Electric cutter for hair-like body

Abstract

To provide an electric cutter razor for a hair-like body having both a mode having good sharpness and a mode in which sharpness is not deteriorated while suppressing damage.SOLUTION: An electric cutter 1 for a hair-like body according to the present invention includes an inner blade 42 capable of rotating forward and backward, the inner blade 42 has a plurality of small blades 42A in which a first blade edge 42a is formed on a forward rotation side and a second blade edge 42b is formed on a backward rotation side, the electric cutter further includes switching means, by switching a rotation direction of the inner blade 42, for switching between a first mode in which the hair-like body X is cut by the first blade edge 42a and a second mode in which the hair-like body X is cut by the second blade edge 42b, and rotation speed of the inner blade 42 in the second mode is set to be higher than the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 in the first mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric hair cutter. [Background technology]

[0002] In this application, the term "hair-like body" refers to a hair-like object, and specific examples include human hair, beard, animal hair, and lint on clothing.

[0003] As an example, an electric hair cutter (specifically, an "electric razor") is known that has an outer cutter with multiple hair entry ports and an inner cutter that rotates while sliding against the inner surface of the outer cutter, and cuts hairs (specifically, whiskers) that enter the hair entry ports (see Patent Document 1: JP 2007-135991 A).

[0004] Another example is an electric hair cutter (specifically, an "electric lint remover") that has an outer cutter with multiple hair entry ports and an inner cutter that rotates while sliding against the inner surface of the outer cutter, and cuts hairs (specifically, whiskers) that enter the hair entry ports (see Patent Document 2: JP 2015-224396 A). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-135991 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-224396 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-223315 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The electric cutters for hairy bodies exemplified in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can cut hairy bodies sharply, but there have been cases where the inner blade has damaged the "base" of the hairy body (for example, "skin" if the hairy body is beard or hair, or "clothing fabric" if the hairy body is a fluffball). Therefore, the inventor developed an electric cutter for hairy bodies that is equipped with an inner blade that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and that has a sharp mode and a mode that can reduce damage to the base (see Patent Document 3: JP 2015-223315 A).

[0007] The inventors also conducted further research into a configuration that can improve sharpness while suppressing damage to the base. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In other words, the present invention aims to provide an electric cutter for hair-like bodies that has a mode in which the inner blade is rotated in the forward direction to emphasize improved sharpness, and a mode in which the inner blade is rotated in the reverse direction to emphasize reducing damage to the base while improving sharpness to a degree that is not significantly inferior to that of forward rotation.

[0009] In one embodiment, an electric cutter for hair-like bodies is provided with a blade unit having an outer cutter with multiple hair-like body inlets formed therein and an inner cutter that rotates while sliding against the inner surface of the outer cutter, wherein the inner cutter has multiple small blades and is rotatable in both forward and reverse directions, and the small blades have a first cutting edge formed at the tip of the upper end in the forward rotation direction that can cut hair-like bodies that have entered the hair-like body inlet, and a second cutting edge formed at the tip of the upper end in the reverse rotation direction that can cut hair-like bodies that have entered the hair-like body inlet, and the cutter further comprises a switching means for switching between a first mode in which the hair-like bodies are cut with the first cutting edge and a second mode in which the hair-like bodies are cut with the second cutting edge by switching the rotation direction of the inner cutter, and the rotation speed of the inner cutter in the second mode is set to be faster than the rotation speed of the inner cutter in the first mode.

[0010] This makes it possible to realize an electric cutter for hair-like bodies that, during forward rotation (first mode), enables cutting with an emphasis on improving sharpness, and, during reverse rotation (second mode), enables cutting with sharpness that is not significantly inferior to that of the first cutting edge, while emphasizing the suppression of damage to the base.

[0011] It is also preferable that the cutter blade is formed so that the rake angle β of the first cutting edge is relatively small and the rake angle γ of the second cutting edge is relatively large.

[0012] It is also preferable that the cutter blade is formed so that the rake angle β of the first cutting edge is an acute angle, and the rake angle γ of the second cutting edge is an obtuse angle.

[0013] It is also preferable that the rotation speed of the inner cutter in the second mode is set to be 1.2 to 1.8 times the rotation speed of the inner cutter in the first mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, an electric cutter for hair-like bodies can be realized that has an inner blade that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and that has a sharp cutting mode and a mode that can reduce damage to the base without significantly reducing sharpness. Therefore, with just one type of inner blade, cutting that is suitable for the user's preference and the condition of the hair and base can be achieved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic view (perspective view) showing an example of an electric cutter for hair-like bodies according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram (exploded perspective view) showing an example of a head portion of the electric hair cutter shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view (perspective view) showing an example of an inner blade of the electric cutter for hair-like bodies shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a small blade of the inner cutter shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram mainly showing the control unit of the electric hair cutter shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic view (perspective view) showing another example of the inner blade of the electric cutter for hair-like bodies shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a small blade of the inner cutter shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view (perspective view) showing an example of an electric cutter for hair-like bodies according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram (exploded perspective view) showing an example of an electric cutter for the hair-like body shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic view (perspective view) showing an example of an inner blade of the electric cutter for hair-like bodies shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a small blade of the inner cutter shown in FIG. 8, and FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. 11A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As an electric cutter 1 (1A) for hair-like bodies according to this embodiment, an "electric razor" in which the hair-like bodies to be cut are "beards" will be taken as an example.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram (perspective view) showing an example of an electric hair cutter 1 (1A) according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram (exploded perspective view) showing an example of a head part 3 of the electric hair cutter 1 (1A). In all the drawings for explaining the embodiment, components having the same functions are given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations may be omitted.

[0018] 1 and 2, the electric cutter 1 (1A) for hair-like bodies according to this embodiment has an outer cutter 22 with many hair-like body inlets 22c formed therethrough, and an inner cutter 42 that rotates while sliding against the inner surface 22b of the outer cutter 22, and is configured to cut hair-like bodies X that have entered the hair-like body inlets 22c with the outer cutter 22 and the inner cutter 42. Note that, although an electric cutter for hair-like bodies having three sets of blade units 6 each comprising an outer cutter 22 and an inner cutter 42 will be described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0019] 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a main body, which is provided with a substantially cylindrical case 10. On the front of this case 10 is provided a switch 16 for turning the power on and off and for switching the use mode.

[0020] Meanwhile, the case 10 houses a motor 60 that rotates the inner blade 42, a battery that supplies power to the motor 60, and a control unit 50 that controls the rotation of the motor 60 (an example block diagram is shown in FIG. 5). As an example, the control unit 50 is provided with a switching circuit 52 that switches the polarity of the motor 60, and a signal output unit (e.g., an IC chip such as a microcomputer) 54 that outputs a signal to the switching circuit 52 to switch the polarity of the motor 60.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , the head unit 3 includes a head case 32 connected to and held on the upper part of the case 10 of the main body 2, a cutter frame 30 fitted over the head case 32, a drive mechanism (not shown) housed in the inner bottom of the head case 32, and three cutter units 6 held by the cutter frame 30 so as to be slightly movable up and down and swingable. Each cutter unit 6 includes a substantially disk-shaped outer cutter 22 and an inner cutter 42 that rotates while sliding against the inner surface 22b of the outer cutter 22. The three cutter units 6 are arranged to form a triangle in a plan view. As described above, this embodiment is an example in which three cutter units 6 are provided, but the basic configuration can be considered similar even in cases where there are other than three cutter units.

[0022] Here, the outer cutter 22 is formed with hair entry openings (e.g., multiple radial slits) 22c penetrating in the axial direction (i.e., the same direction as the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the inner cutter 42), and the inner cutter 42 cuts the hairs X that enter the hair entry openings 22c (note that the hair entry openings 22c may have a configuration other than slits). That is, the upper surface (outer surface) 22a of the outer cutter 22 serves as a hair contact surface that contacts the bases of the hairs, and the hair entry openings 22c open on the upper surface 22a. For example, the upper surface 22a is formed as an annular flat surface. The outer cutter 22 has a circumferential edge that is bent downward, and an outer cutter ring 24 is fitted around this circumferential edge. A stopper ring 26 is fitted around the inner periphery of the outer cutter ring 24 to secure the outer cutter 22 to the outer cutter ring 24.

[0023] On the other hand, the inner cutter 42 is fixed to an inner cutter holder 44, and a recess is formed in the lower part of this inner cutter holder 44 into which the upper end of the inner cutter drive shaft (not shown) connected to the output shaft of the motor 60 is fitted. The inner cutter 42 is held swingably toward the outer cutter 22 by an inner cutter receiver 46 fitted into the outer cutter ring 24, and these together form three independent cutter units 6.

[0024] By assembling the blade unit 6 with the above configuration, the inner blade 42 (small blade 42A described later) comes into contact with the outer blade 22 (inner surface 22b described later). In this state, by rotating the inner blade 42, the hairs X that have entered the hair entrance 22c can be cut by the cutting edge of the inner blade 42 (small blade 42A) (details will be described later).

[0025] A characteristic feature of this embodiment is that the inner blade 42 is rotatable in both the forward and reverse directions. Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the inner blade 42 using a switching means, it is possible to switch between a first mode in which the hair-like body X is cut with the cutting edge on the tip side in the forward rotation direction (first cutting edge 42a described below) and a second mode in which the hair-like body X is cut with the cutting edge on the tip side in the reverse rotation direction (second cutting edge 42b described below).

[0026] The switching means according to this embodiment includes a switch 16 and a control unit 50. For example, a signal corresponding to the switching operation (operation position) of the switch 16 is sent to the switching circuit 52 directly or via a signal output unit 54, and the switching circuit 52 switches the polarity of the motor 60, thereby switching the rotation direction of the inner blade 42.

[0027] More specifically, an electrical contact is provided between the switch 16 and the control unit 50, and a signal is output to the switching circuit 52 directly or via the signal output unit 54 by switching the switch 16, and the power supply (energized / non-energized) from the battery to the motor 60 and the polarity of the motor 60 are switched in accordance with the signal. By switching the polarity of the motor 60, the rotation direction of the rotating shaft (not shown) of the motor 60, which serves as the output shaft, is switched between a forward rotation direction (one direction) and a reverse rotation direction (the other direction). Note that, as an example, the rotation speed of the rotating shaft of the motor 60 is set to be the same in the forward rotation and the reverse rotation. However, different rotation speeds may also be set.

[0028] Switch 16 is an operation switch for turning the power on and off and switching between usage modes. As an example, a push-button switch can be used. For example, when switch 16 is pushed once, the power is turned on and the device operates in a first mode (described in detail later), when pushed again (twice in total), the device operates in a second mode (described in detail later), and when pushed again (three times in total), the power is turned off, the device stops operating, and the device returns to its initial state. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Instead of a push-button switch, a slide switch or the like (not shown) may be used.

[0029] Next, an example of the inner blade 42 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the inner blade 42. Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the small blade 42A of the inner blade 42, and Figure 4B is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 4A. In each figure, the rotation direction of the inner blade 42 is indicated by arrow F, indicating the forward rotation direction, and arrow R, indicating the reverse rotation direction.

[0030] 3, the inner blade 42 according to this embodiment is configured with a plurality of small blades 42A, each of which is formed by raising a portion of a metal plate relative to a plate surface 42B (for simplicity of illustration, only some of the small blades 42A are labeled with reference numerals). As an example, the small blades 42A are raised so that the angle α of the front side of the metal plate relative to the plate surface 42B in the direction of rotation (raising angle) is an acute angle.

[0031] In this embodiment, the inner blade 42 is formed as an integral structure using a stainless steel metal plate, which is stamped and bent by a press working. In this way, the inner blade 42 can be formed with a simple structure and fewer steps, which reduces parts costs and assembly costs. However, the inner blade 42 is not limited to an integral structure.

[0032] As an example, the cutter blade 42A according to this embodiment has a generally rectangular cross section with one side measuring approximately 1 mm and the other side measuring approximately 0.5 mm, and is formed with a length L1 of approximately 3 mm. However, the cutter blade 42A is not limited to this size and shape. Note that a shorter length L1 can improve the rigidity of the cutter blade 42A and prevent bending and vibration during operation, resulting in a sharper cut.

[0033] In addition, the small blade 42A has a first cutting edge 42a formed at the tip side of the upper end in the forward rotation direction, which can cut the hair-like body X that has entered the hair-like body entrance 22c, and a second cutting edge 42b formed at the tip side of the upper end in the reverse rotation direction, which can cut the hair-like body X that has entered the hair-like body entrance 22c.

[0034] More specifically, in the cutter blade 42A, the upper edge defined by the surface (hereinafter referred to as the "first end surface") 42d on the tip side in the forward rotation direction and the upper end surface 42c constitutes the first cutting edge 42a that cuts the hairs X in the forward rotation direction. On the other hand, the upper edge defined by the surface (hereinafter referred to as the "second end surface") 42e on the tip side in the reverse rotation direction and the upper end surface 42c constitutes the second cutting edge 42b that cuts the hairs X in the reverse rotation direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cutter blade 42A has an upper end surface 42c connecting the first cutting edge 42a and the second cutting edge 42b, which is in sliding contact with the inner surface 22b of the outer cutter 22. The angle (rake angle) of the first cutting edge 42a of the cutter blade 42A is defined as angle β (β1), and the angle (rake angle) of the second cutting edge 42b is defined as angle γ (γ1). In this embodiment, the angle β (β1) is relatively smaller than the angle γ (γ1), and the angle γ (γ1) is relatively larger than the angle β (β1), thereby realizing a cutter blade 42A having two different angles (rake angles). As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the extremely simplified structure of the cutter blade 42A allows it to be formed in fewer steps than conventional cutter blades.

[0036] With this configuration, when the inner cutter 42 is rotated in the forward direction (in the F direction), the first cutting edge 42a of the small blade 42A can cut the hairs X that have entered the hair entry opening 22c of the outer cutter 22. That is, the hairs X can be cut with a cutting edge (here, the first cutting edge 42a) that has a relatively sharp rake angle. This improves the cutting performance. However, because of the sharp rake angle, damage to the base of the hairs increases. This mode in which the inner cutter 42 is rotated in the forward direction and the first cutting edge 42a of the small blade 42A cuts the hairs X, i.e., this mode emphasizes improved cutting performance, and is referred to as the "first mode."

[0037] On the other hand, if the inner cutter 42 is rotated in the reverse direction (in the R direction), the second cutting edge 42b of the small blade 42A can cut the hairs X that have entered the hair entrance 22c of the outer cutter 22. That is, the hairs X can be cut with a cutting edge (here, the second cutting edge 42b) that has a relatively dull rake angle. Therefore, damage to the base of the hairs is relatively small. However, because the rake angle is dull, the cutting performance is relatively poor. This mode in which the inner cutter 42 is rotated in the reverse direction and the hairs X are cut with the second cutting edge 42b of the small blade 42A, i.e., the mode that emphasizes suppressing damage to the base, is referred to as the "second mode."

[0038] Here, the inventors have conducted extensive research into the specific angle settings of the inner cutter 42 (cutter blade 42A) and have confirmed that using an inner cutter 42 having cutter blades 42A with angle α formed in a range of 35°≦α<90°, angle β (β1) formed in a range of 35°≦β1<90°, and angle γ (γ1) formed in a range of 90°<γ1≦145° can improve sharpness during forward rotation and reduce damage to the base during reverse rotation. Note that angle α may be set to 90° or more.

[0039] More preferably, it has been confirmed that the above-mentioned effects can be obtained even more significantly by using an inner cutter 42 having a small blade 42A in which the angle α is formed so that 60°≦α<90°, the angle β (β1) is formed so that 60°≦β1<90°, and the angle γ (γ1) is formed so that 90°<γ1≦120°.

[0040] Next, other examples of the inner blade 42 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the inner blade 42. Figure 7A is an enlarged view of the small blade 42A of the inner blade 42, and Figure 7B is an enlarged view of part B in Figure 7A. Note that the basic configuration is similar to the inner blade 42 shown in Figures 3 and 4, so differences will be mainly described.

[0041] The inner blade 42 according to this example has a recess 42f carved out from the upper end surface 42c to the lower end in the second end surface 42e. The upper edge defined by this recess 42f and the upper end surface 42c becomes the second cutting edge 42b. Therefore, by making the recess 42f large (deep) in the circumferential direction, the area of ​​the upper end surface 42c can be reduced, thereby reducing sliding resistance.

[0042] Here, the shape of the recess 42f is not particularly limited, and for example, the recess 42f may be formed into a curved shape as a whole as in the examples shown in Figures 7A and 7B, or may have a shape (not shown) consisting of a plurality of flat surfaces and curved surfaces connecting them. The method for forming the recess 42f is also not particularly limited, and the recess 42f can be formed by various processing methods such as press processing, cutting (grinding) processing, electrical discharge processing, and ECM (electrochemical machining).

[0043] In the inner cutter 42 according to this example, the angle β (β1) is relatively smaller than the angle γ (γ1), and the angle γ (γ1) is relatively larger than the angle β (β1). For example, the angle β (β1) is 35°≦β1<60°, and the angle γ (γ1) is 60°≦γ1<90°. In this embodiment, the recess 42f allows the rake angle γ (γ1) of the second cutting edge 42b to be acute even when the angle α of the cutter blade 42A is acute. Therefore, this second cutting edge 42b provides sharper cutting performance than the second cutting edge 42b shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. By appropriately configuring the shape of the recess 42f, the rake angle γ (γ1) of the second cutting edge 42b can be set to any angle.

[0044] Next, the setting of the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 will be described.

[0045] First, as a premise, the cutting edge (first cutting edge 42a) during forward rotation (first mode) is set to further enhance the sharpness of the hair-like bodies X. Based on this, when using the inner blade 42 configured with the angles α, β, and γ set as described above, it has been confirmed that it is preferable to set the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 in the second mode to be faster than the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 in the first mode.

[0046] Specifically, it was confirmed that when the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 during reverse rotation (second mode) exceeds 1.2 times the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 during forward rotation (first mode), the sharpness of the hairs X during reverse rotation does not become significantly inferior to that in the first mode. On the other hand, it was confirmed that when the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 during reverse rotation (second mode) exceeds 1.8 times the rotation speed of the inner blade 42 during forward rotation (first mode), damage to the base during reverse rotation cannot be significantly reduced compared to that in the first mode.

[0047] Therefore, it is preferable that the rotation speed of the inner blades 42 in the second mode be set to be 1.2 to 1.8 times faster than the rotation speed of the inner blades 42 in the first mode.

[0048] As a modified example, the rotation speed may be set in a plurality of stages in both or either of the first and second modes.

[0049] Furthermore, as another mode, when a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing the switch 16 a predetermined number of times) is performed, the control unit 50 may control the signal output unit 54 to output to the switching circuit 52 a signal that causes the inner blade 42 to rotate in the forward direction and a signal that causes the inner blade 42 to rotate in the reverse direction, alternately at predetermined time intervals. This enables a usage mode ("third mode") in which the "first mode" and the "second mode" are automatically switched and repeated at predetermined time intervals. Therefore, it is possible to realize a usage method in which the hairs X are raised in a lying state in the "second mode" and then cut deeply in the "first mode."

[0050] In addition to the above-mentioned effects, when used in the "first mode," the second cutting edge 42b, which is the rear end in the rotation direction, is dragged against the inner surface 22b of the outer cutter 22, thereby sharpening the second cutting edge 42b (tip portion). Therefore, if used in the "second mode" after the "first mode," the effect of further improving the sharpness of the hair-like bodies X by the second cutting edge 42b can be obtained.

[0051] Similarly, when used in the "second mode," the first cutting edge 42a, which is the rear end in the rotational direction, is dragged against the inner surface 22b of the outer cutter 22, thereby sharpening the first cutting edge 42a (tip portion). Therefore, if the shaver is used in the "first mode" after the "second mode," the sharpness of the hairs X due to the first cutting edge 42a is further improved.

[0052] (Second embodiment) Next, an electric hair cutter 1 (1B) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0053] As an example of the electric cutter 1 (1B) for hairy bodies according to this embodiment, an "electric fluff ball remover" for cutting hairy bodies that are "hair balls" will be given.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram (perspective view) showing an example of an electric cutter 1(1B) for hair-like bodies according to this embodiment. Also, Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram (exploded perspective view) showing an example of an electric cutter 1(1B) for hair-like bodies.

[0055] The electric hair cutter 1 (1B) has a main body (main body case) that is U-shaped or J-shaped when viewed from the side. The electric hair cutter 1 (1B) has, on the main body side, a handle 111, a neck 112, a head 113 (blade) that mainly cuts hairballs, and a dust container 114 that collects scraps such as cut hairballs.

[0056] The handle 111 is formed so that the hair-like electric cutter 1 (1B) can be easily gripped when in use. The hair-like electric cutter 1 (1B) has a battery (not shown) inside the handle 111 as a driving power source. The hair-like electric cutter 1 (1B) also has a cover 121 on one end side of the handle 111. The battery may be either a dry cell battery or a rechargeable battery.

[0057] A neck portion 112 is provided on the other end side of the handle portion 111. The electric hair cutter 1 (1B) has a switch 122 on the outside of the neck portion 112, and a motor, a control unit, etc. (not shown) inside the neck portion 112.

[0058] The electric hair cutter 1 (1B) is configured so that power can be supplied from a battery to a motor by operating a switch 122. This motor rotates an inner blade 130 in a forward direction (indicated by arrow F in the figure) or a reverse direction (indicated by arrow R in the figure) by switching the polarity. A motor joint 126, which is connected to a connector 127 described later, is fixed to this inner blade 130.

[0059] The switch 122 is provided to be reciprocable between three positions, e.g., upper, middle, and lower, to switch the operating mode of the electric cutter for flock bodies 1 (1B) depending on the condition of the base (i.e., fabric) and the size of the flock (i.e., lint balls). The electric cutter for flock bodies 1 (1B) can be switched, for example, between normal mode (first mode) when the switch 122 is in the upper position, stop mode when the switch 122 is in the middle position, and soft mode (second mode) when the switch 122 is in the lower position. The operating modes of the electric cutter for flock bodies 1 (1B) differ in the rotation direction of the inner blade 130. For example, in normal mode, the inner blade rotates in the forward direction (F direction), and in soft mode, the inner blade rotates in the reverse direction (R direction). The normal mode is preferably used for thick fabrics with large lint balls, while the soft mode is preferably used for thin fabrics with small pile. In this case, it is preferable to set the rotation speed of the inner blade 130 in the soft mode to be faster than the rotation speed of the inner blade 130 in the normal mode.

[0060] A head portion 113 is provided beyond the handle portion 111 and the neck portion 112. The hair-like electric cutter 1 (1B) has a connector 127 and an inner blade 130 on the inside of the head portion 113, and an outer blade 131 on the outside of the head portion 113.

[0061] The connector 127 has a mounting surface 127a on which the inner cutter 130 is provided, and is an inner cutter support that rotatably supports the inner cutter 130. The connector 127 has a shaft tube 128 that fits into the motor joint 126 so as to prevent rotation. The shaft tube 128 of the connector 127 is connected via the motor joint 126 to a rotating shaft (not shown) of a motor that extends inside the head portion 113.

[0062] The inner blade 130 is rotatable in a forward direction (F direction) and a reverse direction (R direction) by switching the polarity of a motor (not shown) via a connector 127. The inner blade 130, while attached to the connector 127 (also referred to as an inner blade set), is detachable from the motor joint 126 in the axial direction (the direction in which the shaft extends).

[0063] The outer cutter 131 is attached in a dome shape to a ring-shaped cap 132 that can be screwed onto the head 113 (also referred to as an outer cutter assembly), and is detachable from the head 113. The outer cutter 131 has a hair entry opening 131a and is provided to cover the inner cutter 130. For example, when the inner cutter 130 is rotating, the inner cutter 130 is in contact with the inner surface of the outer cutter 131, and hairs (hairballs) that enter the hair entry opening 131a of the outer cutter 131 are cut by the inner cutter 130 and are taken into the head 113 as they are.

[0064] A dust collection section 114 is provided below the head section 113. The interior of the head section 113 and the interior of the dust collection section 114 are in communication with each other via an opening 113a of the head section 113. The lint balls taken in by the head section 113 are sent into the dust collection section 114 together with the airflow generated by the rotation of the connector 127 (fan). The connector 127 has a fan piece 129 for generating the airflow on the side opposite to the side on which the inner blade 130 is provided.

[0065] Dust collection section 114 includes dust box 134 having air holes 133. Providing air holes 133 makes it easier to generate an air flow from head section 113 to dust collection section 114. Dust box 134 is configured to be slidably detachable from dust collection section 114. When lint balls have accumulated in dust box 134, the user can remove it by, for example, placing a finger on finger loop section 134a and sliding dust box 134 downward, and then discarding the lint balls.

[0066] To remove (cut) lint using this electric hair-like cutter 1 (1B), first place the area of ​​fabric (such as a sweater, clothing, socks, or blanket) from which you want to remove lint on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric. Next, turn on the switch 122 (normal mode or soft mode). Then, move the head 113 along the fabric to remove (cut) the lint.

[0067] In this way, the electric cutter 1 (1B) for hair-like bodies has a function of, for example, a normal mode (first mode) in which the inner blade 130 rotates in the forward rotation direction (F direction) to prioritize cutting ability (improved sharpness), and a function of a soft mode (second mode) in which the inner blade 130 rotates in the reverse rotation direction (R direction) to prioritize fabric protection (damage suppression). In other words, the electric cutter 1 (1B) for hair-like bodies can prevent holes from being made in fabrics by allowing the user to switch (select) the rotation direction of the inner blade 130 by operating a switch depending on the application (usage situation). In other words, by allowing the user to switch (select) multiple modes with a single device depending on the application, it can be used on a variety of clothing fabrics without causing holes, improving convenience.

[0068] Furthermore, by switching the rotation direction of the inner blade 130 to cut lint from both sides of the inner blade 130, the durability of the inner blade 130 can be improved. Therefore, even if the electric cutter 1 (1B) for hair-like bodies is used multiple times, it is possible to remove (cut) lint without damaging the fabric.

[0069] The electric hair cutter 1 (1B) can also be provided with a ring-shaped fabric guard 115 (see Figure 9) that can be attached to the head part 113 as an accessory. The fabric guard 115 can adjust the distance from the surface of the outer blade 131 to the fabric depending on the condition of the fabric and the size of the hairball. Using this fabric guard 115 can further prevent the fabric from being damaged.

[0070] Next, the configuration and operation of the blade unit of the electric cutter 1 (1B) for hair-like bodies, i.e., the inner cutter 130 and outer cutter 131, will be described in detail. Here, Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of the inner cutter 130. Also, Fig. 11A is an enlarged view of the small blade 140 of the inner cutter 130, and Fig. 11B is an enlarged view of part C in Fig. 11A.

[0071] The inner cutter 130 attached to the connector 127 has plate-shaped small blades 140 arranged in a plane parallel to the axial direction (passing through the center of rotation) of the connector 127, in which the shaft tube 128 serves as the rotation axis. The small blades 140 of the inner cutter 130 have edge portions 140a on the inner surface side of the outer cutter 131. A plurality of small blades 140 (three in this embodiment) of the inner cutter 130 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction so as to radiate (radially) from the center of rotation.

[0072] The inner cutter 130 is configured such that the cutter blade 140 has elasticity relative to the inner surface of the outer cutter 131 so that the edge portion 140a contacts the inner surface of the outer cutter 131. Specifically, the inner cutter 130 has plate-shaped arm portions 141 provided in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation shaft (passing through the center of rotation). The arm portions 141 are separated into multiple portions (three at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in this embodiment) from the center of rotation to correspond to the cutter blades 140. The cutter blades 140 are provided so as to stand vertically at the tips of the arm portions 141. The inner cutter 130 is attached to the connector 127 by a fixture 142 at the midpoint of the arm portions 141 branching off from the center of rotation.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11A, the inner cutter 130 is bent so that the edge portion 140a of the cutter blade 140, which is parallel to the axial direction P of the rotation shaft (the length direction of the barrel 128), is inclined forward in the forward rotation direction (direction F) of the inner cutter 130.

[0074] Specifically, the edge 140a (tip) of the cutter blade 140 is bent at a bending angle θ from the portion of the cutter blade 140 on the connector 127 side parallel to the axial direction P. The cutter blade 140 has a surface Sa on the forward rotation direction (F direction) side and a surface Sb on the reverse rotation direction (R direction) side, and the edge 140a is bent so that the surface Sa side forms a valley fold (the surface Sb side forms a mountain fold).

[0075] 11B, the upper edge of the edge portion 140a on the tip side in the forward rotation direction of the cutter blade 140 becomes the first cutting edge 140b that cuts hair-like bodies in the forward rotation direction, while the upper edge of the edge portion 140a on the tip side in the reverse rotation direction becomes the second cutting edge 140c that cuts hair-like bodies in the reverse rotation direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, the cutter blade 140 has an upper end surface 140d connecting the first cutting edge 140b and the second cutting edge 140c, which is in sliding contact with the inner surface of the outer cutter 131. Here, the angle (rake angle) of the first cutting edge 140b of the cutter blade 42A is defined as angle β (β2), and the angle (rake angle) of the second cutting edge 140c is defined as angle γ (γ2). In this embodiment, the angle β (β2) is set to be relatively smaller than the angle γ (γ2), and the angle γ (γ2) is set to be relatively larger than the angle β (β2), thereby realizing a cutter blade 140 having two different angles (rake angles).

[0077] With the above configuration, in the normal mode in which the inner blade 130 rotates in the forward direction (F direction), the edge portion 140a (first cutting edge 140b) with a small rake angle β (β2) rotates in a leading manner (piercing the inner surface of the outer blade 131), making it easy to remove (cut) even large lint balls. On the other hand, in the soft mode in which the inner blade 130 rotates in the reverse direction (R direction), the edge portion 140a (second cutting edge 140c) with a large rake angle γ (γ2) rotates in a trailing manner (stroking the inner surface of the outer blade 131), preventing the inner blade 130 from getting caught in the fabric and allowing lint balls to be removed (cut) without damaging the fabric. Thus, in the electric cutter 1 (1B) for hair-like material according to this embodiment, the soft mode places less strain on the fabric and prevents holes and other damage compared to the normal mode.

[0078] In this embodiment, the angle θ is set to θ=10°. A configuration in which the angle θ is set to 5°≦θ≦10° is preferred (although not limited to this). This is because if the bending angle θ of the edge portion 140a is smaller than 5°, the difference between the soft mode and the normal mode becomes small. Furthermore, if the bending angle θ of the edge portion 140a is greater than 10°, the ability to cut lint balls decreases even when the inner blade 130 rotates in the reverse direction (R direction). While different modes can be used depending on the rotation direction of the inner blade 130, the function of each mode can be optimally ensured by setting the bending angle θ of the edge portion 140a to 5°≦θ≦10°.

[0079] Furthermore, based on the above setting of angle θ, in this embodiment, the angle β (β2) of the first cutting edge 140b is formed to be 80°≦β2≦85°, and the angle γ (γ2) of the second cutting edge 140c is formed to be 95°≦γ2≦100° (however, this is not limited to this).

[0080] In this embodiment, the electric cutter 1 (1B) for hair-like bodies includes a support portion 143 that protrudes from the installation surface 127a of the connector 127 and supports the small blade 140 of the inner blade 130 from the forward rotation direction (F direction). As described above, the edge portion 140a is bent at a bending angle θ, so when the inner blade 130 rotates in the reverse rotation direction (R direction), the edge portion 140a follows. As a result, there is a risk that the small blade 140 will tilt too much when the inner blade 130 rotates, reducing its ability to cut hairballs. In this regard, the provision of the support portion 143 prevents the small blade 140 from tilting too much when the inner blade 130 rotates, reducing its ability to cut hairballs.

[0081] Here, the support portion 143 comprises an inner support portion 143a provided near the center of rotation (the center of the shaft cylinder 128) and an outer support portion 143b provided away from the center of rotation, and it is more preferable that the height of the inner support portion 143a is higher than the height of the outer support portion 143b. By increasing the height of the inner support portion 143a on the rotation center side, which is closer to the fabric when removing (cutting) lint, it is possible to prevent the small blade 140 of the inner cutter 130, which is closer to the rotation center, from tilting too much due to rotation, which would reduce the ability to cut lint.

[0082] 10, the connector 127 has plate-shaped fan pieces 129 on a back surface opposite to the installation surface 127a on which the inner blades 130 are provided. The fan pieces 129 are provided in a plane parallel to the axial direction (passing through the center of rotation) of the connector 127, in which the shaft tube 128 serves as the axis of rotation. In other words, the connector 127 functions as a fan. A plurality of fan pieces 129 (three in this embodiment) are provided at equal intervals around the circumferential direction so as to radiate (radially) from the center of rotation.

[0083] As a result, whether connector 127 rotates in the reverse rotation direction (R direction) or the forward rotation direction (F direction), fan piece 129 rotates at the same angle (90°, which is perpendicular) relative to the direction of rotation. Therefore, inside head portion 113 where connector 127 is provided, no matter which direction connector 127 rotates, the air flow generated by connector 127 is directed toward dust collection portion 114, preventing lint cut from the fabric from being released to the outside through outer blade 131.

[0084] As described above, the electric cutter for hair-like bodies according to the present invention can achieve cutting that emphasizes improved sharpness during forward rotation (first mode). Furthermore, during reverse rotation (second mode), cutting that emphasizes suppressing damage to the base and that is not significantly inferior in sharpness compared to the first mode can be achieved. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electric cutter for hair-like bodies that can achieve multiple types of cutting that suit the user's preference, the condition of the hair-like bodies (length, amount, etc.), and the condition of the base (damage, etc.) using only one type of inner blade and without setting multiple rotation speeds for forward and reverse rotation.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular, the number of combinations of outer cutters and inner cutters (blade units) (number of units) is not particularly limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1, 1A, 1B Electric hair cutter 2 Main body 3 Head 22, 131 Outer blade 42, 130 inner blade 42A, 140 small blade 42a, 140b First cutting edge 42b, 140c Second cutting edge

Claims

1. An electric cutter for hair-like bodies, comprising a blade unit having an outer cutter with a plurality of hair-like body inlet openings formed therein, and an inner cutter that rotates while sliding against the inner surface of the outer cutter, The inner blade has a plurality of small blades and is rotatable in a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction, The small blade has a first cutting edge formed at a tip end of an upper end in the forward rotation direction, capable of cutting the hairs that have entered the hair inlet, and a second cutting edge formed at a tip end of the upper end in the reverse rotation direction, capable of cutting the hairs that have entered the hair inlet, The hair cutting device further includes a switching means for switching between a first mode in which the hair-like body is cut by the first cutting edge and a second mode in which the hair-like body is cut by the second cutting edge by switching the rotation direction of the inner blade; The rotation speed of the inner cutter in the second mode is set to be higher than the rotation speed of the inner cutter in the first mode. An electric cutter for hair-like bodies, characterized by:

2. The cutter blade is formed so that the rake angle β of the first cutting edge is relatively small, and the rake angle γ of the second cutting edge is relatively large.

2. The electric hair cutter according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The cutter blade is formed so that the rake angle β of the first cutting edge is an acute angle, and the rake angle γ of the second cutting edge is an obtuse angle.

3. The electric hair cutter according to claim 2, wherein:

4. The rotation speed of the inner cutter in the second mode is set to be 1.2 to 1.8 times the rotation speed of the inner cutter in the first mode.

4. The electric hair cutter according to claim 3, wherein:

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