Comb-shaped outer blades, blade unit and electric razor

Abstract

This invention discloses a comb-shaped outer blade, a blade unit, and an electric razor that maintain a good effect of lifting body hair while suppressing damage to the skin. The comb-shaped outer blade of this invention comprises: a rod-shaped base portion extending along a first direction; a plate-shaped comb blade mounting portion extending along a first direction and a second direction; a cantilevered rod-shaped open blade portion protruding from the base portion along a third direction; and a bent blade portion arranged with the open blade portion in the first direction and connecting the base portion and the comb blade mounting portion. The bent blade portion comprises: a protrusion protruding from the base portion along a third direction; a bent portion connected to the top end of the protrusion; and a connecting portion connecting the bent portion (142) and the comb blade mounting portion in an inclined state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to comb-shaped outer blades, blade units, and electric razors for shaving body hair of humans and other animals. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, as outer blades for electric shavers, there exist comb-shaped outer blades with blades protruding like a comb (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such comb-shaped outer blades can easily guide body hair along the skin surface (so-called lying down) into the space between the blades of the comb-shaped outer blades. Therefore, among the various outer blades installed in electric shavers, comb-shaped outer blades are responsible for shaving relatively long body hair and lying down body hair.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-247146 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, while comb-shaped outer blades are effective at lifting body hair, they tend to increase the damage to the skin.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a comb-shaped outer blade, a blade unit having a comb-shaped outer blade, and an electric razor having a comb-shaped outer blade, which maintains a good effect of lifting body hair while suppressing damage to the skin.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention is a comb-shaped outer blade mounted on an electric razor. This comb-shaped outer blade comprises: a rod-shaped base extending along a first direction; a plate-shaped comb blade mounting portion extending along the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of cantilevered rod-shaped open blade portions protruding from the base portion in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions; and a plurality of bent blade portions arranged in the first direction with the open blade portions, connecting the base portion and the comb blade mounting portion. Each bent blade portion comprises: a protrusion protruding from the base portion in the third direction; a bending portion connected to the tip of the protrusion and bent at an acute angle; and a connecting portion inclined towards the base portion in the third direction as it moves away from the bending portion in the second direction, connecting the bending portion and the comb blade mounting portion.

[0011] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention is a blade unit for an electric razor that can be detachably mounted on an electric razor. This blade unit includes a comb-shaped outer blade, a slit inner blade, and a comb blade retaining member. The comb-shaped outer blade includes: a rod-shaped base extending along a first direction; a plate-shaped comb blade mounting portion extending along the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of cantilevered rod-shaped open blade portions protruding from the base portion in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions; and a plurality of bent blade portions, each in... The bent blade portion is arranged in the first direction with the open blade portion, connecting the base portion and the comb blade mounting portion. The bent blade portion includes: a protrusion that protrudes from the base portion in the third direction; a bent portion that connects to the top end of the protrusion; and a connecting portion that tilts towards the base portion in the third direction as it moves away from the bent portion in the second direction, connecting the bent portion and the comb blade mounting portion. The slit inner blade is disposed inside the comb outer blade, and the comb blade holding member holds the slit inner blade so that it can reciprocate relative to the comb outer blade.

[0012] Furthermore, to achieve the above objectives, the electric shaver of this invention includes a comb-shaped outer blade, which comprises: a rod-shaped base extending along a first direction; a plate-shaped comb blade mounting portion extending along the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of cantilevered rod-shaped open blade portions protruding from the base portion in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions; and a plurality of bent blade portions arranged in the first direction with the open blade portions, connecting the base portion and the comb blade mounting portion. The bent blade portions include: a protrusion protruding from the base portion in the third direction; a bent portion connected to the top end of the protrusion; and a connecting portion that tilts towards the base portion in the third direction as it moves away from the bent portion in the second direction, connecting the bent portion and the comb blade mounting portion.

[0013] The effects of the invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the shape of the blade, which is bent at the tip in order to maintain the comb-like outer blade, can achieve both a good lifting effect on body hair and the inhibition of skin damage. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the electric razor according to this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the blade unit of this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the comb-shaped outer blade of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a side view of the comb-shaped outer blade of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the area near the open blade portion and the bent blade portion in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the area near the open blade section and the bent blade section in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the state of the bent blade section and the open blade section arranged in the first direction and observed from the first direction.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the comb blade unit with comb-shaped outer blades of this embodiment exploded.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the comb blade unit after assembly according to this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the exploded view of the mesh blade unit with mesh outer blades in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the mesh blade unit after assembly according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the blade unit of this embodiment disassembled.

[0027] Figure 13A This is a diagram showing the operating state of the engaging mechanism in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13B This is a diagram showing the operating state of the engaging mechanism in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 13C This is a diagram showing the operating state of the engaging mechanism in this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 13D yes Figure 13C An enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line L1.

[0031] Figure 14 This is a side view of the blade unit of this embodiment in a perspective view of the comb blade holding member and the mesh blade holding member.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 100. Comb-shaped outer blade; 101. First group; 102. Second group; 103. Comb blade unit; 104. Mesh blade unit; 110. Base section; 111. Long end; 120. Mounting section; 121. Outer blade engaging claw; 130. Open blade section; 131. Open upper surface section; 132. Open inclined surface section; 133. Open side section; 140. Bending blade section; 141. Protrusion; 142. Bending section ; 143. Connecting part; 144. Bending inclined surface; 145. Bending upper surface part; 146. Bending side part; 158. Base end part; 170. First inner blade; 171. First joint member; 172. Inner blade engaging claw; 173. Inner blade engaging protrusion; 174. First melting expansion part; 175. Second melting expansion part; 180. Comb blade holding member; 181. First opposing part; 182. First force application member; 183. Outer blade protrusion; 184. First protrusion; 199. Position; 200. Blade unit; 210. Mesh outer blade; 211. Second inner blade; 212. Mesh blade fixing member; 213. Mesh blade holding member; 214. Second connector member; 215. Second opposing part; 216. Second force-applying member; 217. Second protrusion; 220. Sliding member; 221. Bearing part; 230. Unit platform; 2 31. Comb blade force application component; 232. Net blade force application component; 233. First guide part; 234. Second guide part; 235. First limiting part; 236. Second limiting part; 240. Engaging mechanism; 241. First engaging part; 242. Second engaging part; 280. Fixed side protrusion; 290. Blade unit side protrusion; 300. Electric razor; 310. Grip part; 311. Power switch; 320. Head. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the comb-shaped outer blade, blade unit, and electric razor of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following embodiments are provided as examples to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, the shapes, structures, materials, constituent elements, relative positional relationships, connection states, numerical values, formulas, methods, and the order of each stage shown in the following embodiments are examples, and may include contents not described below. Additionally, there are instances where geometric expressions such as parallel and orthogonal are used, but these expressions do not imply strict mathematical limitations and include substantially permissible errors and deviations. Furthermore, expressions such as simultaneous and identical also include substantially permissible ranges.

[0035] In addition, the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams that have been appropriately emphasized, omitted, or proportionally adjusted for the purpose of illustrating the invention, and differ from the actual shapes, positional relationships, and proportions.

[0036] Furthermore, there are instances where multiple inventions are described in general terms as a single embodiment. Additionally, a portion of the following description is explained as any constituent element related to this invention.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an electric razor. Furthermore, in the electric razor 300, there are parts with rounded edges and anti-slip features, but these are not shown in the diagram.

[0038] The electric shaver 300 is a device that uses electric blades to cut and remove body hair such as beards, and has a grip 310 and a head 320.

[0039] The grip portion 310 is the part that the user holds when using the electric razor 300. In this embodiment, the grip portion 310 also functions as a housing for storing control devices that control the driving of the shaving blades, batteries, etc. A power switch 311 for turning the power on and off is provided on the outer surface of the grip portion 310.

[0040] The head 320 is a component on which a blade unit 200, having a blade for cutting body hair, is detachably mounted and connected to one end of the gripping portion 310. In this embodiment, the head 320 is connected to the gripping portion 310 in a manner that allows it to move relative to the gripping portion 310. In this embodiment, the Y-axis direction is the direction in which the outer blade and sliding member 220 extend, the X-axis direction is the direction in which the outer blade and sliding member 220 are arranged in parallel, and the Z-axis direction is the direction in which the outer blade can move relative to the unit platform 230 (see reference 230) when subjected to external force. Figure 2 The direction of movement.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the blade unit 200. The blade unit 200 is a unit for replacing the head 320 when the blades deteriorate due to the use of the electric razor 300, and includes a comb-shaped outer blade 100, a mesh-shaped outer blade 210, a sliding member 220, and a unit platform 230. Furthermore, there are cases where the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 are collectively referred to as the outer blades.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first direction (Y-axis direction in the figure) is the direction in which the outer blade extends, the second direction (Z-axis direction in the figure) is the direction in which the outer blade moves relative to the unit stage 230, and the third direction (X-axis direction in the figure) is the direction in which the multiple outer blades are arranged in parallel, that is, the direction intersecting the first and second directions. The blade unit 200 has a set of blades, namely a first set 101 and a second set 102, in which mesh outer blades 210 are arranged on both sides of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 in the third direction. The first set 101 includes three outer blades, each with a different function. Along the third direction, a first mesh outer blade 210 suitable for shaving short hair, a comb-shaped outer blade 100 suitable for shaving long hair, and a second mesh outer blade 210 suitable for shaving curly beards in addition to shaving short hair are arranged in sequence. In addition, the second set 102 also has three outer blades with the same structure as the first set 101. The first group 101 and the second group 102 are mounted symmetrically on the unit 230 with respect to the plane containing the first and second directions, forming a six-blade outer frame. With this configuration, the comb-shaped outer frame 100 is positioned behind the mesh outer frame 210 in any direction of movement of the electric razor 300 during shaving (X-axis direction in the figure). Even when shaving body hair in narrower areas such as under the nose, the comb-shaped outer frame 100 can come into contact with the skin to lift and cut relatively long body hair.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the comb-shaped outer blade 100. Figure 4 This is a side view of the comb-shaped outer blade 100. The comb-shaped outer blade 100 is an outer blade mounted on the electric razor 300, and includes a base portion 110, a mounting portion 120, an open blade portion 130, and a bent blade portion 140. In this embodiment, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 is integrally formed by stamping and bending a metal sheet using stamping. Furthermore, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 can be manufactured by sintering, injection molding, etching, electroforming, or by welding two components together.

[0044] The base portion 110 is a rod-shaped portion extending along a first direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). Long ends 111 are provided at both ends of the base portion 110. The long ends 111 have the same bending shape as the bent blade portion 140 and are longer than the bent blade portion 140 in the first direction. In this embodiment, in the base portion 110, the central portion is bent into an arc shape protruding forward (Z+ side in the figure) relative to both ends in a plane extending along the first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (in the YZ plane in the figure). Subsequently, a plurality of open blade portions 130 and a plurality of bent blade portions 140 are arranged along the curvature of the base portion 110. By bending the comb-shaped outer blade 100 convexly, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 can also conform to the concave portion below the chin, thereby improving shaving efficiency.

[0045] The mounting portion 120 is a plate-shaped portion that extends along a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 120 includes an outer blade engaging claw 121, which engages with the comb blade retaining member 180 (described later, see reference). Figure 8 The outer blade protrusion 183 engages.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the open blade section 130 and the bent blade section 140. Figure 6 This is a top view showing the vicinity of the open blade section 130 and the bent blade section 140. The open blade section 130 is a cantilevered rod-shaped portion protruding from the base section 110 in a third direction (the X-axis direction in the figure) orthogonal to the first and second directions. Its open tip lifts so-called reclining body hairs and guides them between itself and the adjacent blade section. It reciprocates relative to the first inner blade 170 (details to be described later, see reference). Figure 8 Cut the body hair between )

[0047] In this embodiment, the open blade portion 130 has an open upper surface portion 131 that extends along a first direction and a third direction (XY plane in the figure) and is flush with the base portion 110. The open blade portion 130 is generally rectangular in shape.

[0048] The third-direction upward tip of the open upper surface portion 131 has an open inclined face portion 132 that approaches the mounting portion 120 as it moves away from the base portion 110. With the open inclined face portion 132, the thickness (length in the Z-axis direction in the figure) of the tip of the open blade portion 130 becomes thinner, so even body hair that extends closely along the skin surface can be effectively lifted.

[0049] The corners between the open upper surface portion 131 and the open side surface portion 133 of the open blade portion 130 are smoothly connected by a rounded chamfer or the like. Furthermore, the open side surface portion 133 and the open inclined surface portion 132, as well as the open inclined surface portion 132 and the top surface, are also smoothly connected by a rounded chamfer or the like. This aims to reduce skin damage caused by friction between the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the skin surface.

[0050] The bent blade portion 140 is arranged alongside the open blade portion 130 in a first direction, and it is connected to the base portion 110 and the mounting portion 120. In this embodiment, the bent blade portion 140 and the open blade portion 130 are arranged alternately in parallel. The inventors have found through experiments that even when the bent blade portion 140 and the open blade portion 130 are arranged alternately, the same level of hair lifting effect as when multiple open blade portions 130 are arranged between the bent blade portions 140 can be obtained. In addition, this allows for maintaining a high structural strength of the comb-shaped outer blade 100.

[0051] The bent blade portion 140 includes: a protrusion 141 that protrudes from the base portion 110 in a third direction; a bent portion 142 that bends (bends) from the tip of the protrusion 141 toward the mounting portion 120; and a connecting portion 143 that inclines toward the base portion 110 in a third direction as it moves away from the bent portion 142 in a second direction, connecting the bent portion 142 and the mounting portion 120. By providing such a shape for the bent blade portion 140, the angle formed by the protrusion 141 and the connecting portion 143 becomes an acute angle. Therefore, the bent portion 142 located at the tip can be used to reduce damage to the skin and effectively lift lying body hair, guiding it towards the adjacent blade portion.

[0052] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown by the dotted lines, the end faces of the plurality of bent portions 142 are located at the same distance from the base portion 110 in the third direction, and are positioned further away from the base portion 110 than the tip face of the open blade portion 130. Therefore, the tip of the bent blade portion 140 contacts the skin before the tip of the open blade portion 130, thus reducing skin damage and achieving a better hair-lifting effect as a whole, as the comb-shaped outer blade 100.

[0053] Furthermore, the bent blade portion 140 has a bent inclined surface 144, which is disposed in approximately the same plane as the open inclined surface of the adjacent open blade portion 130, thereby thinning the thickness of the bent portion 142 in the second direction and improving the lifting effect of body hair. Similar to the open blade portion 130, the corner between the bent upper surface portion 145 and the bent side surface portion 146 of the bent blade portion 140 is smoothly connected by a chamfer or the like, aiming to reduce damage to the skin. The width of the tip of the protrusion 141 of the bent blade portion 140 is narrower than the width of the base portion 158 (i.e., the length in the first direction is shorter). The base portion 158 refers to the root portion of the open blade portion 130 that connects to the base portion 110. This improves the effect of guiding the lifted body hair towards the adjacent blade portions.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the bent blade portion 140 and the open blade portion 130 are arranged in the first direction, the bent blade portion 140 is bent in such a way that no part of the open blade portion 130 protrudes from the bent blade portion 140. This suppresses damage to the skin caused by the comb-shaped outer blade 100.

[0055] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the comb blade unit 103 with comb-shaped outer blades 100 disassembled. Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the comb blade unit 103 in its assembled state. As shown in these figures, the comb blade unit 103 includes a comb-shaped outer blade 100, a first inner blade 170, a comb blade holding member 180, a first force-applying member 182, and a first connector member 171.

[0056] The first inner blade 170 is disposed inside the comb-shaped outer blade 100 (opposite to the skin contact surface) and reciprocates in a first direction while rubbing against the comb-shaped outer blade 100, thereby cutting off body hair inserted between adjacent blade portions of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 (i.e., between the open side portion 133 and the bent side portion 146). In this embodiment, the first inner blade 170 is shaped with slits arranged along the first direction. The first inner blade 170 is fixedly mounted to a resin first connector member 171. For the first inner blade 170, a drive connection portion (not shown) extending from the head 320 is inserted into a recess provided in the center of the first connector member 171, and the first inner blade 170 is given a reciprocating driving force. The first connector member 171 is not necessarily made of resin. The drive connection portion is not specified as long as it performs the function of drive transmission, such as a metal pin / molded part, round / square, etc.

[0057] The comb blade retaining member 180 is a resin component that is fixedly mounted to both ends of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 in a first direction. The comb blade retaining member 180 integrally provides a first opposing portion 181 that faces the first inner blade 170 in a second direction. A first force-applying member 182 connected to the first connector member 171 is mounted on the first opposing portion 181. The first force-applying member 182 is a coil spring or the like, which allows the reciprocating movement of the first inner blade 170 while pressing the first inner blade 170 against the back of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 based on the first opposing portion 181 via the first connector member 171.

[0058] The joining method of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the comb blade holding member 180 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the comb blade holding member 180 are temporarily fixed by engaging the outer blade protrusion 183 of the comb blade holding member 180 with the outer blade engaging claw 121 of the mounting portion 120. Then, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the comb blade holding member 180 are fixed by melting and rolling the tip of the outer blade protrusion 183 to form a first melt expansion portion 174. In addition, the material of the comb blade holding member 180 is not limited to resin, and the method of fixing it to the comb-shaped outer blade 100 can be one of riveting, hook engagement, welding, or a combination of the above methods.

[0059] The method of joining the first inner blade 170 and the first connector member 171 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the method of joining the first inner blade 170 and the first connector member 171 is the same as the method of joining the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the comb blade retaining member 180. The metal first inner blade 170 has an inner blade engaging claw 172, which engages with a cylindrical inner blade engaging protrusion 173 provided on the first connector member 171, thereby temporarily fixing it. Then, by melting and rolling the tip of the inner blade engaging protrusion 173, a second melt expansion portion 175 is formed, thereby fixing the first inner blade 170 and the first connector member 171. Furthermore, in Figure 9 In the simplified description, the first melt expansion section 174 and the second melt expansion section 175 are actually complex shapes formed by the resin melting, expanding and solidifying.

[0060] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the mesh blade unit 104 with mesh outer blade 210 decomposed. Figure 11This is a perspective view of the mesh blade unit 104 in its assembled state. As shown in these figures, the mesh blade unit 104 includes a mesh outer blade 210, a second inner blade 211, a mesh blade fixing member 212, a mesh blade holding member 213, a second force-applying member 216, and a second connector member 214.

[0061] The mesh outer blade 210 is an outer blade for an electric razor mounted on the electric razor 300. It extends along the comb-shaped outer blade 100 in a first direction and is bent in a plane extending in the second and third directions (within the XZ plane in the figure). In this embodiment, the mesh outer blade 210, like the base portion 110 of the comb-shaped outer blade 100, is bent into an arc shape with its central portion protruding forward (towards the Z+ side in the figure) relative to both ends in a plane extending in the first and second directions (within the YZ plane in the figure). By bending the mesh outer blade 210 convexly towards the Z+ side in the YZ plane in the figure, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 can also conform to the concave portion such as below the chin, improving shaving efficiency. Similar to the comb-shaped outer blade 100, the effect is further improved by bending the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh outer blade 210 together towards the Z+ side in the YZ plane in the figure.

[0062] The mesh-like outer blade 210 is a semi-cylindrical blade with multiple through holes in a mesh-like pattern, used to cut relatively short body hair. In this embodiment, the mesh-like outer blade 210 is formed by stamping multiple through holes in a metal plate thinner than the metal plate constituting the comb-like outer blade 100, and is fixed to the resin mesh blade fixing member 212 while maintaining a bent state. Furthermore, the processing method of the mesh-like outer blade 210 can also be sintering, injection molding, etching, or electroforming. In addition, the fixing method of the mesh-like outer blade 210 and the mesh blade fixing member 212 can be a processing method such as welding the two components, or other processing and fixing methods.

[0063] The second inner blade 211 is disposed inside the mesh outer blade 210 and reciprocates in a first direction while rubbing against the mesh outer blade 210, thereby cutting relatively short body hairs inserted into the through holes of the mesh outer blade 210. In this embodiment, the second inner blade 211 has a shape in which arched blades curved on surfaces extending in the second and third directions are arranged in the first direction with slits between them. The second inner blade 211 is fixedly mounted to the resin-made second connector member 214. For the second inner blade 211, the drive connection portion (not shown) extending from the head 320 is inserted into the recess provided in the center of the second connector member 214, and the second inner blade 211 is given a reciprocating driving force. In addition, the drive connection portion can also be made of metal pins or molded articles, and can be round, square, or other shapes, as long as the function of driving transmission is achieved, there is no particular limitation.

[0064] The mesh blade retaining member 213 is a resin component that is fixedly mounted to both ends of the mesh outer blade 210. The mesh blade retaining member 213 integrally includes a second opposing portion 215 that faces the second inner blade 211 in a second direction. A second force-applying member 216, connected to the second connector member 214, is mounted on the second opposing portion 215. The second force-applying member 216, such as a coil spring, allows the second inner blade 211 to reciprocate while pressing the second inner blade 211 against the back side of the mesh outer blade 210 (i.e., the side opposite to the skin contact surface) based on the second opposing portion 215 via the second connector member 214. Furthermore, the mesh blade retaining member 213 is not limited to resin.

[0065] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the blade unit 200 exploded. The unit stage 230 is a member that holds the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 so that they can move (tilted) in a second direction (the Z-axis direction in the figure) and in the plane formed by the first and second directions. Here, "tilted" means a direction that intersects the Z-axis in the YZ plane. In other words, the movable direction of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 is not necessarily only strictly along the Z-axis, but also includes a direction substantially along the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the unit stage 230 has a first guide portion 233, which guides the comb-shaped outer blade 100 in the second direction by means of the first protrusion 184 of the comb blade holding member 180 of the comb blade unit 103.

[0066] The unit platform 230 includes a second guide portion 234, which guides the outer mesh blade 210 in a second direction via a second protrusion 217 of the mesh blade holding member 213 of the mesh blade unit 104. The first guide portion 233 includes a first limiting portion 235 that limits the protrusion of the comb blade unit 103 relative to the unit platform 230, and the second guide portion 234 includes a second limiting portion 236 that limits the protrusion of the mesh blade unit 104 relative to the unit platform 230. The first limiting portion 235 and the second limiting portion 236 have a fixed-side protrusion 280 (see reference). Figure 13D The fixed-side protrusion 280 is provided on the surface portion of the unit platform 230 on the outward (Z+ direction in the figure) side in the second direction. The fixed-side protrusion 280 is formed in a shape that protrudes in the third direction in such a way that it partially covers the grooves that serve as the first guide 233 and the second guide 234. In addition, in the comb blade holding member 180 of the comb blade unit 103 and the mesh blade holding member 213 of the mesh blade unit 104, a blade unit side protrusion 290 protruding in the third direction is provided at its end in the second direction (see reference). Figure 13D The blade unit side protrusion 290 is opposite to the fixed side protrusion 280 in the second direction. Utilizing the first limiting part 235 and the second limiting part 236 of this structure, when the comb blade unit 103 and the mesh blade unit 104 are moved outward in the second direction by the comb blade force-applying member 231 and the mesh blade force-applying member 232 respectively, if the blade unit side protrusion 290 reaches the position of the fixed side protrusion 280, the blade unit side protrusion 290 abuts against the fixed side protrusion 280, thereby preventing the comb blade unit 103 and the mesh blade unit 104 from protruding further outward in the second direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 13A As shown, the first limiting part 235 and the second limiting part 236 are configured such that the comb-shaped outer blade 100 of the comb blade unit 103, which is limited by the first limiting part 235, does not protrude more than the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 of the mesh blade unit 104, which is limited by the second limiting part 236.

[0067] like Figure 12 As shown, the comb blade force-applying member 231 is a member that applies force outward in the second direction (Z+ direction in the figure) relative to the unit platform 230 on the outer comb blade 100. In this embodiment, the comb blade force-applying member 231 is a coil spring or the like, which is disposed between the unit platform 230 and the comb blade holding member 180 of the comb blade unit 103 and disposed at both ends of the comb blade unit 103 in the first direction. When the outer comb blade 100 is not pressed in the second direction, the force of the comb blade force-applying member 231 maintains the state in which the movement of the comb blade unit 103 is restricted by the first limiting part 235 provided on the unit platform 230.

[0068] The mesh blade force-applying member 232 is a member that applies force outward (in the Z+ direction in the figure) to the mesh outer blade 210 relative to the unit platform 230 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the mesh blade force-applying member 232 is a coil spring or the like, which is disposed between the unit platform 230 and the mesh blade holding member 213 of the mesh blade unit 104 and at both ends of the mesh blade unit 104 in the first direction. When the mesh outer blade 210 is not pressed in the second direction, the force of the mesh blade force-applying member 232 maintains the state in which the movement of the mesh blade unit 104 is restricted by the second limiting part 236 provided on the unit platform 230, such as... Figure 13A As shown, the top of the mesh outer blade 210 is positioned at any point in the first direction that protrudes beyond the comb-shaped outer blade 100 (Z+ side in the figure).

[0069] Figures 13A-13C This is a diagram showing the operating state of the locking mechanism 240. Figure 13D yes Figure 13C The enlarged view shows the portion enclosed by the dashed line L1. The engaging mechanism 240 is such that when the mesh outer blade 210 moves toward the unit stage 230 against the force applied by the mesh blade force-applying member 232, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 moves in a state where it does not protrude more than the mesh outer blade 210 relative to the unit stage 230. The specific form of the engaging mechanism 240 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the engaging mechanism 240 includes a first engaging portion 241 and a second engaging portion 242.

[0070] The first engaging portion 241 is a component that, by engaging with the second engaging portion 242 in a second direction, can restrict the movement of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 in the protruding direction (Z+ direction in the figure). The arrangement position and orientation of the first engaging portion 241 are not particularly limited, but it is provided in a protruding manner toward the mesh blade unit 104 on a pair of comb blade holding members 180 of the comb blade unit 103.

[0071] The second engaging portion 242 is a component that, when the mesh blade unit 104 is pressed toward the unit platform 230 in the second direction, can transmit force to the comb blade unit 103 by engaging with the first engaging portion 241, thereby overcoming the comb blade force-applying member 231 and causing the comb-shaped outer blade 100 to move toward the unit platform 230. The second engaging portion 242 is located further outward (i.e., upper in the second direction) than the first engaging portion 241, and restricts the movement of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 in the second direction by engaging with the first engaging portion 241, so that the comb-shaped outer blade 100 does not protrude beyond the mesh outer blade 210. The second engaging portion 242 is provided at both ends in the first direction of the mesh blade holding member 213 of the mesh blade unit 104, protruding toward the comb blade unit 103.

[0072] The operation of the engaging mechanism 240 will be explained. In the state where the mesh outer blade 210 and the comb-shaped outer blade 100 are not pressed (refer to...) Figure 13A In this state, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 protrude most outwards. In this state, the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 protrudes more than the comb-shaped outer blade 100. Furthermore, in... Figures 13A-13C The protruding position of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 is indicated by the dashed line at position 199. In this state, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 can move independently in the downward direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction in the figure).

[0073] Next, as Figure 13B As shown, by gently pressing the electric razor 300 against the skin, the mesh outer blade 210, which typically protrudes beyond the comb-shaped outer blade 100, is pressed first, and the mesh outer blade 210 begins to sink against the mesh blade force-applying member 232. Then, as the mesh outer blade 210 sinks until the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 242 of the engaging mechanism 240 engage, pressure is applied from the second engaging portion 242 to the first engaging portion 241, causing the comb-shaped outer blade 100 to sink in conjunction. In this state, the mesh outer blade 210 also protrudes slightly beyond the comb-shaped outer blade 100.

[0074] Furthermore, such as Figure 13C As shown, when the electric shaver 300 is pressed against the skin, the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 242 are maintained in engagement, and the mesh outer blade 210 is kept slightly protruding from the comb outer blade 100 as the mesh outer blade 210 and the comb outer blade 100 are lowered until they are restricted by the unit platform 230. In this state, the comb outer blade 100 can move independently in the downward direction, but the mesh outer blade 210 moves in the downward direction along with the comb outer blade 100. That is, for the engaging mechanism 240, the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 242 are used to restrict the comb outer blade 100 from protruding from the mesh outer blade 210 in the direction where the comb outer blade 100 protrudes, but in the downward direction, the engaging mechanism 240 does not restrict the movement of the comb outer blade 100. Therefore, the comb outer blade 100 may be pressed and lowered depending on the shape of the skin.

[0075] Figure 14This is a side view of the comb blade holding member 180 and the mesh blade holding member 213 in perspective view within the blade unit 200. The sliding member 220 is a member that abuts against the skin surface when the entire blade unit 200 is pressed against a wider skin surface, and enhances the smoothness when the blade unit 200 slides relative to the skin surface. The construction of the sliding member 220 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the sliding member 220 is a roller having a rotation axis extending along a first direction (the Y-axis direction in the figure). In this embodiment, the sliding member 220 is bulging in shape with a central portion diameter larger than the diameters of both ends, corresponding to the curved shape in the surface (i.e., the YZ plane in the figure) of the mesh outer blade 210 extending along the first and second directions. Furthermore, when the blade unit 200 is not pressed, the sliding member 220 is configured to protrude beyond the mesh outer blade 210 at any position in the first direction.

[0076] The sliding member 220 is mounted on a retaining member that holds the outer blade disposed nearby. In this embodiment, the sliding member 220 is rotatably mounted on a bearing portion 221, which protrudes obliquely upward from the nearest mesh blade retaining member 213 toward the adjacent mesh outer blade 210. Thus, the sliding member 220 can sink downward in a second direction together with the mesh outer blade 210 and can maintain a state that is slightly protruding beyond the mesh outer blade 210. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding member 220 is mounted on the bearing portion 221, but it could also be mounted on the unit 230, for example. However, mounting it on the bearing portion 221 as in this embodiment provides greater stability to the protruding state of the sliding member 220, which is therefore preferred.

[0077] At least two outer blades are disposed on each side of the sliding member 220. In this embodiment, three outer blades of the same number are disposed on each side of the sliding member 220. That is, the blade unit 200 has an even number of outer blades, and the sliding member 220 is disposed in the center thereon. In other words, it is sufficient to have two or more outer blades disposed on each side of the sliding member 220, and the number of outer blades disposed on each side of the sliding member 220 is not particularly limited.

[0078] Different types of outer blades are arranged on one side of the sliding member 220. In this embodiment, one type of outer blade is a comb-shaped outer blade 100, and the other type is a mesh-shaped outer blade 210. The blade unit 200 includes a first group 101 and a second group 102 on both sides of the comb-shaped outer blade 100, with the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 arranged thereon. The sliding member 220 is disposed between the first group 101 and the second group 102. That is, the mesh-shaped outer blades 210 are arranged at the closest adjacent positions on both sides of the sliding member 220. As a result, the sliding member 220 can be arranged within the valley space formed by the closely arranged mesh-shaped outer blades 210, making the blade unit 200 more compact overall. In addition, the sliding member 220 can prevent the skin from sinking into the valley space when the blade unit 200 is pressed against the skin, thus reducing damage to the skin.

[0079] The electric shaver 300, blade unit 200, and comb-shaped outer blade 100 according to the above embodiment can effectively lift body hair and cut longer body hair such as beards that grow along the skin surface. The body hair that has been shortened by the comb-shaped outer blade 100 is cut even shorter by the mesh outer blade 210, thus improving the deep shaving effect while suppressing damage to the skin.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, other embodiments implemented by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements described in this specification, or by excluding certain constituent elements, may also be embodiments of the present invention. In addition, variations of the above embodiments conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, i.e., the meaning of the words expressed in the claims, are also included within the scope of the present invention.

[0081] For example, the case of alternately arranging open blade portions 130 and bent blade portions 140 has been described, but multiple bent blade portions 140 can be arranged between adjacent open blade portions 130 or multiple open blade portions 130 can be arranged between adjacent bent blade portions 140.

[0082] In addition, the open blade section 130 and the bent blade section 140 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the base section 110, but the open blade section 130 and the bent blade section 140 may also be arranged in a third direction.

[0083] Alternatively, the width (i.e., the length in the first direction) of the top end of the open blade portion 130 can be made narrower than the width of the base end portion 158, similar to the bent blade portion 140.

[0084] In addition, a blade unit 200 with an inner blade is shown as an example, but the blade unit 200 may also not have an inner blade.

[0085] Furthermore, while the first limiting portion 235 and the second limiting portion 236 that limit the protrusion of the comb blade unit 103 and the mesh blade unit 104 relative to the unit platform 230 have been described, the construction for limiting the protrusion of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 is not limited to this. For example, it could be constructed such that the unit platform 230 has a groove extending in a second direction and closed at both ends in the extending direction, and either the comb blade unit 103 or the mesh blade unit 104 has a protrusion that inserts into the groove of the unit platform 230 and moves along the groove. In this case, the protrusion is limited by the protrusion abutting against the end of the groove. Furthermore, regarding the groove and the protrusion, it could also be constructed in the opposite manner to the above, with a protrusion provided in the unit platform 230 and a groove provided in the comb blade unit 103 and the mesh blade unit 104.

[0086] In addition, the limiting part that limits the protrusion of the comb blade unit 103 and the mesh blade unit 104 relative to the unit platform 230 is not limited to being provided on the unit platform 230, the comb blade unit 103, and the mesh blade unit 104, and the limiting part may be provided at other positions according to the protrusion.

[0087] Industrial availability

[0088] This invention can be applied to electric shavers, such as so-called electric shavers, which can shave the body hair of animals, including humans.

Claims

1. A comb-shaped outer blade, which is a comb-shaped outer blade mounted on an electric razor, wherein, The comb-shaped outer blade includes: A rod-shaped base portion that extends along a first direction; A plate-shaped mounting portion extends along the first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; Multiple cantilevered rod-shaped open blade portions protrude from the base portion in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively; as well as Multiple bent blade sections, arranged in the first direction alongside the open blade section, connect the base section and the mounting section. The bent blade portion includes: A protrusion that protrudes from the base portion along the third direction; A bent portion, which connects to the tip of the protrusion and is bent at an acute angle; and The connecting portion, which tilts upward toward the base portion in the third direction as it moves away from the bending portion in the second direction, connects the bending portion and the mounting portion. In the third direction, the end face of the bent portion is positioned further away from the base portion than the top face of the open blade portion. The open blade portions and the bent blade portions are arranged alternately in parallel, or multiple bent blade portions are arranged in parallel between adjacent open blade portions, or multiple open blade portions are arranged in parallel between adjacent bent blade portions. The open blade portion includes: An open upper surface portion that extends along the first direction and the third direction; and An open, sloping face extends upward from the third-sided top of the open upper surface portion and approaches the mounting portion as it moves away from the base portion.

2. The comb-shaped outer blade according to claim 1, wherein, The bent blade portion has a bent inclined surface, which is disposed in a plane substantially the same as the open inclined surface of the adjacent open blade portion.

3. The comb-shaped outer blade according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The open blade portion includes: An open upper surface portion that extends along the first direction and the third direction; and An open side portion that extends along the second direction and the third direction. The corner between the open upper surface and the open side surface is chamfered.

4. The comb-shaped outer blade according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bent blade portion includes: The upper surface portion is bent, extending along the first direction and the third direction; and The bent side portion extends along the second direction and the third direction. The corner between the upper bent surface and the side bent surface is chamfered.

5. The comb-shaped outer blade according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The open blade section and the bent blade section are arranged alternately.

6. The comb-shaped outer blade according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The base portion is bent such that its central portion protrudes relative to both ends within a plane extending along the first and second directions. The open blade portion and the bent blade portion are configured along the curvature of the base portion.

7. A blade unit, which is a blade unit for an electric razor that can be detachably mounted on an electric razor, wherein, The blade unit includes: The comb-shaped outer blade according to any one of claims 1 to 6; A slit-shaped inner blade, disposed inside the comb-shaped outer blade; and A comb blade retaining member holds the blade within the slit so that it can reciprocate relative to the outer comb blade.

8. An electric shaver, wherein, The electric razor comprises a comb-shaped outer blade as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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