Mounting unit and hair cutting appliance

Abstract

A hair cutting appliance includes a mounting unit configured to couple a cutting unit to a housing. The mounting unit includes a swivel mechanism having a base portion configured to be coupled to the housing, and a top portion configured to be coupled to the cutting unit, where the base and top portions are movable with respect to each other, such that, during operation, the cutting unit is pivotably supported by the swivel mechanism, which defines a virtual pivot axis for the cutting unit. The virtual pivot axis is substantially parallel to a cutting edge of the cutting unit. In a first or shaving state of the swivel mechanism, the virtual pivot axis is located at a first position with respect to the cutting unit, and in a second or styling state, the virtual pivot axis is located at a second position that is different from the first position.

Claims

1. A mounting unit being configured to be coupled to a cutting unit and a housing of a hair cutting appliance, said mounting unit comprising: a swivel mechanism including: a base portion arranged to be coupled to the housing, and a top portion arranged to be fixedly coupled to the cutting unit, wherein the base portion and the top portion are movable with respect to each other, such that, during operation, the cutting unit is pivotably supported by the swivel mechanism, wherein the swivel mechanism defines a virtual pivot axis for the cutting unit, wherein the virtual pivot axis is substantially parallel to a cutting edge of the cutting unit, wherein, in a first state of the swivel mechanism, the virtual pivot axis is located at a first position with respect to the cutting unit, wherein the cutting unit is adapted for shaving in the first state, wherein, in a second state of the swivel mechanism, the virtual pivot axis is located at a second position with respect to the cutting unit that is different from the first position, wherein the cutting unit is adapted for styling in the second state, wherein the swivel mechanism is movable between a first swiveling position associated with the first state, and at least one second swiveling position associated with the second state, wherein, in the first swiveling position, the swivel mechanism is configured to move the virtual pivot axis to a first height position which is elevated with respect to a top surface of the cutting unit in response to a first force, and in the second swiveling position, the swivel mechanism is configured to move the virtual pivot axis to a second height position which is recessed with respect to the top surface in response to a second force different from the first force, and wherein a connecting bar of the top portion is coupled to the cutting unit, thereby defining a cutting head, the cutting unit comprising a blade set arranged to be moved through hair in an assumed moving direction to cut hair, said blade set comprising: a stationary blade comprising at least one toothed cutting edge, wherein the stationary blade further comprises a top surface that is arranged, when in use for shaving purposes, as a skin-contacting surface, and a movable blade comprising at least one toothed cutting edge, wherein the stationary blade and the movable blade are arranged to be reciprocally moved with respect to each other in a cutting direction that is perpendicular to the assumed moving direction.

2. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stationary blade of the blade set at least partially encloses the movable blade, wherein the stationary blade comprises a first wall portion that is arranged, when in use for shaving, as a skin-facing wall portion, and a second wall portion facing away from the skin, when in use for shaving, wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion are connected at the at least one toothed cutting edge of the stationary blade, thereby defining a plurality of longitudinally extending stationary teeth alternating with respective tooth slots, and wherein the movable blade is guided in a guide slot between the first wall portion and the second wall portion of the stationary blade, such that teeth of the movable blade, arranged at the at least one toothed cutting edge of the movable blade, cooperate with the stationary teeth to cut hairs caught in the tooth slots.

3. A mounting unit for coupling a cutting unit and a housing of a hair cutting appliance, said mounting unit comprising: a swivel mechanism arranged as a four-bar linkage mechanism and including: a base portion arranged to be coupled to the housing, and a top portion arranged to be coupled to the cutting unit; and at least one biasing element that urges the swivel mechanism into a second state, and wherein the mounting unit comprises at least one end stop element for preventing undesired motion of the four-bar linkage mechanism, wherein the base portion and the top portion are movable with respect to each other, such that, during operation, the cutting unit is pivotably supported by the swivel mechanism, wherein the swivel mechanism defines a virtual pivot axis for the cutting unit, wherein the virtual pivot axis is substantially parallel to a cutting edge of the cutting unit, wherein, in a first state of the swivel mechanism, the virtual pivot axis is located at a first position with respect to the cutting unit, wherein the cutting unit is adapted for shaving in the first state, wherein, in the second state of the swivel mechanism, the virtual pivot axis is located at a second position with respect to the cutting unit that is different from the first position, wherein the cutting unit is adapted for styling in the second state, wherein the swivel mechanism is movable between a first swiveling position associated with the first state, and at least one second swiveling position associated with the second state, and wherein the virtual pivot axis assumes, in the first swiveling position, an elevated, first height position with respect to a top surface of the cutting unit facing away, when mounted, from the housing of the hair cutting appliance, and wherein the virtual pivot axis assumes, in the second swiveling position, a recessed, second height position with respect to the top surface.

4. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein the four-bar linkage mechanism comprises a first arm and a second arm opposite to the first arm, the first arm comprising a first base pivot coupled to the base portion, the second arm comprising a second base pivot coupled to the base portion, the first base pivot and the second base pivot being arranged at the base portion at a defined distance, the first arm further comprising a first top pivot coupled to a connecting bar, the second arm further comprising a second top pivot coupled to the connecting bar, wherein the connecting bar is arranged to be coupled, at the top portion, to the cutting unit.

5. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of the first base pivot, the second base pivot, the first top pivot and the second top pivot is arranged as a living hinge.

6. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein a length of the base portion, defined by a distance between the first base pivot and the second base pivot, is greater than the length of the connecting bar, defined by a distance between the first top pivot and the second top pivot.

7. A mounting unit for coupling a cutting unit and a housing of a hair cutting appliance, said mounting unit comprising: a swivel mechanism including: a base portion arranged to be coupled to the housing, and a top portion arranged to be fixedly coupled to the cutting unit, wherein the base portion and the top portion are movable with respect to each other, such that, during operation, the cutting unit is pivotably supported by the swivel mechanism, wherein the swivel mechanism defines a virtual pivot axis for the cutting unit, wherein the virtual pivot axis is substantially parallel to a cutting edge of the cutting unit, wherein, in a first state of the swivel mechanism, the virtual pivot axis is located at a first position with respect to the cutting unit, wherein the cutting unit is adapted for shaving in the first state, wherein, in a second state of the swivel mechanism, the virtual pivot axis is located at a second position with respect to the cutting unit that is different from the first position, wherein the cutting unit is adapted for styling in the second state, wherein the swivel mechanism is movable between a first swiveling position associated with the first state, and at least one second swiveling position associated with the second state, and wherein, in response to a first force that moves the swivel mechanism to the first swiveling position, the virtual pivot axis moves to a first height position which is elevated with respect to a top surface of the cutting unit, and in response to a second force that moves the swivel mechanism to the second swiveling position, the virtual pivot axis moves to a second height position which is recessed with respect to the top surface, wherein the second force is different from the first force.

8. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the virtual pivot axis is arranged in the vicinity of the top surface of the cutting unit facing away, when mounted, from the housing of the hair cutting appliance.

9. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first swiveling position associated with the first state is a neutral position, and the at least one second swiveling position associated with the second state is an end position.

10. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first height position of the virtual pivot axis and the second height position of the virtual pivot axis are offset by an overall pivot offset dimension in a range of 0.5 mm to 12.0 mm.

11. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first height position of the virtual pivot axis is offset from the top surface of the cutting unit by a first pivot offset dimension in a range of 0.0 mm to +5.0 mm.

12. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second height position of the virtual pivot axis is offset from the top surface of the cutting unit by a second pivot offset dimension in a range of 6.0 mm to 0.0 mm.

13. The mounting unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein a pivot angle between the first swiveling position and the second swiveling position of the cutting unit is in a range of 10 to 50.

14. A hair cutting appliance comprising a housing accommodating a motor, a cutting unit, and a mounting unit as claimed in claim 7 for coupling the cutting unit and the housing.

15. The mounting unit of claim 7, wherein the first height position of the virtual pivot axis and the second height position of the virtual pivot axis are offset by an overall pivot offset dimension in a range of one of 1.0 mm to 6.0 mm and 1.0 mm to 2.5 mm.

16. The mounting unit of claim 7, wherein the first height position of the virtual pivot axis is offset from the top surface of the cutting unit by a first pivot offset dimension in a range of one of 0.0 mm to +2.0 mm and +0.25 mm to +0.75 mm.

17. The mounting unit of claim 7, wherein the second height position of the virtual pivot axis is offset from the top surface of the cutting unit by a second pivot offset dimension in a range of one of 4.0 mm to +0.0 mm and 2.0 mm to 1.0 mm.

18. The mounting unit of claim 7, wherein a pivot angle between the first swiveling position and the second swiveling position of the cutting unit is in range of one of 15 to 40 and 20 to 25.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary electric hair cutting appliance fitted with an exemplary embodiment of a cutting unit that may be pivotably supported at the hair cutting appliance;

(3) FIG. 2a is a partial perspective bottom view of a blade set of a cutting unit of a hair cutting appliance in accordance with FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 2b is a further partial perspective bottom view corresponding to the view of FIG. 2a, a wall portion of the blade set being omitted primarily for illustrative purposes;

(5) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mounting unit arranged as a four-bar linkage mechanism for pivotably supporting a cutting unit, the mechanism being shown in a first state (or first position);

(6) FIG. 4 is a simplified partial side view of a four-bar linkage mechanism similar to that one illustrated in FIG. 3 in an end position, e.g. a (first) second position;

(7) FIG. 5 is a further partial side view corresponding to the view of FIG. 4, the four-bar linkage mechanism shown in another end position, e.g. a (second) second position;

(8) FIG. 6 is a simplified partial side view of a hair cutting appliance in a first state, when in use for shaving;

(9) FIG. 7 is a simplified partial side view of a hair cutting appliance in a second state, when in use for styling;

(10) FIG. 8 is a simplified partial side view of a hair cutting appliance similar to that one illustrated in FIG. 6 in a first state;

(11) FIG. 9 is a simplified partial side view of a hair cutting appliance similar to that one illustrated in FIG. 7 in a second state;

(12) FIG. 10 is a simplified side view of another embodiment of a mounting unit arranged a four-bar linkage mechanism similar to that one illustrated in FIG. 3 in a first state;

(13) FIG. 11 is a further side view corresponding to the view of FIG. 10, the mounting unit shown in a second state;

(14) FIG. 12 is a simplified side view of yet another embodiment of a mounting unit in a first state; and

(15) FIG. 13 is a further side view corresponding to the view of FIG. 12, the mounting unit shown in a second state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(16) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a simplified perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a hair cutting appliance 10, particularly an electric hair cutting appliance 10. The cutting appliance 10 may include a housing 12, a motor indicated by a dashed block 14 in the housing 12, and a drive mechanism indicated by a dashed block 16 in the housing 12. For powering the motor 14, at least in some embodiments of the cutting appliance 10, an electrical battery, indicated by a dashed block 17 in the housing 12, may be provided, such as, for instance, a rechargeable battery, a replaceable battery, etc. However, in some embodiments, the cutting appliance 10 may be provided with a power cable for connecting a power supply. A power supply connector may be provided in addition or in the alternative to the (internal) electric battery 17.

(17) The cutting appliance 10 may further comprise a cutting unit 18. At the cutting unit 18, a blade set 20 may be attached to the hair cutting appliance 10. The blade set 20 of the cutting unit 18 may be driven by the motor 14 via the drive mechanism 16 to enable a cutting motion.

(18) The cutting motion may be generally regarded as relative motion between a stationary blade 22 and a movable blade 24 of the blade set 20, see also FIGS. 2a and 2b. Generally, a user may grasp, hold and guide the cutting appliance 10 through hair in a moving direction 28 to cut hair. Furthermore, the blade set 20 can be arranged at the cutting unit 18 in a pivoting manner, refer to the curved double-arrow indicated by reference numeral 26. In some embodiments, the cutting appliance 10, or, more specifically, the cutting unit 18 including the blade set 20, can be passed along skin to cut hair growing at the skin. When cutting hair closely to the skin, basically a shaving operation can be performed aiming at cutting (or chopping) at the level of the skin. However, also clipping (or trimming) operations may be envisaged, wherein the cutting unit 18 comprising a blade set 20 is passed along a path at a desired distance relative to the skin. Furthermore, styling operations may be envisaged, as will be further discussed below.

(19) When being guided or led through hair, the cutting appliance 10 including the blade set 20 is typically moved along a common moving direction which is indicated by the reference numeral 28 in FIG. 1. It is worth mentioning in this connection that, given that the hair cutting appliance 10 is typically manually guided and moved, the moving direction 28 thus not necessarily has to be construed as a precise geometric reference and having a fixed definition and relation with respect to the orientation of the cutting appliance 10 and its cutting unit 18 fitted with the blade set 20. That is, an overall orientation of the cutting appliance 10 with respect to the to-be-cut hair at the skin may be construed as somewhat unsteady. However, for illustrative purposes, it can be fairly assumed that the (imaginary) moving direction 28 is parallel (or generally parallel) to a main central plane of a coordinate system which may serve in the following as a means for describing structural features of the hair cutting appliance 10.

(20) For ease of reference, coordinate systems are indicated in several of FIGS. 1 to 13. By way of example, a Cartesian coordinate system X-Y-Z is indicated in FIG. 1. An X axis of the respective coordinate system extends in a generally longitudinal direction that is generally associated with length, for the purpose of this disclosure. A Y axis of the coordinate system extends in a lateral (or transverse) direction associated with width, for the purpose of this disclosure. A Z axis of the coordinate system extends in a height (or vertical) direction which may be referred to for illustrative purposes, at least in some embodiments, as a generally vertical direction. It goes without saying that an association of the coordinate system to characteristic features and/or embodiments of the hair cutting appliance 10 is primarily provided for illustrative purposes and shall not be construed in a limiting way. It should be understood that those skilled in the art may readily convert and/or transfer the coordinate system provided herein when being confronted with alternative embodiments, respective Figs. and illustrations including different orientations.

(21) FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate a partial detailed view of the blade set 20 of the cutting unit 18 exemplarily shown in FIG. 1. The blade set 20 comprises a stationary blade 22 and a movable blade 24. The stationary blade 22 comprises a first wall portion 21 and a second wall portion 23. When in use for shaving, typically the first wall portion 21 faces the skin. A top surface of the stationary blade 22 is indicated by 25, see also FIGS. 1 and 3. The top surface 25 may be provided at the first wall portion 21 of the stationary blade 22. The top surface 25 basically faces the skin when the hair cutting appliance 10 is used for shaving operations. By way of example, the blade set 20 may comprise at least one basically laterally extending leading edge or cutting edge 29. It is preferred that the blade set 20 comprises two cutting edges 29a, 29b that are longitudinally spaced apart from each other. The cutting edges 29a, 29b may be spaced from each other in the moving direction 28 that is basically parallel to the direction X. The stationary blade 22 and the movable blade 24 may comprise a basically flat shape. It is particularly preferred that the stationary blade 22 is arranged to house and to guide the movable blade 24. In other words, the stationary blade 22 may be regarded as a shell or a cage for the movable blade 24. The stationary blade 22 may comprise a cross-section, viewed in the plane perpendicular to the lateral direction Y, that is basically U-shaped, particularly at the at least one cutting edge 29. The U shaped form may comprise a first leg and a second leg. Between the first leg and the second leg, a guide slot 31 for the movable blade 24 may be defined. The movable blade 24 can be housed and guided in the stationary blade 22 for lateral movement with respect to the stationary blade 22. The stationary blade 22 (refer to FIG. 2a) and the movable blade 24 (refer to FIG. 2b) may comprise respective teeth 27, 33 at their cutting edges 29 that allow cutting of hairs in a scissor-like action. The stationary blade 22 basically encloses the movable blade 24 at the side thereof facing the skin when cutting hair and, at least partially, at the side thereof facing away from the skin when cutting hair.

(22) So as to suitably adapt the blade set 20 to shaving operations, it is preferred that a general height (or thickness) of the blade set 20, at least at the at least one cutting edge 29, is relatively small. Particularly, it is preferred that a skin-sided portion of the stationary blade 22 has a thickness that is relatively small. Even more preferably, the thickness of the stationary blade portion facing the skin is significantly smaller than the thickness of the stationary blade portion facing away from the skin, at least at the cutting edge 29. An exemplary blade set 20 for the hair cutting appliance 10 may comprise an overall height or thickness in the range of about 0.3 mm to about 0.75 mm. The height or thickness of the skin-facing portion of the stationary blade 22, at least at the at least one cutting edge, may be in the range of about 0.04 mm to about 0.25 mm. The height or thickness of the stationary blade portion facing away from the skin may be in the range of about 0.08 mm to about 0.4 mm. The height thickness of the movable blade 24, at least at the least one cutting edge, may be in the range of about 0.05 mm to about 0.5 mm. The height of the movable blade 24 may basically correspond to a height of the guide slot 31 defined by the stationary blade 22 for the movable blade 24.

(23) It is particularly preferred that the cutting unit 18 including the blade set 20 is pivoted or pivotably supported at the housing 12 of the hair cutting appliance 10. To this end, a mounting unit 30 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure may be utilized. Reference is made in this regard to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of the mounting unit 30 that is configured to support the cutting unit 18. The mounting unit 30 and the cutting unit 18 may define a cutting head of the hair cutting appliance 10. The mounting unit 30 may comprise a swiveling mechanism 32, particularly a linkage mechanism, more particularly a four-bar linkage mechanism that is arranged between the blade set 20 and the housing 12 of the cutting appliance 10, refer to FIG. 1. Different types of swiveling mechanisms 32 may be envisaged. The present disclosure is not limited to linkage mechanisms like four-bar linkage mechanisms.

(24) With further reference to FIG. 3, the mounting unit 30 and the swiveling mechanism 32 are further detailed and exemplarily shown as comprising a first linkage section 34 and a second linkage section 36. The first linkage section 34 and the second linkage section 36 may be spaced from each other in the X-direction. However, it may be envisaged that in some embodiments the four-bar linkage mechanism 32 basically comprises a single linkage section. The four-bar linkage mechanism 32 may be configured so as to permit a swiveling or pivoting motion of the cutting unit 18 about a (virtual) pivot axis p that is a basically parallel to the Y-axis and, consequently, basically parallel to the at least one cutting edge 29a, 29b, refer also to FIGS. 8 and 9 in this connection. A resulting swiveling motion during operation, e.g., when following an actual skin contour, is indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5 by respective double-arrows 26. FIG. 3 may indicate a middle position, particularly a first position of the swiveling mechanism 32, when the swiveling mechanism 32 is in a first state. FIG. 4 may indicate a (first) end position, particularly a (first) second position, when the swiveling mechanism 32 is in a (first) second state. FIG. 5 may indicate a (second) end position, particularly a (second) second position, when the swiveling mechanism 32 is in a (second) second state. In the first state, the cutting unit 18 and the hair cutting appliance fitted therewith is particularly suited for shaving operations, as will be discussed further below. In the second state(s), the cutting unit 18 and the hair cutting appliance fitted therewith is particularly suited for styling operations, as will be discussed further below.

(25) The four-bar linkage mechanism 32 or, in some embodiments, each linkage section 34, 36 thereof, may comprise a base portion 38. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the base portion 38 may comprise a first base element 40a and a second base element 40b. The base elements 40a and 40b may be spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction X. Generally, the base portion 38 may be coupled or connected to the housing 12 of the hair cutting appliance 10 without considerable play during operation, such that basically no relative motion between the base portion 38 and the housing 12 is permitted. The swiveling mechanism 32, or each respective section 34, 36 thereof, may further comprise a first arm 42 and a respective second arm 44. The first arm 42 and the second arm 44 may be spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction X. Furthermore, a top portion or connecting bar 46 may be provided to which the blade set 20 of the cutting unit 18 may be connected or coupled. The respective members of the swiveling mechanism 32 may be movably or pivotably connected by respective pivots 48, 50, 52, 54. A first base pivot 48 may be arranged to connect the first arm 42 and the base portion 38 for a respective base element 40a thereof. The second base pivot 50 may be arranged to connect the second arm 44 and the base portion 38 or a respective base element 40b thereof. The first top pivot 52 may be configured to connect the first arm 42 and the top portion or connecting bar 46. Similarly, the second top pivot 54 may be configured to connect the second arm 44 and the connecting bar 46. Consequently, the top pivots 52, 54 may be spaced from the base pivots 50, 52 in the vertical direction Z.

(26) At least one or, more preferably, each of the pivots 48, 50, 52, 54 may be arranged as a living hinge. Particularly, the pivots 48, 50, 52, 54 may be arranged as film hinges. In other words, the base portion 38 including the base elements 40a, 40b, the first arm 42, the second arm 44 and the connecting bar 46 including their interposed pivots 48,50, 52, 54 may be integrally manufactured as a single piece, refer also to FIGS. 4 and 5. For instance, the four-bar linkage mechanism 32 may be formed as a single injection-molded part. As can be best seen in FIG. 3, the first linkage section 34 and the second linkage section 36 may be integrally formed as well. However, in the alternative, each of the first linkage section 34 and the second linkage section 36 may be formed as separate integrally-shaped part.

(27) As can be further seen from FIG. 3, the connecting bar 46 may further comprise at least one side arm 56, particularly a first side arm 56a and a second side arm 56b that may be coupled to the blade set 20. Each of the side arms 56a, 56b may extend outwardly from the connecting bar 46. The at least one side arm 56a, 56b may be inclined with respect to the connecting bar 46, and to the blade set 20. It is worth noting in this connection that, as discussed and described herein, structural features and relationships may typically refer to the first state (associated with a first position or middle position) of the mounting unit 30 as shown, for instance, in FIGS. 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12, unless otherwise indicated.

(28) With particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, exemplary orientations and moving directions for a hair cutting appliance 10 (only partially shown in FIGS. 6 to 9) including a mounting unit 30 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure are illustrated. A first state I of the mounting unit 30 is illustrated in FIG. 6. A second state II of the mounting unit 30 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The first state I may also be referred to as shaving state, while basically also trimming operations may be performed in the first state I. The second state may also be referred to as styling state. In the first state I, the blade set 20 of the hair cutting appliance 10 is orientated basically parallel to a to-be-shaved skin portion 100 of a user. The top surface 25 of the blade set faces the skin portion 100. Also the moving direction 28 is orientated basically parallel to the skin portion 100. Facial hair can be trapped and cut at the cutting edges 29a, 29b of the blade set 20. A push force or contact force 58 may be applied to the blade set 20 that is basically perpendicular to the top surface 25 or, more generally, basically perpendicular to the longitudinal extension (X-direction) and the lateral extension (Y-direction) of the blade set 20. The contact force 58 may be also basically perpendicular to the moving direction 28.

(29) FIG. 7 illustrates the second state II of the mounting unit 30, when in use for styling purposes. For instance, a need to style the precise shape of sideburns 102 in the skin portion 100 of the user may exist. To this end, the user may basically rotate the hair cutting appliance 10 such that the blade set 20, and particularly the top surface 25 thereof is orientated basically perpendicular to the to-be-processed skin portion 100. As can be further seen from FIG. 7, the moving direction 28 may be basically perpendicular to the skin portion 100 as well. In contrast to the first state I, a push force, or contact force 60 may be applied to the blade set 20 in the second state II that is basically parallel to the top surface 25 or, more generally, basically parallel to the longitudinal extension (X-direction) and the lateral extension (Y-direction) of the blade set 20. The contact force 60 may be also basically parallel to the moving direction 28. Once the movement towards the skin has been completed, a movement along the skin portion 100 may follow so as to complete an actual styling stroke before starting the next styling stroke.

(30) While it is desired in the first state I that the blade set 20 is mounted at the hair cutting appliance 10 with the ability to freely swivel so as to smoothly follow the contour of the sin portion 100 when being moved over the skin portion 100 in the moving direction 28, such behavior of the blade set 20 might be cumbersome in the second state II. In the second state it would be rather desirable to lock the blade set 20 so as to enable precise styling cuts. However, manually locking the blade set 20 so as to switch it into the second state II is considered as adversely affecting the user comfort and the ease of use capability of the hair cutting appliance 10. The present disclosure therefore provides for a mounting unit 30 that may improve the operational performance and the ease of use capability of the hair cutting appliance 10 in both the first state I and the second state II.

(31) With particular reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an exemplary embodiment of a mounting unit 30a in accordance with at least some of the principles of the present disclosure is presented and further detailed. The mounting unit 30a is shown in FIG. 8 in the first state I and in FIG. 9 in the second state II. The mounting unit 30a may be capable of pivotably supporting a cutting unit 18 that is fitted with the blade set 20, refer to the arrows 26a, 26b in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicating the swiveling motion of the blade set 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the cutting unit 18 including the blade set 20 may rotate or swivel freely about a pivot axis p in the first state I. The pivot axis p may be regarded as a virtual pivot axis p defined by a respective coupler mechanism, refer particularly to FIGS. 10 to 13 in this regard. In the first state I, the virtual pivot axis p may be offset from the blade set 20, particularly from a top surface 25 thereof (refer also to FIG. 1) towards the side of the blade set 20 that faces the skin when shaving or trimming hair. As can be further seen from FIG. 9, in the second state II, the virtual pivot axis p may be offset from the top surface 25 of the blade set 20 in the opposite direction towards the housing 12 of the hair cutting appliance 10 (refer also to FIG. 1). In other words, the virtual pivot p can be moved or shifted between a first position associated with the first state I and a second position associated with the second state II.

(32) It is particularly preferred that the shift of the virtual pivot p may be achieved by simply shifting the mounting unit 30a from the first state I to the second state II. As can be seen from FIGS. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the cutting unit 18 comprising the blade set 20 may be pivoted from a first swiveling position associated with the first state I to a second swiveling position associated with the second state II so as to cause the motion of the virtual pivot p.

(33) Locating the virtual pivot p above the level of the top surface 25 in the first state I may be beneficial since the contour following capability may be even further improved in this way. The blade set 20 may basically swivel freely about the virtual pivot axis p such that contact forces 58a, 58b that are applied basically perpendicular to the top surface 25 may cause a reaction that aligns the blade set 20 with the skin when shaving. Locating the virtual pivot p below the level of the top surface 25 in the second state II may be beneficial since the blade set 20 may be locked with little effort in this way by applying a small contact force 60a thereon.

(34) It may be preferred in some embodiments to provide for an end stop element 68 at the hair cutting appliance 10 that limits the swiveling motion of the mounting unit 30a and, consequently, defines a second position of the virtual pivot axis p in the second state II of the mounting unit 30a.

(35) With particular reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, another alternative embodiment of a mounting unit 30b for pivotably connecting a cutting unit 18 and a housing 12 of a hair cutting appliance 10 (refer also to FIG. 1) is illustrated and further detailed. As already discussed in connection with FIGS. 3 to 5, the mounting unit 30b may comprise a swiveling mechanism 32, for instance a four-bar linkage mechanism. The swiveling mechanism 32 may be configured such that a virtual pivot axis p for the cutting unit 18 is defined that occupies a first position p.sub.1 in the first state I illustrated in FIG. 10 and a second position p.sub.2 in the second state II illustrated in FIG. 11. In the first state I, the virtual pivot axis p may be offset from the top surface 25 of the blade set 20 by a first (vertical) pivot offset dimension l.sub.o1. Preferred ranges for the first pivot offset dimension l.sub.o1 are indicated above. In the second state II, the virtual pivot axis p may be offset from the top surface 25 of the blade set 20 by a second (vertical) pivot offset dimension l.sub.o2. Preferred ranges for the second pivot offset dimension l.sub.o2 are indicated above. An overall offset between the first position p.sub.1 and the second position p.sub.2 of the virtual pivot axis p may be indicated by an overall pivot offset dimension l.sub.op. Preferred ranges for overall pivot offset dimension l.sub.op are indicated above.

(36) When being moved between the first state I and the second state II, the cutting unit 18 comprising the blade set 20 may be pivoted by an angular offset dimension (alpha). It is worth to be mentioned in this connection that, in some embodiments, the mounting unit 30b may be arranged to provide a first position associated with the first state I and a first and a second second position associated with the second state II. In other words, depending on the direction of rotation of the mounting unit 30b, the first or the second second position may be achieved. In some embodiments, the mounting unit 30b may be arranged basically symmetric with respect to a plane define by the vertical direction or height direction Z and the lateral direction Y.

(37) The angular offset dimension (alpha) of the blade set 20 may be defined by an end stop element or an end stop beam 70. The end stop beam 70 may be coupled to the base portion 38 of the mounting unit 30b. The end stop beam 70 may be provided with a first end face 74a that defines a first end position of the mounting unit 30b in the second state II which is associated with the first second position. The end stop beam 70 may be further provided with a second end face 74b that defines a second end position of the mounting unit 30b in the second state II which is associated with the second second position.

(38) With particular reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, yet another alternative embodiment of a mounting unit 30c for pivotably connecting a cutting unit 18 and a housing 12 of a hair cutting appliance 10 (refer also to FIG. 1) is illustrated and further detailed. The mounting unit 30c comprises a swiveling mechanism 32a arranged as a four-bar-linkage mechanism that is provided with at least one pivot joint that may comprise a pivot pin that cooperates with two to-be-coupled elements, e.g. via at least one respective distinct pivot seat. The pivot pin can be received at the at least one pivot seat. The pivot pin and the pivot seat may cooperate so as to define a pivot bearing.

(39) The four-bar-linkage mechanism 32a may comprise a base portion 38a, a first arm 42a, a second arm 44a, and a connecting bar 46a. The base portion 38a is interposed between the first arm 42a and the second arm 44a at a base end thereof. The connecting bar 46a is interposed between the first arm 42a and the second arm 44a at a top end thereof. Between the base portion 38a and the first arm 42a, a first base pivot or base pivot joint 48a may be provided. Between the base portion 38a and the second arm 44a, a second base pivot or base pivot joint 50a may be provided. Between the connecting bar 46a and the first arm 42a, a first top pivot or top pivot joint 52a may be provided. Between the connecting bar 46a and the second arm 44a, a second top pivot or top pivot joint 54a may be provided. It goes without saying that at least one of the pivots 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a may be provided as a living hinge. However, it may be preferred in connection with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 that each of the pivots 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a is an assembled pivot joint comprising at least one distinct part that is not integrally formed with both respective the to-be-coupled elements.

(40) Also the four-bar-linkage mechanism 32a of FIGS. 12 and 13 may define a virtual pivot axis p.sub.1 that may be, in the first state I (or first position) illustrated in FIG. 12, offset from the top surface 25 of the blade set 20 in the vertical direction Z towards the skin by a pivot offset dimension l.sub.o1, as discussed above. In the second state II (or second position) illustrated in FIG. 13, the virtual pivot axis p.sub.2 may be offset from the top surface 25 of the blade set 20 in the vertical direction Z towards the housing 12 of the hair cutting 10 appliance by a pivot offset dimension l.sub.o2, as discussed above. In the second state II, the mounting unit 30c may be adapted to styling operations, refer to FIG. 7. In the first state I, the mounting unit 30c may be adapted to shaving operations, refer to FIG. 6.

(41) As can be further seen from FIGS. 12 and 13, the mounting unit 30c may further comprise at least biasing element 80 that is configured to urge or push the swiveling mechanism 30c into the second state II. Furthermore, at least one end stop element 68a may be provided that defines an end position (second position) of the swiveling mechanism 30c in the second state II. The end stop element 68a may be configured to limit the swiveling angle (alpha) of the cutting unit 18 pivotably supported by the swiveling mechanism 30c.

(42) Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described above, in part with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. 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. Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the stationary blade, the blade set, etc. according to the present disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases in one embodiment or in an embodiment in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, it is noted that particular features, structures, or characteristics of one or more embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner to form new, not explicitly described embodiments.

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