Enhanced shaver cleaning station cartridge and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A shaver cleaning station cartridge (22) is provided for insertion into a slot defined in the shaver cleaning station, the cartridge being suitable for containing cleaning fluid for cleaning a shaver docked in the shaver cleaning station. Additionally, a method for manufacturing such a cartridge is provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station and a method for manufacturing such a cartridge.

[0002] The cartridge is used by inserting the cartridge into a shaver cleaning station, where cleaning fluid is applied to a shaver docked in the shaver cleaning station.

[0003] Accordingly, the present disclosure also provides a shaver cleaning station assembly comprising a shaver cleaning station, one or more of the cartridges, and optionally a shaver. [Background technology]

[0004] Shaver maintenance tends to involve cleaning the shaver and lubricating the moving parts of the shaver. Such maintenance can help to extend the operational life of the shaver. However, performing such maintenance can be tedious for the user.

[0005] At least some of the burden on the user can be alleviated by the shaver being dockable in a shaver cleaning station that allows the shaver, for example specifically the shaving heads of the shaver, to be cleaned when the shaver is docked in the shaver cleaning station.

[0006] A shaver cleaning station cartridge may provide cleaning fluid for application to shaver parts, such as shaving heads, when the shaver is docked in the shaver cleaning station. The cartridge may be a consumable item that requires replacement from time to time.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,874,514 (B1) discloses a cleaning station and cleaning cartridge for cleaning a shaver in the station with fluid pumped from the cartridge into the station. The cartridge includes, in its overall outer shape, side ears that are used to form abutments on the inside of the cleaning station for the cartridge. A plurality of uniformly shaped partition walls protrude from the inner surface of the base portion into the internal space of the cartridge, and the partition walls define compartments that can collect debris from cleaning fluid received into the internal space from the shaver cleaning station. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,874,514(B1) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station for insertion into a slot defined in the shaver cleaning station and for containing a cleaning fluid suitable for cleaning a shaver docked in the shaver cleaning station, the cartridge comprising: a base portion; a cover portion; first and second side wall portions each standing between the base portion and the cover portion and defining a hollow portion together with the base portion and the cover portion; a first end wall portion closing a first end of the hollow portion; and a second end wall portion closing a second end of the hollow portion opposite the first end, wherein an internal space for receiving the cleaning fluid is defined within the hollow portion between the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion. and an interface for establishing a fluid pathway for cleaning fluid between the internal space and the shaver cleaning station when the cartridge is secured in the slot, wherein a plurality of partition walls protrude from an inner surface of the base portion into the internal space, the partition walls defining compartments capable of collecting debris from cleaning fluid received into the internal space from the shaver cleaning station, the partition walls including a first partition wall and a second partition wall, the second partition wall protruding further from the internal surface into the internal space than the first partition wall, and the second partition wall defining at least opposing portions of a regular polygonal or circular shape of one or more of the compartments when the internal surface is viewed in plan.

[0010] It should be noted that the term "shaver" as used herein may refer to an electric device for cutting hair having at least one driven cutting blade that cuts hair between the cutting blade and a further blade by movement relative to the further blade, e.g. a fixed blade.

[0011] The compartment may provide a receptacle within which debris, such as bristles, may settle which contaminate the cleaning fluid used to clean the shaver. In addition to at least partially defining such a compartment, a second compartment wall of greater height may add further rigidity / stiffness to the base portion in addition to that inherently provided by the regular polygonal or circular shape of the compartment.

[0012] The increased stiffness / rigidity provided by the taller second compartment wall can also aid in the manufacture of the base portion, for example, by aiding in welding the second thermoplastic component comprising the base portion to the first thermoplastic component comprising the cover portion. In particular, greater stiffness / rigidity of the base portion can reduce the risk of warping of the base portion, which can interfere with welding, e.g., mirror welding, of the first thermoplastic component to the second thermoplastic component.

[0013] It should be noted that the welding process may require the wall portion of the second thermoplastic component to be taller than the compartment walls, and in particular taller than the second compartment wall, In this way, the risk of melting the compartment walls, including the second compartment wall, during welding of the first and second thermoplastic components together can be minimized or eliminated.

[0014] Therefore, rather than simply making all walls included in the second thermoplastic component taller, this may explain the walls adjacent to the wall portion / connection area between the first and second thermoplastic components, particularly the partition walls, being shorter in height than the wall portion.

[0015] Thus, the compartment walls, including the first compartment wall and the taller second compartment wall, can act synergistically with the cartridge, including the first and second thermoplastic components welded together, to provide a robust cartridge that is easy to manufacture by welding, for example, miller welding.

[0016] Increasing the rigidity / stiffness of the base portion can also help to impart structural robustness to the cartridge, particularly in terms of assisting the base portion to withstand the vapor pressure of cleaning fluid contained within the interior space of the cartridge, for example, during storage and transport of the cartridge.

[0017] It should be noted that a shorter height first partition wall may help minimize fluid flow inefficiencies while also helping to reduce the amount of material, e.g., thermoplastic, included in the base portion.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second compartment wall defines the entire regular polygonal or circular shape of the compartment.

[0019] Alternatively, the second compartment wall may define opposing portions of the regular polygonal or circular shape of each of the one or more compartments, with the remaining portion of the regular polygonal or circular shape being defined by the first compartment wall.

[0020] Examples of regular polygonal shapes of compartments in which opposing portions are defined by taller second compartment walls include squares, hexagons, and octagons. Particularly mentioned are hexagonal compartments, i.e., compartments each separated by six hexagonally arranged compartment walls. In such examples, the taller second compartment walls may define one, two, or all three opposing pairs of hexagonally arranged compartment walls.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second compartment wall protrudes from the inner surface into the interior space at least 10%, preferably at least 20% more than the first compartment wall protrudes from the inner surface into the interior space.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the second partition wall may protrude from the inner surface to a height of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, for example, about 3.7 mm, and the first partition wall may protrude from the inner surface to a height of 2.7 mm to 3.2 mm, for example, about 2.9 mm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second compartment wall includes a first interconnected configuration of second compartment walls that are elongated and extend longitudinally between the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion adjacent the first side wall portion. In this manner, by increasing the height of the compartment wall adjacent the first side wall portion, the increased rigidity provided by the second compartment wall can be provided in an area at higher risk of bulging due to expansion of vapors from the cleaning liquid within the interior space.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the second compartment wall may include a second interconnected arrangement of second compartment walls, the second interconnected arrangement being elongated and extending longitudinally between the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion adjacent the second side wall portion.

[0025] This may also help to increase the rigidity provided by the second compartment wall in areas where there is a higher (further) risk of bulging of the base portion due to expansion of vapor from the cleaning liquid in the interior space.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second partition wall includes a first interconnected configuration and a second interconnected configuration, e.g., the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configuration are separate from one another, in other words, do not share a second partition wall that is common to both the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configuration.

[0027] In such embodiments, the symmetry provided by including both the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configuration may aid in the manufacture of the base portion, for example, by minimizing the risk of warpage during molding of the second thermoplastic component that comprises the base portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second compartment wall includes a third interconnected configuration of the second compartment wall, the third interconnected configuration being disposed within a central region between the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion.

[0029] In such embodiments, the central region may, for example, be closer to the second end wall portion than to the first end wall portion.

[0030] Such a third interconnected configuration of the second compartment walls may further help to reduce the risk of bulging due to cleaning fluid contained within the interior space.

[0031] In some embodiments, a plurality of elongated support ribs protrude from the inner surface of the base portion into the interior space, the plurality of elongated support ribs including at least one longitudinal support rib extending between the first and second end wall portions and / or at least one lateral support rib extending between the first and second side wall portions. The combination of the second compartment wall and the elongated support ribs can provide the base portion with particularly enhanced structural robustness.

[0032] In some embodiments, the at least one longitudinal support rib includes a first longitudinal support rib extending adjacent the first sidewall portion and a second longitudinal support rib extending adjacent the second sidewall portion, the first longitudinal support rib being spaced apart from the second longitudinal support rib.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one lateral support rib may include a first lateral support rib and a second lateral support rib spaced apart from the first lateral support rib.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first end wall portion differs from the second end wall portion at least in that the first end wall portion includes an attachment mechanism that is engaged with a positioning component of the shaver cleaning station during securing of the cartridge in the slot. Having the attachment mechanism provided by the first end wall portion rather than the second end wall portion may reduce the risk of the cartridge being inserted into the slot in the wrong orientation.

[0035] In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes a recess defined in the first end wall portion, at least a portion of the positioning component being receivable within the recess.

[0036] A recess defined in the first end wall portion can provide an easily manufacturable method of ensuring that the cartridge is properly inserted into the slot.

[0037] The interior space may (partially) surround the recess.

[0038] In this way, the volume of the interior space can be maximized despite including a recess in the mounting mechanism.

[0039] It should be noted that the term "partially" (in parentheses) modifying the interior space surrounding the recess reflects that the first end wall portion that closes the first end of the hollow portion of the cartridge and in which the recess is defined essentially prevents the interior space from surrounding the entire recess.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion extends axially from the first end wall portion, the axial extension of the first sidewall portion culminating at a junction where the first sidewall portion meets the second end wall portion, and at the junction the second end wall portion extends toward the second sidewall portion.

[0041] By having the first side wall portion extend axially from the first end wall portion to the junction with the second end wall portion, a relatively compact cartridge can be provided that is more efficient to package, store, and transport.

[0042] The axial extension of the first sidewall portion can refer to the first sidewall portion having a straightness that allows the first sidewall portion to contact a flat surface over the length of the first sidewall portion between where the first sidewall portion meets the first end wall portion and where the first sidewall portion meets the second end wall portion.

[0043] It should be noted that the flat surface may be, for example, a side wall portion of another cartridge, or a side wall of a carton for housing the cartridge.

[0044] The packability of the cartridge may be improved, for example, compared to cartridges in which the sidewall portion includes an outwardly protruding region disposed along the sidewall portion between which the sidewall portion meets the end wall portion of the cartridge, such an outwardly protruding region meaning that the sidewall portion of such a cartridge cannot contact a flat surface along its length.

[0045] The axially extending first side wall portion may increase the risk that a user will incorrectly insert the cartridge into the slot of the shaver cleaning station, but this risk may be mitigated by the attachment mechanism being provided by the first end wall portion rather than the second end wall portion.

[0046] Thus, although the cartridge can be inserted into the slot first or second end wall portion first, the attachment mechanism provided by the first end wall portion in particular can help the user to properly secure the cartridge in the slot.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion extends in a planar plane between the location where the first sidewall portion meets the first end wall portion (in other words, the point where the first end wall portion extends from the first sidewall portion toward the second sidewall portion) and the junction between the first sidewall portion and the second end wall portion.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second sidewall portion extends axially from the first end wall portion, and the axial extension of the second sidewall portion culminates in a further junction where the second sidewall portion meets the second end wall portion, where the second end wall portion extends toward the first sidewall portion, which may improve the compactness and packability of the cartridge for reasons similar to those provided above with respect to the axially extending first sidewall portion.

[0049] The axial extension of the second sidewall portion can refer to the second sidewall portion having a straightness that allows the second sidewall portion to contact a flat surface over the length of the second sidewall portion between the location where the second sidewall portion meets the first end wall portion and the location where the second sidewall portion meets the second end wall portion.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second sidewall portion extends in a planar plane between the location where the second sidewall portion meets the first end wall portion (in other words, the point where the first end wall portion extends from the second sidewall portion towards the first sidewall portion) and a further junction between the second sidewall portion and the second end wall portion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first and second sidewall portions extend axially parallel to one another. Such parallel first and second sidewall portions may further enhance the compactness and packability of the cartridge.

[0052] In such an embodiment, the cartridge cavity defined by the first and second sidewall portions upstanding between the base and cover portions may include a box-shaped portion.

[0053] A cartridge including such a box-shaped portion may be efficiently stackable with other such cartridges, for example, in a carton. In particular, by having parallel sidewall portions, the cartridge may be sandwiched, for example, between two adjacent cartridges, with a first sidewall portion being able to closely approximate one sidewall portion of the adjacent cartridge and a second parallel sidewall portion being able to closely approximate the other sidewall portion of the adjacent cartridge.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a first thermoplastic component including a cover portion and a second thermoplastic component including a base portion, and the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded to one another.

[0055] Welding the first and second thermoplastic components together can provide an easily implemented method for robustly manufacturing the cartridge. The welding can be performed by any suitable method, particularly mirror welding or laser welding, which can be used to weld the first and second thermoplastic components together.

[0056] The thermoplastic materials included in the first and second thermoplastic components can be of any suitable type, hi some embodiments, the first and second thermoplastic components each include a polyolefin, such as polypropylene.

[0057] Polypropylene can help provide the cartridge with a stiffness capable of withstanding the vapor pressure of the cleaning fluid contained within the interior space of the cartridge, for example, during storage and transport of the cartridge. Additionally, crystallization of the molten polypropylene during the welding process can provide a relatively robust polypropylene weld seam.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second thermoplastic component includes a weld rib for welding to a further weld rib included in the first thermoplastic component to form an internal rib extending into the hollow portion when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded together.

[0059] The internal ribs may help to ensure that the first and second thermoplastic components are securely welded together, as well as to guide the flow of cleaning fluid within the interior space.

[0060] In some embodiments, the internal rib extends between the second end wall portion and the first end wall portion to separate the interior space into a pair of chambers. Nevertheless, openings may be provided to allow cleaning fluid to flow from the chamber into which it is initially received from the shaver cleaning station to the chamber from which it is subsequently returned to the shaver cleaning station.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second thermoplastic component further includes a mirror rib that mirrors the shape and extension of the weld rib without being welded when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded together.

[0062] Although there is no welding to the mirror rib when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded together, the risk of warping of the base portion during manufacturing can be minimized by the mirror rib mirroring the shape and extension of the weld rib.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an outer surface facing away from the interior space, the outer surface being included in each of the first side wall portion, the second side wall portion, the first end wall portion, and the second end wall portion.

[0064] In such an embodiment, the exterior surface may include a first surface portion of a first thermoplastic component and a second surface portion of a second thermoplastic component.

[0065] The first surface portion and the second surface portion may be separated from one another by a weld seam.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the first surface portion and the second surface portion of the outer surface of the cartridge may be aligned with one another.

[0067] It should be noted that the term "aligned" in this context may mean that the offset between the first surface portion and the second surface portion is limited to no more than 0.6 mm, preferably no more than 0.4 mm.

[0068] Aligned, or in other words flush, first and second surface portions on each side of the weld seam can help to balance the compactness / packability of the cartridge with the requirement that the cartridge be able to accommodate a reasonably large amount of cleaning fluid.

[0069] In other words, the second thermoplastic component including the base portion may not substantially protrude laterally beyond an imaginary plane defined by the outer surface of the first thermoplastic component, e.g., the first surface portion.

[0070] In this regard, the increased compactness / packability of the cartridge resulting from the first side wall portion extending axially from the first end wall portion to the second end wall portion may be accompanied by a reduction in the volume of the interior space of the cartridge compared to, for example, a cartridge in which the side wall portion includes an outwardly protruding region disposed along the side wall portion between which the side wall portion meets the cartridge end wall portion, because the outwardly protruding region may serve to increase the volume of the interior space.

[0071] However, by aligning the first surface portion and the second surface portion with one another, the cartridge can be designed to have a larger internal volume than a cartridge in which the second surface portion protrudes outward beyond the first surface portion, for example, such that the inner first surface portion limits the volume of the internal space and the outer second surface portion defines the outermost contour of the cartridge.

[0072] It should be noted that the cartridge according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein may include a cleaning fluid, which is contained within the interior space of the cartridge.

[0073] Therefore, a cartridge whose internal space is pre-filled with cleaning liquid can be conveniently supplied to a user.

[0074] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing a cartridge according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the method comprising molding a base portion from a thermoplastic material.

[0075] Particular mention may be made of injection molding the base portion from a thermoplastic material.

[0076] In some embodiments, the method includes welding the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component to each other while the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are aligned by a tooling member such that the first surface portion and the second surface portion are aligned with each other.

[0077] Thus, the tooling member, e.g., workpiece carrier, may help to align the first and second thermoplastic components, for example, without having to provide such alignment by structure of the first and / or second thermoplastic components themselves, which may help to provide a more compact cartridge since alignment features may be omitted from the first and second thermoplastic components.

[0078] In some embodiments, a gap is initially defined in an interface region between the first and second thermoplastic components, and thereafter receives molten thermoplastic material from the first and second thermoplastic components during welding.

[0079] In such an embodiment, the tooling member may be positioned to prevent the escape of molten thermoplastic from the gap, thus reducing the risk of unwanted bulging of the thermoplastic beyond the outer surface at the weld seam. This may help to improve the appearance of the cartridge and minimize the risk that the weld seam will interfere with the insertion of the cartridge into the slot of the shaver cleaning station.

[0080] Further provided is a shaver cleaning station assembly comprising a cartridge according to any of the embodiments described herein, a shaver cleaning station into which the cartridge is insertable, and optionally a shaver for docking to the shaver cleaning station. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0081] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a shaver cleaning station assembly according to an example; [Figure 2A] 1A-1C are various views of the exterior of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station according to an example; [Figure 2B] 1A-1C are various views of the exterior of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station according to an example; [Figure 2C] 1A-1C are various views of the exterior of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station according to an example; [Figure 2D] 1A-1C are various views of the exterior of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station according to an example; [Figure 2E] 1A-1C are various views of the exterior of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station according to an example; [Figure 2F] 1A-1C are various views of the exterior of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station according to an example; [Figure 3] FIG. 2C is a view of the interior of the first thermoplastic component of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 2A-2F. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2C is a view of a second thermoplastic component of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 2A-2F. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2C is a view of a second thermoplastic component of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 2A-2F. [Figure 5A] 4A-4B are cross-sectional views showing the first and second thermoplastic components shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A / 4B, respectively, approaching each other during manufacture of the cartridge; [Figure 5B] 4A-4B are cross-sectional views illustrating the welding of the first and second thermoplastic components shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A / 4B, respectively, to one another. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is an enlarged view illustrating welding of a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component according to an example. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 is an enlarged view illustrating welding of a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component according to an example. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram of a second thermoplastic component according to another example. [Figure 7B]FIG. 10 is a diagram of a second thermoplastic component according to another example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0082] A shaver cleaning station cartridge is provided for insertion into a slot defined in the shaver cleaning station, the cartridge being suitable for containing cleaning fluid for cleaning a shaver docked in the shaver cleaning station, and a method for manufacturing such a cartridge is also provided.

[0083] 1 illustrates an example shaver cleaning station assembly 10. A shaver 12 is shown docked in a shaver cleaning station 14 of the shaver cleaning station assembly 10.

[0084] The shaving head 16 of the shaver 12 may be the part of the shaver 12 that comes into contact with and shaves hair from a body part of a user, such as the face, during use of the shaver 12.

[0085] The shaving head 16 may be designed in any suitable manner to shave hair from a user's body part. For example, the shaving head 16 may include a guard blade and a cutting blade whose reciprocating motion relative to the guard blade, driven by a motor included in the shaver 12, cuts hair between the cutting blade and the guard blade.

[0086] The shaving head 16 may become contaminated with debris, such as hair / bristles, during use of the shaver 12, and / or moving parts, such as the cutting blades and guard blades of the shaving head 16, may require lubrication to maintain reliable operation of the shaver 12.

[0087] The shaver cleaning station 14 can be used to clean the shaver 12, for example, to clean the shaving heads 16, when the shaver 12 is docked at the shaver cleaning station 14. The shaver cleaning station 14 can also be used, for example, to lubricate the moving parts of the shaving heads 16.

[0088] To this end, the shaver cleaning station 14 may include a cleaning cradle 18 for receiving at least a portion of the shaver 12 , for example at least a portion of the shaving head 16 .

[0089] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the shaver cleaning station 14 includes a support element 20 for supporting the shaving head 16 when the shaving head 16 is at least partially received within the cleaning cradle 18 .

[0090] The support element 20 may include a resilient, e.g., elastomeric, support element 20. Such a resilient support element 20 may help protect the shaving head 16 from damage when the shaving head 16 is received within the cleaning cradle 18.

[0091] The shaver cleaning station cartridge 22 includes an interior space 24 for containing a cleaning fluid 26 that can be used to clean the shaver 12 docked in the shaver cleaning station 14. The cleaning fluid 26 may be used, for example, to lubricate the moving parts of the shaving head 16.

[0092] The cleaning solution 26 may be formulated in any suitable manner so long as the cleaning solution 26 is capable of cleaning and lubricating the moving parts of the shaver 12. In at least some embodiments, the cleaning solution 26 includes a cleaning agent, such as a surfactant composition, and a solvent.

[0093] The solvent may include ethanol and / or propanol, such as propan-2-ol.

[0094] In some embodiments, the solvent comprises ethanol and / or propanol, such as propan-2-ol.

[0095] Such an alcohol-based cleaning solution 26 may help disinfect the shaver 12 when applied to the shaver 12 during cleaning using the shaver cleaning station 14. Furthermore, drying of the shaver 12 after cleaning using such an alcohol-based cleaning solution 26 may be relatively efficient due to the volatility of the alcohol-based solvent.

[0096] The conveying device 28 included in the shaver cleaning station 14 is capable of conveying the cleaning liquid 26 from the interior space 24 of the cartridge 22 towards the shaver 12 docked in the shaver cleaning station 14. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the conveying device 28 includes a motor 30 and an impeller which, when rotated by the motor 30, draws the cleaning liquid 26 from the interior space 24 of the cartridge 22 and conveys it towards the shaver 12.

[0097] This type of delivery device 28 can benefit from having a relatively simple, low-cost design. Alternative delivery device 28 designs, such as pumps, can also be envisioned.

[0098] The delivery device 28 is capable of delivering the cleaning fluid 26 through the outlet 32 ​​of the cartridge 22 and via a supply tube 34 towards the shaver 12 .

[0099] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the supply tube 34 is arranged to carry the cleaning fluid 26 to the cleaning cradle 18, where the cleaning fluid 26 can contact the shaving head 16 of the shaver 12, thereby cleaning and optionally lubricating the shaving head 16 of the shaver 12.

[0100] After contacting the shaver 12 , the cleaning fluid 26 can return to the inlet 36 of the cartridge 22 via a fluid discharge conduit 37 contained in the shaver cleaning station 14 .

[0101] More generally, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2F, the cartridge 22 includes an interface 38 for establishing a fluid path for the cleaning fluid 26 between the interior space 24 and the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0102] In embodiments such as that shown in FIG. 1, where cartridge 22 includes outlet 32 ​​and inlet 36 , interface 38 may include outlet 32 ​​and inlet 36 .

[0103] With further reference to FIG. 1, it is noted that the shaver cleaning station 14 may include an overflow device 40 configured to define a maximum fill level of the cleaning fluid 26 in the cleaning cradle 18 .

[0104] The overflow device 40 can therefore help ensure that only the intended parts of the shaver 12, such as the shaving head 16 or a portion of the shaving head 16, are immersed in the cleaning liquid 26 during cleaning of the shaver 12 using the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0105] Debris, such as hair / bristles, may be returned to the interior space 24 of the cartridge 22 via the inlet 36. To avoid such debris being recirculated to the shaver 12, the cartridge 22 may be configured to separate such debris from the cleaning liquid 26 before the cleaning liquid 26 is (re)conveyed to the shaver 12 via the outlet 32.

[0106] To this end, as shown in Figure 1, the cartridge 22 may include a filter element 42, for example a filter element 42 including a filter mesh, configured to filter the cleaning liquid 26 being transported towards the shaver 12. For example, the filter element 42 may be arranged to filter the cleaning liquid 26 being drawn into the impeller.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1, cartridge 22 includes a filter housing 44 for mounting filter element 42 .

[0108] More generally, the cartridge 22 may be removably insertable into a slot defined in the shaver cleaning station 14. In particular, the slot may be covered or coverable by the housing 46 of the shaver cleaning station 14. Alternatively or additionally, the slot may be located at or proximate to the base 48 of the housing 46.

[0109] The slot may be defined in any suitable manner, in some embodiments the slot is defined between support members of the shaver cleaning station 14, for example, at least a portion of the housing 46 is movable upwardly while supported by the support members to allow a user to access the slot between the support members.

[0110] 1, the shaver cleaning station 14 comprises a holding device 50 for supporting the shaver 12 when the shaver 12 is docked in the shaver cleaning station 14. The holding device 50 may also be electrically connected to the shaver 12, for example to allow charging of the battery of the shaver 12.

[0111] In other embodiments, the shaver cleaning station 14 does not include such a holding device 50. Nevertheless, in such embodiments, the shaver 12 may be electrically connected to the shaver cleaning station 14 to enable charging of the battery of the shaver 12 via electrical contacts on the side walls of the shaver 12 that are in contact with the conductive sides of the shaver cleaning station 14 when the shaver 12 is docked in the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0112] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the shaver cleaning station 14 includes a fan assembly 52 for delivering airflow to parts of the shaver 12, such as the shaving head 16, that come into contact with the cleaning fluid .

[0113] Such airflow may help to dry such parts of the shaver 12 after cleaning the shaver 12 with the cleaning liquid 26 .

[0114] It should be noted that the shaver cleaning station assembly 10 may include the shaver cleaning station 14 and one or both of the shaver 12 and the cartridge 22. The present disclosure also relates to the cartridge 22 itself, as described below with reference to Figures 2A-7B.

[0115] 2A-2F provide various views of the cartridge 22, by way of non-limiting example. The illustrated cartridge 22 includes an interface 38 for establishing a fluid path for the cleaning fluid 26 between the interior space 24 and the shaver cleaning station 14 when the cartridge 22 is secured in a slot in the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0116] In some embodiments, interface 38 includes a first opening providing outlet 32 ​​and a second opening providing inlet 36. The first opening may be larger than the second opening, for example, so that at least a portion of transport device 28, such as at least a portion of motor 30 included in transport device 28, can be received in the first opening.

[0117] The interface 38, e.g., its first opening and second opening, may be covered by a cover member 54, e.g., a lid, before use, and the cover member 54 is configured to allow access to the interface 38, e.g., by removing the cover member 54, when the cartridge 22 is received in a slot of the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0118] Note that Figures 2A-2F show cartridge 22 in a closed state with cover member 54 attached to cover first and second openings of interface 38. Figure 3 shows the top of cartridge 22 in an open state with cover member 54 removed.

[0119] More generally, cartridge 22 comprises a base portion 60 and a cover portion 62, and a first side wall portion 64 and a second side wall portion 66 respectively standing between base portion 60 and cover portion 62 and defining a hollow portion together with base portion 60 and cover portion 62. A first end wall portion 68 closes a first end of the hollow portion, and a second end wall portion 70 closes a second end of the hollow portion, the second end being opposite the first end.

[0120] Thus, an interior space 24 for receiving cleaning fluid 26 is defined within the hollow between first end wall portion 68 and second end wall portion 70 .

[0121] 2B, first end wall portion 68 includes a curved arc shape (when viewed in plan) between first side wall portion 64 and second side wall portion 66. In particular, first end wall portion 68 can have a convex shape that causes first end wall portion 68 to curve outwardly, away from second end wall portion 70.

[0122] Such a convex shape of the first end wall portion 68 may, for example, help to increase the volume of the interior space 24 compared to a flat or concave first end wall portion 68 .

[0123] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the first end wall portion 68 including an arcuate, e.g., convex, shape, the second end wall portion 70 may include an arcuate shape curved between the first side wall portion 64 and the second side wall portion 66.

[0124] The second end wall portion 70 may have a convex shape that causes the second end wall portion 70 to curve outwardly away from the first end wall portion 68, similar to the convex shape of the first end wall portion 68. Such a convex shape of the second end wall portion 70 may help to increase the volume of the interior space 24 compared to, for example, a flat or concave second end wall portion 70.

[0125] At least a portion of interface 38 , for example, the first opening and / or the second opening thereof, may be defined within cover portion 62 .

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, at least a portion of the interface 38 may be disposed at or proximal to the second end wall portion 70 and correspondingly distal to the first end wall portion 68.

[0127] For example, both the outlet 32 ​​and the inlet 36 may be located at or proximal to the second end wall portion 70 and correspondingly distal to the first end wall portion 68 .

[0128] 2B , the first sidewall portion 64 extends axially from the first end wall portion 68, and the axial extension of the first sidewall portion 64 culminates at a junction 74 where the first sidewall portion 64 meets the second end wall portion 70, where the second end wall portion 70 extends, e.g., in an arcuate manner, toward the second sidewall portion 66. The axial extension of the first sidewall portion 64 from the first end wall portion 68 to the junction 74 with the second end wall portion 70 provides a relatively compact cartridge 22 that is more efficient to package, store, and transport.

[0129] The axial extension of the first sidewall portion 64 can refer to the first sidewall portion 64 having a straightness that allows the first sidewall portion 64 to contact a flat surface over the length of the first sidewall portion 64 between the location 75 where the first sidewall portion 64 meets the first end wall portion 68 and the junction 74 where the first sidewall portion 64 meets the second end wall portion 70.

[0130] It should be noted that the flat surface may be, for example, a sidewall portion 64, 66 of another cartridge 22, or a sidewall of a carton for housing one or more cartridges 22.

[0131] The packability of the cartridge 22 may be improved, for example, as compared to cartridges 22 in which the sidewall portions 64, 66 include outwardly protruding regions disposed along the sidewall portions 64, 66 between which the sidewall portions 64, 66 meet the end wall portions 68, 70 of the cartridge 22. Such outwardly protruding regions mean that the sidewall portions 64, 66 of such a cartridge 22 cannot contact a flat surface along their length.

[0132] 2B , in some embodiments, the second sidewall portion 66 extends axially from the first end wall portion 68, the axial extension of the second sidewall portion 66 culminating in a further junction 76 where the second sidewall portion 66 meets the second end wall portion 70, where the second end wall portion 70 extends, e.g., in an arcuate manner, toward the first sidewall portion 64. This may improve the compactness and packability of the cartridge 22, for reasons similar to those provided above with respect to the axially extending first sidewall portion 64 evident in FIG. 2B .

[0133] It should be noted that the axial extension of the second sidewall portion 66 can refer to the second sidewall portion 66 having a straightness that allows the second sidewall portion 66 to contact a flat surface over the length of the second sidewall portion 66 between the point 77 where the second sidewall portion 66 meets the first end wall portion 68 and a further junction 76 where the second sidewall portion 66 meets the second end wall portion 70.

[0134] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 2A-2F, the first and second sidewall portions 64, 66 extend axially parallel to one another. Such parallel first and second sidewall portions 64, 66 may further enhance the compactness and packability of the cartridge 22. In such embodiments, the hollow portion of the cartridge 22 defined by the first and second sidewall portions 64, 66 erected between the base portion 60 and the cover portion 62 may include a box-shaped portion. A cartridge 22 including such a box-shaped portion may be efficiently stackable with other such cartridges 22, for example, in a carton.

[0135] As best shown in FIG. 2B, the first end wall portion 68 differs from the second end wall portion 70 at least in that the first end wall portion 68 includes an attachment mechanism 72 that engages with a positioning component, such as a post or support member, of the shaver cleaning station 14 during securing of the cartridge 22 within the slot.

[0136] As is apparent from Figures 2A, 2B, and 2E, the mounting mechanism 72 includes, for example, in the form of a recess defined in the first end wall portion 68, within which at least a portion of the positioning component can be received.

[0137] It should be noted that interior space 24 partially surrounding the recess may help maximize the volume of interior space 24 despite the fact that attachment mechanism 72 includes a recess.

[0138] In embodiments such as those shown in Figures 2A-2F, in which a convex first end wall portion 68 is combined with an attachment feature 72 that includes a recess, the increased volume of the interior space 24 provided by the convex first end wall portion 68 can help counter the loss of volume caused by the inclusion of the recess.

[0139] 3, 4A, and 4B, a first thermoplastic component 90 (shown in FIG. 3) includes the cover portion 62, and a second thermoplastic component 92 (shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B) includes the base portion 60.

[0140] The first thermoplastic component 90 may be formed by molding, particularly injection molding, and the second thermoplastic component 90 may also be formed by molding, particularly injection molding.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first thermoplastic component 90 is an injection molded first thermoplastic component 90 and the second thermoplastic component 92 is an injection molded second thermoplastic component 92.

[0142] The first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92, for example the first injection molded thermoplastic component and the second injection molded thermoplastic component 90, 92, may be joined, for example welded, to one another.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 5B, when the first component 90 and the second component 92 are welded together, a weld seam 94 may be provided between the first thermoplastic component 90 and the second thermoplastic component 92.

[0144] Welding the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 together can provide an easily implemented method for robustly manufacturing the cartridge 22. The welding can be performed by any suitable method, particularly mirror welding or laser welding, which can be used to weld the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 together.

[0145] The thermoplastic materials included in the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 each include a polyolefin, such as polypropylene.

[0146] Polypropylene can help provide cartridge 22 with a stiffness capable of withstanding the vapor pressure of cleaning fluid 26 contained within interior space 24 of cartridge 22, for example, during storage and transport of cartridge 22. Additionally, crystallization of molten polypropylene during the welding process can provide a relatively robust polypropylene weld seam.

[0147] In some embodiments, and further referring to FIG. 5B, the cartridge 22 has an outer surface 96 facing away from the interior space 24, the outer surface 96 being included in each of the first side wall portion 64, the second side wall portion 66, the first end wall portion 68, and the second end wall portion 70.

[0148] In such an embodiment, the outer surface 96 may include a first surface portion 98A of the first thermoplastic component 90 and a second surface portion 98B of the second thermoplastic component 92. The first and second surface portions 98A, 98B may be separated from one another by a weld seam 94.

[0149] 5B shows that the first and second surface portions 98A, 98B of the outer surface 96 of the cartridge 22 are aligned with one another. Note that the term "aligned" in this context may mean that the offset between the first and second surface portions 98A, 98B is limited to no more than 0.6 mm, and preferably no more than 0.4 mm.

[0150] The aligned, or flush, first and second surface portions 98A, 98B on either side of the weld seam 94 may help balance the compactness / packability of the cartridge 22 with the requirement that the cartridge 22 be able to accommodate a reasonably large volume of cleaning fluid 26. In this regard, the increased compactability / packability of the cartridge 22, resulting, for example, from the first sidewall portion 64 extending axially from the first end wall portion 68 to the second end wall portion 70, may be accompanied by a reduction in the volume of the interior space 24 of the cartridge 22, as compared to a cartridge 22 in which the sidewall portions 64, 66 include outwardly protruding regions disposed along and between the sidewall portions 64, 66 and the end wall portions 68, 70 of the cartridge 22. This is because the outwardly protruding regions may help to increase the volume of the interior space 24.

[0151] However, by aligning the first and second surface portions 98A, 98B with each other, the cartridge 22 can be designed to have a larger internal volume than a cartridge 22 in which the inner first surface portion 98A limits the volume of the internal space 24 and the outer second surface portion 98B protrudes outward beyond the first surface portion 98A, for example, so that the second surface portion 98B defines the outermost contour of the cartridge 22.

[0152] It should be noted that the aligned first and second surface portions 98A, 98B may reside in recesses, such as notches, included in the attachment mechanism 72.

[0153] The contour of the recess that engages with the positioning part of the shaver cleaning station 14 may be provided by only one of the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92, but the first and second surface portions 98A, 98B aligned in the recess may mean that both the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 contribute to the contour of the recess.

[0154] This can help maximize the volume of the internal space 24 of the cartridge 22, for example, compared to a scenario in which the outer contour of the recess that engages with the positioning part is provided by only one of the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92, and the other of the first and second thermoplastic components 92, 90 has an inner contour that is more concave than the outer contour.

[0155] 6A and 6B, a method for manufacturing such a cartridge 22 includes welding a first thermoplastic component 90 and a second thermoplastic component 92 together, for example by laser welding or mirror welding.

[0156] It should be noted that Figures 6A and 6B show first and second surface portions 98A, 98B of the outer surface 96 of the cartridge 22, as well as the inner surfaces 99 included in each of the first side wall portion 64, second side wall portion 66, first end wall portion 68, and second end wall portion 70.

[0157] The first side wall portion 64, the second side wall portion 66, the first end wall portion 68 and the second end wall portion 70 may be shaped such that the outer surface 96 and the inner surface 99 each follow the extension of the respective wall portion 64, 66, 68, 70 to which they belong.

[0158] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 6B, the first thermoplastic component 90 and the second thermoplastic component 92 are aligned by the tooling member 100 such that the first surface portion 98A and the second surface portion 98B are aligned with one another.

[0159] Thus, the tooling member 100, e.g., a workpiece carrier, may help to align the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92, for example, without having to provide such alignment by the structure of the first and / or second thermoplastic components 90, 92 themselves. The latter may help to provide a more compact cartridge 22, as alignment features may be omitted from the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92.

[0160] It should be noted that the limited offset (less than 0.6 mm, preferably less than 0.4 mm) between the first surface portion 98A and the second surface portion 98B may reflect the size and tolerances of the tooling member 100, for example, the size and tolerances of a workpiece carrier that may further function as a welding shield, as described in more detail herein below.

[0161] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6A, a gap 101 is first defined in the interface region between the first thermoplastic component 90 and the second thermoplastic component 92. The gap 101 is for subsequently receiving molten thermoplastic material from the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 during welding, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0162] In such an embodiment, the tooling member 100, e.g., workpiece carrier, may be positioned to block the outflow of molten thermoplastic material from the gap 101. By positioning the tooling member 100 to block the outflow of molten thermoplastic material from the gap 101, the risk of unwanted bulging, in other words, flash or protrusion, of excess thermoplastic material at the weld seam 94 beyond the outer surface 96 may be reduced. This may help to improve the appearance of the cartridge 22 and may help to minimize the risk that the weld seam 94 will interfere with the insertion of the cartridge 22 into the slot of the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0163] It should be noted that the combination of dimensions and tolerances of the cartridge 22 and tooling member 100, e.g., workpiece carrier, may be appropriately controlled to achieve aligned first and second surface portions 98A, 98B and a weld seam 94 that does not protrude beyond the first and second surface portions 98A, 98B.

[0164] The weldable portions of the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 and gap 101 may be designed to allow for approximately 50% flow of thermoplastic material into gap 101. This may help to avoid extrusion of the thermoplastic material.

[0165] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3-5B, the second thermoplastic component 92 includes a weld rib WR for welding to a further weld rib FWR included in the first thermoplastic component 90 to form an internal rib extending into the hollow portion when the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 are welded together.

[0166] The internal ribs may help to ensure that the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 are securely welded to one another, as well as to guide the flow of cleaning fluid 26 within the interior space 24.

[0167] It should be noted that the above-mentioned maximum tolerance of 0.6 mm, preferably 0.4 mm, may refer to lateral misalignment of the first and second surface portions 98A, 98B from the top first thermoplastic component 90 and bottom second thermoplastic component 92, respectively. It should be noted that to meet this tolerance, the weld walls WR, FWR / protrusions that are melted and connected may be intentionally slightly misaligned.

[0168] In some embodiments, the internal rib extends between the second end wall portion 70 and the first end wall portion 68 to separate the interior space 24 into a pair of chambers. Nevertheless, openings 103 (see FIG. 3 ) may be provided to allow cleaning fluid 26 to flow from the chamber into which it is first received via the inlet 36 to the chamber from which it is subsequently transported via the outlet 32 ​​to the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0169] In embodiments in which the outlet 32 ​​and the inlet 36 are both at or proximal to the second end wall portion 70 and correspondingly distal to the first end wall portion 68, the opening 103 may be located adjacent to or proximal to the first end wall portion 68 such that the cleaning fluid 26 received into the interior space 24 via the inlet 36 is first forced by the internal ribs toward the first end wall portion 68 and then back toward the second end wall portion 70 (at which or proximal the outlet 32 ​​is located).

[0170] This flow path may aid in the separation of debris from the cleaning liquid 26, for example, because the flow path may provide more opportunity for such debris to settle.

[0171] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 4A-5B, 7A and 7B, the second thermoplastic component 92 further includes a mirror rib MR that mirrors the shape and extension of the weld rib WR without being welded when the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 are welded together.

[0172] Although there is no welding to the mirror rib MR when the first and second thermoplastic components 90, 92 are welded together, the risk of warping of the base portion 60 during manufacturing may be minimized by the mirror rib MR mirroring the shape and extension of the weld rib WR.

[0173] In some embodiments, as best shown in Figures 4A, 7A, and 7B, there are one or more intersections where the weld ribs WR intersect with the mirror ribs MR. For example, the arrangement of the weld ribs WR and the mirror ribs MR may approximate a figure eight when the inner surface 102 of the base portion 60 is viewed in plan.

[0174] In some embodiments, as best shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 7A and 7B, a plurality of partition walls CW protrude from the inner surface 102 of the base portion 60 into the interior space 24, and the partition walls CW define compartments that can collect debris from the cleaning fluid 26 received into the interior space 24 from the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0175] The compartment may provide a receptacle within which debris, such as bristles, that contaminates the cleaning fluid 26 may settle.

[0176] The cartridge 22 can include a filter element 42, for example a filter mesh, and a compartment defined by a compartment wall CW.

[0177] In such embodiments, settling of debris within the compartment may help reduce clogging of the filter element 42 .

[0178] As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 7A and 7B, the partition wall CW includes a first partition wall CW1 and a second partition wall CW2, and the second partition wall CW2 protrudes further from the inner surface 102 into the internal space 24 than the first partition wall CW1.

[0179] The increased stiffness / rigidity provided by the taller second partition wall CW2 may aid in the manufacture of the base portion 60, for example, by facilitating welding of the second thermoplastic component 92, including the base portion 60, to the first thermoplastic component 90, including the cover portion 62. In particular, greater stiffness / rigidity of the base portion 60 may reduce the risk of warping of the base portion 60, which may prevent welding, e.g., mirror welding, of the first thermoplastic component 90 to the second thermoplastic component 92. In this regard, a greater height of the second partition wall CW2 may reduce the risk of bulging of the base portion 60, for example, during a molding, e.g., injection molding, process used to manufacture the base portion 60.

[0180] The increased rigidity / stiffness of the base portion 60 may also help to provide structural robustness to the cartridge 22, particularly in that it assists the base portion 60 in withstanding the vapor pressure of the cleaning solution 26 contained within the interior space 24 of the cartridge, for example, during storage and transport of the cartridge 22. This may be particularly advantageous in embodiments in which the solvent contained in the cleaning solution 26 includes ethanol and / or propanol.

[0181] In this way, the second compartment wall CW2 with a greater height may help to minimize bulging that may occur during transport of the cartridge 22, for example, on a container ship, where the cartridge 22 containing the cleaning liquid 26 may be heated up to 80° C. during transport, thereby increasing the pressure within the cartridge 22 by approximately 1 bar. The second compartment wall CW2 with a greater height may therefore help to reduce the risk of deformation of the wall portions 64, 66, 68, 70 of the cartridge 22 caused by increased pressure, particularly in the case of polypropylene wall portions 64, 66, 68, 70.

[0182] It should be noted that the shorter height of the first partition wall CW1 may help minimize fluid flow inefficiencies while also helping to reduce the amount of material, e.g., thermoplastic, included in the base portion 60.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second partition wall CW2 protrudes from the inner surface 102 into the interior space 24 by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more than the protrusion of the first partition wall CW1 from the inner surface 102 into the interior space 24.

[0184] Alternatively or additionally, the second partition wall CW2 may protrude from the inner surface 102 to a height of 3.5 mm to 4 mm, for example, about 3.7 mm, and the first partition wall CW1 may protrude from the inner surface 102 to a height of 2.7 mm to 3.2 mm, for example, about 2.9 mm.

[0185] Alternatively or additionally, the base portion 60 may have a thickness defined between the outer surface 96 of the base portion 60 and the inner surface 102 of the base portion of between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm, for example about 1.2 mm.

[0186] Alternatively or additionally, the cover portion 62 may have a thickness of at least 0.65 mm defined between the outer surface 96 of the cover portion 62 and the inner surface of the cover portion.

[0187] More generally, it should be noted that by defining at least opposing portions of the regular polygonal or circular shapes of one or more compartments, when the inner surface 102 is viewed in a plan view, the second compartment wall CW2 can add further rigidity / stiffness to the base portion 60 in addition to the rigidity / stiffness inherently provided by the regular polygonal or circular shapes of the compartments.

[0188] In some embodiments, the second compartment wall CW2 defines the entire regular polygonal or circular shape of the compartment.

[0189] Alternatively, the second partition wall CW2 may define opposing portions of the regular polygonal or circular shape of each of one or more partitions, with the remaining portions of the regular polygonal or circular shape being defined by the first partition wall CW1.

[0190] Examples of regular polygonal shapes of compartments whose opposing portions are defined by the second compartment walls CW2 with a greater height include squares, hexagons, and octagons. Particularly mentioned are hexagonal compartments, i.e., compartments each separated by six compartment walls CW arranged in a hexagonal pattern. In such examples, the second compartment walls CW2 with a greater height may define one, two, or all three opposing pairs of the hexagonally arranged compartment walls CW.

[0191] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 7B , the second compartment wall CW2 includes a first interconnected configuration 104A of the second compartment wall CW2, which is elongated and extends longitudinally adjacent the first side wall portion 64 between the first end wall portion 68 and the second end wall portion 70.

[0192] In this manner, by increasing the height of the partition wall CW adjacent to the first side wall portion 64, the increased rigidity provided by the second partition wall CW2 can be provided in areas where there is a higher risk of bulging due to the expansion of vapors from the cleaning liquid 26 within the interior space 24.

[0193] In some embodiments, and further referring to FIG. 7B , the second compartment wall CW2 includes a second interconnected configuration 104B of the second compartment wall CW2, which is elongated and extends longitudinally between the first end wall portion 68 and the second end wall portion 70 adjacent to the second side wall portion 66.

[0194] This may also help to increase the rigidity provided by the second partition wall CW2 in areas where there is a higher (further) risk of bulging of the base portion 60 due to expansion of vapor from the cleaning liquid 26 in the interior space 24.

[0195] In some embodiments, the second partition wall CW2 includes a first interconnected configuration 104A and a second interconnected configuration 104B, for example, the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configuration 104A, 104B are separate from each other, in other words, do not share a second partition wall CW2 that is common to both the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configuration 104A, 104B.

[0196] In such an embodiment, the symmetry provided by including both the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configuration 104A, 104B may aid in the manufacture of the base portion 60, for example, by minimizing the risk of warping during molding of the base portion 60.

[0197] In some embodiments, the second partition wall CW2 includes a third interconnected configuration 104C of the second partition wall CW2, and the third interconnected configuration 104C is disposed within a central region between the first side wall portion 64 and the second side wall portion 66.

[0198] In such an embodiment, the central region may be closer to the second end wall portion 70 than to the first end wall portion 68, for example.

[0199] Such a third interconnected configuration 104C of the second compartment wall CW2 may further help to reduce the risk of bulging due to the cleaning liquid 26 contained within the interior space 24.

[0200] In some embodiments, referring again to Figures 4A and 4B, a plurality of elongated support ribs SR protrude from the inner surface 102 of the base portion 60 into the interior space 24, the plurality of elongated support ribs SR including at least one longitudinal support rib extending between the first end wall portion 68 and the second end wall portion 70 and / or at least one lateral support rib extending between the first side wall portion 64 and the second side wall portion 66.

[0201] The elongated support ribs SR may improve the rigidity / stiffness of the base portion 60. In particular, the combination of the second compartment wall CW2 and the elongated support ribs SR may provide the base portion 60 with particularly improved structural robustness.

[0202] In some embodiments, the at least one longitudinal support rib includes a first longitudinal support rib extending adjacent the first sidewall portion 64 and a second longitudinal support rib extending adjacent the second sidewall portion 66, the first longitudinal support rib being spaced apart from the second longitudinal support rib.

[0203] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one lateral support rib SR may include a first lateral support rib and a second lateral support rib spaced apart from the first lateral support rib.

[0204] In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, both longitudinal and lateral support ribs are included in the base portion 60 in combination with the compartment walls CW, including, for example, the first and second compartment walls CW1, CW2.

[0205] Such a base portion 60 may benefit from being particularly robust, thereby facilitating the manufacture of the cartridge 22 and improving the robustness of the manufactured cartridge 22 .

[0206] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."

[0207] While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A shaver cleaning station cartridge (22) for insertion into a slot defined in a shaver cleaning station (14) and for containing a cleaning liquid (26) suitable for cleaning a shaver (12) docked in said shaver cleaning station, comprising: a base portion (60); a cover portion (62); a first sidewall portion (64) and a second sidewall portion (66) respectively extending between the base portion and the cover portion and defining a hollow portion together with the base portion and the cover portion; a first end wall portion (68) closing a first end of the hollow portion; a second end wall portion (70) closing a second end opposite the first end of the hollow portion, the second end wall portion (70) defining an interior space (24) within the hollow portion between the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion for receiving the cleaning liquid; an interface (37) for establishing a fluid path for said cleaning fluid between said interior space and said shaver cleaning station when said cartridge is secured within said slot; Equipped with a plurality of partition walls (CW) protruding from an inner surface (102) of the base portion into the internal space, the partition walls defining compartments capable of collecting debris from the cleaning fluid received into the internal space from the shaver cleaning station, the partition walls including a first partition wall (CW1) and a second partition wall (CW2), the second partition wall protruding further from the inner surface into the internal space than the first partition wall, and the second partition wall defining at least opposing portions of one or more regular polygonal or circular shapes of the compartments when the inner surface is viewed in plan; Cartridge (22).

2. 2. The cartridge (22) of claim 1, wherein the second compartment wall (CW2) includes a first interconnected arrangement (104A) of second compartment walls, the first interconnected arrangement being elongated and extending longitudinally between the first end wall portion (68) and the second end wall portion (70) adjacent the first side wall portion (64).

3. 3. The cartridge (22) of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second partition wall (CW2) includes a second interconnected arrangement (104B) of second partition walls, the second interconnected arrangement being elongated and extending longitudinally between the first end wall portion (68) and the second end wall portion (70) adjacent the second side wall portion (66).

4. 4. The cartridge (22) according to claim 1, wherein the second partition walls (CW2) include a third interconnected arrangement (104C) of second partition walls, the third interconnected arrangement being disposed in a central region between the first side wall portion (64) and the second side wall portion (66), the central region being closer to the second end wall portion (70) than to the first end wall portion (68).

5. 5. The cartridge (22) of claim 1, wherein a plurality of elongated support ribs (SR) protrude from the inner surface (102) of the base portion (60) into the interior space (24), the plurality of elongated support ribs including at least one longitudinal support rib extending between the first end wall portion (68) and the second end wall portion (70) and / or at least one lateral support rib extending between the first side wall portion (64) and the second side wall portion (66).

6. said first end wall portion (68) differs from said second end wall portion (70) at least in that said first end wall portion includes an attachment mechanism (72) that is engaged with a positioning component of said shaver cleaning station (14) during fixation of said cartridge within said slot, and optionally said attachment mechanism includes a recess defined in said first end wall portion, wherein at least a portion of said positioning component can be received within said recess; A cartridge (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The cartridge (22) of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall portion (64) extends axially from the first end wall portion (68), the axial extension of the first sidewall portion culminating at a junction (74) where the first sidewall portion meets the second end wall portion (70), and at the junction the second end wall portion extends toward the second sidewall portion (66).

8. 8. The cartridge (22) of claim 1, wherein the second side wall portion (66) extends axially from the first end wall portion (68), the axial extension of the second side wall portion culminating at a further junction (76) where the second side wall portion meets the second end wall portion (70), and at the further junction the second end wall portion extends towards the first side wall portion (64).

9. 9. A cartridge (22) according to claim 8, which relies on claim 7, wherein the first and second sidewall portions (64, 66) extend axially parallel to one another.

10. 10. The cartridge (22) of any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a first thermoplastic component (90) including the cover portion (62) and a second thermoplastic component (92) including the base portion (60), the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component being welded to each other, and a weld seam (94) being provided between the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component.

11. 11. The cartridge (22) of claim 10, wherein the second thermoplastic component (92) includes a welding rib (WR) that is welded to a further welding rib (FWR) included in the first thermoplastic component (90) to form an internal rib extending into the hollow portion when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded together, and the second thermoplastic component further includes a mirror rib (MR) that mirrors the shape and extension of the welding rib without being welded to the first thermoplastic component when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded together.

12. 12. The cartridge (22) of claim 10 or claim 11, comprising an outer surface (96) facing away from the interior space (24), the outer surface being included in each of the first sidewall portion (64), the second sidewall portion (66), the first end wall portion (68), and the second end wall portion (70), the outer surface including a first surface portion (98A) of the first thermoplastic component (90) and a second surface portion (98B) of the second thermoplastic component (92), the first surface portion and the second surface portion being separated from each other by the weld seam (94), and the first surface portion and the second surface portion being aligned with each other.

13. A method for manufacturing a cartridge (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising moulding, optionally injection moulding, said base portion (60) from a thermoplastic material.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method includes manufacturing a cartridge (22) as described in claim 12, the method including welding the first thermoplastic component (90) and the second thermoplastic component (92) to each other while the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are aligned by a tooling member (100) such that the first surface portion (98A) and the second surface portion (98B) are aligned with each other.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein a gap (101) is initially defined at an interface region between the first thermoplastic component (90) and the second thermoplastic component (92) and thereafter receives molten thermoplastic from the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component during the welding, and the tooling member (100) is positioned to prevent the molten thermoplastic from flowing out of the gap.

Images