Patent Description:
A hair clipper as described in the preamble of claim <NUM> is already known from <CIT>. <CIT> refers to a hair clipper, a head unit of the same and a movable blade of the same. Conventionally, as disclosed in PTL <NUM>, there has been proposed a hair clipper that includes a fixed blade and a movable blade, and cuts hair by reciprocating sliding of the movable blade with respect to the fixed blade.

In PTL <NUM>, a cutting height can be adjusted by sliding the movable blade with respect to the fixed blade in a direction intersecting the reciprocating sliding. Citation List Patent Literature.

PTL <NUM>: Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No <CIT>.

In such a hair clipper capable of adjusting the cutting height, it is preferable to provide a blade capable of setting the cutting height to be shorter.

In addition, even when the cutting height is shortened, it is preferable to reduce the stimulation applied to a skin during use.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to obtain a blade of a hair clipper and a hair clipper capable of setting a cutting height to be shorter while further reducing stimulation applied to the skin during use.

The above and other objects of the invention are achieved by the blade of a hair clipper according to claim <NUM> and the hair clipper according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a blade of a hair clipper and a hair clipper capable of setting a cutting height to be shorter while further reducing stimulation applied to the skin during use.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It is noted that a more detailed description than need may be omitted. For example, the detailed description of already well-known matters and the overlap description of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.

Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are only presented to help those skilled in the art fully understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matters described in the claims. The scope of protection is only defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following exemplary embodiment and its modification examples, a description will be given while defining a reciprocating sliding direction of a movable blade with respect to a fixed blade as width direction Y. Moreover, a direction in which the movable blade slides with respect to the fixed blade is defined as front-back direction X. A vertical direction in a state where the movable blade is located below the fixed blade and a sliding contact surface of the fixed blade is horizontal is defined as vertical direction Z.

Therefore, in the following exemplary embodiment and its modification examples, width direction Y, which is a direction in which the movable blade reciprocates and slides with respect to the fixed blade, corresponds to one direction. Front-back direction X, which is a direction in which the movable blade slides with respect to the fixed blade, corresponds to an intersecting direction intersecting (that is, orthogonal to) the one direction. The intersecting direction (that is, front-back direction X) is a direction orthogonal to the one direction (that is, width direction Y), and forms a sliding contact surface between the movable blade and the fixed blade together with the one direction (that is, width direction Y). Vertical direction Z corresponds to a thickness direction that is a direction intersecting (that is, orthogonal to) the one direction (that is, width direction Y) and the intersecting direction (that is, front-back direction X).

Note that, when a hair clipper is described in the following exemplary embodiment and its modification examples, a side on which a switch unit is provided is defined as a front face.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating an example of hair clipper <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a side view illustrating an example of hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, hair clipper <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment includes main body <NUM> and blade block <NUM> detachably attached to main body <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, main body <NUM> has an elongated shape, and grip 11a (that is, a grip part) that can be held by hand is formed on main body <NUM>.

This hair clipper <NUM> is, for example, a device for treating or arranging hair of a user or the like by cutting the hair of the user or the like to a desired length. Specifically, blade block <NUM> includes fixed blade <NUM> made of metal and movable blade <NUM> made of metal. Movable blade <NUM> reciprocates and slides in width direction Y (that is, a sliding direction) with respect to fixed blade <NUM>. Blade block <NUM> is attached to main body <NUM>, and movable blade <NUM> is reciprocally slid in width direction Y with respect to fixed blade <NUM> by using electric motor <NUM> housed in main body <NUM> as a drive source, whereby hair clipper <NUM> functions as a device for sandwiching and cutting hair between fixed blade <NUM> and movable blade <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, main body <NUM> includes housing <NUM> forming a substantially S-shaped outer shell in a side view. Housing <NUM> can be formed using, for example, a material such as a synthetic resin, and is attached to a front face of housing <NUM> such that operation switch 12a can be pushed inward in a state of being exposed to an outside.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, housing <NUM> is formed by joining a plurality of divided bodies, and a cavity is formed inside housing <NUM> formed by joining the divided bodies. Various electric components are accommodated in the cavity. These plurality of divided bodies can be joined by using a screw or by fitting the divided bodies to each other, for example.

In the present exemplary embodiment, rechargeable battery <NUM> and electric motor <NUM> driven by rechargeable battery <NUM> are accommodated in the cavity formed inside housing <NUM>. Furthermore, in the cavity formed inside housing <NUM>, power transmission mechanism <NUM> that transmits a rotational driving force of electric motor <NUM> to blade block <NUM> and eccentric shaft <NUM> eccentrically rotationally driven by power transmission mechanism <NUM> are accommodated. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A of <FIG>. In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, eccentric shaft <NUM> is accommodated in the cavity inside housing <NUM> in a state where a distal end protrudes toward blade block <NUM> (that is, an upper side of <FIG>), and is connected to guide plate <NUM> (See <FIG>, and <FIG>), which will be described later, of blade block <NUM>. Note that it is also possible to supply power from an outside using a power supply cord or the like. Furthermore, the method of driving blade block <NUM> is not limited to the above-described method, and various methods can be used.

Moreover, controller <NUM> and the like that control power supply to electric motor <NUM> according to a pressing operation of operation switch 12a exposed to the outside are accommodated in the cavity formed inside housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an example of blade block <NUM> included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating an example of blade block <NUM> included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a bottom view illustrating an example of blade block <NUM> included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. <FIG> is a side view illustrating an example of blade block <NUM> included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. Blade block <NUM> has a function of cutting hair, and as illustrated in <FIG>, includes blade part <NUM> (that is, a blade of hair clipper <NUM>) formed by disposing movable blade <NUM> and fixed blade <NUM> so as to face each other. Blade part <NUM> is configured such that movable blade bar <NUM> (see <FIG>), which will be described later, of movable blade <NUM> reciprocally slides in width direction Y with respect to fixed blade bar <NUM>, which will be described later, of fixed blade <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an example of blade block <NUM> included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in <FIG>, blade block <NUM> further includes fixing plate <NUM> made of resin on which blade part <NUM> is disposed, and guide plate <NUM> made of resin and fixed to movable blade <NUM>. Furthermore, blade block <NUM> includes metallic push-up spring <NUM> that presses movable blade <NUM> toward fixed blade <NUM>, and resinous switching lever <NUM> that holds push-up spring <NUM>. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a cutting height adjustment mechanism included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment, and is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a cutting height is maximized. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a cutting height adjustment mechanism included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment, and is a sectional view illustrating a state in which a cutting height is minimized. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a cutting height adjustment mechanism included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment, and is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cutting height is maximized from an inside. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a cutting height adjustment mechanism included in hair clipper <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment, and is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cutting height is minimized from an inside. In the present exemplary embodiment, switching lever <NUM> is held by fixing plate <NUM> in a state of being relatively rotatable with respect to fixing plate <NUM>, and can fall between a falling attitude illustrated in <FIG> and a standing attitude illustrated in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG> (particularly, <FIG>), fixing plate <NUM> is a member fixed to main body <NUM> in a state where fixed blade <NUM> is fixed, and includes hook part 41a for engaging with main body <NUM>, insertion groove 41b for inserting and holding insertion protrusion <NUM> of fixed blades <NUM>, and holding groove 41c that opens upward. Columnar part 44a, which will be described later, of switching lever <NUM> is inserted and held in holding groove 41c in a state of being relatively rotatable with respect to fixing plate <NUM>.

Guide plate <NUM> is a member that is connected to eccentric shaft <NUM> and reciprocates in width direction Y in a state where blade block <NUM> is attached to main body <NUM>, and movable blade <NUM> is fixed to guide plate <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, guide plate <NUM> includes hook part 42a with which movable blade <NUM> is engaged, and hook part 42a and a heat seal fix movable blade <NUM> to guide plate <NUM>. Movable blade <NUM> reciprocally slides in width direction Y with respect to fixed blade <NUM> in conjunction with reciprocation of guide plate <NUM> in width direction Y.

Push-up spring <NUM> is a member that presses movable blade <NUM> toward fixed blade <NUM> to more reliably bring movable blade bar <NUM> and fixed blade bar <NUM>, both of which will be described later, into sliding contact with each other, and can be formed by, for example, a torsion spring. In the present exemplary embodiment, push-up spring <NUM> includes a pair of coil parts 43a held by switching lever <NUM> and connecting part 43b held by switching lever <NUM> and connecting the pair of coil parts 43a. Furthermore, push-up spring <NUM> includes arm part 43c that is connected to an opposite side of connection part 43b of each coil part 43a, is fixed to movable blade <NUM>, and presses movable blade <NUM> toward fixed blade <NUM>.

Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, an attachment (not illustrated) can be attached to blade block <NUM>, and a cutting height of hair clipper <NUM> can be changed by attaching the attachment. In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, attachment port 41d for attaching the attachment is provided on a back surface side of fixing plate <NUM>.

Moreover, hair clipper <NUM> according to the present exemplary embodiment is configured to change a cutting height of hair without using the attachment, and as illustrated in <FIG>, main body <NUM> includes cutting height adjustment mechanism <NUM>. By operating cutting height adjustment mechanism <NUM>, a tilting operation of switching lever <NUM> is performed, and the cutting height of the hair is changed by the tilting operation of switching lever <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the present exemplary embodiment, switching lever <NUM> includes columnar part 44a that is inserted and held in holding groove 41c of fixing plate <NUM> in a state of being relatively rotatable with respect to fixing plate <NUM>. Furthermore, switching lever <NUM> includes accommodating recess 44b in which coil part 43a of push-up spring <NUM> is accommodated in a fitted state, and accommodating recess 44c in which a connecting part of push-up spring <NUM> is accommodated. Moreover, switching lever <NUM> includes protruding part 44d operated by transmission mechanism <NUM>. Switching lever <NUM> is held by fixing plate <NUM> in a state of being biased toward a side of the falling attitude by push-up spring <NUM>.

On the other hand, as illustrated in <FIG>, cutting height adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes dial <NUM> for cutting height adjustment rotatably attached to main body <NUM>, and transmission mechanism <NUM> that performs the tilting operation of switching lever <NUM> of blade block <NUM> in conjunction with the rotation of dial <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, dial <NUM> for adjusting a cutting height is provided closer to blade block <NUM> (that is, the upper side of <FIG>) than operation switch 12a on the front side of housing <NUM> so as to be rotatable relative to housing <NUM>. At this time, dial <NUM> can be relatively rotated with respect to housing <NUM> about rotation axis C1 extending in a left-right direction (that is, one type of horizontal direction) in the state illustrated in <FIG>. Transmission mechanism <NUM> is accommodated in the cavity formed inside housing <NUM>, and includes first conversion mechanism <NUM> and second conversion mechanism <NUM>.

Here, first conversion mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism that converts the rotation (that is, reciprocating rotational motion) of dial <NUM> about rotation axis C1 into a reciprocating linear motion of dial <NUM> in a radial direction (that is, a vertical direction in the state illustrated in <FIG>), and includes groove <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, groove <NUM> is formed inside dial <NUM>, and has a curved shape such that a distance from rotation axis C1 decreases from one end 2211a toward other end 2211b.

Furthermore, first conversion mechanism <NUM> includes rod <NUM> having pin <NUM> movably inserted into groove <NUM>, and slider <NUM> provided at a distal end of rod <NUM>. When dial <NUM> is rotated, pin <NUM> moves in groove <NUM> in conjunction with the rotation of dial <NUM>. In this way, rod <NUM> and slider <NUM> reciprocate linearly in the radial direction (that is, the vertical direction in the state illustrated in <FIG>) of dial <NUM> in conjunction with the movement of pin <NUM> in groove <NUM>.

On the other hand, second conversion mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism that converts the reciprocating linear motion converted by first conversion mechanism <NUM> into rotation (that is, reciprocating rotational motion) about a rotation axis extending in width direction Y (that is, one direction), and includes operation shaft <NUM>. Operation shaft <NUM> is attached to hook part <NUM> provided in slider <NUM> in a state of extending in width direction Y (that is, one direction), and reciprocates linearly in the radial direction (that is, the vertical direction in the state illustrated in <FIG>) of dial <NUM> together with slider <NUM>.

Moreover, second conversion mechanism <NUM> includes rotary member <NUM> having one end connected to operation shaft <NUM>, and rotary shaft <NUM> extending in width direction Y (that is, one direction) and to which rotary member <NUM> is rotatably attached. In the present exemplary embodiment, a pair of rotary members <NUM> is provided continuously at both ends in width direction Y (that is, one direction) of operation shaft <NUM>. Furthermore, second conversion mechanism <NUM> includes action member <NUM> that is connected to the other end of rotary member <NUM> and performs the tilting operation of switching lever <NUM>, and connecting shaft <NUM> that extends in width direction Y (that is, one direction) and connects rotary member <NUM> and action member <NUM>.

When operation shaft <NUM> is linearly reciprocated in the radial direction (that is, the vertical direction in the state illustrated in <FIG>) of dial <NUM>, rotary member <NUM> rotates about rotary shaft <NUM> in conjunction with the linear reciprocation of operation shaft <NUM>. Thus, action member <NUM> connected to rotary member <NUM> via connecting shaft <NUM> rotates in conjunction with the other end of rotary member <NUM>, and the tilting operation of switching lever <NUM> is performed by the rotation of action member <NUM>.

In the present exemplary embodiment, when dial <NUM> is rotated in a forward direction, slider <NUM> and operation shaft <NUM> linearly move in a downward direction in the state illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. With the downward movement of operation shaft <NUM>, rotary member <NUM> rotates about rotary shaft <NUM>. At this time, rotary member <NUM> rotates so that one end side connected to operation shaft <NUM> moves downward and the other end to which action member <NUM> is connected moves upward. Furthermore, action member <NUM> moves upward along with the upward movement of the other end side of rotary member <NUM>. Then, by moving action member <NUM> upward, switching lever <NUM> is rotated toward a side of the standing attitude against a biasing force of push-up spring <NUM>. In this way, movable blade <NUM> slides toward a side of the distal end (that is, a front side in front-back direction X) while holding the pressed state with respect to fixed blade <NUM> via push-up spring <NUM> and guide plate <NUM>.

On the other hand, when dial <NUM> is rotated in a reverse direction, slider <NUM> and operation shaft <NUM> linearly move in an upward direction in the state illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. With the upward movement of operation shaft <NUM>, rotary member <NUM> rotates about rotary shaft <NUM>. At this time, rotary member <NUM> rotates so that one end side connected to operation shaft <NUM> moves upward and the other end to which action member <NUM> is connected moves downward. Furthermore, action member <NUM> moves downward along with the downward movement of the other end side of rotary member <NUM>. Then, by moving action member <NUM> downward, switching lever <NUM> is rotated to the side of the falling attitude by a biasing force of push-up spring <NUM>. In this way, movable blade <NUM> slides toward a root side (that is, a rear side in front-back direction X) while holding the pressed state against fixed blade <NUM> via push-up spring <NUM> and guide plate <NUM>.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, when dial <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction, movable blade <NUM> slides toward the distal end side of fixed blade <NUM>, and when dial <NUM> is rotated in the reverse direction, movable blade <NUM> slides toward the root side of fixed blade <NUM>. Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, turning dial <NUM> counterclockwise in the state illustrated in <FIG> is expressed as turning dial <NUM> in the forward direction, and turning dial <NUM> clockwise in the state illustrated in <FIG> is expressed as turning dial <NUM> in the reverse direction.

At this time, movable blade <NUM> slides on tapered part <NUM> (see <FIG>) of fixed blade <NUM>, which will be described later. That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, movable blade <NUM> is slid between the root side and the distal end side on tapered part <NUM> of fixed blade <NUM>. In this way, the cutting height of the hair is changed.

Note that, in the present exemplary embodiment, when dial <NUM> is rotated in the forward direction and switching lever <NUM> is rotated by a predetermined amount from the initial position to the side of the standing attitude, protruding part 44d comes into contact with hook part 41a of fixing plate <NUM> to restrict further standing. That is, by bringing protruding part 44d into contact with hook part 41a of fixing plate <NUM> to regulate further standing of switching lever <NUM>, sliding of movable blade <NUM> toward the distal end side is regulated. Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, when switching lever <NUM> is at the initial position, movable blade <NUM> is located closest to the root side of fixed blade <NUM> (that is, a state in which the cutting height is set to be the highest). When the standing of switching lever <NUM> is regulated by protruding part 44d, movable blade <NUM> is located closest to the distal end side of fixed blade <NUM> (that is, a state in which the cutting height is set to be the shortest).

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, movable blade <NUM> includes main body <NUM>, a plurality of movable blade bars <NUM> arranged side by side in width direction Y on one end side (that is, the front side in front-back direction X) of main body <NUM>, and a plurality of movable blade grooves <NUM>, each of which is formed between adjacent movable blade bars <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a positional relationship between movable blade <NUM> and fixed blade <NUM> when a maximum cutting height is set. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a positional relationship between movable blade <NUM> and fixed blade <NUM> when a maximum cutting height is set. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a positional relationship between movable blade <NUM> and fixed blade <NUM> when a minimum cutting height is set. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a positional relationship between movable blade <NUM> and fixed blade <NUM> when a minimum cutting height is set. <FIG> is an enlarged side view illustrating a distal end part of fixed blade <NUM> included in blade block <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. Each movable blade bar <NUM> is formed so as to protrude forward in front-back direction X from main body <NUM>, and includes root part <NUM> (see <FIG>) continuously provided to main body <NUM>. Furthermore, movable blade bar <NUM> includes bent part <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) that is provided continuously from root part <NUM> and is bent such that a distal end side of movable blade bar <NUM> faces fixed blade <NUM>, and cutting part <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is provided continuously from bent part <NUM> and is capable of cutting hair. Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a surface of cutting part <NUM> on the side of fixed blade <NUM> is sliding contact surface P1 (see <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) of movable blade <NUM>.

Furthermore, edge <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) is formed on each side in width direction Y of the cutting part <NUM>, and the hair can be more reliably cut by edge <NUM>.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, a surface of distal end <NUM> of movable blade bar <NUM> opposite to sliding contact surface P1 is rounded. That is, curved part <NUM> is formed on a surface of distal end <NUM> of movable blade bar <NUM> opposite to sliding contact surface P1. In this way, it is possible to reduce the stimulation applied to the skin by blade part <NUM> when the side of movable blade <NUM> is used in contact with the skin.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an example of fixed blade <NUM> included in blade block <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment as viewed from a back side. <FIG> is a side view illustrating an example of fixed blade <NUM> included in blade block <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. Fixed blade <NUM> includes main body <NUM>, a plurality of fixed blade bars <NUM> arranged side by side in width direction Y on one end side (that is, the front side in front-back direction X) of main body <NUM>, and a plurality of fixed blade grooves <NUM>, each of which is formed between adjacent fixed blade bars <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, each of fixed blade bars <NUM> has tapered part <NUM> that tapers toward a distal end side (that is, the front side in front-back direction X). In the present exemplary embodiment, fixed blade <NUM> includes sliding contact surface P2 (see <FIG>) with which movable blade <NUM> can come into sliding contact, and skin contact surface P3 (see <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) with which skin can come into contact. In side view of fixed blade bar <NUM> (that is, fixed blade <NUM> is viewed along width direction Y), skin contact surface P3 is inclined with respect to sliding contact surface P2 such that a distance between skin contact surface P3 and sliding contact surface P2 becomes shorter on the distal end side (that is, the front side in front-back direction X). Accordingly, fixed blade bar <NUM> is formed with tapered part <NUM> having thickness T1 that gradually decreases from the root side toward the distal end side.

Movable blade <NUM> is slid in front-back direction X on sliding contact surface P2 of tapered part <NUM>. That is, a sliding range of movable blade <NUM> is set on sliding contact surface P2 of tapered part <NUM>. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, sliding contact surface P1 of movable blade <NUM> comes into contact with sliding contact surface P2 of tapered part <NUM> in a state where movable blade <NUM> is located closest to the root side of fixed blade <NUM> (that is, a state in which the cutting height is set to be the highest). As illustrated in <FIG>, even when movable blade <NUM> is located closest to the distal end side of fixed blade <NUM> (that is, a state in which the cutting height is set to be the shortest), sliding contact surface P1 of movable blade <NUM> is brought into contact with sliding contact surface P2 of tapered part <NUM>.

Here, in the present exemplary embodiment, tapered part <NUM> is formed such that a cutting height in a state where movable blade <NUM> is located closest to the root side of fixed blade <NUM> is <NUM>, and a cutting height in a state where movable blade <NUM> is located closest to the distal end side of fixed blade <NUM> is <NUM>. The cutting height can be changed stepwise to <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. That is, by operating dial <NUM> for adjusting a cutting height, the cutting height can be set to a plurality of levels between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive).

In the present exemplary embodiment, cutting height adjustment mechanism <NUM> includes holding mechanism <NUM> capable of holding dial <NUM> in stages. Holding mechanism <NUM> holds dial <NUM> in a stepwise manner so that the cutting height can be changed in a stepwise manner.

Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, holding mechanism <NUM> includes holding spring <NUM> fixed to main body <NUM> and engaged part <NUM> formed on a back side of dial <NUM> and capable of engaging with holding spring <NUM>. In the present exemplary embodiment, dial <NUM> can be relatively rotated with respect to holding spring <NUM>, and engaged part <NUM> formed on the back side of dial <NUM> can also be relatively rotated with respect to holding spring <NUM>. When dial <NUM> is rotated and a relative position between holding spring <NUM> and engaged part <NUM> reaches a predetermined position, holding spring <NUM> and engaged part <NUM> are releasably engaged to each other, so that the rotation of dial <NUM> in both forward and reverse directions is suppressed.

Specifically, engaged part <NUM> is formed to have a shape including an arc centered on rotation axis C1. On a peripheral surface of engaged part <NUM>, five engaging recesses <NUM> recessed toward rotation axis C1 are formed at equal intervals along a circumferential direction. On the other hand, holding spring <NUM> is formed with engaging protruding part <NUM> that protrudes toward the peripheral surface of engaged part <NUM> and engages with engaging recesses <NUM> of engaged part <NUM>.

As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, the positions of holding spring <NUM> and engaged part <NUM> in a state where any one of the five engaging recesses <NUM> faces engaging protruding part <NUM> are the predetermined positions described above.

Note that the cutting height can be continuously changed between <NUM> and <NUM> (inclusive). Furthermore, an upper limit or a lower limit of the cutting height can be appropriately set. Moreover, in the case of changing in stages, any number of stages may be used as long as the number of stages is two or more, and the number of stages does not need to be five.

Furthermore, cutting height adjustment mechanism <NUM> described above is merely an example, and other conventionally known cutting height adjustment mechanisms can be used, as long as movable blade <NUM> can be slid in front-back direction X with respect to fixed blade <NUM> in accordance with an operation of a user.

By using blade block <NUM> as described above, the hair can be cut to a length of <NUM>. In this way, in a case where hair cutting height can be set to be shorter, when fixed blade bars <NUM> of fixed blade <NUM> merely have tapered part <NUM>, a distal end of tapered part <NUM> may come into contact with skin (for example, scalp) during use of hair clipper <NUM>, thereby giving a large stimulus to the skin (for example, scalp).

Therefore, in the present exemplary embodiment, even when the cutting height can be set to be shorter, it is possible to further reduce the stimulation applied to the skin (for example, scalp) during use. Specifically, as illustrated in <FIG>, fixed blade bar <NUM> has distal end part <NUM> on one end side (that is, the front side in front-back direction X) of tapered part <NUM>. Distal end part <NUM> has uniform part <NUM> having a uniform thickness in vertical direction Z (that is, a thickness direction intersecting width direction Y and front-back direction X).

In this way, it is possible to further reduce the stimulation given to the skin (for example, scalp) at the time of use.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, entire distal end part <NUM> is uniform part <NUM> having a uniform thickness in vertical direction Z. At this time, thickness T2 of uniform part <NUM> in vertical direction Z is set to be about <NUM> in consideration of biting into the skin (for example, scalp) at the time of use. In this way, a length of <NUM> can be realized by actual cutting.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, uniform part <NUM> is formed so as to protrude toward skin contact surface P3 (that is, at least one surface of sliding contact surface P2 and skin contact surface P3). That is, uniform part <NUM> is formed so as to protrude only toward skin contact surface P3 out of sliding contact surface P2 and skin contact surface P3.

Consequently, sliding contact surface P2 can be made a flat surface, and movable blade <NUM> can be prevented from interfering with uniform part <NUM> when movable blade <NUM> is slid on sliding contact surface P2.

Furthermore, if skin contact surface P3 of uniform part <NUM> is made to protrude, skin contact surface P3 can be suppressed from being inclined from an appropriate position with respect to the head by bringing the protruding part into contact with the head when fixed blade <NUM> is brought into contact with a curved surface such as the head. That is, when the fixed blade is used on a surface that is not a flat surface such as a head, fixed blade <NUM> can be more reliably held at an appropriate position. As a result, hair such as head hair can be more reliably cut to a set length.

Moreover, in the present exemplary embodiment, curved part 4731a is formed at the distal end of fixed blade <NUM>. Specifically, curved part 4731a protruding upward toward the distal end is formed at an upper part of a distal end of uniform part <NUM>, whereby curved part 4731a is formed at the distal end of fixed blade <NUM>. In other words, in the present exemplary embodiment, fixed blade <NUM> is formed such that the distal end forms uniform part <NUM>, and skin contact surface P4 and distal end surface P5 of uniform part <NUM> are connected by curved part 4731a having an R shape.

In this way, curved part 4731a can be brought into contact with the skin at the time of use, and the stimulation applied to the skin at the time of use can be more reliably reduced.

A curvature radius of curved part 4731a is preferably about a half of thickness T2 of uniform part <NUM> in vertical direction Z. Accordingly, a boundary part between uniform part <NUM> and curved part 4731a becomes smooth, and it is possible to suppress an edge from being formed in uniform part <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to further reduce the stimulation given to the skin (for example, scalp) at the time of use.

Moreover, according to the present exemplary embodiment, length L2 of uniform part <NUM> in width direction Y is larger than thickness T2 of uniform part <NUM> in vertical direction Z.

Thus, even when curved part 4731a is provided at the distal end of uniform part <NUM>, uniform part <NUM> has a linear part (that is, a flat part).

In the present exemplary embodiment, length L2 of uniform part <NUM> in front-back direction X is set to about <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged bottom view illustrating fixed blade bars <NUM> and fixed blade grooves <NUM> of fixed blade <NUM> according to the exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, each fixed blade groove <NUM> of fixed blade <NUM> has different widths W2 in width direction Y between distal end side 474a and back side 474b in front-back direction X.

Specifically, width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y is gradually reduced from distal end side 474a toward back side 474b. In the present exemplary embodiment, width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y is <NUM> on distal end side 474a and <NUM> on back side 474b.

Accordingly, width W1 of each fixed blade bar <NUM> on the root side can be increased. In the present exemplary embodiment, width W1 of fixed blade bar <NUM> in width direction Y is <NUM> on distal end side 474a and <NUM> on back side 474b.

Note that width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y can be made gradually wider from distal end side 474a toward back side 474b. Thus, the hair can be more reliably introduced to back side 474b.

Furthermore, in the present exemplary embodiment, a depth of fixed blade groove <NUM> in front-back direction X is set to a depth at which hair can be cut within a movable range of movable blade <NUM> in front-back direction X. That is, fixed blade groove <NUM> and movable blade groove <NUM> overlap with each other in a plan view when the cutting height of the hair is set within a range from <NUM> to <NUM> inclusive. Specifically, fixed blade groove <NUM> has depth L1 of about <NUM> along front-back direction X. When a cutting height of hair is set within a range from <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive), a length from the distal end of fixed blade <NUM> (that is, the distal end of uniform part <NUM>) to the distal end of movable blade <NUM> on sliding contact surface P2 is set to a length of about <NUM> to <NUM>. In this way, hair can be cut within a movable range of movable blade <NUM> in front-back direction X.

Furthermore, a sum of width W1 of one fixed blade bar <NUM> in width direction Y and width W2 of one fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y ranges from <NUM> to <NUM> (inclusive). Under such conditions, width W2 of one fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y is set to <NUM> or more.

With such a configuration, width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y is set to such a size that introduction of hair is not hindered. For example, when a thickness of hair is about <NUM>, by setting width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y to <NUM> or more, at least two or three hairs can be introduced into fixed blade groove <NUM>.

Moreover, when the sum of width W1 of one fixed blade bar <NUM> in width direction Y and width W2 of one fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, width W1 of one fixed blade bar <NUM> in width direction Y can be set to <NUM> at minimum. As a result, width W1 of fixed blade bar <NUM> in width direction Y is prevented from becoming too thin, and a contact area of fixed blade bar <NUM> with the skin can be prevented from becoming small.

Furthermore, since width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y is <NUM> at the maximum, width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y can be prevented from becoming too large. Width W1 of fixed blade bar <NUM> in width direction Y is at most <NUM>, so that width W1 of fixed blade bar <NUM> in width direction Y can be prevented from becoming too large. This makes it possible to narrow a pitch of the plurality of fixed blade bars <NUM>, thereby ensuring the number of blades (that is, the number of fixed blade bars <NUM>) of fixed blade <NUM>. By making the plurality of fixed blade bars <NUM> have a narrow pitch, it is possible to prevent skin (for example, scalp) from excessively entering fixed blade groove <NUM> during use, thereby further improving safety during use.

Thus, when fixed blade bars <NUM> and fixed blade grooves <NUM> satisfy the above relationship, it is possible to simultaneously achieve improvement in hair introducibility, securing strength of fixed blade <NUM>, and securing the number of blades (that is, the number of fixed blade bars <NUM>) of fixed blade <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged side view illustrating a distal end part of fixed blade <NUM> included in blade block <NUM> according to a first modification example. As illustrated in <FIG>, when movable blade <NUM> is located closest to the distal end side of fixed blade <NUM> (that is, the state in which the cutting height is set to be the shortest), movable blade <NUM> may face uniform part <NUM> in vertical direction Z. That is, when the movable blade <NUM> is slid in front-back direction X, movable blade <NUM> may face uniform part <NUM> in vertical direction Z.

In this way, design errors and the like can be absorbed, and the cutting height can be made constant even in a case where a position of movable blade <NUM> is slightly shifted.

<FIG> is a side view illustrating fixed blade <NUM> included in blade block <NUM> according to a second modification example. As illustrated in <FIG>, uniform part <NUM> may be formed so as to protrude toward skin contact surface P3 (that is, at least one surface of sliding contact surface P2 and skin contact surface P3).

In this way, skin contact surface P3 of fixed blade <NUM> may be formed into a flat surface, and skin slippage of fixed blade <NUM> during use may be improved. Furthermore, by forming sliding contact surface P2 with movable blade <NUM> so as to be a bent surface, movable blade <NUM> may be prevented from moving toward the distal end side over the bent surface, and may be used more safely.

Uniform part <NUM> may protrude toward sliding contact surface P2 and skin contact surface P3.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of characteristic configurations of the blade of the hair clipper and the hair clipper illustrated in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment and the modification examples of the exemplary embodiment, and effects obtained thereby.

Blade <NUM> of the hair clipper described in the exemplary embodiment and the modification examples of the exemplary embodiment includes fixed blade <NUM>, and movable blade <NUM> that can cut hair by reciprocating sliding in one direction with respect to fixed blade <NUM>. Furthermore, fixed blade <NUM> also include sliding contact surface P2 on which movable blade <NUM> can slide, and skin contact surface P3 that can come into contact with skin. Here, in a state where fixed blade <NUM> is viewed in the one direction, skin contact surface P3 is inclined with respect to sliding contact surface P2 such that a distance between skin contact surface P3 and sliding contact surface P2 becomes short on a distal end side, and movable blade <NUM> is configured to be slidable on sliding contact surface P2 of fixed blade <NUM> in an intersecting direction intersecting the one direction. Distal end part <NUM> of fixed blade <NUM> includes uniform part <NUM> having a uniform thickness in a thickness direction intersecting the one direction and the intersecting direction.

As described above, blade <NUM> of the hair clipper described in the exemplary embodiment and the modification examples of the exemplary embodiment is configured to be capable of adjusting a cutting height. Distal end part <NUM> of fixed blade <NUM> of blade <NUM> of the hair clipper, which can adjust a cutting height, includes uniform part <NUM> having a uniform thickness.

In this way, even when the cutting height is made shorter, it is possible to reduce the stimulation given to the skin by uniform part <NUM>.

Therefore, with blade <NUM> of the hair clipper described in the exemplary embodiment and the modification examples of the exemplary embodiment, the cutting height can be set shorter while further reducing the stimulation applied to the skin during use.

Furthermore, movable blade <NUM> may be configured to slide stepwise in the intersecting direction.

This eliminates the need for the user to finely adjust the cutting height as in the case of continuous sliding, so that the cutting height can be set more easily.

Uniform part <NUM> may protrude toward at least one of sliding contact surface P2 and skin contact surface P3.

For example, in the case that uniform part <NUM> protrudes toward sliding contact surface P2, the protrusion on sliding contact surface P2 of uniform part <NUM> can prevent movable blade <NUM> from excessively sliding toward the distal end when sliding on sliding contact surface P2.

Furthermore, since skin contact surface P3 can be a flat surface, the skin slippage can be further improved.

On the other hand, when uniform part <NUM> protrudes toward skin contact surface P3, sliding contact surface P2 can be a flat surface, so that movable blade <NUM> can be prevented from interfering with uniform part <NUM> when movable blade <NUM> is slid on sliding contact surface P2.

Furthermore, if skin contact surface P3 of uniform part <NUM> is made to protrude, skin contact surface P3 can be suppressed from being inclined from an appropriate position with respect to the head by bringing the protruding part into contact with the head when fixed blade <NUM> is brought into contact with a curved surface such as the head. That is, when fixed blade <NUM> is used on a surface that is not a flat surface such as a head, fixed blade <NUM> can be more reliably held at an appropriate position. As a result, hair such as head hair can be more reliably cut to a set length.

Furthermore, in a case where the uniform part <NUM> protrudes toward sliding contact surface P2 and skin contact surface P3, both the effects described above can be obtained.

Furthermore, curved part 4731a may be formed at the distal end of fixed blade <NUM>.

In this way, since curved part 4731a can be brought into contact with the skin at the time of use, it is possible to more reliably reduce the stimulation applied to the skin at the time of use.

Length L2 of uniform part <NUM> in the intersecting direction may be larger than thickness T2 in the thickness direction.

Thus, even when curved part 4731a is provided at the distal end of uniform part <NUM>, uniform part <NUM> can be configured to have a straight part (that is, the flat part). As a result, it is possible to prevent movable blade <NUM> from excessively sliding on sliding contact surface P2 while improving skin contact of fixed blade <NUM>.

When movable blade <NUM> is slid in the intersecting direction, the movable blade may face uniform part <NUM> in the thickness direction.

Accordingly, even when a position of movable blade <NUM> is slightly shifted due to a design error or the like, the cutting height can be made constant. As a result, the accuracy of the shortest cutting height can be further improved.

Furthermore, fixed blade <NUM> includes a plurality of fixed blade bars <NUM> that protrude in the intersecting direction and are arranged side by side in the one direction, and fixed blade grooves <NUM> provided between fixed blade bars <NUM> adjacent to each other. In each fixed blade groove <NUM>, width W2 in the one direction is different between distal end side 474a and back side 474b in the intersecting direction.

For example, when width W2 of distal end side 474a is wider than width W2 of back side 474b, width W1 of root side of fixed blade bar <NUM> can be increased, so that strength of fixed blade bar <NUM> can be further improved.

On the other hand, when width W2 of the distal end side 474a is narrower than width W2 of back side 474b, the hair can be more reliably introduced to the back side.

Furthermore, fixed blade <NUM> is formed such that a sum of width W1 in the one direction of one fixed blade bar <NUM> included in the plurality of fixed blade bars <NUM> and width W2 in the one direction of one fixed blade groove <NUM> included in the plurality of fixed blade grooves <NUM> is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less, and width W2 in one direction of one fixed blade groove <NUM> is <NUM> or more.

In this way, width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in the one direction can be set to such a size that hair introduction is not hindered. Moreover, fixed blade bar <NUM> can be prevented from being reduced in contact area with skin, and fixed blade groove <NUM> can be prevented from being excessively increased in width W2 in the one direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress the skin from biting into fixed blade groove <NUM> too much at the time of use.

When width W1 of fixed blade bar <NUM> in the one direction and width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in the one direction are set as described above, a contact area of fixed blade bar <NUM> with a skin can be prevented from being reduced without hindering hair from being introduced into fixed blade groove <NUM>. As a result, it is possible to provide blade <NUM> of the hair clipper that is easy to use while improving safety.

Furthermore, blade <NUM> of the hair clipper described in the exemplary embodiment and the modification examples of the exemplary embodiment is advantageous in that hair introducibility can be improved, the strength of fixed blade <NUM> can be secured, and the number of blades (that is, the number of fixed blade bars <NUM>) of fixed blade <NUM> can be secured at the same time.

Furthermore, hair clipper <NUM> described in the exemplary embodiment and the modification examples of the exemplary embodiment includes blade <NUM> of the hair clipper described above.

Use of such hair clipper <NUM> makes it possible to set the cutting height to be shorter while further reducing the stimulation applied to the skin during use.

Although the contents of the blade of the hair clipper according to the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to these descriptions. The scope of protection is only defined by the appended claims.

For example, the present disclosure can be applied to exemplary embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like of the configurations described in the exemplary embodiment and the modification examples thereof within the scope of the claims are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to make a new exemplary embodiment by combining the constituent elements described in the exemplary embodiment and the modification examples thereof within the scope of the claims.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment and the modification examples of the exemplary embodiment, width W2 of fixed blade groove <NUM> in width direction Y is gradually narrowed from distal end side 474a toward back side 474b. However, it is not necessary to gradually narrow from distal end side 474a to back side 474b, and for example, a step may be formed in the middle from distal end side 474a to back side 474b. Furthermore, it is also possible to gradually narrow from distal end side 474a to the middle and to have a constant width from the middle to back side 474b.

Furthermore, in the above-described exemplary embodiment and the modification examples thereof, a configuration in which entire distal end part <NUM> is uniform part <NUM> is exemplified. However, it is not necessary to form entire distal end part <NUM> as the uniform part <NUM>, and it is also possible to form a part of distal end part <NUM> as the uniform part. In this case, the uniform part may be provided on the distal end side of distal end part <NUM>, or the uniform part may be provided on the root side of distal end part <NUM>.

Furthermore, specifications (for example, shape, size, layout, and the like) of the movable blade, the fixed blade, and other details can be changed within the scope of the claims.

Claim 1:
A blade (<NUM>) of a hair clipper (<NUM>), comprising:
a fixed blade (<NUM>); and
a movable blade (<NUM>) configured to cut hair by reciprocating and sliding with respect to the fixed blade (<NUM>) in one direction (Y),
wherein
the fixed blade (<NUM>) comprises a sliding contact surface (P2) on which the movable blade (<NUM>) is configured to slide, and a skin contact surface (P3) configured to come into contact with skin,
in a state where the fixed blade (<NUM>) is viewed in the one direction (Y), the skin contact surface (P3) is inclined with respect to the sliding contact surface (P2) in such a manner that a distance between the skin contact surface (P3) and the sliding contact surface (P2) is decreased toward a distal end side of the fixed blade (<NUM>),
the movable blade (<NUM>) is configured to be slidable on the sliding contact surface (P3) of the fixed blade (<NUM>) in an intersecting direction (X) intersecting the one direction (Y),
the fixed blade (<NUM>) includes a distal end part (<NUM>) including a uniform part (<NUM>) with a uniform thickness in a thickness direction (Z) intersecting the one direction (Y) and the intersecting direction (X), and
the fixed blade (<NUM>) further comprises:
a plurality of fixed blade bars (<NUM>), and
a plurality of fixed blade grooves (<NUM>),
the plurality of fixed blade bars (<NUM>) protrude in the intersecting direction (X) and are arranged side by side in the one direction (Y),
each of the plurality of fixed blade grooves (<NUM>) is provided between two of the plurality of fixed blade bars (<NUM>) included in the plurality of fixed blade bars (<NUM>) and adjacent to each other, and each of the plurality of fixed blade grooves (<NUM>) differs in width in the one direction (Y) between a distal end side and a back side in the intersecting direction (X),
characterized in that
the fixed blade (<NUM>) is formed such that a sum of a width (W1) in the one direction (Y) of one of the plurality of fixed blade bars (<NUM>) and a width (W2) in the one direction (Y) of one of the plurality of fixed blade grooves (<NUM>) is more than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>, and
the width (W2) in the one direction (Y) of the one of the plurality of fixed blade grooves (<NUM>) is more than or equal to <NUM>.