Abstract:
A shaving head cleaning device includes a housing, a receptacle configured to receive the dry shaving apparatus, a receiving region configured to receive the shaving head of the dry shaving apparatus, a reservoir for containing cleaning fluid, a supply conduit connecting the reservoir to the receiving region, and a return conduit connecting a bottom area of the receiving region to the reservoir. The receptacle is constructed in a trough shape to receive the dry shaving apparatus in a substantially horizontal position, and an outlet of the supply conduit is directed at a top portion of the inserted shaving head.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/EP02/12889, filed on Nov. 18, 2002, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102 22 716.0, filed on May 23, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to a shaving head cleaning device. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Cleaning devices can be used to clean shaving heads of dry shaving apparatus. In one such device described in DE 44 02 237 C1, the dry shaving apparatus is inserted into the receptacle in a substantially vertical orientation with its shaving head facing downward. At the beginning of the cleaning cycle, cleaning fluid is conveyed by a pump from a reservoir into the receptacle, such that the shaving head becomes completely immersed in the cleaning fluid. To provide cleaning action, the cleaning fluid is continuously flushed through the receptacle during the cleaning cycle. 
   SUMMARY 
   In one aspect of the invention, a receptacle of a cleaning device is constructed in a trough shape to enable the near-horizontal insertion of the dry shaving apparatus therein. The receptacle is positioned adjacent a receiving region of the cleaning device in which the shaving head is positioned when the dry shaving apparatus rests within the receptacle. A supply conduit leads from a cleaning liquid reservoir to a top area of the receiving region, and a return conduit is routed from a bottom area of the receiving region back to the cleaning liquid reservoir. 
   Cleaning of the shaving head is performed by spraying the cleaning fluid into the receiving region. The spraying action can advantageously dislodge hair residues and deposits from the shaving head. As a result of the cutter parts in the shaving head being moved during the cleaning, the cleaning fluid can be aspirated (e.g., suctioned) into the shaving head. Consequently, a substantially uniform distribution of the cleaning fluid and wetting of the cutter parts can be achieved. 
   Furthermore, the movement of the cutter parts can create a bubbling effect within the cleaning fluid, which can enhance the cleaning process. For example, small droplets of the cleaning fluid can impact the shaving head during the spraying action. After the droplets pass through a shaving foil of the shaving head, the droplets reach the moving cutter parts. Upon impacting the cutter parts, the droplets are further divided and mixed with air to form bubbles. The sonic energy released when the bubbles burst can promote the dislodging of deposits and hair residues. In some cases, the cleaning effect of the droplets can be greater than that of a fluid jet or a bath. 
   On account of the sprayed cleaning fluid, the cleaning device requires considerably less cleaning fluid than other cleaning devices. Consequently, the pump can run at a lower speed, which can result in less noise. 
   To facilitate draining of the cleaning fluid from the receptacle, the receptacle can be inclined toward the receiving region at an angle relative to the horizontal (e.g., relative to a support surface of the cleaning device during use) of about 0° to about 20° (e.g., about 3° to about 15°, about 5°). 
   The cleaning fluid can be sprayed onto the shaving head in the receiving region through a nozzle fluidly connected to the supply conduit. The spray pattern of the cleaning fluid can be a function of the nozzle shape. For example, fine distribution of the cleaning fluid over a large surface area can generally be accomplished with a flat-jet nozzle. An advantage of flat-jet nozzles is that a large area of the shaving head can be struck with cleaning fluid from a short distance through fanning of the fluid jet. Consequently, it is possible to position the flat-jet nozzles in relatively close proximity to the shaving head, thus enabling the receiving region to be relatively small. Under certain circumstances, it may suffice to use one flat-jet nozzle for spraying the cleaning fluid. In such cases, the cleaning device can be constructed particularly economically. 
   As another example, spot-jet nozzles can be used to spray the cleaning fluid onto the shaving head. On account of the geometry of the jets, the area impacted by the cleaning fluid is generally small when the distance between nozzle and shaving head is small. The cleaning fluid emitted from the jet nozzles can be aspirated by the moving cutter parts into the shaving head and distributed there. By arranging two or more nozzles at selected sites it is possible to strike substantially the complete surface of the shaving head with cleaning fluid. An advantage of spot-jet nozzles is their relatively simple construction. 
   To prevent cleaning fluid from escaping as a result of the horizontal arrangement of the dry shaving apparatus, the opening of the receiving region can be shaped to conform to the contour of the dry shaving apparatus (e.g., the contour of the shaving head). A flexible collar seal can be arranged at the junction of the receptacle and the receiving region. The flexible seal can provide sealing effect around the dry shaving apparatus when positioned in the receptacle during use. For example, the flexible seal can help to prevent the cleaning fluid from escaping the receiving region of the cleaning device. Consequently, areas of the dry shaving apparatus other than the shaving head can remain substantially dry during the cleaning process. 
   Cleaning fluid may escape, however, if the dry shaving apparatus is incorrectly inserted or the collar seal is damaged. A bypass leading from the bottom region of the receptacle to the reservoir for the cleaning fluid allows the escaped cleaning fluid to be returned to the reservoir. Advantageously, the bypass leads near the collar seal into the bottom region of the receptacle and extends essentially parallel to the return conduit. Consequently, the bypass and the return conduit can share a common component (e.g., a common wall) in some embodiments. 
   During the cleaning process, the hair residues and deposits dislodged from the shaving head are conveyed by the cleaning fluid into the reservoir. To facilitate multiple uses of the cleaning fluid, the dislodged particles can be separated from the cleaning fluid. The separation of the particles from the cleaning fluid can be performed by a filter element and/or by the reservoir for the cleaning fluid. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid is directed to a selected region on the bottom of the reservoir to facilitate settling of the discharged particles on the bottom of the reservoir. In certain embodiments, the reservoir includes a structure that is conducive to settling to further enhance the settling of the particles therein. For example, a stepped cascade of cup-shaped collecting containers, whose uppermost collecting container is arranged underneath the return conduit leading into the reservoir, can be provided in the reservoir. The cleaning fluid flowing back into the reservoir is routed via the individual collecting containers of the cascade. The particles entrained in the fluid are allowed to settle in the various collecting containers, with the result that at the end of the cascade the cleaning fluid is loaded with substantially fewer particles. Consequently, the cleaning fluid available for the next cleaning cycle is loaded with few particles and can have a higher cleaning impact. In such embodiments, a smaller filter element or no filter element can be used. 
   To achieve or intensify the cleaning and settling effect, the reservoir can include an inclined surface. The inclined surface can include a filter material. For example, the inclined surface can be formed of a filter material, such as a mesh material. 
   To simplify cleaning of the reservoir, the reservoir can be designed as a separate component suitable for insertion into a recess of the housing. 
   In certain embodiments, the reservoir includes a lowermost point at which the cleaning fluid collects to facilitate removal of the cleaning fluid from the reservoir. Arranging the outlet opening for the supply conduit in this region can ensure the effective use of cleaning fluid, particularly when the level in the reservoir is relatively low. The bottom of the reservoir, for example, can be inclined toward the outlet point to cause the cleaning fluid to collect in the lowermost point. 
   Furthermore, the inclined arrangement of the reservoir can be used to lock the reservoir. For example, the reservoir can be inserted into the cleaning device and moved over an inclined plane into its locked position where it snap-locks into place. The correct position of the reservoir within the cleaning device can be indicated to the user by the snap action in some embodiments. 
   In some embodiments, the reservoir has at least one transparent wall section, preferably a viewing window. In such embodiments, the user can determine the fluid level in the reservoir as the reservoir can be seen through a cutout in the housing of the cleaning device. Similarly, the user can determine when to replace the reservoir by examining the prevailing conditions within the reservoir. Consequently, the user need not necessarily observe fixed replacement intervals (e.g., based on the number of cleaning operations performed). In a particularly user-friendly embodiment the cleaning device includes a viewing window through which the transparent wall section of the reservoir can be seen. The user can thus look inside the reservoir without first having to remove the reservoir from the cleaning device. Additionally, the viewing window can help to ensure that the inside of the cleaning device is protected from soiling and moisture. 
   In some embodiments, the cleaning device has a particularly user-friendly design in which the housing includes a storage compartment that is accessible from the outside. The storage compartment can be used to store any of various items, such as a power cord, a guard cap, and/or a brush. The storage compartment can further include divisions and/or holders for various objects. The objects kept in the storage compartment may be particularly well protected from environmental influences or from falling out while being transported if the storage compartment is closed to the outside by a flap, for example. On account of the essentially horizontal arrangement of the dry shaving apparatus and the underlying reservoir for the cleaning fluid, the storage compartment can advantageously be arranged adjacent the reservoir and underneath the dry shaving apparatus. 
   In certain embodiments, the housing includes a display for indicating operational data, such as the current operating status and/or the charge status of the dry shaving apparatus. 
   In some embodiments, function buttons for operating the cleaning device are arranged on the housing. 
   In certain embodiments, the shaving head is dried in a current of air after cleaning is completed. For example, a fan for producing the air current and directing it onto the shaving head can be arranged in the interior of the housing. The fan can be arranged near the shaving head, thus enabling the air current to be directed onto the shaving head over a short route. The air can be directed to the shaving head through a channel. It is possible to reduce the risk of adverse smells and other nuisances by arranging a filter element (e.g., an activated carbon filter element) in the channel. 
   The dry shaving apparatus can be electrically connected to the cleaning device by way of a corresponding contact device. In certain embodiments, a wall of the trough-shaped receptacle includes a contact device through which the dry shaving apparatus, when inserted in the receptacle, can be connected to a charging system (e.g., an inductive-type charging system) for the dry shaving apparatus. The charging system is used to control the dry shaving apparatus during the cleaning process in some embodiments. 
   The shaving head can be activated at least temporarily during the cleaning in order to enhance the cleaning process. Activating and deactivating the dry shaving apparatus during the cleaning process may be particularly easy if the dry shaving apparatus can be inserted into the cleaning device with its operating switch facing down. For example, the operating switch of the dry shaving apparatus can inlcude a reed contact switch, which can be activated with an electromagnet that is arranged in the receptacle opposite the operating switch. The receptacle can include a recess for the operating switch, ensuring that the dry shaving apparatus is securely located in the receptacle. Charging and switching the dry shaving apparatus during the cleaning process can alternatively or additionally take place by inductive coupling or by external sealed electric contacts. 
   Aspects of the invention can provide one or more of the following advantages. In some embodiments, the cleaning device can increase (e.g., optimize) the cleaning effect with a small (e.g., minimum) amount of circulation of the cleaning fluid. In certain embodiments, the cleaning device produces little noise and has a simple construction. In some embodiments, the cleaning process is performed quickly relative to conventional methods. In certain embodiments, the cleaning device can reduce the stirring up of hairs and deposits that have settled in the reservoir. In some embodiments, the amount of cleaning fluid consumed by the cleaning device can be reduced. In certain embodiments, the length of the cleaning process can be reduced. Features and advantages of the invention are in the description, drawings, and claims. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a cleaning device. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the cleaning device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional schematic view of a reservoir of an embodiment of a cleaning device. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a cleaning device. 
   

   Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a cleaning device with a housing  1  in which a dry shaving apparatus  2  is positioned. The shaving head  3  of the dry shaving apparatus  2  is arranged in an opening  4  of a receiving region  5 . The dry shaving apparatus  2  is positioned in a trough-shaped receptacle  6  conforming to the contour of the dry shaving apparatus  2  to secure the dry shaving apparatus  2  within the housing  1 . The receptacle  6  defines a recess  7  that accommodates an operating switch  8  of the dry shaving apparatus  2 . A bottom surface of the receptacle  6  is inclined at an angle of about 5° relative to a support surface  9  of the housing  1 . 
   The housing  1  includes an inductive charging system that includes a contact device  10 . The contact device  10  can provide electrical contact to electrically charge the dry shaving apparatus  2 , and can lock the dry shaving apparatus  2  within the receptacle  6  to prevent removal of the dry shaving apparatus  2  during the cleaning process. Underneath the operating switch  8  and inside the housing  1  is an electromagnet  11  that cooperates with a reed contact switch in the dry shaving apparatus  2  to actuate the dry shaving apparatus  2 . 
   In the housing  1  underneath the dry shaving apparatus  2  is an exchangeable reservoir  12  for a cleaning fluid  13 . The cleaning fluid  13  can be conveyed into the receiving region  5  through a supply conduit  14  by means of a pump, for example. Arranged on the end of the supply conduit  14  directed toward the receiving region  5  is a flat-jet nozzle  16 . The flat-jet nozzle  16  is directed at the shaving head  3  of the dry shaving apparatus  2 . The cleaning fluid  13  is sprayed through the flat-jet nozzle  16  onto the upper area of the shaving head  3 . As a result of the movement of the cutter parts within the shaving head  3 , the cleaning fluid  13  is distributed throughout the shaving head  3 . In the lower area of the receiving region  5  is a return conduit  17  through which the accumulating cleaning fluid  13  is directed back into the reservoir  12 . 
   To prevent cleaning fluid from escaping from the opening  4 , a collar seal  18  is arranged around the opening  4 . The collar seal  18 , for example, can seal the joint between the shaving head  3  and the opening  4 . In some instances, cleaning fluid may still escape to the outside, however, when the dry shaving apparatus  2  is removed after the cleaning process is completed. A bypass  19  arranged in the area of the opening  4  enables the return of the escaped cleaning fluid  13  to the reservoir  12 . 
   The reservoir  12  for the cleaning fluid  13  contains a cascade  20  of cup-shaped or groove-shaped collecting containers  15 . The cascade  20  has a step-shaped configuration and is arranged with its uppermost collecting container  15  positioned underneath the return conduit  17  that leads into the reservoir  12 . Each collecting container  15  of the cascade  20  has a throttling element  21  on the way to the next lower collecting container  15 . With this throttling element  21 , which takes the form of a wall, a calmed zone is created in each collecting container  15 , enabling the particles entrained by the cleaning fluid  13  to settle. By the time the cleaning fluid  13  reaches the lowest collecting container  15 , the cleaning fluid  13  is loaded with fewer hair residues and other particles than at the beginning of the cascade. Consequently, the cleaning fluid  13  that reaches the bottom of the reservoir  12  is less soiled. The particles remaining in the cleaning fluid  13  can subsequently settle on the bottom of the reservoir  12 . A filter element  22  is used to rid the cleaning fluid  13  of the particles still remaining therein when conveyed back to the receiving region  5 . 
   Arranged above the receiving region  5  is a fan  23 . After completion of the cleaning of the shaving head, the current of air produced by the fan  23  is directed through a channel  24  onto the shaving head  3  in order to dry the shaving head (e.g., by facilitating evaporation of the cleaning fluid). 
   Provided in the area of the fan  23  is a display  25  for indicating information about the cleaning process and the charging status of the dry shaving apparatus  2 . The various functions of the cleaning device  1  can be set using function buttons  26 . 
   The housing  1  further includes a storage compartment  27  positioned adjacent the reservoir  12 . The storage compartment  27  can offer sufficient room to accommodate a guard cap  31  and/or a power cord of the dry shaving apparatus  2 , for example. The storage compartment can be closed with a flap in some embodiments. 
   In  FIG. 2  the cleaning device is shown without the dry shaving apparatus. In the area of the receiving region  5  on the front of the housing  1  is another opening  28  in which an activated carbon filter element  29  is positioned. The current of air produced by the fan  23  to dry the shaving head  3  exits the cleaning device via the activated carbon filter element  29 . 
   On the front of the housing  1  underneath the holding part  7  is a viewing window  30 . Through the viewing window  30 , the user can see the reservoir  12 , which in this area has a transparent wall. The user of the cleaning device is thus able to determine the level and the degree of soiling of the cleaning fluid  13 . 
     FIG. 3  shows a cross section of an embodiment of the reservoir  12  for the cleaning fluid. In lieu of or in addition to the cascade-shaped section of  FIG. 1  it is possible, in order to improve the settling of particles  35 , to provide an inclined filter element  36  in the reservoir, through which the current  37  of cleaning fluid entering from the return conduit  17  is directed. The filter element  36  can be formed of a mesh-like fabric, for example. The mesh-like fabric of the filter element  36  traps coarser particles, and a first partial current  38  is directed to the cleaning fluid already present in the reservoir  12  up to a level  39 . The remaining cleaning fluid and particles trapped by the filter element  36  pass—as the result of the descending force—to a settling basin  40  arranged above the fluid level  39 . Here the entrained particles can be retained to an amount dictated by the height of the settling basin  40 , while the second partial current  41  of cleaning fluid is fed into the existing volume of fluid via an inclined baffle plate  42  that adjoins the settling basin  40 . The inclined baffle plate  42  calms the second partial current  41  after it leaves the settling basin  40 , enabling it to flow gently into the existing cleaning fluid without substantially stirring up the particles  35  that have already settled there. 
   The partial current that is directed via the filter element  36  to the settling basin  40  is greatly decelerated and fanned out along its flow path, thus promoting sedimentation. The descending force acting on the particles is dependent in part upon the angle of inclination of the filter element  36 . The angle of inclination can be chosen to ensure that substantially none of the particles stick on the filter element  36 . The bottom  43  and/or the side wall  44  of the settling basin  40  can be configured to ensure that the cleaning fluid is fully drained from the settling basin  40 . Such a settling basin may alternatively or additionally be positioned upstream of the inclined filter element  36  and underneath the return conduit  17 . In such embodiments, the settling basin can calm and preclean the cleaning fluid as the cleaning fluid enters the reservoir  12 . 
   The inclined filter element  36  may also be constructed with a mesh size that changes along the flow path of the second partial current  41 . For example, the mesh size can increase from fine to coarse along the flow path so that initially only very fine particles can be conveyed with the first partial current  38 . 
   The reservoir bottom  45  is equipped with ribs  46  to promote settling of the particles  35 . The pump dome  47 , which is connectible to the supply conduit  14 , has at its lower end, which projects into the cleaning fluid, a filter element  22 . In certain embodiments, the filter element  22  can be omitted on account of the sedimentation effect provided by the filter element  36 , thus resulting in a considerable cost advantage. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the reservoir  12  can include a surface  100  that is inclined with resrect to support surface  9 . The surface  100  may have a lowermost point  102  that is disposed in the vicinity of the outlet of the return conduit  17  and the inlet  104  of the supply conduit  14 . 
   Other embodiments are within the claims.