EP1610643B1 - Cleaning device for a shaver - Google Patents

Cleaning device for a shaver Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1610643B1
EP1610643B1 EP04710800A EP04710800A EP1610643B1 EP 1610643 B1 EP1610643 B1 EP 1610643B1 EP 04710800 A EP04710800 A EP 04710800A EP 04710800 A EP04710800 A EP 04710800A EP 1610643 B1 EP1610643 B1 EP 1610643B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
reservoir
receptacle
level
fluid
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP04710800A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1610643A1 (en
Inventor
Diana Kappes
Andreas Larscheid
Uwe Ludäscher
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Braun GmbH
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Braun GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1610643A1 publication Critical patent/EP1610643A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45D—HAIRDRESSING OR SHAVING EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT FOR COSMETICS OR COSMETIC TREATMENTS, e.g. FOR MANICURING OR PEDICURING
    • A45D27/00—Shaving accessories
    • A45D27/46—Devices specially adapted for cleaning or disinfecting shavers or razors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a cleaning device for a razor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system consisting of a razor and a cleaning device and a method for cleaning a razor.
  • Shaver cleaning devices serve to remove adhering hair particles and other debris in the shaving head area.
  • Such cleaning devices are already known in various functional and design variants, which are operated partly manually and partly electrically.
  • a manually operated cleaning device is known from EP 0 743 883 B1.
  • a device for rinsing articles such as a shaving unit of a rotary dry shaver.
  • the known cleaning device has two containers for a rinsing liquid.
  • the one container has a variable volume, so that the rinsing liquid can be pumped by varying the volume between the containers and can be flushed with the liquid flow arranged in a receiving space between the containers shaving unit.
  • a filter is provided, through which the liquid flow is pressed in a predetermined flow direction by means of a valve arrangement.
  • a cleaning device for an electric razor which has a container with a receiving opening for the shaving head region of the razor.
  • a motor-driven conveyor for generating a circulating stream of a cleaning liquid and means for collecting hair particles and other particles are arranged.
  • the shaving head area is traversed by cleaning liquid and at the same time the razor connected to the cleaning device is put into operation.
  • DE 44 02 238 C2 discloses a cleaning device for the shaving head of a dry shaver.
  • the cleaning device has a receiving part for the shaving head of the shaver and at least one cleaning liquid container.
  • the receiving part is arranged above the liquid level of the cleaning liquid and can be supplied via a motor-driven conveyor with cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container.
  • the receiving part via an overflow device and / or connected via at least one outlet opening with the cleaning liquid container.
  • DE 690 21 898 T2 discloses a dry shaver with a drivable shearing member and a separately drivable oscillating device.
  • the vibrating device serves to dislodge hair particles and other contaminants adhering to the shaving member or other parts of the shaver.
  • the oscillating device is put into operation by reversing the direction of rotation of the electric motor of the razor compared with the direction of rotation used in the shaving operation. In this reverse direction of rotation is generated by means of a dog clutch, which drives the shearing member in the normal direction of rotation, a vibrational movement.
  • the invention has the object of providing a cleaning device for a razor in such a way that it can be produced inexpensively and provides a very good cleaning result with an acceptable ease of use.
  • the razor cleaning device has a storage container for storing a cleaning liquid and a cleaning container for receiving the razor.
  • the storage container has an outflow opening, through which the cleaning liquid can flow from the storage container into the cleaning container.
  • the invention is characterized in that the reservoir and the cleaning container are formed so that the level of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir above a predetermined minimum level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank and a generated by the height difference liquid flow from the reservoir is controllable in the cleaning container depending on the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container.
  • the invention has the advantage that a very good cleaning result can be achieved with relatively little effort. It is particularly advantageous that no conveyor for the cleaning liquid is needed and no other electrical or electronic components are required. Another advantage is the ease of use of the cleaning device according to the invention. Finally, it is still advantageous that at most the operation of the cleaning device according to the invention leads to a slight circulation of the cleaning liquid, so that detached from the shaver hair particles or other contaminants sediment almost undisturbed and thus for the cleaning process each have a relatively clean cleaning fluid available.
  • the liquid flow from the reservoir into the cleaning tank is only allowed if the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank is below the predetermined minimum level.
  • the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container regardless of the level of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir can be kept almost constant.
  • the minimum level can be set so that the razor arranged in the cleaning container is wetted with the cleaning liquid to a defined level. This has the advantage that the razor, regardless of the level of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir is always wetted to the same level with the cleaning liquid.
  • the outflow opening of the reservoir may be formed as a ventilation opening through which the reservoir is vented below the minimum level when the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank drops.
  • the minimum level can be specified by the height position of the outflow opening. In this way, the liquid level in the cleaning vessel can be kept constant with very simple means. Since this no moving parts are required, this embodiment of the device according to the invention operates particularly reliable and wear-free.
  • a shelf for the shaver may be formed.
  • the tray may have at least one opening in its bottom area. This has the advantage that can fall through the opening hair particles and / or dirt that are removed during the cleaning process from the shaver, from the interior of the tray. It is particularly advantageous if a reservoir for sedimenting hair particles and / or dirt is provided in the cleaning container. By these measures it is ensured that the cleaning liquid is available in each case in a relatively clean form for the cleaning of the shaver.
  • the cleaning device according to the invention may have a holding device for fixing the shaver in a position above the cleaning container.
  • the razor can be attached to this holding device for drying after the cleaning process.
  • the reservoir can have a viewing window for reading the filling level of the cleaning fluid. Such level control can be realized with little effort and is very reliable and accurate.
  • a particularly compact and stable embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention can be achieved in that the reservoir and the cleaning container are integrally formed with each other.
  • the invention further relates to a system consisting of a razor and the cleaning device according to the invention for cleaning the shaver.
  • the shaver has an activation device for activating a cleaning function, which temporarily puts the shaver into operation during the cleaning process.
  • the system according to the invention has the advantage that the razor can be equipped with an optimum for his design cleaning program and the cost of implementing the cleaning program can be omitted in the cleaning device.
  • the cleaning device does not require any electrical or electronic components, since the control is carried out by the shaver.
  • the actuator can be manually operated. Likewise, it is also possible to form the actuator so that it can be operated by the cleaning device and thus also eliminates the otherwise required for the operation of the actuator handle.
  • Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the cleaning device 1 according to the invention in a sectional view.
  • the cleaning device 1 has a cartridge 2 for storing a cleaning liquid 3.
  • a viewing window 4 for reading the level of the cleaning liquid 3 is inserted.
  • a trough 5 is laterally formed.
  • the tub 5 is in particular formed integrally with the cartridge 2. Via an outflow opening 6 in the side wall of the cartridge 2, the interior of the cartridge 2 is connected to the tub 5. Otherwise, the cartridge 2 is hermetically sealed, so that a liquid outlet from the cartridge 2 and an air inlet into the cartridge 2 is possible only via the discharge opening 6.
  • the tub 5 has a trough-shaped tray 7 for an electric shaver 8.
  • the tray 7 is provided in the region of its bottom with openings 9, which connect the interior of the tray 7 with a arranged under the tray 7 reservoir 10.
  • the openings 9 are arranged in particular at the lowest point of the tray 7.
  • the tray 7 is open so that the razor 8 can be positioned in the tray 7 in the region of its shaving head 11.
  • the razor 8 is not turned off in the tray 7, but fixed to a holding device 12 such that the shaving head 11 of the razor 8 is disposed above the tub 5.
  • This position of the razor 8 is hereinafter referred to as the drying position, since the razor 8 is moved to the drying position after the cleaning operation in this position.
  • the trough 5 is filled with the cleaning liquid 3 at least to a predetermined minimum level.
  • the cleaning device 1 according to the invention is designed so that when falling below the minimum level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5, the cleaning liquid 3 stored in the cartridge 2 flows through the outflow opening 6 into the tub 5. It is essential for the invention that the cleaning liquid 3 is not pumped by a pump from the cartridge 2 in the tub 5, but that a liquid flow from the cartridge 2 in the tub 5 is thereby generated that the level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the cartridge 2 above the minimum level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 is located.
  • the minimum level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 is predetermined by the upper edge of the outflow opening 6.
  • the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 coincides with the minimum level, ie the tub 5 is filled with the cleaning liquid 3 up to the upper edge of the outflow opening 6.
  • the cleaning liquid 3 does not flow out of the cartridge 2 into the tub 5 because the entire cross section of the outflow opening 6 on the outside of the Cartridge 2 is below the surface of the cleaning liquid 3. Consequently, no ambient air can flow through the discharge opening 6 in the otherwise hermetically sealed cartridge 2.
  • an outflow of the cleaning liquid 3 from the cartridge 2 is only possible if the negative pressure resulting in the cartridge 2 is at least partially degraded by a venting of the cartridge 2 via the outflow opening 6. This means that the cleaning liquid 3 can flow out of the cartridge 2 only when the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 3 drops below the minimum level and thereby the outflow opening 6 is released in its upper region.
  • Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 during the cleaning process in a sectional view.
  • the razor 8 is placed in the region of its shaving head 11 in the tray 7 of the tub 5, so that it occupies the cleaning position shown in Fig. 2.
  • the razor 8 is supported on the tub 5 via a first rubber pad 13 and bears against a second rubber pad 14 on the side wall of the cartridge 2. Any existing cover of the tub 5 is removed before.
  • the tub 5 is filled with the cleaning liquid 3 prior to arranging the razor 8 in the tray 7 up to the upper edge of the discharge opening 6. Since a certain volume of liquid is displaced by the shaver 8, the liquid level in the tub 5 rises slightly when the shaver 8 is immersed. This increase is taken into account in the design of the tub 5 and the discharge opening 6, so that the shaver 8 is wetted to a defined level with the cleaning liquid 3.
  • the razor 8 After a short soak time, the razor 8 is put into operation for a period of about one to two minutes.
  • the soaking time is such that in the subsequent phase of operation effective cleaning of the shaving head 11 is possible and yet the total time required for the cleaning process is not unnecessarily prolonged.
  • the start-up of the razor 8 can be carried out in different ways. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the shaver 8 with a Switch 15, which is also used in the implementation of a shave for switching on and off of the shaver 8, manually turned on and off again after a desired period of time.
  • a cleaning button for activating a cleaning program is provided on the razor 8 in addition to the switch 15, with the razor 8 is automatically put into operation after one manual operation of the cleaning button for one or more periods. In each case, a soaking time is provided between the operating phases.
  • the razor 8 is provided with an activation device for activating the cleaning program, which is automatically operated by the cleaning device 1 when the shaving head 11 is immersed in the trough 5, so that the cleaning program is started automatically.
  • the razor 8 is removed from the tub 5 and arranged in the drying position shown in Fig. 1.
  • the razor 8 is fixed to the holding device 12 such that the shaving head 11 is arranged above the trough 5. In this position, residues of the cleaning liquid 3 remaining on the shaving head 11 can possibly drip off into the tub 5.
  • the tub 5 is covered if the cleaning device 1 has a cover provided therefor.

Landscapes

  • Dry Shavers And Clippers (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Processing Of Meat And Fish (AREA)

Abstract

A shaving apparatus cleaning device includes a reservoir for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid and a cleaning receptacle for receiving the shaving apparatus. The reservoir has a discharge orifice through which the cleaning fluid is allowed to flow from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle. The reservoir and the cleaning receptacle are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir is higher than a pre-determined minimum level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle, and a flow of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir to the cleaning receptacle is controllable in dependence upon the actual fluid level in the cleaning receptacle.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Reinigungsvorrichtung für einen Rasierapparat. Weiterhin betrifft die Erfindung ein System bestehend aus einem Rasierapparat und einer Reinigungsvorrichtung sowie ein Verfahren zum Reinigen eines Rasierapparats.The invention relates to a cleaning device for a razor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system consisting of a razor and a cleaning device and a method for cleaning a razor.

Reinigungsvorrichtungen für Rasierapparate dienen dazu, im Scherkopfbereich anhaftende Haarpartikel und sonstige Verschmutzungen zu entfernen. Derartige Reinigungsvorrichtungen sind bereits in verschiedenen Funktions- und Konstruktionsvarianten bekannt, die teils manuell und teils elektrisch betrieben werden.Shaver cleaning devices serve to remove adhering hair particles and other debris in the shaving head area. Such cleaning devices are already known in various functional and design variants, which are operated partly manually and partly electrically.

Eine manuell betriebene Reinigungsvorrichtung ist aus der EP 0 743 883 B1 bekannt. Dort ist eine Vorrichtung zum Spülen von Gegenständen wie beispielsweise einer Rasiereinheit eines rotierenden Trockenrasierers offenbart. Die bekannte Reinigungsvorrichtung weist zwei Behälter für eine Spülflüssigkeit auf. Der eine Behälter besitzt ein variables Volumen, so daß die Spülflüssigkeit durch Variieren des Volumens zwischen den Behältern umgepumpt werden kann und mit dem Flüssigkeitsstrom die in einem Aufnahmeraum zwischen den Behältern angeordnete Rasiereinheit gespült werden kann. Zur Zurückhaltung von Verunreinigungen ist ein Filter vorgesehen, durch das der Flüssigkeitsstrom in einer mittels einer Ventilanordnung vorgegebenen Durchflußrichtung gepreßt wird.A manually operated cleaning device is known from EP 0 743 883 B1. There is disclosed a device for rinsing articles such as a shaving unit of a rotary dry shaver. The known cleaning device has two containers for a rinsing liquid. The one container has a variable volume, so that the rinsing liquid can be pumped by varying the volume between the containers and can be flushed with the liquid flow arranged in a receiving space between the containers shaving unit. For the retention of contaminants, a filter is provided, through which the liquid flow is pressed in a predetermined flow direction by means of a valve arrangement.

Aus der US 3 172 416 ist ein Reinigungsgerät für einen elektrischen Rasierer bekannt, das einen Behälter mit einer Aufnahmeöffnung für den Scherkopfbereich des Rasierers aufweist. In dem Behälter sind eine motorisch angetriebene Fördereinrichtung zur Erzeugung eines zirkulierenden Stroms einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit sowie eine Einrichtung zum Sammeln von Haarpartikeln und sonstigen Partikeln angeordnet. Zur Reinigung wird der Scherkopfbereich von Reinigungsflüssigkeit durchströmt und gleichzeitig der an das Reinigungsgerät angeschlossene Rasierer in Betrieb genommen.From US 3 172 416 a cleaning device for an electric razor is known which has a container with a receiving opening for the shaving head region of the razor. In the container, a motor-driven conveyor for generating a circulating stream of a cleaning liquid and means for collecting hair particles and other particles are arranged. For cleaning, the shaving head area is traversed by cleaning liquid and at the same time the razor connected to the cleaning device is put into operation.

Die DE 44 02 238 C2 offenbart eine Reinigungsvorrichtung für den Scherkopf eines Trokkenrasierers. Die Reinigungsvorrichtung weist ein Aufnahmeteil für den Scherkopf des Rasierapparats und wenigstens einen Reinigungsflüssigkeitsbehälter auf. Das Aufnahmeteil ist oberhalb des Flüssigkeitspegels der Reinigungsflüssigkeit angeordnet und ist über eine motorisch angetriebene Fördereinrichtung mit Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus dem Reinigungsflüssigkeitsbehälter versorgbar. Hierzu ist das Aufnahmeteil über eine Überlaufeinrichtung und/oder über mindestens eine Auslaßöffnung mit dem Reinigungsflüssigkeitsbehälter verbunden.DE 44 02 238 C2 discloses a cleaning device for the shaving head of a dry shaver. The cleaning device has a receiving part for the shaving head of the shaver and at least one cleaning liquid container. The receiving part is arranged above the liquid level of the cleaning liquid and can be supplied via a motor-driven conveyor with cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid container. For this purpose, the receiving part via an overflow device and / or connected via at least one outlet opening with the cleaning liquid container.

Schließlich ist es noch bekannt, die Reinigung eines Scherkopfes eines elektrischen Rasierapparats ohne externe Reinigungsvorrichtung vorzunehmen. In diesem Zusammenhang offenbart die DE 690 21 898 T2 einen Trockenrasierapparat mit einem antreibbaren Scherglied und einer getrennt antreibbaren Schwingvorrichtung. Die Schwingvorrichtung dient dazu, Haarteilchen und andere Verunreinigungen zu lösen, die am Scherglied oder an anderen Teilen des Rasierapparats haften. Die Schwingvorrichtung wird dadurch in Betrieb genommen, daß die Drehrichtung des Elektromotors des Rasierapparats verglichen mit der beim Rasierbetrieb eingesetzten Drehrichtung umgekehrt wird. Bei dieser umgekehrten Drehrichtung wird mittels einer Klauenkupplung, die bei normaler Drehrichtung das Scherglied antreibt, eine Schwingungsbewegung erzeugt. Für die Umkehrung der Drehrichtung ist am Rasierapparat ein Umpolschalter vorgesehen. Ebenso ist auch möglich, daß der Elektromotor nach dem Ausschalten des Rasierapparats für eine kurze Zeitspanne automatisch in umgekehrter Drehrichtung in Betrieb genommen wird.Finally, it is still known to carry out the cleaning of a shaving head of an electric shaver without external cleaning device. In this connection, DE 690 21 898 T2 discloses a dry shaver with a drivable shearing member and a separately drivable oscillating device. The vibrating device serves to dislodge hair particles and other contaminants adhering to the shaving member or other parts of the shaver. The oscillating device is put into operation by reversing the direction of rotation of the electric motor of the razor compared with the direction of rotation used in the shaving operation. In this reverse direction of rotation is generated by means of a dog clutch, which drives the shearing member in the normal direction of rotation, a vibrational movement. For the reversal of the direction of rotation of the shaver a Umpolschalter is provided. Likewise, it is also possible that the electric motor after switching off the shaver for a short period of time is automatically taken in the reverse direction of rotation in operation.

Mit den bekannten Reinigungsvorrichtungen lassen sich zwar zum Teil sehr gute Reinigungsergebnisse erzielen. Sie sind allerdings relativ aufwendig konstruiert und/oder umständlich zu bedienen.Although with the known cleaning devices can be achieved in part very good cleaning results. However, they are relatively expensive to construct and / or cumbersome to use.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Reinigungsvorrichtung für einen Rasierapparat so auszubilden, daß sie kostengünstig hergestellt werden kann und bei einem akzeptablen Bedienungskomfort ein sehr gutes Reinigungsergebnis liefert.The invention has the object of providing a cleaning device for a razor in such a way that it can be produced inexpensively and provides a very good cleaning result with an acceptable ease of use.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Reinigungsvorrichtung mit der Merkmalskombination des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a cleaning device with the combination of features of claim 1.

Die erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung für einen Rasierapparat weist einen Vorratsbehälter zur Bevorratung einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit und einen Reinigungsbehälter zur Aufnahme des Rasierapparats auf. Der Vorratsbehälter weist eine Ausströmöffnung auf, durch die die Reinigungsflüssigkeit vom Vorratsbehälter in den Reinigungsbehälter strömen kann. Die Erfindung zeichnet sich dadurch aus, daß der Vorratsbehälter und der Reinigungsbehälter so ausgebildet sind, daß der Füllstand der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Vorratsbehälter oberhalb eines vorgegebenen Mindestpegels der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Reinigungsbehälter liegt und ein durch die Höhendifferenz generierter Flüssigkeitsstrom vom Vorratsbehälter in den Reinigungsbehälter abhängig vom tatsächlichen Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Reinigungsbehälter steuerbar ist.The razor cleaning device according to the invention has a storage container for storing a cleaning liquid and a cleaning container for receiving the razor. The storage container has an outflow opening, through which the cleaning liquid can flow from the storage container into the cleaning container. The invention is characterized in that the reservoir and the cleaning container are formed so that the level of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir above a predetermined minimum level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank and a generated by the height difference liquid flow from the reservoir is controllable in the cleaning container depending on the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container.

Die Erfindung hat den Vorteil, daß ein sehr gutes Reinigungsergebnis mit einem relativ geringen Aufwand erzielbar ist. Dabei wirkt es sich besonders vorteilhaft aus, daß keine Fördereinrichtung für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit benötigt wird und auch keine sonstigen elektrischen oder elektronischen Komponenten erforderlich sind. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht in der einfachen Bedienbarkeit der erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung. Schließlich ist es noch von Vorteil, daß es beim Betrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung allenfalls zu einer geringen Umwälzung der Reinigungsflüssigkeit kommt, so daß vom Rasierapparat abgelöste Haarteilchen oder andere Verschmutzungen nahezu ungestört sedimentieren können und für den Reinigungsvorgang somit jeweils eine relativ saubere Reinigungsflüssigkeit zur Verfügung steht.The invention has the advantage that a very good cleaning result can be achieved with relatively little effort. It is particularly advantageous that no conveyor for the cleaning liquid is needed and no other electrical or electronic components are required. Another advantage is the ease of use of the cleaning device according to the invention. Finally, it is still advantageous that at most the operation of the cleaning device according to the invention leads to a slight circulation of the cleaning liquid, so that detached from the shaver hair particles or other contaminants sediment almost undisturbed and thus for the cleaning process each have a relatively clean cleaning fluid available.

In einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird der Flüssigkeitsstrom vom Vorratsbehälter in den Reinigungsbehälter nur dann zugelassen, wenn der tatsächliche Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Reinigungsbehälter unterhalb des vorgegebenen Mindestpegels liegt. Dadurch kann der tatsächliche Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Reinigungsbehälter unabhängig vom Füllstand der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Vorratsbehälter nahezu konstant gehalten werden. Der Mindestpegel kann so bemessen werden, daß der im Reinigungsbehälter angeordnete Rasierapparat bis zu einem definierten Niveau mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit benetzt wird. Dies hat den Vorteil, daß der Rasierapparat unabhängig vom Füllstand der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Vorratsbehälter immer bis zum gleichen Niveau mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit benetzt wird.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid flow from the reservoir into the cleaning tank is only allowed if the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank is below the predetermined minimum level. As a result, the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning container, regardless of the level of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir can be kept almost constant. The minimum level can be set so that the razor arranged in the cleaning container is wetted with the cleaning liquid to a defined level. This has the advantage that the razor, regardless of the level of the cleaning liquid in the reservoir is always wetted to the same level with the cleaning liquid.

Die Ausströmöffnung des Vorratsbehälters kann als Belüftungsöffnung ausgebildet sein, durch die der Vorratsbehälter beim Absinken des tatsächlichen Pegels der Reinigungsflüssigkeit im Reinigungsbehälter unter den Mindestpegel belüftet wird. Dabei kann der Mindestpegel durch die Höhenposition der Ausströmöffnung vorgegeben werden. Auf diese Weise kann der Flüssigkeitspegel im Reinigungsgefäß mit sehr einfachen Mitteln konstant gehalten werden. Da hierzu keinerlei bewegliche Teile erforderlich sind, arbeitet dieses Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung besonders zuverlässig und verschleißfrei.The outflow opening of the reservoir may be formed as a ventilation opening through which the reservoir is vented below the minimum level when the actual level of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning tank drops. In this case, the minimum level can be specified by the height position of the outflow opening. In this way, the liquid level in the cleaning vessel can be kept constant with very simple means. Since this no moving parts are required, this embodiment of the device according to the invention operates particularly reliable and wear-free.

Im Reinigungsbehälter kann eine Ablage für den Rasierapparat ausgebildet sein. Die Ablage kann in ihrem Bodenbereich wenigstens eine Durchbrechung aufweisen. Dies hat den Vorteil, daß durch die Durchbrechung Haarteilchen und/oder Verschmutzungen, die beim Reinigungsvorgang vom Rasierapparat abgelöst werden, aus dem Innenbereich der Ablage absinken können. Dabei ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn im Reinigungsbehälter ein Reservoir zum Absedimentieren von Haarteilchen und/oder Verschmutzungen vorgesehen ist. Durch diese Maßnahmen ist gewährleistet, daß die Reinigungsflüssigkeit jeweils in relativ sauberer Form für die Reinigung des Rasierapparats zur Verfügung steht.In the cleaning container, a shelf for the shaver may be formed. The tray may have at least one opening in its bottom area. This has the advantage that can fall through the opening hair particles and / or dirt that are removed during the cleaning process from the shaver, from the interior of the tray. It is particularly advantageous if a reservoir for sedimenting hair particles and / or dirt is provided in the cleaning container. By these measures it is ensured that the cleaning liquid is available in each case in a relatively clean form for the cleaning of the shaver.

Die erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung kann eine Halteeinrichtung zur Fixierung des Rasierapparats in einer Position oberhalb des Reinigungsbehälters aufweisen. An dieser Halteeinrichtung kann der Rasierapparat nach dem Reinigungsvorgang zum Trocknen angebracht werden. Weiterhin kann der Vorratsbehälter ein Sichtfenster zum Ablesen des Füllstands der Reinigungsflüssigkeit aufweisen. Eine derartige Füllstandskontrolle läßt sich mit wenig Aufwand realisieren und ist sehr zuverlässig und präzise. Eine besonders kompakte und stabile Ausführung der erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung läßt sich dadurch erreichen, daß der Vorratsbehälter und der Reinigungsbehälter einteilig miteinander ausgebildet sind.The cleaning device according to the invention may have a holding device for fixing the shaver in a position above the cleaning container. The razor can be attached to this holding device for drying after the cleaning process. Furthermore, the reservoir can have a viewing window for reading the filling level of the cleaning fluid. Such level control can be realized with little effort and is very reliable and accurate. A particularly compact and stable embodiment of the cleaning device according to the invention can be achieved in that the reservoir and the cleaning container are integrally formed with each other.

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein System bestehend aus einem Rasierapparat und der erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung zur Reinigung des Rasierapparats. Der Rasierapparat weist eine Betätigungseinrichtung zur Aktivierung einer Reinigungsfunktion auf, die den Rasierapparat während des Reinigungsvorgangs zeitweise in Betrieb nimmt.The invention further relates to a system consisting of a razor and the cleaning device according to the invention for cleaning the shaver. The shaver has an activation device for activating a cleaning function, which temporarily puts the shaver into operation during the cleaning process.

Das erfindungsgemäße System hat den Vorteil, daß der Rasierapparat mit einem für seine Bauart optimalen Reinigungsprogramm ausgestattet werden kann und der Aufwand für die Realisierung des Reinigungsprogramms bei der Reinigungsvorrichtung entfallen kann. Insbesondere kommt die Reinigungsvorrichtung ohne jegliche elektrische oder elektronische Komponenten aus, da die Steuerung vom Rasierapparat vorgenommen wird.The system according to the invention has the advantage that the razor can be equipped with an optimum for his design cleaning program and the cost of implementing the cleaning program can be omitted in the cleaning device. In particular, the cleaning device does not require any electrical or electronic components, since the control is carried out by the shaver.

Die Betätigungseinrichtung kann manuell bedienbar sein. Ebenso ist es auch möglich, die Betätigungseinrichtung so auszubilden, daß sie durch die Reinigungsvorrichtung bedienbar ist und somit auch noch der andernfalls für die Bedienung der Betätigungseinrichtung erforderliche Handgriff entfällt.The actuator can be manually operated. Likewise, it is also possible to form the actuator so that it can be operated by the cleaning device and thus also eliminates the otherwise required for the operation of the actuator handle.

Die Erfindung wird nachstehend anhand des in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels einer manuellen Reinigungsvorrichtung erläutert.The invention will be explained below with reference to the embodiment of a manual cleaning device shown in the drawing.

Es zeigen

Fig. 1
ein Ausführungsbeispiel für die erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung mit einem Rasierapparat in Trocknungsposition in Schnittdarstellung,
Fig. 2
das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 1 mit dem Rasierapparat in Reinigungsposition in Schnittdarstellung.
Show it
Fig. 1
an embodiment of the inventive cleaning device with a razor in drying position in a sectional view,
Fig. 2
the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the razor in cleaning position in a sectional view.

Fig. 1 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel für die erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 in Schnittdarstellung. Die Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 weist eine Kartusche 2 zur Bevorratung einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 auf. In die Seitenwand der Kartusche 2 ist ein Sichtfenster 4 zum Ablesen des Füllstandes der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 eingelassen. Im unteren Bereich der Kartusche 2 ist seitlich eine Wanne 5 angeformt. Die Wanne 5 ist insbesondere einteilig mit der Kartusche 2 ausgebildet. Über eine Ausströmöffnung 6 in der Seitenwand der Kartusche 2 ist der Innenraum der Kartusche 2 mit der Wanne 5 verbunden. Ansonsten ist die Kartusche 2 hermetisch verschlossen, so daß ein Flüssigkeitsaustritt aus der Kartusche 2 und ein Lufteintritt in die Kartusche 2 ausschließlich über die Ausströmöffnung 6 möglich ist. Die Wanne 5 weist eine muldenförmig ausgebildete Ablage 7 für einen elektrischen Rasierapparat 8 auf. Die Ablage 7 ist im Bereich ihres Bodens mit Durchbrechungen 9 versehen, die den Innenbereich der Ablage 7 mit einem unter der Ablage 7 angeordneten Reservoir 10 verbinden. Die Durchbrechungen 9 sind insbesondere an der tiefsten Stelle der Ablage 7 angeordnet. Nach oben hin ist die Ablage 7 offen, damit der Rasierapparat 8 im Bereich seines Scherkopfes 11 in der Ablage 7 positioniert werden kann. In dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten Betriebszustand ist der Rasierapparat 8 nicht in der Ablage 7 abgestellt, sondern an einer Halteeinrichtung 12 derart fixiert, daß der Scherkopf 11 des Rasierapparats 8 über der Wanne 5 angeordnet ist. Diese Position des Rasierapparats 8 wird im folgenden als Trocknungsposition bezeichnet, da der Rasierapparat 8 nach dem Reinigungsvorgang zum Trocknen in diese Position verbracht wird.Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the cleaning device 1 according to the invention in a sectional view. The cleaning device 1 has a cartridge 2 for storing a cleaning liquid 3. In the side wall of the cartridge 2, a viewing window 4 for reading the level of the cleaning liquid 3 is inserted. In the lower part of the cartridge 2, a trough 5 is laterally formed. The tub 5 is in particular formed integrally with the cartridge 2. Via an outflow opening 6 in the side wall of the cartridge 2, the interior of the cartridge 2 is connected to the tub 5. Otherwise, the cartridge 2 is hermetically sealed, so that a liquid outlet from the cartridge 2 and an air inlet into the cartridge 2 is possible only via the discharge opening 6. The tub 5 has a trough-shaped tray 7 for an electric shaver 8. The tray 7 is provided in the region of its bottom with openings 9, which connect the interior of the tray 7 with a arranged under the tray 7 reservoir 10. The openings 9 are arranged in particular at the lowest point of the tray 7. At the top, the tray 7 is open so that the razor 8 can be positioned in the tray 7 in the region of its shaving head 11. In the operating state shown in Fig. 1, the razor 8 is not turned off in the tray 7, but fixed to a holding device 12 such that the shaving head 11 of the razor 8 is disposed above the tub 5. This position of the razor 8 is hereinafter referred to as the drying position, since the razor 8 is moved to the drying position after the cleaning operation in this position.

Für eine ordnungsgemäße Durchführung der Reinigung des Rasierapparats 8 mit Hilfe der erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 ist es erforderlich, daß die Wanne 5 wenigstens bis zu einem vorgegebenen Mindestpegel mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 gefüllt ist. Die erfindungsgemäße Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 ist so ausgebildet, daß bei einem Unterschreiten des Mindestpegels der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 die in der Kartusche 2 bevorratete Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 durch die Ausströmöffnung 6 in die Wanne 5 nachströmt. Dabei ist es von wesentlicher Bedeutung für die Erfindung, daß die Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 nicht mittels einer Pumpe von der Kartusche 2 in die Wanne 5 gepumpt wird, sondern daß ein Flüssigkeitsstrom von der Kartusche 2 in die Wanne 5 dadurch generiert wird, daß der Füllstand der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Kartusche 2 oberhalb des Mindestpegels der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 liegt. Beim dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel wird der Mindestpegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 durch die Oberkante der Ausströmöffnung 6 vorgegeben. In der Fig. 1 stimmt der tatsächliche Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 mit dem Mindestpegel überein, d. h. die Wanne 5 ist bis zur Oberkante der Ausströmöffnung 6 mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 gefüllt. Allerdings kommt es trotz der Höhendifferenz zwischen dem Füllstand der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 und dem tatsächlichen Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 nicht zu einem Ausströmen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 von der Kartusche 2 in die Wanne 5, da der gesamte Querschnitt der Ausströmöffnung 6 auf der Außenseite der Kartusche 2 unter der Oberfläche der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 liegt. Folglich kann keine Umgebungsluft durch die Ausströmöffnung 6 in die ansonsten hermetisch verschlossene Kartusche 2 einströmen. Ein Ausströmen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 aus der Kartusche 2 ist aber nur dann möglich, wenn der dadurch in der Kartusche 2 entstehende Unterdruck durch ein Belüften der Kartusche 2 über die Ausströmöffnung 6 wenigstens partiell abgebaut wird. Dies bedeutet, daß die Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 erst dann aus der Kartusche 2 ausströmen kann, wenn der tatsächliche Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 3 unter den Mindestpegel absinkt und dadurch die Ausströmöffnung 6 in ihrem oberen Bereich freigegeben wird.For a proper execution of the cleaning of the shaver 8 by means of the cleaning device 1 according to the invention, it is necessary that the trough 5 is filled with the cleaning liquid 3 at least to a predetermined minimum level. The cleaning device 1 according to the invention is designed so that when falling below the minimum level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5, the cleaning liquid 3 stored in the cartridge 2 flows through the outflow opening 6 into the tub 5. It is essential for the invention that the cleaning liquid 3 is not pumped by a pump from the cartridge 2 in the tub 5, but that a liquid flow from the cartridge 2 in the tub 5 is thereby generated that the level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the cartridge 2 above the minimum level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 is predetermined by the upper edge of the outflow opening 6. In FIG. 1, the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 coincides with the minimum level, ie the tub 5 is filled with the cleaning liquid 3 up to the upper edge of the outflow opening 6. However, despite the height difference between the filling level of the cleaning liquid 3 and the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5, the cleaning liquid 3 does not flow out of the cartridge 2 into the tub 5 because the entire cross section of the outflow opening 6 on the outside of the Cartridge 2 is below the surface of the cleaning liquid 3. Consequently, no ambient air can flow through the discharge opening 6 in the otherwise hermetically sealed cartridge 2. However, an outflow of the cleaning liquid 3 from the cartridge 2 is only possible if the negative pressure resulting in the cartridge 2 is at least partially degraded by a venting of the cartridge 2 via the outflow opening 6. This means that the cleaning liquid 3 can flow out of the cartridge 2 only when the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 3 drops below the minimum level and thereby the outflow opening 6 is released in its upper region.

Wenn es beispielsweise durch Verdunstung der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 zu einem Absinken des tatsächlichen Pegels der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 unter den Mindestpegel kommt, strömt Umgebungsluft durch den freien Querschnitt der Ausströmöffnung 6 in die Kartusche 2 ein. Dadurch wird der Unterdruck in der Kartusche 2 wenigstens partiell abgebaut, so daß die in der Kartusche 2 bevorratete Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 durch die Ausströmöffnung 6 von der Kartusche 2 in die Wanne 5 strömt. Die ausströmende Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 hat eine Zunahme des Unterdrucks in der Kartusche 2 zur Folge, die nur solange durch einströmende Umgebungsluft ausgeglichen werden kann, solange der tatsächliche Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 unterhalb der Oberkante der Ausströmöffnung 6 liegt, d. h. bis der Mindestpegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 erreicht ist. Ab diesem Zeitpunkt führt das Ausströmen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 aus der Kartusche 2 zu einem Ansteigen des Unterdrucks in der Kartusche 2. Da der Unterdruck dem Ausströmen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 aus der Kartusche 2 entgegenwirkt, wird der Flüssigkeitsstrom in der Folge unterbrochen.If, for example, evaporation of the cleaning fluid 3 causes the actual level of the cleaning fluid 3 in the tub 5 to drop below the minimum level, ambient air flows into the cartridge 2 through the free cross section of the outflow opening 6. Thereby, the negative pressure in the cartridge 2 is at least partially degraded, so that the stocked in the cartridge 2 cleaning liquid 3 flows through the discharge opening 6 of the cartridge 2 in the tub 5. The effluent cleaning liquid 3 results in an increase in the negative pressure in the cartridge 2, which can only be compensated by inflowing ambient air as long as the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 is below the upper edge of the discharge opening 6, ie until the minimum level of Cleaning liquid 3 is reached in the tub 5. From this point, the outflow of the cleaning liquid 3 from the cartridge 2 leads to an increase in the negative pressure in the cartridge 2. Since the negative pressure Outflow of the cleaning liquid 3 from the cartridge 2 counteracts, the liquid flow is interrupted in the sequence.

Mit jedem Belüften der Kartusche 2, das durch ein Absinken des tatsächlichen Pegels der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 unter den Mindestpegel ausgelöst wird, strömt somit eine gewisse Menge der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 von der Kartusche 2 in die Wanne 5, so daß der tatsächliche Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 wieder über den Mindestpegel angehoben wird. Durch das Zusammenspiel der Belüftung der Kartusche 2 und des Ausströmens der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 von der Kartusche 2 in die Wanne 5, wird der tatsächliche Pegel der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in der Wanne 5 ohne aktives Zutun fortwährend wenigstens auf Höhe des Mindestpegels gehalten. Dadurch wird sichergestellt, daß der zur Reinigung in die Wanne 5 eingetauchte Rasierapparat 8 unabhängig vom Füllstand der Kartusche 2 stets bis zu einem definierten Niveau mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 benetzt wird. Die Reinigung des Rasierapparats 8 mit Hilfe der erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 wird im folgenden anhand der Fig. 2 beschrieben.With each venting of the cartridge 2, which is triggered by a drop in the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 below the minimum level, thus flows a certain amount of the cleaning liquid 3 from the cartridge 2 into the tub 5, so that the actual level of Cleaning liquid 3 is raised in the tub 5 again above the minimum level. Due to the interplay of the ventilation of the cartridge 2 and the outflow of the cleaning liquid 3 from the cartridge 2 into the tub 5, the actual level of the cleaning liquid 3 in the tub 5 is maintained without active action continuously at least at the level of the minimum level. This ensures that the razor 8 submerged in the tub 5 for cleaning is always wetted with the cleaning liquid 3, irrespective of the level of the cartridge 2, to a defined level. The cleaning of the razor 8 using the cleaning device 1 according to the invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 2.

Fig. 2 zeigt das Ausführungsbeispiel aus Fig. 1 während des Reinigungsvorgangs in Schnittdarstellung. Zum Reinigen wird der Rasierapparat 8 im Bereich seines Scherkopfes 11 in der Ablage 7 der Wanne 5 plaziert, so daß er die in Fig. 2 dargestellte Reinigungsposition einnimmt. Dabei stützt sich der Rasierapparat 8 über eine erste Gummiauflage 13 auf der Wanne 5 ab und liegt an einer zweiten Gummiauflage 14 an der Seitenwand der Kartusche 2 an. Eine ggf. vorhandene Abdeckung der Wanne 5 wird zuvor entfernt. Wie anhand der Fig. 1 beschrieben, ist die Wanne 5 vor dem Anordnen des Rasierapparats 8 in der Ablage 7 bis zur Oberkante der Ausströmöffnung 6 mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 gefüllt. Da durch den Rasierapparat 8 ein gewisses Flüssigkeitsvolumen verdrängt wird, steigt der Flüssigkeitspegel in der Wanne 5 beim Eintauchen des Rasierapparats 8 geringfügig an. Dieser Anstieg ist bei der Auslegung der Wanne 5 und der Ausströmöffnung 6 berücksichtigt, so daß der Rasierapparat 8 bis zu einem definierten Niveau mit der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 benetzt wird.Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Fig. 1 during the cleaning process in a sectional view. For cleaning, the razor 8 is placed in the region of its shaving head 11 in the tray 7 of the tub 5, so that it occupies the cleaning position shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the razor 8 is supported on the tub 5 via a first rubber pad 13 and bears against a second rubber pad 14 on the side wall of the cartridge 2. Any existing cover of the tub 5 is removed before. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the tub 5 is filled with the cleaning liquid 3 prior to arranging the razor 8 in the tray 7 up to the upper edge of the discharge opening 6. Since a certain volume of liquid is displaced by the shaver 8, the liquid level in the tub 5 rises slightly when the shaver 8 is immersed. This increase is taken into account in the design of the tub 5 and the discharge opening 6, so that the shaver 8 is wetted to a defined level with the cleaning liquid 3.

Nach einer kurzen Einweichzeit wird der Rasierapparat 8 für eine Zeit von ca. ein bis zwei Minuten in Betrieb genommen. Die Einweichzeit ist so bemessen, daß in der darauffolgenden Betriebsphase eine wirksame Reinigung des Scherkopfes 11 möglich ist und dennoch die insgesamt für den Reinigungsvorgang benötigte Zeit nicht unnötig verlängert wird. Die Inbetriebnahme des Rasierapparats 8 kann auf unterschiedliche Weise durchgeführt werden. Bei dem in Fig. 2 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel wird der Rasierapparat 8 mit einem Schalter 15, der auch bei der Durchführung einer Rasur zum Ein- und Ausschalten des Rasierapparats 8 verwendet wird, manuell eingeschaltet und nach einer gewünschten Zeitspanne wieder ausgeschaltet. In einer nicht figürlich dargestellten Abwandlung ist am Rasierapparat 8 zusätzlich zum Schalter 15 eine Reinigungstaste zur Aktivierung eines Reinigungsprogramms vorgesehen, mit dem der Rasierapparat 8 nach der manuellen Bedienung der Reinigungstaste automatisch für eine oder mehrere Zeitspannen in Betrieb genommen wird. Dabei ist zwischen den Betriebsphasen jeweils eine Einweichzeit vorgesehen. In einer weiteren Abwandlung ist der Rasierapparat 8 mit einer Betätigungseinrichtung zur Aktivierung des Reinigungsprogramms ausgestattet, die beim Eintauchen des Scherkopfes 11 in die Wanne 5 von der Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 automatisch bedient wird, so daß das Reinigungsprogramm automatisch gestartet wird.After a short soak time, the razor 8 is put into operation for a period of about one to two minutes. The soaking time is such that in the subsequent phase of operation effective cleaning of the shaving head 11 is possible and yet the total time required for the cleaning process is not unnecessarily prolonged. The start-up of the razor 8 can be carried out in different ways. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the shaver 8 with a Switch 15, which is also used in the implementation of a shave for switching on and off of the shaver 8, manually turned on and off again after a desired period of time. In a non-figurative modification, a cleaning button for activating a cleaning program is provided on the razor 8 in addition to the switch 15, with the razor 8 is automatically put into operation after one manual operation of the cleaning button for one or more periods. In each case, a soaking time is provided between the operating phases. In a further modification, the razor 8 is provided with an activation device for activating the cleaning program, which is automatically operated by the cleaning device 1 when the shaving head 11 is immersed in the trough 5, so that the cleaning program is started automatically.

Durch die Inbetriebnahme des Rasierapparats 8 kann jeweils eine intensive Reinigungswirkung erzielt werden und es können Haarteilchen und andere Verschmutzungen aus dem Bereich des Scherkopfes 11 entfernt werden. Dies beruht auf einer Relativbewegung zwischen der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 und den Bestandteilen des Scherkopfes 11, die mit Hilfe des Antriebsmotors des Rasierapparats 8 erzeugt wird, so daß bei der erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 auf eine elektrisch betriebene Fördereinrichtung für die Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 verzichtet werden kann. Die abgelösten Haarteilchen und Verschmutzungen können durch die Durchbrechungen 9 der Ablage 7 in das Reservoir 10 absinken und dort absedimentieren. Dabei wird durch die Ablage 7 weitgehend verhindert, daß die Haarteilchen und Verschmutzungen bei der Inbetriebnahme des Rasierapparats 8 wieder aufgewirbelt werden. Der Reinigungsvorgang kann über die Dimensionierung der Betriebszeiten des Rasierapparats 8 und der dazwischen liegenden Einweichzeiten im Hinblick auf das Reinigungsergebnis und die für die Reinigung insgesamt benötigte Zeit optimiert werden.By putting the razor 8 into operation, in each case an intensive cleaning action can be achieved and it is possible to remove hair particles and other contaminants from the region of the shaving head 11. This is due to a relative movement between the cleaning liquid 3 and the components of the shaving head 11, which is generated by means of the drive motor of the shaver 8, so that in the cleaning device 1 according to the invention can be dispensed with an electrically operated conveyor for the cleaning liquid 3. The detached hair particles and dirt can sink through the openings 9 of the tray 7 in the reservoir 10 and there sediment. It is largely prevented by the filing 7 that the hair particles and dirt are whirled up again during start-up of the razor. The cleaning process can be optimized by the dimensioning of the operating times of the shaver 8 and the intermediate soaking with respect to the cleaning result and the total time required for cleaning.

Nach Beendigung des Reinigungsvorgangs wird der Rasierapparat 8 aus der Wanne 5 entnommen und in der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Trocknungsposition angeordnet. Dabei wird der Rasierapparat 8 derart an der Halteeinrichtung 12 befestigt, daß der Scherkopf 11 über der Wanne 5 angeordnet ist. In dieser Position können ggf. am Scherkopf 11 verbliebene Reste der Reinigungsflüssigkeit 3 in die Wanne 5 abtropfen. Wenn der Rasierapparat 8 getrocknet ist, wird die Wanne 5 abgedeckt, falls die Reinigungsvorrichtung 1 eine dafür vorgesehene Abdeckung aufweist.After completion of the cleaning operation, the razor 8 is removed from the tub 5 and arranged in the drying position shown in Fig. 1. In this case, the razor 8 is fixed to the holding device 12 such that the shaving head 11 is arranged above the trough 5. In this position, residues of the cleaning liquid 3 remaining on the shaving head 11 can possibly drip off into the tub 5. When the shaver 8 is dried, the tub 5 is covered if the cleaning device 1 has a cover provided therefor.

Claims (14)

  1. A cleaning device for a shaving apparatus (8), with a reservoir (2) for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid (3) and a cleaning receptacle (5) for receiving the shaving apparatus (8), said reservoir (2) having a discharge orifice (6) through which the cleaning fluid (3) is allowed to flow from the reservoir (2) to the cleaning receptacle (5), characterized in that the reservoir (2) and the cleaning receptacle (5) are designed so that the level of the cleaning fluid (3) in the reservoir (2) is higher than a predetermined minimum level of the cleaning fluid (3) in the cleaning receptacle (5), and a current of fluid generated by the difference between levels and flowing from the reservoir (2) to the cleaning receptacle (5) is controllable in dependence upon the actual level of the cleaning fluid (3) in the cleaning receptacle (5).
  2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the current of fluid is not allowed to flow from the reservoir (2) to the cleaning receptacle (5) until the actual level of the cleaning fluid (3) in the cleaning receptacle (5) is lower than the predetermined minimum level.
  3. The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the minimum level is calculated such that the shaving apparatus (8) arranged in the cleaning receptacle (5) is wetted with the cleaning fluid (3) up to a defined level.
  4. The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge orifice (6) of the reservoir (2) is constructed as a ventilation orifice through which the reservoir (2) is aerated when the level of the cleaning fluid in the cleaning receptacle (5) drops below the minimum level.
  5. The cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the minimum level is predetermined by the height position of the discharge orifice (6).
  6. The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the cleaning receptacle (5) provision is made for a support (7) for the shaving apparatus (8).
  7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the support (7) has at least one aperture (9) in its bottom area.
  8. The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning receptacle (5) includes a collector (10) for the settling of hair particles and/or debris.
  9. The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that provision is made for a holding device (12) for holding the shaving apparatus (8) in a fixed position above the cleaning receptacle (5).
  10. The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (2) has a viewing window (4) for reading off the level of the cleaning fluid (3).
  11. The cleaning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (2) and the cleaning receptacle (5) are made integrally of one piece.
  12. A system comprising a shaving apparatus (8) and a cleaning device (1) for cleaning the shaving apparatus (8), characterized in that the cleaning device (1) is constructed in accordance with any one of the preceding claims and the shaving apparatus (8) has an actuating device for activating a cleaning function that puts the shaving apparatus (8) into operation temporarily during the cleaning cycle.
  13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating device is designed for manual operation.
  14. The system according to any one of the claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the actuating device is designed for operation via the cleaning device (1).
EP04710800A 2003-04-04 2004-02-13 Cleaning device for a shaver Expired - Lifetime EP1610643B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE10315453A DE10315453A1 (en) 2003-04-04 2003-04-04 Cleaning device for a shaver
PCT/EP2004/001386 WO2004086899A1 (en) 2003-04-04 2004-02-13 Cleaning device for a shaver

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EP1610643A1 EP1610643A1 (en) 2006-01-04
EP1610643B1 true EP1610643B1 (en) 2007-03-21

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EP (1) EP1610643B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4468945B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100464662C (en)
AT (1) ATE357164T1 (en)
DE (2) DE10315453A1 (en)
RU (1) RU2308862C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2004086899A1 (en)

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DE19937167C1 (en) * 1999-08-06 2000-03-23 Braun Gmbh Shaver cleaning device has a changeable cleaning fluid container with an inlet and sealed-off outlet, a motor-driven feeder and a seal between drain pipe and inlet
JP4511217B2 (en) * 2004-02-26 2010-07-28 パナソニック電工株式会社 Depilatory cleaning equipment

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JP2006521846A (en) 2006-09-28
JP4468945B2 (en) 2010-05-26
CN1767772A (en) 2006-05-03
DE502004003281D1 (en) 2007-05-03
RU2005134219A (en) 2006-03-20
DE10315453A1 (en) 2004-11-04
RU2308862C2 (en) 2007-10-27
WO2004086899A1 (en) 2004-10-14
CN100464662C (en) 2009-03-04
US20060048794A1 (en) 2006-03-09
EP1610643A1 (en) 2006-01-04
ATE357164T1 (en) 2007-04-15
US7261110B2 (en) 2007-08-28

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