Magnetically driven cutting set for electric hair clippers, electric hair clipper and method for driving such a cutting set

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting set for electric hair clippers, comprising a first stationary cutting blade and a second cutting blade; and a driving element arranged on the second cutting blade, wherein the second cutting blade is movable in a lateral direction of movement relative to the stationary cutting blade. The cutting set is further developed in that the driving element is configured to be set in motion without contact, so that the second cutting blade executes a movement. Furthermore, the invention relates to an electric hair clipper and a method for driving a cutting set for electric hair clippers.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting set for electric hair clippers and an electric hair clipper with a magnetic drive as well as a method for magnetically driving a cutting set. State of the art

[0002] Hair clippers have long provided a way to trim hair, such as head hair, beard hair, or even pet hair, to a generally uniform length. Such devices can be used both professionally and by home users. They offer a quick and often inexpensive way to replace a visit to the hairdresser, for example, and regularly trim beard hair to a uniform length. They also make work easier for employees in hair salons.

[0003] A typical hair clipper comprises a cutting unit with a fixed comb and a shearing blade resting on top of it, which is attached to a main body. The comb and blade essentially have a comb-like structure, one above the other, into which the hair to be cut can pass. Through an oscillating lateral movement of the shearing blade relative to the comb, the hair caught in the gaps is cut by the cutting unit.

[0004] Since the cutting set is a wearing part and the blades become blunt over time, the cutting set is usually detachably connected to the main body so that it can be replaced with a new one when needed. The drive for generating the oscillating movement of the shearing blade remains functional for an extended period of time and is therefore not easily replaceable, located in the main body. DC motors, BLDC motors, oscillating armature motors, pivot motors, and linear motors are used for the drive. These generate an oscillating movement, which is then mechanically transmitted, for example, via a slider, an eccentric disc, or a driver, to the cutting set attached to the main body.

[0005] All of the drives mentioned generate a mechanical movement that must be transmitted to the cutting set. This has the disadvantage that they require elements such as bearings and guides as well as axles and levers, which are also subject to wear. Some of the drives also require a spring that holds the drive and the cutting set in a rest position when switched off. This spring also has a limited service life and will fail at some point. Another disadvantage is that the mechanical transmission of movement from the main body to the cutting set makes sealing the housing of the main body more difficult. This makes it easier for dirt and moisture to penetrate the housing, or complex sealing measures are necessary to prevent ingress and damage to the device.

[0006] It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a cutting set and an electric hair clipper which are improved with regard to the problems mentioned. Description of the invention

[0007] The task is therefore to provide a cutting set that delivers reliable cutting performance while still being as wear-resistant as possible.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by a cutting set for electric hair clippers, comprising a first stationary cutting blade and a second cutting blade; and a driving element arranged on the second cutting blade, wherein the second cutting blade is movable in a lateral direction of movement relative to the stationary cutting blade. The cutting set is further developed in that the driving element is configured to be set in motion without contact, so that the second cutting blade executes a movement.

[0009] Since the carrier element can be set in motion without contact, this means no mechanical transmission of the movement is necessary. Corresponding components on the drive unit are therefore no longer required and therefore cannot wear out.

[0010] The stationary cutting blade is stationary with respect to the main body of the hair clipper, while the movable cutting blade moves laterally relative to the stationary blade. In this context, lateral movement means that the two cutting blades move relative to one another in such a way that a cutting movement of the typically comb-like blades is carried out. The movement can in particular take place essentially parallel to a front edge of the blade areas of the cutting blades. Such a movement can also be carried out in a back and forth movement with alternating directions of movement. In particular, such a back and forth movement can be carried out repeatedly or in an oscillating manner, so that hair in the comb area of ​​the cutting blades is also cut in an oscillating, almost continuous manner.To perform such a movement along a defined path, the second cutting blade can be guided by one or more guide elements of the cutting set, such as a guide rail. The movement can also be limited by stops in both directions to restrict the lateral movement of the cutting blade to a specific range.

[0011] In the context of this application, a hair clipper does not only mean devices for cutting head hair, but also trimmers, beard trimmers and clippers which are also suitable for shortening all types of hair of human or animal origin, as long as the cutting is carried out by a pair of cutting blades through a lateral movement relative to each other.

[0012] In a further development, the driving element can be configured to be set in motion by a magnetic force. A magnetic field allows a force to be exerted without contact and can also be quickly built up and reversed. Thus, it is also suitable for exerting a force that can cause the oscillating movement of a cutting blade of an electric hair clipper. The applied force can be either an attractive or a repulsive force, depending on how the force resulting from the magnetic field is intended to effect the desired movement of the driving element or the second cutting blade.

[0013] The driving element can preferably comprise one magnet. Particularly preferably, the driving element can contain two magnets. Furthermore, the driving element can comprise additional magnets. The one or more magnets can be made of a magnetized material, e.g., as a permanent magnet. This allows the force to be applied to the driving element without the need for an electrical supply to the cutting set.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the cutting set, the two poles of the magnet(s) can be arranged in a lateral alignment or perpendicular thereto. A lateral alignment means that the two poles essentially form a line that runs parallel to the direction of movement of the second cutting blade relative to the first cutting blade. The driving element can also be arranged centrally in the cutting set along this direction. The driving element can also be arranged off-center. The features regarding the alignment of the magnet(s) as well as the position of the driving element provide freedom in the design of the cutting set with regard to the magnetic field that may be present.

[0015] Advantageously, the cutting set can comprise a spring element designed to hold the second cutting blade in a rest position. This spring element prevents the movable second cutting blade from moving unnecessarily when no magnetic field is applied to the drive element. A comparable spring element can also be found in oscillating armature drives, together with which the spring element is installed in a main body of an electric hair clipper. Such a spring element has only a limited service life and fails at some point. Because the spring element is installed in the cutting set according to this embodiment, this wearing part is also accessible for simplified replacement, together with the cutting set.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by an electric hair clipper with a cutting set as described above. It further comprises a drive unit configured to generate an oscillating movement of the second cutting blade. The hair clipper is further developed in that the drive unit is configured to set the second cutting blade of the cutting set in motion without contact.

[0017] Such a hair clipper does not rely on mechanically transmitting the movement generated by the drive unit to the cutting set. This reduces the need for mechanical components, such as bearings, guides, axles, or levers, which are subject to wear. The cutting set can be placed, slid on, clipped on, screwed onto, or otherwise attached to the electric hair clipper.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of a hair clipper according to the invention, the drive unit can be configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field. In particular, the drive unit can have a coil configured to generate the oscillating magnetic field. Such a drive unit requires no mechanical movement at all, so no wearing parts need to be provided to generate or transmit mechanical movement within the drive unit. All drive-related elements subject to mechanical wear are then located in the cutting set, which is designed for replacement at regular intervals anyway.

[0019] The drive unit of such a hair clipper can preferably have a second coil, and the drive unit can be configured to generate the oscillating magnetic field by switching the first and / or second coil on, off, and / or on. Furthermore, it is possible for the drive unit to have three or more coils, which can also be switched on, off, and / or on. During operation of this drive unit, it is possible for no, one, two, or more coils to be activated simultaneously if this is advantageous for the generated magnetic field and the resulting movement of the second cutting blade. The coil or coils can also be energized individually or together in a reverse direction to generate a reversed magnetic field. Likewise, individual coils of a plurality of coils can also be switched off.By using two, three or more coils, more specific magnetic fields can be generated, which are particularly suitable for causing the desired movement of the second cutting blade.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the drive unit can be arranged entirely within a main body of the hair clipper. The main body is the part of the hair clipper that is not formed by the cutting set. Completely accommodating the contactless drive unit within the main body without any (drive) elements protruding to the outside greatly simplifies the sealing of the main body. Unlike conventional drives in the prior art, it is not necessary to pass elements for mechanically transmitting movement to the second cutting blade through the wall of the main body. An improved sealing effect makes such a hair clipper more secure against the ingress of liquid, so that the device can be washed off or used in the shower, for example. Dust, dirt, or hair residue are also less likely to penetrate the device.

[0021] In a further embodiment, one or both coils of the drive unit can be arranged outside the magnets of the cutting set. This means that the magnets are not overrun during the movement they perform. In such a case, the magnetic field of a coil exerts a relatively constant force on the magnets across the entire range of movement of the magnets. Regarding further advantages of the various embodiments of an electric hair clipper according to the invention, reference is made to the above-mentioned discussion regarding the cutting set.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the object is achieved by a method for driving a cutting set according to one of the embodiments presented above, the method comprising the following steps: 1) applying a first magnetic field which is designed to exert a first force on the driving element, 2) maintaining the magnetic field until the driving element has reached a first position moving in a first direction, 3) applying a second magnetic field which is designed to exert a second force on the driving element, 4) maintaining the second magnetic field until the driving element has reached a second position moving in a second direction, 5) repeating steps 1) to 4), the second force being substantially opposite to the first force, so that the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0023] Following this process, the second cutting blade repeatedly moves through the first and second positions, resulting in an oscillating motion suitable for driving the cutting blades of an electric hair clipper. The applied forces can again be attractive and / or repulsive magnetic forces, as required.

[0024] The method can be further developed by generating the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field using the same coil, which is electrically supplied in opposite directions. In one case, the magnetic field will attract the carrier element; with the opposite electrical supply, the carrier element would be repelled accordingly.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the method, the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field can be generated by a first coil and a second coil. By switching one or both of the coils on, off, and / or on, two different magnetic fields are generated, which exert an opposing force on the carrier element. Furthermore, a third or a plurality of coils can also be provided. These coils can also be used to generate a third magnetic field or a plurality of further magnetic fields, for example, by combined switching on, off, and / or on. Short description of the characters Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b each show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cutting set according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a main body of an electric hair clipper according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a method according to the invention for driving a cutting set; Fig. 4 shows a cutting set with schematic construction; Fig. 5 shows a schematic construction of a drive unit for the cutting set from Fig. 4; and Fig. 6 shows the cutting set from Fig. 4 and the drive unit in Fig. 5 in combination. Description of the preferred embodiments

[0026] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to some illustrations of exemplary embodiments. These schematic and not-to-scale illustrations are intended merely to illustrate the invention without limiting the scope of the following claims.

[0027] Fig. schematically shows an exemplary cutting set 1a according to the invention. This comprises a first stationary cutting blade 2 and a second cutting blade 3, wherein the first cutting blade 2 in the illustrated example comprises a first cutting blade 4 and the second cutting blade 3 comprises a second cutting blade 5.

[0028] In the present example, the first cutting blade 4 and the second cutting blade 5 are designed as a fixed shearing comb with a shearing blade resting thereon. The shearing comb and blade are essentially positioned one above the other and are each designed as a comb-like structure, allowing the hair to be cut to reach the gaps between them. However, the invention is not limited to such a combination of shearing blade and shearing comb.

[0029] Both the first cutting blade 4 and the second cutting blade 5 are designed to be movable relative to one another in a lateral direction of movement (indicated by the arrow BR). The second cutting blade 3 is designed to be movable relative to the first cutting blade 2. For this purpose, the first and second cutting blades 2, 3 are typically arranged in a cutting set carrier. In addition, guide plates, stops, or other guide elements can be provided, for example, to guide a movement of the second cutting blade 3 along the lateral direction of movement BR relative to the first cutting blade 2 and to limit its deflection in this direction. Carrier and guide elements have been omitted from the schematic representations to improve clarity.

[0030] A driving element 6 is arranged on the second cutting blade 3. The driving element is designed to absorb a force and transmit it to the second cutting blade 3 in order to set it in motion. The force can be applied to the driving element 6 in alternating directions, so that the second cutting blade 3 moves in alternating directions, for example, oscillating in the lateral direction of movement BR relative to the stationary cutting blade 2. Along this lateral direction of movement, the driving element 6 can be arranged centrally in the cutting set 1a, for example, as shown. However, it is also conceivable for the driving element 6 to be arranged off-center in the cutting set 1a.

[0031] In the illustrated cutting set 1a, the driving element 6 is configured to be set in motion without contact, in particular by means of a magnetic force. For this purpose, a magnet 7a is arranged on the driving element 6. The magnet 7a can be designed as a permanent magnet and have a magnetic north pole and a magnetic south pole. In the illustrated case, the poles of the magnet 7a are arranged in a lateral alignment, so that the two poles essentially form a line that runs parallel to the lateral movement direction BR of the second cutting blade 3 relative to the first stationary cutting blade 2.

[0032] The cutting set 1a shown also has a spring element 8. This is designed to hold the second cutting blade 3 in a rest position. This rest position can be centrally located with respect to the cutting set 1a or offset laterally, for example at a stop in the lateral direction of movement BR. The spring element 8 shown is a spiral spring. However, this is only intended as an example, as any other form of spring element can be used instead. This spring element 8 can prevent the movable second cutting blade 3 from moving unnecessarily when no force is applied to the driving element 6. In addition, the spring serves as a stop limiter and stores energy which is subsequently released again when the direction is reversed.

[0033] Fig. shows another cutting set 1b. This is essentially identical to cutting set 1a. Both cutting sets differ in the number and arrangement of magnets on the driving element 6. In this example, two magnets 7 are shown, which are arranged essentially perpendicular to the direction of movement BR. Both magnets can be aligned in the same direction or with opposite pole arrangements. In addition to the arrangements of the magnets 7a, 7b in illustrations 1a, 1b, further embodiments are conceivable. For example, more than two magnets can be arranged on the driving element. The two or more magnets can be positioned parallel, in series, opposite each other, perpendicular or at an angle to each other so that an applied magnetic field optimally exerts a force on the driving element. In all embodiments of the invention, the magnetic force can act both by attraction and by repulsion.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a main body 11 of an electric hair clipper. The main body has a contact surface 12 onto which a cutting set, e.g., one of the cutting sets 1a, 1b, can be placed, slid onto, clipped onto, screwed onto, or otherwise secured to the main body 11.

[0035] A drive unit 13 is arranged in the main body 11. The drive unit 13 is designed to drive a cutting set, e.g. cutting set 1a or 1b, without contact. For this purpose, the drive unit 13 shown comprises a controller 14 and two coils 15. The coils 15 can each generate a magnetic field 16 when they are supplied with an electric current by the controller 14. Two coils 15 are shown, which are arranged perpendicular to the contact surface 12 and generate an opposing magnetic field 16. Other configurations are also conceivable at this point. For example, a single, three, or a plurality of coils can be installed. These can each be arranged perpendicular to the contact surface 12, as shown, or parallel or positioned at an angle to it. The arrangement can be symmetrical with respect to a central axis of the main body 11 or asymmetrical.The coils 15 can be arranged such that they are located outside the magnets 7 of the cutting set 1 as soon as the latter is arranged on the contact surface 12 as intended.

[0036] The magnetic field 16 generated by the coils 15 can be counter-rotating, as shown. Alternatively, the coils can also generate a parallel field. The drive unit 13 can be configured to switch the one or more coils 15 on, off, or toggle between them in order to generate an alternating magnetic field 15, which exerts an alternating force on the driving element 6 of the cutting set 1. In particular, an oscillating force can be generated in order to generate an oscillating relative movement of the two cutting blades 2, 3 to one another in order to perform a continuous cutting movement. It is conceivable that individual ones of the multiple coils 15 are activated successively or simultaneously.Likewise, the controller 14 can be configured to apply electric current to one or more of the coils 15 in alternating directions or at different or alternating strengths in order to generate a magnetic field 16 which is particularly suitable for driving the cutting set 1.

[0037] As shown, the drive unit 13 can be located entirely within the main body 11. Since the power transmission to the cutting set 1 is contactless, no passages through the wall of the main body 11 are necessary to mechanically transmit force. This significantly simplifies the sealing of the main body 11 against the ingress of moisture, dirt, hair residue, or similar foreign matter, allowing the device to be better designed, for example, to be washable or even suitable for use under running water.

[0038] Further illustrated Fig. 3 a method 20 for driving a cutting set, for example a cutting set 1a, 1b as shown above.

[0039] The method comprises, in step 21, the application of a first magnetic field which is configured to exert a first force on the driving element. This field is maintained in step 22 until the driving element has reached a first position by moving in a first direction. Step 23 comprises the application of a second magnetic field which is configured to exert a second force on the driving element. In the following step 24, the second magnetic field is maintained until the driving element reaches a second position by moving in a second direction. Steps 21 to 24 can subsequently be repeated. Within the method, the second force is substantially opposite to the first force, so that the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0040] This method thus results in the second cutting blade repeatedly moving over the first and second positions. This repeated movement can, in particular, be oscillating, making it suitable for driving a cutting set of an electric hair clipper. The applied forces can again be attractive and / or repulsive magnetic forces, as required.

[0041] The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field generated in steps 21 and 23, respectively, can be generated, for example, by the same coil or a combination of the same coils, which are electrically supplied in opposite directions. The field reverses accordingly, and a previously attractive magnetic force then acts repulsively on the carrier element, or vice versa.

[0042] The first magnetic field and the second magnetic field can also be generated in steps 21 and 23 by a first coil and a second coil, respectively. These fields could then each generate a repulsive or attractive magnetic field. The first and / or second magnetic field can also be generated by a combination of several coils.

[0043] In the Fig. 4-6 show schematic designs of a cutting set 1 with a driving element 6 and a drive unit 13, by means of which the driving element 6 is moved. In Fig. Figure 4 shows the cutting set 1 with stationary and movable cutting blades 2, 3. The cutting blades 2, 3 with the blades 4, 5 are attached to a frame 18. On the movable cutting blade 3, the drive element 6 is formed in the form of a block on which two magnets 7 are provided, arranged side by side here.

[0044] In Fig. 5 shows a drive unit 13 attached to a frame 20. The frame 20 and the frame 18 are connected to each other via a mechanism (not shown), so that the cutting set 1 is fixedly attached to the drive unit 13. The drive unit 13 here has a coil 15 that applies a magnetic force to the driving element 6, thus moving it contactlessly, so that the relative lateral movement BR of the cutting blades is generated.

[0045] In Fig. Figure 6 shows the cutting set 1 and the drive unit in an assembled state. The coil sits above the magnet 7, which rests flat on the drive element 6. The frame 20 sits in the frame 18 of the cutting set, or the cutting set is placed on the frame. List of reference symbols 1 cutting set 2 stationary cutting knives 3 second cutting blade 4 first cutting blade 5 second cutting blade 6 Driving element 7 Magnet 8 spring element BR direction of movement 10 hair clippers 11 Main body 12 Contact surface 13 Drive unit 14 Control 15 coil 16 magnetic field 18 frame 20 frames

Claims

[1] Cutting set for electric hair clippers, comprising a first stationary cutting blade (2) and a second cutting blade (3); and a driving element (6) which is arranged on the second cutting blade (3), wherein the second cutting blade (3) is movable in a lateral direction of movement (BR) relative to the stationary cutting blade (2) characterized by , that the driving element (6) is designed to be set in motion without contact, so that the second cutting blade (3) executes a movement. [2] Cutting set according to claim 1, wherein the driving element (6) is designed to be set in motion by means of a magnetic force. [3] Cutting set according to claim 2, wherein the driving element (6) comprises a magnet (7). [4] Cutting set according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the driving element (6) comprises two magnets (7). [5] Cutting set according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, wherein the two poles of the magnet(s) (7) are arranged in a lateral orientation or perpendicular thereto. [6] Cutting set according to one of the preceding claims, in which the driving element (6) is arranged centrally in the cutting set in the lateral direction. [7] Cutting set according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting set comprises a spring element (8) which is designed to hold the second cutting blade (3) in a rest position. [8] An electric hair clipper with a cutting set according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drive unit (13) which is designed to generate an oscillating movement of the second cutting blade (3) characterized by , that the drive unit (13) is designed to move the second cutting blade (3) of the cutting set without contact. [9] Hair clipper according to claim 8, wherein the drive unit (13) is arranged to generate an oscillating magnetic field. [10] Hair clipper according to claim 9, wherein the drive unit (13) comprises a coil (15) adapted to generate the oscillating magnetic field. [11] Hair clipper according to claim 10, wherein the drive unit (13) has a second coil (15) and the drive unit (13) is configured to generate the oscillating magnetic field by switching the first and / or second coil on, off and / or on. [12] Hair clipper according to one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the drive unit (13) is arranged entirely within a main body (11) of the hair clipper. [13] Hair clipper according to one of claims 10 to 11, wherein one or both coils (15) of the drive unit (13) are arranged outside the magnets (7) of the cutting set. [14] A method for driving a cutting set according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: a) applying a first magnetic field which is designed to exert a first force on the driving element, b) maintaining the magnetic field until the carrier element has reached a first position moving in a first direction, c) applying a second magnetic field which is designed to exert a second force on the driving element, d) maintaining the second magnetic field until the carrier element moves in a second direction and reaches a second position, e) repeating steps a) to d), wherein the second force is substantially opposite to the first force such that the first direction is opposite to the second direction. [15] The method of claim 14, wherein the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are generated by the same coil which is electrically supplied oppositely thereto or the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field are generated by a first coil and a second coil.

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