Blade set, cutting unit and hair cutting appliance

Abstract

A blade set (26, 226, 326) for a hair cutting appliance (10) comprises a guard blade (46) and a cutter blade (66). The guard blade (46) comprises a top wall portion (56) and a bottom wall portion (58) that define a guide slot (60). The cutter blade (66) is slidingly accommodated in the guide slot (60). The guard blade (46) and the cutter blade (66) together form an outer cutting zone (74) and an inner cutting zone (76). The guard blade (46) comprises a series of elongated cutting slots (48) alternating with corresponding comb-like teeth (50). The cutter blade (66) comprises a series of elongated cutting slots (68) alternating with corresponding comb-like teeth (70). At least some of the cutting slots (48, 68) of the guard blade (46) and the cutter blade (66) have an outer section (112, 122) formed in the outer cutting zone (74) and an inner section (114, 124) formed in the inner cutting zone (76). The cutter blade (66) is arranged to be reciprocally moved relative to the guard blade (46) to cut hair therebetween in a scissor action in the outer cutting zone (74) and the inner cutting zone (76). The inner sections (114, 124) of the cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) have a main extension direction (118, 128) that is inclined with respect to a main extension direction (116, 126) of the outer sections (112, 122).

Description

[0001] 2024PF00493

[0002] 11.12.2025

[0003] BLADE SET, CUTTING UNIT AND HAIR CUTTING APPLIANCE

[0004] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a blade set for an electrically operated hair cutting appliance, a cutting unit, and to a hair cutting appliance.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hair cutting appliances are generally known in the art and may involve trimming appliances, shaving appliances, and combined (dual-purpose or multi-purpose) appliances. Electrically operated hair cutting appliances comprise a motor that is configured to actuate a blade set, for instance by setting a movable blade into relative reciprocating movement relative to a guard blade. Hence, hair can be cut between cutting edges of the blades of the blade set in a shearing or scissor-like action.

[0008] When used for shaving purposes, the blade set contacts the skin to cut hair directly at the skin. When used for trimming, the hair cutting appliance is typically equipped with a so-called spacing comb that is arranged to space away the blade set of the hair cutting appliance from the skin. Other operation modes can be envisaged, such as beard / hair styling and the like.

[0009] WO 2023 / 285546 Al discloses a blade set for a hair cutting appliance comprising a guard blade and a cutter blade, wherein the blade set has two opposite ends, where comb-like outer cutting teeth are formed at the guard blade and the cutter blade, and an inner section having a curved shape, wherein in the inner section multiple cutting perforations are formed at the guard blade, wherein a series of elongated slots with cutting edges is formed at the cutter blade, wherein the cutting edges are adapted to the curved shape of the inner section, and wherein each of the cutting edges has a length that covers a plurality of cutting perforations of the guard blade.

[0010] US 2021 / 347071 Al relates to a cutter system for an electric shaver and trimmer, comprising a pair of cooperating cutting elements with two rows of comb-like cutting teeth at opposite edges thereof and cutting perforations between said rows of comb-like cutting teeth, wherein said cutting elements are movably supported relative to each other by a support structure. The cutting perforations are arranged in two separated elongated fields of perforations which are separated from each other by an elongated unperforated center section of an outer one of said cutting elements defining a skin contact surface, and which include each at least two rows of perforations extending along the rows of comb-like cutting teeth.

[0011] WO 2015 / 158571 Al discloses a blade set for a hair cutting appliance, the blade set having an integrally formed metal-plastic composite stationary blade that has a first wall portion and a second wall portion, such that a moveable cutter blade can be received in a guide slot formed 2024PF00493

[0012] 2 11.12.2025 therebetween. The first wall portion is a skin-facing portion that is at least partially made from metal material, and the second wall portion is at least partially made from plastic material. With this approach, it is possible to provide a stationary blade having a significantly thin first wall portion, which results in great shaving performance, and at the same time a considerable stiffness, due to the second wall portion that acts as a reinforcement that strengthens that stationary blade. WO 2016 / 042158 Al discloses a similar manufacturing concept. WO 2015 / 158571 Al also discloses an embodiment, wherein at the second wall portion of the stationary blade two contact ridges are formed that define the height of the guide slot for the cutter blade in a region adjoining the comb-like cutting teeth of the blade set.

[0013] WO 2015 / 074882 Al discloses a cutting unit for a hair cutting appliance that has a considerable contour following capacity when in operation for cutting hair. To this end, the blade set of the cutting unit is connected with a housing of the appliance through a contour-following mechanism formed as a swivel mechanism that comprises a four-bar linkage and a biasing element acting thereon to urge the four-bar linkage into a defined position. The four-bar linkage may include one or more living hinges. WO 2023 / 275143 Al discloses a similar contour following arrangement that adds a further degree of freedom due to a flexible design of involved couplings.

[0014] WO 2015 / 074853 Al discloses a mounting interface between a cutting unit and a housing of a hair cutting appliance. In certain embodiments, the cutting unit comprises a connector plug that can be releasably inserted into a corresponding receiving socket at the housing. In some embodiments, the cutting unit is a consumable that can be replaced periodically.

[0015] With hair cutting appliances, cutting performance is a major characteristic. Increasing cutting performance can reduce the time that is necessary to bring about a proper haircut or a clean shave. Reducing the number of strokes required to process an area may also reduce the risk of skin irritations.

[0016] It has been observed that with conventional blade sets, there is a certain likelihood that some of the hairs encountering the blade set in a shaving or trimming stroke are omitted rather than effectively processed by the appliance. This may be the case when a hair does not encounter a cutting slot but is rather bent down by a blunt portion, e.g. a blunt tip of a prong (tooth) of the comb-like cutting zone.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a blade set for a hair cutting appliance that may increase the efficiency and performance of the hair cutting appliance in a cutting operation. Preferably, the blade set enables a reduction of the time that is necessary to carry out the hair cutting operation. Preferably, the blade set enables a smooth and complete shave or haircut without numerous of the hairs being omitted during the shaving or hair cutting operation. Preferably, the blade set provides a good compromise between cutting performance and skin safety. Preferably, the blade set is particularly suitable for shaving relatively short stubbles, at least in certain embodiments.

[0019] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a hair cutting appliance that is equipped or can be equipped with a respective blade set. Further, it is an object of the present disclosure 2024PF00493

[0020] 3 11.12.2025 to present a replacement cutting unit that includes a respective blade set and that can be used to replace a worn-out cutting unit to restore the cutting performance of the appliance.

[0021] In a first aspect of the present disclosure there is presented a blade set for an electrically operated hair cutting appliance, said blade set being arranged to be moved through hair in a moving direction to cut hair, said blade set comprising: a guard blade comprising a top wall portion and a bottom wall portion at least partially offset from the top wall portion, thereby defining a guide slot, a cutter blade slidingly accommodated in the guide slot, wherein the guard blade and the cutter blade together form an outer cutting zone and an inner cutting zone, wherein the guard blade comprises a series of elongated cutting slots alternating with corresponding comb-like teeth, wherein the cutter blade comprises a series of elongated cutting slots alternating with corresponding comb-like teeth, wherein at least some of the cutting slots of the guard blade and the cutter blade have an outer section formed in the outer cutting zone and an inner section formed in the inner cutting zone, wherein the cutter blade is arranged to be reciprocally moved relative to the guard blade to cut hair therebetween in a scissor action in the outer cutting zone and the inner cutting zone, and wherein the inner sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade have a main extension direction that is inclined with respect to a main extension direction of the outer sections.

[0022] This aspect is based on the insight that hair catching performance can be increased by incorporating additional inclined inner sections to the cutting slots adjacent to the existing slot geometry (i.e., outer sections) of the outermost cutting elements. In this way, shaving time can be reduced, a closer shave is possible. The likelihood of hairs being caught and cut in one stroke can be increased. In particular, hairs that have been missed by the outer cutting zone can still be processed in the inner cutting zone during a particular stroke. In particular, cutting / shaving relatively short hair (stubbles) can benefit from the presented design.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the inner sections are formed primarily in the top wall portion of the guard blade, in particular in a metal component (e.g., sheet-metal component) that forms part of the top wall portion of the guard blade.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, an angle of inclination between the inner sections and the outer sections of the guard blade is in the range from 10° to 60°, preferably in the range from 25° to 50°, more preferably in the range from 30 to 45°. The angle of inclination is the angle that this present between the two main extension directions of the inner and outer section of a cutting slot.

[0025] In other words, the inner sections are inclined with respect to the outer cutting slots. Generally, the outer sections of the cutting slots may have a main extension direction that is basically parallel to the moving direction (longitudinal direction). Hence, the main extension direction of the inner 2024PF00493

[0026] 4 11.12.2025 sections is inclined with respect to the moving direction. This increases the likelihood of hairs being caught for cutting.

[0027] In other words, the inner sections are inclined with respect to the outer sections. Together, the inner and outer section form a kinked cutting slot. Generally, the outer sections may have a main extension direction that is basically parallel to the moving direction (longitudinal direction). Hence, the main extension direction of the inner sections is inclined with respect to the moving direction. This increases the likelihood of hairs being caught for cutting.

[0028] In another exemplary embodiment, at least some of the elongated cutting slots of the guard blade have a length and a width, with the length being at least four times the width, preferably at least five times the width. With this design, skin damage can be prevented while still more hair can be caught. When the cutting slots have an elongated, slender shape in the inner cutting zone, sufficient material can remain on the guard blade, which increases its rigidity.

[0029] Overall, the elongated cutting slots have a boomerang-shape with the two sections that are inclined to one another. The inner section and the outer section of a cutting slot are not separated from one another. Together, the inner section and the outer section form the elongated but kinked shape.

[0030] In yet another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the cutting slots of the guard blade have an exclusively linear extension and are preferably exclusively formed in the outer cutting zone. In other words, there may be relatively short (straight) cutting slots and relatively long (kinked) cutting slots. This may be the case with the outermost cutting slots, for instance, whose kinked inner sections (if there were any) would extend beyond the present extension of the guard blade and / or the cutter blade.

[0031] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the series of elongated cutting slots of the guard blade comprises a row that is composed of cutting slots of a first type and a second type, with the first type extending in the outer cutting zone and the inner cutting zone, and the second type being exclusively formed in the outer cutting zone. Accordingly, a beneficial trade-off between remaining material / rigidity of the guard blade and the cutter blade on the one hand and, on the other hand, in improved cutting performance may be achieved. The row may be a series of alternating cutting slots of the first type and the second type, but not in any case a strictly alternating order is necessary.

[0032] In another exemplary embodiment, the outer cutting zone and the inner cutting zone are coplanar. The outer cutting zone and the inner cutting zone are coplanar at the side of the blade set that typically contacts the skin during shaving. In this way, manufacturing can be simplified. Further, necessary tolerances between the guard blade and the cutter blade can be defined and maintained more easily.

[0033] As used herein, the coplanar relation between the inner cutting zone and the outer cutting zone relates to a basically planar surface which may however be provided with a pattern, for instance for aesthetic reasons. The coplanar relation between the inner cutting zone and the outer cutting zone excludes a curved or bulged design of the inner cutting zone. Further, with a relatively flat non-curved blade set, defined shaving operations are possible, but also other applications benefit from such design, 2024PF00493

[0034] 5 11.12.2025 such as trimming applications (with an attachment comb mounted to the blade set) and / or so-called styling operations (where the blade set is guided at a relatively large angle with respect to the skin). There may be other features formed at the guard blade and / or the cutter blade that are not coplanar. Coplanarity is particularly present in the zones where the cutting action actually takes place.

[0035] In yet another exemplary embodiment, two opposite outer cutting zones are provided at opposite leading edges of the blade set that are facing away from one another, wherein a first inner cutting zone is next to a first outer cutting zone, and wherein a second inner cutting zone is next to a second outer cutting zone. In other words, with this embodiment, the blade set has a front side and a rear side, each being equipped with cutting slots, depending on actual movement direction of the appliance. The front side and the rear side may be exchanged when the appliance is moved in a back and forth movement.

[0036] In yet another exemplary embodiment, at least the two inner cutting zones are arranged in a mirror-symmetric fashion, in particular with respect to a central plane through the blade set that is parallel to the leading edges and orthogonal to the top wall portion of the guard blade. The mirror- symmetric design ensures uniform performance on both sides of the blade. Further, in view of the inclined orientation of the cutting slots of the inner cutting zone(s), hair that has been missed by the first outer cutting zone and the first inner cutting zone can still be caught by the following second inner cutting zone in one stroke. It is thus beneficial that due to the mirror-symmetric design, the inclination of the cutting slots in the second inner cutting zone is opposite to the inclination of the cutting slots in the first inner cutting zone. This makes it more likely to cut hair that has been missed by the other cutting zones.

[0037] Further, the mirror-symmetric design ensures equivalent cutting performance in either moving direction (of a back and forth movement).

[0038] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the inner sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade have two opposing cutting edges, wherein the corresponding inner sections of the cutting slots of the cutter blade have two opposing cutting edges, and wherein a shearing angle defined between cooperating cutting edges of the guard blade and the cutter blade is in the range from 3° to 15°, preferably in the range from 5° to 10°. With the shearing angle in these ranges, sufficient cutting performance can be provided. As used herein, the shearing angle is the angle between the cutting edges of two associated cutting slots when they are moved towards one another to cut hair in a shearing action therebetween. Likewise, the shearing angle is the angle between two cooperating cutting edges, one at the guard blade and the other at the cutter blade, that is present when hair is cut in a shearing action between the two cooperating cutting edges.

[0039] If the shearing angle was 0°, then the two opposing cutting edges would shear any hair therebetween at the same time. With the shearing angle being in the indicated ranges, the shearing action can be spread over time, resulting in a smoother and more efficient cutting with reduced force requirements. Likewise, hair pulling can be reduced.

[0040] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the two opposing cutting edges of the inner sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade are parallel to one another, wherein preferably the two 2024PF00493

[0041] 6 11.12.2025 opposing cutting edges of the inner sections of the cutting slots of the cutter blade are arranged at an inclination angle with respect to one another that is twice the shearing angle.

[0042] With this design, the inner sections of the guard blade have a relatively narrow shape, resulting in considerable strength of the guard blade as the material is weakened only in a limited area.

[0043] The desirable shearing angle that ensures the cutting performance is thus formed by a V- shaped design of the opposing cutting edges of the inner sections of the cutter blade.

[0044] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the two opposing cutting edges of the inner sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade are parallel to one another, wherein preferably the two opposing cutting edges of the inner sections of the cutting slots of the cutter blade are parallel to one another, with the shearing angle formed by an inclination between the main extension directions of the inner sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade and the inner sections of the cutting slots of the cutter blade. Also with this design, the desirable shearing angle can be achieved in the inner cutting zone.

[0045] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the outer sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade have two opposing cutting edges, wherein the corresponding outer sections of the cutting slots of the cutter blade have two opposing cutting edges, wherein a shearing angle defined between cooperating cutting edges of the guard blade and the cutter blade is in the range from 3° to 15°, preferably in the range from 5° to 10°, and wherein preferably the two opposing cutting edges of the outer sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade are parallel to one another, while the two opposing cutting edges of the outer sections of the cutting slots of the cutter blade are preferably arranged at an inclination angle with respect to one another that is twice the shearing angle. Hence, also in the outer cutting zone, a beneficial shearing angle may be present.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the cutting slots of the cutter blade have an outer end and an inner end, wherein the cutting slots of the cutter blade are larger in width at their outer end that is in the outer cutting zone than at the inner end that is in the inner cutting zone.

[0047] The narrow end of the cutting slots of the cutter blade is facing a central portion of the cutter blade. The wide end of the cutting slots of the cutter blade is facing away from the central portion.

[0048] In other words, the inner slots of the cutter blade are tapered, while the orientation of the tapering is selected such that the material of the cutter blade is weakened no more than necessary to maintain a considerable strength.

[0049] In another exemplary embodiment, the outer cutting sections within one row (at a leading edge of the guard blade) are parallel to one another within the outer cutting zone, and the inner cutting sections within one row parallel to one another within the inner cutting zone. Likewise, the outer cutting section and the neighboring inner cutting section may be parallel to one another.

[0050] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the width of the elongated cutting slots of the guard blade is basically constant along the (kinked) longitudinal extension thereof. Hence, the shearing angle is primarily provided by the design of the elongated cutting slots of the cutter blade, with the elongated cutting slots preferably being tapered towards the central portion of the blade set. 2024PF00493

[0051] 7 11.12.2025

[0052] In yet another exemplary embodiment, as seen in the moving direction, the inner sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade cover a width extension of the spacing between two neighboring outer sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade. The inner sections are inclined with respect to the outer sections, and thus broader when seen in the moving direction.

[0053] Hence, if there is a hair that has been missed by the outer sections, e.g., as it has been bent down by an outer tooth / prong, there is a considerable likelihood that the hair can still be caught by the inclined inner sections that are arranged behind the outer sections. There is a certain likelihood that hair that has escaped the outer cutting zone (e.g. at the prong-like teeth) can be cut in the inner cutting zone. Fewer hairs are rejected in one particular stroke, as there is a lower risk of misalignment.

[0054] In yet another exemplary embodiment, as seen in the moving direction, the inner sections overlap with their projected width respective comb-like teeth at the outer sections of the cutting slots of the guard blade that are each arranged between two neighboring cutting slots. As used herein, the overlap of the inner sections with respect to the teeth at the outer cutting zone means that the inner sections of the guard blade are arranged and inclined in such a way that during one stroke in the moving direction a hair that has been missed in the outer cutting zone (e.g., as it has been pushed down by a prong -like tooth between two outer cutting slots) encounters an inner section that is placed right behind the tooth to be there in the inner cutting zone. Hence, there is a certain likelihood that hairs that have been missed in the outer cutting zone can be cut in the inner cutting zone.

[0055] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a motion transmitting element is coupled to the cutter blade in a central portion thereof, wherein the inner cutting zone is offset from the central portion. In accordance with this embodiment, the at least one inner cutting zone does not interfere with the central portion where the motion transmitting element is coupled to the cutter blade.

[0056] In yet another exemplary embodiment, in the outer cutting zone at least some of the comb-like teeth of the guard blade have a top leg at the top wall portion and a bottom leg at the bottom wall portion that are connected at respective tips, with the cutter blade teeth arranged therebetween. In this way, the cutter blade is shielded between the top wall portion and the bottom wall portion of the guard blade.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the guard blade is a metal-plastic composite part, wherein the top wall portion is at least partially made from sheet metal material, and wherein the bottom portion is at least partially made from plastic material. In certain embodiments, the guard blade is an overmolded or insert molded part, where a metal component and a plastic component are bonded by overmolding or insert molding. Since the plastic component is generally not present where the cutting action actually takes place, the plastic component may protrude beyond a plane of coplanarity.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the comb-like teeth of the guard blade have a metal component, in particular at the top leg, and a plastic component, in particular at the bottom leg. For user / skin safety purposes, the tips can be primarily made from plastic material. 2024PF00493

[0059] 8 11.12.2025

[0060] In another aspect of the present disclosure there is presented a replacement cutting unit, comprising: a blade set in accordance with at least one embodiment as described herein, a mounting interface, and preferably a contour following mechanism formed between the guard blade and the mounting interface.

[0061] With such a design, worn out blade sets can be easily replaced to maintain the cutting performance.

[0062] As used herein, the term contour-following relates to a dynamic adaptability of the orientation of the blade set with respect to the skin. This may be brought about by one or more swivel mechanisms that cooperate with one or more biasing elements to alter the orientation of the blade set in response to forces that occur during shaving, etc.

[0063] The contour-following mechanism improves comfort and performance. In certain embodiments, the contour following mechanism includes a four-bar linkage.

[0064] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is presented a hair cutting appliance comprising a housing, a motor arranged in the housing, at least one control element accessible at the housing, and a blade in accordance with at least one embodiment as described herein or a cutting unit in accordance with at least one embodiment as described herein. The hair cutting appliance may further comprise a power transmission unit that transmits an output motion of the motor into the desired oscillating reciprocating movement of the cutter blade.

[0065] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. In the following drawings

[0067] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a hair cutting appliance;

[0068] Fig. 2 shows a partial perspective frontal view of a hair cutting appliance, with a cutting unit thereof shown in a detached state;

[0069] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cutting unit for a hair cutting appliance, the cutting unit comprising a blade set and a contour following mechanism;

[0070] Fig. 4 shows a perspective top view of a blade set for a hair cutting appliance;

[0071] Fig. 5 shows a partially cross-sectional side view of the arrangement of Fig. 4;

[0072] Fig. 6 shows another perspective top view of the arrangement of Fig. 4, with the guard blade being partially cut away to reveal the cutter blade;

[0073] Fig. 7 shows a perspective bottom view of the blade set of Fig. 4 in an exploded state;

[0074] Fig. 8 shows a top view of the arrangement of Fig. 6;

[0075] Fig. 9 shows a partial detail view based on Fig. 8;

[0076] Fig. 10 shows a schematic partial detail view based on Fig. 9; 2024PF00493

[0077] 9 11.12.2025

[0078] Fig. 11 shows a top view of another embodiment of a blade set with the guard blade thereof being partially cut away to reveal the cutter blade; and

[0079] Fig. 12 shows a partial top view of yet another embodiment of a guard blade of a blade set; and

[0080] Fig. 13 is based on the arrangement of Fig. 10 and illustrates an alternative embodiment.

[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0082] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a hair cutting appliance that is overall designated by 10. The hair cutting appliance 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 accommodates components such as a motor 16, a battery 18, operator controls 20 and the like. The appliance 10 may be a battery-powered appliance. Likewise, the appliance 10 may also be mains operated and / or a hybrid appliance 10 that can be used with or without being connected to a power grid.

[0083] Operator controls 20 may involve on / off buttons, capacity indicators for the battery 18 and the like. At a top portion of the housing 12 a processing head is provided. A cutting unit 24 is attached to the housing 12 there. The cutting unit 24 comprises a blade set 26 for cutting hair. When used for shaving, the appliance 10 is moved in a moving direction 30 through hair to cut hair. When used for shaving, the blade set 26 is guided along the skin basically parallel or only with a small inclination with respect to the skin.

[0084] Other orientations (i.e., inclinations) of the blade set 26 with respect to the skin or the hair can be envisaged for other applications, such as styling applications. Furthermore, there may be trimming applications, where an attachment comb is fitted to the appliance 10 that defines the spacing between the skin and the blade set 26 to cut hair at a desired length.

[0085] A coordinate system indicated by 30, 32, 34 in Figs. 1-3 and other Figures shown herein illustrates main directions of the blade set 26. The moving direction 30 may also be referred to as longitudinal direction. Reference numeral 32 illustrates a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the moving direction 30. Reference numeral 34 illustrates a height direction that is orthogonal to both the moving direction 30 and the lateral direction 32. As used herein, the axes 30, 32, 34 generally define the longitudinal, lateral and height extension of the blade set 26.

[0086] The moving direction 30 elucidates the orientation of the blade set 26 that is typically assumed by the blade set 26 during a shaving application. As already explained hereinbefore, for other applications there may be other orientations of the blade set 26 with respect to the skin / hair. The person skilled in the art is capable of applying respective transformations. Furthermore, when a contour following mechanism is implemented, the orientation of the blade set 26 may be dynamically adapted during a hair cutting or shaving operation.

[0087] Fig. 2 shows a simplified view of a cutting unit 26 being detached from a (partially shown) housing 12 of a hair cutting appliance 10. The cutting unit 26 and the housing 12 each have a corresponding mounting interface 36, 38. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting interface 36, 38 is 2024PF00493

[0088] 10 11.12.2025 arranged as a socket (on the part of the housing 12) and plug (on the part of the cutting unit 24) interface. With the mounting interface 36, 38 the cutting unit 24 can be easily replaced.

[0089] Fig. 3 illustrates a simplified perspective view of a cutting unit 24 that is provided with a contour following mechanism 40 enabling a swivel movement (refer to the curved double arrow 42) of the blade set 26 when in operation. In this way, the blade set 26 can be adapted to the skin contour during shaving or hair cutting, which results in a better cutting performance and a closer shave. Further, skin irritations can be reduced as the blade set can be aligned with the skin due to the contour following mechanism 40. The contour following mechanism 40 enables a dynamic adaptation of the orientation of the blade set 26. In certain embodiments, the contour following mechanism 40 comprises a four-bar linkage mechanism enabling pivot movements about instantaneous pivot axes that are parallel to the lateral direction 32. The contour following mechanism 40 may include one or more biasing elements that urge the contour following mechanism 40 into a defined position.

[0090] An exemplary embodiment of the blade set 26 is elucidated hereinafter with reference to Figs. 4-6. In the illustrated embodiment, the blade set 26 has two opposite leading edges 40. That is, the blade set 26 is a dual action blade that can be used in a back and forth movement for cutting hair.

[0091] The blade set 26 comprises a guard blade 46 and a cutter blade 66 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). The guard blade 46 comprises, on each leading edge 40, a plurality of elongated cutting slots 48 alternating with comb-like teeth 50.

[0092] As can be seen from the side view of Fig. 5, the guard blade 46 comprises a top wall portion 56 and a bottom wall portion 58 that together define a guide slot 60 in which a cutter blade 66 is accommodated, refer also to the perspective view of Fig. 6 with the guard blade 46 being partially cut away. The cutting action is produced by the interaction between the guard blade 46 and the cutter blade 66. Both blades 46, 66 are involved in the cutting action.

[0093] The cutter blade 66 comprises, at each of the leading edges 40, a plurality of elongated cutting slots 68 alternating with comb-like teeth 70.

[0094] The guard blade 46 may also be referred to as stationary blade. The cutter blade 66 may also be referred to as movable blade. The guard blade 46 is typically the blade that is contacting the skin, at least in a shaving operation. The cutter blade 66 is typically the blade that is set in motion to generate the relative cutting movement between the guard blade 46 and the cutter blade 66.

[0095] At each cutting edge 40, the cutting slots 48 of the guard blade 46 and the cutting slots 68 of the cutter blade 66 each form a row or series. Together, the cutting slots 48 of the guard blade 46 and the cutting slots 68 define an outer cutting zone 74 and an inner cutting zone 76. At least some of the cutting slots 48 and at least some of the cutting slots 68 extend in both the outer cutting zone 74 and the inner cutting zone 76.

[0096] The inner cutting zone 76 is formed inwardly of the outer cutting zone 74. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4-6, the blade set 26 comprises two outer cutting zones 74 and two inner 2024PF00493

[0097] 11 11.12.2025 cutting zones 76 inwardly spaced therefrom. A central portion 78 is formed between the two inner cutting zones 76.

[0098] A motion transmitting element 80 (refer also to Fig. 7) is connected to a connection zone 82 of the cutter blade 66 in the central portion 78. The connection zone 82 is adjacent to a central guide recess 86 formed in the cutter blade 66. In the central guide recess 86, a guide element 84 is arranged that guides the reciprocating movement of the cutter blade 66 in the lateral direction 32. The guide element 84 defines the play for the cutter blade 66 in the longitudinal direction 30. The guide element 84 may be regarded as a stationary element as the cutter blade 66 is moved with respect thereto.

[0099] Fig. 5 illustrates that the cutter blade 66 is accommodated in the guide slot 60, whereas the cutter blade 66 is arranged close to or even contacts the top wall portion 56 of the guard blade 46. At the bottom wall portion 58, one or more protruding contact portions 88 are formed that define the play in the height direction (arrow 34 in Fig. 4) for the cutter blade 66 within the guide slot 60.

[0100] Fig. 7 shows a perspective exploded view of the blade set 26. Accordingly, the guard blade 46 is formed by a plastic component 96 (particularly an injection molded plastic component) and a metal component 98 (particularly a sheet metal component) that are bonded / joined to form an arrangement having a top wall portion 56 and a bottom wall portion 58. At the top wall 56, the cutting action takes place, this is why the metal component 98 is provided there. The bottom wall portion 58 strengthens the guard blade 46 and provides skin protection features, mounting features, etc. This is why the plastic component 96 is present at the bottom wall portion 58.

[0101] The motion transmitting element 80 is arranged as a connector bridge 104 having two ends 106, each of which being coupled to a connecting zone 82 of the cutter blade 66 that is adjacent to the central guide recess 86 and the cutter blade 66. When in use, the guide element 84 is fixed to the guard blade 46 and guides the movement of the cutter blade 66 relative to the guard blade 46.

[0102] Additional reference is made to Fig. 5 that further illustrates by means of a partially cross-sectional view that the comb-like teeth 50 each have a top leg 90 and a bottom leg 92 that are connected at respective tips 94. As shown also in Fig. 7, the top legs 90 are primarily formed by the metal component 98 and the bottom legs 92 are primarily formed by the plastic component 96. Likewise, the tips 94 are primarily formed by the plastic component 96 in the illustrated embodiment. However, this is not to be understood to be limiting. Since the top legs 90 and the bottom legs 92 are connected at the tips 94, a U-shaped profile is formed that guards the comb-like teeth 70 of the cutter blade 66. This contributes to user safety and strengthens the guard blade 46.

[0103] Additional reference is made to Fig. 5 that further illustrates that the outer cutting zone 74 and the inner cutting zone 76 are basically coplanar in this embodiment. This may also apply to the central portion 78 as seen on the top side of the guard blade 46. As used herein, the coplanar arrangement relates to a design where the inner cutting zones 76 and the corresponding sections of the cutting slots 48, 68 are not outwardly curved or bulged. In this context, the outer cutting zone 74 and the inner cutting zone 76 are primarily defined by the series of respective outer cutting slots 48, 68. In this way, a plane of 2024PF00493

[0104] 12 11.12.2025 coplanarity is defined where the cutting action actually takes place between the guard blade 46 and the cutter blade 66 in the outer cutting zone 74 and the inner cutting zone 76. Hence, there may be features formed at the guard blade 46 and / or the cutter blade 66 that are not coplanar.

[0105] Overall, the guard blade 46 may have a basically flat design, in particular in the region of the top wall portion 56 (Fig. 5) where the cutting action takes place. Needless to say, for skin protection and other purposes, the plastic component 96 may protrude beyond the plane of coplanarity of the inner and outer cutting zones 74, 76. In view of the above definition, such design does not interfere with the concept of coplanarity. Further, a pattern may be formed in the top wall portion 56 of the guard blade 46, in particular in the metal component 98 thereof, e.g., for design reasons.

[0106] Making the inner cutting zones 76 and the outer cutting zones 74 basically coplanar facilitates the manufacturing of the cutter blade 66 and the metal component 98 of the guard blade 46. Defining and maintaining the desired height of the guide slot 60 (Fig. 5) is also facilitated in this way.

[0107] Fig. 8 is a top view of the blade set 26 with the guard blade 46 being partially cut away to reveal the cutter blade 66. When in operation, the cutter blade 66 is actuated via the motion transmitting element 80 (refer to Fig. 7) and set into a reciprocating movement in the lateral direction 32 relative to the guard blade 46.

[0108] With the exemplary design of the blade set 26, hair can be cut in both the outer cutting zones 74 and the inner cutting zones 76. As the blade set 26 is moved in the moving direction 30 for shaving, hairs first encounter the outer cutting zone 74 and thereafter the inner cutting zone 76. That is, hairs that have been missed in the outer cutting zone 74 can still be cut in the inner cutting zone 76.

[0109] Fig. 8 also illustrates a mirror-symmetric design of the blade set 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the blade set 26 is mirror-symmetric with respect to a central plane 110 that is perpendicular to the view plane. This applies in particular to the two opposite inner cutting zones 76 with the respective sections of the cutting slots 48 (on the part of the guard blade 46) and the cutting slots 68 (on the part of the cutter blade 66).

[0110] In some embodiments, the inclination of the opposite cutting slots 48 is symmetric with respect to the central plane 110. In some embodiments, the inclination of the opposite cutting slots 68 is symmetric with respect to the central plane 110. With these embodiments, primarily the inclination, but not necessarily the actual lateral position of the cutting slots 48, 68 is symmetric. In other words, the series of cutting slots 48, 68 on opposite sides of the central plane 110 may be laterally shifted with respect to one another.

[0111] A hair that is not cut in the (front) outer cutting zone 74 still encounters the following (front) inner cutting zone 76 to be cut there. If that hair is not cut in the (front) inner cutting zone 76, then it will still encounter the (rear) inner cutting zone 76 and finally the (rear) outer cutting zone 74, so the likelihood of the hair being cut in one stroke is much higher. 2024PF00493

[0112] 13 11.12.2025

[0113] Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate enlarged schematic detail views of the arrangement of Fig. 8 to explain the design of the cutting slots 48 on the part of the guard blade 46 and the design of the cutting slots 68 on the part of the cutter blade 66.

[0114] Fig. 9 shows a detailed view where the guard blade 46 is partially cut away. Fig. 10 shows a partial view in greater detail, where the guard blade 46 partially overlaps the cutter blade 66.

[0115] At least some of the cutting slots 48 have an outer section 112 formed in the outer cutting zone 74 and an inner section 114 formed in the inner cutting zone 76. The cutting slots 48 alternate with the comb-like teeth 50.

[0116] The outer sections 112 of the cutting slots 48 have a main extension direction 116. In the exemplary embodiment, the main extension direction 116 is parallel to the (assumed) moving (or: longitudinal) direction 30. The inner sections 114 of the cutting slots are inclined with respect to the outer sections 112. The inner sections 114 have a main extension direction 118 that is arranged at an angle 120 with respect to the main extension direction 116 of the cutting slots 48. The angle of inclination 120 is in the range from 10° to 60°, preferably in the range from 20° to 50°, more preferably in the range from 30 to 45°.

[0117] Likewise, at least some of the cutting slots 68 have an outer section 122 formed in the outer cutting zone 74 and an inner section 124 formed in the inner cutting zone 76. The cutting slots 68 alternate with the comb-like teeth 70.

[0118] The outer sections 122 have a main extension direction 126. In the exemplary embodiment, the main extension direction 126 is parallel to the (assumed) moving (or: longitudinal) direction 30. The inner sections 124 are inclined with respect to the outer sections 122. The inner sections 124 have a main extension direction 128 that is arranged at an angle 130 with respect to the main extension direction 126 of the cutting slots 68. In certain embodiments, the angle of inclination 130 is in the range from 10° to 60°, preferably in the range from 20° to 50°, more preferably in the range from 30 to 45°.

[0119] As a result of the inclination between the inner sections 114, 124 in the inner cutting zones 76 (see also Fig. 8) and the outer sections 112, 122 in the outer cutting zones 74, hair that has escaped the outer cutting zones 74 can still be cut in the inner cutting zones 76. In Fig. 9 reference numeral 134 designates a width of a comb-like tooth 50, that is, a width extension of the spacing between two neighboring cutting slots 48.

[0120] A hair that is contacted by the blade set 26 in this particular region during a shaving procedure can perhaps be bent down instead of being cut in the outer sections 112 of the cutting slots 48. However, as the inner cutting slot 50 has an effective width 136 (as seen in the moving direction 30) due to its inclination, the inner sections 114, so to speak, compensate for the inactive portion (width 134) that is caused by the presence of the outer sections 112 of the teeth 50 between the cutting slots 48. A hair that has missed one of the outer sections 112 may still be cut in one of the inner sections 114 arranged therebehind. 2024PF00493

[0121] 14 11.12.2025

[0122] Fig. 10 illustrates by means of a schematic enlarged view an exemplary design of the respective cutting slots 48, 68, and teeth 50, 70. The cutting slots 48 of the guard blade 46 have two opposite outer cutting edges 140 in the outer sections 112. The corresponding cutting slots 68 of the cutter blade 66 have two opposite outer cutting edges 142 in the outer sections 122. The cutting edges 140 and the cutting edges 142 are not parallel to one another, rather, a shearing angle 144 is formed between a respective cutting edge 140 of a cutting slot 48 and a respective cutting edge 142 of a cutting slot 68 when the two cutting edges 140, 142 cooperate to cut hair therebetween. In certain embodiments, the shearing angle 144 is in the range from 3° to 15°, preferably in the range from 5° to 10°.

[0123] In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting edges 140 of the cutting slots 48 of the guard blade 46 are basically parallel to one another. As a result, an opening angle 146 between the two opposite cutting edges 142 of the cutting slots 68 of the cutter blade 66 is present that is twice the shearing angle 144. This is not to be understood to be limiting.

[0124] In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting slots 48, 68 are inwardly tapered, whereas the corresponding comb-like teeth 50, 70 are outwardly tapered.

[0125] The cutting slots 48 of the guard blade 46 have two opposite inner cutting edges 150 in the inner sections 114. The corresponding inner cutting slot 70 of the cutter blade 66 have two opposite cutting edges 152 in the inner sections 124. The cutting edges 150 and the cutting edges 152 are not parallel to one another, rather, a shearing angle 154 is formed between a respective cutting edge 150 of a cutting slot 48 and a respective cutting edge 152 of a cutting slot 68 when the two cutting edges 150, 152 cooperate to cut hair therebetween. In certain embodiments, the shearing angle 154 is in the range from 3° to 15°, preferably in the range from 5° to 10°.

[0126] In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting edges 150 of the cutting slots 48 of the guard blade 46 are basically parallel to one another. As a result, an opening angle 156 between the two opposite cutting edges 152 of the cutting slots 68 of the cutter blade 66 is present that is twice the shearing angle 154. This is not to be understood to be limiting.

[0127] The cutting slots 48 of the guard blade 46 have a length 160 and a width 162. In the exemplary embodiment, the length 160 amounts to at least twice the width 162, preferably at least three times the width 162, more preferably at least four times the width 162.

[0128] The cutting slots 68 of the cutter blade 66 are adapted to the length 160 and width 162 of the inner cutting slots 50 of the guard blade 46. To provide the desired shearing angle 154, the cutting slots 68 are inwardly tapered (i.e., tapered towards the central portion 78 of the blade 26). Consequently, the cutting slots 68 have an inner end 166 and an outer end 168. In the exemplary embodiment, the cutting slots 68 of the cutter blade 66 are greater in width at their outer end 168 that is in the outer cutting zone 74 than at their opposite inner end 166. As a result, as can be seen in Fig. 9, only a moderate weakening of the material of the cutter blade 66 is necessary to provide the inner cutting slots 68.

[0129] Further reference is made to Figs. 11 and 12, illustrating similar embodiments of blade sets 226 (Fig. 11) and 326 (Fig. 12). The blade sets 226, 326 basically correspond to the embodiments 2024PF00493

[0130] 15 11.12.2025 illustrated hereinbefore with reference to Figs. 1-10. For the avoidance of repetitions, only differences will be elucidated hereinafter.

[0131] The exemplary design of the blade set 226 in Fig. 11 involves only one outer cutting zone 74 and only one inner cutting zone 76. The opposing side of the blade set 226 is not equipped with cutting features in this embodiment.

[0132] In the alternative, there may be two opposite outer cutting zones 74 and only one inner cutting zone 76 assigned to one of the two outer cutting zones 74. That is, in the other one of the two outer cutting zones 74, only relatively short cutting slots would be formed that are not kinked (i.e., that do not have inner sections).

[0133] The design exemplary of the blade set 326 in Fig. 12 involves two outer cutting zones 74 and two corresponding inner cutting zones 76. Along the respective leading edges 40, cutting slots 48 of a first type 330 and a second type 332 are formed, with the first type 330 extending in the outer cutting zone 74 and the inner cutting zone 76, and the second type 332 being exclusively formed in the outer cutting zone 74. Also the cutter blade 66 (not shown in Fig. 12) may have a similar design with two types of cutting slots of different lengths. With this design, the guard blade 46 (and also a corresponding cutter blade 66) is less weakened as a fewer density of elongated slots 48 of the first type 330 is present. The series formed in this way may involve an alternating order of cutting slots 48 of the first type 330 and the second type 332, but there may be other arrangements as well.

[0134] The blade sets 226, 326 may also benefit from the specific designs of the cutting slots in the outer cutting zones 74 and the inner cutting zones 76 as discussed hereinbefore.

[0135] Fig. 13 is based on Fig. 10 and illustrates an alternative embodiment. In Figs. 8-10, it has been illustrated that the two opposing cutting edges 152 of the inner sections 124 of the cutting slots 68 of the cutter blade 66 are arranged at an at an inclination angle 156 that is twice the shearing angle 154. By contrast, Fig. 13 illustrates that the desired shearing angle 154 can also be provided with parallel cutting edges 150, 152 in either of the inner sections 114, 124 of the guard blade 46 and the cutter blade 66. The shearing angle 154 is thus brought about by an inclination between the main extension directions 118, 128 of the inner sections 114, 124 of the cutting slots 48, 68 of the guard blade 46 and the cutter blade 66.

[0136] Apart from that, the overall design of the embodiment of Fig. 13 can be derived from the description of the foregoing embodiments. Further, also hybrid designs are conceivable that combine nonparallel cutting edges 152 (as with Fig. 10) with an inclination between the main extension directions 118, 128 of the inner sections 114, 124 of the cutting slots 48, 68 (as with Fig. 13) to arrive at the desired shearing angle 154.

[0137] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. 2024PF00493

[0138] 16 11.12.2025

[0139] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single element or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

2024PF0049317 11.12.2025CLAIMS:Claim 1. A blade set (26, 226) for an electrically operated hair cutting appliance (10), said blade set (26, 226) being arranged to be moved through hair in a moving direction (30) to cut hair, said blade set (26, 226) comprising: a guard blade (46) comprising a top wall portion (56) and a bottom wall portion (58) at least partially offset from the top wall portion (56), thereby defining a guide slot (60), a cutter blade (66) slidingly accommodated in the guide slot (60), wherein the guard blade (46) and the cutter blade (66) together form an outer cutting zone (74) and an inner cutting zone (76), wherein the guard blade (46) comprises a series of elongated cutting slots (48) alternating with corresponding comb-like teeth (50), wherein the cutter blade (66) comprises a series of elongated cutting slots (68) alternating with corresponding comb-like teeth (70), wherein at least some of the cutting slots (48, 68) of the guard blade (46) and the cutter blade (66) have an outer section (112, 122) formed in the outer cutting zone (74) and an inner section (114, 124) formed in the inner cutting zone (76), wherein the cutter blade (66) is arranged to be reciprocally moved relative to the guard blade (46) to cut hair therebetween in a scissor action in the outer cutting zone (74) and the inner cutting zone (76), and wherein the inner sections (114, 124) of the cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) have a main extension direction (118, 128) that is inclined with respect to a main extension direction (116, 126) of the outer sections (112, 122).Claim 2. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an angle of inclination (120, 130) between the inner sections (114, 124) and the outer sections (112, 122) is in the range from 10° to 60°, preferably in the range from 20° to 50°, more preferably in the range from 30 to 45°.Claim 3. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some of the elongated cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) have a length (160) and a width (162), with the length (160) being at least four times the width (162), preferably at least five times the width (162).2024PF0049318 11.12.2025Claim 4. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein one or more of the elongated cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) have an exclusively linear extension and are preferably exclusively formed in the outer cutting zone (74).Claim 5. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the series of elongated cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) comprises a row that is composed of cutting slots (48) of a first type (330) and a second type (332), with the first type (330) extending in the outer cutting zone (74) and the inner cutting zone (76), and the second type (332) being exclusively formed in the outer cutting zone (74).Claim 6. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, wherein the outer cutting zone (74) and the inner cutting zone (76) are coplanar.Claim 7. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein two opposite outer cutting zones (74) are provided at opposite leading edges (40) of the blade set (26, 226) that are facing away from one another, wherein a first inner cutting zone (76) is next to a first outer cutting zone (74), and wherein a second inner cutting zone (76) is next to a second outer cutting zone (74).Claim 8. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least the two inner cutting zones (76) are arranged in a mirror-symmetric fashion, in particular with respect to a central plane (110) through the blade set (26, 226) that is parallel to the leading edges (40) and orthogonal to the top wall portion (56) of the guard blade (46).Claim 9. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the inner sections (114) of the cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) have two opposing cutting edges (150), wherein the corresponding inner sections (124) of the cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66) have two opposing cutting edges (152), and wherein a shearing angle (154) defined between cooperating cutting edges (150, 152) of the guard blade (46) and the cutter blade (66) is in the range from 3° to 15°, preferably in the range from 5° to 10°.Claim 10. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the two opposing cutting edges (150) of the inner sections (114) of the cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) are parallel to one another, and wherein the two opposing cutting edges (152) of the inner sections (124) of the2024PF0049319 11.12.2025 cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66) are arranged at an inclination angle (156) with respect to one another that is twice the shearing angle (1 4), or wherein the two opposing cutting edges (152) of the inner sections (124) of the cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66) are parallel to one another, with the shearing angle (1 4) formed by an inclination between the main extension directions (118, 128) of the inner sections (114) of the cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) and the inner sections (124) of the cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66).Claim 11. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the outer sections (112) of the cutting slots (68) of the guard blade (46) have two opposing cutting edges (140), wherein the corresponding outer sections (122) of the cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66) have two opposing cutting edges (142), wherein a shearing angle (144) defined between cooperating cutting edges (140, 142) of the guard blade (46) and the cutter blade (66) is in the range from 3° to 15°, preferably in the range from 5° to 10°, and wherein preferably the two opposing cutting edges (140) of the outer sections (112) of the cutting slots (48) of the guard blade (46) are parallel to one another, while the two opposing cutting edges (142) of the outer sections (122) of the cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66) are preferably arranged at an inclination angle (146) with respect to one another that is twice the shearing angle (144).Claim 12. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66) have an outer end (168) and an inner end (166), and wherein the cutting slots (68) of the cutter blade (66) are larger in width at their outer end (168) that is in the outer cutting zone (74) than at the inner end (166) that is in the inner cutting zone (76).Claim 13. The blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein in the outer cutting zone (74) at least some of the comb-like teeth (50) of the guard blade (46) have a top leg (90) at the top wall portion (56) and a bottom leg (92) at the bottom wall portion (58) that are connected at respective tips (94), with the cutter blade (66) teeth (70) arranged therebetween.Claim 14. A replacement cutting unit (24), comprising: a blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-13, a mounting interface (38), and2024PF0049320 11.12.2025 preferably a contour following mechanism (40) formed between the guard blade (46) and the mounting interface (38).Claim 15. A hair cutting appliance (10) comprising a housing (12), a motor (16) arranged in the housing (12), at least one control element (20) accessible at the housing (12), and a blade set (26, 226) as claimed in any one of claims 1-13 or a cutting unit (24) as claimed in claim 14.

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