, through which a guide slit in the stationary blade is accessible. In a further step 332, a respective movable blade 24 comprising at least one serrated guide edge can be provided. An assembly step 334 may then take place in which the movable blade is inserted into the guide slot of the stationary blade. Particularly, it is preferred that the movable blade be passed through the side opening at a transverse (or: lateral) end of the stationary blade.
[096] It should be emphasized that the fabrication method introduced and explained above will not be interpreted as the only conceivable approach to fabrication of a blade assembly modality that is formed in accordance with several beneficial aspects of the present disclosure. Particularly, where structural aspects of the blade assembly are elucidated and explained in this disclosure, these aspects do not necessarily refer to a specific manufacturing method. Various fabrication methods to produce stationary blades can be envisioned. Whenever the description of structural aspects refers to the manufacturing method mentioned above, it will be interpreted as additional illustrative information for the purposes of understanding, and will not be construed as limiting the disclosure to the disclosed manufacturing steps.
[097] It should be further emphasized that whenever terms such as "first layer", "second layer" and "middle layer" are used in the present invention in connection with the stationary blade structure, these can be readily replaced by "first layer" wall portion", "second wall portion" and "middle wall portion", respectively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The terms "first layer", "second layer" and "middle layer" and "layered stack" will not be interpreted as limiting the disclosure to only modalities of stationary blades that are actually composed of sliced subcomponents (eg, sheet metal ) which are actually (physically) distinct from one another before being interconnected during the manufacturing process.
[098] It goes without saying that in one embodiment of the blade assembly manufacturing method according to the disclosure, several of the steps described here can be performed in a changed order or even simultaneously. Additionally, some of the steps can also be omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.
[099] In the claims, the expression “comprising” does not exclude other elements or other steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single element or another unit can perform the functions of several items mentioned in the claims.
[0100] Any reference sign in the claims is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

权利要求:
Claims (14)
[0001]
1. STATIONARY BLADE (22) FOR A BLADE ASSEMBLY (20) OF A HAIR CUTTING APPARATUS (10), said blade assembly being arranged to be moved through hairs in a direction of movement (28) for cutting hairs, wherein said blade comprises: - a first wall portion (44) arranged to serve as a wall portion facing the skin during operation, and a second wall portion (46) wherein each wall portion defines - a first surface (80, 82, 84), - a second surface (86, 88, 90) facing away from the first surface (80, 82, 84), and - at least one toothed guide edge (32, 34 ) comprising a plurality of mutually spaced apart projections (36) provided with respective tips (38), the serrated guide edge (32, 34) extending at least partially in a transverse direction (Y, t) with respect to the direction of movement (28) assumed during operation, the projections being mutually separated between r si (36) extend at least partially forward in a longitudinal direction (X, r) perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y, t), with the first surfaces (80, 82) of the first wall portion (44) and of the second wall portion (46) are facing each other, at least at their guide edges (32, 34), with the projections facing each other (36) along the guide edges (32, 34) of the first and second wall portions (46) are mutually connected at their tips (38) to define a plurality of teeth (40), characterized by first surfaces (80, 82) of the first wall portion (44) and the second portion. (46) define between said portions a guide slot (76) for a movable blade (24) of said blade assembly (20), the first wall portion (44) on the second surface (86) of the same, comprises a smoothed transitional region (94), at least in the forward-extending projections (36), and the transitional region (94) extends rearwardly from the flat region (98) of the first wall portion (44) towards the second wall portion (46), thereby transitioning from the flat region (98) to the respective ones. tips (38) of the forwardly extending projections (36), the transitional region (94) comprising a tip rounding (116) on the teeth (40), the point rounding (116) comprising at least one first edge fillet (Rt1) and a second edge fillet (Rt2), with the tip fillet (116) being more tangentially connected to the second surface (88) of the second wall portion (46), and where a ratio between the radii of the first rounded edge (Rt1) and the second rounded edge (Rt2) is greater than 1.5:1, preferably greater than 2:1, more preferably greater than 2.5:1.
[0002]
2. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transitional region (94) is tangentially connected to the flat region (98) of the first wall portion (44).
[0003]
3. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the transitional region (94), seen in a transverse planar perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y, t), comprising at least one convex curved section.
[0004]
4. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the transitional region (94), seen in a transverse planar perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y, t), comprising a curved shape composed of sections with different rays.
[0005]
STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transitional region (94) comprises a series of adjacent spokes comprising, on the second surface (86) of the first wall portion (44), a lower radius (Rtb) that transitions to tip round (116) comprising first edge round (Rt1) and second edge round (Rt2).
[0006]
6. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to claim 5, characterized in that the ratio between the radii of the lower radius (Rtb) and the first rounding edge (Rt1) is greater than 8:1, preferably greater than 10:1 , most preferably greater than 12:1.
[0007]
7. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the transitional region (94) comprises a longitudinal dimension (lt1) extending from the tips (38) to the flat region (98), and the ratio between the lower radius (Rtb) and the longitudinal dimension (lt1) being in the range of 2.5:1 to 4.5:1, preferably in the range of 3.2:1 to 4:1 , more preferably in the range of 3.4:1 to 3.8:1.
[0008]
8. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the transitional region (94), seen in a transverse planar perpendicular to the transverse direction (Y, t), comprising at least one chamfered section (124 ).
[0009]
9. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to claim 8, characterized by a bevel angle (α) between the at least one beveled section (124) and a horizontal planar that is parallel to the longitudinal direction (X, r) and the transverse direction (Y, t) is in the range of 25° to 35°, preferably because the bevel angle (α) is in the range of 28° to 32°.
[0010]
10. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the transitional region (94) comprises a longitudinal dimension (lt1) extending from the tips (38) to the flat region, which corresponds to a longitudinal dimension (lf1) of a filled region (58) of the blade, the mutually facing projections (36) of the first and second wall portions (46) being mutually connected.
[0011]
11. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the first wall portion (44) and the second wall portion (46) define the first serrated guide edge (32) and a second edge toothed guide (34), whereby the first guide edge (32) and the second guide edge (34) are disposed in longitudinal end portions of said portions, facing opposite sides of each other, the blade stationary (22 ) is arranged to accommodate a movable blade (24) comprising two corresponding toothed guide edges (106, 108).
[0012]
12. STATIONARY BLADE (22) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least the first wall portion (44) comprises a planar shape, the planar region (98) on the second surface (88) thereof being disposed. between a first transitional region (94) associated with the first leading edge (32) and a second transitional region (94) associated with the second leading edge (34).
[0013]
13. BLADES ASSEMBLY (20) FOR A HAIR CUTTING APPARATUS (10), characterized in that said blade assembly (20) is arranged to be moved through the hairs in a direction of movement (28) to cut the hairs wherein said set of blades (20) comprises - a stationary blade (22) as defined in any of the preceding claims; and - a movable blade (24) with at least one toothed guide edge (106, 108), said movable blade (24) being movably disposed within the guide slot (76) defined by the stationary blade (22) so that, after the linear or rotational movement of the movable blade (24) relative to the stationary blade (22), the serrated guide edge (106, 108) of the movable blade (24) acts together with the teeth (40) of the stationary blade (22) to allow the cutting of hair caught between them in a cutting action.
[0014]
14. FUR CUTTING APPARATUS (10), characterized in that it comprises: a housing (12) accommodating a motor (14); and a blade assembly (20) as defined in claim 13, wherein the stationary blade (22) is connectable to the housing (12), and the movable blade (24) is operably connectable to the motor (14) so that the motor (14) is capable of linearly driving or rotating the movable blade (24) within the guide slot (76) of the stationary blade (22).

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US10596715B2|2020-03-24|

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法律状态:
2018-11-06| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-12-24| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2021-03-09| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-07-13| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2021-09-14| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 29/09/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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EP13186874.7|2013-10-01|

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EP13186874.7A|EP2857154B1|2013-10-01|2013-10-01|Blade set and hair cutting appliance|

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PCT/EP2014/070739|WO2015049189A1|2013-10-01|2014-09-29|Blade set and hair cutting appliance|

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