Electric beard trimmer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hair cutter, such as a trimmer, comprising: an elongate handle; a cutter head attached to an end portion of the handle and comprising at least one cutting element; and a comb support structure for supporting the distance comb, in which an adjusting wheel is provided for adjusting the position of the distance comb relative to the at least one cutting element, said adjusting wheel being rotatably supported about an axis of rotation extending transversely to the direction of the position of the adjusting comb, wherein a transmission for converting a rotational movement of the adjustment wheel into an adjustment movement is provided, and wherein the adjustment wheel and / or the transmission are / is configured to provide different transmission ratios for different rotational positions of the adjustment wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the cutting of body hair, such as the stubble of a long-haired beard. More specifically, this invention relates to a hair cutter, such as a trimmer, comprising: an elongated handle; a cutter head attached to an end portion of the handle and including at least one cutting element; and a comb support structure for supporting a spacing comb, wherein an adjusting wheel is provided for adjusting the position of the spacing comb relative to the at least one cutting element, the adjusting wheel being rotatably supported about a rotation axis extending transversely to the position of the adjusting comb, wherein a actuator is provided for converting rotational movement of the adjusting wheel into adjustment movement. Background Technology

[0002] Electric razors and trimmers utilize various mechanisms to provide hair-cutting functionality. Some electric razors include a perforated cutting blade that engages with a bottom cutter that can move relative to it to cut hair that enters the perforations in the cutting blade. This type of blade-cutting razor is typically used daily to provide a clean shave where short, stubble beard stubble is cut close to the skin's surface.

[0003] On the other hand, other cutter systems that include a pair of mating comb-like cutting elements are typically used to cut longer stubble, curly body hair in intimate areas, or more generally, body hair that is too long to be shaved using a shearing metal blade system. This pair of mating comb-like cutting elements has multiple comb-like or rake-like cutting teeth that reciprocate or rotate relative to each other. Depending on the type of driving motion, the teeth of such comb-like or rake-like cutting elements are generally substantially parallel to each other or substantially radially projecting and can cut hair into the gaps between the cutting teeth, where cutting or shearing is achieved in a scissor-like manner as the cutting teeth of the mating elements close the gaps between the finger-like cutting teeth and pass over each other.

[0004] Such cutting systems for longer hair can be integrated into electric razors or trimmers, which may also include the aforementioned shearing metal blade cutters. For example, a comb-like cutting element may be arranged between a pair of shearing metal blade cutters, or at a separate extendable long hair cutter. Alternatively, there are electric razors, trimmers, or styling devices that only include such comb-like cutting elements.

[0005] To keep the cutting element at a certain distance from the skin, a distance comb can be attached to the cutter head. Such a distance comb may include multiple ribs that extend substantially parallel to the preferred or natural direction of movement of the cutter head across the skin. For example, for the aforementioned rake-like cutting element used to cut longer hair in a scissor-like manner, the ribs of the distance comb may be oriented perpendicular to a row of teeth on such a rake-like cutting element. Such a distance comb can be used to control the length of hair remaining on the skin after cutting; for example, a distance comb with ribs defining a skin contact surface 3 mm away from the rake-like cutting element can achieve a hair cut leaving a 3 mm length of hair on the skin. On the other hand, such a distance comb also serves to protect sensitive skin from irritation such as scratches, cuts, or abrasions when the hair cutter is used by less experienced users. For example, such a distance comb is a helpful protector when using a hair cutter to cut hair in intimate areas of the body with very soft and sensitive skin that tends to get caught in the cutting element.

[0006] To avoid changing the distance between the comb's skin contact surface and the cutting element by replacing a specific comb with another, it has been proposed to mount the comb to the cutter head in an adjustable manner to vary the distance between the cutting element and the comb's skin contact surface. Generally, this distance adjustment is achieved by displacing the comb in a direction perpendicular to the skin contact surface defined by the comb's ribs. Depending on the profile of the cutter head and the cutting element, this adjustment direction can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle or at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the handle when the cutting element of the cutter head is tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle. More specifically, when using a hair cutter without such a comb, the cutter head itself, particularly the surface of the shearing metal sheet or rake-like cutting element, or the surface of the surrounding frame, defines the skin contact surface that the hair cutter uses to place on the skin to be shaved or to cut the hair. When a comb is attached, the ribs typically define a skin contact surface substantially parallel to the skin contact surface of the cutter head "itself" without the comb. The aforementioned direction of adjustment is generally perpendicular to the skin contact surface of the comb, as mentioned above, and therefore, can be substantially perpendicular to the skin contact surface of the cutter head in the absence of the comb.

[0007] To control such adjustment movements of the comb, it has been proposed to provide an adjustment ring surrounding the shank at a portion near the neck of the shank adjacent to the cutter head. This ring forms an annular portion of the shank, and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shank or about a rotation axis parallel to the direction of comb adjustment, which may be slightly inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the shank as mentioned above. The rotation of the ring can be converted into adjustment movements of the comb by means of a screw-like actuator structure. For example, the ring may be provided with a circumferential slot having a threaded pitch like a screw, in which a pin connected to the comb or combholder is received; or, alternatively, by means of a cam profile forming part of the ring and a cam follower to be placed on the cam profile and attached to the comb or combholder.

[0008] However, such adjusting rings present some disadvantages in terms of manipulation and control. Specifically, when gripped like a flutist gripping a flute, as is often done during hair cutting when further control is limited, these adjusting rings are difficult to turn during hair cutting. Furthermore, because the adjusting ring requires some friction or resistance to maintain the desired position, it is usually necessary to grip the handle with one hand and adjust the ring with the other to overcome this friction. In addition to these manipulation problems, the adjusting ring often interferes with the support structure used to support the spacer comb. Because the spacer comb is intended to be replaceable, for example, for cleaning or for use with a hair cutter without the comb, the support structure is typically positioned on the outer surface of the cutter head and / or handle, requiring a certain length to provide adjustment range and sufficient rigidity to extend to where the adjusting ring will be desired to be positioned.

[0009] To avoid such problems with adjustment rings having an axis of rotation parallel to the desired direction of the adjustment comb, alternative types of adjustment devices with alternative kinematic mechanisms have been proposed. More specifically, such alternative adjustment devices include an adjustment wheel that is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation extending substantially perpendicular to the desired direction of the adjustment distance comb. This orientation of the adjustment wheel allows the adjustment wheel, and more specifically its rotating knob portion, to be placed on and tangent to the outer contour of the handle, where only one side of the handle is needed for such an adjustment wheel and its rotating knob portion. More specifically, the adjustment wheel can be arranged, for example, on the front side of the handle, where other control elements, such as an on / off switch for turning the motor on and off, or a display for showing information (such as battery state of charge), can be provided. Alternatively, it may also be possible to have such an adjustment wheel on the rear side of the handle. In any case, such an adjustment wheel does not obstruct the entire ring section from rotating around the handle.

[0010] To convert the rotation of the adjusting wheel into the desired adjusting movement of the comb or comb holder (which may be a translational movement along an axis), a drive mechanism, such as a gear that rolls into the adjusting wheel, can be provided. However, it is worth mentioning that, instead of such a gear mechanism, a slider that frictionally rolls into the adjusting wheel can be used, or a bendable drive mechanism (such as a chain or rope) can be used.

[0011] When using such an adjustment wheel with a rotation axis perpendicular to the desired adjustment movement, it is desirable to combine the precision and effectiveness of the adjustment with a sufficient range of capabilities to allow for adequate comb adjustment using the limited rotational movement of the adjustment wheel. For example, users typically do not want to require multiple rotations of the adjustment wheel to move the comb from its closest position to its farthest position. On the other hand, some users desire to adjust the comb position in a very fine manner to be able to choose between a two-day beard style and a three-day beard style. Summary of the Invention

[0012] One object of this invention is to provide an improved hair cutter that allows for easy manipulation and precise control of the comb position adjustment. More specifically, it is desirable to allow for precise control and easy manipulation with only one hand gripping the handle of the hair cutter without the use of a second hand, wherein adjustments should be possible even during hair cutting.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and space-saving design for an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of a comb, so as to avoid interfering with the support structure for slidably supporting the attached distance comb or limiting the design options for the releasable attachment of the distance comb.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to create an improved adjustment mechanism that combines precise and fine control of small adjustments with rapid and efficient use of the entire adjustment range.

[0015] To achieve at least one of the aforementioned objectives, it is proposed to provide an adjustment mechanism with different transmission ratios to allow for fine adjustment with precise control based on a first or small transmission ratio, and on the other hand, to allow for rapid and efficient adjustment over a larger distance based on a second or larger transmission ratio.

[0016] More specifically, the aforementioned adjusting wheel, having a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the desired direction of the adjusting movement, and / or the transmission for converting the rotational movement of the adjusting wheel into adjusting movement, are configured to provide at least two different transmission ratios for different rotational positions of the adjusting wheel. Depending on the rotational position of the adjusting wheel and / or depending on the comb position, the comb position can be adjusted using different transmission ratios.

[0017] More specifically, the adjusting wheel can be configured with a fine-tuning range having a fine gear ratio and a rapid-adjusting range having a large gear ratio greater than the fine gear ratio, thus producing different amounts of adjustment movement when the adjusting wheel is rotated a predetermined rotational distance. More specifically, when the adjusting wheel is rotated a predetermined rotational distance within the aforementioned fine-tuning range, a relatively small adjustment to the comb position is produced, while when the adjusting wheel is rotated the same rotational distance within the rapid-adjusting range, a relatively large adjustment distance to the comb position is produced. While these two adjustment ranges may be sufficient, additional adjustment ranges can be provided, such as an intermediate adjustment range having a gear ratio smaller than the rapid-adjusting range and a gear ratio greater than the fine gear ratio.

[0018] The aforementioned gear ratio can be fixed, constant, or invariant within the associated adjustment range. More specifically, the large gear ratio can be fixed and constant throughout the entire rapid adjustment range of the adjustment wheel, and the fine gear ratio can be fixed and constant throughout the entire fine adjustment range of the adjustment wheel. For example, the fine adjustment range may cover or correspond to approximately 90° of rotation of the adjustment wheel, and / or the rapid adjustment range may cover or correspond to approximately 270° of rotation. Within each of these ranges, the gear ratio can be constant. Maintaining a fixed gear ratio within a certain range of rotation of the adjustment wheel gives the user confidence and control and allows for intuitive use of the adjustment wheel, as opposed to continuously variable gear ratios, which often make the user unsafe because the gear ratio changes every instantaneously.

[0019] To achieve a compact and lightweight adjustment mechanism, the adjustment wheel may include wheel sections with different lever arms relative to the axis of rotation. These wheel sections with different lever arms may be formed in different sectors of the adjustment wheel, positioned one after another in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation, with transition portions disposed between the two sectors. These wheel sections may be arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the adjustment wheel, or, alternatively, in different planes, each of which may be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the adjustment wheel. The actuator may be configured to engage one after another with the two sections depending on the rotational position of the adjustment wheel and therefore, the adjustment position of the comb or comb holder.

[0020] These and other advantages become more apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings and possible examples. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A perspective front view of the handle of a hair cutter, showing the position of an adjustment wheel on the front side of the handle for adjusting its position, with the handle shown as if the cutter head has been removed.

[0022] Figure 2 : Figure 1 A perspective front view of a hair cutter, with the cutter head mounted on the handle.

[0023] Figure 3 : Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective front view of a hair cutter, wherein a distance comb is mounted on the cutter head, and the distance comb is shown in position near the cutting element of the cutter head.

[0024] Figure 4 Similar to Figure 3 A perspective front view of a hair cutter, in which the distance comb is shown as being in comparison to... Figure 3 The location further away from the cutting element,

[0025] Figure 5 Similar to Figure 2 A side view of a hair cutter with a cutter head mounted to a handle, wherein the side view shows the hook portion of the comb holder associated with the support structure for supporting the distance comb.

[0026] Figure 6 Similar to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A side view of a hair cutter, in which a comb is attached to the cutter head, similar to... Figure 3 The comb is shown as being positioned near the cutting element of the cutter head.

[0027] Figure 7 Similar to Figure 6 A side view of a hair cutter, where the distance comb is shown in a position further away from the cutting element, similar to... Figure 4 ,

[0028] Figure 8 : A plan view of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the comb position, wherein the adjustment wheel is shown engaging with a drive mechanism that includes components connected to the comb and Figure 5 The hook portion shown in the image, Figure 9 : A partially enlarged view of an adjusting wheel engaging with a transmission frame having side missing portions forming a geared carriage, wherein the adjusting wheel is shown having two wheel segments with different pitch circle diameters, and the transmission's geared carriage is shown having toothed portions that are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the geared carriage to engage with the adjusting wheel segments having different pitch circle diameters.

[0029] Figure 10 Similar to Figure 9 A partially enlarged view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement transmission, wherein the different sectors of the adjusting wheel are labeled A, B, C, and D.

[0030] Figure 11 Similar to Figure 10 A partially enlarged view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement transmission, in which the geometry of the toothed portion of the transmission's gear carrier is indicated and marked.

[0031] Figure 12 Similar to Figure 10 and Figure 12 A partial enlarged view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement transmission.

[0032] The overlap between the toothed part of the transmission and the teeth of the adjusting wheel is indicated by "a", and the connection between the circumferential profile of the adjusting wheel and the missing part on the opposite side of the transmission frame is indicated by...

[0033] The gap width indicated by "b" is compared.

[0034] Figure 13 : A partially enlarged view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement drive, showing details of the teeth in the transition section between the two adjacent toothed sections of the toothed carrier.

[0035] Figure 14 A view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement transmission within the fine adjustment range.

[0036] Figure 15 : A view of the adjustment wheel of the engagement drive at the transition position between the fine adjustment range and the rapid adjustment range.

[0037] Figure 16 : A view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement drive within the quick adjustment range.

[0038] Figure 17 : A view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement drive at the end position corresponding to the minimum distance from the comb.

[0039] Figure 18 : A view of the adjusting wheel of the engagement drive at the end position corresponding to the maximum distance from the cutting element of the comb cutter head.

[0040] Figure 19 : An exploded perspective view of the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the comb position, illustrating, in addition to the drive frame and adjusting wheel, a latch / holding mechanism for holding the adjusting wheel and drive in the desired set position.

[0041] Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of a hair cutter shows the motor and drive system for driving the cutting elements of the cutter head housed inside the handle, as well as an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the position of the distance comb.

[0042] Figure 21: An enlarged cross-sectional view of the cutter head and a portion of the handle, showing the motor and drive system of the cutter element for the cutter head and the adjustment wheel for adjusting the comb position. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To allow for precise control and easy manipulation even during hair cutting, using only one hand to grip the handle, and to combine precise and fine control of small adjustments with rapid and efficient use of the entire adjustment range, the adjustment mechanism is configured to provide different gear ratios to allow for fine adjustments with precise control based on a first or small gear ratio, and on the other hand, to allow for rapid and efficient adjustments over a greater distance based on a second or larger gear ratio.

[0044] More specifically, the aforementioned adjusting wheel, having a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the desired direction of the adjusting movement, and / or the transmission for converting the rotational movement of the adjusting wheel into adjusting movement, are configured to provide different transmission ratios for different rotational positions of the adjusting wheel. Depending on the rotational position of the adjusting wheel and / or depending on the comb position, the comb position can be adjusted using different transmission ratios.

[0045] More specifically, the adjusting wheel can be configured with a fine-tuning range with a fine transmission ratio and a rapid-adjusting range with a large transmission ratio greater than the fine-tuning ratio, thus producing different amounts of adjustment movement when the adjusting wheel rotates a predetermined rotation distance. More specifically, when the adjusting wheel rotates a predetermined rotation distance within the aforementioned fine-tuning range, a relatively small adjustment to the comb position is produced, while when the adjusting wheel rotates the same rotation distance within the rapid-adjusting range, a relatively large adjustment distance to the comb position is produced.

[0046] When the comb is quite close to the cutting element, a fine adjustment range is particularly helpful for control, while a quick adjustment range is particularly helpful when the comb is further away from the cutting element. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism can be configured to have a fine adjustment range associated with a comb position that is close to or adjacent to the minimum distance between the comb and the cutting element, and on the other hand, a quick adjustment range associated with a comb position that is close to or adjacent to the maximum distance between the comb and the cutting element. More specifically, the comb position controllable under the fine adjustment range can be closer to the cutting element than the comb position controllable under the quick adjustment range.

[0047] The aforementioned gear ratio can be fixed, constant, or invariant within the associated adjustment range. More specifically, the large gear ratio can be fixed and constant throughout the entire rapid adjustment range of the adjustment wheel, and the fine gear ratio can be fixed and constant throughout the entire fine adjustment range of the adjustment wheel. For example, the fine adjustment range may cover or correspond to approximately 90° of rotation of the adjustment wheel, and / or the rapid adjustment range may cover or correspond to approximately 270° of rotation. Within each of these ranges, the gear ratio can be constant. Maintaining a fixed gear ratio within a certain range of rotation of the adjustment wheel gives the user confidence and control and allows for intuitive use of the adjustment wheel, as opposed to continuously variable gear ratios, which often make the user unsafe because the gear ratio changes every instantaneously.

[0048] To achieve a compact and lightweight adjustment mechanism, the adjustment wheel may include wheel segments with different lever arms relative to the axis of rotation. These wheel segments with different lever arms may be formed in different sectors of the adjustment wheel, positioned one after another in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation, with a transition portion disposed between the two sectors. The transition portion forms a stepped section and connects wheel segments with different lever arms or wheel segments with different diameters. The actuator may be configured to engage one after another with the two segments depending on the rotational position of the adjustment wheel and therefore the adjustment position of the comb or comb holder.

[0049] Such wheel sections can be arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation. In other words, the adjusting wheel can have a substantially plate-like or planar shape with sections of different diameters. Sections with larger diameters provide larger lever arms and therefore larger gear ratios, while sections with smaller diameters provide smaller lever arms and therefore smaller gear ratios.

[0050] To allow engagement with such sections of different lever arms of the adjusting wheel, the actuator may be, for example, a resiliently tensioned chain capable of engaging with such sections of different diameters of the adjusting wheel, or a belt guided in a manner that allows engagement with different sections of the adjusting wheel. However, the actuator may also include a toothed frame or friction frame that rolls into engagement with the adjusting wheel, wherein such a toothed frame or friction frame may include sections constructed differently.

[0051] Specifically, the toothed frame may have at least two toothed sections positioned one after another along the longitudinal axis of the toothed frame, wherein the at least two toothed sections are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the adjusting wheel and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothed frame. The toothed section closer to the rotation axis of the adjusting wheel may engage with the smaller diameter section of the adjusting wheel, while the toothed section positioned further away from the rotation axis may engage with the larger diameter section of the wheel. In the case of a friction frame, the frame may have at least two friction profiles offset relative to each other in a corresponding manner, i.e., one friction profile is closer to the rotation axis of the adjusting wheel than the other friction profile.

[0052] However, there are some specific advantages, such as a constant and precise correlation between the position of the adjusting wheel and the desired comb position, because slippage between the adjusting wheel and the drive is prevented. Furthermore, there is no need to tension the adjusting wheel relative to the drive, thus avoiding complex support structures.

[0053] To achieve a smooth transition from adjusting wheel-transmission-engagement providing a large gear ratio to adjusting wheel-transmission-engagement providing a small gear ratio, and vice versa, the toothed portion of the gear carrier may include teeth in the transition section adjacent to the gear carrier, these teeth having a specific configuration that may differ from the configuration of the remaining teeth.

[0054] Specifically, the "last" tooth of the toothed section of the adjusting wheel with a smaller pitch circle diameter—that is, the tooth of the transition section immediately adjacent to the frame—may have an increased tooth height compared to the other teeth of that toothed section. This increased tooth height ensures engagement with the adjusting wheel until another toothed section of the frame engages with the section of the adjusting wheel that provides a larger pitch circle diameter. In other words, engagement is ensured when the toothed frame transition section between two toothed sections of the frame faces the transition section of the adjusting wheel between different lever arms and sections with different pitch circle diameters.

[0055] As a supplement to or alternative to this increased height of the "last" tooth of the low-ratio belt tooth section, the "last" tooth of the high-ratio belt tooth section of the gear carrier may have a beveled tooth tip, which differs from the tooth tips of the other teeth in the high-ratio belt tooth section. Specifically, the teeth of the transition section adjacent to the gear carrier may have a bevel on the tooth side facing the transition section, so as to allow the teeth of the large-diameter section of the adjusting wheel adjacent to the transition section to safely enter the recess of the high-ratio belt tooth section of the gear carrier directly adjacent to the transition section.

[0056] The actuator may include an actuator frame that may include a pair of side legs positioned on opposite sides of the adjusting wheel, wherein the pair of side legs may be connected to each other by means of at least one transverse frame element. Such an actuator frame helps maintain engagement between the actuator and the adjusting wheel without requiring complex supports for the adjusting wheel and the actuator, or the use of highly rigid and hard materials. Specifically, one of the side legs may be roll-engaged with the adjusting wheel, and more specifically, may include the aforementioned toothed portion forming a toothed frame that engages with the toothed portion of the adjusting wheel.

[0057] Another side leg of the transmission frame may form a guide element or guide profile that is spaced substantially constant from the adjusting wheel as the transmission moves relative to the adjusting wheel, to prevent lateral movement of the transmission frame to the adjusting movement and to maintain rolling engagement of the other or toothed side leg with the adjusting wheel. A small clearance is provided to avoid friction, wherein such clearance may be very small, for example less than 1 mm or less than 0.5 mm, to prevent any significant lateral movement of the other side leg away from the adjusting wheel.

[0058] More specifically, the gap may have a smaller engagement depth or overlapping gap width than the toothed portions of the toothed frame and adjusting wheel that engage with each other. Therefore, because such a gap width is smaller than the tooth overlap, constant and reliable engagement is ensured even when the adjusting wheel and / or the transmission exhibit tolerances or the support for the components allows for some clearance, because the adjusting wheel is locked or constrained in the lateral direction within the space between its two side legs of the transmission frame. On one side, the engaging toothed portion constrains lateral movement, and on the other side, the other side leg of the transmission frame and the circumferentially facing section of the adjusting wheel constrain lateral movement to the opposite side.

[0059] Specifically, the guide profile on the other side leg may have a curved profile, or may form a curved trajectory that follows the circumferential profile of the adjusting wheel with different diameters and different cross sections as the adjusting wheel rotates.

[0060] To achieve precise control and avoid backlash, the adjustment system may consist of only two elements that form a drive system that transmits driving force and driving action from the adjustment wheel to the distance comb or comb holder, wherein the two elements are the adjustment wheel and the transmission.

[0061] However, the adjustment mechanism may include additional elements, such as a latching mechanism for holding the adjustment wheel in multiple desired positions. However, the torque applied to the adjustment wheel by the user's fingers is directly converted into comb displacement using only the aforementioned two elements.

[0062] Furthermore, the comb holder, which can be fixedly or releasably attached to the comb, can be integrally formed with the actuator as a single piece. For example, the comb holder may include two protruding arms that are fixedly attached to the aforementioned actuator frame and, for example, protrude from its two side legs.

[0063] As from Figures 1 to 4 As can be seen, the cutter head 3 can be attached to the handle 2 of the razor and / or trimmer 1. More specifically, the razor and / or trimmer 1 may include an elongated handle 2 that houses electronic and / or electric components, such as a control unit 32, an electric or magnetic drive motor 31, and a transmission system 33 for transmitting the driving action of the motor to the cutter head 3 of the cutter system 19, which may be positioned at one end of the elongated handle 2, see [reference needed]. Figure 20 and Figure 21 .

[0064] The elongated handle 2 can be straight, or it can have a swan-neck-shaped, slightly curved, or angled upper end portion 2U, in which the drive motor 31 can be housed, or the cutter head 3 can be supported at the upper end portion, which can be curved at an acute angle relative to the lower gripping portion 2L into a crank shape. See [reference needed] Figures 5 to 7 as well as Figure 20 More specifically, on the one hand, the drive motor 31 and the control unit 32 for supplying power to the drive motor 31 and / or the battery / accumulator 32B can be arranged at an angle relative to each other in the swan-neck-shaped stem portions 2U and 2L, see [reference]. Figure 20 Alternatively, the elongated handle may be wider rather than longer.

[0065] A cutter system 19, which may include a pair of mating cutter blades 4 and 5, may be the sole cutter system for the cutter head 3, such as... Figure 2 The example shown is an example of this. On the other hand, the cutter system 19 can be incorporated into a trimmer head 3 having other cutter systems (such as a sheet metal cutter), wherein, for example, the cutter system 19 having at least one row of 20 mating cutting teeth can be positioned along the edge portion of the sheet metal cutter.

[0066] The row of 20 cutting teeth can reciprocate relative to each other along a linear path to achieve a cutting action by closing the gaps between the teeth and passing over each other. Alternatively, the cutter system 3 may also include cutting teeth arranged in a circle and / or radially. Such rotary cutting elements may have substantially radially projecting cutting teeth, wherein the cutting elements can be driven to rotate and / or oscillate relative to each other. When rotating and / or oscillating, cyclically closing and reopening the gaps between adjacent teeth and passing over each other like scissors, the cutting action is substantially similar to that of a reciprocating cutting element, such as radially extending teeth.

[0067] When using a hair cutter 1 without protection or a spacer comb 6, the outer / upper cutting elements of the cutting elements 4 and 5 themselves can define a skin contact surface 14 at the forward end portion of the cutter head 3, see [link to cutter head 3]. Figure 2 and Figure 5 .

[0068] On the other hand, when the spacing comb 6 is attached to the cutter head 3, it is not the upper / outer cutting element itself but rather this type of spacing comb 6 that defines the skin contact surface 14 of the cutter system, see [link to documentation]. Figure 3 and Figure 6 More specifically, the surface of the comb 6 facing away from the handle 2 or facing away from the cutting elements 4, 5 may define the skin contact surface 14, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 and Figure 7 .

[0069] As from Figure 3 and Figure 4 The comparison also includes Figure 6 and Figure 7 It can be seen that the distance comb 6 is variable in its position relative to the cutter head 3. More specifically, the distance comb 6 can be displaced in an adjustment direction 10 that is substantially perpendicular to the aforementioned skin contact surface 14, wherein such adjustment direction 10 is slightly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis 34 of the handle 2.

[0070] More specifically, the orientation 10 of the comb 6 can be adjusted to be substantially parallel to a portion of the swan-neck-shaped longitudinal axis 34, and the swan-neck-shaped upper portion of the handle 2 extends along this swan-neck-shaped longitudinal axis, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 20 Regardless of the swan-neck configuration of the handle 2, the adjustment direction 10 can be substantially parallel to the motor axis of the drive motor 31, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 20 .

[0071] This adjustability of the distance comb 6 allows for variation in the distance between the skin contact surface 14 defined by the distance comb 6 and the cutting elements 4, 5 of the cutter head 3.

[0072] The comb 6 may include multiple ribs 35, between which hair to be cut can be inserted to reach the cutting elements 4, 5. The length of the uncut hair can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the skin contact surface 14 defined by the comb 6 and the cutting elements 4, 5.

[0073] As from Figure 6 and Figure 7 as well as Figure 20As can be seen in the cross-sectional view, the distance comb 6 can be formed into a cover or cap that can be placed on the cutter head 3, wherein the comb 6 may include a supporting skirt 36 and surround the upper end portion of the handle 2, wherein such supporting skirt may have a semi-shell shape, see [reference]. Figure 6 .

[0074] The handle 2 may include a sliding support structure for slidably supporting the comb 6 to allow its translational displacement in the aforementioned adjustment direction 10. More specifically, the outer surface of the handle 2 may include a guide rail or guide slot 37, in which the support protrusions from the comb 6 may be slidably received, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 .

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to provide guide slots in the comb 6, particularly in the skirt-shaped portion 36, and to have support protrusions on the outer surface of the handle 2. However, to improve maneuverability when using the hair cutter 1 without the comb 6, it is preferable to provide guide slots 37 in the handle 2.

[0076] Specifically, multiple such guide slots 37 may be provided at the handle 2, wherein such guide slots may be arranged parallel to each other and distributed in the circumferential direction and spaced apart from each other. Specifically, a pair of guide slots 37 may be provided on opposite sides of the handle 2, see [reference needed]. Figure 5 .

[0077] like Figure 5 and Figure 19 As indicated, the drive element 38 may be associated with the aforementioned support structure for slidably supporting the distance comb 6, wherein such drive element 38 may engage with or be fixed to the distance comb 6. For example, a drive pin or hook may be provided that engages with a corresponding recess in the distance comb 6.

[0078] like Figure 5 As indicated, such a drive element 38 may include a drive protrusion that is slidably received in or protrudes from the aforementioned guide slot 37, wherein the drive element 38 may engage with a corresponding portion of the skirt-shaped portion 36 of the distance comb 6.

[0079] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the drive element 38 can move up and down along the guide slot 37, which causes the distance comb 6 to move up and down so that the distance comb 6 is different from the cutting elements 4 and 5.

[0080] Figure 6 The distance comb 6 is shown at the position of minimum distance from cutting elements 4 and 5, while Figure 7 The position of the comb 6 is shown at the maximum distance from the cutting elements 4 and 5.

[0081] In order to adjust the position of the distance comb 6, the aforementioned drive element 38 forms part of the adjustment mechanism 39, which includes an adjustment wheel 8 positioned on the outer surface of the handle 2, particularly in the area near the cutter head 3, wherein such adjustment wheel 8 can be oriented in a plane substantially tangent to the outer surface of the handle 2.

[0082] More specifically, the adjustment wheel 8 is rotatably supported on the handle 2 about a rotation axis 9 that extends from the portion on which the adjustment wheel 8 is mounted, which is perpendicular to the aforementioned adjustment direction 10 and / or substantially parallel to the skin contact surface 14 and / or substantially perpendicular to the outer surface of the handle 2.

[0083] Specifically, the adjustment wheel 8 can be positioned on the front side of the handle 2, which may be provided with other control elements or operating elements, such as an on / off switch 40 and / or a display 41 that can indicate relevant hair cutter information to the user (e.g., battery load status).

[0084] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the adjusting wheel 8 can be positioned on the side of the handle 2 opposite to the skirt-shaped portion 36 of the comb 6.

[0085] This skirt-like portion 36 serves a dual function: on one hand, it supports the distance comb 6 in a slidable manner as described. Additionally, it is a useful indicator of the comb's position. Specifically, since the skirt-like portion 36 is located on the opposite side of the adjusting wheel 8, it is easily visible to the user, and therefore, the comb 6 moves as the adjusting wheel 8 rotates. The user will then see the comb position more precisely on the printed scale of the comb wheel.

[0086] Alternatively, the wheel 8 and all the mechanical parts required to adjust the comb to the desired distance position relative to the cutter (and thus, for example, the drive mechanism) may be part of the adjustable distance comb itself rather than part of the handle.

[0087] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the handle can be connected to different cutter heads 3, and different combs can be attached to the handle with the connected cutter heads. Alternatively, the cutter head 3 can be integral and therefore not replaceable with the connected handle, and only the comb attachment can be replaceable. In both variations, the adjustable distance comb shown in the figure can be replaced with other distance combs, such as fixed combs or special combs, such as sensitive area combs.

[0088] As from Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 19As can be seen, the adjusting wheel 8 can be rigidly connected to the control knob 30 or integrally formed with the control knob 30, wherein the control knob 30 is actually positioned on the outer surface of the handle 2. The adjusting wheel 8, which engages with the transmission 11, can be positioned inside the handle 2, see [reference needed]. Figure 20 and Figure 21 The handle 2 may include a recessed portion in which a control knob 30 may be received or at least partially recessed. The bottom wall of the recessed portion may include a through-hole through which an adjusting wheel 8 may be inserted for positioning within the handle 2. See [reference needed]. Figure 21 .

[0089] The transmission 11 driven by the adjusting wheel 8 includes a toothed frame 16 that rolls into contact with the outer circumference of the adjusting wheel 8. More specifically, the toothed frame 16 includes toothed portions 17 and 18 that mesh with toothed portions 15 on the outer circumference of the adjusting wheel 8. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 .

[0090] When the adjusting wheel 8 rotates, the rotational movement is converted into the sliding movement of the toothed frame 16 due to the meshing or rolling engagement of the toothed portion 15 of the adjusting wheel with the toothed portions 17 and 18 of the toothed frame 16.

[0091] The toothed frame 16 is slidably supported, for example, on the inside of the handle 2 or on a support frame structure received inside the handle 2. For example, a motor 31 may be mounted on a support frame, which may also support the toothed frame 16.

[0092] The toothed frame 16 may be part of a transmission frame 23 including two side legs 24 and 25 connected to each other via transverse connectors 26 and 27. Therefore, such a transmission frame 23 is provided with a central recess 23R in which the adjusting wheel 8 is received. See [reference needed]. Figure 8 and Figure 9 .

[0093] The transmission frame 23 is slidably supported to translate along the adjustment direction 10, wherein such translation is the only degree of freedom of the transmission frame 23.

[0094] like Figure 8 As illustrated, the transmission frame 23 may also include the aforementioned drive elements 38, which can engage the skirt-like portion 36 of the distance comb 6. For example, the drive element 28 may be a hook or pin supported on the resilient support arm 43 to allow the drive element 38 to automatically engage or latch with the distance comb 6 when the distance comb 6 is attached to the upper portion of the cutter head 3 and / or the handle 2, such that the support portion of the skirt-like portion 36 enters into the guide slot 37 where the hook on the support arm 43 is positioned.

[0095] like Figure 8 and Figure 19 As illustrated, rotation of the adjusting wheel 8 can be prevented by means of a stop 44. Such a stop 44 may include a slider that is slidably supported in the radial direction of the axis of rotation 9 of the adjusting wheel 8. For example, the control knob 30 may have a toothed structure 45 provided along its circumferential surface. When the stop 44 moves against the control knob 28 and / or against the adjusting wheel 8, the stop engages with such a toothed structure 45, thus preventing rotation. On the other hand, when the slider or the stop 44 is removed from the adjusting wheel 8, the toothed structure 45 disengages from the stop 44, and therefore, rotation of the adjusting wheel 8 becomes possible.

[0096] As a complement to or alternative to such a stop 44, a stop or holding mechanism 46 is provided for holding the attached wheel 8 in various desired rotational positions. For example, such a holding or stop mechanism 45 may include a biased latch 46 that is pushed to a latched position by means of a spring 47, in which the latch 46 engages the complementary profile of the adjusting wheel 8. Preferably, the bias of the latch 46 is configured such that applying a sufficiently high torque to the control knob 30 overcomes the stop or holding force of the holding mechanism 45.

[0097] The adjusting mechanism 39 is configured to provide two different transmission ratios. More specifically, the adjusting wheel 8 and the transmission 11 are configured to cooperate such that, at different rotational positions of the adjusting wheel 8, the rotational movement of the adjusting wheel 8 is converted into the sliding of the transmission 11 based on the larger or smaller transmission ratio.

[0098] like Figures 8 to 18 As shown, the adjusting wheel 8 may include wheel segments 8L, 8S having different lever arms relative to the axis of rotation 9, wherein such wheel segments 8L, 8S with different lever arms may be formed in different sectors of the adjusting wheel 8, which are positioned one after another in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation 9, wherein a transition portion 8t is disposed between the two sectors.

[0099] The transition section 8t forms a stepped section and connects wheel sections 8L, 8s or wheel sections with different diameters to different lever arms.

[0100] The transmission 11 can be configured to engage one after another with the two sections 8L, 8S, depending on the rotational position of the adjusting wheel 8 and therefore the adjustment position of the comb or comb seat.

[0101] Figures 14 to 18 This illustrates such engagement of the different sections 8L, 8S of the transmission 11 and the adjusting wheel 8, wherein Figure 15 It shows from such Figure 14 The engagement transition of the small lever arm section 8S of the exemplified adjusting wheel is as follows: Figure 16 and Figure 18 A further example illustrates the engagement of the large lever arm section 8L.

[0102] Figure 17 and Figure 18 The position of the rotating end of the adjusting wheel 8 is shown, which corresponds to the comb position at the minimum distance from the cutting elements 4 and 5 (see [reference]). Figure 17 ) and the comb position at the maximum distance from cutting elements 4 and 5 (see Figure 18 ).

[0103] The wheel sections 8L, 8t, and 8S of the adjusting wheel 8 are arranged in a common plane perpendicular to the wheel's axis of rotation 9. In other words, the adjusting wheel 8 may have a substantially plate-like or planar shape with sections of different diameters. The section 8L with the larger diameter provides a larger lever arm and therefore a larger gear ratio, while the section 8S with the smaller diameter provides a smaller lever arm and therefore a smaller gear ratio.

[0104] In order to allow engagement of such sections 8L, 8S with different lever arms of the adjusting wheel 8, the transmission 11 includes a toothed frame 16 that rolls and meshes with the adjusting wheel 8, wherein such toothed frame 16 includes sections 11L, 11t and 11S that are constructed differently.

[0105] Specifically, the toothed frame may have at least two toothed sections 17, 18 positioned one after another in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the toothed frame 16, wherein the at least two toothed sections 17, 18 are offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 9 of the adjusting wheel 8 and / or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the toothed frame 16.

[0106] The toothed section 18, which is closer to the rotation axis 9 of the adjusting wheel 8, can engage with the smaller diameter section 8S of the adjusting wheel, see [reference]. Figure 13 and Figure 14 The toothed section 17, located further away from the axis of rotation 9, can engage with the larger diameter section 8L of the wheel, see [reference needed]. Figure 16 and Figure 18 .

[0107] In order to achieve a smooth transition from a large transmission ratio to a small transmission ratio, and vice versa, the toothed portions 17 and 18 of the gear carrier 16 may include teeth adjacent to the transition section 11t of the gear carrier 16, which have a specific configuration that may be different from the configuration of the remaining teeth.

[0108] Specifically, the "last" tooth of the section 8S of the engagement adjustment wheel with toothed portion 18, that is, the tooth of the transition section 11t immediately adjacent to the frame, may have an increased tooth height 49 compared to the other teeth of the toothed section 18. See [reference needed]. Figure 13Due to this increased tooth height 49, engagement with the adjusting wheel 8 is ensured until another toothed section 17 of the carrier 16 engages with the section 8L of the adjusting wheel that provides a larger pitch circle diameter. In other words, engagement is ensured during the transition from one gear ratio to another, i.e., when the transition section 11t of the toothed carrier between the two toothed sections 17, 18 of the carrier 16 faces the transition section 8t of the adjusting wheel 8 between the different lever arms and different pitch circle diameter sections 8L, 8S of the wheel. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown.

[0109] As a supplement to or alternative to this increased height 49 of the "last" tooth of the low-ratio belt tooth section 18, the "last" tooth of the high-ratio belt tooth section 17 of the gear carrier 16 may have a tooth tip with a chamfer 48, which differs from the tooth tips of the other teeth of the high-ratio belt tooth section. See [reference needed]. Figure 13 .

[0110] Specifically, the teeth of the transition section 11t adjacent to the gear carrier 16 may have a bevel 48 on the tooth side facing the transition section 11t, so as to allow the teeth of the large-diameter section 8L of the adjusting wheel adjacent to the transition section 8t to safely enter the recess of the high-ratio geared section 17 directly adjacent to the transition section 11t of the gear carrier. See [reference needed] Figure 13 .

[0111] As mentioned, the transmission 11 may include a transmission frame 23, which includes a pair of side legs 24, 25 positioned on opposite sides of the adjusting wheel 8, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 The pair of side legs 24, 25 are connected to each other by means of transverse frame elements 26, 27. This type of transmission frame 23 helps maintain engagement between the transmission 11 and the adjusting wheel 8 without requiring complex supports for the adjusting wheel 8 and the transmission 11, or the use of highly rigid and hard materials. For example, the adjusting wheel 8 and the transmission 11 can be made of plastic.

[0112] Specifically, one of the side support legs 24 includes the aforementioned toothed portions 17 and 18, and the other side support leg 25 of the transmission frame 23 moves relative to the adjusting wheel 8 in the transmission 11 (see...). Figures 14 to 18 When a guide element or guide profile 48 is formed with a substantially constant gap 50 between itself and the adjusting wheel 8, see [reference]. Figure 12 This is to prevent the transmission frame 23 from moving laterally to the adjusting movement 10 and to maintain the rolling engagement of the other or toothed side support leg 24 with the adjusting wheel 8. A small clearance 50 is provided to avoid friction, wherein such clearance 50 can be very small, for example less than 1 mm or less than 0.5 mm, to prevent any significant lateral movement of the other side support leg away from the adjusting wheel.

[0113] More specifically, the gap may have an engagement depth “a” or an overlapping gap width “b” smaller than the engagement depth of the corresponding toothed portions 17, 18 and 15 of the toothed frame 16 and the adjusting wheel 8 that engage with each other, see [reference] Figure 12 .

[0114] Therefore, since the gap width “b” is smaller than the tooth overlap “a”, a constant and reliable engagement can be ensured even when the adjusting wheel 8 and / or the transmission 11 exhibit tolerances or the support of the elements allows for some clearance, because the adjusting wheel 8 is locked or constrained in the lateral direction in the space between its two side legs 24, 25 of the transmission frame.

[0115] Specifically, the guide profile 48 on the other side support leg 25 may have a curved profile, or may form a curved trajectory following the circumferential profile of the adjusting wheel 8 with different diameters and cross-sections as the adjusting wheel 8 rotates, see [reference]. Figures 8 to 18 The different sections of the guide profile 48 directly facing the circumference of the adjusting wheel 8 are shown in contrast to each other, in which the gap width “b” remains substantially constant despite the diameter step of the adjusting wheel 8.

[0116] As from Figures 9 to 11 As can be seen, the side support leg 24 that rolls into engagement with the adjusting wheel 8 includes at least two engagement portions, which may include toothed portions 17, 18 that extend parallel to each other in a stepped manner and are offset relative to each other in a direction transverse to the rotation axis 9 of the adjusting wheel 8. Another side support leg 25 forming a guide profile 48 is opposite to each of the at least two engagement portions or toothed portions 17, 18, wherein the guide profile 48 may have a curved guide profile section opposite to the stepped transition portion between the at least two engagement portions or toothed portions 17, 18 in a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the transmission 11, wherein the two side support legs 24, 25 of the transmission frame 23 define a central transmission frame recess 23R that accommodates the adjusting wheel 8, which fits tightly between the two side support legs 24, 25 in all adjustment positions of the transmission 11, as seen in combination. Figures 9 to 11 .

[0117] Furthermore, the side legs 24, 25 may include support profiles 23S for slidably supporting the transmission frame 23 at the handle 2 and / or at a motor support structure received in the handle 2, wherein the support profiles 23S are parallel to each other and parallel to the direction 10 for adjusting the comb position. The support profiles may be arranged outside the guide profile 48 and the toothed portions 17, 18, see [reference needed]. Figure 8 .

[0118] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and the range surrounding its functional equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0119] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0120] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described by way of example, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair cutter, such as a trimmer, said hair cutter comprising: Long handle (2); The hair cutter includes a cutter head (3) attached to the end portion of the handle (2) and comprising at least one cutting element (4, 5); and a comb support structure (7) for supporting a distance comb (6), wherein an adjustment wheel (8) is provided for adjusting the position of the distance comb (6) relative to the at least one cutting element (4, 5), the adjustment wheel (8) being rotatably supported about a rotation axis (9) extending transversely to the position of the adjustment comb (10), wherein a transmission (11) is provided for converting rotational movement of the adjustment wheel (8) into adjustment movement, the hair cutter being characterized in that the adjustment wheel (8) and / or the transmission (11) are configured to provide different transmission ratios for different rotational positions of the adjustment wheel (8).

2. The hair cutter according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjusting wheel (8) is provided with a fine-tuning range having a fixed, invariable fine transmission ratio and a fast-tuning range having a fixed, invariable large transmission ratio greater than the fixed fine transmission ratio, so that rotating the adjusting wheel (8) within the fine-tuning range by a predetermined rotational distance produces a smaller adjustment of the comb position than rotating the adjusting wheel (8) within the fast-tuning range by the same rotational distance, wherein the fine-tuning range is associated with a first range of comb positions and the fast-tuning range is associated with a second range of comb positions, wherein the first range of comb positions provides a comb position closer to the at least one cutting element than the second range of comb positions.

3. The hair cutter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting wheel (8) and the transmission (11) are separate from the distance comb (6) and disposed at and / or supported by the handle (2), wherein the adjusting wheel (8) includes a manual operation portion or control knob (30) positioned on the outer side of the handle (2) for manual adjustment of the distance comb (6) and an engagement portion or toothed portion (15) in the interior of the handle (2) for engagement with the transmission (11) positioned in the interior of the handle (2).

4. The hair cutter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting wheel (8) comprises wheel segments (8L, 8S) of different lever arms relative to the axis of rotation (9) of the adjusting wheel (8), each of the wheel segments (8L, 8S) being configured to engage with the transmission (11).

5. The hair cutter according to the preceding claims, wherein the wheel segments (8L, 8S) of different lever arms form different sectors of the adjusting wheel (8), the sectors being positioned one after another in a common plane and in a circumferential direction around the axis of rotation (9), wherein the transition portion (8t) of the adjusting wheel (8) is disposed between each pair of adjacent sectors.

6. The hair cutter according to any one of the preceding two claims, wherein each wheel segment (8L, 8S) of the adjusting wheel (8) provides a constant lever arm.

7. The hair cutter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive (11) is slidably supported along a drive axis (12) parallel to the direction (10) for adjusting the comb position and / or tangent to the circumferential direction of the adjusting wheel (8), wherein the drive (11) is provided with drive sections (11L, 11S) positioned one after another along the drive axis (12), wherein transition sections (11t) are provided between the drive sections (11L, 11S), wherein the drive sections (11L, 11S) have engagement profiles (13L, 13S) for rolling engagement with the adjusting wheel (8), the engagement profiles (13L, 13S) being spaced apart from each other from the axis of rotation (9) of the adjusting wheel (8) and / or having different heights relative to the drive axis (12).

8. The hair cutter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting wheel (8) is provided with toothed portions (14, 15) defining different pitch circle diameters, including a large pitch circle diameter and a small pitch circle diameter, each of the toothed portions (14, 15) being capable of engaging with the transmission (11) to provide different transmission ratios.

9. The hair cutter according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuator (11) includes a gear (16) having toothed portions (17, 18) offset relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gear (16).

10. The hair cutter according to the preceding claim in conjunction with claim 7, wherein at least one of the toothed portions (17, 18) includes transition teeth (21t, 22t) adjacent to the transition section (11t) of the actuator (11), the transition teeth (21t, 22t) having a different profile from the other teeth (21, 22) of the at least one toothed portion (17, 18), the different profile including different tooth heights (21h) and / or tooth tip bevels (22b).

11. The hair cutter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (11) comprises an actuator frame (23) including a pair of side legs (24, 25) connected to each other by at least one lateral connector (26, 27), the side legs (24, 25) being arranged on opposite sides of the adjusting wheel (8), wherein when the actuator (11) moves relative to the adjusting wheel (8), one of the side legs (24) rolls into engagement with the adjusting wheel (8), and the other side leg (25) forms a guide profile (48) spaced from the adjusting wheel (8) by a constant gap (50) to prevent the actuator frame (23) from moving laterally to the adjusting movement and to maintain the roll engagement of the side leg (24) with the adjusting wheel (8).

12. The hair cutter according to the preceding claim, wherein the guide profile forms a curved trajectory of the circumferential profile having different diameters in different sections following the adjustment wheel (8).

13. The hair cutter according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the side leg (24) rollingly engaging with the adjusting wheel (8) comprises at least two engaging portions or toothed portions (17, 18), the at least two engaging portions or toothed portions extending parallel to each other and offset relative to each other in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation (9) of the adjusting wheel (8), and wherein the other side leg (25) forming the guide profile (48) engages with the at least two engaging portions or toothed portions (17, 18). In contrast to each engagement portion or toothed portion, the guide profile (48) has a curved guide profile section opposite to the stepped transition portion between the at least two engagement portions or toothed portions (17, 18), wherein the two side legs (24, 25) of the transmission frame define a central transmission frame recess (23R), the central transmission frame recess accommodating the adjustment wheel (8) between the two side legs (24, 25) in all adjustment positions of the transmission (11).

14. The hair cutter according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein the side legs (24, 25) include support profiles (23S) for slidably supporting the drive frame (23) at the handle (2) and / or at a motor support structure received in the handle (2), the support profiles (23S) being parallel to each other and parallel to the direction (10) for adjusting the comb position.

15. The hair cutter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting wheel (8) and the transmission (11) together form a drive system (29) for driving the comb holder (28), wherein the distance comb (6) is permanently or releasably fixed to the comb holder, wherein the drive system consists of two components formed by the adjusting wheel (8) and the transmission (11).

16. The hair cutter according to the preceding claim, wherein the comb seat (28) and the transmission (11) are integrally formed as one piece.

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