Cleaning device for a shaving apparatus

A cleaning device for a shaving apparatus, includes a container for receiving the shaving apparatus. The container is at least partially filled with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning device of the invention also includes a device to limit the immersion depth of the shaving apparatus in the container dependent on the level of the cleaning fluid.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a cleaning device for a shaving apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Cleaning devices for shaving apparatus are used for the removal of particles of hair and other debris adhering in the shaving head section. Such cleaning devices can be manually or electrically operated.

For example, the manually operated cleaning device disclosed by EP 0 743 883 B1 has two containers for a flushing fluid. One container has a variable volume such that the flushing fluid can be pumped between the containers by varying the volume. The shaving unit is arranged in a receptacle between the containers and can be flushed in the current of fluid. The fluid passes through a filter which retains debris.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,416 discloses a cleaning device for an electric razor which has a casing with an access opening for receiving the cutter portion of the razor. The casing accommodates a motor-driven fluid impelling assembly for generating a circulating current of a cleaning fluid, and a collector for accumulating hair and other particles. For cleaning, cleaning fluid is flushed through the cutter portion while, at the same time, the razor which is connected to the cleaning device is set in operation.

DE 44 02 238 C2 discloses a cleaning device for the shaving head of a dry shaver. The cleaning device includes a receptacle for the shaving head of the shaving apparatus and at least one cleaning fluid reservoir. The receptacle is disposed above the level of the cleaning fluid and is adapted to be supplied with cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir by means of a motor-driven pumping device. The receptacle is connected with the cleaning fluid reservoir via an overflow device and/or via at least one outlet opening.

DE 690 21 898 T2 discloses a dry shaving apparatus with a drivable shaving member and a separately drivable vibratory device. The vibratory device serves to dislodge hair particles and other debris adhering to the shaving member or other parts of the shaving apparatus. The vibratory device is put in operation by reversing the direction of rotation of the electric motor of the shaving apparatus compared to the direction of rotation used in shaving mode. During this reversed direction of rotation, a vibrating motion is produced by means of a claw coupling which, during operation of the motor in the normal direction of rotation, drives the shaving member. A polarity-reversing switch for reversing the direction of rotation is provided on the shaving apparatus. It is also possible for the electric motor to be put in operation automatically in the reversed direction of rotation for a short period after the shaving apparatus is switched off. Very good cleaning results are sometimes possible with these cleaning devices. However, they are of relatively elaborate design and/or awkward to operate.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device for a shaving apparatus such that it can be manufactured economically and provides effective cleaning with an acceptable level of user-friendliness.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the cleaning device of the invention for a shaving apparatus has a container for receiving the shaving apparatus. In operation, the container is typically at least partially filled with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning device features a device to limit the immersion depth of the shaving apparatus in the container dependent on the level of the cleaning fluid.

The advantage of this cleaning device is that good cleaning can be achieved at relatively little expense. It is particularly advantageous that no pumping device is needed for the cleaning fluid and also that no other electrical or electronic components are required. The limiting device regulates the level of cleaning fluid which contacts the shaving apparatus, independent of the level of cleaning fluid in the container. A further advantage resides in the easy operation of the cleaning device. Finally, it is also an advantage that operation of the cleaning device of the invention results in only little circulation of the cleaning fluid, thus enabling the particles of hair and other debris dislodged from the shaving apparatus to settle as sediment so that a relatively clean cleaning fluid is available for each cleaning operation.

In a one embodiment, the device for limiting the depth of immersion is constructed as a float arranged in the container. The float is an easy, economical, and reliable way to limit the depth of immersion. The float may be provided with a trough-type well for the shaving apparatus. The well may lead into at least one through-flow opening for the cleaning fluid, the through-flow opening extending all the way through the float. It is particularly advantageous for the deepest point of the well to lead into the through-flow opening or into one of the through-flow openings. This allows the cleaning fluid to flow in and out unimpeded and increases the likelihood that particles of hair or other debris dislodged from the shaving apparatus will, for the most part, exit the well and settle in the container. With a view to the level of fluid developing in its well, the float is preferably dimensioned such that the shaving apparatus is wetted with cleaning fluid up to a predetermined level. Hence, the float can be configured to predetermine which section of the shaving apparatus is to be cleaned. For example, the cleaning device may be constructed such that the level of fluid required for the predetermined level of wetting develops in the well of the float when the float is loaded with the shaving apparatus. Similarly, it is also possible for the required level of fluid to be reached by the dead weight of the float. In this embodiment, the cleaning device of the invention may include a locking device for locking the float in position relative to the container.

The cleaning device may have a holding device capable of holding the shaving apparatus in a fixed position above the container. The holding device may be used for drying the shaving apparatus after the cleaning operation.

In one embodiment, the locking device is activatable by the holding device. For this purpose, the holding device may have a face constructed in the manner of a ramp, for example, which cooperates with a locking element. The holding device may be constructed, for example, to be vertically displaceable between an upper and a lower position and the float may include a device for limiting the downward movement of the holding device.

It is also possible for the cleaning device to be provided with a parking well for the shaving apparatus. It is then possible to dispense with a holding device as a drying stand for the shaving apparatus.

In all embodiments of the cleaning device of the invention, the container may have a viewing window for reading off the level of the cleaning fluid. Such a fluid level indicator can be constructed with little expense and is very reliable and precise.

The invention also relates to a system comprising a shaving apparatus and the cleaning device of the invention for cleaning the shaving apparatus. For example, the shaving apparatus can have an actuating device for activating a cleaning function that puts the shaving apparatus into operation temporarily during the cleaning cycle.

The advantage of the system of the invention is that the shaving apparatus can be equipped with a cleaning program optimally suited for its type of construction and that the expense for implementing the cleaning program on the cleaning device can be avoided. In particular, the cleaning device can make do without any electrical or electronic components as the control function is performed by the shaving apparatus.

The actuating device may be designed for manual operation. It is also possible for the actuating device to be designed for operation via the cleaning device and, hence, for the grip otherwise necessary for operating the actuating device to be dispensed with.

In one method for cleaning a shaving apparatus, the shaving apparatus is immersed in a container which is filled at least partially with a cleaning fluid. The particular feature of this method is that the depth of immersion of the shaving apparatus in the container is limited dependent on the level of the cleaning fluid. Preferably, the shaving apparatus is inserted in a well formed in a float, which well is filled with cleaning fluid up to a predetermined level during the cleaning cycle. The float can be locked either before or while the shaving apparatus is inserted.

The present invention will be explained in the following with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, each embodiment referring to a manual cleaning device. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a cleaning device1that includes a cartridge2for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid3. A viewing window4for reading off the level of the cleaning fluid3is embedded in a side wall of the cartridge2. A float5made from a buoyant material such as polystyrene is inside the cartridge2. The float5has a trough-shaped well6which is open in the direction of the top of the cartridge2. At its deepest point, the well6leads into a through-flow opening7which extends all the way through the float5. Through-flow opening7enables the cleaning fluid3to flow into the well6or out of the well6as the depth of immersion of the float5changes. Similarly, it is also possible to provide several through-flow openings7. At its upper end, the cartridge2has a receiving opening8for an electric shaving apparatus9. The lateral positions of the receiving opening8of the cartridge2and of the well6of the float5are coordinated such that the receiving opening8is arranged above the well6. The shaving apparatus9is fastened to a holding device10, which is arranged on the top side of the cartridge2. The holding device10is constructed such that it holds the shaving apparatus9in a fixed position above the receiving opening8of the cartridge2and hence also above the well6of the float5. This position is referred to in the following as the drying position because the shaving apparatus9is moved to this position after the cleaning operation for drying.

Referring toFIG. 2, during the cleaning operation, the shaving apparatus9is inserted with a section of its shaving head11into the receiving opening8of the cartridge2with the result that the shaving head11is placed in the well6of the float5and the shaving apparatus9is supported by the float5. Prior to this, a cover, not illustrated, is removed from the receiving opening8where applicable. The weight of the shaving apparatus9increases the depth of immersion of the float5and the shaving apparatus9sinks deeper into the cartridge2. At the same time, the cleaning fluid3flows through the through-flow opening7into the well6of the float5, causing the level of liquid in the well6to rise. At a certain depth of immersion, a state of equilibrium is achieved between weight force and buoyant force, with the result that the float5with the shaving apparatus9remains in this position and the level of fluid in the well6of the float adapts to the fluid level in the cartridge2. In the state of equilibrium, the shaving head11of the shaving apparatus9is wetted with the cleaning fluid3up to a defined level. The wetting of the shaving head11is independent of the level of cleaning fluid3in the cartridge2because changes of the level are compensated for by the float5. In the presence of a high fluid level, the float5is in the upper section of the cartridge2, with the result that the shaving apparatus9sinks only slightly into the cartridge2. With a low fluid level, the float5is in the lower section of the cartridge2, with the result that the shaving apparatus9sinks deeply into the cartridge2. Hence, the depth of immersion of the shaving apparatus9into the cartridge2is limited by the float5to a value which is dependent on the level of the cleaning fluid3, with the level of fluid in the well6of the float5when loaded with the shaving apparatus9being always the same. Thus, the shaving head11of the shaving apparatus9is wetted with the cleaning fluid3up to the same level.

To perform the cleaning, the shaving apparatus9in the cleaning position shown inFIG. 2is put into operation for about one to two minutes after a brief soaking period. The soaking period is calculated to enable effective cleaning of the shaving head11in the subsequent operating stage without unnecessarily prolonging the time required overall for the cleaning cycle. The shaving apparatus9can be implemented in a variety of ways. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the shaving apparatus9is switched on and, after a desired time period, is switched off again manually using a switch12that is also used for switching the shaving apparatus9on and off for shaving purposes. In a variation, not illustrated, provision is made on the shaving apparatus9for a cleaning button in addition to the switch12which activates a cleaning program with which the shaving apparatus9is put into operation automatically for one or several time periods after manual operation of the cleaning button. In some instances, a soaking period is provided between the operating stages. In another variation, the shaving apparatus9is equipped with an actuating device to activate the cleaning program, which is automatically operated by the cleaning device1when the shaving head11is inserted in the receiving opening8of the cartridge2, with the result that the cleaning program is started automatically.

Regardless of how it is done in a particular case, putting the shaving apparatus9into operation can result in an intensive cleaning effect and particles of hair and other debris can be removed from the section of the shaving head11. This effect is due to relative movement between the cleaning fluid3and the components of the shaving head11, which is generated with the aid of the drive motor of the shaving apparatus9. This obviates the need to equip the cleaning device1with an electrically driven pumping device for the cleaning fluid3. The dislodged particles of hair and debris can sink through the through-flow opening7to the bottom of the cartridge2. The cleaning cycle can be optimized with regard to the cleaning result and the time required overall for the cleaning by varying the length of operating times for the shaving apparatus9and the soaking times in between.

On completion of the cleaning cycle, the shaving apparatus9is removed from the cartridge2and fixed to the holding device10such that the shaving head11is arranged above the receiving opening8of the cartridge2. In this position, it is possible, for example, for any remnants of the cleaning fluid3remaining on the shaving head11to drip into the cartridge2. When the shaving apparatus9is taken out of the well6of the float5, the depth of immersion of the float5decreases in response to the reduced load. At the same time, a part or, depending on the construction of the float5, all of the cleaning fluid3present in the float flows together with contained particles of hair and debris through the through-flow opening7out of the well6of the float5. The particles of hair and debris settle to the bottom of the cartridge2, with the result that the cleaning fluid3is available in relatively clean condition for the next cleaning cycle.

FIGS. 3 and 4show a second embodiment of cleaning device1. Features of the second embodiment largely correspond to those of the first embodiment. Primary differences are in design with respect to the concept for drying the shaving apparatus9. For example, the second embodiment does not have the holding device10for holding the shaving apparatus9in a fixed position above the receiving opening8of the cartridge2, but it has a parking well13adapted to accommodate the shaving apparatus9for drying. The parking well13is integrated in an upper part14of the cleaning device1, which is arranged on top of the cartridge2. The parking well has a drain, not shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, for the discharge of fluid into the cartridge2. The receiving opening8is also integrated in the upper part14and arranged on a lower plane adjacent to the parking well13. The receiving opening8can be closed with a sliding lid15. To prevent damage to the shaving head11and to ensure a safe seat, a first rubber rest16for the shaving apparatus9is arranged in the parking well13. A second rubber rest17is arranged in the well6of the float5for the same reasons. Although not specifically depicted, the viewing window4provided in the first embodiment for observing the level of the cleaning fluid3in the cartridge2may also be present in the second embodiment.

To clean the shaving apparatus9, the sliding lid15is opened by sliding it side-ways. The shaving apparatus9is then inserted, with the shaving head11to the fore, into the receiving opening8, and arranged in the well6of the float5. The cleaning operation takes place in a similar manner to that described with reference to the first embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. Upon completion of the cleaning cycle, the shaving apparatus9is taken out of the well6of the float5and deposited in the parking well13for drying. The receiving opening8is then closed with the sliding lid15.

FIG. 5shows a third embodiment of the cleaning device1with the shaving apparatus9is in the drying position. The shaving apparatus9is fixedly held in the holding device10, which in this embodiment is of the vertically adjustable. A lift spring18biases the holding device10in the direction of the drying position, which also represents the upper limit position of the holding device10. The third embodiment primarily differs from the first and second embodiments in that the float5is constructed such that its dead weight alone sets the depth of immersion to that which is required for wetting the shaving head11up to the desired level. Furthermore, the third embodiment includes a locking mechanism enabling the float5to be fixed in its vertical position. The locking mechanism is comprised of a bevel19formed on the holding device10, which cooperates with a pin20that is horizontally slidably mounted in the side wall of the cartridge2. The pin20is biased against the bevel19by means of a pressure spring21and engages in a perforated member22on the side of the float5upon overcoming the spring force of the pressure spring21. The float5also has on its upper side a hook23adapted to be hooked in an eyelet24formed on the holding device10.

In the drying position shown inFIG. 5, the pin20is out of engagement with the perforated member22of the float5, and the hook23of the float5is not hooked in the eyelet24of the holding device10. Consequently, the float5is movable in vertical direction and thus adopts a vertical position that is dependent on the level of cleaning fluid3in the cartridge2. The well6of the float5is filled with cleaning fluid3, which is allowed to flow through the through-flow opening7, up to a level which is predetermined by the depth of immersion of the float5and independent of the level of the cleaning fluid3in the cartridge2.

To clean the shaving apparatus9, it is first held in a fixed position on the holding device10in the drying position shown inFIG. 5. The holding device10with the shaving apparatus9inserted is lowered until the cleaning position shown inFIG. 6is reached.

FIG. 6shows the embodiment ofFIG. 5with the shaving apparatus9in cleaning position. When the holding device10with the shaving apparatus9held therein is lowered into the cleaning position, the pin20is urged by the action of the bevel19into the perforated member22and thus locks the float5in the current vertical position. Upon reaching the cleaning position, the hook23of the float5impacts against the holding device10in the area of the eyelet24and prevents the holding device10from being lowered any further. At the same time, the hook23automatically snaps in into the eyelet24of the holding device10. As the float5is locked by the pin20against the cartridge2, the snapping in of the hook23also fixes the holding device10in respect of its vertical position in addition to the float5. In this position, the shaving apparatus9is immersed with its shaving head11in the cleaning fluid3up to the desired level. As previously described with reference to the first embodiment, the shaving apparatus9can be put in operation, either manually or automatically in order to achieve an optimum cleaning effect. The particles of hair or debris dislodged from the shaving head11in the process sink, at least in part, through the through-flow opening7onto the bottom of the cartridge2. On completion of the cleaning cycle, the hook23is manually disengaged from the eyelet24with the result that the holding device10together with the shaving apparatus9is raised into the drying position by the lift spring18. As this occurs, the pin20slides over the bevel19and, through the action of the pressure spring21, moves increasingly away from the float5so that it is ultimately released by the perforated member22and the float5is unlocked. The shaving apparatus9may remain for a while in the drying position for the cleaning fluid to drip off and dry.

As becomes apparent from the foregoing, the float5on the third embodiment does not move while the shaving apparatus9is transferred from the drying position into the cleaning position and back again. Nevertheless, the float5limits the movement of the holding device10and hence also the depth of immersion of the shaving apparatus9in the cartridge2during transfer into the cleaning position dependent on the level of fluid in the cartridge2. This results from the fact that the vertical position of the float5in the non-locked state depends on the level of the cleaning fluid3in the cartridge2and that the hook23, by means of which the movement of the holding device10is limited, is arranged on the float5.

The principle of operation of the third embodiment, i.e., the locking of the float5, which through its dead weight alone provides the immersion depth required for wetting the shaving apparatus9, may also find application in the second embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. For this purpose, the second embodiment is equipped with a suitably dimensioned float and modified such that the float5is locked in its current vertical position by opening the sliding lid15. The lock is canceled again when the sliding lid15is closed after removing the shaving apparatus9from the receiving opening8.