EP4600002A1 - Adjustable spacing comb and hair cutting appliance - Google Patents

Adjustable spacing comb and hair cutting appliance

Info

Publication number
EP4600002A1
EP4600002A1 EP24156078.8A EP24156078A EP4600002A1 EP 4600002 A1 EP4600002 A1 EP 4600002A1 EP 24156078 A EP24156078 A EP 24156078A EP 4600002 A1 EP4600002 A1 EP 4600002A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
comb
control element
snap
frame
adjustable spacing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP24156078.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Marcus Cornelis PETRELLI
Sagar Mahadev TORAGAL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Philips NV
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips NV filed Critical Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority to EP24156078.8A priority Critical patent/EP4600002A1/en
Priority to PCT/EP2025/051580 priority patent/WO2025168338A1/en
Priority to CN202510130351.2A priority patent/CN120439372A/en
Priority to CN202520181325.8U priority patent/CN224144716U/en
Publication of EP4600002A1 publication Critical patent/EP4600002A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B26—HAND CUTTING TOOLS; CUTTING; SEVERING
    • B26B—HAND-HELD CUTTING TOOLS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B26B19/00—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers
    • B26B19/20—Clippers or shavers operating with a plurality of cutting edges, e.g. hair clippers, dry shavers with provision for shearing hair of preselected or variable length

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance, and to a hair cutting appliance that is provided with an adjustable spacing comb.
  • Hair cutting appliances are generally known and may include trimmers, clippers and shavers. Electric hair cutting appliances may also be referred to as electrically powered hair cutting appliances. Electric hair cutting appliances may be powered by electric supply grid and/or by energy storages, such as batteries, for instance. Electric hair cutting appliances are generally used to trim or remove (human) body hair, in particular facial hair and head hair to allow a person to have a well-groomed appearance. Frequently, electric hair cutting appliances are used for cutting animal hair.
  • the cutting unit of a hair cutting appliance typically comprises a pair of comb-like blades with cutting edges which rapidly slide back and forth relative to each other in order to cut hairs that are positioned between the teeth of the blades with a scissor-like action.
  • spacing combs has the benefit that an even hair length may be achieved, for instance a length of 1.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 9.0 mm, etc. Hence, particular short haircuts, three-day beards and similar procedures may be simplified.
  • CN 218018630 U discloses a self-locking adjustable comb cover for a hair trimmer.
  • the adjustable comb cover comprises a comb cover body and a driving assembly.
  • the driving assembly comprises an end cap for a user to apply external force.
  • the end cap is provided with a plurality of radial locking grooves.
  • a metal spring that forms an elastic locking piece is attached to the comb cover body.
  • the elastic locking spring can engage one of the locking grooves to lock the comb cover.
  • the metal spring is stressed to deform and slides out of the locking groove, so that the comb cover rotates to adjust the extending length of the comb sleeve body. Consequently, manual adjustment of the length of the comb is enabled.
  • an object of the present disclosure to provide an adjustable spacing comb that is relatively easy to manufacture and to assemble, while still providing the necessary scope of functions, including at least one of proper length adjustment, self-locking and preferably at least one of tactile or acoustic feedback during operation. It is further desirable to present an adjustable spacing comb that is easy to operate and that provides a precise fine adjustment of the cutting length while preferably enabling reliably repeatable positioning. It is further desirable to present a hair cutting appliance that is fitted or can be fitted with such an adjustable spacing comb.
  • an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance comprising:
  • This aspect is based on the insight that even with a set of only three parts, namely the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element, the necessary functions of the adjustable spacing comb can be reliably provided. It is thus not necessary to install additional parts. Conversely, manufacturing costs and assembly efforts can be reduced. When the number of parts is limited, also the number of contacts/coupling points between the parts is limited. This may have a positive effect on the necessary tolerance setting, etc.
  • the adjustable spacing comb may provide a self-locking feature. This may be the case when latching recesses and latching teeth come into an engagement.
  • the adjustable spacing comb provides a plurality of stable relative positions between the control element and the comb frame. Accordingly, there is a number of length settings corresponding with respective positions of the movable comb piece with respect to the comb frame.
  • the comb frame, the comb piece and the control element together form a mechanical linkage that converts an input operation (actuation of the control element relative to the comb frame) into an output movement (adjustment movement of the comb piece relative to the comb frame).
  • a rotary input movement is converted into a linear output movement.
  • the adjustable spacing comb can provide useful feedback during operation, e.g., tactile and/or acoustic (sound) feedback, e.g. by clicking when the control element is actuated by the user.
  • useful feedback e.g., tactile and/or acoustic (sound) feedback, e.g. by clicking when the control element is actuated by the user.
  • control element itself acts as a spring that can store and release energy.
  • movable control element is disk-shaped.
  • the adjustable spacing comb is permanently mounted to/integrated in a hair cutting appliance.
  • the adjustable spacing comb is an add-on unit that can be attached to a hair cutting appliance that is otherwise not equipped with an adjustable spacing comb. In the latter case, the hair cutting appliance is also operable without the adjustable spacing comb, e.g. for cutting hair as short as possible.
  • the snap connection between the control element and the comb frame includes a protruding snap-fit post and a corresponding snap-fit recess, wherein the protruding snap-fit post is configured to engage into the snap-fit recess to secure the control element to the comb frame.
  • the snap connection between the control element and the comb frame may serve mounting purposes and also preloading purposes.
  • the control element may be securely mounted to the comb frame even it a certain preloading force is present.
  • control element includes at its bottom side facing the comb frame a male snap-fit element (e.g., snap-fit post) and the comb frame includes a female snap-fit element (e.g., snap-fit recess).
  • snap-fit post is a concentric, integral component of the (rotary) control element.
  • the snap-fit connection between the control element and the comb frame is a permanent snap-fit coupling. This may involve that decoupling is generally possible only upon a destructive removal of the snap-fit post from the snap-fit recess. However, this is not to be understood in a limiting sense.
  • the protruding snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess together form a pivot bearing for the movement of the control element.
  • the snap connection defines a control axis about which the control element can be rotated relative to the comb frame, in addition to the mounting and securing feature.
  • the snap-fit post comprises at least one protruding edge that is configured to engage a snap-in area of the snap-fit recess.
  • the snap-fit post may comprise one or more snap hooks that can engage a rear side of a collar or another undercut at the snap-fit recess.
  • a snap-fit engagement between the protruding snap-fit post and the corresponding snap-fit recess includes preloading the control element and the comb frame against one another to urge the contact portion against the support portion.
  • the snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess may be designed in such a way that in a state without preloading, an interference (overlap in the axial direction) would be present between the at least one protruding edge of the snap-fit post and the snap-in area of the snap-fit recess. In order to overcome this overlap, a certain preloading in the axial direction has to be applied to the control element which is thus stored by the snap connection.
  • the snap-fit engagement between the protruding snap-fit post and the corresponding snap-fit recess includes flexing a flexing disk portion of the control element and/or flexing a flexible lug of the comb frame. Making the coupling between the comb frame and the control element considerably flexible assists in tackling tolerance issues during assembly and operation of the spacing comb. In addition, providing tactile and/or acoustic (sound) feedback can be enhanced as a greater amount of energy can be stored and released due to the flexibility.
  • the latching recesses and the latching teeth of the toothed indexing contour are axial locking features between the comb frame and the control element.
  • the circumferential area of the control element may provide a grip surface for actuating the control element.
  • the axial locking features can be arranged at the bottom side of the control element that is facing the comb frame at a distance from the control axis, wherein at the comb frame opposite locking features are provided.
  • actuating the control element generates at least one of haptic feedback and/or acoustic feedback as the contact portion and the support portion are moved relative to one another, which in particular includes local lifting and lowering of the control element when the latching recesses and the latching teeth disengage and engage in a new relative orientation between the movable comb piece and the comb frame.
  • the control element and the comb frame may together form a (mechanical) click generator that provides user feedback.
  • control element is preloaded and urged against the comb frame, moving (typically rotating) the control element causes disengagement and engagement of the latching recesses and the latching teeth when the adjustable spacing comb is brought into a new length setting. Consecutive disengagement and engagement may generate the click feedback that can be perceived as at least one of haptic feedback or sound feedback by the user.
  • user feedback is generated without additional metal parts, such as leaf springs or the like.
  • the control element itself may be regarded as a spring element (spring disk), the indexing relative movement between the control element and the comb frame may be used to provide user feedback.
  • control element is a control wheel that is rotatable relative to the comb frame about a control axis, wherein the contact portion is radially offset from the control axis.
  • control element may be of a rather simple design and yet provide a number of functions.
  • the control element may be a control disk that rests on the comb frame and that is rotatable relative to the comb frame.
  • control element has a knurled outer grip surface for actuation.
  • a knurled outer grip surface may be provided at a circumferential surface to facilitate operation of the adjustable spacing comb.
  • a given radius of the control element may provide a proper translation ratio between the user input/actuating force and the adjustment movement but also the locking and unlocking action between the control element and the comb frame.
  • the knurled outer grip surface and the contact portion may be adjacent to each other, with the contact portion being an axial (annular) feature and the knurled outer grip surface being a radial feature.
  • length indicators for the adjustable spacing comb may be provided at the top side of the control element.
  • a grip surface may be provided at the circumferential side of the control element.
  • the snap-fit post may extend from the bottom side of the control element that is facing the comb frame. Further, a curved slot that is a part of the slot and pin mechanism between the control element and the movable comb piece may be formed at the bottom side of the control element.
  • the control wheel may be a relatively flat control wheel, which may also be referred to as control disk.
  • the control element is, apart from the snap-fit post, a relatively flat part, which enables a compact yet accessible design.
  • the control element (at least the actuation part thereof) is easy to reach for a user.
  • the movable comb piece has a base plate that is movably mounted to the comb frame and an inclined comb arm extending from a front end of the base plate.
  • a pin of the pin and slot mechanism between the movable comb piece and the control element is formed at the base plate.
  • the inclined comb arm is inclined with respect to the base plate and also the adjustment direction. This may provide a certain clearance between the comb arm and the base plate, which can be partially occupied by the control wheel.
  • the inclined comb arm is arranged in such a way that in a fully retracted position of the base plate relative to the comb frame, a minimum cutting length is provided, and in a fully extracted position of the base plate relative to the comb frame, a maximum cutting length is provided.
  • the contact portion is formed in a peripheral region of the control element that is facing the comb frame. In this way, the contact portion is sufficiently spaced away from the snap-fit post, which provides sufficient length for the desired elastic effect.
  • the support portion is formed on an elevated shoulder of the comb frame. In this way, the comb frame can be relatively rigid compared to the control element, which can be disk-shaped and therefore relatively flexible. As the necessary mechanical properties for the desired preloading between the control element and the comb frame are inherently provided by the two elements, it is not necessary to include additional parts, such as metal springs, fastening parts, etc.
  • the latching teeth are formed on the comb frame and evenly distributed along the support portion, forming a circular pattern extending along a circular segment.
  • the circular pattern may be a pattern extending along an arc (no full circle).
  • the comb frame may have an elevated shoulder including a circular segment of approximately 180°, along which the latching teeth are distributed.
  • the comb frame may be U-shaped in a top view, whereas the elevated shoulder is formed in the curved portion of the U and the two free ends of the legs of the U are pointing to the front end of the adjustable spacing comb.
  • the control element is supported on the elevated shoulder where the latching teeth are formed.
  • the movable comb frame is movably mounted.
  • the comb frame provides a linear guide for the movable comb.
  • latching teeth there are three latching teeth distributed along the support portion.
  • the three latching teeth are evenly distributed along a circular portion of no more than 180°.
  • four latching teeth are evenly distributed along a circular portion of approximately 90°.
  • the latching teeth may also be evenly distributed along a circular portion of approximately 180° or even more than 180°.
  • the latching recesses are formed on the control element and evenly distributed along the contact portion, forming a circular pattern extending along a full circle.
  • the pitch (or angular offset) of the circular pattern of latching recesses is adapted to the pitch (or angular offset) of the latching teeth.
  • the number of the latching teeth is smaller than the number of the latching recesses
  • the movable comb piece comprises a latching rib extending parallel to the adjustment direction of the movable comb piece, and wherein the latching rib is configured to engage a latching recess of the control element that is arranged in a region outside the circular pattern of the latching teeth (of the comb frame).
  • the movable comb piece itself may assist in supporting the control element. Since the movable comb piece is movable along the linear guide, the latching rib has an extension that is greater than the width of the latching recesses so that regardless of the current position of the movable comb piece an engagement of the latching rib and the latching recesses is possible.
  • the latching rib accommodates the adjustment movement of movable comb piece.
  • the latching rib is formed on the base plate of the movable comb frame adjacent to the pin of the slot and pin mechanism. The pin may be formed adjacent to the rear end of the latching rib.
  • the pitch of the latching teeth is an integer multiple of the pitch of the latching recesses. In this way, precise adjustment and a resulting small increment of the cutting length can be achieved.
  • At least one of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is formed as an integrally formed injection-molded part.
  • each of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is formed as an integrally formed injection-molded part. This may of course include a printing and/or surface coating.
  • one or more of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is/are formed as metal-free parts.
  • at least one of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is made from fiber-reinforced plastic injection-moldable material. Fiber-reinforced plastic may include glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers and the like.
  • a hair cutting appliance particularly a hair trimmer or clipper, comprising a housing, a cutting unit including a blade set, a motor that is configured to actuate the blade set, and an adjustable spacing comb according to at least one embodiment disclosed herein.
  • Fig. 1 shows a hair cutting appliance 10 that is arranged as a hair trimmer.
  • the hair cutting appliance 10 has a housing 12 including a handling portion 14.
  • the housing 12 has an elongated shape having a first end and a second end.
  • the handling portion 14 is where a user would typically grab the appliance 10, during operation.
  • a cutting head 16 is provided at the first end of the housing 12.
  • the first end may also be referred to as top end.
  • the second end, facing away from the cutting head 16, may also be referred to as bottom end. This is not to be understood to be limiting.
  • a cutting unit 18 is provided at the cutting head 16.
  • the cutting unit 18 comprises a blade set 20.
  • the housing 12 of the appliance 10 typically accommodates an electric motor 34 and a transmission unit 32.
  • the transmission unit 32 converts a rotary output movement of the motor 34 into a reciprocating movement of the movable blade 24 with respect to the stationary blade 22, refer again to Fig. 3 .
  • At the housing 12 there may also be provided an on/off switch and/or other control elements.
  • the appliance 10 can be battery powered and/or arranged to be connected to an electrical grid.
  • an adjustable spacing comb 40 is illustrated and further elucidated.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 can be attached to the appliance 10 of Fig. 1 , particularly to the cutting head 16 thereof, to provide a defined spacing between the blade set 20, and the skin.
  • a hair cutting length can be defined, e.g., a cutting length of 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 9.0 mm, etc. This is not to be understood to be limiting.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 is an arrangement that can be attached to the appliance 10 on demand. Hence, with these embodiments, it is also possible to remove/detach the adjustable spacing comb 40 from the appliance, when the shortest possible hair length is desired.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 is an arrangement that is permanently attached to the appliance 10.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 as a whole may be mounted to the appliance 10 by a snap coupling or the like. This is not to be understood to be limiting.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 is composed of three essential components, namely a comb frame 42, a movable comb piece 44, and a control element 46.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 is composed of no more than the comb frame 42, the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 consists of no more than the comb frame 42, the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46. This means that essential features of the adjustable spacing comb 40 are provided by the three components 42, 44, 46 and their functional cooperation.
  • each of the comb frame 42, the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46 is an injection molded plastic component.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 is a metal-free arrangement.
  • the comb frame 42 serves as a base for the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46.
  • the comb frame 42 may also be the mounting part of the adjustable spacing comb 40 that engages with the appliance's 10 housing 12 and/or cutting head 16.
  • control element 46 is rotatably mounted to the comb frame 42.
  • the control element 46 can be operated by a user, refer to the curved double-arrow 50.
  • the control element 46 can be rotated (pivoted) about a control axis 52.
  • a grip surface 54 is provided, which is accessible for a user for the length setting of the adjustable spacing comb 40.
  • the portion of the control element 46 that is visible and accessible for the user may also be referred to as control disk.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the adjustment movement of the movable comb piece 44 with respect to the comb frame 42 in an adjustment direction (double-arrow 56).
  • dashed lines indicate a retracted position and an extracted position of the movable comb piece 44.
  • a toothed indexing contour 60 is formed between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42.
  • the toothed indexing contour 60 enables self-locking of the adjustable spacing comb 40 in a selected length setting of the movable comb piece. 44.
  • the distance between a skin-facing side 62 of the movable comb piece 44 and the blade set 20 of the appliance 10 can be adjusted by actuating the control element, refer to the input movement 50 of the control element 46 about the control axis 52 with respect to the comb frame 42.
  • the control element 46 and the movable comb piece 44 are mechanically coupled to form a linkage such that actuation of the control element 46 (arrow 50) causes the movable comb piece 44 to move with respect to the comb frame 42 (arrow 56).
  • Fig. 4 shows in a perspective top view an exploded state of the adjustable spacing comb 40.
  • Fig. 5 is a partially cut perspective view of the adjustable spacing comb 40 with a half-section of the control element 46 for illustrative purposes.
  • the comb frame 42 and the control element 46 together form a snap connection 66 comprising a snap-fit post 68 and a corresponding snap-fit recess 70.
  • the snap-fit post 68 is formed at a bottom side of the control element 46 that is facing the comb frame 42 and/or the housing 12 of the appliance 10.
  • the snap-fit recess 70 is formed at the comb frame 42 to be engaged by the snap-fit post 68.
  • the snap-fit post 68 is formed at the comb frame 42 and the snap-fit recess 70 is formed at the control element 46.
  • the snap connection 66 secures the control element 46 to the comb frame 42 while also providing a degree of freedom therebetween for operation (rotary input movement 50 about the control axis 52).
  • a slot and pin mechanism 76 is formed between the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46 to convert the input movement 50 of the control element 46 into an adjustment movement of the movable comb piece 44.
  • a curved slot 78 is formed, particularly a spiral slot 82, refer also to Fig. 6 , which is a perspective bottom view of the control element 46.
  • a pin 80 is formed that engages the curved slot 78.
  • the curved slot 78 is a spiral slot 82 (see Fig. 6 ) that extends about the control axis 52.
  • the curved slot 78 does not fully revolve about the control axis 52.
  • the movement range for the rotary input movement 50 of the control element 46 is less than 360°.
  • this is not to be understood to be limiting.
  • the control element 46 is rotated, the distance between the pin 80 and the control axis 52 is changing due to the form of the curved slot 78. Consequently, upon rotation of the control element 46, the movable comb piece 44 can be moved with respect to the comb frame 42, to be extracted and retracted (see the arrow 56 for the adjustment direction).
  • reference numeral 84 indicates a preloading of the control element 46 towards the comb frame 42.
  • the preloading 84 is caused by the snap connection 66 between the two components.
  • the control element 46 can be used as an elastic element that can store energy due to the inherent bias.
  • the control element 46 acts as a spring element/spring washer. This can be achieved without the need of providing additional components such as metal spring elements.
  • the snap connection 66 can only be established by pressing onto the top side of the control element 46 (see the arrow 84 in Fig. 5 ). Hence, a certain pretension can be induced in the control element 46 which stores mechanical energy and causes the spring-like behavior.
  • a linear guide 90 is formed between the comb frame 42 and the movable comb piece 44.
  • the guiding direction of the linear guide 90 is parallel to the adjustment direction 56.
  • the linear guide 90 includes opposite guide recesses 92 at the comb frame 42 and two matching opposite guide ribs 94 at the movable comb piece 44 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 11 ). It is also possible to form guide recesses on the comb piece 44 and corresponding guide ribs on the comb frame 42, as a matter of choice.
  • the three components 42, 44, 46 may together form a cam gear mechanism that transfers a rotary input into a linear output movement.
  • the transmission ratio of this cam gear mechanism enables fine adjustment of the cutting length at moderate operating forces.
  • a support portion 98 is formed on an elevated shoulder 100 of the comb frame 42.
  • the comb frame 42 forms a U-shaped bracket 102 in a top view.
  • the control element 46 may be arranged as a control disk or control wheel 106.
  • a contact portion 110 is formed that contacts the support portion 98 when the control element 46 is mounted to the comb frame 42.
  • latching teeth 114 are formed.
  • latching recesses 116 are formed, refer also to Figs. 4-6 .
  • the latching teeth 114 can engage the latching recesses 116 when the control element 46 is in a respective relative orientation with respect to the comb frame 42.
  • the support portion 98 and the contact portion 110 can be urged against one another to achieve a stable rotatory positioning of the control element 46.
  • self-locking of the adjustable spacing comb 40 means that it is not possible to operate the cam gear mechanism through an externally induced movement of the movable comb piece 44. Hence, during operation for hair cutting the cutting length set is reliably maintained even when the appliance 10 with the adjustable spacing comb 40 fitted thereto is (moderately) pressed against the skin.
  • the movable comb piece 44 includes a base plate 118 and an inclined comb arm 120 extending therefrom. At the base plate 118, the pin 80 of the slot and pin mechanism 76 can be formed. Adjacent to the pin 80, a latching rib 122 is formed, which is arranged to engage into one of the latching recesses 116 of the control element 46. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5 , the latching rib 122 has a length that accommodates the length adjustment movement of the movable comb piece 44 in the adjustment direction 56, while still being able to engage into a latching recess 116 also when the movable comb piece 44 is in a fully extracted position.
  • the latching rib 122 basically extends parallel to the adjustment direction 56 and parallel to the linear guide 90.
  • length indicators 124 may be provided, see Fig. 4 .
  • a length reference 126 may be formed at the comb frame 42, to provide visual information about an actual length setting, when a certain length indicator 124 is aligned with the length reference 126.
  • the support portion 98 with the latching teeth 114 and the contact portion 110 with the latching recesses 116 together form the toothed indexing contour 60.
  • the latching rib 122 may also form part of the toothed indexing contour 60. Due to the preloading 84 between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42, haptic and/or acoustic feedback may be provided when the control element 46 is rotated and the latching teeth 114 (and the latching rib 122, if any) and the opposite latching recesses 116 come out of engagement and back into engagement again. As shown in Figs.
  • the control element 46 has a flexible disc portion 128 that can flex due the preloading 84 between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42.
  • the flexible disc portion 128 may act like a spring washer when the control element 46 and the comb frame 42 are urged against one another.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates that the number of latching recesses 116 may be larger than the number of latching teeth 114 (see Fig. 4 ).
  • the pitch of the latching teeth 114 at the support portion 98 may be greater (e.g. a multiple integer) than the pitch of the latching recesses 116 at the contact portion 110 of the control element 46.
  • the control element 46 rests on the comb frame 42 only with a circular segment (e.g. about 180° or even less 180°) of the contact portion 110.
  • the contact portion 110 may also rest on the base plate 118 of the movable comb piece 44 in those regions that are not supported by the comb frame's 42 support portion 98.
  • the pitch of the latching recesses 116 and the pitch of the latching teeth 114 may be the same.
  • the rear perspective view of the control element 46 illustrated in Fig. 6 also shows that the snap-fit post 68 provides a bearing surface 130. At the end of the snap-fit post 68 facing away from the top side, one or more snap hooks 132 are formed. One or more protruding edges 134 are provided that can engage corresponding contours of the snap-fit recess 70.
  • the snap-fit post 68 further comprises a necking 136 with a reduced outer dimension. The necking 136 facilitates deforming the one or more snap hooks 132, when engaging the snap-fit recess 70 with the snap-fit post 68.
  • Fig. 7 (bottom view) and Fig. 8 (top view) illustrate that a rear end portion of the inclined comb arm 120 extends beyond the control element 46, see also the side view of Fig. 9 .
  • the control element 46 may extend into a clearance 146 (see Fig. 9 ) between the inclined comb arm 120 and the base plate 118 of the movable comb piece 44.
  • the clearance 146 provides installation space for the control element 46.
  • the outer dimension (diameter) of the control element 46 can be increased.
  • the adjustable spacing comb 40 can be of less bulky design while still providing a beneficial transmission ratio between the input movement 50 at the control element 46 and the resulting adjustment movement of the movable comb piece. 44.
  • FIG. 9 the cross-sectional side view of Fig.
  • the inclined comb arm 120 is formed similar to a projecting roof that partially extends beyond the control element 46. At a front side, the inclined comb arm 120 is coupled with the base plate 118. Towards the rear side, the inclined comb arm 120 and the base plate 118 are inclined with respect to one another in the side view of Fig. 9 , forming a V-shape that opens towards the rear side.
  • Fig. 7 further illustrates the design of the curved slot 78 at the bottom side of the control element 46 that is facing the comb frame 42.
  • the pin 80 engages the curved slot 78 in a position very close to the control axis 52. Consequently, the movable comb piece 44 is in a fully retracted position. If the control element 46 was rotated in clockwise direction in the arrangement of Fig. 7 , the movable comb piece 44 would be gradually extracted.
  • Fig. 8 also indicates the position of the cross-section in the side view of Fig. 9 , see the line IX-IX.
  • Fig. 9 also indicates the position of the cross-section in the rear view of Fig. 10 , see the line X-X, and the front view of Fig. 11 , see the line XI-XI.
  • Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 illustrate the engaged state of the snap-fit post 68 and the snap-fit recess 70 that together form the snap connection 66.
  • the snap-fit post 68 has a bearing surface 130.
  • the snap-fit recess 70 as a corresponding seating.
  • the snap-fit post 68 and the snap-fit recess 70 together form a pivot bearing 138 (see also Fig. 10 ) for the rotary movement of the control element 46 with respect to the comb frame 42.
  • the snap-fit recess 70 provides a snap-in area 140 which can be engaged by the at least one protruding edge 134 of the at least one snap hook 132.
  • the snap-in area 140 is formed on a bottom side of an internal collar 142 in the snap-in recess.
  • the snap connection 66 between the comb frame 42 and the control element 46 may be designed in such a way that applying a certain preloading 84 to the control wheel 46 is necessary to insert the snap-fit post 68 deeply enough into the snap-fit recess 70 so that the protruding edges 134 can eventually engage the snap-in area 140.
  • the snap connection 66 may be referred to as an axial interference snap connection 66.
  • control element 46 which acts in a spring-like manner.
  • the control disk or control wheel 106 can be at least slightly flexible and elastic to be able to deform during the operation of the control wheel 46. This may also generate click feedback when the latching recesses 116 and the latching teeth 114 engage and disengage during rotation.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates the cross-sectional design of the linear guide 90 with the guide recesses 92 formed at the comb frame 42 and the guide ribs 94 formed at the movable comb piece 44.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates another approach to generating the preloading between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42.
  • the comb frame 42 illustrated in Fig. 12 in a perspective bottom view has an elevated shoulder 100, where the support portion 98 for the control element 46 is formed, see also
  • Figs. 4-6 in this connection.
  • guide ribs 94 are formed on the comb frame 42, which may cooperate with corresponding guide recesses 92 at a respectively designed movable comb piece 44.
  • the guide recesses 92 and the guide ribs 94 of the linear guide 90 may be formed on either of the comb frame 42 and the movable comb piece 44, refer also to Figs. 4, 5 and 11 . Therefore, the arrangement of Fig. 12 is not to be understood in a limiting sense in this respect.
  • the comb frame 42 provides the snap-fit recess 70 in a snap-fit receptacle 150 that is formed on a flexible lug 152 and extends along the control axis 52.
  • the flexible lug 152 is connected to the elevated shoulder 100 of the comb frame 42 via a connection 154 having a considerably small cross-sectional surface. That is, the flexible lug 152 is formed similar to a tongue and can thus flex in reaction to forces applied thereto through the formation of the snap connection 66 (refer to Fig. 10 ) when the control element 46 and the comb frame 42 are urged against one another.
  • both the control element 46 and the comb frame 42 exhibit a certain flex when the snap connection 66 is formed.
  • primarily the control element 46 exhibits a certain flex, e.g., at the flexing disk portion 128 (see Figs. 5 and 6 ).
  • primarily the comb frame 42 exhibits a certain flex, e.g., at the flexible lug 152 (see Fig. 12 ). While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an adjustable spacing comb (40) for a hair cutting appliance (10) and to a hair cutting appliance (10). The adjustable spacing comb (40) comprises a comb frame (42), a movable comb piece (44) and a movable control element (46). The movable comb piece (44) is arranged to be moved with respect to the comb frame (42) in an adjustment direction (56). The movable control element (46) is mounted on the comb frame (42). The comb frame (42) and the control element (46) together form a slot and pin mechanism (76) that converts an input movement (50) of the control element (46) into an adjustment movement of the movable comb piece (44) with respect to the comb frame (42) in the adjustment direction (56). The movable comb piece (44) and the control element (46) together form a snap connection (66). The control element (46) has a contact portion (110) that rests on a support portion (98) of the comb frame (42). The contact portion (110) and the support portion (98) form a toothed indexing contour (60) including latching recesses (116) and opposite latching teeth (114). The control element (46) and the comb frame (42) together urge the contact portion (110) and the support portion (98) against each other to engage the latching teeth (114) with the latching recesses (116).

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present disclosure relates to an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance, and to a hair cutting appliance that is provided with an adjustable spacing comb.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Hair cutting appliances, particularly electric hair cutting appliances, are generally known and may include trimmers, clippers and shavers. Electric hair cutting appliances may also be referred to as electrically powered hair cutting appliances. Electric hair cutting appliances may be powered by electric supply grid and/or by energy storages, such as batteries, for instance. Electric hair cutting appliances are generally used to trim or remove (human) body hair, in particular facial hair and head hair to allow a person to have a well-groomed appearance. Frequently, electric hair cutting appliances are used for cutting animal hair. The cutting unit of a hair cutting appliance typically comprises a pair of comb-like blades with cutting edges which rapidly slide back and forth relative to each other in order to cut hairs that are positioned between the teeth of the blades with a scissor-like action.
  • In order to guide hairs to the cutting unit, hair cutting appliances are frequently provided with a hair comb that is attached to the hair cutting appliance and guides hairs as the comb is moved over the skin during a stroke of the hair cutting appliance through the hair. A comb for a hair cutting appliance, particularly a spacing comb, generally may be arranged as an attachable comb or an integrally formed comb. A spacing comb generally spaces a blade set of the hair cutting appliance away from the skin when the appliance is moved in a moving direction with respect to the skin during operation. Consequently, the spacing comb may enable to process/cut hair to a desired length, i.e. to a desired length of remaining hair at the skin. Using spacing combs has the benefit that an even hair length may be achieved, for instance a length of 1.0 mm, 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 9.0 mm, etc. Hence, particular short haircuts, three-day beards and similar procedures may be simplified.
  • CN 218018630 U discloses a self-locking adjustable comb cover for a hair trimmer. The adjustable comb cover comprises a comb cover body and a driving assembly. The driving assembly comprises an end cap for a user to apply external force. The end cap is provided with a plurality of radial locking grooves. A metal spring that forms an elastic locking piece is attached to the comb cover body. The elastic locking spring can engage one of the locking grooves to lock the comb cover. When a user applies external force perpendicular to the comb cover, the metal spring is stressed to deform and slides out of the locking groove, so that the comb cover rotates to adjust the extending length of the comb sleeve body. Consequently, manual adjustment of the length of the comb is enabled.
  • The design of the adjustable comb disclosed in CN 218018630 U is still somewhat complicated and requires a certain number of distinct parts that have to cooperate to ensure the functional scope. This increases manufacturing and assembly costs, while precise tolerances must be observed to ensure proper operation of the adjustable comb.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In view of the above, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an adjustable spacing comb that is relatively easy to manufacture and to assemble, while still providing the necessary scope of functions, including at least one of proper length adjustment, self-locking and preferably at least one of tactile or acoustic feedback during operation. It is further desirable to present an adjustable spacing comb that is easy to operate and that provides a precise fine adjustment of the cutting length while preferably enabling reliably repeatable positioning. It is further desirable to present a hair cutting appliance that is fitted or can be fitted with such an adjustable spacing comb.
  • In a first aspect of the present disclosure there is presented an adjustable spacing comb for a hair cutting appliance, the adjustable spacing comb comprising:
    • a comb frame,
    • a movable comb piece that is arranged to be moved with respect to the comb frame in an adjustment direction, and
    • a movable control element that is mounted on the comb frame,
      • wherein the comb frame and the control element together form a slot and pin mechanism that converts an input movement of the control element into an adjustment movement of the movable comb piece with respect to the comb frame in the adjustment direction,
      • wherein the comb frame and the control element together form a snap connection,
      • wherein the control element has a contact portion that rests on a support portion of the comb frame, wherein the contact portion and the support portion form a toothed indexing contour including latching recesses and opposite latching teeth, and
      • wherein the control element and the comb frame together urge the contact portion and the support portion against each other to engage the latching teeth with the latching recesses.
  • This aspect is based on the insight that even with a set of only three parts, namely the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element, the necessary functions of the adjustable spacing comb can be reliably provided. It is thus not necessary to install additional parts. Conversely, manufacturing costs and assembly efforts can be reduced. When the number of parts is limited, also the number of contacts/coupling points between the parts is limited. This may have a positive effect on the necessary tolerance setting, etc.
  • In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb may provide a self-locking feature. This may be the case when latching recesses and latching teeth come into an engagement. The adjustable spacing comb provides a plurality of stable relative positions between the control element and the comb frame. Accordingly, there is a number of length settings corresponding with respective positions of the movable comb piece with respect to the comb frame.
  • The adjustment movement is substantially provided by a cooperation between the control element and that the comb piece, whereas the control element is movably mounted to the comb frame. The locking feature is substantially provided by a cooperation between the control element and the comb frame. In addition, the comb piece and the comb frame may cooperate to provide a guide for the adjustment movement of the comb piece with respect to the comb frame. Hence, the three components comb frame, comb piece and control element may directly couple to one another to provide the necessary functions of the adjustable spacing comb. The comb piece is directly functionally coupled to the comb frame (guiding feature) and the control element (adjustment feature). The control element is directly functionally coupled to the comb piece (adjustment feature) and the comb frame (locking feature).
  • The comb frame, the comb piece and the control element together form a mechanical linkage that converts an input operation (actuation of the control element relative to the comb frame) into an output movement (adjustment movement of the comb piece relative to the comb frame). In certain embodiments, a rotary input movement is converted into a linear output movement.
  • In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb can provide useful feedback during operation, e.g., tactile and/or acoustic (sound) feedback, e.g. by clicking when the control element is actuated by the user.
  • In certain embodiments, the control element itself acts as a spring that can store and release energy. In certain embodiments, the movable control element is disk-shaped. When the control element is mounted to the comb frame with a certain preloading then self-locking is possible and also feedback can be provided during operation due to a certain elasticity/resilience of the control element.
  • The adjustable spacing comb may also be referred to as comb assembly or comb arrangement. The adjustable spacing comb is preferably composed of no more than the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element.
  • In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb is permanently mounted to/integrated in a hair cutting appliance. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb is an add-on unit that can be attached to a hair cutting appliance that is otherwise not equipped with an adjustable spacing comb. In the latter case, the hair cutting appliance is also operable without the adjustable spacing comb, e.g. for cutting hair as short as possible.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the snap connection between the control element and the comb frame includes a protruding snap-fit post and a corresponding snap-fit recess, wherein the protruding snap-fit post is configured to engage into the snap-fit recess to secure the control element to the comb frame.
  • In other words, the snap connection between the control element and the comb frame may serve mounting purposes and also preloading purposes. In certain embodiments, it is necessary to urge the control element towards the comb frame to make the snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess come into a mutual engagement. When there is a positive locking between the snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess, the control element may be securely mounted to the comb frame even it a certain preloading force is present.
  • In certain embodiments, the control element includes at its bottom side facing the comb frame a male snap-fit element (e.g., snap-fit post) and the comb frame includes a female snap-fit element (e.g., snap-fit recess). In certain embodiments, the snap-fit post is a concentric, integral component of the (rotary) control element.
  • In certain embodiments, the snap-fit connection between the control element and the comb frame is a permanent snap-fit coupling. This may involve that decoupling is generally possible only upon a destructive removal of the snap-fit post from the snap-fit recess. However, this is not to be understood in a limiting sense.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the protruding snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess together form a pivot bearing for the movement of the control element. In other words, the snap connection defines a control axis about which the control element can be rotated relative to the comb frame, in addition to the mounting and securing feature.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the snap-fit post comprises at least one protruding edge that is configured to engage a snap-in area of the snap-fit recess. In this way, a form-fit/positive-fit loss-proof mounting is possible. In other words, the snap-fit post may comprise one or more snap hooks that can engage a rear side of a collar or another undercut at the snap-fit recess. Further, due to the positive-fit engagement between the snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess, it is possible to apply a pull force to the control element that urges the control element towards the snap-fit recess. In this way, the preloading force for the self-locking feature can be generated.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, a snap-fit engagement between the protruding snap-fit post and the corresponding snap-fit recess includes preloading the control element and the comb frame against one another to urge the contact portion against the support portion. The snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess may be designed in such a way that in a state without preloading, an interference (overlap in the axial direction) would be present between the at least one protruding edge of the snap-fit post and the snap-in area of the snap-fit recess. In order to overcome this overlap, a certain preloading in the axial direction has to be applied to the control element which is thus stored by the snap connection.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the snap-fit engagement between the protruding snap-fit post and the corresponding snap-fit recess includes flexing a flexing disk portion of the control element and/or flexing a flexible lug of the comb frame. Making the coupling between the comb frame and the control element considerably flexible assists in tackling tolerance issues during assembly and operation of the spacing comb. In addition, providing tactile and/or acoustic (sound) feedback can be enhanced as a greater amount of energy can be stored and released due to the flexibility.
  • In the axial direction an interference fit between the control element and the comb frame may be present. As in some embodiments the control element has disk-shaped actuation part, a certain flexibility (e.g., spring washer or spring disk behavior) can be present, which eventually enables bringing about the positive-fit engagement between the snap-fit post and the snap-fit recess. Consequently, the energy stored in this way urges the contact portion of the control element and the support portion of the comb frame against one another to lock the adjustable spacing comb in a given (length) setting.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the latching recesses and the latching teeth of the toothed indexing contour are axial locking features between the comb frame and the control element. In other words, there are no radial locking features at a circumferential area of the control element and/or the comb frame. By contrast, the circumferential area of the control element may provide a grip surface for actuating the control element. When the control element is disk-shaped, the axial locking features can be arranged at the bottom side of the control element that is facing the comb frame at a distance from the control axis, wherein at the comb frame opposite locking features are provided.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, actuating the control element generates at least one of haptic feedback and/or acoustic feedback as the contact portion and the support portion are moved relative to one another, which in particular includes local lifting and lowering of the control element when the latching recesses and the latching teeth disengage and engage in a new relative orientation between the movable comb piece and the comb frame. In other words, the control element and the comb frame may together form a (mechanical) click generator that provides user feedback.
  • As in certain embodiments, the control element is preloaded and urged against the comb frame, moving (typically rotating) the control element causes disengagement and engagement of the latching recesses and the latching teeth when the adjustable spacing comb is brought into a new length setting. Consecutive disengagement and engagement may generate the click feedback that can be perceived as at least one of haptic feedback or sound feedback by the user. In certain embodiments, user feedback is generated without additional metal parts, such as leaf springs or the like. As the control element itself may be regarded as a spring element (spring disk), the indexing relative movement between the control element and the comb frame may be used to provide user feedback.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the control element is a control wheel that is rotatable relative to the comb frame about a control axis, wherein the contact portion is radially offset from the control axis. Hence, the control element may be of a rather simple design and yet provide a number of functions. The control element may be a control disk that rests on the comb frame and that is rotatable relative to the comb frame.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the control element has a knurled outer grip surface for actuation. A knurled outer grip surface may be provided at a circumferential surface to facilitate operation of the adjustable spacing comb. A given radius of the control element may provide a proper translation ratio between the user input/actuating force and the adjustment movement but also the locking and unlocking action between the control element and the comb frame. The knurled outer grip surface and the contact portion may be adjacent to each other, with the contact portion being an axial (annular) feature and the knurled outer grip surface being a radial feature.
  • At the top side of the control element, length indicators for the adjustable spacing comb may be provided. At the circumferential side of the control element, a grip surface may be provided. The snap-fit post may extend from the bottom side of the control element that is facing the comb frame. Further, a curved slot that is a part of the slot and pin mechanism between the control element and the movable comb piece may be formed at the bottom side of the control element.
  • The control wheel may be a relatively flat control wheel, which may also be referred to as control disk. In certain embodiments, the control element is, apart from the snap-fit post, a relatively flat part, which enables a compact yet accessible design. The control element (at least the actuation part thereof) is easy to reach for a user.
  • In certain embodiments, the movable comb piece has a base plate that is movably mounted to the comb frame and an inclined comb arm extending from a front end of the base plate. In addition, a pin of the pin and slot mechanism between the movable comb piece and the control element is formed at the base plate.
  • In certain embodiments, the inclined comb arm is inclined with respect to the base plate and also the adjustment direction. This may provide a certain clearance between the comb arm and the base plate, which can be partially occupied by the control wheel. The inclined comb arm is arranged in such a way that in a fully retracted position of the base plate relative to the comb frame, a minimum cutting length is provided, and in a fully extracted position of the base plate relative to the comb frame, a maximum cutting length is provided. Hence, as the base plate is gradually extracted upon actuation of the control element, an offset between a skin-facing side of the movable comb piece and the blade set of the appliance's cutting unit is gradually increased.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the contact portion is formed in a peripheral region of the control element that is facing the comb frame. In this way, the contact portion is sufficiently spaced away from the snap-fit post, which provides sufficient length for the desired elastic effect. In another exemplary embodiment, the support portion is formed on an elevated shoulder of the comb frame. In this way, the comb frame can be relatively rigid compared to the control element, which can be disk-shaped and therefore relatively flexible. As the necessary mechanical properties for the desired preloading between the control element and the comb frame are inherently provided by the two elements, it is not necessary to include additional parts, such as metal springs, fastening parts, etc.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the latching teeth are formed on the comb frame and evenly distributed along the support portion, forming a circular pattern extending along a circular segment. Hence, the circular pattern may be a pattern extending along an arc (no full circle). By way of example, the comb frame may have an elevated shoulder including a circular segment of approximately 180°, along which the latching teeth are distributed. Overall, the comb frame may be U-shaped in a top view, whereas the elevated shoulder is formed in the curved portion of the U and the two free ends of the legs of the U are pointing to the front end of the adjustable spacing comb. In the opposite, rear portion of the U, the control element is supported on the elevated shoulder where the latching teeth are formed. Between the two legs of the U, the movable comb frame is movably mounted. In an exemplary embodiment, the comb frame provides a linear guide for the movable comb.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, there are three latching teeth distributed along the support portion. By way of example, the three latching teeth are evenly distributed along a circular portion of no more than 180°. There may also be larger number of latching teeth. In an exemplary embodiment, four latching teeth are evenly distributed along a circular portion of approximately 90°. The latching teeth may also be evenly distributed along a circular portion of approximately 180° or even more than 180°.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the latching recesses are formed on the control element and evenly distributed along the contact portion, forming a circular pattern extending along a full circle. In certain embodiments, the pitch (or angular offset) of the circular pattern of latching recesses is adapted to the pitch (or angular offset) of the latching teeth.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the number of the latching teeth is smaller than the number of the latching recesses, wherein the movable comb piece comprises a latching rib extending parallel to the adjustment direction of the movable comb piece, and wherein the latching rib is configured to engage a latching recess of the control element that is arranged in a region outside the circular pattern of the latching teeth (of the comb frame).
  • When the support portion of the comb frame can support the control element only along a circular segment (that is, less than 360° or even only approximately 180° support for the control element at the comb frame possible), then the movable comb piece itself may assist in supporting the control element. Since the movable comb piece is movable along the linear guide, the latching rib has an extension that is greater than the width of the latching recesses so that regardless of the current position of the movable comb piece an engagement of the latching rib and the latching recesses is possible. The latching rib accommodates the adjustment movement of movable comb piece. In certain embodiments, the latching rib is formed on the base plate of the movable comb frame adjacent to the pin of the slot and pin mechanism. The pin may be formed adjacent to the rear end of the latching rib.
  • In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch of the latching teeth is an integer multiple of the pitch of the latching recesses. In this way, precise adjustment and a resulting small increment of the cutting length can be achieved.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the adjustable spacing comb consists of no more than the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element. No additional parts are necessary to provide the main functions of the adjustable spacing comb, including length setting, self-looking of the mechanism, haptic/acoustic feedback and also mounting and securing the three components in their mounted state. In this way, manufacturing costs and assembly costs may be reduced. In certain embodiments, no additional metal parts (such as compression springs, leaf springs, metal washers, circlips or the like) are necessary to form the movable comb piece.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is formed as an integrally formed injection-molded part. In certain embodiments, each of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is formed as an integrally formed injection-molded part. This may of course include a printing and/or surface coating. In certain embodiments, one or more of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is/are formed as metal-free parts. In certain embodiments, at least one of the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the movable control element is made from fiber-reinforced plastic injection-moldable material. Fiber-reinforced plastic may include glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers and the like.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the slot and pin mechanism comprises a curved slot, in particular a spiral slot, formed at the control element and a pin formed at the movable comb piece and engaging the curved slot. The curved slot may be formed at a bottom side of the control element. In certain embodiments, the curved slot is formed at the control element between the (central) snap-fit post and the (outer) contact portion. That is, the backside (bottom side) of the control element that is not accessible can be used to form the necessary features there as integrated features of the control element.
  • In another exemplary embodiment, the comb frame provides a linear guide for the adjustment movement of the movable comb piece. The movable comb piece can be moved with respect to the comb frame along the linear guide in the adjustment direction. The movement is induced by an operation of the control element which is coupled to the movable comb piece via the slot and pin mechanism. In certain embodiments, the comb frame, the movable comb piece and the control element together form a cam gear mechanism, particularly a flat cam gear mechanism, wherein the comb frame forms both a base for the linear output movement of the movable comb piece and a base for the rotary input movement of the control element that is rotatably mounted to the comb frame.
  • In yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is presented a hair cutting appliance, particularly a hair trimmer or clipper, comprising a housing, a cutting unit including a blade set, a motor that is configured to actuate the blade set, and an adjustable spacing comb according to at least one embodiment disclosed herein.
  • In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb is an integral (permanent) component of the hair cutting appliance. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb is an add-on component of the hair cutting appliance. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb is configured to be attached to the cutting head. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb can be removably mounted to the hair cutting appliance. In this way, the hair cutting appliance may be operated without the adjustable spacing comb being attached thereto, but also in a state where the hair cutting appliance is equipped with the adjustable spacing comb.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings
    • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a hair cutting appliance to which an adjustable spacing comb (not shown in Fig. 1) can be attached;
    • Fig. 2 shows a partial enlarged view of the hair cutting appliance of Fig. 1 to which an adjustable spacing comb is attached;
    • Fig. 3 shows a partial side view of the arrangement of Fig. 2 to explain comb adjustment for setting the cutting length;
    • Fig. 4 shows a perspective exploded view of the arrangement of Figs. 2 and 3;
    • Fig. 5 shows a perspective partially sectional view of the adjustable spacing comb of Figs. 2-4;
    • Fig. 6 shows a perspective bottom view of a control element of an adjustable spacing comb;
    • Fig. 7 shows a bottom view of a control element and a movable comb piece of an adjustable spacing comb;
    • Fig. 8 shows a top view of the adjustable spacing comb of Figs. 2-5;
    • Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable spacing comb along the line IX-IX in Fig. 8;
    • Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional rear view of the adjustable spacing comb along the line X-X in Fig. 9;
    • Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional front view of the adjustable spacing comb along the line XI-XI in Fig. 9; and
    • Fig. 12 shows a perspective bottom view of an arrangement of a comb frame of an adjustable spacing comb.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
  • Fig. 1 shows a hair cutting appliance 10 that is arranged as a hair trimmer. The hair cutting appliance 10 has a housing 12 including a handling portion 14. The housing 12 has an elongated shape having a first end and a second end. The handling portion 14 is where a user would typically grab the appliance 10, during operation. At the first end of the housing 12, a cutting head 16 is provided. The first end may also be referred to as top end. The second end, facing away from the cutting head 16, may also be referred to as bottom end. This is not to be understood to be limiting. At the cutting head 16, a cutting unit 18 is provided. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the cutting unit 18 comprises a blade set 20.
  • In certain embodiments, the blade set 20 includes a stationary blade 22 and a movable blade 24, refer also to Fig. 3. In operation, the appliance 10 can be moved through hair in a moving direction 26 to cut hair. To this end, the stationary blade 22 and the movable blade 24 can be operated in a scissor-like action to cut hair therebetween. The stationary blade 22 and the movable blade 24 together form at least one cutting edge at the front of the blade set 20. A front end points in the moving direction 26 (direction of travel in operation). In this way, a front side of the cutting unit 18 is defined. An opposite side that points in the opposite direction of the moving direction 26 may be referred to as rear side. In this way, for illustrative purposes, a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a rear side are defined.
  • At the blade set 20, a cutting movement 28 is present when the appliance 10 is in operation. The cutting movement 28 typically includes a relative movement between the two blades 22, 24 of the blade set 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the movable blade 24 is operated to reciprocate with respect to the stationary blade 22. In certain embodiments, the stationary blade 22 is facing the skin when the appliance 10 is in operation. Hence, the stationary blade 22 is arranged between the skin and the movable blade 24 when the appliance 10 is operated to cut hair.
  • The housing 12 of the appliance 10 typically accommodates an electric motor 34 and a transmission unit 32. In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission unit 32 converts a rotary output movement of the motor 34 into a reciprocating movement of the movable blade 24 with respect to the stationary blade 22, refer again to Fig. 3. At the housing 12 there may also be provided an on/off switch and/or other control elements. For power supply, the appliance 10 can be battery powered and/or arranged to be connected to an electrical grid.
  • With the arrangement of the appliance shown in Fig. 1, it is not possible to adjust the cutting length at the appliance 10 and to maintain it during operation. With the arrangement of Fig. 1, a rather short cutting length would result when the appliance 10 is moved closely to the skin to cut hair there.
  • With reference to Figs. 2-11, an adjustable spacing comb 40 is illustrated and further elucidated. The adjustable spacing comb 40 can be attached to the appliance 10 of Fig. 1, particularly to the cutting head 16 thereof, to provide a defined spacing between the blade set 20, and the skin. In this way, a hair cutting length can be defined, e.g., a cutting length of 1.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 9.0 mm, etc. This is not to be understood to be limiting.
  • In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb 40 is an arrangement that can be attached to the appliance 10 on demand. Hence, with these embodiments, it is also possible to remove/detach the adjustable spacing comb 40 from the appliance, when the shortest possible hair length is desired. In certain alternative embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb 40 is an arrangement that is permanently attached to the appliance 10. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb 40 as a whole may be mounted to the appliance 10 by a snap coupling or the like. This is not to be understood to be limiting.
  • As illustrated in Figs. 2-5, the adjustable spacing comb 40 is composed of three essential components, namely a comb frame 42, a movable comb piece 44, and a control element 46. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb 40 is composed of no more than the comb frame 42, the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb 40 consists of no more than the comb frame 42, the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46. This means that essential features of the adjustable spacing comb 40 are provided by the three components 42, 44, 46 and their functional cooperation.
  • In certain embodiments, each of the comb frame 42, the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46 is an injection molded plastic component. In certain embodiments, the adjustable spacing comb 40 is a metal-free arrangement.
  • The comb frame 42 serves as a base for the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46. The comb frame 42 may also be the mounting part of the adjustable spacing comb 40 that engages with the appliance's 10 housing 12 and/or cutting head 16.
  • In the exemplary embodiment, the control element 46 is rotatably mounted to the comb frame 42. The control element 46 can be operated by a user, refer to the curved double-arrow 50. The control element 46 can be rotated (pivoted) about a control axis 52. At a circumferential portion of the control element 46, a grip surface 54 is provided, which is accessible for a user for the length setting of the adjustable spacing comb 40. The portion of the control element 46 that is visible and accessible for the user may also be referred to as control disk.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the adjustment movement of the movable comb piece 44 with respect to the comb frame 42 in an adjustment direction (double-arrow 56). In Fig. 3, dashed lines indicate a retracted position and an extracted position of the movable comb piece 44.
  • Further, between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42, a toothed indexing contour 60 is formed. The toothed indexing contour 60 enables self-locking of the adjustable spacing comb 40 in a selected length setting of the movable comb piece. 44.
  • The distance between a skin-facing side 62 of the movable comb piece 44 and the blade set 20 of the appliance 10 can be adjusted by actuating the control element, refer to the input movement 50 of the control element 46 about the control axis 52 with respect to the comb frame 42. In an exemplary embodiment, the control element 46 and the movable comb piece 44 are mechanically coupled to form a linkage such that actuation of the control element 46 (arrow 50) causes the movable comb piece 44 to move with respect to the comb frame 42 (arrow 56).
  • Fig. 4 shows in a perspective top view an exploded state of the adjustable spacing comb 40. Fig. 5 is a partially cut perspective view of the adjustable spacing comb 40 with a half-section of the control element 46 for illustrative purposes.
  • The comb frame 42 and the control element 46 together form a snap connection 66 comprising a snap-fit post 68 and a corresponding snap-fit recess 70. In certain embodiments, the snap-fit post 68 is formed at a bottom side of the control element 46 that is facing the comb frame 42 and/or the housing 12 of the appliance 10. in certain embodiments, the snap-fit recess 70 is formed at the comb frame 42 to be engaged by the snap-fit post 68. There may be alternative embodiments, where the snap-fit post 68 is formed at the comb frame 42 and the snap-fit recess 70 is formed at the control element 46.
  • The snap connection 66 secures the control element 46 to the comb frame 42 while also providing a degree of freedom therebetween for operation (rotary input movement 50 about the control axis 52).
  • In the exemplary embodiment, a slot and pin mechanism 76 is formed between the movable comb piece 44 and the control element 46 to convert the input movement 50 of the control element 46 into an adjustment movement of the movable comb piece 44. At the bottom side of the control element 46, a curved slot 78 is formed, particularly a spiral slot 82, refer also to Fig. 6, which is a perspective bottom view of the control element 46.
  • At the movable comb piece 44, a pin 80 is formed that engages the curved slot 78. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 78 is a spiral slot 82 (see Fig. 6) that extends about the control axis 52. In the exemplary embodiment, the curved slot 78 does not fully revolve about the control axis 52. Hence, the movement range for the rotary input movement 50 of the control element 46 is less than 360°. However, this is not to be understood to be limiting. As the control element 46 is rotated, the distance between the pin 80 and the control axis 52 is changing due to the form of the curved slot 78. Consequently, upon rotation of the control element 46, the movable comb piece 44 can be moved with respect to the comb frame 42, to be extracted and retracted (see the arrow 56 for the adjustment direction).
  • In Fig. 5, reference numeral 84 indicates a preloading of the control element 46 towards the comb frame 42. The preloading 84 is caused by the snap connection 66 between the two components. In this way, the control element 46 can be used as an elastic element that can store energy due to the inherent bias. In other words, in certain embodiments, the control element 46 acts as a spring element/spring washer. This can be achieved without the need of providing additional components such as metal spring elements. By way of example, the snap connection 66 can only be established by pressing onto the top side of the control element 46 (see the arrow 84 in Fig. 5). Hence, a certain pretension can be induced in the control element 46 which stores mechanical energy and causes the spring-like behavior.
  • To guide the adjustment movement in the adjustment direction 56, a linear guide 90 is formed between the comb frame 42 and the movable comb piece 44. The guiding direction of the linear guide 90 is parallel to the adjustment direction 56. In the exemplary embodiment, the linear guide 90 includes opposite guide recesses 92 at the comb frame 42 and two matching opposite guide ribs 94 at the movable comb piece 44 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 11). It is also possible to form guide recesses on the comb piece 44 and corresponding guide ribs on the comb frame 42, as a matter of choice.
  • In view of the linear guide 90 between the comb frame 42 and the movable comb piece 44, the snap connection 66 providing a rotary degree of freedom for the control element 46 relative to the comb frame 42, and the slot and pin mechanism 76 formed between the control element 46 and the movable comb piece 44, the three components 42, 44, 46 may together form a cam gear mechanism that transfers a rotary input into a linear output movement. The transmission ratio of this cam gear mechanism enables fine adjustment of the cutting length at moderate operating forces.
  • A support portion 98 is formed on an elevated shoulder 100 of the comb frame 42. Overall, the comb frame 42 forms a U-shaped bracket 102 in a top view.
  • The control element 46 may be arranged as a control disk or control wheel 106. In a peripheral region 108 of the control element 46, a contact portion 110 is formed that contacts the support portion 98 when the control element 46 is mounted to the comb frame 42. At the support portion 98, latching teeth 114 are formed. At the contact portion 110, latching recesses 116 are formed, refer also to Figs. 4-6. The latching teeth 114 can engage the latching recesses 116 when the control element 46 is in a respective relative orientation with respect to the comb frame 42. As a certain preloading 84 is present at the control element 46, the support portion 98 and the contact portion 110 can be urged against one another to achieve a stable rotatory positioning of the control element 46.
  • In this way, when the latching teeth 114 are brought into alignment with a corresponding number of latching recesses 116, the preloading 84 urges the latching teeth 114 and the latching recesses 116 into engagement. In this way, a self-locking of the adjustable spacing comb 40 in a given length setting is provided. In certain embodiments, self-locking of the adjustable spacing comb 40 means that it is not possible to operate the cam gear mechanism through an externally induced movement of the movable comb piece 44. Hence, during operation for hair cutting the cutting length set is reliably maintained even when the appliance 10 with the adjustable spacing comb 40 fitted thereto is (moderately) pressed against the skin.
  • The movable comb piece 44 includes a base plate 118 and an inclined comb arm 120 extending therefrom. At the base plate 118, the pin 80 of the slot and pin mechanism 76 can be formed. Adjacent to the pin 80, a latching rib 122 is formed, which is arranged to engage into one of the latching recesses 116 of the control element 46. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the latching rib 122 has a length that accommodates the length adjustment movement of the movable comb piece 44 in the adjustment direction 56, while still being able to engage into a latching recess 116 also when the movable comb piece 44 is in a fully extracted position. The latching rib 122 basically extends parallel to the adjustment direction 56 and parallel to the linear guide 90.
  • On a top side of the control element 46, length indicators 124 may be provided, see Fig. 4. Similarly, a length reference 126 may be formed at the comb frame 42, to provide visual information about an actual length setting, when a certain length indicator 124 is aligned with the length reference 126.
  • The support portion 98 with the latching teeth 114 and the contact portion 110 with the latching recesses 116 together form the toothed indexing contour 60. The latching rib 122 may also form part of the toothed indexing contour 60. Due to the preloading 84 between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42, haptic and/or acoustic feedback may be provided when the control element 46 is rotated and the latching teeth 114 (and the latching rib 122, if any) and the opposite latching recesses 116 come out of engagement and back into engagement again. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, at least in some embodiments, the control element 46 has a flexible disc portion 128 that can flex due the preloading 84 between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42. In other words, the flexible disc portion 128 may act like a spring washer when the control element 46 and the comb frame 42 are urged against one another.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates that the number of latching recesses 116 may be larger than the number of latching teeth 114 (see Fig. 4). In certain embodiments, the pitch of the latching teeth 114 at the support portion 98 may be greater (e.g. a multiple integer) than the pitch of the latching recesses 116 at the contact portion 110 of the control element 46. In the assembled state, the control element 46 rests on the comb frame 42 only with a circular segment (e.g. about 180° or even less 180°) of the contact portion 110. For further support, the contact portion 110 may also rest on the base plate 118 of the movable comb piece 44 in those regions that are not supported by the comb frame's 42 support portion 98. Similarly, not only the latching teeth 114 of the support portion 98, but also the latching rib 122 at the base plate 118 can engage the latching recesses 116 to provide proper seating along the whole circumference of the control element 46. Needless to say, in other embodiments, the pitch of the latching recesses 116 and the pitch of the latching teeth 114 may be the same.
  • The rear perspective view of the control element 46 illustrated in Fig. 6 also shows that the snap-fit post 68 provides a bearing surface 130. At the end of the snap-fit post 68 facing away from the top side, one or more snap hooks 132 are formed. One or more protruding edges 134 are provided that can engage corresponding contours of the snap-fit recess 70. The snap-fit post 68 further comprises a necking 136 with a reduced outer dimension. The necking 136 facilitates deforming the one or more snap hooks 132, when engaging the snap-fit recess 70 with the snap-fit post 68.
  • Fig. 7 (bottom view) and Fig. 8 (top view) illustrate that a rear end portion of the inclined comb arm 120 extends beyond the control element 46, see also the side view of Fig. 9. Hence, the control element 46 may extend into a clearance 146 (see Fig. 9) between the inclined comb arm 120 and the base plate 118 of the movable comb piece 44. The clearance 146 provides installation space for the control element 46. Hence the outer dimension (diameter) of the control element 46 can be increased. Overall, the adjustable spacing comb 40 can be of less bulky design while still providing a beneficial transmission ratio between the input movement 50 at the control element 46 and the resulting adjustment movement of the movable comb piece. 44. In the cross-sectional side view of Fig. 9, the inclined comb arm 120 is formed similar to a projecting roof that partially extends beyond the control element 46. At a front side, the inclined comb arm 120 is coupled with the base plate 118. Towards the rear side, the inclined comb arm 120 and the base plate 118 are inclined with respect to one another in the side view of Fig. 9, forming a V-shape that opens towards the rear side.
  • Fig. 7, further illustrates the design of the curved slot 78 at the bottom side of the control element 46 that is facing the comb frame 42. In the setting shown in Fig. 7, the pin 80 engages the curved slot 78 in a position very close to the control axis 52. Consequently, the movable comb piece 44 is in a fully retracted position. If the control element 46 was rotated in clockwise direction in the arrangement of Fig. 7, the movable comb piece 44 would be gradually extracted.
  • Fig. 8 also indicates the position of the cross-section in the side view of Fig. 9, see the line IX-IX. Fig. 9 also indicates the position of the cross-section in the rear view of Fig. 10, see the line X-X, and the front view of Fig. 11, see the line XI-XI.
  • Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 illustrate the engaged state of the snap-fit post 68 and the snap-fit recess 70 that together form the snap connection 66. As shown in Fig. 6, the snap-fit post 68 has a bearing surface 130. The snap-fit recess 70 as a corresponding seating. Hence, the snap-fit post 68 and the snap-fit recess 70 together form a pivot bearing 138 (see also Fig. 10) for the rotary movement of the control element 46 with respect to the comb frame 42. Moreover, the snap-fit recess 70 provides a snap-in area 140 which can be engaged by the at least one protruding edge 134 of the at least one snap hook 132. In the exemplary embodiment, the snap-in area 140 is formed on a bottom side of an internal collar 142 in the snap-in recess. As already discussed further above, the snap connection 66 between the comb frame 42 and the control element 46 may be designed in such a way that applying a certain preloading 84 to the control wheel 46 is necessary to insert the snap-fit post 68 deeply enough into the snap-fit recess 70 so that the protruding edges 134 can eventually engage the snap-in area 140. In other words, the snap connection 66 may be referred to as an axial interference snap connection 66.
  • In this way, a certain amount of energy can be stored in the control element 46 which acts in a spring-like manner. This has the effect that in the peripheral region 108 of the control element 46 the support portion 98 and the contact portion 110 can be at least slightly urged against one another to provide the self-locking feature. In other words, the control disk or control wheel 106 can be at least slightly flexible and elastic to be able to deform during the operation of the control wheel 46. This may also generate click feedback when the latching recesses 116 and the latching teeth 114 engage and disengage during rotation.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates the cross-sectional design of the linear guide 90 with the guide recesses 92 formed at the comb frame 42 and the guide ribs 94 formed at the movable comb piece 44.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates another approach to generating the preloading between the control element 46 and the comb frame 42. The comb frame 42 illustrated in Fig. 12 in a perspective bottom view has an elevated shoulder 100, where the support portion 98 for the control element 46 is formed, see also
  • Figs. 4-6 in this connection. As a part of the linear guide 90 of the adjustable spacing comb 40, guide ribs 94 are formed on the comb frame 42, which may cooperate with corresponding guide recesses 92 at a respectively designed movable comb piece 44. It is to be noted that the guide recesses 92 and the guide ribs 94 of the linear guide 90 may be formed on either of the comb frame 42 and the movable comb piece 44, refer also to Figs. 4, 5 and 11. Therefore, the arrangement of Fig. 12 is not to be understood in a limiting sense in this respect.
  • In the embodiment of Fig. 12, the comb frame 42 provides the snap-fit recess 70 in a snap-fit receptacle 150 that is formed on a flexible lug 152 and extends along the control axis 52. The flexible lug 152 is connected to the elevated shoulder 100 of the comb frame 42 via a connection 154 having a considerably small cross-sectional surface. That is, the flexible lug 152 is formed similar to a tongue and can thus flex in reaction to forces applied thereto through the formation of the snap connection 66 (refer to Fig. 10) when the control element 46 and the comb frame 42 are urged against one another.
  • In some embodiments, it is possible that both the control element 46 and the comb frame 42 exhibit a certain flex when the snap connection 66 is formed. In some embodiments, primarily the control element 46 exhibits a certain flex, e.g., at the flexing disk portion 128 (see Figs. 5 and 6). In some embodiments, primarily the comb frame 42 exhibits a certain flex, e.g., at the flexible lug 152 (see Fig. 12). While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.
  • In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
  • Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims (15)

  1. An adjustable spacing comb (40) for a hair cutting appliance (10), comprising:
    - a comb frame (42),
    - a movable comb piece (44) that is arranged to be moved with respect to the comb frame (42) in an adjustment direction (56), and
    - a movable control element (46) that is mounted on the comb frame (42),
    wherein the comb frame (42) and the control element (46) together form a slot and pin mechanism (76) that converts an input movement (50) of the control element (46) into an adjustment movement of the movable comb piece (44) with respect to the comb frame (42) in the adjustment direction (56), and
    wherein the comb frame (42) and the control element (46) together form a snap connection (66),
    wherein the control element (46) has a contact portion (110) that rests on a support portion (98) of the comb frame (42),
    wherein the contact portion (110) and the support portion (98) form a toothed indexing contour (60) including latching recesses (116) and opposite latching teeth (114), and
    wherein the control element (46) and the comb frame (42) together urge the contact portion (110) and the support portion (98) against each other to engage the latching teeth (114) with the latching recesses (116).
  2. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in claim 1,
    wherein the snap connection (66) between the control element (46) and the comb frame (42) includes a protruding snap-fit post (68) and a corresponding snap-fit recess (70), and
    wherein the protruding snap-fit post (68) is configured to engage into the snap-fit recess (70) to secure the control element (46) to the comb frame (42).
  3. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in claim 2,
    wherein the protruding snap-fit post (68) and the snap-fit recess (70) together form a pivot bearing (138) for the movement of the control element (46).
  4. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in claim 2 or 3,
    wherein the snap-fit post (68) comprises at least one protruding edge (134) that is configured to engage a snap-in area (140) of the snap-fit recess (70).
  5. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 2-4,
    wherein a snap-fit engagement between the protruding snap-fit post (68) and the corresponding snap-fit recess (70) includes preloading the control element (46) and the comb frame (42) against one another to urge the contact portion (110) against the support portion (98).
  6. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in claim 5,
    wherein the snap-fit engagement between the protruding snap-fit post (68) and the corresponding snap-fit recess (70) includes flexing a flexing disk portion (128) of the control element (46) and/or flexing a flexible lug (152) of the comb frame (42).
  7. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6,
    wherein the latching recesses (116) and the latching teeth (114) of the toothed indexing contour (60) are axial locking features between the comb frame (42) and the control element (46).
  8. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-7,
    wherein actuating the control element (46) generates at least one of haptic feedback and/or acoustic feedback as the contact portion (110) and the support portion (98) are moved relative to one another, which in particular includes local lifting and lowering of the control element (46) when the latching recesses (116) and the latching teeth (114) disengage and engage in a new relative orientation between the movable comb piece (44) and the comb frame (42).
  9. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-8,
    wherein the control element (46) is a control wheel (106) that is rotatable relative to the comb frame (42) about a control axis (52),
    wherein the contact portion (110) is radially offset from the control axis (52), and/or wherein the control element (46) has a knurled outer grip surface (54) for actuation.
  10. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-9,
    wherein the contact portion (110) is formed in a peripheral region (108) of the control element (46) that is facing the comb frame (42), and/or
    wherein the support portion (98) is formed on an elevated shoulder (100) of the comb frame (42).
  11. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-10,
    wherein the latching teeth (114) are formed on the comb frame (42) and evenly distributed along the support portion (98), forming a circular pattern extending along a circular segment, and/or
    wherein the latching recesses (116) are formed on the control element (46) and evenly distributed along the contact portion (110), forming a circular pattern extending along a full circle.
  12. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in claim 11,
    wherein the number of the latching teeth (114) is smaller than the number of the latching recesses (116),
    wherein the movable comb piece (44) comprises a latching rib (122) extending parallel to the adjustment direction (56) of the movable comb piece (44), and
    wherein the latching rib (122) is configured to engage a latching recess (116) of the control element (46) that is arranged in a region outside the circular pattern of the latching teeth (114).
  13. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-12,
    wherein the adjustable spacing comb (40) consists of no more than the comb frame (42), the movable comb piece (44) and the movable control element (46), and/or
    wherein at least one of the comb frame (42), the movable comb piece (44) and the movable control element (46) is formed as an integrally formed injection-molded part.
  14. The adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-13,
    wherein the slot and pin mechanism (76) comprises a curved slot (78), in particular a spiral slot (82), formed at the control element (46) and a pin (80) formed at the movable comb piece (44) and engaging the curved slot (78), and/or
    wherein the comb frame (42) provides a linear guide (90) for the adjustment movement of the movable comb piece (44).
  15. A hair cutting appliance (10), particularly a hair trimmer or clipper, comprising a housing (12), a cutting unit (18) including a blade set (20), a motor (34) that is configured to actuate the blade set (20), and an adjustable spacing comb (40) as claimed in any one of claims 1-14.
EP24156078.8A 2024-02-06 2024-02-06 Adjustable spacing comb and hair cutting appliance Pending EP4600002A1 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24156078.8A EP4600002A1 (en) 2024-02-06 2024-02-06 Adjustable spacing comb and hair cutting appliance
PCT/EP2025/051580 WO2025168338A1 (en) 2024-02-06 2025-01-23 Adjustable spacing comb and hair cutting appliance
CN202510130351.2A CN120439372A (en) 2024-02-06 2025-02-05 Adjustable spacing combs and hair cutting appliances
CN202520181325.8U CN224144716U (en) 2024-02-06 2025-02-05 Comb with adjustable spacing and hair cutting appliance

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP24156078.8A EP4600002A1 (en) 2024-02-06 2024-02-06 Adjustable spacing comb and hair cutting appliance

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4600002A1 true EP4600002A1 (en) 2025-08-13

Family

ID=89853338

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP24156078.8A Pending EP4600002A1 (en) 2024-02-06 2024-02-06 Adjustable spacing comb and hair cutting appliance

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4600002A1 (en)
CN (2) CN224144716U (en)
WO (1) WO2025168338A1 (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050044718A1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-03 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Hair trimmer with trim length adjustment mechanism
US20060042095A1 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-03-02 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Comb-vibration preventing structure for hair cutter
DE102007008622A1 (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Braun Gmbh Hair cutting device i.e. beard trimmer, has transfer element converting rotary movement of hand wheel into movement that moves comb attachment, and consisting of lever that is connected both with hand wheel and with attachment via joint
US20120233865A1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-20 Rovcal, Inc. Adjustable Comb Assembly For Hair Cutting Appliance
EP2610039A1 (en) * 2011-12-28 2013-07-03 Seb S.A. Hair clipper with retractable wheel
CN218018630U (en) 2022-07-14 2022-12-13 宁波运宝电器有限公司 Self-locking adjustable comb sleeve and hair trimmer
US20230226706A1 (en) * 2020-06-26 2023-07-20 Koninklijke Philips N.V. A spacing assembly for a hair comb
US20230330877A1 (en) * 2023-06-22 2023-10-19 Mens Groomer Ltd Limiting comb extension and retraction structure of hair scissors

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050044718A1 (en) * 2003-08-29 2005-03-03 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Hair trimmer with trim length adjustment mechanism
US20060042095A1 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-03-02 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. Comb-vibration preventing structure for hair cutter
DE102007008622A1 (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-28 Braun Gmbh Hair cutting device i.e. beard trimmer, has transfer element converting rotary movement of hand wheel into movement that moves comb attachment, and consisting of lever that is connected both with hand wheel and with attachment via joint
US20120233865A1 (en) * 2011-03-18 2012-09-20 Rovcal, Inc. Adjustable Comb Assembly For Hair Cutting Appliance
EP2610039A1 (en) * 2011-12-28 2013-07-03 Seb S.A. Hair clipper with retractable wheel
US20230226706A1 (en) * 2020-06-26 2023-07-20 Koninklijke Philips N.V. A spacing assembly for a hair comb
CN218018630U (en) 2022-07-14 2022-12-13 宁波运宝电器有限公司 Self-locking adjustable comb sleeve and hair trimmer
US20230330877A1 (en) * 2023-06-22 2023-10-19 Mens Groomer Ltd Limiting comb extension and retraction structure of hair scissors

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN224144716U (en) 2026-04-21
CN120439372A (en) 2025-08-08
WO2025168338A1 (en) 2025-08-14

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