electric beard trimmer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cutting device system 3 for an electric shaver and / or trimmer 1, comprising a pair of cooperating cutting elements 4, 5 having two rows of comb-like cutting teeth 6, 7 at opposite edges and cutting perforations 8 between the rows of comb-like cutting teeth, the cutting elements being movably supported relative to one another by a support structure 14. The cutting perforations may be arranged in two separated elongated regions 70, 90 of perforations, separated from one another by an elongated unperforated central section 80 of the outer cutting elements that defines a skin-contacting surface 50, and the regions each including at least two rows of perforations extending along the rows of comb-like cutting teeth. The region of perforations may also be separated from the rows of comb teeth by elongated unperforated side sections 61, 62 of the outer cutting elements, and the support structure may include a pair of flexible or rigid support ribs 19 that support the inner cutting elements of the cutting elements under the unperforated side sections along the outer boundaries of the region of perforations, the inner cutting elements extending unsupported under the unperforated central section between the regions of perforations.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to cutting hair, such as multi-day beard stubble. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cutting device system for an electric shaver and / or trimmer, comprising a pair of cooperating cutting elements having two rows of comb-like cutting teeth at opposite edges of the cutting elements and having at least one area of ​​cutting perforations between the rows of comb-like cutting teeth, the cutting elements being movably supported relative to one another by a support structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric razors and trimmers utilize a variety of mechanisms to provide hair-cutting functionality. Some electric razors include a perforated shearing foil that cooperates with a lower cutting device movable relative to the shearing foil to cut hair that falls into the perforations in the shearing foil. Such shearing foil type razors are often used daily to provide a clean shave, with short beard stubble being cut just above the skin surface.

[0003] On the other hand, other cutting device systems comprising a pair of cooperating cutting elements with comb-like edges comprise one or more rows of comb-like or rake-like cutting teeth that reciprocate or rotate relative to one another and are often used to cut longer beard stubble or problem hairs that are difficult to cut, for example because they grow at a very small angle to the skin or through very elastic skin. The teeth of such comb-like or rake-like cutting elements usually project substantially parallel to one another or substantially radially, depending on the type of drive movement, and are able to cut hairs that fall into the gaps between the cutting teeth, with cutting or shearing being achieved in a scissor-like manner when the cutting teeth of the cooperating elements close the gaps between the finger-like cutting teeth and pass each other.

[0004] Such a cutting device system for longer hair may be integrated into an electric razor or trimmer and may simultaneously comprise the aforementioned shear foil cutting device. For example, the cutting element may include, for example, two rows of comb-like cutting teeth arranged on either side of the cutting element and an area of ​​shear foil-like cutting perforations between the rows of comb-like cutting teeth.

[0005] For example, European Patent No. 2425938 (B1) shows a razor with a pair of long hair trimmers integrated between shear foil cutting devices. Furthermore, European Patent No. 2747958 (B1) and Chinese Utility Model No. 206287174 (U) disclose hair trimmers with two rows of cooperating cutting teeth located on opposite sides of the razor head, in which the cutting teeth of the upper comb-like cutting element overhang the tips of the lower cutting element and have rounded and thickened tips to prevent the protruding tips from piercing and irritating the skin. A similar cutting device system is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0050326 (A1), in which the lower comb-like cutting element is fixed and the upper comb-like cutting element is movable.

[0006] Razors and / or trimmers combining rows of comb-like cutting teeth on opposing edges and shearing foil-like cutting perforations between the rows of comb-like teeth may include a C-shaped outer cutting element, the edges of which are folded to form inwardly bent limbs like those of a C or U, with the folded limbs being held by a support frame. A transition edge portion connecting the folded limbs with a central portion of the outer cutting element is contoured or configured to form rows of comb-like teeth for cutting longer stubble, while the central portion of the cutting element is provided with at least one area of ​​perforation for cutting short hair. The outer cutting element cooperates with an inner cutting element, which may be plate-shaped, and may include rows of comb-like teeth on opposing edges for cooperation with the comb-like teeth of the outer cutting element, and further at least one perforation or other cut-out area between the comb-like tooth edges for cooperation with the perforations in the outer cutting element.

[0007] For this reason, shearing foils, such as cutting perforations for cutting short hair, and comb-like cutting teeth for cutting longer hair or stubble may be integrated into the same cutting element, with the inner cutting element typically biased against the outer cutting element by a spring device, which may include a pair of flexible spring arms extending from a central base portion of the support structure toward the inner cutting element. The spring arms may have a kind of V-shape and may contact the inner cutting element in the section between the central region of the perforations and the opposing toothed edge. Due to this biasing of the inner cutting element against the outer cutting element, pulling or plucking of hair cut within the perforations can be avoided, but on the other hand, friction between the cutting elements is rather high, causing high energy consumption by the drive unit and further heating of the cutting elements, which is often perceived as unpleasant or uncomfortable. Such a cutting device system is shown in Chinese Utility Model No. 209478241(U) and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0257248(A1).

[0008] A similar cutting device system is disclosed in EP 3131716 B1, in which a support structure includes an outer frame that holds outer cutting elements on opposing edge portions of the support structure, and such outer frame includes stepped projections on its inner surface that form shoulders for supporting the inner cutting element at the toothed comb edge. More specifically, the protruding shoulders on the inner surface of the outer support frame define gaps extending from the shoulders to the outer cutting element, in which the inner cutting element is slidably received, providing vertical clearance adapted to the vertical thickness of the inner cutting element. Depending on the vertical clearance between the protruding shoulders and the outer cutting element, friction may be reduced, while the cutting device system may tend to pluck or pull the hair to be cut by the cutting perforations because the inner cutting element may not be held sufficiently close to the outer cutting element, which may result in the cut hair becoming stuck between the cutting perforations of the outer cutting element and the cooperating perforations or notches of the inner cutting element.

[0009] Such beard stubble trimmers and razors are very different and must address a wide range of functional requirements and performance issues, such as close contact, thoroughness, good visibility of the cutting location, efficiency, and comfortable feel, good ergonomics, and handling. Close contact means short or very short remaining stubble, while thoroughness means fewer missed hairs, especially in problem areas like the neck. Efficiency means fewer, faster strokes sufficient to achieve the desired trimming result. Comfortable feel depends on the individual user, but often includes less irritation in the form of cuts or abrasions and better glide over the skin. Visibility of the cutting location is particularly important when styling or contouring edges to achieve hair removal with localized precision.

[0010] Satisfying such a variety of performance issues simultaneously is extremely difficult, and becomes even more challenging when different types of cutting profiles, such as shear foil-like perforations and a row of comb-like teeth, are integrated into the same cutting element, such as C-shaped cutting blades that reciprocate relative to one another, because such multi-function cutting device elements may not be exclusively suited to one particular cutting function. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2425938(B1) [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 2747958(B1) [Patent Document 3] China Utility Model No. 206287174(U) [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0050326(A1) [Patent Document 5] China Utility Model No. 209478241(U) [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0257248(A1) [Patent Document 7] European Patent No. 3131716(B1) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The object underlying the present invention is to provide an improved cutting device system that avoids at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art and / or further develops existing solutions. A more specific object underlying the present invention is to provide a close and thorough cut of hair and longer stubble, including good control of edge contouring, while avoiding skin irritation. Another object underlying the present invention is a reliable and clean cutting action of the cooperating cutting teeth and cutting perforations to avoid plucking and pulling of hair, without sacrificing low friction between the cutting elements, low temperatures of the cutting teeth, and low energy consumption and therefore long energy storage life.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the cutting perforations for cutting short hairs are limited to the area covered by a row of comb-like cutting teeth as the cutting device system moves along the skin to be shaved with one of the rows of forward-moving comb-like cutting edges, while the intermediate portion of the skin-contacting / skin-facing surface defined by the cutting element between opposing rows of comb-like teeth is non-perforated. This arrangement of limited areas of separated perforations allows for very short hairs to be cut by the comb-like teeth and / or immediately adjacent perforations positioned close to the comb-like teeth when the cutting device system is moved along the skin to be shaved in a normal manner, i.e., with one of the forward-moving comb-like cutting edges, while perforations further away from the preceding comb-like cutting edge are less effective at cutting very short hairs. The perforations, in a longitudinal cross-section, expand toward the skin-contacting / skin-facing surface of the outer cutting element, which ensures skin comfort on one skin side and sharp edges on the inner side of the outer cutting element.

[0014] Due to the elimination of perforations in areas of the skin contact surface that are less effective at cutting very short hairs, friction between the cutting elements is reduced without sacrificing efficiency in cutting very short hairs. Friction is reduced due to fewer cutting edges that have to pass through fewer perforations as the cutting elements move relative to each other, so that already cut hair particles or hair debris that exit the cutting perforations moving forward on the skin being shaved are not re-cut or ground, reducing frictional losses.

[0015] More specifically, the cutting perforations may be arranged in two separated elongated regions of perforations, each containing at least two rows of perforations extending along the rows of comb-like cutting teeth, separated from each other by an elongated unperforated central section of one of the outer cutting elements that defines the skin-contacting surface.

[0016] To allow sufficient support for the cutting elements moving relative to one another without interfering with the support provided by the cutting action of the comb teeth and perforations, the perforated region may also be separated from the row of comb teeth by an elongated, non-perforated side section of the outer cutting element, and the support structure may include a pair of flexible or rigid support ribs along the outer boundary of the perforated region that support the inner cutting elements of the cutting element below the non-perforated side section.

[0017] To reduce friction resulting from engagement of the support structure with the moving cutting element, the inner cutting element may extend unsupported below the unperforated central section between the regions of perforation.

[0018] Friction, heat dissipation, and energy consumption can be further reduced, while still achieving a clean and reliable cutting action that avoids plucking and pulling hairs through the cutting perforations. A specific support structure that clamps one of the cutting elements within a gap of a defined width between the other cutting element and the support rib can be rigid and extend from the base portion of the support structure at a steeper angle than the outer frame portion, which has rigid support edges of ribs that support the inner cutting element along the outer edge of the area of ​​the cutting perforations. If such support ribs are rigid, the position of the support edges is accurately maintained under different load conditions, so that the inner cutting element does not need to be biased against the outer cutting element, but is nevertheless accurately held and supported in the desired position on the outer cutting element. If the ribs do not flex under operating loads, accurate support of the inner cutting element in the desired position can be achieved without significant frictional losses.

[0019] These and other advantages will become apparent from the following description, which refers to the drawings and possible examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electric beard trimmer / razor including a cutting system having a pair of cooperating comb-like cutting elements that reciprocate relative to one another, with partial view (a) showing the front of the electric beard trimmer and partial view (b) showing the beard trimmer working on the chin; [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a beard trimmer / razor showing cooperating comb cutting elements and a drive system for driving the cutting elements; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a cutting device system including a pair of cooperating comb-like cutting elements and a support structure for supporting the cutting elements relative to one another; FIG. [Figure 4]1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of a cutting device system and support structure, in which the C-shaped outer cutting element is shown bent or curved around the outer frame portion, and the inner cutting element is shown supported by a V-shaped inner support frame having support ribs that extend at a steep angle from the base portion of the support structure to the outer frame portion, with partial view (a) showing rigid support ribs while view (b) showing flexible spring-like support ribs. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of elements of a cutting apparatus system including outer and inner cutting elements, an outer support frame for holding the outer cutting elements, a chute- or trough-shaped inner support frame including rigid support ribs for supporting the inner cutting elements, a drive element for reciprocating the inner cutting elements, and a guide block for guiding the reciprocating drive element. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the pivoting of the cutting device system relative to the razor / trimmer handle permitted by the support structure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the cutting device system pivoting about its pivot axis following skin contouring. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an outer cutting element showing distinct areas of perforation in the cutting element. [Figure 9] A cross-sectional view of a perforation with a conical or non-cylindrical profile widening toward the skin contact surface to aid in hair entering the perforation, with a (small, enlarged) left side view of a flat cutting element and a (small, enlarged) right side view of a dome-shaped / convex curved cutting element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In order to combine close contact and effective short hair cutting with low friction, reduced heating and therefore reduced energy consumption, it is proposed to provide cutting perforations only in a limited area of ​​the skin contact surface between the opposing rows of comb-like cutting teeth, and to provide an unperforated central section between the opposing rows of comb-like cutting teeth. More specifically, the cutting perforations for cutting remaining short hairs from the comb-like cutting teeth may be concentrated in an area near the rows of comb-like cutting teeth.

[0022] According to one aspect, cutting perforations for cutting short hairs are limited to the area of ​​the skin contacting or skin facing surface of the cutting element following the comb cutting teeth as the cutting device system moves along the skin to be shaved with one of the forward moving rows of comb teeth, while an intermediate portion of the skin contacting / skin facing surface defined by the cutting element between opposing rows of comb teeth is non-perforated.

[0023] This arrangement of limited area perforations separated from each other allows for very short hairs to be cut by the perforations immediately following the comb teeth or positions close to the comb teeth when the cutting device system is moved along the skin to be shaved in the normal manner, i.e., with one of the forward-moving comb-like cutting edges, while perforations further away from the preceding comb-like cutting edge are less effective at cutting very short hairs. Due to the elimination of perforations in areas of the skin contact surface that are less effective at cutting very short hairs, friction between the cutting elements is reduced without sacrificing efficiency in cutting very short hairs. Friction is reduced because fewer cutting edges need to pass through fewer perforations as the cutting elements move relative to each other, and therefore, already cut hair particles or hair debris that exit the cutting perforations moving forward on the skin to be shaved are not re-cut or ground, reducing frictional losses.

[0024] More specifically, the cutting perforations may be arranged in two separated elongated regions of perforations, each containing at least two rows of perforations extending along the rows of comb-like cutting teeth, separated from each other by an elongated unperforated central section of one of the outer cutting elements that defines the skin-contacting surface.

[0025] To allow sufficient support for the cutting elements moving relative to one another without interfering with the cutting action of the comb teeth and perforations, the perforated region may also be separated or spaced apart from the row of comb teeth by an elongated, non-perforated side section of the outer cutting element, and the support structure may include a pair of flexible or rigid support ribs adjacent to or along the outer boundary of the perforated region that support the inner cutting elements of the cutting element below the non-perforated side section.

[0026] To reduce friction resulting from engagement of the support structure with the moving cutting element, the inner cutting element may extend unsupported below the unperforated central section between the regions of perforation.

[0027] The elongated unperforated central section of the skin-contacting surface defined by the outer cutting elements may have a size or width that is greater than the size or width of each of the regions of perforation. More specifically, the unperforated central section of the skin-contacting surface may extend over an area in the range of 100% to 250% or 110% to 175% of the area defined by each of the regions of perforation.

[0028] Generally, more than two-thirds or even three-quarters of the area of ​​the skin-contacting surface of the cutting device element between the comb-like cutting teeth may be non-perforated. In other words, only one-quarter to two-thirds of the skin-contacting surface between the opposing rake-like tooth edges of the cutting device system may be perforated. Such a limitation of the area of ​​the perforations can significantly reduce friction when the cutting elements move relative to one another. Such friction is not only caused by the cutting edges of the perforations that must pass each other to achieve shaving or cutting of the hair, but also increases when small hair particles or such hair debris are re-cut, such as due to the repeated or persistent grinding action caused by the cutting perforations as hair debris collects within the perforations.

[0029] To ensure efficient cutting of short hairs despite the limited area of ​​the perforations, the skin-contacting / skin-facing surface defined by the cutting device element may be convex in cross section from one rake-like tooth edge across the multiple regions of the perforations to an opposing one of the rake-like tooth edges of the cutting element, with the unperforated central section of said skin-contacting surface defining its highest height above an imaginary straight baseline passing through the tips of the comb-like tooth row. In other words, the skin-contacting surface may be inclined or rising from the forward-extending comb-like teeth in the rear region of the perforations. More specifically, the skin-contacting surface may rise from the forward-extending cutting teeth toward the central section of the skin-contacting surface and then decline again toward the opposing row of comb-like cutting teeth.

[0030] More specifically, the skin-contacting surface may have a continuous, smooth dome shape in cross section from one row of comb-like cutting teeth above the region of the perforations to the opposing row of comb-like teeth. When the entire skin-contacting surface is considered, the skin-contacting surface may have a smoothly curved, convex chute or trough shape, like the roof of a barrel.

[0031] Alternatively, the skin-contacting surface and / or the skin-facing surface may be contoured to include one or more flat sections that may correspond to the unperforated central section and / or the unperforated side sections and / or that may correspond to at least one of the regions of perforation.

[0032] To achieve efficient cutting of short hairs with a limited element of rows of perforations, the perforations may have a non-circular profile, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the perforation axis and / or the skin-contacting / skin-facing surface, including a longer major axis and a shorter major axis, and the non-circular perforations may be oriented such that the longer major axis extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the row of comb-like cutting teeth and / or transversely to the axis of reciprocation of the cutting device element. The shorter major axis of the non-circular perforations may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the row of comb-like cutting teeth and / or substantially parallel to the axis of reciprocation.

[0033] Orienting the longer main axis transversely to the row of comb-like cutting teeth guides the hair to be cut in the perforation to a defined position within the perforation, which can improve the cutting action. More specifically, because a user typically pulls or pushes a cutting device system having one of the rake-like cutting edges along the skin surface to advance one of the rake-like cutting edges forward, the transverse orientation of the longer main axis is typically based on the assumption that the cutting device system moves along the skin to be shaved transversely to the row of comb-like cutting teeth. Therefore, considering the normal direction of movement of the cutting device system over the skin surface, the transverse orientation of the longer main axis of the perforation allows for easier entry of hair into the perforation and further urges hair extending into or through the perforation toward the front corner or front sector of the perforation. Thus, the hair is urged to a defined position within the perforation before being cut.

[0034] The non-circular perforations may have an elliptical or oval shape, or a diamond or rhomboid shape. However, to allow for large perforation sizes with small non-perforated areas between single perforations, the perforations may have a hexagonal outline. Such a hexagonal outline allows for a dense arrangement of perforations with a high ratio of perforations per area. This improves the penetration of more hairs into the perforations. At the same time, the hexagonal shape provides the aforementioned longer and shorter major axes, and the hexagonal perforations may be oriented so that the longer major axis is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the row of comb teeth.

[0035] The distinct regions of perforations may include the same or different numbers of rows of perforations. More specifically, each region of perforations may include two, three, or two to five rows of perforations, e.g., two or three rows of non-circular or hexagonal perforations may be provided in each region of perforations, with the longer major axes of the perforations oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction of the comb-like cutting teeth.

[0036] To facilitate the entry of the hair to be cut into the relatively small perforations, the perforations may be enlarged or widened toward the skin-contacting / skin-facing surface in a longitudinal cross-section. Such non-cylindrical contours of the perforations may have a trumpet-like or conical shape, or a pyramidal or truncated pyramidal shape, depending on the cross-sectional shape of the perforations. The contours of the perforations of the outer cutting element may form sharp cutting edges toward the side of the inner (driven) cutting element. The sharp angle is preferably in the range of 25 to 60 degrees. The contour edges of the perforations toward the skin side have an obtuse angle, thereby enhancing skin comfort. Similarly, the contours of the cutting edges of the perforations of the outer cutting device, and thus the cutting edges of the inner cutting device adapted to interact with the side toward the outer cutting device, also have sharp edges.

[0037] To achieve a smooth and comfortable cutting action, it serves to prevent the cutting elements, and thus the cooperating comb teeth and / or cutting perforations, from separating from one another in order to avoid hairs not being properly cut anymore or being further gripped between the teeth or cutting perforations moving relative to one another. Essentially, this can be prevented by pressing the cooperating cutting elements against one another, for example by a spring device that biases the teeth of one cutting element against the teeth of the other cutting element. Instead of, or in addition to, such a flexible support rib, one of the cutting elements may be clamped between the other cutting element and a support element or support structure, such as a support frame, which may include a rigid rib or web-like flange that precisely and firmly supports and guides the inner cutting element in a predetermined position and sufficiently close to the outer cutting element, the rigid support rib and the outer cutting element defining a gap within which the clamped cutting element is slidably and / or movably received, the gap being slightly thicker than the clamped cutting element to provide some play, at least during non-use, to reduce friction and heat generation. When the outer cutting element is pressed against or at least contacts the skin during razor / trimmer operation, the outer cutting element may deflect and then fit closely over at least the inner cutting element. The clamped cutting element may move relative to the outer cutting element without or with very little friction, yet deflection is prevented even when the thickness of the clamped cutting element is very small.

[0038] Positioning the rigid support edge next to, in close proximity to, or directly adjacent to the cutting perforations along the outer edge of the area of ​​the cutting perforations helps the cutting perforations to smoothly cut even very short hairs without pulling and plucking.

[0039] To achieve low friction and at the same time avoid gripping of hair between the cutting teeth, the gap from the tip portion of the support rib to the outer cutting element may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the clamped cutting element by only an amount less than the thickness of the hair to be cut.

[0040] More specifically, the amount by which the width of the gap exceeds the thickness of the clamped cutting element may be less than 40 μm. For example, the amount may be in the range of 20 μm to 40 μm. Such a configuration is a good compromise between ease of manufacture and a sufficiently small risk of plucking or pulling the hair being cut.

[0041] The skin-contacting surface defined by the outer cutting elements may be substantially planar or flat. Alternatively, the skin-contacting surface defined by the outer cutting elements may be slightly convex or slightly dome-shaped in a cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the direction of reciprocation. In a cross-sectional plan view parallel to the axis of reciprocation, the skin-contacting surface may be linear. Thus, the skin-contacting surface may be slightly smoothly convex with a shallow chute-like or trough-like shape.

[0042] Both the outer cutting element and the inner cutting element may have such a shape corresponding to the skin-contacting surface.

[0043] To keep the inner and outer cutting elements snugly fitted together within the area where the cutting perforations are formed, it may be helpful if a rigid or flexible support rib having a support edge extends immediately adjacent or closely adjacent the outer boundary of the area of ​​perforations. The support rib may have a support edge and be in direct contact with the inner cutting element along the outermost row of perforations.

[0044] Alternatively, the support edges of the support ribs may contact the inner cutting element along a line spaced from the outermost row of perforations. Nevertheless, the support edges of the support ribs may be positioned on opposing edges of the cutting element near the outermost row of perforations and then near the cutting teeth. More specifically, the distance of the support edges of the support ribs from the area of ​​the perforations may be less than one-third or one-quarter of the distance of the support edges from the comb-like cutting teeth.

[0045] To balance the skin contact pressure induced on the inner cutting element via the outer cutting element, the support edges of the support ribs facing the inner cutting element may be spaced apart by a distance ranging from 35% to 70% or 40% to 60% of the distance defined between the rows of comb teeth on opposing edges of the cutting elements. Depending on user preference, different portions of the skin contact surface defined by the outer cutting element may be pressed against the skin with varying forces to create varying skin pressures. To balance such varying pressures, considering the cross-sectional view of the inner cutting element, it is helpful for the inner cutting element to be supported by the support ribs at about one-third to about two-thirds of the span width of the inner cutting element.

[0046] The support ribs and / or their support edges that contact the inner cutting element may extend parallel to the axis of reciprocation and / or parallel to the rows of comb teeth on opposing edges of the cutting element.

[0047] The support ribs may be secured to the base portion of the support structure in different ways. For example, the support ribs may be welded to the base portion or embedded within the material of the base portion. For example, when separate support ribs are present, each rib may be inserted into a slot-like recess in the base portion to hold the support rib in a desired orientation and position.

[0048] Alternatively, the support ribs may be inclined toward each other at an acute angle and integrally connected to each other and / or form an integral part of the support rib element. More specifically, the support ribs may be formed by V-shaped limbs of a support frame insert that can be inserted into a support structure supporting the cutting element and / or attached to the base of such a support structure. Such a support rib insert may have a chute- or trough-like configuration including a strip-like bottom portion from which two support ribs extend at the described inclination. Such a chute-like insert may be inserted into the support structure and fixedly attached to the base of the support structure. For example, the bottom portion of the insert may be seated on the inner surface of the bottom portion of the outer support frame at a central portion of the insert, and the central bottom portion of the outer support frame may form a seat for the support rib insert. Seating the support rib insert on the bottom portion of the outer support frame may take up the support force and pressure induced in the support rib, thereby pressing the support rib insert onto the bottom portion of the outer support frame.

[0049] The inner support frame insert may be fixedly attached to the outer support frame, for example, glued and / or welded and / or fitted to the outer support frame.

[0050] The outer support frame portion holding the outer cutting element together with the outer cutting element at its opposite edge portions may define a cutter head chamber which may be configured as a tubular or beveled shape with an open or closed end face, the axial end face of which may be open to allow discharge of hair scraps or cut stubble from such cutter head chamber.

[0051] More specifically, such a cutting device head chamber defined by the outer frame portion and the outer cutting element may be divided into a plurality of sub-chambers by the aforementioned support ribs of the inner support frame. More specifically, the cutting device head chamber may be divided by the rigid support ribs into an inner sub-chamber for collecting short hair pieces from the cutting perforations and a pair of outer sub-chambers for collecting long hair pieces cut by the comb-like cutting teeth.

[0052] Each of the inner and outer subchambers may extend from a base portion of the support structure to the inner cutting element, and the pair of outer subchambers may together define a volume in the range of 50% to 120% or 66% to 100% of the volume of the inner subchamber. In other words, the inner subchamber may have a larger volume than the outer subchamber.

[0053] The hair debris collected in the inner subchamber and coming from the perforations, as well as the cut stubble collected in the outer subchamber, may be discharged from the respective subchambers through at least one open end face, and both ends of each of the subchambers may be open to enhance cleaning of the subchamber and discharge of collected hair debris therefrom.

[0054] The clamped cutting elements may be driven by a drive device connected to the inner cutting element and coupled to a drive train that transmits the drive motion of the drive unit, and the inner support frame, including a rigid support rib and an outer support frame, includes an outer frame portion that holds the outer cutting element and a base portion that supports the inner support frame, and may include one or more central, elongated, or slit-like through-holes within which a portion of the drive device and / or drive train is slidably received. In other words, the drive device and / or drive train extend through and are slidably received within the through-holes in the inner and outer support frames to enable reciprocating movement of the drive device, and therefore the clamped cutting elements, relative to the other cutting elements.

[0055] The drivers may include elongated rod-like portions attached to opposite end portions of the inner cutting element and housed within an inner subchamber defined between the rigid support rib and the inner cutting element.

[0056] The clamped cutting element may be a driven cutting element that may reciprocate or rotate depending on the type of drive.

[0057] In principle, each of the cooperating cutting elements may be driven. However, in order to combine an easy drive system with a safe and soft cutting action, the upper or outer cutting element having the skin contact surface may be upright and / or non-reciprocating and non-rotating, while the lower or inner cutting element, which may be the clamped cutting element, may be reciprocating or rotationally oscillating.

[0058] As can be seen in Figure 1, the cutting device system 3 may be part of a cutting device head 2 that may be attached to a handle 100 of a razor and / or trimmer 1. More specifically, the razor and / or trimmer 1 may include an elongated handle 100 that houses electronic and / or electrical components such as a control unit, an electric or magnetic drive motor, and a drive train for transmitting drive motion of the motor to the cutting device system of the cutting device head 2, and referring to Figure 1, the cutting device head 2 may be positioned at one end of the elongated handle 100.

[0059] The cutter system 3, including a pair of cooperating cutting elements 4 and 5, may be the only cutter system of the cutter head 2, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. On the other hand, the cutter system 3 may be incorporated into a razor head 2 having other cutter systems, such as shear foil cutters, e.g., the cutter system 3, having at least one row of cooperating cutting teeth 6, 7, may be positioned between a pair of shear foil cutters, or alternatively, may be positioned in front of such shear foil cutters.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1 , the cutter system 3 may include elongated rows of cutting teeth 6 and 7 that can reciprocate relative to one another along a linear path to close the gaps between the teeth and pass over one another, thereby providing a cutting action. On the other hand, the cutter system 3 may also include cutting teeth 6 and 7 that are aligned along a circle and / or arranged radially. Such rotary cutting elements 4 and 5 may have cutting teeth 6 and 7 that project substantially radially, and the cutting elements 4 and 5 may be driven to rotate relative to one another and / or to rotationally oscillate relative to one another. The cutting action is essentially similar to that of the reciprocating cutting elements as radially extending teeth that, as they rotate and / or rotationally oscillate, periodically close and reopen the gaps between adjacent teeth and pass over one another in a scissors-like fashion.

[0061] 2, the drive system may include a motor 103, the shaft of which can rotate an eccentric drive pin received between channel-like profiles of the drive device 18, which is connected to one of the cutting elements 4 via a drive train 109, resulting in a reciprocating motion due to engagement of the rotating eccentric drive pin with the profiles of the drive device 18. The motor 103 is powered by a battery 104 provided below the motor in the handle housing. Next to the battery 104 is a control unit 111 for controlling the motor 103 according to an on / off button or other control options—all provided inside the handle housing.

[0062] As shown by Figures 3, 4, and 5, the cooperating cutting elements 4 and 5 may have an essentially, at least approximately, plate-shaped configuration, with each cutting element 4 and 5 including two rows of cutting teeth 6 and 7, which may be located on opposite longitudinal sides of the plate-shaped cutting elements 4 and 5, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. The cutting elements 4 and 5 are supported and positioned so that the flat sides of the cutting elements lie on top of each other. More specifically, the cutting teeth 6 and 7 of the cutting elements 4 and 5 abut each other back to back, like the blades of a pair of scissors.

[0063] In addition to such comb-like cutting teeth 6 and 7, the cooperating cutting elements 4 and 5 may comprise at least two regions of cutting perforations located between the rows of cutting teeth 6 and 7 in the intermediate portions of the cutting elements 4 and 5. More specifically, each region of cutting perforations 8 of the outer cutting elements 4 that defines the skin-contacting surface of the cutter system 3 may include at least two rows of perforations 8, which may be formed as small-sized through-holes having a circular, oval, elliptical, or polygonal shape.

[0064] Specifically, such small-sized through holes forming the perforations 8 may have a hexagonal shape, and the long axis of such a hexagonal through hole, i.e., the axis passing through the opposing corners of the hexagonal shape, may be oriented transversely to the axis of reciprocation 10 of the cutting elements 4 and 5.

[0065] As can be seen in Figure 9, the perforations 8 may widen towards the skin contact / skin facing surface, i.e. the cross sectional area of ​​the perforations 8 is larger towards the skin contact surface. Such a trumpet or cone or truncated pyramidal shape helps the hair to enter the perforations, as can be seen in Figure 9.

[0066] As can be seen from Figure 8, the perforations 8 are not distributed over a central section of the skin-contacting surface at all, but are located only in a limited area. More specifically, the cutting perforations 8 for cutting short hairs are restricted to areas 70, 90 of the skin-contacting surface or skin-facing surface 50 of the cutting element 4 following the forward-moving rows of comb-like cutting teeth 6, 7 as the cutting device system 3 moves along the skin to be shaved with one of the forward-moving rows of comb-like teeth 6, 7, while an intermediate portion 80 of the skin-contacting surface / skin-facing surface defined by the cutting element between opposing rows of comb-like teeth is non-perforated.

[0067] Such an arrangement of the limited area 70, 90 of the spaced apart perforations 8 allows for very short hairs to be cut by the perforations 8 that immediately follow one of the leading rake-like cutting edges, while perforations further away from the leading comb-like cutting edge are less effective at cutting very short hairs. Due to the elimination of perforations in areas of the skin-contacting surface 50 that are less effective at cutting very short hairs, friction between the cutting elements 4, 5 is reduced without sacrificing efficiency in cutting very short hairs. Friction is reduced due to fewer cutting edges, with fewer perforations that need to pass through each other as the cutting elements move relative to one another; thus, already cut hair particles or hair debris exiting the cutting perforations moving forward over the skin to be shaved are not re-cut or ground, reducing frictional losses.

[0068] More specifically, the cutting perforations 8 may be arranged in two separated elongated regions 70, 90 of perforations, which are separated from each other by one elongated unperforated central section 80 on the outside of the cutting element 4 that defines the skin contact surface 50, and which each include at least two rows of perforations 8 extending along and / or parallel to the rows of the comb-like cutting teeth 6, 7.

[0069] To allow sufficient support for the cutting elements moving relative to one another without interfering with the cutting action of the comb teeth 6, 7 and perforations 8, the perforated regions 70, 90 may also be separated or spaced apart from the rows of comb teeth 6, 7 by elongated unperforated side sections 61, 62 of the outer cutting elements, and the support structure may include a pair of flexible or rigid support ribs 19 adjacent to or along the outer boundaries of the perforated regions 70, 90 to support the inner cutting elements of the cutting element 5 below the unperforated side sections 61, 62.

[0070] To reduce friction resulting from engagement between the support structure 14 and the moving cutting element 5, the inner cutting element 5 may extend unsupported below the unperforated central section 80 between the regions 70, 90 of perforations 8.

[0071] The elongated unperforated central section 80 of the skin-contacting surface 50 defined by the outer cutting elements may have a size or width that is greater than the size or width of each of the regions of perforation 70, 90. More specifically, the unperforated central section of the skin-contacting surface may extend over an area in the range of 100% to 250% or 110% to 175% of the area defined by each of the regions of perforation, with reference to FIG.

[0072] Generally, more than two-thirds or even three-quarters of the area of ​​the skin-contacting surface 50 of the cutter element 4 between the comb-like cutting teeth may be non-perforated. In other words, only one-quarter to two-thirds of the skin-contacting surface 50 between the opposing rake-like toothed edges of the cutter system 3 may be perforated, as shown in Figure 8. Such a limitation of the area of ​​the perforations 8 may significantly reduce friction when the cutting elements 4, 5 move relative to one another.

[0073] Such perforations 8 of the outer cutting element 4 can cooperate with perforations 9 in the inner cutting element 5 when the cutting elements 4 and 5 reciprocate relative to one another along the reciprocation axis 10. The perforations 9 of the inner cutting element 5 can also be formed as small-sized through-holes of a shape corresponding to or different from the shape of the perforations 8 of the outer cutting element 4. However, as can be seen from FIG. 5 , the perforations 9 in the inner cutting element 5 do not have to be small-sized through-holes, but can be larger-sized notches each cooperating with two or more perforations 8 in the other cutting elements 4. More specifically, the perforations 9 in the inner cutting element 5 can be formed as longitudinal slot-like notches extending transversely to the longitudinal axis and the reciprocation axis 10. Thus, each elongated transverse perforation 9 in the inner cutting element 5 can cooperate with a respective row of perforations in the outer cutting element 4.

[0074] The notches in the inner cutting element 5 overlap the perforations 8 in the outer cutting element 4 and, in response to a reciprocating motion, close the perforations 8, resulting in a shearing action and / or cutting of hair introduced into the perforations 8 and 9.

[0075] As can be seen from Figures 3 and 8, the rows of perforations 8 may extend substantially parallel to the rows of comb-like cutting teeth 6 and 7 in the parts of the cutting elements 4 and 5 between the rows of comb-like cutting teeth 6 and 7.

[0076] To support the cutting elements 4 and 5 in the aforementioned position, lying and / or seated back to back against each other but still allowing the cutting teeth 6 and 7 and the perforations 8 and 9 to move back and forth relative to each other, the inner cutting element 5 is sandwiched between the outer cutting element 4 and a support structure 14, which, referring to FIG. 4, includes an inner frame that supports the inner cutting element 5 and an outer frame 12 that holds the outer cutting element 4.

[0077] More specifically, the support structure 14 defines a gap 16 within which the inner cutting element 5 may move relative to the outer cutting element 4 , the inner cutting element 5 being slidably guided within the gap 16 .

[0078] 4 and 5, the outer cutting element 4 may have a substantially C-shaped configuration in cross section with folded edge portions 4a and 4b that bend or curve away from the skin-contacting surface and form retention flanges attached or secured to the outer frame portion 12 of the support structure 14. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the edge portions 4a and 4b may then be folded or bent around edge portions of the outer frame 12. However, the retention flanges 4a and 4b of the cutting element 4 could alternatively be seated inside the outer frame 12.

[0079] The cutting element 4 may be rigidly or fixedly fastened to the outer frame portion 12. For example, the cutting element 4 may be welded or glued to the outer frame 12.

[0080] 4 and 5, the outer frame portion 12 of the support structure 14 may include a pair of branched legs forming a shallow chute or trough, and the edge portions of the support legs of the outer frame 12 may be provided with slot-like notches 13 that form toothed edges that essentially correspond to the cutting teeth 6 and 7 of the cutting elements 4 and 5. More specifically, the notches 13 in the edges of the outer frame 12 allow hair to be cut to enter the teeth 6 and 7 of the cutting elements 4 and 5, while at the same time providing some support for the cutting tooth 6 of the outer cutting element 4.

[0081] The cutting teeth 6 of the outer cutting element 4 may be formed in the transition area between the rear folded support flanges 4 a and 4 b and the front side of the cutting element 4 that defines the skin contact surface of the cutter system 3 .

[0082] The outer cutting elements 4 may form C-shaped plate-like cutting elements whose edges are folded to form inwardly bent limbs like those of a C or U, with such folded limbs 4a and 4b being held by the outer support frame portion 12. The transition edge portions connecting the folded limbs with the central portion of the outer cutting elements are contoured or configured to form rows of comb-like teeth 6 for cutting longer stubble, while the central portion 4c of the cutting element 4 provides an area of ​​perforations 8 for cutting shorter hairs.

[0083] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the outer cutting element 4 together with the outer frame 12 of the support structure 14 defines a chamber 17 enclosed by the outer cutting element 4 and the outer frame 12 .

[0084] Disposed within such chamber 17 is an inner frame 11 for supporting the inner cutting element 5. The inner frame 11 includes at least one pair of support ribs 19 extending from a base section 20 of the support structure 14 toward the inner cutting element 5, which lies back-to-back on the outer cutting element 4.

[0085] More specifically, as can be seen in Figure 4, the support ribs 19 originate from a central section of the outer frame 12 where the branching support legs of the outer frame 12 join together. The support ribs 19 of the inner frame 11 may extend from the base section 20 toward the inner cutting elements 5 at an angle β that is significantly steeper than the angle φ between the outer frame 12. As can be seen in Figure 4a, the support ribs 19 of the inner frame 11 may define an angle β between each other of 2 x 20° to 2 x 40° or 2 x 25° to 2 x 30°, and the support ribs 19 may be symmetrically arranged about a central plane that is perpendicular to the skin-contacting surface and parallel to the reciprocation axis 10.

[0086] To provide sufficient rigidity to the support ribs 19, the ribs 19 may have a straight longitudinal axis when viewed in cross section, such as that shown in FIG. 4a. In other words, the inner and outer surfaces of the support ribs 19 may be planar and flat to achieve buckling rigidity. The support ribs 19 may define a V-shaped configuration originating from the base portion 20.

[0087] Alternatively, the ribs 19 may be flexible and / or resiliently configured to bias the cutting elements 5 inwardly toward the outer cutting elements 4, as shown in Figure 4b. For example, the ribs 19 may have a curved profile that bends in cross section to resiliently bias the cutting elements 5 against the other cutting elements 4, as shown in Figure 4b.

[0088] 5, the support ribs 19 may be part of the support inserts and / or may be integrally formed with one another. More specifically, the inner frame 11 may have a chute- or trough-like configuration including a strip-shaped bottom portion from edges from which a pair of support ribs 19 extend. For example, the inner frame 11 including the support ribs 19 may be formed from a substantially rectangular metal plate, and the strip-shaped edges may be bent relative to a middle section to form the angled support ribs 19.

[0089] The inner frame 11 may form an insert that can be inserted into the chamber 17 defined by the outer frame 12 and the outer cutting element 4. More specifically, the insert that forms the inner frame 11 may be seated on a base portion 20 of the outer frame 12, which absorbs forces and pressures induced on the inner frame 11 when the cutting device system 3 is pressed against the skin to be shaved.

[0090] The inner frame 11 is configured such that the aforementioned gap 16 is defined between the support edges of the support ribs 19, on the one hand, and the inner sides of the outer cutting elements 4, on the other hand. More specifically, the height of the support ribs 19 is configured such that the gap 16 between the support edges of the ribs 19 and the outer cutting elements 4 substantially corresponds to the thickness of the inner cutting elements 5, and the gap 16 may be configured to be slightly wider than the thickness of the plate-like cutting elements 5 so as to reduce friction and provide some play between the inner cutting elements 5 and the support ribs 19, and between the inner cutting elements 5 and the outer cutting elements 4. Such play may be provided when the cutting device system 3 is unloaded, i.e., not pressed against the skin to be shaved. In an operating state, when the outer cutting elements 4 are pressed against the skin to be shaved, such play is eliminated, and the cutting elements 4 and 5 fit snugly together to achieve a smooth cut of hair.

[0091] Despite this possible play provided by the support structure 14, the support ribs 19 are configured so that the gap 16 exceeds in width the thickness of the inner cutting element 4 by an amount that is less than the thickness of the hair to be cut. For example, the width of the gap 16 may be greater than the thickness of the clamped cutting element 5 by an amount less than 40 μm or by an amount in the range of 20 μm to 40 μm.

[0092] Alternatively, when the ribs 19 are flexible as shown in FIG. 4b, the gap 16 defined may be zero or at least less than the thickness of the cutting blade 5 to achieve biasing.

[0093] As can be seen in Figure 4, the inner and outer cutting elements 4 and 5 may have a slightly convex profile. More specifically, the skin-contacting surface defined by the outer cutting element 4 may have a slightly convex, substantially chute-like configuration. In a cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the reciprocating axis 10, the outer surface of the outer cutting element 4 may be slightly dome-shaped, see Figure 4.

[0094] The inner cutting element 5 substantially corresponds in shape to the outer cutting element 4 with respect to its slightly convex, chute-like shape.

[0095] 4 , the support edges of the support ribs 19 facing the inner cutting element 5 may be spaced apart from one another by a distance ranging from about 35% to 70% or 40% to 60% of the distance defined between the rows of comb teeth 6 and 7 at the opposing edges of the outer cutting element 4. Thus, the rigid support ribs 19 may support the inner cutting element 4 at about one-third and about two-thirds of their span width when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the reciprocation axis 10. More specifically, the support edges of the ribs 19 may extend directly adjacent the outer boundary of the area of ​​the perforations 8, and the support ribs 19 may contact the inner cutting element 5 along the outer longitudinal contour of the cutouts forming the perforations 9 in the inner cutting element 5.

[0096] Due to the configuration of the support ribs 19, which extend from the base portion 20 of the support structure 14 at a steeper angle than the support legs of the outer frame 12, the chamber 17 defined by the outer frame 12 and the outer cutting element 4 attached to the outer frame 12 is divided by the support ribs 19 into an inner subchamber 17i and a pair of outer subchambers 17o, as shown in Figure 4, and the outer subchambers 17o may together have a volume substantially corresponding to the volume of the inner subchamber 17i.

[0097] The rigid support ribs 19 of the inner frame 11 may extend substantially parallel to the reciprocation axis 10. More specifically, the support edges of the ribs 19 that contact the inner cutting element 5 may extend parallel to the reciprocation axis 10.

[0098] 6 and 7, the cutter head 2 including the cutter system 3 may be pivotally supported relative to the handle of the razor / trimmer 1 about a pivot axis 21 which may extend substantially parallel to the reciprocation axis 10. The pivot axis 21 may be positioned adjacent to the cutting elements 4 and 5 and / or within a chamber 17 enclosed by the outer cutting element 4 and outer frame 12.

[0099] 5 and 6, the outer frame 12 of the support structure 14 that holds the outer cutting element 4 may include a pair of pivotal support sections 12a and 12b, which may be spaced apart from each other and / or positioned on opposite end faces of the outer frame 12. On the other hand, a pair of support flanges 110 may be provided on the cutting device head side of the handle 100, and the pivotal support flanges 110 may be rotatably connected to the pivotal support sections 12a and 12b of the outer frame 12 to form a pivot axis 21.

[0100] A spring device 22 may be associated with the pivot axis 21 to bias the cutting device head 2 to a desired mutual pivot position or orientation, which may be an intermediate orientation allowing pivoting in opposite directions, or alternatively, an end position or orientation allowing pivoting in only one direction.

[0101] The spring device 22 may be engaged with the support flange 110 of the handle 100 on the one hand and the outer frame 12 on the other hand.

[0102] A drive unit 18 may be connected to the inner cutting element 5 to drive the cutting elements 4 and 5 in a reciprocating manner relative to one another, and such drive unit 18 may include rod-like drive elements attached to opposite end portions of the inner cutting element 5. On the other hand, the drive unit 18 may include a coupling section 18c that is coupled to a drive element extending from the handle 100 to the cutter head 2. More specifically, the inner frame 11 and the outer frame 12 of the support structure 14 may include elongated recesses 23 or notches that extend through the base section 20 of the support structure 14, and said coupling section 18c of the drive unit 18 may extend through the elongated notch 23 to allow coupling with a drive element of a drive train coming from a motor in the handle 100, see FIGS.

[0103] The drive devices 18 may be slidably guided in the inner frame 11 and / or the outer frame 12. For example, one or more guide blocks 24 or supports 24 may be provided on the outer frame 12. For example, such a guide block 24 may be inserted into a central elongated recess 24 extending into a base portion of the outer frame 12, and the guide block 24 may include a slot-like groove 25 in which the rod-like drive devices 18 may be slidably guided.

[0104] The drive unit 18 may be housed between the rigid support ribs 19 of the inner frame 11. Specifically, the drive unit 18 may be housed within the inner subchamber 17i and thus surrounded by a chute-like insert forming the inner frame 11, including the rigid support ribs 19, and the coupling section 18c of the drive unit 18 may extend through a central elongated recess 23 in the bottom portion of the insert forming the inner frame 11.

Claims

1. A cutting device system for an electric shaver and / or trimmer, comprising a pair of cooperating cutting elements (4, 5) having an inner cutting element (5) and an outer cutting element (4), said pair of cooperating cutting elements (4, 5) having two rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7) at opposite edges thereof and at least one area of ​​cutting perforations between said rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7), said cutting elements (4, 5) being supported by a support structure (14) so ​​as to be movable relative to each other, and said cutting elements (4, 5) being supported by a support structure (14) so ​​as to be movable relative to each other, the perforations (8) are arranged in two distinct elongated regions (70, 90) of the perforations (8), the regions (70, 90) being separated from one another by an elongated unperforated central section (80) of the outer cutting element (4) of the cutting element that defines a skin-contacting surface, each comprising at least two rows of perforations (8) extending along the rows of pectinate cutting teeth (6, 7), the perforations (8) widening in longitudinal cross section towards the skin-contacting / skin-facing surface of the outer cutting element (4); the perforations (8) have a non-circular profile including a longer major axis and a shorter major axis, the perforations (8) being oriented such that the longer major axis extends transversely to the rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7) and the shorter major axis extends substantially parallel to the rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7); The cutting device system, wherein the non-circular contour is a hexagon.

2. 2. The cutting device system of claim 1, wherein the separate elongated regions (70, 90) of perforations (8) are separated from the rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7) by elongated unperforated side sections (61, 62) of the outer cutting element (4).

3. 3. The cutting device system of claim 2, wherein the support structure (14) includes a pair of support ribs (19) that support the inner cutting element (5) of the cutting element under the unperforated side sections (61, 62) along the outer boundaries of the perforated areas (70, 90), and / or the inner cutting element (5) extends unsupported under the unperforated central section (80) between the perforated areas (70, 90).

4. 4. The cutting device system according to claim 1, wherein the elongated unperforated central section (80) is wider than the width of each of the regions (70, 90) of perforations (8) and / or has a width ranging from 100% to 250% or 110% to 175% of the width of each of the regions (70, 90) of perforations (8).

5. 5. The cutting device system according to claim 1, wherein at least two-thirds or at least three-quarters of the area of ​​the skin contact surface of the cutting elements (4, 5) defined between the comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7) is non-perforated.

6. 6. A cutting device system according to claim 1, wherein the cutting elements (4, 5) define a skin-contacting surface which, in cross-section, is a continuous, smooth dome-shaped surface from one of the rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6) above the region (70, 90) of the perforations (8) to the other of the rows of comb-like cutting teeth (7), and wherein the unperforated central section (80) defines a maximum height above a straight baseline passing through the tips of the rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7).

7. 2. The cutting device system of claim 1, wherein each of the perforation regions (70, 90) comprises two to five or two to three rows of hexagonal perforations (8), the longer major axes of which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rows of perforations (8).

8. 8. The cutting device system of claim 3, wherein the support structure (14) is configured to clamp the inner cutting element (5) of the cutting element between the outer cutting element (4) of the cutting element and a support edge of a support rib (19) of the support structure (14) with a gap (16) defined between the support rib (19) and the outer cutting element (4), within which the inner cutting element (5) is movably received, and the support structure (14) further includes a pair of outer frame portions that hold the outer cutting element (4) at opposite edge portions thereof, and the support ribs extend from a base portion of the support structure (14) to form the support edge that supports the inner cutting element along an outer edge of the area of ​​the cutting perforation.

9. 9. The cutting equipment system of claim 8, wherein the support ribs extend from the base portion (20) of the support structure (14) at an angle (β) of between 2×20° and 2×40° or between 2×25° and 2×30°.

10. 10. The cutting device system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the support edges of the support ribs facing the inner cutting element (5) are spaced apart from each other by a distance ranging from 35% to 70% or 40% to 60% of the distance defined between the rows of comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7) at the opposite edges of the cutting elements (4, 5).

11. 9. A cutting device system according to claim 3 or 8, wherein the support ribs (19) are rigid so as not to sag under operating loads on the cutting elements (4, 5) and, in cross section, have a linear profile defining a V-shape and with flat, substantially parallel sides.

12. 12. A cutting device system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the support structure (14) includes an outer frame portion (12) that holds the outer cutting element (4) at opposite edge portions thereof, the outer frame portion (12) and the outer cutting element (4) defining a cutting device head chamber (17), the cutting device head chamber (17) being divided by the support structure (14) into an inner sub-chamber (17i) for collecting short hair pieces from the perforations (8) and a pair of outer sub-chambers (17o) for collecting long hair pieces from the comb-like cutting teeth (6, 7), the inner sub-chambers (17i) communicating with each of the regions (70, 90) of the perforations (8).

13. 13. The cutting device system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the contours of the perforations of the outer cutting element (4) form sharp cutting edges towards the sides of the inner cutting element (5), said sharp angle preferably being in the range of 25 to 60 degrees.

14. An electric shaver and / or trimmer comprising a cutting device system configured according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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