Blade set for a hair cutting appliance arranged to be moved through hair in a moving direction to cut hair

Abstract

A blade set for a hair cutting appliance is described. The blade set (26) is arranged to be moved through hair in a moving direction to cut hair, and includes a stationary blade including a support insert and a metal component. The metal component and the support insert are force-fitted to one another. The metal component is at least sectionally deformed to define at least one toothed leading edge having double-walled stationary blade teeth. The metal component forms a first wall that is arranged to serve as a skin-facing wall when in operation, and a second wall that is facing away from the first wall. A guide slot for a movable blade is defined between inwardly facing inner surfaces of the metal component and the support insert and a movable blade having a plurality of movable blade teeth.

Claims

1. A blade set for a hair cutting appliance arranged to be moved through hair in a moving direction to cut hair, the blade set comprising: a stationary blade comprising a support insert and a metal component, wherein: the metal component and the support insert are force-fitted to one another; the metal component is at least sectionally deformed to define at least one toothed leading edge having double-walled stationary blade teeth, the double-wall being defined by a first wall and a second wall; and the a first wall is arranged to face a skin of a user in operation and the second wall faces away from the first wall; and a movable blade comprising a plurality of movable blade teeth, wherein: a guide slot for the movable blade is defined between facing inner surfaces of the first wall, the second wall, and the support insert; the movable blade is movably arranged between the metal component and the support insert in the guide slot to define a mounted state where the movable blade is reloaded; a first side of the moveable blade is arranged to contact the inner surface of the first wall and a second side of the moveable blade is arranged to contact the inner surface of the support insert; and the movable blade is secured in the guide slot by at least one lateral end cap that blocks a lateral end of the guide slot.

2. The blade set as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the guide slot a vertical guide clearance for the movable blade is defined between the first wall of the metal component and a central portion of the support insert.

3. The blade set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal component is held in place by the support insert, and wherein the facing inner surfaces of the first wall, the second wall, and the support insert are spaced away from one another.

4. The blade set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the double-walled stationary blade teeth are, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to a longitudinal direction defined by the metal component, substantially U-shaped or V-shaped, and comprise a first leg formed by the first wall and a second leg formed by the second wall, and wherein the first leg and the second leg merge into one another to form a tip of the double-walled stationary blade teeth.

5. The blade set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the metal component is a sheet metal component, and wherein the support insert is a separately formed injection molded plastic part.

6. The blade set as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lateral guide for the movable blade is provided by a driving connector attached to the movable blade, and wherein the driving connector is slidably received in a connector slot formed in the support insert.

7. The blade set as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral cap comprises first lateral cap attached to the support insert and a second lateral cap attached to the support insert opposite the first lateral cap, and wherein a second lateral cap is a separately formed part that is attached to the support insert opposite to the first lateral cap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment described hereinafter. In the following drawings

(2) FIG. 1 shows a perspective frontal view of an exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance:

(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective top view of an exemplary embodiment of a blade set for a hair cutting appliance;

(4) FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective top view of an exemplary embodiment of a blade set for a hair cutting appliance;

(5) FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective bottom view of the arrangement of FIG. 3:

(6) FIG. 5 shows a broken top view of the arrangement of FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional lateral view along the line VI-VI in FIG. 5;

(8) FIG. 7 shows a further view of the arrangement of FIG. 6, wherein an end cap and a driving connector have been omitted for illustrative purposes;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a further lateral cross-sectional view in accordance with FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, wherein a metal component and a support insert that form a stationary blade are illustrated in FIG. 8 in a detached state:

(10) FIG. 9 shows in a schematic simplified cross-sectional view a further embodiment of a blade set in accordance with the present disclosure;

(11) FIG. 10 shows in a schematic simplified cross-sectional view a further embodiment of a blade set in accordance with the present disclosure;

(12) FIG. 11 shows in a schematic simplified cross-sectional view a further embodiment of a blade set in accordance with the present disclosure; and

(13) FIG. 12 shows a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a blade set for a hair cutting appliance in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(14) FIG. 1 shows a perspective frontal view of a hair cutting appliance 10. The hair cutting appliance 10 is arranged as an appliance that is capable of both trimming and shaving.

(15) The hair cutting appliance 10 comprises a housing 12 which is arranged in an elongated fashion. At the housing 12, a handle section 14 is defined. In the housing 12, a drive unit 16 is arranged. Further, a battery 18 may be arranged in the housing 12. In FIG. 1, the drive unit 16 and the battery 18 are represented by dashed blocks. At the housing 12, operator controls 20 such as on/off buttons and the like may be provided.

(16) At a top end thereof, the hair cutting appliance 10 comprises a processing head 24 that is attached to the housing 12. The processing head 24 comprises a blade set 26. The blade set 26, particularly a movable blade thereof, may be actuated and driven by the drive unit 16 in a reciprocating fashion, refer also to the double arrow 28 in FIG. 1. As a result, respective teeth of the blades of the blade set 26 are moved with respect to one another, thereby effecting a cutting action. A top side or top surface of the blade set 26 is indicated by 30 in FIG. 1.

(17) The blades of the blade set 26 may be arranged at a first leading edge 32 and, in at least some embodiments, at a second leading edge 34 that is opposite to the first leading edge 32. The first leading edge 32 may be also referred to as frontal leading edge. A second leading edge 34 may be also referred to as rear leading edge.

(18) Further, a general advancing or moving direction of the hair cutting appliance 10 is indicated in FIG. 1 by a double arrow 38. As the blade set 26 of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 is equipped with first and second leading edges 32, 34, a push and a pull movement may be used to cut hair.

(19) In the following, exemplary embodiments of stationary blades and blade sets 26 will be elucidated and described in more detail. The blade sets 26 may be attached to the hair cutting appliance 10, or to a similar appliance. It goes without saying the single features disclosed in the context of a respective embodiment may be combined with any of the other embodiments, also in isolated fashion, thereby forming further embodiments that still fall under the scope of the present disclosure.

(20) In some Figures shown herein, exemplary coordinate systems are shown for illustrative purposes. As used herein, an X-axis is assigned to a longitudinal direction. Further, a Y-axis is assigned to a lateral direction. Accordingly, a Z-axis is assigned to a vertical (height) direction. Respective associations of the axes/directions X, Y, Z with respective features and extensions of the blade set 26 can be derived from those Figures. It should be understood that the coordinate system X, Y, Z is primarily provided for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. This involves that the skilled person may readily convert and transform the coordinate system when being confronted with further embodiments, illustrations and deviating view orientations. Also a conversation of Cartesian coordinate systems into polar coordinate system may be envisaged, particularly in the context of a circular or curved blade set.

(21) In FIG. 2, a perspective view of a blade set 26 for a processing head or cutting head 24 of a hair cutting appliance 10 is shown. As with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a cutting direction and/or a direction of a relative movement of blades of the blade set 26 is indicated by the double arrow 28. A top side of the blade set 26 that is facing the user when the hair cutting appliance 10 is operated is indicated by 30. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the blade set 26 is provided with a first leading edge 32 and a second leading edge 34. In FIG. 2 a stationary blade 42 of the blade set 26 is shown. A movable blade (cutter blade) is covered by the stationary blade 42 in FIG. 2. Stationary blade teeth are indicated by 44.

(22) The movable blade of the blade set 26 that is not visible in FIG. 2 is operated and actuated via a driving engagement element 48 that may also be referred to as driving bridge. At the driving engagement element 48, a driving or engagement slot is formed that is engaged by a driving pin 50 of a driving shaft 52. The driving shaft 52 is rotated about a driving axis 54, refer to a curved arrow 56. The driving pin 50 is off-centered with respect to the driving axis 54. Consequently, as the driving pin 50 is revolving, a reciprocating movement of the movable blade with respect to the stationary blade 42 is affected.

(23) In FIG. 2, there is further indicated a pivot mechanism 58 which may be referred to as a contour following feature. The pivot mechanism 58 enables a certain pivot movement of the blade set 26 about the Y-axis.

(24) With reference to FIGS. 3 to 11, exemplary embodiments of blade sets 26 that are operable in the hair cutting appliance 10 as shown in FIG. 1 and a processing head 24 as shown in FIG. 2 will be illustrated and described in more detail.

(25) FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show perspective exploded views of an exemplary embodiment of a blade set 26 in accordance with the present disclosure. The blade set 26 comprises a movable blade 62 that is arranged in the stationary blade 42. The movable blade 62 is arranged in a guide slot 60 that is formed in the stationary blade 42, refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.

(26) In the guide slot 60, the movable blade 62 is reciprocatingly movable, refer to the double arrow 28 in FIG. 5. In an operating state, movable blade teeth 64 of the movable blade 62 may cooperate with stationary blade teeth 44 of the stationary blade 42 to cut hair. Tooth slots 66 are formed between neighboring teeth of the movable blade teeth 64.

(27) In accordance with major aspects of the present disclosure, the stationary blade 42 is an assembly that includes a metal component 68 and a support insert 70. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stationary blade 42 is composed of at least two separate components that are mounted to one another.

(28) In the assembled state as illustrated in FIG. 5, a first lateral end of the stationary blade 42 is formed by an end cap 74. A second, opposite lateral end of the stationary blade 42 is formed by an end cap 76. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the end cap 74 is integrally formed with a main body of the support insert 70. By contrast, the end cap 76 is formed as a separate component that is arranged to be attached to the support insert 70 subsequent to intermediate assembly steps in which the support insert 70 is laterally inserted in the metal component 68. The insertion direction is parallel to the Y-axis.

(29) Further, the intermediate assembly procedure involves a lateral insertion of the movable blade 62. The movable blade 62 is inserted in the guide slot 60 that is defined between the metal component 68 and the support insert 70, refer again to FIG. 7.

(30) Thereafter, the end cap 76 may be fitted onto the support insert 70 to secure the assembly. Needless to say, alternative embodiments are conceivable that do not require end caps 74, 76.

(31) In at least some embodiments, the support insert 70 is a molded part. By way of example, the support insert 70 is an injection-molded plastic part. Hence, further features and elements may be integrally formed with the support insert 70. By way of example, at a bottom side of the support insert 70 that is visible in FIG. 4, mounting features 80 are formed thereon. The mounting feature 80 may be arranged as mounting hooks that are arranged to engage corresponding locking features of the processing head 24, for instance locking features that are present at the contour following pivot mechanism 58 indicated in FIG. 2.

(32) As can be further seen from FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, mounting features 82, 84 may be provided to attach the end cap 76 at the support insert 70. Mounting features 82 that are formed at a respective lateral end of the support insert 70 are arranged as recesses. Opposite mounting features 84 that are arranged at the end cap 76 are arranged as pins that match the mounting features 82.

(33) Positive-locking features may be provided to define the assembly position and orientation of the metal component 68 and the support insert 70. By way of example, mounting features 88 that are arranged as notches are formed at lateral ends of the metal component 68. At the support insert, mounting features 90 that are arranged as protrusions that match the mounting features 88 are provided. Hence, due to the mounting features 88, 90 the lateral and the longitudinal position of the metal component 68 with respect to the support insert 70 may be accurately defined.

(34) The stationary blade teeth 44 are formed by tooth portions 92 provided by the metal component 68. Between the tooth portions 92, tooth slots 94 are formed at the metal component 68, refer also to FIG. 5. Preferably, the tooth portions 92 are created by forming a series of tooth slots 94 in an initial planar state of the metal component 68. Single tooth slots 94 have a basically longitudinal orientation (X-direction). The series of tooth slots 94 has a lateral orientation (Y-direction).

(35) It is noted, however, that in alternative embodiments, also the support insert 70 may be provided with tooth portions that are aligned with the tooth portions 92 of the metal component 68. As the support insert 70 is regularly formed from plastic material, any tooth portions thereof may support or strengthen the stationary blade teeth 44 in the assembled state, but do not necessarily play an active role in the hair cutting procedure.

(36) The tooth portions 92 of the metal component 68 are jointly defined by a first wall 100 and a second wall 102 thereof. In this context, reference is made to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8. FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate several assembly stages of the blade set 26, wherein respectively a cross-sectional lateral view is illustrated, a position of which is indicated in FIG. 5 by the lines VI-VI for FIG. 6 and VII-VII for FIG. 7.

(37) At the metal component 68, basically two opposite second wall portions are provided that are associated with the first leading edge 32 and the second leading edge 34.

(38) As discussed herein, the metal component 68 is obtained from sheet metal material through bending or folding. Hence, based on a single planar sheet metal blank, U-shaped or V-shaped tooth portions 92 may be obtained between which respective tooth slots 94 are formed. By bending or folding the metal component 68, the first leading edge 32 and the second leading edge 34 of the stationary blade 42 are defined.

(39) At the first and second leading edges 32, 34, a respective folding/bending edge 104 is provided at a transition between the first wall 100 and the second wall 102. At the folding/bending edge 104, tips 106 of the stationary blade teeth 44 are formed (FIG. 6).

(40) In the assembled state illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the movable blade 62 is movably retained in the guide slot 60, refer again to FIG. 7. In FIG. 5 the movable blade 62 is covered by the first wall 100 of the metal component 68 and therefore shown in a hidden edge representation by dashed lines.

(41) As can be best seen in FIG. 6, contact ridges 110 are provided at an inner surface 108 of the support insert 70 in the guide slot 60. Hence, a limited contact zone between the bottom side of the movable blade 62 and the support insert 70 is provided in this exemplary embodiment.

(42) Again, reference is made to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As shown therein, a driving connector 120 is provided that is arranged in a driving slot 122 formed in the support insert 70. As shown in FIG. 6, the movable blade 62 is attached to the driving connector 120, preferably fixedly attached. As the driving connector 120 is arranged in the driving slot 122, the longitudinal position (X-direction) of the movable blade 62 in the guide slot 60 is accurately defined. As the movable blade 62 is guided by the driving connector 120, there is no need of further guiding elements in the guide slot 60 to define the longitudinal position thereof.

(43) A main aspect of the present disclosure is that the metal component 68 is deliberately deformed prior to the assembly with the support insert 70 (and/or with the movable blade 62) to be at least slightly smaller in height (Z-direction) than in the finally assembled state of the blade set 26. In this context, for illustrative purposes, reference is made to FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, a detached non-assembled state of the metal component 68 and the support insert 70 is shown. In FIG. 7, an intermediate assembly state of the stationary blade 42 is shown. In FIG. 6, a final assembly state of the blade set 26 involving the stationary blade 42 and the movable blade 62 is shown.

(44) As will be discussed in more detail further below, FIG. 8 illustrates an intermediate state of the metal component 68 wherein for illustrative purposes a final state resulting from the assembly procedure of the blade set 26 is indicated by dashed lines. In the intermediate state, the first wall 100 and the second wall 102 are closer to one another than in the final assembly state, refer also to FIG. 6.

(45) In a contact region 156, a contact between the second wall 102 and a connector arm 148 of the support insert 70 is provided. In the region where the toothed portions 92 are formed, a first leg 160 is formed at the first wall 100, and a second leg 162 is formed at the second wall 102. The first leg 160 and the second leg 162 are connected to form the double-walled stationary blade teeth 44 having tips 106.

(46) A mounting clearance l.sub.cl, α.sub.cl between the first leg 160 and the second leg 162 that is provided in the intermediate state as shown in FIG. 8 is therefore smaller than a resulting spacing offset l.sub.s, α.sub.s provided in the guide slot 60 after the assembly of the movable blade 62 in the stationary blade 42. As a result, the movable blade 62 is at least slightly preloaded in the vertical direction (Z-direction). This may have the effect that only little or even no vertical play is provided in the assembled state. This increases the cutting performance as involved cutting edges of the stationary blade teeth 44 and the movable blade teeth 64 may cooperate efficiently to cut hair.

(47) As a result of the deformation of the metal component 68, an intermediate spacing offset that is present in the guide slot 60 in an intermediate assembly state (FIG. 7) between the first wall 100 of the metal component and the support insert 70 is at least slightly smaller than the spacing offset l.sub.s, α.sub.s that is basically necessary to accommodate the movable blade 62 in the guide slot 60 in the finally assembled state as shown in FIG. 6.

(48) In other words, when the movable blade 62 is inserted in the guide slot 60, the metal component 68 is at least slightly deformed, wherein the second legs 162 are brought further away from the opposite first legs 160. Hence, the first wall 100 is at least slightly lifted from the support insert 70. As a further result, the contact force between the metal component 68 and the support insert 70 is further increased.

(49) As shown in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, mounting features 88, 90 provide for a positive-fit connection between the metal component 68 and the support insert 70. Therefore, the metal component 68 is not displaced relative to the support insert 70 in the longitudinal direction (X-direction) and/or the direction (Y-direction). Hence, a certain insertion force may be applied onto the movable blade 62 to deform the metal component 68 as the movable blade 62 is inserted in the guide slot 60.

(50) As illustrated in FIG. 8, the mounting clearance l.sub.cl, α.sub.cl between the first leg 160 and the second leg 162 may be defined by any of a vertical distance and/or an angular offset there between.

(51) In FIG. 6, arrows 172 indicate a lifting action that is necessary to make the guide slot 60 large enough to accommodate the movable blade 62 therein.

(52) An important aspect of the present disclosure is that a resulting assembly clearance l.sub.cl in the finally assembled state in the guide slot 60 is basically equal to the height of the movable blade 62 in the relevant contact regions, e.g. in the vicinity of the contact ridges 110 and the opposite portion of the first wall 100 and/or the first leg 160. Further, the assembly clearance (height) l.sub.h is not defined by a portion of the support insert 70 that would define the clearance also in the finally assembled state. Hence, there is no direct connection necessary between the support insert 70 and the inner side of the first wall 100 that faces the guide slot 60, at least in the finally assembled state when the movable blade 62 is inserted.

(53) In connection with the above-described FIGS. 1 to 8, several aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure have been discussed with reference to relatively detailed embodiments. Based thereon, reference is made to FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and to FIG. 11, schematically illustrating alternative embodiments that may however utilize at least some of the above-discussed features, components and sub-assemblies. Therefore, in the following primarily deviations are emphasized and explicitly discussed. Apart from that, the arrangements of any of FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 may be arranged in accordance with the above-discussed embodiments, and vice versa.

(54) FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of a blade set 226 in different assembly states. In a first assembly state, a metal component 268 and a support insert 270 are shown in a detached condition. In a second state, an intermediate assembly of the metal component 268 and the support insert 270 is shown that form a stationary blade 242. In a third state, a final assembly state of the blade set 226 is illustrated. As discussed herein before, in the final assembly state, a movable blade 262 that is received in a guide slot 260 at the stationary blade 242 defines the height of the guide slot 260.

(55) A bending procedure is applied to the metal component 268 prior to the assembly with the support insert 270. In the resulting intermediate assembly state, due to the applied deformation, the guide slot 260 is actually smaller than required in the final assembly state. Hence, as the movable plate 262 is inserted, a third preloading and deformation is induced.

(56) In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, a central guide protrusion 272 is formed at the support insert 270 that engages a corresponding guide recess 298 at the movable blade 262.

(57) FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of a blade set 426 in different assembly states. In a first assembly state, a metal component 468 and a support insert 470 are shown in a detached condition. In a second state, an intermediate assembly of the metal component 468 and the support insert 470 is shown that form a stationary blade 442. In a third state, a final assembly state of the blade set 426 is illustrated. As discussed herein before, in the final assembly state, a movable blade 462 that is received in a guide slot 460 at the stationary blade 442 defines the height of the guide slot 460.

(58) A bending procedure is applied to the metal component 468 prior to the assembly with the support insert 470. In the resulting intermediate assembly state, due to the applied deformation, the guide slot 460 is actually smaller than required in the final assembly state. Hence, as the movable blade 462 is inserted, a third preloading and deformation is induced.

(59) In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, a central guide recess 472 is formed at the support insert 470 that engages a corresponding guide protrusion 498 at the movable blade 462.

(60) FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a lateral cross-sectional view of a blade set 626 in different assembly states. In a first assembly state, a metal component 668 and a support insert 670 are shown in a detached condition. In a second state, an intermediate assembly of the metal component 668 and the support insert 670 is shown that form a stationary blade 662. In a third state, a final assembly state of the blade set 626 is illustrated. As discussed herein before, in the final assembly state, a stationary blade 662 that is received in a guide slot 660 at the stationary blade 642 defines the height of the guide slot 660.

(61) A bending procedure is applied to the metal component 668 prior to the assembly with the support insert 670. In the resulting intermediate assembly state, due to the applied deformation, the guide slot 660 is actually smaller than required in the final assembly state. Hence, as the stationary blade 662 is inserted, a third preloading and deformation is induced.

(62) In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 11, a central guide recess 672 is formed at the support insert 670 that engages a corresponding guide protrusion 698 at the stationary blade 662.

(63) Further reference is made to FIG. 12, schematically illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of manufacturing a blade set for a hair cutting appliance. The method involves the provision of a metal component, and a support insert that jointly form a stationary blade in which a movable blade is accommodated.

(64) In a first step S10, a sheet metal blank is provided based on which the metal component is formed. In a following step S12, a series of tooth slots is processed in the sheet metal blank, preferably in an unfolded state. Hence, relatively simple manufacturing methods may be used. In a further step S14, the originally planar sheet metal blank is transformed. This may involve bending or folding the sheet metal material around a folding edge that is parallel to and crosses the series of tooth slots. Hence, a first wall and a second wall are formed that are connected to define a series of stationary blade teeth.

(65) In a further step S20, a support insert is provided that is arranged to be inserted in the metal component processed in steps S10 to S14. The support insert may be obtained through molding, particular through injection-molding. Hence, the support insert may be made from plastic material, for instance. At the support insert, further features may be integrally formed, for instance mounting features, lateral end pieces, etc.

(66) To assemble the blade set, in a first assembly step S30, the support insert and the metal component are assembled. This may involve an insertion of the support insert in the metal component between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall and the second wall of the metal component embrace or cover the support insert, at least partially. Both the metal component and the support insert form the stationary blade.

(67) Preferably, the metal component and the support insert are force-fitted or interference-fitted. Hence, a certain preloading or pretensioning is induced in the metal component that generates a retaining force. As a result from the pre-assembly of the stationary blade, the metal component is at least slightly biased, due to the interface fit. This may involve that in the intermediate assembly state a guide slot that is jointly defined by the metal component and the support insert for the movable blade is smaller than actually required in the final assembly state. A certain corrective force is required to constitute the desired final dimension of the guide slot that is crucial for the operating performance of the appliance.

(68) Further, in a step S40, a movable blade for the blade set is provided. Generally, the movable blade is adapted to be accommodated in the guide slot that is jointly defined by the metal component and the support insert.

(69) In a step S50, the movable blade is inserted in the guide slot of the stationary blade. In the resulting assembled blade set, the movable blade is movably accommodated and at least slightly preloaded in a guide slot formed between the metal component and the support insert. The movable blade at least slightly lifts the first wall from the support insert, at least in a central region.

(70) As indicated by dashed blocks, further optional steps S60 and S70 may follow. The optional step S60 involves the provision of an end cap for the stationary blade. The end cap may be an injection-molded plastic part.

(71) In the step S70, the end cap is mounted to the support insert, to secure the assembly of the metal component and the support insert, and to retain the movable blade between respective lateral ends of the stationary blade.

(72) In alternative embodiments, the mounted state of the metal component and the support insert and the defined movable arrangement of the movable blade in the guide slot is otherwise secured.

(73) Optionally, steps S80 and S90 are provided. The step S80 involves the provision of a driving connector that is arranged to form part of or to be engaged by a drive train of the hair cutting appliance. The driving connector transmits the reciprocating driving movement to the movable blade. In a resulting assembly step S90, the driving connector is inserted through a driving slot that is formed in the support insert. Preferably, the driving connector is introduced at the bottom side of the support insert since the movable blade is already arranged in the guide slot in this state. The step S90 may also involve an attachment, preferably a fixed attachment, of the driving connector at the movable blade. A further result from this mounting procedure may involve the provision of a guide for the lateral movement of the movable blade. This may be achieved when the driving connector is tightly but movably arranged in the driving slot so that the position of the driving connector and thus the position of the movable blade in the longitudinal direction is accurately defined.

(74) It is to be noted that the above steps do not necessarily define a fixed assembly sequence. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the assembly sequence (basically or even exactly) corresponds to the sequence of the above steps. In alternative embodiments, the movable blade may be inserted in the metal component prior to the insertion of the support insert. In alternative embodiments, the movable blade and he support insert may be jointly inserted in the metal component.

(75) 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.

(76) 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.

(77) Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.