Device for Cleaning a Wet-Shave Razor

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a single-use or multi-use wet-shave razor with a shaving head, consisting of a housing and a rinsing device for rinsing out the shaving head of the wet-shave razor. In accordance with the invention, it is provided that a support and cleaning unit (10) with a support (9) for the shaving head (N2) is provided inside the housing (3), the support and cleaning unit (10) comprising one or more rollers (11) which are arranged on an axis (12) and can be set in rotation in such a way that the impact elements (15) arranged on the circumference of the roller (11) strike the blade/blades (N3) of the shaving head (N2) by the rotation of the roller (11).

Skip to: Description  ·  Claims  · Patent History  ·  Patent History
Description

The present invention refers to a device for cleaning a wet-shave razor as defined in the preamble of Claim 1.

STATE OF THE ART

Wet-shave razors usually consist of a shaving head and a hand grip element hinged to the shaving head.

In the case of so-called single-use razors, which are intended for disposable use only, the hand grip element is usually movably connected to the shaving head. A special design, especially for multi-use wet razors, also provides for a flexible, i.e. articulated connection between the hand grip element and the shaving head.

The shaving head itself consists of a housing in which one or more razor blades are arranged parallel to each other. These razor blades are arranged in such a way that the shaving head can be guided over the skin, whereby the hair that reaches underneath the shaving head is cut while it is being guided. A first razor blade takes over the first cut to length, whereby the other and the following razor blades are responsible for a more intensive shave, in which the hair is cut even further or those that have not been caught with the first razor blade are then regrooved.

Wet shaving razors must be thoroughly cleaned after each use in order to remove the hairs that accumulate between the razor blades and also to bacterially clean the razor. The hair must be removed in order to improve the shaving result. The more hair there is in the space between the blades, the worse the cutting result will be. This is usually done under running water (tap) or in, preferably, heated water, for example in a container or wash basin. Since the razor blades are very sharp, it is not recommended to stroke the razor blades with your hand. Cleaning can only be done by moving the razor back and forth in the water or under the very wide water jets of the tap.

However, the cleaning result is not satisfactory. Instead, a lot of water is used and the necessary purpose of completely removing the hair and bacterially cleaning the razor so that it is suitable for use again is not achieved.

However, the user also has the option of using single-use razors more than once. Again, the razors are cleaned under a jet of water and knocked to remove—at least partially—the hair between the razor blades.

The aforementioned poor cleaning of shaving equipment and razor blades shortens their service life, so that they have to be replaced after only a short time or these so-called single-use razors can only be used one more time, but only to an undesirable level of quality.

For example, EP 1 897 461 A1 describes a device for cleaning a an electric razor. This electric razor is placed in a cleaning device and the razor head of the electric razor is sprayed with a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid, which is stored in a reservoir in the cleaning device, is heated by another device. The shaver head is sprayed by a rigidly arranged spraying device. The waste water is collected in a waste water tank.

A device for cleaning wet-shave razors is known from the WO 942260 A1, in which the shaving head of the wet-shave razor is cleaned with a jet of water. The cleaning device is coupled to a water pipe. An appropriate nozzle ensures that the cleaning takes place evenly over the razor blades of the shaving head.

DE 31 42 178 A1 also depicts a device for cleaning wet-shave razors. It also describes a device in which a water jet tries to clean the razor blades. The addition of cleaning agents is also recommended.

US 2013/0008030 A1 describes a device for cleaning a dry-shave razors that is fixed upside down in a bowl with its razor head. After fixing, the dry-shave razor is cleaned by means of wobbling and rinsing.

DE 539 122 describes a cleaning device for wet-shave razors. The wet-shave razor is guided into a container filled with water and stored in a basket. A cleaning effect is achieved by turning the razor in the device.

The Purpose of the Invention

The purpose of this invention is to propose a cleaning device for wet-shave razors which, in comparison with the state of the art, provides a better cleaning effect, taking into account water savings and the longer life of the razor blades.

The Solution to the Task

The solution to the task is provided by the characteristics of Claim 1.

Advantages of the Invention

The basic idea of the invention for cleaning a shaving head of wet-shave razors is to provide a device in which dirt particles such as hair, scales, grease particles or the like are automatically removed between the razor blades of the shaving head and at the same time the sharpening of the razor blades is protected so that they can continue to be used in almost the same quality.

It has been found that only with a very high level of water consumption can a partially satisfactory result be achieved by removing the hair between the razor blades. It has also been found that when water is used, detergents must be added to achieve an adequate cleaning result.

However, the invention goes the way of setting the blade or the blades of the shaving head in motion, preferably in oscillation, and simultaneously rinsing with water. The vibrations loosen the dirt particles sticking to the razor blades, so that the dirt particles only have to be removed from the razor blades with little rinsing effort compared to previously known cleaning processes. There is no need to use chemical cleaning agents.

For this purpose it is inventively provided to provide a housing in which at least the shaving head of the wet-shave razor is placed on or in a support and cleaning unit.

In addition to the support for the shearing head, the support and cleaning unit comprises at least one rotating roller which is driven externally. Preferably, several rollers are arranged on a common axis. On the circumference of the axis there are beater elements which strike the blade/blades of the shearing head by rotation. This causes the blade(s) to vibrate. The beater elements can be movable elements protruding from the circumference of the roller. Beater elements can be small lobes, one end of which is captively attached to the roller.

Another design of the roller is that several roller elements are arranged next to each other on one axis. These have a core diameter that is dimensioned by the axis. On the circumference of each roller element there are elevations which extend from the imaginary line of the core diameter and, after an elevation which deviates further from the core diameter, lead back to it again. This is provided several times on the circumference of a roller element. This means that the circumference of a roller element is meander-shaped. The individual meander-shaped elevations of the respective roller elements are arranged offset to each other, so that a “meeting” of the blade(s) is only possible at short intervals.

The roll or the roller elements consist of a soft plastic, which also includes abrasive material in a preferred design. This makes it possible to sharpen the blade(s).

The mechanical impact of the beater elements on the blade(s) of the shaving head causes corresponding vibrations at different frequencies and thus a movement of the blade(s) in such a way that the dirt particles between the razor blades are loosened. The flapping motion can be oscillating or chaotic. When using different rollers, which are arranged on a common shaft, the striking elements can be arranged offset to each other, so that in different rhythms a striking on the heavy head takes place. The differently generated oscillations are superimposed so that the dirt particles are easily loosened.

The aim is to at least loosen the hairs on the razor blade or in the space between the razor blades by moving the blade(s) so that they can be rinsed out with water. One or more injection units directed directly or indirectly at the razor blade then rinses out the spaces and thus also the slightly detached dirt particles on the respective blade with water. The injection unit is connected to a water reservoir by a pipe system via a small pump. In order to collect the waste water generated by the rinsing process and the dissolved dirt particles, a container is provided which can then be replaced by the user at the appropriate filling level.

Alternatively, the present system can also be equipped with a closed water circuit, so that it is not necessary to refill the water tank for cleaning. The closed system has filters that clean it before further use.

The cleaning process preferably runs automatically. In a special version, the user can decide whether a drying process should be connected to the cleaning process.

Further formations ensure that the corresponding movements are at least supported by ultrasound.

Due to the high frequency, this results in an even better cleaning effect, which in turn means that even less water is required for the rinsing process.

Another further formation provides that also a disinfection takes place. By adding a further nozzle, it is foreseen that the appropriate disinfectant will be dispensed via the razor blades after the cleaning process, so that the corresponding formation of bacteria during storage is prevented. A suitable reservoir is also provided for this purpose, from which the appropriate liquid is then supplied via a small pump. Disinfection can preferably take place via cartridges that can be inserted into the device. This ensures easy handling. If commercially available cleaning cartridges are used, cost-effective production is possible. As a further formation, it is planned that a combination of cleaning and disinfecting agents will also be used. It is feasible that the processes are either single-stage or two-stage. This means that either because of the detergent and disinfectant a single process, or if detergent and disinfectant are separate, two processes for cleaning and disinfection take place. Thus, a detergent and/or disinfectant is present, which is stored in a carriage, which can be removed from the cleaning device and used, for the corresponding output.

Another further formation includes the provision of an ultraviolet lamp in addition to or as an alternative to the aforementioned means. Preferably such a UV light is intended, which prevents also the bacteria formation between the razor blades, so that it is not necessary to use an appropriate disinfectant as spray liquid.

The entire device is to be considered as a self-sufficient system. A, preferably, rechargeable power supply unit ensures that the relevant processes, such as beating, spraying, etc., are carried out automatically. These can either be activated by appropriate actuating elements, such as a switch, or a contact can be made by placing the shaving head in the contact area of the cleaning unit, so that the cleaning process then runs without the user having to take any further steps.

An alternative design provides for the device to be attached to a shower bar or to a washbasin. This in turn has the advantage that it is not absolutely necessary for the device to have a collection container for the waste water, as this can flow directly into the drain of the shower or washbasin.

The wet-shave razor should, preferably, be cleaned in an almost closed room, so that the surroundings of the device are not affected in any way. The device will pick up the appropriate spray liquids.

The device itself has a modular design. This means that first the basic housing with the water storage container and the integrated storage and cleaning unit with the corresponding power supply is provided as a basic model. This also has the advantage that the storage and cleaning device (consisting of the roller(s) as well as the storage of the rollers and possibly also the integrated storage) can be replaced as an assembly, so that an easy replacement is possible in case of wear by the user of the device. Alternatively, part of this assembly can also be the filter element necessary for a closed circuit. This means that all parts subject to wear and tear of the cleaning device can be replaced in a single operation.

The power supply itself can be designed in different ways. On the one hand, it is planned to be able to use the device with batteries or rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, the power supply can be transmitted to the device via a network part. The basic idea is to operate the device preferably in the low-voltage range.

The other advantageous configurations can then be added by the manufacturer as additives and optionally depending on the corresponding application. Preferably, the fixture already has appropriate mounting devices so that the fixture can be assembled in a modular system.

All the versions described above can optionally be combined with a device for sharpening the razor blades. This can be done either by the storage and cleaning unit itself or by another part of the sharpening device, such as leather, fabric or a polymer. There may also be provision for means for straightening the razor blades.

A mirror may also be present as an integral part of the device. This makes it possible to install the device in a shower or bath so that shaving can take place directly on site in the area of the device. In order to prevent the mirror from fogging up, it is intended to apply an anti-fog coating to the mirror. Alternatively, a fan can also be provided in the device, which preferably flows air to both the cleaned razor and the mirror at the same time to prevent fogging of the mirror and to dry the cleaned razor.

Further advantageous designs can be found in the following description, the drawings and the claims.

FIGURES

The following represent:

FIG. 1 A perspective view of a first design example of a cleaning device;

FIG. 2 Another perspective view of the design example according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 A cut through the cleaning device in accordance with FIG. 1, along line V in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 A cut through the cleaning device in accordance with FIG. 1, along line IV in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 A cut through the cleaning device in accordance with FIG. 1, along line III in accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 6[A] A perspective view of the design example in accordance with FIG. 1, but with the cover element open to show the beater element;

FIG. 6[B] A perspective enlarged illustration of the beater element in accordance with FIG. 6[B];

FIG. 7 A perspective view of the cleaning device, but with an alternative design of a roller;

FIG. 8 A perspective view of an assembly for insertion into the housing of the cleaning device, consisting of a roller, partial drive and filter element;

FIG. 9 A rearward perspective view of the design example in accordance with FIG. 1, but with another cover element open to show the drying ventilation;

FIG. 10 A perspective view of the design example in accordance with FIG. 1, but with the wet razor in place;

FIG. 11. A first example of a possible mounting of the design example with a mirror on a wall using a suction cup;

FIG. 12 A further example of a possible mounting of the design example with a mirror on a wall using a clamp element.

 DESCRIPTION OF A DESIGN EXAMPLE

FIGS. 1 to 10 show an example of a cleaning device 1. The cleaning device 1 is used to pick up and clean a wet-shave razor N (FIG. 10-12).

The wet-shave razor N described consists of a handle element N1 and a shaving head N2 arranged on the hand grip element. The shaving head N2 in turn comprises at least one blade N3 for cutting the beard hairs/hairs.

The cleaning device 1 consists of a housing 3 and a power supply unit 4. The housing 3 has side walls 5 and an opening 6 into which the wet razor intended for cleaning can be inserted. The opening 6 is dimensioned so that at least the shaving head N2 can be inserted. This opening 6 can be closed by a cover element. A window 2 gives the possibility to monitor the shearing head during the cleaning process. This inspection window 2 is located above the cleaning device 10.

For cleaning, a water reservoir 7 is provided, which is also located inside the housing 3. An unspecified pipe system connects the water tank 7 with a spraying device directed at the shaving head of the wet razor to be cleaned. This spraying device may comprise one or more jets of water.

The cleaning device 1 also includes a support and cleaning device 10. It comprises a support 9 for receiving the N2 shaving head of the wet razor N and one or more rollers 11 arranged on a common axis 12. The rollers 11 are externally driven. Preferably a transmission belt 13 is provided which is powered by a motor 14. This sets axis 12 in rotation with roller 11/roller 11. The beater elements 15 are arranged at the circumference of the rollers 11. These beater elements 15 have a flap-like design. This means that these protrude radially from the circumference of roll 11 and are undetachably arranged with one side on the circumference of roll 11. The remaining part of the beater element 15 is freely movable. The length of the freely movable part is dimensioned in such a way that it extends to the support 9 and thus reaches the shearing head N2, which rests on the support 9, by rotating the roll 11/roll 11.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternative design of roller 11. The beater elements 15 are formed in such a way that the circumference of the respective roller 11 is wave-shaped. The wavy design extends perpendicular to the axis 12. A special design provides that the beater elements 15 of the respective rollers 11 are arranged offset to each other. Alternatively, the body of the roll 11 and the percussion element 15 can also be made of different materials.

To carry out the cleaning process, the wet-shave razor N is inserted into the opening 6 in such a way that the shaving head N2 comes into contact with the support 9 of the support and cleaning device 10. The rotation of the rollers 11 is started by the support of the wet-shave razor N. As a result, the beater elements 15 reach the blades N3 of the shearing head N2 in rhythm or chaotically. This beater causes the blade N3 to vibrate and at least slightly loosens sticky hairs. A water jet directed at the blades N3 supports the loosening process and washes away the dirt particles from the blade N3. Thus the blade N3 or the shaving head N2 is cleaned.

The flushed out liquid then drains through the sewer into an unspecified container for the collection of the corresponding waste water. Alternatively, a closed water circulation system can also be provided.

The rinsing process described above can be carried out in different ways. On one hand, it is possible for a continuous water jet to take place via the spraying device. In order to cover the entire width of the blade, the jet of the spraying device is intended to be broadly diversified, to encompass several water jets or to be oscillating in one or more water jets. This can be electrically controlled. On the other hand it is possible that the water jet exits the nozzle pulsating. Due to the associated impulse, a higher cleaning power can be achieved. In addition, the last described design can save water.

A further formation that in addition—either via the same spraying device or a further outlet—air is given to the shearing head or the blades and the spaces between them. The air can be discharged either in batches to the water jet or after the water has been cleaned. The air itself exits either pulsating or continuous.

The process is preferably automatic. Once the cleaning process is complete, the beater movements and the corresponding rinsing process end, so that the user can see that he can now remove the wet razor from the cleaning device again. The cleaning process is complete.

The roller 11/rollers 11 can be easily replaced. The axis 12 protrudes beyond the longitudinal extension of the rollers 11 and can thus be brought into the correct position in the direction of arrow 16 in a guide 14 provided in the cleaning device 1.

In FIG. 8 an alternative assembly 8 is shown. Irrespective of the design of roller 11, the entire assembly, which preferably includes all wear elements of cleaning device 1, can be removed and replaced at once. In addition to the roller 11, the assembly can also include a filter element (not shown in detail) and drive elements.

In order for the cleaned wet-shave razor N to dry faster, a blower device 17 is integrated in the cleaning device 1. This blower device 17 can be activated via a switching element 18. A fan 19, as part of the blower 17, blows air from outlet ducts 20 against the N2 shaving head of the wet-shave razor N arranged from cleaning device 1.

In the design examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 a mirror 21 is provided. This is arranged in the air flow of the blower device 17 so that it is straight in the bathroom or under the shower fog-free. Therefore the blower device 17 in such a design has a second function.

The cleaning device 1 thus makes it possible to gently clean single-use wet-shave razors as well as multi-use wet-shave razors, so that the hair inside the razor blades and the corresponding dirt are almost removed. This in turn makes it possible for single-use wet-shave razors to be used several times. Due to the modular design, it is possible to provide additional disinfection devices or other cleaning agents.

With the cleaning device 1 a device is provided with which wet-shave razors 2 can be cleaned in a very simple and efficient way.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST Device for Cleaning a Wet-Shave Razor

    • 1 Cleaning device
    • 2 Inspection window
    • 3 Housing
    • 4 Power supply unit
    • 5 Side walls
    • 6 Opening
    • 7 Water reservoir
    • 8 Assembly
    • 9 Support
    • 10 Support and cleaning device
    • 11 Roller
    • 12 Axis
    • 13 Transmission belts
    • 14 Conduct
    • 15 Beater element
    • 16 Arrow direction
    • 17 Blower device
    • 18 Switching element
    • 19 Ventilator
    • 20 Exhaust ducts
    • 21 Mirror
    • N Wet-shave razor
    • N1 Hand grip element
    • N2 Shaver head
    • N3 Blades

Claims

1. Device for cleaning a single-use or multi-use wet-shave razor with a shaving head, comprising a housing and a rinsing device for rinsing out the shaving head of the wet-shave razor, characterized in that a support and cleaning unit with a support for the shaving head is provided inside the housing, the supporting and cleaning unit comprising one or more rollers which are arranged on an axis and can be set in rotation in such a way that the beater elements arranged on the circumference of the roller strike the blade/blades of the shearing head by the rotation of the roller.

2.-11. (canceled)

12. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that the beater elements are movable elements projecting from the periphery of the roller.

13. Cleaning device according to claim 2 characterized in that the beater elements are small lobes which are fixed firmly at one end to the roller.

14. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that the beater elements are fixed elements projecting from the circumference of the roller and formed in such a way that the circumference of the roller perpendicular to the axis is regularly or irregularly undulated.

15. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rotation of the roller is triggered automatically or by an additional actuation by the introduction of the wet razor to be cleaned into the region of the supporting and cleaning unit, the impact movement being oscillating or chaotic.

16. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that a nozzle is provided which is connected to a water reservoir by a pipe system via a pump, and wherein this nozzle, directed towards the blade/blades, rinses or rinses off the spaces and/or the surfaces of the blade/blades by a water jet.

17. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that a device with a UV-light for disinfecting the wet razor is provided inside the housing in the region of the reception of the shaving head.

18. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that the cleaning device is operated with battery or accumulator or with water power.

19. Cleaning device according to claim 15 characterized in that the water jet which emerges from the nozzle is pulsating.

20. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that a cleaning agent and/or a disinfectant is provided, which is stored in a tray, which can be removed from the cleaning device and used, for the corresponding dispensing.

21. Cleaning device according to claim 1 characterized in that, in addition, an air jet is alternately or simultaneously emitted onto the shaving head of the wet-shave razor.

Patent History
Publication number: 20190307222
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 11, 2017
Publication Date: Oct 10, 2019
Inventor: Peter ` Hug (Gaienhofen)
Application Number: 16/340,477
Classifications
International Classification: A45D 27/46 (20060101);