Mounting Assembly

Abstract

According to one aspect, a mounting assembly 20 for a hair-cutting tool 10 is provided, comprising a head 22 configured to receive a cutting unit, the head including a body 24 extending along an elongated axis 50, a drive bridge 26 coupled to the cutting unit and configured for reciprocal movement relative to the body along the elongated axis to cause the cutting unit to reciprocate relative to the body, a primary head bearing surface 44, and a separate secondary head bearing surface 52, and a counterpart 40 pivotally coupled to the head, configured to cooperate with the primary head bearing surface to permit sliding rotation of the counterpart relative to the head about a first axis of rotation parallel to the elongated axis, and configured to engage a ply along a line of contact to limit movement of the head relative to the counterpart along a second axis 30 perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. the counterpart including a primary counterpart bearing surface 46 configured to contact the primary head bearing surface; and a secondary counterpart bearing surface 54 separate from the primary counterpart bearing surface, the secondary counterpart bearing surface configured to cooperate with the secondary head bearing surface to allow sliding rotation of the counterpart relative to the head about a first axis of rotation and configured to be supported by the secondary head bearing surface to limit movement of the head relative to the counterpart along a third axis 70 perpendicular to the second axis and the first axis of rotation; and a drive unit including a drive shaft and a socket, the drive shaft having an eccentric pin 42 cooperating with the drive bridge to impart reciprocating motion to the drive bridge, the socket configured to cooperate with the motor 14.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mounting assembly for a hair-cutting appliance and to a hair-cutting appliance. [Background technology]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a mounting assembly for a hair-cutting appliance and to a hair-cutting appliance. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Hair cutting tools typically have a cutting unit, and it is beneficial for the cutting unit to be rotatable relative to the handle, to enable it to follow the contours of the user's skin surface, creating optimal contact between the user's skin and the cutting unit and achieving the best cutting performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to a first particular aspect, there is provided a mounting assembly for a hair-cutting appliance, comprising: a head configured to receive a cutting unit, a body extending along an elongated axis; a drive bridge coupled to the cutting unit and configured for reciprocal movement relative to the body along the elongated axis to reciprocate the cutting unit relative to the body; a primary head bearing surface; and a head including a second secondary head bearing surface; a counterpart pivotally coupled to the head, a primary counterpart bearing surface configured to cooperate with the primary head bearing surface to allow sliding rotation of the counterpart relative to the head about a first axis of rotation parallel to the elongated axis, the primary counterpart bearing surface configured to contact the primary head bearing surface along a contact line and to limit movement of the head relative to the counterpart along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis of rotation; a counterpart including a secondary counterpart bearing surface separate from the primary counterpart bearing surface, the secondary counterpart bearing surface configured to cooperate with the secondary head bearing surface to allow sliding rotation of the counterpart relative to the head about a first axis of rotation and configured to be supported by the secondary head bearing surface to limit movement of the head relative to the counterpart along a third axis perpendicular to the second axis and the first axis of rotation; a drive unit including a drive shaft and a socket; The drive shaft has an eccentric pin that cooperates with the drive bridge to impart reciprocating motion to the drive bridge, and the socket is configured to cooperate with a motor.

[0005] The separation of the primary head and counterpart bearing surfaces from the secondary head and counterpart bearing surfaces, respectively, is intended to mean that the primary bearing surfaces and the respective secondary bearing surfaces are non-contiguous or non-adjacent. A line of contact between the primary head bearing surface and the primary counterpart bearing surface may be parallel to the first axis of rotation and the elongate axis.

[0006] The primary counterpart bearing surface is configured to contact the primary head bearing surface along a contact line, which is intended to mean that there is contact between the elements only along the contact line, as opposed to surface contact.

[0007] The primary head bearing surface may have a curved surface with a first radius from the primary head center point, and the primary counterpart bearing surface may have a radius of curvature about the primary counterpart center point that is greater than the first radius.

[0008] When assembled, the primary counterpart center point and the primary head center point may be parallel to each other and to the first axis of rotation. The first radius may be equal to the radius of curvature of the primary counterpart bearing surface.

[0009] The secondary head bearing surface may have a pair of opposing surfaces. The secondary counterpart bearing surface may have an arcuate cross section about the first axis of rotation with a second radius, the second radius being smaller than the radius of curvature of the secondary head bearing surface.

[0010] The second radius may be equal to the radius of curvature of the secondary head bearing surface.

[0011] Each opposing surface of the secondary head bearing surface extending from the head may have a substantially planar portion and a concavely curved portion, the concavely curved portion being closer to the counterpart along the second axis than the planar portion and configured to contact the secondary counterpart bearing surface and impede movement of the counterpart away from the head.

[0012] During normal use, the concave curvature is configured to avoid contact with the counterpart, such that there may be manufacturing tolerances in the position of the head and counterpart bearing surfaces along the second axis.

[0013] The opposing surface of the secondary head bearing surface may be substantially planar. The primary head bearing surface may be integral with the body of the head. The secondary head bearing surface may be integral with the body of the head. The primary head bearing surface may be convex. The primary counterpart bearing surface may be substantially planar. The secondary counterpart bearing surface may be convex.

[0014] The mounting assembly may further include a retaining element coupled to one of the head and the counterpart and supported by a surface of the other of the counterpart and the head, thereby preventing separation of the head and the counterpart.

[0015] The mounting assembly may further include a base pivotally coupled to the counterpart about a secondary axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0016] The secondary axis of rotation may be aligned with the width axis of the body. The secondary axis of rotation may be parallel to the plane in which the body extends.

[0017] According to a second aspect, there is provided a hair-cutting apparatus comprising a mounting assembly according to the first aspect, a motor configured to be coupled to the drive unit, and a handle configured to be attached to the mounting assembly.

[0018] These and other aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of a hair cutting tool; FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of a first exemplary mounting assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a front cross-sectional view of a first exemplary mounting assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side cross-sectional view of a first exemplary mounting assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a second exemplary mounting assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exploded view of a third exemplary mounting assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Exemplary embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0021] 1 shows a hair-cutting tool 10 having a handle 12 for holding the hair-cutting tool 10 by a user, and a mounting assembly 20 attached to the handle 12. A motor 14 is disposed within the handle 12, and a transmission shaft 16 extending from the motor 14 is coupled to the mounting assembly 20.

[0022] 2-4 show a first exemplary mounting assembly 20 having a head 22 configured to receive a cutting unit, a counterpart 40 pivotally coupled to the head 22, and a drive unit 34.

[0023] The head 22 has a body 24 extending along an elongated axis 50 and a drive bridge 26. The head 22 is configured to receive a cutting unit, such as a blade. The drive bridge 26 is configured to reciprocate relative to the body 24 along the elongated axis 50. The drive bridge 26 is also coupled to the cutting unit, such that when the drive bridge reciprocates relative to the body 24, the cutting unit is also reciprocated relative to the body 24, enabling the cutting unit to cut hair.

[0024] The drive unit 34 includes a drive shaft 36 and a socket 38 fixed together. The socket 38 is configured to cooperate with the motor 14 via the shaft 16 to impart rotational motion to the socket 38 and drive shaft 36 about its axis. The drive shaft 36 has an eccentric pin 42 that is received in a channel in the drive bridge 26 to cooperate with the drive bridge 26 and to impart reciprocating motion to the drive bridge 26 upon rotation of the drive shaft 36. Thus, the drive unit 34 is configured to convert rotational motion of the motor into reciprocating motion of the drive bridge 26. The socket 38 is configured to receive and cooperate with the shaft 16 at a variety of different angles, such that the socket 38 can be pivotally moved relative to the motor 14 without adversely affecting the drive unit 34's ability to convert rotational motion of the motor 14 into reciprocating motion of the drive bridge 26.

[0025] Head 22 is fixed to body 24 and has a head element 62 including a primary head bearing surface 44. Counterpart 40 has a primary counterpart bearing surface 46 configured to cooperate with primary head bearing surface 44 to enable sliding rotation of counterpart 40 relative to head 22 about a first axis of rotation 60 parallel to elongated axis 50.

[0026] In this example, the primary head bearing surface 44 has a curved surface with a first radius from the primary head center point. In this example, the primary head bearing surface 44 has a convex surface. In this example, the primary counterpart bearing surface 46 is flat. The primary head bearing surface 44 contacts the primary counterpart bearing surface 46 to limit movement of the head 22 toward the counterpart 40 along the second axis 30, which is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 60. In this example, the contact between the primary head bearing surface 44 and the primary counterpart bearing surface 46 is along a contact line. In other words, the primary counterpart bearing surface 46 and the primary head bearing surface 44 only contact along the contact line. In this example, the contact line between the primary head bearing surface 44 and the primary counterpart bearing surface 46 is parallel to the first axis of rotation 60 and the elongated axis 50.

[0027] In other examples, there may be face contact between the primary head bearing surface 44 and the primary counterpart bearing surface 46. Having contact between these elements only along a contact line, rather than a face, means that the sliding motion between the head 22 and counterpart 40 is not overly constrained, thereby allowing for tighter tolerances in the radii of curvature of the elements (i.e., the design has a high tolerance for non-optimal radii). Having a planar counterpart bearing surface 46 is the simplest way to achieve a contact line between the head 22 and counterpart 40 and maximize manufacturing and assembly tolerances.

[0028] In another example, the primary counterpart bearing surface can have a corresponding curved surface rather than a flat surface, with a radius of curvature around the primary counterpart center point greater than or equal to the first radius. The convex shape of the primary head bearing surface 44 allows the first axis of rotation 60 to be near the skin surface (i.e., near the surface of the head 22 that is configured to contact the user's skin to cut hair thereon). In other words, the first axis of rotation 60 is between the primary head bearing surface 44 and the cutting unit. In another example, the primary head bearing surface can be concave or flat, with the primary counterpart bearing surface being convex and having a radius of curvature at least smaller than the surface of the primary head bearing surface. In such an example, the first axis of rotation 60 will be further away from the skin surface during use; in other words, the primary head bearing surface will be between the first axis of rotation and the cutting unit.

[0029] When assembled, in this example, the primary head center point is collinear with the first axis of rotation 60, so that sliding contact between the primary head bearing surface 44 and the primary counterpart bearing surface 46 allows the counterpart 40 to rotate about the first axis of rotation 60.

[0030] In this example, the head element 62 is separate from the body 24. The head element 62 is configured to be attached to the body 24 by slotting under a plurality of overhangs 64 that protrude from the body 24. In other words, by moving the head element 62 along the elongated shaft 60, it can slot in under the overhangs 64 to attach the head element 62 to the body 24. In other examples, the head element 62 may be integral with the body 24.

[0031] In this example, counterpart 40 has an overhanging protrusion 68 configured to cooperate with head element 62 on the side opposite primary head bearing surface 44. The opposing surface of primary head bearing surface 44 is supported by counterpart 40 when assembled, limiting movement of head 22 away from counterpart 40. Thus, interaction between counterpart 40 and head element 62 (i.e., head 22) limits movement of head 22 away from and toward counterpart 40, while permitting sliding rotation between counterpart 40 and head 22 about first rotation axis 60.

[0032] In this example, the primary head bearing surface 44 has two separate surfaces spaced apart along the elongated axis 50, and the primary counterpart bearing surface 46 also has two corresponding surfaces spaced apart along the elongated axis 50 to provide further stability to the connection between the head 22 and counterpart 40 along the elongated axis 50.

[0033] In this example, head element 62 of head 22 also has a secondary head bearing surface 52 separate from primary head bearing surface 44, and counterpart 40 has a secondary counterpart bearing surface 54. Secondary counterpart bearing surface 54 is separate from primary counterpart bearing surface 46.

[0034] The secondary head bearing surface 52 is configured to cooperate with the secondary counterpart bearing surface 54 to allow sliding rotation between the counterpart 40 and the head 22 .

[0035] In this example, the secondary head bearing surface 52 has two portions spaced apart along the elongate axis 50, and the secondary counterpart bearing surface 54 also has two corresponding surfaces spaced apart along the elongate axis 50. Having surfaces spaced apart along the elongate axis means that the relative movement of the counterpart 40 and head 22 can be limited in the direction along the elongate axis 50.

[0036] In this example, each portion of the secondary head bearing surface 52 has two opposing surfaces spaced apart along a third axis 70 that is perpendicular to both the first axis of rotation 60 and the second axis 30. In this example, the opposing surfaces are planar. In other examples, the opposing surfaces may be curved.

[0037] In this example, each portion of the secondary counterpart bearing surface has an arcuate cross-section, which in this example is convex with a second radius about the first axis of rotation when assembled. The second radius is less than or equal to the radius of curvature of the secondary head bearing surface 52, if curved (note that a planar surface is considered to have an infinite radius of curvature). Making the second radius less than the radius of curvature of the secondary head bearing surface 52 prevents the mechanism from over-constraining and allows for greater manufacturing tolerances. In other examples, the secondary counterpart surface can have a pair of opposing flat or recessed portions that are supported by the convex secondary head bearing surface.

[0038] The secondary counterpart bearing surface 54 is also supported by an opposing surface of the secondary head bearing surface 52 and is configured to limit movement of the head 22 relative to the counterpart 40 in both directions along the third axis 70. Thus, cooperation between the primary head bearing surface 44 and the primary counterpart bearing surface 46, and cooperation between the secondary head bearing surface 52 and the secondary counterpart bearing surface 54, limits movement of the head 22 relative to the counterpart 40 along both the second axis 30 and the third axis 70, while having split, separated bearing surfaces along the elongated axis 50 again limits movement of the head 22 relative to the counterpart 40 along the elongated axis 50. Thus, the only movement permitted is rotational movement of the head 22 relative to the counterpart 40 about the first axis of rotation 60.

[0039] In this example, the mounting assembly has a base 80 configured to be attached to the counterpart 40. In this example, the base 80 is fixed to the counterpart 40. In other examples, the base may be pivotally coupled to the counterpart about a secondary axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 60. The secondary axis of rotation can be aligned with the width of the body (e.g., along the third axis 70). The secondary axis of rotation can also be parallel to the plane in which the body extends.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates a second exemplary mounting assembly 120. The second exemplary mounting assembly 120 is similar to the first exemplary mounting assembly 20, except that the head 22 has a secondary head bearing surface 152 with two opposing surfaces, each including a substantially planar portion 154 and a concavely curved portion 156. The concavely curved portion 156 is closer to the counterpart 40 and base 80 than the planar portion 154 and is configured to contact the secondary counterpart bearing surface 158 to impede movement of the counterpart 40 away from the head 22 (in other words, to perform the function of the overhanging protrusion 68 described with reference to FIGS. 2-4 ). During normal use, the head 22 and counterpart 40 do not contact at the concavely curved portion 156, reducing friction therebetween and allowing for high manufacturing tolerances for the position of the head 22 relative to the counterpart 40.

[0041] 6 illustrates a third exemplary mounting assembly 220. The third exemplary mounting assembly 220 is similar to the first exemplary mounting assembly 20 and the second exemplary mounting assembly 120, except that the head 22 has a body 224 with a primary head bearing surface 44 and a secondary head bearing surface 52. In other examples, the body 224 can have only one of the primary head bearing surface 44 and the secondary head bearing surface 52.

[0042] The third exemplary mounting assembly 220 further differs from the first exemplary mounting assembly 20 and the second exemplary mounting assembly 120 in that the counterpart is integral with the base to form the one-piece counterpart 240. In this example, a pair of retaining elements 272 are affixed to the head 22 and are configured to be supported by the counterpart 40 such that the primary head bearing surfaces 44 contact the respective primary counterpart bearing surfaces 46, thereby holding the one-piece counterpart 240 in place relative to the head 22 and preventing separation of the head 22 and the one-piece counterpart 240.

[0043] Reference to the primary head and counterpart bearing surfaces being separate from the secondary head and counterpart bearing surfaces, respectively, is intended to mean that the primary bearing surfaces and the respective secondary bearing surfaces are non-contiguous or non-adjacent.

[0044] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art practicing the principles and techniques described herein, from a study of the figures, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprise" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in a claim. The mere fact that certain means are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used to advantage. A computer program can be stored or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A mounting assembly for a hair-cutting appliance, comprising: a drive unit including a drive shaft and a socket, the drive shaft including an eccentric pin cooperating with the drive bridge to impart reciprocating motion to the drive bridge, the socket cooperating with a motor; a head configured to receive a cutting unit, a body extending along an elongated axis; a drive bridge coupled to the cutting unit and adapted for reciprocal movement relative to the body along the elongated axis, causing the cutting unit to reciprocate relative to the body; a primary head bearing surface; and a head including a second secondary head bearing surface; a counterpart pivotally coupled to the head, a primary counterpart bearing surface that cooperates with the primary head bearing surface to allow sliding rotation of the counterpart relative to the head about a first axis of rotation parallel to the elongated axis, contacting the primary head bearing surface along a contact line and limiting movement of the head relative to the counterpart along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis of rotation; a counterpart including a secondary counterpart bearing surface separate from the primary counterpart bearing surface, the secondary counterpart bearing surface cooperating with the secondary head bearing surface to allow sliding rotation of the counterpart relative to the head about the first axis of rotation and supported by the secondary head bearing surface to limit movement of the head relative to the counterpart along a third axis perpendicular to the second axis and the first axis of rotation.

2. the primary head bearing surface has a curved surface with a first radius from a center point of the primary head; The mounting assembly of claim 1 , wherein the primary counterpart bearing surface has a radius of curvature about a primary counterpart center point that is greater than the first radius.

3. the secondary head bearing surface has a pair of opposing surfaces; 2. The mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondary counterpart bearing surface has an arcuate portion with a second radius about the first axis of rotation, the second radius being less than a radius of curvature of the secondary head bearing surface.

4. 4. The mounting assembly of claim 3, wherein each opposing surface of the secondary head bearing surface extending from the head has a substantially flat portion and a concavely curved portion, the concavely curved portion being closer to the counterpart along the second axis than the flat portion and contacting the secondary counterpart bearing surface to impede movement of the counterpart away from the head.

5. The mounting assembly of claim 3 , wherein the opposing surface of the secondary head bearing surface is substantially planar.

6. 6. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary head bearing surface is integral with the body of the head.

7. 6. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the secondary head bearing surface is integral with the body of the head.

8. 6. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary head bearing surface is convex.

9. 6. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the primary counterpart bearing surface is substantially planar.

10. 6. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the secondary counterpart bearing surface is convex.

11. 6. The mounting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a retaining element coupled to one of the head and the counterpart and supported by a surface of the other of the counterpart and the head, thereby preventing separation of the head and the counterpart.

12. 6. A mounting assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a base pivotally coupled to said counterpart about a secondary axis of rotation perpendicular to said axis of rotation.

13. A hair cutting device comprising: A mounting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a motor coupled to the drive unit; a handle attached to the mounting assembly.

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