Patent Publication Number: US-2015068031-A1

Title: Mounting station  for automatically assembling a razor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/498,222, filed on May 14, 2012, which is a national stage application of International Application No. PCT/EP2009/063126 filed on Oct. 8, 2009, the entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The embodiments of the present invention relate to the manufacture of a wet shaving razor. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In particular, the embodiments of the present invention are related to a mounting station for automatically assembling a razor that includes a shaving cartridge and a razor handle, the shaving cartridge having first and second rearwardly protruding connectors and the razor handle having first and second handle connectors which have free ends adapted to be connected respectively to the rearwardly protruding connectors and to a mounting station for automatically assembling such a razor. 
     Generally, the wet shaving razors are manufactured in assembling a razor handle and a shaving cartridge together on an assembly line, especially in case of disposable razor for which the sold razor comprises a razor handle already attached on a shaving cartridge. 
     To connect a razor handle on such a shaving cartridge, the first and second rearwardly protruding connectors of the shaving cartridge are usually simultaneously connected to the free ends of the first and second handle connectors of the razor handle. 
     Therefore, a high stress is applied to each of these rearwardly protruding connectors and to the free ends to allow, generally by snap-fitting or snap-pressing, meaning by elastic deformation of the element, during the connection. 
     This high stress can lead to the creation of burrs on the protruding connectors reducing or eliminating the pivoting motion of shaving cartridge. This high stress can also lead to the breakage of the rearwardly protruding connectors and/or of the free ends, leading to the scrapping of the razor before shipping or more annoying to the breakage of the razor when used by the consumer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     To this aim, a mounting station is provided to improve the manufacture of the razor and the reliability of the razor during its use. 
     The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a mounting station for automatically assembling a razor comprising a shaving cartridge and a razor handle, the shaving cartridge having first and second rearwardly protruding connectors and the razor handle having first and second handle connectors which have free ends adapted to be connected to the rearwardly protruding connectors, the mounting station comprising a handle support adapted to carry a razor handle and a cradle adapted to carry a shaving cartridge, the cradle being adapted and being controlled to connect firstly and automatically the first rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the first handle connector of the razor handle and to connect secondly and automatically the second rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge to the free end of the second handle connector of the razor handle, thereby forming a razor. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, one and/or the other of the following features may be incorporated in this mounting station:
         further comprising a handle synchronizing mechanism, a handle conveyor provided with the handle support and a retaining mechanism adapted to retain a razor handle onto the handle support during the connection of the rearwardly protruding connectors of the shaving cartridge to the free ends of the razor handle, the handle synchronizing mechanism synchronizing the retaining mechanism and the handle conveyor;   the retaining mechanism is simultaneously movable with the handle conveyor during the connection of the rearwardly protruding connectors of the shaving cartridge to the free ends of the razor handle;   further comprising a cartridge conveyor and a cartridge synchronizing mechanism, the cradle being movable between a receiving position in which the cradle is adapted to receive a razor cartridge carried by the cartridge conveyor and an connecting position in which the shaving cartridge carried by the cradle can be connected onto a razor handle, the cartridge synchronizing mechanism synchronizing the cartridge conveyor and the cradle, the cartridge and handle synchronizing mechanisms being synchronized together;   the cradle comprises a ramp such that in the receiving position, the shaving cartridge can slide from the cartridge conveyor on the ramp to be carried by the cradle and in the connecting position, the cartridge can be dragged from the ramp by the handle;   the ramp is inclined between a top and a bottom such that in the receiving position, the first rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge is located on the top, whereas the second rearwardly protruding connector of the shaving cartridge is located on the bottom.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other characteristics and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will readily appear from the following description of its embodiments, provided as non-limitative examples, in reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view of a device for automatically removing a shaving cartridge contained in a cartridge dispenser, 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first tool provided on the device of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective side view of the first tool of  FIG. 2  connected to a shaving cartridge, 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective lower view of the first tool of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the first tool of  FIG. 2  in another position, 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of a device for automatically removing a shaving cartridge contained in a cartridge dispenser according to another embodiment, 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the device of  FIG. 6  in another position, 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective lower view of a second tool provided on the device of  FIG. 7 , 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus for automatically assembling a razor, 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9  in another position, 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic view in elevation of a part of the mounting station, 
         FIGS. 12A ,  12 B, and  12 C are the schematic upper views of the connection of the shaving cartridge onto the razor handle, and 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a razor. 
     
    
    
     On the different Figures, the same reference signs designate identical or similar elements. 
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a device  10  for automatically removing a shaving cartridge  12  contained in a cartridge dispenser  14  previous to its connection to a razor handle (as detailed hereinafter). The cartridge dispensers  14  are previously filled, for example, with four shaving cartridges  12 . The shaving cartridges  12  have one or more shaving blades (not illustrated). 
     A first tool  18  mounted on a turret  20  provided on the device  10  will empty each cartridge dispenser  14  provided in a dispenser arriving zone  16 . 
     Actually, the cartridge dispensers  14  are preferably transported by a first dispenser conveyor  22  from a departure zone  24 A where they arrive preferably completely full of shaving cartridges  12  to the dispenser arriving zone  16  where they are emptied one after another. 
     When the cartridge dispenser  14  is completely empty, it is preferably transported to an evacuation zone  24 B where it can be collected for instance to be refilled, etc. A second dispenser conveyor  26  can be provided to transport the emptied cartridge dispensers  14  from the dispenser arriving zone  16  to the evacuation zone  24 B. 
     Since the cartridge dispenser has to be maintained in the dispenser arriving zone  16  as long as it is not completely emptied, at least one of the first and second dispenser conveyors is preferably not a continuous one, but rather a step by step one. 
     In order to gain place, the first  22  and second  26  dispenser conveyors can be placed transversally to each other as depicted on  FIG. 1 . 
     The filled cartridge dispensers  14  can be put on the first dispenser conveyor  22  with an interval or preferably side by side, for instance in mutual contact or in close proximity along their greater side. When the second dispenser conveyor  26  is placed transversally to the first one, the emptied cartridge dispensers  14  may be located side by side along their smaller side. Of course other configurations especially of the dispenser conveyors, can be imagined without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     The turret  20  is adapted to remove one shaving cartridge  12  contained in a cartridge dispenser  14  located in the dispenser arriving zone  16  and then place the shaving cartridge  12  removed from the cartridge dispenser  16  in a cartridge release zone  28  where they can be directly put on a cartridge conveyor  29  for connection to a razor handle (not illustrated) or stocked for further connection or other use. 
     To this end, the turret  20  is pivotably mounted on a frame  30  between a first position in which the first tool  18  can catch the shaving cartridge  12  contained in the cartridge dispenser  14  to a second position in which the first tool  18  can release the shaving cartridge  12  to the cartridge release zone  28 . 
     As depicted on  FIG. 2 , the first tool  18  is preferably slidingly mounted on the turret  20  such that it can slide between an upper position corresponding to the transport of the shaving cartridge  12  and a lower position in which it can catch and/or release the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     A synchronizing mechanism (not illustrated) can be provided to synchronize the displacement of the first  22  and second  26  conveyors, the rotation of the turret  20  and the translation of the first tool  18 . 
     The first tool  18  is provided with a gripper  32 , as better depicted on  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The gripper  32  is adapted to grip a shaving cartridge  12 . When the shaving cartridge  12  is for instance provided with a shell-bearing connection, the gripper  32  can be provided with shell-bearings  34 . 
     As well-known, the shell-bearing connection may be provided on the rear face  12 A of the shaving cartridge  12  (opposite to the blade edges—not illustrated) with two rearwardly protruding connectors, i.e. two inwardly facing arcuate slots  36 . These arcuate slots  36  may be formed respectively in two protruding ribs  38  and two respective inclined surfaces  40  facing each other and extending slantwise toward each other from the top of the ribs  38  toward the arcuate slots  36 . 
     Therefore, to remove such a shaving cartridge  12  from a cartridge dispenser  14 , the shell-bearings  34  of the gripper  32  may be shaped in correspondence with the arcuate slots  36  and ribs  38  to be received in them. 
     Actually, the gripper  32  may include two arms  42  which can be made for instance out of metal or molded plastic material. The two arms  42  may each extend from a first end  42 A situated inside a tool body  18 A (in dashed lines on  FIG. 3 ) toward a free end  42 B which may protrude toward the outside of the tool body  18 A. The two arms  42  may be disposed in a V shape, diverging from a medial axis Y from their first end  42 A toward their respective free end  42 B. The first ends  42 A of the two arms  42  may be connected together by a hinge  43  connecting the two arms  42  to each other. 
     The free ends  42 B of the arms  42  may be provided with the respective two shell bearings  34  which are exposed toward the outside. As explained previously, the free ends  42 B could also be provided with journal means or any known connecting means according to the connecting means provided on the shaving cartridge. 
     Each shell bearing  34  may for instance include a cylindrical concave front face  34 A and a lateral edge  34 B which protrudes outwardly and which has also a cylindrical shape. The two front faces  34 A and the two lateral edges  34 B have the same cylindrical axis, corresponding to the pivot axis A of rotation of the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     Two lateral flanges  35  can further be provided on the tool body  18 A forming a protecting skirt over the two front faces  34 A and the two lateral edges  34 B to protect them especially of any involuntary shock which could damage the gripper  32 . 
     In reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the arms  42  are elastically biased opposite to one another toward a cartridge locking position (see  FIG. 3 ) and movable toward one another into a cartridge release position (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The arcuate slots  36  can receive the lateral edges  34 B for connecting the shaving cartridge  12  onto the gripper  32 . Each of the two lateral flanges  35  of the tool housing  18  may be provided with a recess  37  opening forward and adapted to receive partially the two protruding connectors of the shaving cartridge  12 . Therefore, after connection to the shaving cartridge  12 , the two lateral flanges  35  cover at least a part of the ribs  38  especially to protect them from any damage which could occur. 
     As best illustrated on  FIG. 3 , the gripper  32  further includes a plunger  44  which is movably mounted, substantially along the medial axis Y between the two arms  42 . This plunger  44  has a central body  46  and two lateral external wings  48  extending opposite to one another toward the two arms  42 ; each lateral external wings  48  being provided with a pin  49  extending forward. The central body  46  extends longitudinally parallel to the medial axis Y, between a first, substantially flat free end  44 A which bears against a cam surface  50  provided on the shaving cartridge  12 , and a second end  44 B facing away from the shaving cartridge  12 . Each of the arms  42  is further provided with a lateral internal wing  51  provided with a recess  53  adapted to receive the pin  49  of the external wings  48  of the plunger  44 . 
     Since the shaving cartridge  12  is in pivotal connection with the gripper  32  about pivot axis A, the plunger  44  is further elastically biased by a helicoidal spring  52  toward the cam surface  50  of the shaving cartridge  12  so as to cooperate therewith by camming action. Thus, the shaving cartridge  12  is biased in rotation about pivot axis A toward a rest position in which the shaving cartridge can no longer pivot. 
     An arm pusher  54  is slidably mounted between the arms  42  in line with the plunger  44  along the medial axis Y. More specifically the arm pusher  54  is disposed between the plunger  44  and the hinge  43  along the medial axis Y and is elastically biased by the spring  52  toward the turret  20 , i.e. away from the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     The arm pusher  54  cooperates by camming action with the two arms  42  for biasing the arms  42  outwardly away from each other, toward the cartridge locking position shown in  FIG. 3 , where the lateral edges  34 B of the shell bearings  34  penetrate in the corresponding arcuate slots  36  of the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     The same spring  52  is used to bias the plunger  44  elastically toward the cam surface  50  of the shaving cartridge  12  and to bias the arm pusher  54  away from the shaving cartridge  12 , thus biasing both the shaving cartridge  12  in rotation toward the rest position and the arms  42  toward the shaving cartridge lock position. 
     In the cartridge release position, the pins  49  of the plunger  44  stay inserted in the corresponding recesses  53  of the arms  42  until the next cartridge is picked up and the plunger  44  bears again against the cam surface  50 , the arms  42  going again outwardly away from each other toward the shaving cartridge lock position. 
     Since the shaving cartridge  12  can be retained in the cartridge dispenser  14  especially when the last is provided with cartridge retaining means, the device  10  can be further provided with a retaining mechanism allowing the removing of the shaving cartridge from a cartridge dispenser without the cartridge dispenser. More precisely, the first dispenser conveyor  22  can be provided with one or two lateral guide  56  extending along the length of the first dispenser conveyor  22  or at least a part of it maintaining the cartridge dispensers  14  on the first dispenser conveyor  22  without preventing the transport. The second conveyor  26  can also be provided with a lateral  58  which partly cover the upper surface of at least the cartridge dispenser  14  located in the dispenser arriving zone  16 , without covering any of the shaving cartridges  12  contained in it. 
     In order to release a shaving cartridge  12  caught by the gripper  32 , the device  10  further comprises a release mechanism  60  as depicted on  FIG. 5  adapted to cooperate with the gripper  32  to release the shaving cartridge  12  from the gripper  32 . 
     The two arms  42  of the first tool  18  further include respectively two pins  62  which may be formed integrally therewith and which may protrude laterally out of the tool body  18 , for instance through two recesses  64  formed in the tool body  18  as best depicted on  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
     The release mechanism  60  which is located in the cartridge release zone  28  is adapted to act on the pins  62 , thereby passing the arms  42  from the cartridge locking position to the cartridge release position. 
     More specifically, the release mechanism  60  comprises two inclined camming surfaces  66  facing each other and extending slantwise toward each other from the top  60 A of the release mechanism  60  toward the bottom  60 B of the release mechanism  60 . When the gripper  32  is slid down in the cartridge release zone  28 , the pins bear against the inclined camming surfaces  66 , compelled to move toward each other, thereby releasing the shaving cartridge  12  connected to the gripper  32 . 
     The device illustrated on  FIG. 1  comprises a turret  20  controlled by a robot  68  and can therefore easily pivot directly from the dispenser arriving zone  16  to the cartridge release zone  28 .  FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment, in which no robot is provided. 
     Since no robot is provided and in order to gain space, the device  10  for automatically removing a shaving cartridge contained in a cartridge dispenser according to this other embodiment, further comprises a second tool  70  slidingly mounted on the turret  20  between an upper position corresponding to the transport of the shaving cartridge  12  and a lower position in which it can catch and/or release the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     The first tool  18  is pivotable between the dispenser arriving zone  16  and an intermediate zone  72 , whereas the second tool  70  is pivotable between the intermediate zone  72  and the cartridge release zone  28 . 
     The first tool  18  provided for the other embodiment depicted on  FIGS. 7 and 8  is preferably exactly the same as that disclosed before, whereas the second tool  70  is different. The device here can also be provided with a retaining mechanism  56  and/or with a release mechanism (not illustrated on  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) as disclosed before. Of course, since the first tool  18  covers only a part of the displacement (from dispenser arriving zone  16  to the intermediate zone  72 ), the release mechanism is not located in the cartridge release zone  28 , but in the intermediate zone  72 . 
     Actually, in this intermediate zone, a shaving cartridge  12  removed from a cartridge dispenser  14  located in the dispenser arriving zone  16  can be deposited on an intermediate support  74  preferably motionless and located between the dispenser arriving zone  16  and the cartridge release zone  28 . 
     The intermediate support  74  is geometrically adapted to the shape of the shaving cartridge  12 , especially the shape of its rear face  12 A such that the shaving cartridge  12  cannot fall down from the intermediate support  74 . 
     Departing from this intermediate position, the shaving cartridge  12  can be caught by the second tool  70  and placed in the cartridge release zone  28 . As better depicted on  FIG. 8 , the second tool  70  is provided with holes  76  connected via vacuum ducts (not illustrated) to a vacuum supply  78 . These holes  76  are spread evenly on the face  70 A of the second tool  70  which is in contact with the shaving cartridge  12 . The shape of this face  70 A is of course adapted to fit with the shape of the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     A synchronizing mechanism comprising among other things a connecting arm  80 , is further provided to synchronize the pivoting and sliding motions of the first  18  and second  70  tools such that when the first tool  18  is in the position to remove a shaving cartridge  12  from a cartridge dispenser in the dispenser arriving zone  16 , the second tool  70  is in position to remove the shaving cartridge  12  supported on the intermediate support  74 . 
     For instance, as depicted on  FIGS. 6 and 7 , when the first tool  18  is located in the dispenser arriving zone  16 , the second tool  70  is located in the intermediate zone  72 , whereas when the first tool  18  is located in the intermediate zone  72 , the second tool  70  is located in the cartridge release zone  28 . 
     Besides, both first  18  and second  70  tools can be simultaneously in their respective upper position and then in their lower position. 
     The method for automatically removing a shaving cartridge contained in a cartridge dispenser will now be described. 
     At least one cartridge dispenser  14  containing at least one shaving cartridge  12  is provided in a departure zone  24 A. The first dispenser conveyor  22  continuously transports the filled cartridge dispenser  14  to the dispenser arriving zone  16  where the first tool  18  has been pivoted to. As soon as the first dispenser conveyor  22  arrives in the dispenser arriving zone  16 , the first tool  18  is slid down in its lower position along a vertical axis, corresponding to the axis Y. When the gripper  32  arrives in contact with the shaving cartridge  12 , the plunger  44  is pressed against the cam surface  50 ; the pins  49  of the plunger  44  are thereby released from the corresponding recesses  53  of the arms  42 , the arms  42  going outwardly away from each other, the shell-bearings  34  being inserted in the rearwardly protruding connectors  36 , thereby connecting the shaving cartridge  12  to the gripper  32  in the shaving cartridge lock position. The shell-bearings  34  are therefore simultaneously and smoothly inserted in the rearwardly protruding connectors  36  to avoid any damage on the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     Alternatively, the device  10  may further comprise a mechanism, for instance a pneumatic one (not illustrated on the drawings), which can control the motion of the arms  42  to bring them m in their cartridge release position and to move them outwardly away from each other just after their contact with the rearwardly protruding connector  36  of the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     Alternatively, the device  10  may further comprise another release mechanism, analogous to the release mechanism  60  as depicted on  FIG. 5  adapted to cooperate with the gripper  32  to bring the arms  42  in their release position prior their contact with the rearwardly protruding connector  36  of the shaving cartridge  12 . The shaving cartridge  12  can thus be smoothly gripped by the gripper  32 , the shell-bearings  34  being inserted in the rearwardly protruding connector  36  while the arms  42  are moved outwardly away from each other just after their contact with the rearwardly protruding connector  36  of the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     As soon as the gripper  32  is connected to the shaving cartridge  12 , the first tool  18  is slid in its upper position and then pivoted about the vertical axis Y to the intermediate zone  72 . Since the cartridge dispenser  14  is retained on the first dispenser conveyor  22  it is not dragged with the shaving cartridge  12  which can therefore remove from it. 
     When arriving in the intermediate zone  72 , the first tool  18  is slid down along the vertical axis Y in its lower position to release the connected shaving cartridge  12  and place it on the intermediate support  74 . 
     As the pins  62  arrive in contact with the inclined camming surfaces  66  of the release mechanism  60 , since the first tool continues to slide down, they are brought together. The arms  42  are thus brought in their release position and the shaving cartridge  12  is released from the gripper  32  and received on the intermediate support  74 . 
     The first tool  18  is then slid upward along the vertical axis Y in its upper position and pivoted about the same axis to return in the dispenser arriving zone  16 . 
     During the rotation of the first tool  18  from the intermediate zone  72  to the dispenser arriving zone  16 , the second tool  70  is also rotated about the vertical axis Y from the cartridge release zone  28  to the intermediate zone  72 . 
     When the second tool  70  arrives in the intermediate zone  72  it is slid down along the vertical axis Y in its lower position and as soon as the face  70 A of the second tool  70  reaches the rear face  12 A of the shaving cartridges  12  located on the intermediate support  74 , the vacuum supply  78  is started and the shaving cartridge  12  is fixed to the second tool  70  by suction. The second tool  70  is then slid upward along the vertical axis Y in its upper position and pivoted about the same axis to return in the cartridge release zone  28 . 
     The second tool  70  is then slid down along the vertical axis Y in its lower position to place the connected shaving cartridge  12  on the cartridge conveyor  29 . 
     During the rotation of the second tool  70  from the intermediate zone  72  to the cartridge release zone  28 , the first tool  18  is also rotated about the vertical axis Y from the dispenser arriving zone  16  to the intermediate zone  72 . These steps are repeated as long as the cartridge dispenser  14  contains a shaving cartridge  12 ; as soon as it is completely emptied, the cartridge dispenser  14  is transported by the second dispenser conveyor  26  from the dispenser arriving zone  16  to the evacuation zone  24 B. 
     Another filled cartridge dispenser  14  is moved forward by the first dispenser conveyor  22  to the dispenser arriving zone  16  and the same steps as above-described occur. 
     For manufacturing a wet shaving razor, such shaving cartridges  12  removed from cartridge dispensers  14  can thereafter be connected to a shaving razor handle. 
     Such a device  10  for automatically removing a shaving cartridge contained in a cartridge dispenser can be integrated in an apparatus for manufacturing a razor further comprising a mounting station  82  for automatically assembling a razor comprising a shaving cartridge and a razor handle as depicted on  FIGS. 9-12 . More precisely, the mounting station  82  is adapted to attach in a connecting zone  88 , the shaving cartridge  12  removed from the cartridge dispenser  14  onto a razor handle  84  to form a razor  86 . 
     The mounting station  82  includes a handle conveyor  92  that includes a handle belt  92 A shaped with handle supports  90  each adapted to carry a razor handle  84 . More precisely, each razor support  90  is preferably shaped such that it can receive and maintain the rear face  84 A of the razor handle  84  while it is transported by the handle belt  92 A. The handle belt  92 A is movable along horizontal axis X in a back and forth movement. The handle conveyor  92  further comprises a lifter  92 B able to lift sensibly along axis Y a razor handle  84  from one handle support  90  to the next handle support  90 . 
     The combination of the vertical motion of the lifter  92 B and the horizontal motion of the handle belt  92 A leads to a continuous transport (i.e. at a same speed along F 92 ) of the razor handles  84  from a handle arriving zone  94  to a receiving zone  96  (after connection to a shaving cartridge). 
     The mounting station  82  further comprises a cradle  98  movable and controlled between a receiving position in a cradle receiving zone  100  as depicted on  FIG. 9  in which the cradle  98  is adapted to receive a razor cartridge and a connecting position located in the connecting zone  88  as depicted on  FIG. 10  in which the cradle  98  allows the shaving cartridge  12  carried by the cradle to be connected onto a razor handle  84 . 
     The apparatus for manufacturing a razor and more specifically the mounting station  82  further includes a cartridge conveyor which can transport the shaving cartridges  12  directly from the release zone  28  near the cradle receiving zone  100 . In this case, the cartridge conveyor is the one  29  onto which the shaving cartridge  12  released from the cartridge dispenser  14  are put onto (see  FIGS. 1 ,  5 - 7 ). Otherwise, the cartridge conveyor can be a different one  104  as depicted on  FIGS. 9-11 . The cartridge conveyor  104  is in communication (not illustrated) with the cartridge conveyor  29  for instance in a cartridge arriving zone  27 . 
     The cartridge conveyor  104  can comprise a driving plate  106  movable on a cartridge support  108  and specifically shaped to drag several shaving cartridges  12  together (for instance four as depicted on the figures). 
     The driving plate  106  is movable in translation along arrow F 108  corresponding to the direction of the length of the cartridge conveyor  104  and transversally to arrow F 108 , along arrow A 108  to move closer and away from the shaving cartridges  12  supported on the cartridge support  108 . The driving plate  106  has a back and forth motion such that the four shaving cartridges  12  grabbed by the driving plate  106  are transported on the cartridge conveyor  104  along arrow F 104  corresponding to the length of the cartridge conveyor  104  in the direction of the cradle receiving zone  100 . 
     Besides, the cradle  98  comprises a ramp  110  (best seen on  FIG. 11 ) such that in the receiving position, the shaving cartridge  12  can slide from the cartridge conveyor  104  on the ramp  110  to be carried by the cradle  98 . The cradle  98  is then moved upward in the connecting zone  88  in its connecting position where the shaving cartridge  12  will be dragged from the ramp  110  by the handle  84  which is just in front of it. 
     To simplify the apparatus, the movement of the handle conveyor  92  (along F 92 ) can be in the same direction F 104  of the cartridge conveyor  104  and the ramp  110  provided on the cradle  98  is in alignment with the cartridge conveyor  104 . Therefore, when a shaving cartridge  12  arrives on the ramp  110  and is moved upward in the connecting position in the connecting zone  88  it arrives in front of a razor handle  84  in a good position to be connected to the last. 
     Besides, as best depicted on  FIG. 11 , the ramp  110  is inclined between a top  110 A and a bottom  110 B such that in cradle receiving zone  100  where the cradle  98  is in its receiving position, one of the rearwardly protruding connector  36  of the shaving cartridge  12  is located on the top  110 A, whereas the second one is located on the bottom  110 B. More precisely, with regard to the displacement along F 104  of the shaving cartridge  12  located on the cartridge conveyor  104 , each shaving cartridge  12  is provided with a first rearwardly protruding connector  36 A which is the forward-most one and a second rearwardly protruding connector  36 B which is the rearward-most one. 
     In its receiving position, the cradle  98  is located such that the bottom  110 B of the ramp is just in front of the end  104 A of the cartridge conveyor  104 , the shaving cartridge  12  being able to slide on the ramp  110  from the bottom  110 B up to the top  110 B. When the shaving cartridge  12  is in place in the cradle  98 , its first rearwardly protruding connector  36 A is located on the top  110 A of the ramp, whereas its second rearwardly protruding connector  36 B is located on the bottom  110 B. 
     Therefore, when the cradle  98  is pivoted upward in the connecting position (in dotted lines on  FIG. 11 ), the first rearwardly protruding connector  36 A is again the forward-most one as seen in direction of arrow F 92  (parallel to arrow F 104 ) and the second protruding connector  36 A is the rearward-most one. 
     In order to avoid the displacement of the razor handle  84  from its handle support  90  during the connection of the shaving cartridge  12  carried by the cradle  98  the mounting station  82  is further provided with a retaining mechanism  112  adapted to retain a razor handle onto the handle support. The retaining mechanism  112  is adapted to push the razor handle  84  against the handle support  90  to maintain it in its position during the connection to the shaving cartridge  12 . Since the meantime the handle conveyor is in motion along arrow F 92 , the retaining mechanism  112  is adapted to move simultaneously with it at the same speed. 
     Actually, the retaining mechanism  112  is movable preferably along vertical axis Y between a release position as depicted on  FIG. 9  in which it is upward and does not contact any razor handle and a retaining position as depicted on  FIG. 10  in which it maintains a pressure on at least a part of the upper face  84 B of the razor handle  84  which is located in the connection zone  88 . 
     Besides, the retaining mechanism  112  is also movable along a direction F 112  parallel to arrow F 92  to follow the movement of the razor handle  84  during its connection to the shaving cartridge  12 . Preferably, arrows F 104 , F 92  and F 112  are extending along a horizontal axis X, perpendicular to the vertical axis Y. 
     The retaining mechanism  112  has a back and forth motion such that it can move down to exert a pressure on the razor handle  84 , translate with the last during its connection to a shaving cartridge  12  as depicted in dotted lines on  FIG. 10 , ascend upward and then return back to retain a further razor handle. 
     The mounting machine further comprises a handle synchronizing mechanism  114  synchronizing the retaining mechanism  112  and the handle conveyor  92  such that the back and forth motion of the retaining mechanism  112  is synchronized with the motion of the razor handle. 
     Besides, the mounting machine further comprises a cartridge synchronizing mechanism  116  synchronizing the cartridge conveyor  104  and the cradle  98 , such that the cradle  98  is in its receiving position when a shaving cartridge  12  arrives in the cradle receiving zone  100 . 
     The cartridge  116  and handle  114  synchronizing mechanisms being synchronized together such that when the cradle  98  arrives in its connecting position, the retaining means  112  maintains a razor handle  84  on the handle support  90  in the connecting zone  88 . 
     The method for manufacturing a razor will now be described. 
     A cartridge dispenser  14  containing at least one shaving cartridge  12  is provided in a dispenser arriving zone  16 . A shaving cartridge  12  is removed from the cartridge dispenser with the first tool  18  and placed in a cartridge release zone  28 . The shaving cartridge  12  is further moved from the cartridge release zone  28  to the cartridge arriving zone  27  with the cartridge conveyor  29  of the device  10  for automatically removing a shaving cartridge  12  and then from the cartridge arriving zone  27  further to the connecting zone  88  with cartridge conveyor  104  and the cradle  98  of the mounting machine. 
     In this connecting zone  88 , where a razor handle  84  has been provided, the shaving cartridge  12  is connected onto the razor handle  84  to form a razor  86 . 
     The method for automatically assembling a razor  86  can occur directly after a shaving cartridge has been released from a cartridge dispenser. 
     A razor handle  84  is provided on the handle support  90  in being transported by the handle conveyor  92  from the handle arriving zone  94  to the connecting zone. 
     Besides, a shaving cartridge  12  is moved forward on the cartridge conveyor  104  with the motion along arrow F 108  of the driving plate  108  from the cartridge arriving zone  27  to the cradle receiving zone  100 . The cradle is controlled such that as soon as shaving cartridge  12  arrives in the cradle receiving zone  100 , it is in its receiving position, the ramp  110  of the cradle  98  being in front of the shaving cartridge  12 . The driving plate  108  returns back and moves forward four other shaving cartridges  12  so that the shaving cartridge  12  located at the end of the cartridge conveyor  104  (in front of the ramp  110 ) is pushed forward and slides on the ramp  110 . 
     As soon as the shaving cartridge  12  is completely inserted on the cradle  98  it can be carried by the ramp  110 ; simultaneously, the cradle  98  is pivoted upward in its connecting position such that the shaving cartridge  12  is brought in the connecting zone  88 . 
     The razor handle  84  is provided with two handle connectors, each having a free end to be connected to one of the rearwardly protruding connectors  36 A of the shaving cartridge  12 . As best depicted on  FIG. 11 , the razor handle  84  has a free end  118 A of a first handle connector  120 A which is the forward-most one seen in direction of arrow F 92  and a free end  118 B of a second handle connector  120 B which is the rear-most one. 
     Thanks to the cartridge  116  and handle  114  synchronizing mechanisms, the shaving cartridge  12  arrives in position in front of a razor handle  84  to be connected together. More precisely, the first rearwardly protruding connectors  36 A of the shaving cartridge  12  arrives in front of the free end  118 A of the first handle connector  120 A provided on a razor handle  84  arriving in the connecting zone  88 . Due to the inclined surface of the ramp  110 , the first rearwardly protruding connectors  36 A is close to the free end  118 A, whereas the second rearwardly protruding connectors  36 B is much more farther from the free end  118 B of the second handle connector  120 A. 
     Actually, as best seen on  FIG. 12A , the shaving cartridge  12  and the razor handle  84  are like intermeshed previous their connection together. This means that the first rearwardly protruding connectors  36 A is a little bit shifted forward the free end  118 A in the conveyor direction F 92 . Due to the continuous motion of the handle conveyor  92  along arrow F 92 , as soon as the free end  118 A arrives in front of the first rearwardly protruding connectors  36 A it get inserted in the first arcuate slot  36 A of the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     As soon as the free end  118 A automatically connects the first rearwardly protruding connectors  36 A, the razor handle  84  drags the shaving cartridge  12  in direction of arrow F 92  since the handle conveyor  92  continue to move, the first rearwardly protruding connectors  36 A leaving the top  110 A of the ramp  110 . As a consequence, the shaving cartridge  12  slides on the ramp and the second rearwardly protruding connectors  36  approaches the top  110 A of the ramp  110  as illustrated on  FIG. 12B  while coming closer and closer to the free end  118 B of a second handle connector  120 B. 
     As soon as the second rearwardly protruding connectors  36  arrives at the top  110 A of the ramp  110  it is automatically snap-pressed against the free end  118 B of a second handle connector  120 B which has continue to move forward along F 92  as illustrated on  FIG. 12C . A razor  86  is then obtained and is transported on the handle conveyor  94  from the connecting zone  88  to a receiving zone  96  as depicted on  FIGS. 9-10 . This manner of connecting the shaving cartridge  12  on a razor handle which is continuously translated is called a connection on the fly. 
     As depicted on  FIG. 13 , the razor  86  may be a disposable one, meaning that the shaving head  12  and the razor handle  84  have to be throwing away when the shaving cartridge edges of the shaving head  12  are dulled. During the connection of the shaving cartridge  12  onto the razor handle  84 , this elastic tongue slides in the corresponding recess  123  provided on the rear face  12 A of the shaving cartridge  12 . 
     The razor handle  84  can also be provided with an elastic tongue  121  extending between the two razor connectors  120 A and  120 B. This elastic tongue  121  allows the shaving cartridge  12  to return back to its at-rest position when the shaving forces stop. 
     Besides, the razor  84  can be further provided with a protective cover  122  which can be slid on the shaving cartridge  12  to protect the cartridge edges (not illustrated). The apparatus can therefore be further provided with a cover mounting station (not illustrated) for automatically assembling a cover  122  on a razor which has just been assembled to avoid any contamination of the cartridges. Thus, this cover mounting station can be located just at the end of the mounting station  82  for automatically assembling a razor.