Blade unit and electric shaver

Abstract

The present application provides an electric shaver that reduces damage to the skin during shaving and a blade unit. The electric shaver (300) of the present application includes a head (320) that holds a comb outer blade (100) extending in a first direction and a mesh outer blade (210) so as to be movable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a comb blade urging member (231) that urges the comb outer blade (100) in the second direction, a mesh blade urging member (232) that urges the mesh outer blade (210) in the second direction, and an engagement mechanism (240) that moves the comb outer blade (100) in a state in which the comb outer blade (100) does not protrude more than the mesh outer blade (210) relative to a unit table (230) when the mesh outer blade (210) is moved toward the unit table (230) against the force of the mesh blade urging member (232).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a blade unit and an electric razor for shaving body hair of humans and other animals. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, there are blade units for electric razors that have multiple outer blades. These blade units are configured such that when the blade unit is pressed against the skin surface while using the electric razor, each outer blade independently sinks down according to the contours of the skin. The blade unit described in Patent Document 1 employs a mechanism in which each outer blade sinks independently within a predetermined range, and when the predetermined range is exceeded, all outer blades sink together in unison.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-267376 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, conventional blade units have a structure that allows other types of outer blades to sink further than slit-shaped outer blades that lift and cut longer body hairs, resulting in the edge of the slit-shaped outer blade tip causing more damage to the skin.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a blade unit that lifts body hair without protruding like other types of blades, and an electric razor having the blade unit.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention is an electric razor having a head with comb-shaped outer blades and mesh-shaped outer blades. The head holds the comb-shaped outer blades and mesh-shaped outer blades, extending along a first direction, so that they can move along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The head includes: a comb-shaped outer blade force-applying member that applies force to the comb-shaped outer blades relative to the head in the second direction; a mesh-shaped outer blade force-applying member that applies force to the mesh-shaped outer blades relative to the head in the second direction; and a locking mechanism that, when the mesh-shaped outer blades move toward the head against the force of the mesh-shaped outer blade force-applying member, moves the comb-shaped outer blades while the mesh-shaped outer blades protrude more than the comb-shaped outer blades relative to the head.

[0011] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, another aspect of the blade unit of the present invention is a blade unit comprising a comb-shaped outer blade and a mesh-shaped outer blade and mounted on an electric razor. This blade unit includes: a unit platform that holds the comb-shaped outer blade and the mesh-shaped outer blade, both extending in a first direction, so that they can move along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a comb-shaped outer blade force-applying member that applies force to the comb-shaped outer blade relative to the unit platform in the second direction; a mesh-shaped outer blade force-applying member that applies force to the mesh-shaped outer blade relative to the unit platform in the second direction; and a locking mechanism that, when the mesh-shaped outer blade moves toward the unit platform against the force of the mesh-shaped outer blade force-applying member, moves the comb-shaped outer blade without protruding more than the mesh-shaped outer blade relative to the unit platform.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, the comb-shaped outer blade is used to achieve a higher lifting effect than the mesh-shaped outer blade for hairs growing in different directions or lying down, and by using a mechanism that makes the comb-shaped outer blade not protrude more than the mesh-shaped outer blade, it is possible to achieve both a better lifting effect for body hair and to suppress damage to the skin. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the electric razor according to this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the blade unit of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the comb-shaped outer blade of this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a side view of the comb-shaped outer blade of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the area near the open blade portion and the bent blade portion in this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the area near the open blade section and the bent blade section in this embodiment.

[0020] 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.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the comb blade unit with comb-shaped outer blades of this embodiment exploded.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the comb blade unit after assembly according to this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the exploded view of the mesh blade unit with mesh outer blades in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the mesh blade unit after assembly according to this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the blade unit of this embodiment disassembled.

[0026] Figure 13A This is a diagram showing the operating state of the engaging mechanism in this embodiment.

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

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

[0029] Figure 13D yes Figure 13C An enlarged view of the portion enclosed by the dashed line L1.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a side view showing the blade unit of this embodiment in a perspective view of the comb blade holding member and the mesh blade holding member.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of another example 1 showing the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade.

[0032] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of another example 2 showing the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade.

[0033] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of another example 3 showing the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade.

[0034] Figure 18 This is a perspective view of another example 4 showing the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade.

[0035] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of another example 5 showing the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade.

[0036] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of another example 6 showing the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade.

[0037] Figure 21 This is another example of a cross-sectional view showing the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0039] 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

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electric shaver 300. Furthermore, the electric shaver 300 has parts with rounded edges and anti-slip features, but these are not shown in the diagram.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 extend, the X-axis direction is the direction in which the outer blade and sliding member 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 230, and the third direction (X-axis direction in the figure) intersects with 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 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.

[0049] 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. There is no particular limitation if the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 is a shape in which slits extending in a third direction are arranged in the first direction. In this embodiment, 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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 )

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 (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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The first inner blade 170 is disposed inside the comb-shaped outer blade 100 (i.e., the opposite side of 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 bends within 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, bends in an arc shape with its central portion protruding forward (in the Z+ side in the figure) relative to both ends within a plane extending in the first and second directions (within the YZ plane in the figure). Furthermore, the convex bending of the mesh outer blade 210 allows it to conform to recessed areas such as below the chin, improving shaving efficiency. Similar to the comb-shaped outer blade 100, the effect is further enhanced by bending the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh outer blade 210 together.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 reciprocating movement of the second inner blade 211 while pressing the second inner blade 211 against the back side (opposite to the skin contact surface) of the mesh outer blade 210 via the second connector member 214 based on the second opposing portion 215. Furthermore, the mesh blade retaining member 213 is not limited to resin.

[0071] 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 directions substantially along the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the unit stage 230 includes a first guide 233, which guides the comb-shaped outer blade 100 in the second direction by means of the comb blade holding member 180 of the comb blade unit 103.

[0072] The unit platform 230 includes a second guide portion 234, which guides the mesh outer blade 210 in a second direction via the mesh blade holding member 213 of the mesh blade unit 104. In this embodiment, the first guide portion 233 and the second guide portion 234 have grooves that extend through the frame portion of the unit platform 230 in a first direction and extend in a second direction. The first guide portion 233 engages with a pair of first protrusions 184 provided on the comb blade holding member 180 and guides the movement of the comb blade unit 103 in the plane formed by the first and second directions. The second guide portion 234 engages with a pair of second protrusions 217 provided on the mesh blade holding member 213 and guides the movement of the mesh blade unit 104 in the plane formed by the first and second directions.

[0073] Furthermore, 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 stage 230, and the second guide portion 234 includes a second limiting portion 236 that limits the protrusion of the wire mesh blade unit 104 relative to the unit stage 230. The first limiting portion 235 and the second limiting portion 236 have a fixed-side protrusion 280 (see reference). Figure 13DThe 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 (Z+ direction in the figure) 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 further protruding outward in the second direction (Z+ direction in the figure). 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 positioned 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.

[0079] The operation of the engaging mechanism 240 is explained. In the state where the mesh outer blade 210 and the comb-shaped outer blade 100 are not pressed ( 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-direction in the figure).

[0080] 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.

[0081] Furthermore, such as Figure 13C As shown, when the electric shaver 300 is pressed against the skin, the mesh outer blade 210 and the comb outer blade 100 are lowered while maintaining the engagement of the first engaging portion 241 and the second engaging portion 242, and maintaining the mesh outer blade 210 slightly protruding from the comb outer blade 100, until both are restricted by the unit platform 230. In this state, the comb outer blade 100 can move independently in the downward direction (i.e., the Z-direction in the figure), 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 protrusion of the comb outer blade 100 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.

[0082] 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, thereby improving the smoothness of sliding the blade unit 200 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] According to the electric razor 300 and blade unit 200 of the above embodiment, regardless of the shape of the skin surface or the pressing direction of the electric razor 300 against the skin, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 will not protrude more than the mesh outer blade 210 due to the engaging mechanism 240. Therefore, damage to the skin caused by the tip of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 forcefully sinking into the skin can be suppressed. In addition, even when the comb-shaped outer blade 100 does not protrude more than the mesh outer blade 210, its shape can effectively lift and cut relatively long body hairs growing along the skin surface.

[0087] 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.

[0088] For example, the above embodiment describes a case with 6 blades, but if the blade unit 200 has a comb-shaped outer blade 100 and a mesh-shaped outer blade 210, then the number of blades can be arbitrary.

[0089] Furthermore, as the comb-shaped outer blade 100, the case in which the open blade portion 130 and the bent blade portion 140 are alternately arranged with slits extending along a third direction has been described, but the shape of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 is not limited to this.

[0090] For example, such as Figure 15As shown, the open blade portion 130 may be omitted, and the comb-shaped outer blade 100 may be formed entirely by the bent blade portion 140. In this case, the base portion 110 is absent and the slit extends along a third direction, thus enabling shaving of long hair facing the opposite direction.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, the bent blade section 140 can also be bent at approximately 90° instead of an acute angle. This allows for the cutting of long hair with good skin contact.

[0092] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, other components 147 (e.g., comb-shaped components) may also be provided adjacent to the bent blade portion 140 on a third-direction upward orientation. This can improve the shaving performance for long hair.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 18 As shown, the bent blade portion 140 may be omitted, and the comb-shaped outer blade 100 may be formed entirely from the open blade portion 130. This improves the shaving performance for long hair.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 19 As shown, the base portion 110 may also have a recess 112 that is recessed in the second direction and extends along the first direction. This increases the likelihood of raising long hairs that have not been lifted and guiding them into the slit, thereby improving the shaving performance of long hairs.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 20 As shown, alternatively, in the third direction, both ends of the bent blade portion 140 protrude outwards in the second direction. This improves the shaving performance for long hair.

[0096] In addition, such as Figure 21 As shown, the wall thickness of the portion of the comb-shaped outer blade 100 that contacts the first inner blade 170 can also be reduced. As a result, long hair can be shaved shorter using the comb-shaped outer blade 100, thus enabling the shaving of body hair to a length that is easier to insert into the mesh-shaped outer blade 210.

[0097] Alternatively, multiple bent blade sections 140 can be arranged between adjacent open blade sections 130, or multiple open blade sections 130 can be arranged between adjacent bent blade sections 140.

[0098] Furthermore, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 and the mesh-shaped outer blade 210 can not only be integrally formed from a metal sheet, but can also be formed by joining multiple components through welding or the like. Specifically, for example, the comb-shaped outer blade 100 can be formed by forming at least one of the base portion 110, the open blade portion 130, and the bent blade portion 140 as a single unit, and by joining the separately formed long end portion 111 and the mounting portion 120 to the other of the base portion 110, the open blade portion 130, and the bent blade portion 140 through welding or the like.

[0099] 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.

[0100] Alternatively, similar to the bent blade portion 140, the width (i.e., the length in the first direction) of the top end portion of the open blade portion 130 can be made narrower than the width of the base end portion 158.

[0101] In addition, the case where the blade unit 200 can be attached to and detached from the head 320 together with the unit station 230 has been described, but the head 320 may also have a part that has the same function as the unit station 230.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Industrial availability

[0105] 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. An electric razor having a head, the head having a comb blade unit and a foil blade unit, the comb blade unit having comb-shaped outer blades and a comb blade retaining member, the foil blade unit having mesh-shaped outer blades and a mesh blade retaining member, wherein, The electric shaver includes a unit platform that holds the comb-shaped outer blades and the mesh-shaped outer blades extending along a first direction so that they can move along a second direction intersecting the first direction. The head has: A force-applying component for the comb blade, which applies force to one side of the comb-shaped outer blade in the second direction; The force-applying component for the mesh blade applies force to one side of the outer mesh blade in the second direction; as well as The engaging mechanism, when overcoming the force exerted by the force-applying member of the mesh blade and causing the mesh outer blade to move towards the other side in the second direction, moves the comb outer blade while the mesh outer blade protrudes further than the comb outer blade towards the second direction. The unit station has: A first limiting portion restricts the amount of protrusion of the comb-shaped outer blade relative to the unit stage; and The second limiting part restricts the amount of protrusion of the mesh outer blade relative to the unit stage. The second limiting part is configured such that the comb-shaped outer blade limited by the first limiting part does not protrude more than the mesh-shaped outer blade limited by the second limiting part. The unit stage has a first guide portion that guides the comb-shaped outer blades in the second direction. The unit stage has a second guide portion that guides the mesh outer blade in the second direction. The unit has a frame portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion have grooves extending in a second direction in the frame portion of the unit platform. The first guide portion has the first limiting portion. The second guide portion has the second limiting portion. The first limiting part and the second limiting part have fixed side protrusions. The fixed-side protrusion protrudes in a third direction in such a way that it partially covers the groove that serves as the first guide and the second guide. The comb blade holding member and the mesh blade holding member are provided with blade unit side protrusions protruding in the third direction, and The side protrusion of the blade unit is opposite to the fixed side protrusion in the second direction. The force-applying components for the comb blade and the mesh blade are helical springs. When the comb-shaped outer blade is not pressed in the second direction, the force exerted by the comb blade force-applying member maintains the state in which the movement of the comb-shaped outer blade is restricted by the first limiting part. When the outer mesh blade is not pressed in the second direction, the force of the mesh blade force-applying member maintains the state in which the movement of the outer mesh blade is restricted by the second limiting part.

2. The electric shaver according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism has the following features: The first engaging portion is fixed to the comb-shaped outer blade and protrudes upward toward the mesh-shaped outer blade on a third direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction. as well as The second engaging portion is fixed to the mesh outer blade and protrudes from the side facing the comb-shaped outer blade in the third direction. In the second direction, the first engaging portion is positioned on the opposite side of the second direction than the second engaging portion, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage when the mesh outer blade protrudes beyond the comb-shaped outer blade.

3. The electric shaver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The comb-shaped outer blade includes: A rod-shaped base portion extending along the first direction; and An open blade portion in the shape of a cantilever rod protrudes from the base portion in a direction intersecting the first direction.

4. The electric shaver according to claim 3, wherein, The comb-shaped outer blade includes: A plate-shaped mounting portion that extends along the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; and The bent blade section connects the base section and the mounting section. The bent blade portion includes: A protrusion that protrudes from the base portion along a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; The bent portion, which connects to the top end of the protrusion; and A connecting part that connects the bent part and the mounting part.

5. The electric shaver according to claim 4, wherein, The connecting portion tilts upward toward the base portion in the third direction as it moves away from the bending portion in the second direction, and connects the bending portion and the mounting portion.

6. The electric shaver according to claim 4, wherein, In a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the end face of the bent portion is positioned further away from the base portion than the top face of the open blade portion.

7. The electric shaver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, For at least one selected from the group consisting of the comb-shaped outer blades and the mesh-shaped outer blades, it is bent in a manner in which the central portion protrudes more than the two ends in a plane extending along the first direction and the second direction.

8. The electric shaver according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A set of blades comprising two sets of mesh outer blades arranged on both sides of the comb-shaped outer blades in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.

9. A blade unit comprising a comb-shaped outer blade and a mesh-shaped outer blade and mounted on an electric razor, the blade unit having a comb blade unit and a mesh blade unit, the comb blade unit having the comb-shaped outer blade and a comb blade retaining member, the mesh blade unit having the mesh-shaped outer blade and a mesh blade retaining member, wherein, The blade unit includes: The unit stage holds the comb-shaped outer blade and the mesh-shaped outer blade extending along a first direction so that they can move along a second direction that intersects the first direction. A comb-shaped outer blade force-applying component, which applies a force to the comb-shaped outer blade relative to the unit platform in the second direction; A force-applying component for the mesh blades, which applies a force to the outer mesh blades relative to the unit platform in the second direction; as well as The engaging mechanism, when moving the outer mesh blade toward the unit platform by overcoming the force exerted by the force-applying member of the mesh blade, allows the outer comb blade to move without protruding more than the outer mesh blade relative to the unit platform. The unit station has: A first limiting portion restricts the amount of protrusion of the comb-shaped outer blade relative to the unit stage; and The second limiting part restricts the amount of protrusion of the mesh outer blade relative to the unit stage. The second limiting part is configured such that the comb-shaped outer blade limited by the first limiting part does not protrude more than the mesh-shaped outer blade limited by the second limiting part. The unit stage has a first guide portion that guides the comb-shaped outer blades in the second direction. The unit stage has a second guide portion that guides the mesh outer blade in the second direction. The unit has a frame portion. The first guide portion and the second guide portion have grooves extending in a second direction in the frame portion of the unit platform. The first guide portion has the first limiting portion. The second guide portion has the second limiting portion. The first limiting part and the second limiting part have fixed side protrusions. The fixed-side protrusion protrudes in a third direction in such a way that it partially covers the groove that serves as the first guide and the second guide. The comb blade holding member and the mesh blade holding member are provided with blade unit side protrusions protruding in the third direction, and The side protrusion of the blade unit is opposite to the fixed side protrusion in the second direction. The force-applying components for the comb blade and the mesh blade are helical springs. When the comb-shaped outer blade is not pressed in the second direction, the force exerted by the comb blade force-applying member maintains the state in which the movement of the comb-shaped outer blade is restricted by the first limiting part. When the outer mesh blade is not pressed in the second direction, the force of the mesh blade force-applying member maintains the state in which the movement of the outer mesh blade is restricted by the second limiting part.

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