EP1488894A1 - Razor cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit has a blade carrier (1) with blade (2) and plug connector (3) for a coupling part (4) on a hand grip (5). Blade carrier and plug connector are connected by a flexible part (6) and are an integral plastic part. An additional flexible plastic component (7) is formed around the connection, so that the reinforced connection part has defined bending and spring characteristics in at least two axial directions. The flexible component is stretched by a momentum in mathematically positive direction, applied via the grip, relative to the main contact surface (8) of the razor unit on the shaved surface, and is upset by a momentum in mathematically negative direction.

Description

The invention relates to a razor blade unit for a A razor with the in the preamble of claim 1 specified characteristics.

From the German utility model DE 297 23 430 U1 and from DE 297 23 518 U1, Figures 21 and 22, is a blade unit known, which can be produced separately from the handle Carrying structure with neck shape, which as Ansteckteil with the handle is connectable. This neck-shaped Section is as a flexible resilient plastic joint formed and made of a material that more flexible than the housing of the blade unit and that of the housing of the coupling part connected to the shaft. The thus formed blade unit becomes off Plastic, either in the two-component injection process or from the same plastic. to easier tilting of the head, the neck-shaped Section also have constrictions. The whole Bending forces act on a relatively narrow transfer zone, so that during prolonged use due to bending stress a break can not be ruled out.

From US-5,771,591 a hand shaver is known, in which the handle or the grip and the blade unit are made in one piece from plastic. Also Here is a neck-shaped after the handle Transition part provided in the width of the blade unit passes. The parts are made of plastic, wherein the transition region is preferably made of resilient Plastic is made and dimensioned so that a resilient deflection at least in one axial plane, namely up and down or forward and back behind, is possible, so that when shaving an automatic Adjusting the tilt angle adjustment of the razor blade unit takes place on the body surface to be shaved. The bending loads concentrate here on one very weak area in the transition area.

One in the structure same razor is from the US-3,823,471 known. The specified there, essentially a rectangular cross-section handle has a neck-shaped, flexible, resilient intermediate section, so that the attached thereto Recording head for the razor blade in one Pivoting directional plane relative to the handle leaves. The provision is made by the spring force of The transition part.

From US 5,560,106 is also a razor with a neck-shaped transition part known which is divided and its two parts in a flexible plastic part are inserted and embedded. This plastic part is dimensioned so that one movement of the other Neck section with attached blade unit in three axis directions is possible, namely in X, Y and Z-axis direction. The disadvantage of the separation of the neck on the one hand and on the other by the connection given by means of interposed plastic foam body is obvious, since the end sections with a sufficient depth in the plastic foam body set must be, which inevitably leads to a greater length of the neck leads, if a slight deflection desired is. With a short plastic intermediate body is practical no desired spring effect achievable.

Handles or shanks with a flexible transition part are still known for toothbrushes. Furthermore, the EP 0 429 174 B1 a razor handle handle, the between razor blade unit and handle a flexible, resilient, shaped by waveshaping neck section also having a deflection in the X, Y direction allows.

From DE 295 11 444 U is a wet shaver with a Handle and one with the handle fixed or detachable connected razor head, wherein the handle a widening towards the razor head Front part, a narrow designed as a handle bar Transition part and one in the form of a long drawn Has formed droplet handle part, the at least one arched in longitudinal and transverse direction, at the inside of the hand when holding the handle by means of Thumb and index finger applied surface training having. The handle with front part is off Plastic made in one piece and not elastic. To support the gripping and holding function by thumb and forefinger are in a variant the top of the transition part recesses provided which extend into the front part of the handle. The recesses, which have certain contours, are filled with a soft, non-slip material. A Spring function does not apply to this insert.

From DE 696 11 838 T2 is a disposable razor containing a handle, a blade unit with at least one Blade and a flexible connection between handle and the blade unit, known. The elastic connection is as an arcuate line between the handle and the blade unit formed, wherein the blade unit can be attached to the elastic connection, that at least one blade is positioned in a plane is perpendicular to a parallel to the arcuate Line of elastic connection extending plane extends. The elastic connection is in the form of a double realized arcuate line, the connection the same material as the handle contains and in one Variant a second material with a second spring characteristic. The connection is very complex and allows a springy effect over the bow forwards and backwards.

DE 299 21 556 U1 gives a wet shaver with extended Handle on, between the shaving plane and the Handle longitudinal axis is given an angle, the dimensioned so is that a shave even at a small distance of a leading hand and shaving surface in a given Angle range is possible. A spring elastic Transition part is not provided here.

DE-AS 12 70 446 is a wet shaver with the side attachable injector with replaceable blade known the blade between a rigid upper and a resiliently pressed against the former lower blade tensioning plate is held and the rigid upper blade chuck leaking into a handle part. The pressure of the Lower blade chuck against the top is done by a second handle part, whose with the blade chuck plate directly interacting part as elastic deformable element is formed, wherein a grip sleeve the two handle parts together encloses and holds together. At the cooperating surfaces of the handle parts and the grip sleeve locking elements are provided. The resilient blade clamping plate is used exclusively for fixing the blade, not for the flexible Store the blade holder on the handle. The handle and the upper blade chuck plate are rigid and not flexibly coupled with each other.

From JP 11 300 065 A is a wet shaver with a Plug-in connection with end-face bayonet lock known on a spring bearing journal of a handle part snapped on and secured by rotation on the handle is held. The connector part to which the blade carrier is fixed, is not elastic.

From US 4,413,411 is a razor blade unit with a blade carrier known to which a snap-on connector is applied to a latching pin on a handle is latched. By a patch on the handle Slider can be the Aufrastteil of the locking connection deport again.

From EP 0 357 820 A1 a razor blade unit is known a blade carrier known by means of a stylus held on a handle by plugging into a storage chamber is. During the shaving process is the razor blade unit backwards against the power of a continue slidably provided on the handle zero position spring.

From GB 2 139 541 A is a rigid handle with transition part to a razor blade unit of a wet shaver known, the recordings for a grip on the Has upper side. This rubber has no spring function.

From DE 28 51 457 A1 is an insert for a razor with a blade pad, a razor blade and a cap known at the bottom of the razor blade an integral solid or water-soluble shaving aid is provided.

Based on this prior art, the invention the task of a razor of the generic Kind of educate so that the blade unit can be produced with the connector part as a unit is, whose flexible resilient connecting part optionally interpretable and the bending and spring forces be transferred over a large area. Another goal is to provide a simply structured razor blade unit, which is inexpensive to produce and highest standards to the shaving quality.

The problem is solved by designing the shaver according to the specified in claim 1 technical Teaching.

Advantageous developments of the invention are in the Subclaims specified.

According to the teaching of claim 1 form connector part, Blade carrier and the connecting part one unit. This unit is made of plastic in a known manner Injection molding produced in a mold, wherein the connecting part But even so flexible is that it the strength required for shaving to transmit power does not have from the handle on the blade carrier, but practically only a connection function Has. It serves only for static connection, without To determine the spring characteristic essential. The spring characteristic is by a reinforcement of the connecting part by a further resilient plastic component achieved, preferably made of a foamed Plastic or such with an elastic structure consists. The connection part can be on or Embedded on either side or completely enclosed be. Basically, the plastic component at the top or at the bottom of the connecting part be provided. In any case, she has to Join the connection part, adhere to it and the blade carrier connect to the connector part. this happens by introducing the plastic into a mold, enclosing this transition region by means of two-component injection molding. The plastic component can, because a plastic with mesh structure are used here can, applied relatively large area and / or voluminous become. The transitional area as such can be shaped, in the approach to the blade carrier and in the connector part go over and stick to it, being at the same time guarantees the desired bending and spring characteristics is. The main contact plane of the razor blade unit on the shaving surface, e.g. the cheek of a face, runs through the design of the transition part at an acute angle to the handle. The handle is ergonomically shaped and can also be relative be formed short, so that the transition part and / or the connector part as a handle with can be used. The connector part has in End portion expediently an outer contour, which corresponds to the adjoining handle part, so that a smooth transition is given. In the connector part can be a blind hole-shaped receptacle for a Be introduced coupling part or alternatively in extension projecting a coupling approach, which in a corresponding blind hole-shaped receptacle in the handle insertable is. For manufacturing reasons, in particular around the razor blade unit in blister packs or other packages in series as interchangeable razor blade units pack in a small space requirement can, should the blind hole-shaped receptacle in the connector part be incorporated and the peg-shaped Coupling part are located on the handle.

Due to the plastic component has the reinforced connection part a defined bending and spring characteristic in at least one axis direction. The flexible Plastic component can be due to a over the Handle applied moment in mathematically positive direction of effect in relation to the main level of contact of the Razor blade unit at the shaving surface stretch and through Compress moments in a mathematically negative direction of effect. If the plastic component is below or is located substantially below the connecting part and practically the acute angle between handle and Completes blade carrier, carried out by stretching and compression the construction of a spring action, whereby the razor blade unit the contour of the surface to be shaved Essentially follows and a desired consistent Cutting angle between razor blade and shaving surface ensured is.

The blade carrier is opposite the connector part relatively broad. The width is about 25 mm to about 40 mm, while the width of the connector part only about 8 mm to about 10 mm. Of the Connecting part itself can be a width of a few mm have or also be designed as a bending rod. The handiness and the springy characteristics of the relatively large-volume resilient plastic component certainly. The connecting part can also, depending on the training of the blade carrier, completely from the plastic component be surrounded. Furthermore, by the shaping the plastic component of the spring travel and the spring characteristic in the lateral direction only a short Enable pivoting, in forward and backward movement a larger swing path. Due to the given flexibility and by the angular arrangement of blade carrier and Handle ensures that the dependence between the contour of the surface to be shaved and the trajectory the user is optimized.

It has been shown that the plastic used for the production of the flexible plastic component as well be used as a foam edge on the blade unit can. In a further embodiment of the invention is therefore provided that at least one channel in the blade carrier is introduced, and throughout, the at the Front of the blade carrier in the lower part Edge in a transverse groove or in several parallel transverse grooves empties. In the two-component injection molding process can thereby introduced the second plastic or the channels penetrate and get in or out of the transverse grooves to form a desired profiled foam edge. It is understood that the tool corresponding Must have recordings and recesses. In one and The same production cycle can produce a desired foam edge and the desired plastic spring on the connecting part getting produced.

To a twist-proof connector between connector part and coupling part, the should Bearing openings or the bearing neck or the coupling part have adapted cross sections, the square, rectangular, polygonal, elliptical or another asymmetric shape may be formed having. Should be dispensed with the interchangeability, for example with razors, is a separation from Handle not required. For this case, it is intended that the handle of the shaver and the Blade unit are made in one piece, so one permanent connection exists.

For the releasable attachment, various constructive Embodiments of the connector part and coupling part in detail in claims 8 to 13 are indicated. The blade unit can be in known Have multiple blades, lateral guidance and bounding box. The blade carrier can out consist of two housing parts, the force or with each other are positively connected, z. B. by catch or Welded joints, gluing and the like. The blades can be pre-assembled on spacers and in accordance with provided lateral or head-side openings be inserted. But it is also possible the razor blades directly on the razor blade carrier by injecting to fix. Furthermore, in a known manner the upper transverse edge of the housing or the blade carrier a sliding layer or a sliding strip introduced be.

The invention will be described below with reference to the drawing illustrated partial section drawing explained in addition.

The single figure shows a blade holder 1 with a back transverse approach 9, which is to the center tapered and in the relatively narrow connection part 6 passes, which is followed by a connector part 3. This combination is executed in one piece and made of a first plastic. The blade carrier 1 also has bearings for e.g. three blades 2 and lateral frame parts 17. In another embodiment For example, the carrier 1 may be one and / or more blades 2 designed. The blades 2 are out of the main contact plane 8 forth. This runs in a relative acute angle α, almost parallel to the longitudinal axis of the Handle 5, of which only the upper part is shown. By this arrangement is an optimal dependence between the contour of the surface to be shaved and the trajectory given by the user. Every other angle setting and also connection shifts from below to above are possible depending on the intended use.

As can also be seen from the drawing, the Connecting part 6 on a taper, so that virtually a Film hinge is given, which is a relative bending movement of the blade carrier relative to the connector part - depending on the width - at least in two axis planes (X, Y) possible. Now to the desired Ensure spring characteristic and bending capability is beginning in a bearing recess in approach 9, running over the connecting part and with the inside Connecting the connector part 3, a Plastic component 7, z. As a TPE component, im Two-component injection molding introduced. The Width and shape as well as the material properties of the used material of this plastic component. 7 determine the spring characteristic of the combined connection part 6, 7. The combined connecting part 6, 7 is attached to the blade carrier 1 in the lower region, so that when shaving a force effect in the desired Way is given and, depending on the position of the handle 5, a desired system of the main management level 8 with the Blades 2 is given on the shaving surface.

In the blade carrier are in the lower area near the bottom Edge 10 passage channels 11 introduced through the in the two - component spraying process the material of the Plastic component 7 in a designated transverse groove 12th can flow into it. By the used form during insertion it is thus possible in the transverse groove 12 at the same time a profiled foam edge of the same material build.

The attachment of the connector 3 to the handle 5 takes place by inserting a form-fitting, elastic resilient coupling part 4 on the handle 5 in the blind hole-shaped Recess 13 in the connector 3. The coupling part 4 is suitably made of plastic and z. B. in one piece made from the handle above and consists in Embodiment of two resilient walls, which essentially run parallel and above on a Transverse wall are interconnected. One wall faces an outwardly projecting locking lug 14 which in a recess 15 in the upper wall of the connector 3 intervenes. The connector 3 is of the coupling part 4 removable or retractable. For the easier Pushing down is a sliding release with a provided above sliding button 16, the e.g. with the thumb is pushed upwards. The pushing surface engages the front edge of the connector 3 and push it up while at the same time Displacement of the locking projection 14 from the recess 15. For this purpose, the locking projection 14 bevels on, with the edges of Rastdurchbruches 15 as well as with the inner edge of the upper wall of the connector 3 interact. Furthermore, the Upper wall of the coupling part 4 by shaping resilient executed. The feed stroke of the slide button 16 is supported by a stop guide 18 on the walls of Clutch part 3 limited. Alternatively, an embodiment provided the plug-in approach with an ejection function be.

The invention is not limited to illustrated embodiment limited. The skilled person opens the mediated Teaching various constructive embodiments, especially what the training of the additional Plastic component 6 and the connection with the handle 5.

Claims (20)

A razor blade unit having a blade carrier (1) with at least one razor blade (2) and with a connector part (3) for releasable attachment to a coupling part (4) on a handle (5) of a razor, wherein the connector part (3) and the blade carrier (1 ) are connected to each other via a flexible connecting part (6) and are made in one piece from plastic, characterized in that on, under, one or more sides or around the connecting part (6) an additional resilient plastic component (7) made of another flexible plastic such the plug connection part (3) and the blade carrier (1) is integrally formed, that the reinforced connecting part (6) has a defined bending and spring characteristics in at least two axial directions (X, Y) and the flexible plastic component (7) in succession on the Handle (5) applied moments in mathematically positive direction of action with respect to the main contact plane (8) of Ra sierklingeneinheit stretch on the Rasurfläche and compresses by moments in mathematically negative direction of action and / or is mounted in kinematic reversal appropriate. A razor blade unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting part (6) on the blade carrier (1) in the lower half centrally provided, based on the width of the blade carrier, formed and substantially narrower than the width of the blade carrier (1) and is shaped in that the remote main contact plane (8) with the razor blade (2) protruding from the plane extends at a defined angle (α) to the center axis of the handle (5). A razor blade unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the connector part (3) with the blade carrier (1) via a deflectable in all directions bending rod is connected as a connecting part (6) and that the bending rod of the flexible plastic component (7) is surrounded at least on one side and this extends to the projection (9) on the blade carrier (1) and the plug connection part (3) and has such a cross-sectional shape and mass that a resilient deflection of the razor blade unit relative to the handle (5) at least one in the axial plane (X) is possible. A razor blade unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the spring travel in the lateral direction (Z) is shorter than in the forward / rearward movement direction (X, Y). Razor blade unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blade carrier (1) has at least one channel (11) in at least one transverse groove (12) on the front of the blade carrier (1) in the region of the lower edge (10). opens, and that the plastic of the flexible plastic component (7) when applied to the connecting part (6) is injected through the channel (11) and forms a flexible, profiled foam edge in the groove (12) by shaping. Razor blade unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug connection part (3) of the razor blade unit has a square, rectangular, polygonal or elliptical or generally asymmetric bearing opening (13) or a bearing lug which or with the form-fitting coupling part (4) on Handle (5) is releasably connectable. Razor blade unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plug connection part (3) merges into a one-piece integrally formed handle (5). Razor blade unit according to claim 6, characterized in that on the coupling part (4) or in the asymmetric bearing opening (13) of the connector part (3) elastic shaped springs or other resilient means (14) to form a Steckverrastung in cooperation with a recess on the corresponding counterpart and that the latching connection can be dissolved again either by increased withdrawal forces or by unlocking by means of an unlocking means which can be pressed onto the resilient means (14). A razor blade unit according to claim 8, characterized in that in a wall of the plug connection part (3) a latching opening (15) is provided in which a spring-loaded latching projection engages as a resilient means (14) on the coupling part (4) by a defined amount in the coupling part (4) can be pushed in or pushed back and allows removal of the connection attachment in the depressed or pushed back state. Razor blade unit according to claim 9, characterized in that a plurality of spring-loaded locking lugs are provided. A razor blade unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the coupling part (4) to the handle (5) integrally formed U-shaped or frame-shaped approach is one of whose wall against the other opposite at least by a defined measure niederdrückbar against its own spring force is, and that at the top of the depressible wall of the locking projection is formed. A razor blade unit according to claim 11, characterized in that spaced from the locking projection (14) on the handle in a breakthrough a release button is mounted or a slide button (16) of a Schiebeentriegelungseinrichtung behind the connector part (3) as a push-on part on the coupling part (4) is pushed through the actuation of which the wall or the resilient leg can be pressed or the plug connection part (3) can be pushed forward, whereby the latching projection (14) slides out of the recess (15) and the plug connection part (3) can be pulled off. Razor blade unit according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the latching connection is formed by at least one elastic nub, which engages in a recess or an opening of the counterpart and is designed so that by increased withdrawal forces the connection between the coupling part (4) of the handle (5) and plug connection part (3) is detachable. Razor blade unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the sliding path of the slide button (16) is limited by guide recesses (18) in the walls of the coupling part (4) in which stops (19) are guided. A razor blade unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the blade carrier (1) has bearings for one or more blades (2) and lateral guiding and limiting frames (17). A razor blade unit according to claim 1 or 15, characterized in that the blade carrier (1) consists of two housing parts, which are connected to each other by latching, plug-in, welding or adhesive connections, and that the blades (2) with the interposition of spacers, the be used later or provided on the housing parts are fixed. A razor blade unit according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made in one piece and the housing consists of plastic and that the blades are mounted in spacers, the latching by lateral or head-side openings in the housing inserted or locked by other positive or non-positive connection in the housing are. A razor blade unit according to claim 1 or 17, characterized in that the razor blades are cast-in spaced apart in the one-piece housing by injection molding. A razor blade unit according to claim 1, characterized in that in the region of the upper edge of the razor blade unit a transverse sliding layer or a glued, injected or inserted strip (20) of sliding material, with or without medicinal active ingredients, in particular antibacterial substances, is provided. Razor blade unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic component (7) as a handle reinforcement component of the handle (5) at least partially encloses this and at least lateral Lagerausbuchtungen for holding the handle.

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