Cutting Assembly

Abstract

A cutting assembly 20 for a hair cutting device 10 includes a plurality of guard teeth 28 and a guard blade 22 that defines an x-axis 50 passing through the tips of the guard teeth, with the plurality of guard teeth arranged along an upper edge of the guard blade. A cutting blade 24 is configured to cooperate with the guard blade to cut hair. The cutting blade includes a plurality of cutting teeth 30 that extend along a cutting edge of the cutting blade and define a cutting axis 150 passing through the tips of the cutting teeth. The guard blade is assembled adjacent to the cutting blade such that the guard blade and the cutting blade are configured to slide relative to each other within a blade plane while maintaining contact with each other. The guard teeth and the cutting teeth overlap, the cutting axis is parallel to the x-axis, and the cutting blade is configured to reciprocate along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade. As a result, the cutting teeth and the guard teeth cooperate to cut hair. The cutting assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism 26 having an input device configured to be operated by a user. The adjustment mechanism is configured to be switched between a neutral configuration and a y-set configuration. In the y-set configuration, the input device of the adjustment mechanism is engaged with a y-gear mechanism such that operation of the input device forces movement of the y-gear mechanism, which moves the cutting blade along a y-axis 250 within the blade plane and perpendicular to the x-axis relative to the guard blade to align the cutting axis with the x-axis in the blade plane. In the neutral configuration, the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism such that the input device can be freely operated without moving the cutting blade along the y-axis relative to the guard blade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cutting assembly for a hair cutting device and a hair cutting device.

Background Art

[0002] A hair cutting device typically includes a guard blade and a cutting blade, which must be perfectly aligned for optimal hair cutting performance.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, manufacturing tolerances of the cutting blade and tolerances in manual replacement can cause misalignment between the cutting blade and the guard blade.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] According to a first specific aspect, a cutting assembly for a hair cutting device is provided, the cutting assembly comprising: a guard blade including a plurality of guard teeth, the guard blade defining an x-axis passing through the tips of the plurality of guard teeth, the plurality of guard teeth being arranged along an upper edge of the guard blade; and a cutting blade configured to cooperate with the guard blade to cut hair, the cutting blade including a plurality of cutting teeth, the plurality of cutting teeth extending along a cutting edge of the cutting blade, the cutting blade defining a cutting axis passing through the tips of the plurality of cutting teeth; the guard blade being assembled adjacent to the cutting blade, such that the guard blade and the cutting blade are configured to slide relative to each other within a blade plane while maintaining contact with each other; the guard teeth and the cutting teeth overlapping; and the cutting axis being parallel to the x-axis; the cutting blade being configured to reciprocate along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade; such that the cutting teeth and the guard teeth cooperate to cut hair. The above cutting assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism which includes an input device configured to be operated by the user, and the adjustment mechanism is configured to be switchable between a neutral configuration and a y-set configuration. In the y-set configuration, the input device of the adjustment mechanism engages with the y-gear mechanism, and as a result, operation of the input device forces the movement of the y-gear mechanism, which moves the cutting blade along the y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis in the blade plane relative to the guard blade in order to align the cutting axis and the x-axis in the blade plane. In the neutral configuration, the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism, and as a result, the input device can be operated freely without causing the cutting blade to move along the y-axis relative to the guard blade.

[0005] The input device of the adjustment mechanism may have an elongated rod extending along the rod axis and a wheel at the axial end of the rod. The input device is movable along the rod axis relative to the y-gear mechanism to engage with and disengage from the y-gear mechanism, thereby allowing the adjustment mechanism to be switched between a y-set configuration and a neutral configuration, respectively.

[0006] The y-gear mechanism may have a first worm gear and a second worm gear, spaced apart along a direction parallel to the x-axis and fixed by a base, the base being coupled to the cutting blade. The first and second worm gears may each have a first helical worm meshed with a first worm wheel and a second helical worm meshed with a second worm wheel. As a result, when simultaneously engaged by the input device in a y-set configuration, the first and second worm gears are configured to move the cutting blade along the y-axis relative to the guard blade.

[0007] Engaging two worm gears spaced apart along a direction parallel to the x-axis in a y-set configuration simultaneously means that two sides of the cutting blade can be moved at the same time, reducing the possibility of accidental angular movement of the cutting blade relative to the guard blade without the need for a guide.

[0008] The rod may have a first y-key and a second y-key spaced the same amount along the rod axis as the first and second worm gears. The rod can pass through the first and second helical worms. In the y-set configuration, the first y-key may be configured to engage with the first helical worm, and the second y-key may be configured to engage with the second helical worm, so that the rotation of the input device's wheel forces the rotation of the first and second helical worms. This forces the corresponding rotation of the first and second worm wheels, thereby moving the cutting blade along the y-axis relative to the guard blade. In the neutral configuration, the first and second y-keys are configured to disengage from the first and second helical worms, so that the rotation of the input device's wheel does not move the cutting blade relative to the guard blade.

[0009] The guard blade may have multiple rod holders, each having an opening through which a rod is passed, allowing the rod to move along its axis, and the opening in the rod holder is elliptical, allowing the rod to move along the y-axis.

[0010] A bias element can be placed between the guard blade and the base, which biases the base away from the guard blade, and as a result, biases the cutting axis away from the x-axis in the direction toward the guard blade. As a result, the cutting teeth do not protrude beyond the guard teeth. This is important to ensure the safety of the mechanism. The teeth of the cutting blade are usually much sharper than the teeth of the guard blade, and therefore biasing the cutting blade to prevent the cutting teeth from protruding improves user safety.

[0011] The first and second worm wheels have eccentric protrusions which engage with individual buttresses on the guard blade and can be configured to apply a force from the base to the guard blade that counteracts the force applied to the guard plate by the bias element, and by operating an input device, the position of the cutting axis along the y-axis relative to the guard blade can be finely adjusted.

[0012] The adjustment mechanism can be further configured to switch to an x-set configuration, in which the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism and engages with an x-gear mechanism configured to move the cutting blade along the cutting axis, so that operation of the input device forces the movement of the x-gear mechanism, which moves the cutting blade along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade.

[0013] The input device can be configured so that movement along the rod axis of the input device switches the adjustment mechanism between a y-set configuration, an x-set configuration, and a neutral configuration.

[0014] The x-gear mechanism may have a third helical worm positioned between a first worm gear and a second worm gear and configured to engage with a base gear, so that when the third helical worm is rotated by the input device, the cutting blade moves along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade.

[0015] The base gear may have an internal thread on the base that corresponds to the external thread of the third helical worm.

[0016] The rod may have an x ​​key positioned between a first y key and a second y key. In a y-set configuration, the x key may be configured to disengage from a third helical worm, so that operation of the input device does not move the cutting blade along the cutting axis. In an x-set configuration, the x key may be configured to engage with a third helical worm, the first y key may be configured to disengage from the first helical worm of the first worm gear, and the second y key may be configured to disengage from the second helical worm of the second worm gear, so that operation of the input device forces rotation of the third helical worm, thereby moving the cutting blade along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade, but not along the y axis relative to the guard blade. In a neutral configuration, the x key may be configured to disengage from a third helical worm, so that operation of the input device does not move the cutting blade relative to the guard blade.

[0017] The adjustment mechanism can be further configured to switch to an angle set configuration, in which the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism and engaged with the angle gear mechanism, so that operation of the input device forces the movement of the angle gear mechanism, which moves the cutting blade to rotate around an angle axis perpendicular to both the cutting axis and the y-axis.

[0018] An angle gear mechanism may have part of a y-gear mechanism.

[0019] The input device can be configured such that movement along the rod axis of the input device switches the adjustment mechanism between a y-set configuration, an angle-set configuration, and a neutral configuration.

[0020] The angle gear mechanism may have a first worm gear or a second worm gear.

[0021] In an angle set configuration, an angle key is configured to engage with a first helical worm or a second helical worm, a first y key is configured to disengage from the first helical worm, a second y key is configured to disengage from the second helical worm, and an x key can be configured to disengage from a third helical worm, such that an operation of the input device results in an angular rotation of the cutting blade relative to the guard blade and does not move the cutting blade along the cutting axis or the y axis relative to the guard blade.

[0022] According to a second aspect, a hair cutting device is provided, which has a handle, a cutting assembly according to the first aspect, and a drive mechanism configured to reciprocate the cutting blade along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade.

[0023] These and other aspects will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be described with reference to the embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. schematically shows a perspective view of an exemplary hair cutting device. [Figure 2] FIG. schematically shows a perspective view of an exemplary cutting assembly of a hair cutting device. [Figure 3] FIG. schematically shows an exploded view of an exemplary cutting assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cutting assembly in various different settings. [Figure 5] FIG. schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cutting assembly in various different settings. [Figure 6] FIG. schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cutting assembly in various different settings. [Figure 7] FIG. schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cutting assembly in various different settings.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] The following exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a hair cutting device 10 having a handle 12 and a cutting assembly 20 configured to cut hair.

[0027] Figures 2 and 3 show the assembled and exploded views of the cutting assembly 20, respectively.

[0028] The cutting assembly 20 includes a guard blade 22, a cutting blade 24, and an adjustment mechanism 26.

[0029] The cutting blade 24 is configured to cut hair in cooperation with the guard blade 22. Specifically, the guard blade 22 has a plurality of guard teeth 28 arranged along the upper edge of the guard blade 22. The guard blade 22 defines an x-axis 50 passing through the tips of the guard teeth 28. The cutting blade 24 has a plurality of cutting teeth 30 extending along the cutting edge of the cutting blade 24 and defining a cutting axis 150 passing through the tips of the cutting teeth 30.

[0030] The guard blade 22 and the cutting blade 24 are substantially planar, and the guard blade 22 is assembled adjacent to the cutting blade 24, so that the cutting teeth 30 overlap with the guard teeth 28, and the guard blade 22 and the cutting blade are configured to slide within the blade plane, which is parallel to each other to the respective planes of the guard blade 22 and the cutting blade 24. The guard blade 22 and the cutting blade 24 are configured to remain in contact while sliding within the blade plane, and in this example, the cutting axis 150 is assumed to be collinear with the x-axis 50 in Figure 2. In some examples, the cutting axis 150 may not be collinear with the x-axis 50, but can be configured to be parallel to the x-axis 50. In other examples, the cutting axis 150 may not be parallel to the x-axis 50, but can be configured to be parallel to the x-axis 50 for optimal alignment during use. Thus, the adjustment mechanism can be configured to correct the alignment of the cutting axis 150 so that it is parallel to the x-axis 50.

[0031] During use, the cutting blade 24 is configured to reciprocate along the cutting axis 150 relative to the guard blade 22, and as a result, the cutting teeth 30 and the guard teeth 28 work together to cut the hair. Returning to Figure 1, the hair cutting device 10 has a drive mechanism 16 configured to reciprocate the cutting blade 24 along the cutting axis 150 relative to the guard blade 22.

[0032] Returning to Figures 2 and 3, in this example, the cutting assembly 20 has a base 32 that is coupled to the cutting blade 24 and constrained to the guard blade 22.

[0033] The base 32 is constrained along the x-axis 50 relative to the guard blade 22 by a pair of buttresses 48 protruding from the guard blade 22, each buttress 48 having an overhang. To constrain the relative movement of the guard blade 22 and the base 32 in a direction perpendicular to the blade plane, the sides of the base 32 have grooves provided below the overhangs of the buttresses 48. The sides of the base 32 also abut against the individual buttresses 48, so that the buttresses 48 prevent relative movement of the base 32 and the guard blade 22 in a direction parallel to the x-axis 50. The base 32 is movable along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22, the y-axis 250 being perpendicular to the x-axis 50 and parallel to the blade plane. The base 32 is biased along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22 by bias elements 52 in the form of a pair of compression springs 52 acting between the base 32 and a pair of stops 60 on the guard blade 22, respectively, biasing the base 32 away from the guard teeth 28. A counterforce along the y-axis 250 against the force applied by the bias element 52 is provided by the base 32 that abuts against the buttress 48, which provides adjustment of the base 32 along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22, as will be described in more detail below.

[0034] The cutting blade 24 is configured to reciprocate along the cutting axis 150 relative to the base 32. In this example, the cutting blade 24 is constrained to move only along the cutting axis 150 relative to the base 32, and as a result, the cutting blade does not move along the y-axis 250 relative to the base 32. Therefore, when the base 32 is moved along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22, the cutting blade 24 is also moved along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22 by a corresponding amount. The cutting blade is constrained so as not to move along the y-axis 250 relative to the base 32 by contacting the base 32 and being held in place by the double-sided torsion spring element 34.

[0035] Therefore, biasing the base 32 with the bias element 52 toward the lower edge of the guard blade 22 (opposite the upper edge of the guard blade 22 where the guard teeth 28 are located) also biases the cutting blade 24 toward the lower edge of the guard blade 22. This deflects the cutting axis 150 away from the x-axis 50 in the direction toward the lower edge of the guard blade 22, and as a result, the cutting teeth 30 do not protrude beyond the guard teeth 28. Deflecting the cutting blade 24 in this direction is an important safety feature of the cutting assembly 20. The cutting teeth 30 are usually much sharper than the guard teeth 28, and therefore deflecting the cutting blade 24 to prevent the cutting teeth 30 from protruding improves user safety.

[0036] The double-sided torsion spring element 34 is coupled between the base 32 and two points on the cutting blade 24 that are spaced apart along a direction parallel to the cutting axis 150. The torsion spring element 34 simultaneously prevents the cutting blade 24 from moving away from the base 32 along the y-axis 250, and ensures that the guard blade 22 and the cutting blade 24 remain in contact by offsetting the cutting blade 24 perpendicular to the blade plane with respect to the guard blade 22, and offsetting the cutting blade 24 toward a central position along the cutting axis 150 with respect to the base 32.

[0037] The adjustment mechanism 26 has an input device configured to be operated by a user to adjust the cutting assembly 20. In this example, the input device has an elongated rod 40 extending along the rod axis 350 and a wheel 42 at the axial end of the rod 40. In this example, the rod 40 has several keys 45 (most commonly seen in Figure 3) spaced apart along the rod 40. The keys 45 are specially shaped projections from the rod 40 that engage with individual gear sets in cooperation with corresponding key slots in the gear set. In this example, the rod axis 350 is parallel to the x axis 50 and the cutting axis 150.

[0038] In this example, the adjustment mechanism 26 is configured to switch between the y-set configuration, angle-set configuration, x-set configuration, and neutral configuration, which are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 4-7. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to switch only between the y-set configuration and the neutral configuration. In some examples, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to switch only between the y-set configuration, x-set configuration, and neutral configuration. In other examples, the adjustment mechanism may be configured to switch only between the y-set configuration, angle configuration, and neutral configuration.

[0039] In this example, the adjustment mechanism 26 is configured to switch between configurations by moving the input device along the rod axis 350.

[0040] In this example, the adjustment mechanism 26 has a first worm gear 44 and a second worm gear 46 spaced apart along a direction parallel to the rod axis 350. The first worm gear 44 has a first helical worm 44a and a first worm wheel 44b that mesh together. The second worm gear 46 has a second helical worm 46a and a second worm wheel 46b that mesh together (best shown in Figure 3). The rod 40 passes over the first helical worm 44a and the second helical worm 46a, so that the first helical worm 44a and the second helical worm 46a are spaced apart along the rod axis 350.

[0041] In this example, the first worm wheel 44b and the second worm wheel 46b are fixed to the base 32 on opposing sides of the base, and as a result they rotate around axes perpendicular to both the x-axis 50 and the y-axis 250. The first worm wheel 44b and the second worm wheel 46b each have eccentric protrusions 44c, 46c, which engage with individual buttresses 48 protruding from the guard blade 22 and are configured to provide a force along the y-axis 250 to the base 32 that counteracts the force applied to the base 32 by the compression spring 52. Thus, the rotation of the first worm wheel 44b and the second worm wheel 46b in the same direction pushes the buttresses 48 of the guard blade 22 away from the cutting edge of the cutting blade 24, or allows the buttresses 48 to move closer to the cutting edge of the cutting blade 24 under the action of the compression spring 52, and as a result the cutting axis 150 is moved controllably along the y-axis 250.

[0042] In this example, the first worm gear 44 and the second worm gear 46 together form a y-gear mechanism, which, when engaged by the first y-key 45a and the second y-key 45b of the input device (i.e., rod 40), respectively, allows the cutting blade 24 to be moved along the y-axis relative to the guard blade 22 in order to fine-tune the alignment between the cutting axis 150 and the x-axis 50 during operation of the input device, as best shown in Figures 4-7. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 5.

[0043] In this example, the guard blade 22 has a plurality of guard rod holders 54 (best seen in Figure 3), and the base 32 has a plurality of base rod holders 58. Each of the rod holders 54, 58 has an opening through which a rod 40 passes, and the rod 40 is movable along the rod axis 350. In this example, the first helical worm 44a is positioned between a pair of base rod holders 58, and the second helical worm 46a is positioned between another pair of base rod holders 58 spaced apart along a direction parallel to the x axis 50 in order to fix each helical worm 44a, 46a in place along the rod axis 350. The opening in the guard rod holder 54 is elliptical with the longer dimension parallel to the y axis 250 in order to allow movement of the rod 40 along the y axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22.

[0044] In this example, the first worm gear 44 forms an angular gear mechanism by itself (without the second worm gear 46), which, when engaged by the key 45 of the input device, allows the cutting blade 24 to be rotated relative to the guard blade 22 around an angular axis perpendicular to both the x-axis 50 and the y-axis 250 by the operation of the input device. This is described in more detail with reference to Figure 7. In other examples, the second worm gear 46 can form an angular gear mechanism by itself. Thus, the angular gear mechanism may have part of the y-gear mechanism. In other examples, there may also be an entirely separate gear mechanism used to adjust the angle of the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22. In further examples, there may be no angular gear mechanism at all.

[0045] In this example, the adjustment mechanism 26 has a third helical worm 56, which is positioned between the first helical worm 44a and the second helical worm 46a. The rod 40 also passes through the third helical worm 56. The third helical worm 56 is configured to engage with a base gear of the base 32, which in this example is an internal thread (not shown) of the base 32 that meshes with the external thread of the third helical worm 56, so that the rotation of the third helical worm 56 results in the movement of the cutting blade 24 along the cutting axis 150 relative to the guard blade 22. In other examples, the third helical worm engages with a rack on the base extending parallel to the x-axis 50, allowing the movement of the cutting blade along the cutting axis 150 (parallel to the x-axis 50) relative to the guard blade 22. In this example, the third helical worm 56 and the base gear form an x-gear mechanism, which, when engaged by the x-key 45c of the input device (i.e., rod 40), allows the cutting blade 24 to move along the x-axis relative to the guard blade 22 under the operation of the input device. This is described in detail below with reference to Figure 6.

[0046] Figure 4 shows the cutting assembly in the neutral position. In the neutral configuration, the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism, the angular gear mechanism, and the x-gear mechanism, and as a result, the input device can be operated freely without causing any movement of the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22 along the y-axis 250 or the cutting axis 150, or any movement due to angular rotation (i.e., the wheel 42 can be rotated freely).

[0047] The first helical worm 44a, the second helical worm 46a, and the third helical worm 56 are all locked in place by friction between the elements, which is increased by the bias element 52 pushing the elements together.

[0048] Figure 5 shows a cutting assembly 20 in a y-set configuration, where the wheel 42 is pulled away from the guard blade 22 and cutting blade 24 along the rod axis 350 to switch the adjustment mechanism 26 from a neutral configuration to a y-set configuration, thereby engaging the adjustment mechanism 26 with the y-gear mechanism. In this example, the y-gear mechanism is engaged by a first y-key 45a engaging with a first key slot 47a in a first helical worm 44a, and a second y-key 45b engaging with a second key slot 47b in a second helical worm 46a. The keys 45 may also be rectangular projections from the rod 40 that interlock with corresponding rectangular slots in the helical worms 44a, 46a, and 56. In other examples, the keys 45 and the corresponding interlock slots may have a polyhedral cross-section, e.g., a hexagonal cross-section, or a cross-section with six or more sides, e.g., ten sides. Alternatively, the cross-section may be an angularly repeating cross-section, e.g., a spike that is angularly repeated many times to form a star shape. The more repeating angle sections the cross-section has, the more likely it is that the rod 40 will be able to rotate around the rod axis 350, allowing it to move along the rod axis 350 to interlock with the corresponding slots.

[0049] The first y-key 45a and the second y-key 45b are spaced apart along the rod axis 350 by the same amount as the first worm gear 44 and the second worm gear 46 (or by the same amount as the first helical worm 44a and the second helical worm 46a). As a result, by moving the input device along the rod axis 350 relative to the base 32, the first worm gear 44 and the second worm gear 46 can be engaged and disengaged simultaneously, thereby moving the first y-key 45a and the second y-key 45b relative to the first worm gear 44 and the second worm gear 46.

[0050] In the y-set configuration, the rotation of the input device wheel 42 forces the rotation of the first helical worm 44a and the second helical worm 46a, which in turn forces the corresponding rotation of the first worm wheel 44b and the second worm wheel 46b, thereby moving the cutting blade 24 along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, the y-gear mechanism is disengaged when all keys 45a to d are disengaged from either the first key slot 47a or the second key slot 47b, or both, and as a result, the rotation of the wheel 42 does not move the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22 along the y-axis 250.

[0052] Engaging two worm gears spaced apart along a direction parallel to the x-axis 50 simultaneously in a y-set configuration means that two sides of the cutting blade 24 can move simultaneously, reducing the possibility of accidental angular movement of the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22 without the need for a guide.

[0053] Figure 6 shows the cutting assembly 20 in an x-set configuration, where the wheel 42 is pulled out further along the rod axis 350 from the y-set configuration, away from the guard blade 22 and the cutting blade 24, as a result the adjustment mechanism 26 is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism and the adjustment mechanism 26 is engaged with the x-gear mechanism. In this example, the x-gear mechanism is engaged by the x-key 45c engaging with the third key slot 47c in the third helical worm 56. The x-key 45c is located between the first y-key 45a and the second y-key 45b.

[0054] In the x-set configuration, the rotation of the input device's wheel 42 forces the rotation of the third helical worm 56, which moves the cutting blade 24 along the cutting axis 150 relative to the guard blade 22. In the x-set configuration, the y-gear mechanism is disengaged, so the operation of the wheel 42 does not move the cutting blade 24 along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22.

[0055] As shown in the neutral configuration in Figure 4, the x-gear mechanism is disengaged by disengaging all keys 45 from the third key slot 47c, and as a result, the rotation of the wheel 42 does not move the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22 along the cutting axis 150 (or x-axis 50).

[0056] Returning to Figure 5, in the y-set configuration, the x-key 45c is configured to be disengaged from the third helical worm 56, and as a result, operation of the input device moves the cutting blade 24 only along the y-axis 250 relative to the guard blade 22, and not along the cutting axis 150 relative to the guard blade 22.

[0057] Figure 7 shows the cutting assembly 20 in the angle set configuration, where the wheel 42 is further pulled out along the rod axis 350 from the x set configuration, resulting in the adjustment mechanism 26 being disengaged from the y gear mechanism and the x gear mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism 26 being engaged with the angle gear mechanism.

[0058] In this example, the angular gear mechanism is engaged by the engagement of the angular key 45d with the first key slot 47a in the first helical worm 44a. In this example, the angular key 45d is positioned between the first y key 45a and the second y key 45b. In this example, the angular key 45d is positioned between the first y key 45a and the x key 45c.

[0059] In the angle-set configuration, the rotation of the input device's wheel 42 forces the rotation of the first helical worm 44a, which in turn forces the rotation of the first worm wheel 44b, resulting in the angular rotation of the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22. Since the y-gear mechanism and the x-gear mechanism are disengaged in the angle-set configuration, the operation of the wheel 42 does not move the cutting blade 24 along the y-axis 250 or along the x-axis 50 or the cutting axis 150 relative to the guard blade 22.

[0060] Returning to Figures 5 and 6, in the y-set and x-set configurations, the angle key 45d is configured to disengage from the first helical worm 44a, and as a result, the operation of the input device does not cause the cutting blade 24 to rotate angularly relative to the guard blade 22.

[0061] In this example, switching between the neutral configuration, y-set configuration, x-set configuration, angle-set configuration, or any suitable combination of these configurations is achieved by pulling the rod 40 along the rod axis 350 to engage and disengage various keys on the rod 40 with the y-gear mechanism, x-gear mechanism, and angle-gear mechanism. In this example, the input device is described as an elongated rod with a wheel, but in other examples, the input device may be any suitable form of input that can be operated by the user to switch the adjustment mechanism between the y-set configuration and the neutral configuration, and optionally between the x-set configuration and / or angle configuration. In further examples, the input device, such as the rod and wheel, may be positioned at any angle to the blade, so that the rod axis of the rod extends perpendicular to the x-axis or cutting axis and parallel to the y-axis, allowing movement of the cutting blade along the y-axis when the adjustment mechanism engages with the corresponding y-gear mechanism.

[0062] It should be understood that the spacing of the keys on the input device can be configured to suit any order or combination of the configuration. It should also be understood that in some examples, there is no wheel 42 at the end of the rod, and instead the user can operate the rod 40 itself. The wheel 42 improves the ergonomics of the adjustment mechanism 26 for the user by making the rod 40 easier to grip and turn, but the wheel can be any appropriate feature that makes the rod easier to grip and turn.

[0063] For optimal shaving, the cutting axis 150 should be aligned as close as possible to the x-axis 50 along the y-axis. Therefore, the ability to fine-tune the position of the cutting blade 24 along the y-axis 250 is extremely useful. Furthermore, the switchability between the neutral configuration and the y-set configuration means that accidental movement of the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22 due to accidental operation of the input device can be avoided simply by placing the adjustment mechanism 26 in the neutral configuration. Moreover, the switchability between other configurations allows for fine-tuning of the position of the cutting blade 24 relative to the guard blade 22 to the optimal position, because each direction can be controlled independently.

[0064] Modifications to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art who practice the principles and techniques described herein, based on a consideration of the figures, disclosures, and appended claims. In the claims, the word “has” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurality. One processor or other unit can perform the functions of multiple items described in the claims. The mere fact that certain means are described in different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously. Computer programs can be stored or distributed on suitable media such as optical storage media or solid-state media supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but they can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cutting assembly for a hair cutting device, A guard blade comprising a plurality of guard teeth, wherein the x-axis passing through the tips of the guard teeth is defined, and the plurality of guard teeth are arranged along the upper edge of the guard blade, A cutting blade that cuts hair in cooperation with the guard blade, wherein the cutting blade includes a plurality of cutting teeth, the plurality of cutting teeth extending along the cutting edge of the cutting blade and defining a cutting axis passing through the tip of the cutting teeth, The guard blade is assembled adjacent to the cutting blade, The guard blade and the cutting blade slide relative to each other within the blade plane while maintaining contact with each other. The guard teeth and the cutting teeth overlap, and The cutting axis is parallel to the x-axis, The cutting blade reciprocates along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade, and the cutting teeth and guard teeth cooperate to cut the hair. The cutting assembly further includes an adjustment mechanism which includes an input device operated by the user, and the adjustment mechanism can be switched between a neutral configuration and a y-set configuration. In the aforementioned y-set configuration, the input device of the adjustment mechanism is engaged with the y-gear mechanism, and operation of the input device forces the movement of the y-gear mechanism, and the movement causes the cutting blade to move along the y-axis in the blade plane, perpendicular to the x-axis, with respect to the guard blade, in order to align the cutting axis and the x-axis within the blade plane. In the neutral configuration described above, the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism. A cutting assembly in which the input device is freely operated without moving the cutting blade along the y-axis relative to the guard blade.

2. The cutting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the input device of the adjustment mechanism has an elongated rod extending along the rod axis and a wheel at the axial end of the rod, the input device is movable along the rod axis relative to the y gear mechanism for engaging and disengaging with the y gear mechanism, and the adjustment mechanism can be switched between the y set configuration and the neutral configuration, respectively.

3. The cutting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the y-gear mechanism has a first worm gear and a second worm gear arranged at intervals along a direction parallel to the x-axis and fixed by a base, the base being coupled to the cutting blade, and the first worm gear and the second worm gear each have a first helical worm meshed with a first worm wheel and a second helical worm meshed with a second worm wheel, and when simultaneously engaged by the input device in the y-set configuration, the first worm gear and the second worm gear move the cutting blade along the y-axis relative to the guard blade.

4. The input device of the adjustment mechanism comprises an elongated rod extending along the rod axis and a wheel at the axial end of the rod, wherein the rod has a first y key and a second y key spaced apart along the rod axis by the same amount as the first worm gear and the second worm gear, and the rod passes through the first helical worm and the second helical worm, In the y-set configuration, the first y-key engages with the first helical worm, the second y-key engages with the second helical worm, the rotation of the input device's wheel forces the rotation of the first and second helical worms, the rotation forces the corresponding rotation of the first and second worm wheels, and the cutting blade moves along the y-axis relative to the guard blade. In the neutral configuration, the first y key and the second y key are disengaged from the first and second helical worms, and the rotation of the input device's wheel does not move the cutting blade relative to the guard blade, as described in claim 3.

5. The cutting assembly according to claim 2, wherein the guard blade has a plurality of rod holders including openings, through which the rod passes, and the rod is movable along the rod axis, and the openings in the rod holders are elliptical in shape, allowing the rod to move along the y axis.

6. The cutting assembly according to claim 3, wherein a bias element is positioned between the guard blade and the base, the bias element biases the base away from the guard blade, the cutting axis is biased away from the x-axis in the direction toward the guard blade, and the cutting teeth do not protrude beyond the guard teeth.

7. The cutting assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first worm wheel and the second worm wheel have eccentric protrusions, the protrusions engaging with individual buttresses of the guard blades to apply a force from the base to the guard blades that counteracts the force applied to the guard plate by the bias element, and the position of the cutting axis along the y-axis relative to the guard blades can be finely adjusted by operating the input device.

8. The cutting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism is further switched to an x-set configuration, in which the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism and engages with an x-gear mechanism that moves the cutting blade along the cutting axis, operation of the input device forces the movement of the x-gear mechanism, and the movement moves the cutting blade along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade.

9. The cutting assembly according to claim 8, wherein the y-gear mechanism has a first worm gear and a second worm gear arranged at intervals along a direction parallel to the x-axis and fixed by a base, and the x-gear mechanism has a third helical worm positioned between the first worm gear and the second worm gear and engaging with a base gear of the base, and when the third helical worm is rotated by the input device, the cutting blade moves along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade.

10. The cutting assembly according to claim 9, wherein the base gear has an internal thread on the base that corresponds to the external thread of the third helical worm.

11. The input device of the adjustment mechanism has an elongated rod extending along the rod axis, The rod has a first y-key and a second y-key spaced apart along the rod axis by the same amount as the first worm gear and the second worm gear, and an x-key positioned between the first y-key and the second y-key, and the first worm gear and the second worm gear each have a first helical worm meshed with a first worm wheel and a second helical worm meshed with a second worm wheel, In the aforementioned y-set configuration, the x-key is disengaged from the third helical worm, and operation of the input device does not move the cutting blade along the cutting axis. In the x-set configuration described above, the x-key engages with the third helical worm, the first y-key disengages from the first helical worm of the first worm gear, the second y-key disengages from the second helical worm of the second worm gear, and operation of the input device forces the rotation of the third helical worm, causing the cutting blade to move along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade, but not along the y-axis relative to the guard blade. In the neutral configuration, the x key is disengaged from the third helical worm, and operation of the input device does not move the cutting blade relative to the guard blade, as described in claim 9.

12. The cutting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the adjustment mechanism is further switched to an angle set configuration, in which the input device is disengaged from the y-gear mechanism and engaged with the angle gear mechanism, and operation of the input device forces the movement of the angle gear mechanism, the movement causing the cutting blade to rotate around an angle axis perpendicular to both the cutting axis and the y-axis.

13. The cutting assembly according to claim 12, wherein the angle gear mechanism has a part of the y gear mechanism.

14. The cutting assembly according to claim 12, dependent on claim 11, wherein in the angle set configuration, the angle key engages with the first helical worm or the second helical worm, the first y key is disengaged from the first helical worm, the second y key is disengaged from the second helical worm, and the x key is disengaged from the third helical worm, and operation of the input device results in angular rotation of the cutting blade relative to the guard blade, and does not move the cutting blade relative to the guard blade along the cutting axis or along the y axis.

15. A hair cutting device, The handlebars and A cutting assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, A hair cutting device having a drive mechanism that causes the cutting blade to reciprocate along the cutting axis relative to the guard blade.

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