Enhanced shaver cleaning station cartridge and method for manufacturing the 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 of manufacturing such a cartridge.

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

[0003] Thus, 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 Art

[0004] Maintenance of a shaver tends to include cleaning the shaver and lubricating the movable parts of the shaver. Such maintenance can help extend the operating life of the shaver. However, performing such maintenance can be cumbersome for the user.

[0005] At least part of the burden on the user can be reduced by the ability of the shaver to dock to a shaver cleaning station that can clean the shaver, for example, specifically the shaving head of the shaver, when the shaver is docked to the shaver cleaning station.

[0006] When the shaver is docked to the shaver cleaning station, a cartridge for the shaver cleaning station may supply a cleaning liquid for application to parts of the shaver such as the shaving head. The cartridge may be a consumable that needs to be replaced as needed.

[0007] U.S. Patent No. 6,874,514 (B1) discloses a cleaning station and cleaning cartridge for cleaning a shaver within a station by a fluid pressurized from a cartridge into the station. The cartridge includes lateral ear-like projections in its overall shape, which are used to form contact points on the inside of the cleaning station for the cartridge. Multiple uniformly shaped compartment walls project from the inner surface of the base portion into the internal space of the cartridge, defining compartments from which debris can be collected from the 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. 6874514(B1) [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a shaver cleaning station cartridge for inserting into a slot defined in the shaver cleaning station and for containing a cleaning solution suitable for cleaning a shaver docked in the shaver cleaning station, comprising: a base portion; a cover portion; a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion erected between the base portion and the cover portion, respectively, and together with the base portion and the cover portion defining a hollow portion; a first end wall portion closing the first end of the hollow portion; and a second end wall portion closing the second end of the hollow portion opposite to the first end, wherein an internal space for receiving cleaning solution is defined within the hollow portion between the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion. A cartridge is provided, comprising two end wall portions and an interface for establishing a fluid path for cleaning fluid between the internal space and a shaver cleaning station when the cartridge is fixed in the slot, wherein a plurality of compartment walls project from the inner surface of the base portion into the internal space, the compartment walls define compartments from which debris can be collected from cleaning fluid received into the internal space from the shaver cleaning station, the compartment walls include a first compartment wall and a second compartment wall, the second compartment wall projecting further from the inner surface into the internal space than the first compartment wall, and the second compartment wall defining at least opposing portions of one or more regular polygonal or circular shapes of the compartments when viewed from the inner surface in plan.

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

[0011] The compartment may provide a receptacle in which sediment, such as bristles, that contaminates the cleaning solution used to clean the shaver can settle. In addition to at least partially defining such a compartment, a second compartment wall that is taller can further add rigidity / stiffness to the base portion, in addition to the rigidity / stiffness essentially provided by the regular polygonal or circular shape of the compartment.

[0012] The increased rigidity / stiffness provided by the taller second partition wall can be beneficial in the manufacturing of the base portion, for example, by assisting in welding the second thermoplastic component, including the base portion, to the first thermoplastic component, including the cover portion. In particular, greater rigidity / stiffness of the base portion can reduce the risk of warping of the base portion, which could hinder welding the first thermoplastic component to the second thermoplastic component, such as mirror welding.

[0013] It should be noted that the welding process may require the wall portion of the second thermoplastic component to be higher than the partition wall, and in particular higher than the second partition wall. In this way, the risk of the partition wall, including the second partition wall, melting while the first and second thermoplastic components are being welded together can be minimized or eliminated.

[0014] Therefore, rather than simply making all the walls in the second thermoplastic component taller, this can explain why the walls adjacent to the wall portion / connecting region between the first and second thermoplastic components, particularly the partition walls, are shorter than the wall portion.

[0015] Therefore, the partition walls, including the first partition wall and the second partition wall which is taller, work synergistically with the cartridge, which includes the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component welded to each other, to provide a robust cartridge that is easy to manufacture by welding, such as mirror welding.

[0016] Improving the rigidity / stiffness of the base can also help to give the cartridge structural robustness, particularly by supporting the base to withstand the vapor pressure of the cleaning fluid contained within the cartridge's internal space during storage and transport.

[0017] It should be noted that the lower height of the first compartment wall may help minimize fluid flow inefficiencies, while also helping to reduce the amount of material, such as thermoplastics, included in the base.

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

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

[0020] Examples of regular polygonal shapes of a partition defined by a second partition wall that is taller include squares, hexagons, and octagons. A particularly noteworthy example is a hexagonal partition, in other words, a partition divided by six partition walls, each arranged in a hexagon. In such an example, the taller second partition wall may define one, two, or all three opposing pairs of the hexagonally arranged partition walls.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second partition wall protrudes from the inner surface into the interior space by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more than the protrusion of the first partition wall 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 partition wall includes a first interconnected configuration of the second partition wall, and the first interconnected configuration is elongated and extends longitudinally between a first end wall portion and a second end wall portion adjacent to the first side wall portion. Thus, by increasing the height of the partition wall adjacent to the first side wall portion, the improvement in rigidity provided by the second partition wall can be provided in a region where the risk of swelling due to the expansion of the vapor from the cleaning liquid in the internal space is higher.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, the second partition wall may include a second interconnected configuration of the second partition wall, and the second interconnected configuration is elongated and extends longitudinally between a first end wall portion and a second end wall portion adjacent to the second side wall portion.

[0025] This can also help to increase the rigidity provided by the second partition wall in a (further) region where the risk of swelling of the base portion due to the expansion of the vapor from the cleaning liquid in the internal space is higher.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second partition wall includes a first interconnected configuration and a second interconnected configuration. For example, the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configuration are separate from each other. In other words, they do not share a common 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 can be useful in the manufacture of the base portion, for example, by minimizing the risk of warping during the molding of the second thermoplastic component including the base portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second partition wall includes a third interconnected configuration of the second partition wall, and the third interconnected configuration is disposed in a central region between the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion.

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

[0030] Such a third interconnected configuration of the second compartment wall may further help reduce the risk of bulging caused by the presence of cleaning fluid within the internal space.

[0031] In some embodiments, a plurality of elongated support ribs project from the inner surface of the base portion into the internal space, and the plurality of elongated support ribs include at least one longitudinal support rib extending between a first end wall portion and a second end wall portion, and / or at least one lateral support rib extending between a first side wall portion and a second side wall portion. The combination of the second partition wall and the elongated support ribs can provide particularly improved structural robustness to the base portion.

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

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, 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 endwall portion differs from the second endwall portion in that it includes, at least, a mounting mechanism that engages with a positioning component of the shaver cleaning station while securing the cartridge in the slot. Having the mounting mechanism provided by the first endwall portion rather than the second endwall portion reduces the risk of the cartridge being inserted into the slot in the wrong orientation.

[0035] In some embodiments, the mounting mechanism includes a recess defined in a first end wall portion, into which at least a portion of a positioning component can be received.

[0036] The recess defined in the first end wall portion can provide an easily manufacturable method for ensuring that the cartridge is securely and correctly inserted into the slot.

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

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

[0039] It should be noted that the term “partially” (in parentheses), which modifies the fact that the internal space surrounds the recess, reflects that the first end wall portion that closes the first end of the hollow portion of the cartridge, and within which the recess is defined, essentially prevents the internal space from surrounding the entire recess.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion extends axially from the first endwall portion, and the axially extended portion of the first sidewall portion reaches a joint where the first sidewall portion intersects with the second endwall portion, and at the joint, the second endwall portion extends toward the second sidewall portion.

[0041] The first side wall portion extends axially from the first end wall portion to the joint with the second end wall portion, thereby providing a relatively compact cartridge that is more efficient to pack, store, and transport.

[0042] The axially extending portion of the first sidewall portion may refer to a linear first sidewall portion that allows the first sidewall portion to contact a flat surface over the length of the first sidewall portion between the position where the first sidewall portion intersects the first end wall portion and the position where the first sidewall portion intersects the second end wall portion.

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

[0044] The packaging of a cartridge can be improved, for example, compared to a cartridge in which the sidewall includes outwardly protruding regions positioned along the sidewall, and these regions intersect with the end wall of the cartridge. Such outwardly protruding regions mean that the sidewall of such a cartridge cannot come into contact with a flat surface over its length.

[0045] The first sidewall portion, which extends axially, may increase the risk of the user accidentally inserting the cartridge into the slot of the shaver cleaning station; however, this risk can be mitigated by the fact that the mounting mechanism is provided by the first endwall portion rather than the second endwall portion.

[0046] Therefore, although it is possible to insert the cartridge into the slot starting with either the first or second end wall portion, the fact that the mounting mechanism is provided specifically by the first end wall portion can help the user to properly secure the cartridge in the slot.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first sidewall portion extends within a flat plane between the point where the first sidewall portion intersects with the first endwall portion (in other words, the point where the first endwall portion extends from the first sidewall portion toward the second sidewall portion) and the joint between the first sidewall portion and the second endwall portion.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second sidewall portion extends axially from the first endwall portion, and the axial extension of the second sidewall portion reaches a further joint where the second sidewall portion intersects with the second endwall portion, and at the further joint, the second endwall portion extends toward the first sidewall portion. This can improve the compactness and packaging of the cartridge for reasons similar to those provided above with respect to the axially extending first sidewall portion.

[0049] The axially extending portion of the second sidewall portion may refer to a linear portion of the second sidewall portion that allows the second sidewall portion to contact a flat surface over the length of the second sidewall portion between the position where the second sidewall portion intersects the first end wall portion and the position where the second sidewall portion intersects the second end wall portion.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second sidewall portion extends within a flat plane between the point where the second sidewall portion intersects the first endwall portion (in other words, the point where the first endwall portion extends from the second sidewall portion toward the first sidewall portion) and a further joint between the second sidewall portion and the second endwall portion.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first and second sidewall portions extend axially parallel to each other. Such parallel first and second sidewall portions can further improve the compactness and packaging of the cartridge.

[0052] In such embodiments, the hollow portion of the cartridge defined by the first and second side wall portions erected between the base portion and the cover portion may include a box-shaped portion.

[0053] Cartridges including such box-shaped sections may be efficiently stacked with other such cartridges, for example, within a carton. In particular, by having parallel side wall portions, a cartridge may be sandwiched between, for example, two adjacent cartridges, and the first side wall portion may come into close proximity with one of the adjacent cartridges, and the parallel second side wall portion may also come into close proximity with the other of the adjacent cartridges.

[0054] In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a first thermoplastic component including a cover portion and a second thermoplastic component including a base portion, the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component being welded to each other.

[0055] A simple and implementable method for manufacturing a robust cartridge can be provided by welding a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component together. The welding can be performed by any suitable method. Mirror welding or laser welding are particularly mentioned as methods used to weld the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component together.

[0056] The thermoplastic materials contained in the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component can be of any suitable type. In some embodiments, each of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component contains a polyolefin such as polypropylene.

[0057] Polypropylene can help provide the cartridge with sufficient rigidity to withstand the vapor pressure of the cleaning fluid contained within its internal space, for example, during storage and transport. Furthermore, the crystallization of molten polypropylene during the welding process can provide a relatively robust polypropylene weld seam.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second thermoplastic component includes welding ribs for welding to further welding ribs included in the first thermoplastic component in order to form internal ribs that extend into the hollow portion when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded together.

[0059] The internal ribs can help ensure that the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are securely welded to each other, and can also help guide the flow of cleaning fluid within the internal space.

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

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

[0062] When the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded to each other, there is no welding to the Miller rib, but the Miller rib reflects the shape and extension of the welded rib, which can minimize the risk of warping of the base portion during manufacturing.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an outer surface facing away from the internal space, the outer surface comprising a first side wall portion, a second side wall portion, a first end wall portion, and a second end wall portion, respectively.

[0064] In such embodiments, the outer surface may include a first surface portion of the first thermoplastic component and a second surface portion of the second thermoplastic component.

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

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, the first and second surface portions of the outer surface of the cartridge may be aligned with each other.

[0067] It should be noted that in this context, the term "aligned" may mean that the offset between the first surface portion and the second surface portion is limited to 0.6 mm or less, preferably 0.4 mm or less.

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

[0069] In other words, the second thermoplastic component, including the base portion, does not have to substantially protrude laterally beyond the virtual plane defined by the outer surface of the first thermoplastic component, for example, the first surface portion.

[0070] In this regard, the improved 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 internal volume of the cartridge compared to a cartridge in which the side wall portion includes outwardly projecting regions arranged along the side wall portion, and the side wall portion intersects with the end wall portion of the cartridge between these regions. This is because the outwardly projecting regions may help to increase the internal volume.

[0071] However, by aligning the first and second surface portions with each other, the cartridge may 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 a cartridge according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein may contain a cleaning solution, which is contained within the internal space of the cartridge.

[0073] Therefore, cartridges with their internal spaces pre-filled with cleaning solution can be easily supplied to users.

[0074] A second aspect of this disclosure provides 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] One notable method is 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 so that the first surface portion and the second surface portion are aligned with each other.

[0077] Therefore, a tooling component, such as a workpiece carrier, may help align the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component without requiring such alignment to be provided by the structure of the first thermoplastic component and / or the second thermoplastic component itself. The latter may help provide a more compact cartridge, as it eliminates the need for alignment mechanisms from the first and second thermoplastic components.

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

[0079] In such embodiments, the tooling members may be positioned to prevent the outflow of molten thermoplastic material from the gaps. This reduces the risk of undesirable bulging of thermoplastic material beyond the outer surface at the weld seam. This can help improve the appearance of the cartridge and minimize the risk that the weld seam may obstruct the insertion of the cartridge into the slot of the shaver cleaning station.

[0080] Furthermore, a shaver cleaning station assembly is provided, comprising a cartridge according to any of the embodiments described herein, a shaver cleaning station into which the cartridge can be inserted, and optionally a shaver for docking with the shaver cleaning station. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0081] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of an example of a shaver cleaning station assembly. [Figure 2A] These are various diagrams illustrating the appearance of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station, as an example. [Figure 2B] These are various diagrams illustrating the appearance of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station, as an example. [Figure 2C] These are various diagrams illustrating the appearance of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station, as an example. [Figure 2D] These are various diagrams illustrating the appearance of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station, as an example. [Figure 2E] These are various diagrams illustrating the appearance of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station, as an example. [Figure 2F] These are various diagrams illustrating the appearance of a cartridge for a shaver cleaning station, as an example. [Figure 3] Figures 2A to 2F show the internal structure of the first thermoplastic component of the cartridge. [Figure 4A] Figures 2A to 2F show the second thermoplastic component of the cartridge. [Figure 4B] Figures 2A to 2F show the second thermoplastic component of the cartridge. [Figure 5A] Figures 3 and 4A / 4B are cross-sectional views showing how the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component, respectively, approach each other during the manufacturing of the cartridge. [Figure 5B] Figures 3 and 4A / 4B show cross-sectional views illustrating the welding of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component to each other. [Figure 6A] This is an enlarged view showing the welding of a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component as an example. [Figure 6B] This is an enlarged view showing the welding of a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component as an example. [Figure 7A] This is a diagram of a second thermoplastic component, using another example. [Figure 7B]This is a diagram of a second thermoplastic component, using another example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0082] A cartridge for a shaver cleaning station is provided for insertion into a slot defined in the shaver cleaning station. The cartridge is suitable for containing a cleaning solution for cleaning a shaver docked in the shaver cleaning station. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a cartridge is provided.

[0083] Figure 1 shows an example of a shaver cleaning station assembly 10. The shaver 12 is shown docked to the shaver cleaning station 14 of the shaver cleaning station assembly 10.

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

[0085] The shaving head 16 can be designed in any suitable way for shaving 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 is driven by a motor included in the shaver 12, which 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 the moving parts of the shaving head 16, such as the cutting blade and guard blade, may require lubrication to maintain the reliable operation of the shaver 12.

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

[0088] For this purpose, 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, as shown in Figure 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 an elastic support element 20, such as an elastomer support element 20. Such an elastic support element 20 may help protect the shaving head 16 from damage when the shaving head 16 is received in the cleaning cradle 18.

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

[0092] The cleaning solution 26 can be formulated in any suitable manner, as long as it is capable of cleaning and lubricating the moving parts of the shaver 12. In at least some embodiments, the cleaning solution 26 comprises 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 consists of ethanol and / or propanol, such as propan-2-ol.

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

[0096] A transport device 28 included in the shaver cleaning station 14 can transport cleaning fluid 26 from the internal space 24 of the cartridge 22 to the shaver 12 docked to the shaver cleaning station 14. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the transport device 28 includes a motor 30 and an impeller, which, when rotated by the motor 30, draws the cleaning fluid 26 out of the internal space 24 of the cartridge 22 and transports it toward the shaver 12.

[0097] This type of conveying device 28 can benefit from its relatively simple and low-cost design. Alternative conveying devices 28, such as pumps, can also be considered.

[0098] The transport device 28 can transport the cleaning solution 26 to the shaver 12 via the supply pipe 34 through the outlet 32 ​​of the cartridge 22.

[0099] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the supply pipe 34 is arranged to deliver cleaning fluid 26 to a cleaning cradle 18, where the cleaning fluid 26 comes into contact with the shaving head 16 of the shaver 12, thereby cleaning and optionally lubricating the shaving head 16 of the shaver 12.

[0100] After contact with the shaver 12, the cleaning solution 26 can return to the inlet 36 of the cartridge 22 via the liquid discharge conduit 37 contained in the shaver cleaning station 14.

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

[0102] In an embodiment such as that shown in Figure 1, where the cartridge 22 has an outlet 32 ​​and an inlet 36, the interface 38 may include the outlet 32 ​​and the inlet 36.

[0103] Referring further to Figure 1, it should be noted that the shaver cleaning station 14 may also include an overflow device 40 configured to define the maximum filling level of the cleaning fluid 26 in the cleaning cradle 18.

[0104] Therefore, the overflow device 40 can 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 solution 26 during cleaning of the shaver 12 using the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0105] For example, debris such as hair / bristles may be returned to the internal space 24 of the cartridge 22 via the inlet 36. To prevent such debris from being recirculated to the shaver 12, the cartridge 22 may be configured to separate such debris from the cleaning solution 26 before the cleaning solution 26 is (re)transported to the shaver 12 via the outlet 32.

[0106] For this purpose, 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 fluid 26 being transported toward the shaver 12. For example, the filter element 42 may be positioned to filter the cleaning fluid 26 being drawn into the impeller.

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

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

[0109] The slots can be defined in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the slots are defined between support members of the shaver cleaning station 14, and for example, at least a portion of the housing 46 is movable upward while being supported by the support members, allowing a user to access the slots between the support members.

[0110] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the shaver cleaning station 14 includes a holding device 50 for supporting the shaver 12 when it is docked to 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 shaver 12's battery.

[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 allow charging of the shaver 12's battery via electrical contacts on the side wall of the shaver 12 that are in contact with the conductive side of the shaver cleaning station 14 when the shaver 12 is docked to the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0112] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the shaver cleaning station 14 includes a fan assembly 52 for delivering airflow to components of the shaver 12, such as the shaving head 16, which come into contact with the cleaning fluid 26.

[0113] Such an airflow can help dry such parts of the shaver 12 after cleaning the shaver 12 with the cleaning solution 26.

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

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

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

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

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

[0119] More generally, the cartridge 22 comprises a base portion 60 and a cover portion 62, as well as a first side wall portion 64 and a second side wall portion 66, which are erected between the base portion 60 and the cover portion 62, respectively, and together with the base portion 60 and the cover portion 62 define a hollow portion. The first end wall portion 68 closes the first end of the hollow portion, and the second end wall portion 70 closes the second end of the hollow portion, which is on the opposite side of the first end.

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

[0121] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 2B, the first end wall portion 68 includes a curved arc shape (when viewed from above) between the first side wall portion 64 and the second side wall portion 66. In particular, the first end wall portion 68 may have a convex shape that curves outward in a direction away from the second end wall portion 70.

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

[0123] As an alternative to, or in addition to, the first end wall portion 68 which includes an arc-shaped, for example, convex shape, the second end wall portion 70 may include an arc-shaped curve 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 curves outward 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 increase the volume of the internal space 24 compared to, for example, a flat or concave second end wall portion 70.

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

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

[0128] As best shown in Figure 2B, the first sidewall portion 64 extends axially from the first endwall portion 68, and the axially extended portion of the first sidewall portion 64 reaches a joint 74 where the first sidewall portion 64 intersects with the second endwall portion 70, at which joint 74 the second endwall portion 70 extends toward the second sidewall portion 66, for example, in an arc shape. The axial extension of the first sidewall portion 64 from the first endwall portion 68 to the joint 74 with the second endwall portion 70 makes it possible to provide a relatively compact cartridge 22 that is more efficient to pack, store, and transport.

[0129] The axially extending portion of the first sidewall portion 64 may refer to a linear portion of the first sidewall portion 64 that allows the first sidewall portion 64 to contact a flat surface over its length between the position 75 where the first sidewall portion 64 intersects with the first endwall portion 68 and the joint 74 where the first sidewall portion 64 intersects with the second endwall portion 70.

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

[0131] The packaging of the cartridge 22 can be improved, for example, compared to a cartridge 22 in which the side wall portions 64, 66 include outwardly projecting regions positioned along the side wall portions 64, 66, and between these regions the side wall portions 64, 66 intersect with the end wall portions 68, 70 of the cartridge 22. Such outwardly projecting regions mean that the side wall portions 64, 66 of such a cartridge 22 cannot come into contact with a flat surface over their length.

[0132] In some embodiments, with further reference to Figure 2B, the second sidewall portion 66 extends axially from the first endwall portion 68, and the axially extended portion of the second sidewall portion 66 reaches a further joint 76 where the second sidewall portion 66 intersects with the second endwall portion 70, and at the further joint 76, the second endwall portion 70 extends toward the first sidewall portion 64, for example, in an arc shape. This can improve the compactness and packaging of the cartridge 22 for reasons similar to those provided above with respect to the first sidewall portion 64 that extends axially, as is evident in Figure 2B.

[0133] It should be noted that the axially extending portion of the second sidewall portion 66 may refer to a linear portion of the second sidewall portion 66 that allows the second sidewall portion 66 to contact a flat surface over its length between the point 77 where the second sidewall portion 66 intersects the first end wall portion 68 and a further joint 76 where the second sidewall portion 66 intersects the second end wall portion 70.

[0134] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2A to 2F, the first and second side wall portions 64 and 66 extend axially parallel to each other. Such parallel first and second side wall portions 64 and 66 can further improve the compactness and packaging of the cartridge 22. In such embodiments, the hollow portion of the cartridge 22 defined by the first and second side wall portions 64 and 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 stacked with other such cartridges 22, for example, in a carton.

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

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

[0137] It should be noted that the internal space 24, which partially encloses the recess, may help maximize the volume of the internal space 24, even though the mounting mechanism 72 includes the recess.

[0138] In embodiments such as those shown in Figures 2A to 2F, where the convex first end wall portion 68 is combined with a mounting mechanism 72 that includes a recess, the increase in the volume of the internal space 24 provided by the convex first end wall portion 68 may help to counteract the volume loss caused by including the recess.

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

[0140] The first thermoplastic component 90 can be formed by molding, particularly injection molding. The second thermoplastic component 90 can 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 thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component 90, 92, for example, the first injection-molded thermoplastic component and the second injection-molded thermoplastic component 90, 92, may be joined to each other, for example, by welding.

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

[0144] A simple and implementable method for manufacturing a robust cartridge 22 can be provided by welding the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 90, 92 together. The welding can be carried out by any suitable method. Mirror welding or laser welding are particularly mentioned as methods used to weld the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 90, 92 together.

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

[0146] Polypropylene can help provide the cartridge 22 with sufficient rigidity to withstand the vapor pressure of the cleaning fluid 26 contained in the internal space 24 of the cartridge 22, for example, during storage and transport of the cartridge 22. Furthermore, crystallization of the molten polypropylene during the welding process can provide a relatively robust polypropylene weld seam.

[0147] In some embodiments, with further reference to Figure 5B, the cartridge 22 comprises an outer surface 96 facing away from the internal space 24, the outer surface 96 comprising a first side wall portion 64, a second side wall portion 66, a first end wall portion 68, and a second end wall portion 70, respectively.

[0148] In this 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 surface portion and the second surface portions 98A and 98B may be separated from each other by a weld seam 94.

[0149] Figure 5B shows that the first surface portion and the second surface portions 98A and 98B of the outer surface 96 of the cartridge 22 are aligned with each other. Note that in this context, the term “aligned” may mean that the offset between the first surface portion 98A and the second surface portion 98B is limited to 0.6 mm or less, preferably 0.4 mm or less.

[0150] The aligned, in other words, flush, first and second surface portions 98A and 98B on each side of the weld seam 94 can help balance the compactness / packability of the cartridge 22 with the requirement that the cartridge 22 be able to hold a reasonably large amount of cleaning fluid 26. In this regard, for example, the improved compactness / packability of the cartridge 22 resulting from the first side wall 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 internal space 24 of the cartridge 22 compared to a cartridge 22 in which the side wall portions 64 and 66 include outwardly projecting regions arranged along the side wall portions 64 and 66, and between these regions the side wall portions 64 and 66 intersect with the end wall portions 68 and 70 of the cartridge 22. This is because the outwardly projecting regions can help increase the volume of the internal space 24.

[0151] However, by aligning the first surface portion and the second surface portions 98A and 98B with respect to each other, the cartridge 22 may be designed such that the second surface portion 98B has a larger internal volume than the cartridge 22 that protrudes outward beyond the first surface portion 98A, for example, with the inner first surface portion 98A limiting the volume of the internal space 24 and the outer second surface portion 98B defining the outermost contour of the cartridge 22.

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

[0153] The contour of the recess that engages with the positioning component of the shaver cleaning station 14 may be provided by only one of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 90, 92, but the alignment of the first surface portion and the second surface portion 98A, 98B in the recess may mean that both the first thermoplastic component and the 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, compared to a scenario in which, for example, the outer contour of the recess that engages with the positioning component is provided by only one of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 90, 92, and the other of the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 92, 90 has an inner contour that is recessed more than the outer contour.

[0155] Referring here to Figures 6A and 6B, a method for manufacturing such a cartridge 22 includes welding the first thermoplastic component 90 and the second thermoplastic component 92 to each other, for example, by laser welding or mirror welding.

[0156] Please note that Figures 6A and 6B show the first and second surface portions 98A and 98B of the outer surface 96 of the cartridge 22, as well as the inner surfaces 99 included in 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, respectively.

[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 have shapes such that their outer surface 96 and inner surface 99 each follow the extension of the respective wall portions 64, 66, 68, and 70 to which they belong.

[0158] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 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 each other.

[0159] Therefore, the tooling member 100, for example, the workpiece carrier, can help align the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component 90, 92 without the need for such alignment to be provided by the structure of the first thermoplastic component and / or the second thermoplastic component 90, 92 itself. The latter can help provide a more compact cartridge 22 because the alignment mechanism can be omitted from the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component 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 the workpiece carrier which may further function as a welding shield, as will be described in more detail below herein.

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

[0162] In such embodiments, the tooling member 100, for example, the workpiece carrier, may be positioned to prevent the outflow of molten thermoplastic material from the gap 101. By positioning the tooling member 100 to prevent the outflow of molten thermoplastic material from the gap 101, the risk of undesirable bulges, in other words, burrs or protrusions, beyond the outer surface 96 of excess thermoplastic material in the weld seam 94 can be reduced. This helps to improve the appearance of the cartridge 22 and minimizes the risk that the weld seam 94 may obstruct the insertion of the cartridge 22 into the slot of the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0163] It should be noted that in order 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, the combination of dimensions and tolerances of the cartridge 22 and tooling member 100, such as the workpiece carrier, may be appropriately controlled.

[0164] The weldable portions of the first and second thermoplastic components 90 and 92, and the gap 101, may be designed so that approximately 50% of the thermoplastic material flows into the gap 101. This can help avoid the protrusion of the thermoplastic material.

[0165] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 to 5B, the second thermoplastic component 92 includes a weld rib WR for welding to an additional weld rib FWR included in the first thermoplastic component 90 in order to form an internal rib that extends into the hollow portion when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 90, 92 are welded to each other.

[0166] The internal ribs can help ensure that the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 90, 92 are securely welded to each other, and can also help guide the flow of the cleaning fluid 26 within the internal 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 and 98B from the upper first thermoplastic component 90 and the lower second thermoplastic component 92, respectively. It should be noted that the weld walls WR, FWR / projections that are melted and joined to meet this tolerance do not need to be intentionally slightly aligned.

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

[0169] In embodiments where both the outlet 32 ​​and the inlet 36 are located on or near the second end wall portion 70 and correspondingly distal to the first end wall portion 68, the opening 103 may be positioned adjacent to or near the first end wall portion 68 so that the cleaning fluid 26 received into the internal space 24 via the inlet 36 is first moved toward the first end wall portion 68 by the internal ribs and then returned toward the second end wall portion 70 (where the outlet 32 ​​is located or near it).

[0170] This channel can be useful in separating debris from the washing solution 26, for example, because the channel can provide more opportunities for such debris to settle.

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

[0172] When the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic components 90 and 92 are welded to each other, there is no welding to the mirror rib MR, but the mirror rib MR reflects the shape and extension of the welded rib WR, which can minimize the risk of warping of the base portion 60 during manufacturing.

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

[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 internal space 24, and the partition walls CW define compartments from which debris can be collected from the cleaning fluid 26 received into the internal space 24 from the shaver cleaning station 14.

[0175] The compartment may provide a receptacle in which sedimentation of debris contaminating the washing solution 26, such as bristles, may occur.

[0176] The cartridge 22 may include a filter element 42, such as a filter mesh, and a partition defined by a partition wall CW.

[0177] In such embodiments, the 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, 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 rigidity / stiffness provided by the taller second partition wall CW2 can be helpful in the manufacture of the base portion 60, for example, by facilitating the welding of the second thermoplastic component 92, which includes the base portion 60, to the first thermoplastic component 90, which includes the cover portion 62. In particular, the greater the rigidity / stiffness of the base portion 60, the lower the risk of warping of the base portion 60, which could hinder the welding of the first thermoplastic component 90 to the second thermoplastic component 92, such as mirror welding. In this regard, the greater the height of the second partition wall CW2, the lower the risk of bulging of the base portion 60, which may occur during molding used to manufacture the base portion 60, such as injection molding processes.

[0180] The increased rigidity / stiffness of the base portion 60 can also help to confer structural robustness to the cartridge 22, particularly by assisting the base portion 60 in withstanding the vapor pressure of the cleaning fluid 26 contained in the internal 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 fluid 26 includes ethanol and / or propanol.

[0181] In this way, the taller second compartment wall CW2 may help minimize bulging that may occur during transport of the cartridge 22 on a container ship, for example, when the cartridge 22 containing the cleaning fluid 26 is heated to 80°C during transport, thereby increasing the pressure inside the cartridge 22 by about 1 bar. Thus, the taller second compartment wall CW2 may help reduce the risk of deformation of the wall portions 64, 66, 68, 70 of the cartridge 22 caused by increased pressure, especially in the case of the polypropylene wall portions 64, 66, 68, 70.

[0182] It should be noted that the lower height of the first compartment wall CW1 may help minimize fluid flow inefficiencies, while also helping to reduce the amount of material, such as thermoplastics, contained in the base portion 60.

[0183] In some embodiments, the second partition wall CW2 protrudes from the inner surface 102 into the internal 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 internal 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 of 0.8 mm to 1.5 mm, for example, about 1.2 mm, defined between the outer surface 96 of the base portion 60 and the inner surface 102 of the base portion.

[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, the second compartment wall CW2 can further add 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 when the inner surface 102 is viewed from above.

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

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

[0190] Examples of regular polygons of a partition defined by a second partition wall CW2 that is taller include squares, hexagons, and octagons. A particularly noteworthy example is a hexagonal partition, in other words, a partition divided by six partition walls CWs, each arranged in a hexagon. In such an example, the second partition wall CW2 that is taller may define one, two, or all three opposing pairs of the hexagonally arranged partition walls CWs.

[0191] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 7B, the second partition wall CW2 includes a first interconnected configuration 104A of the second partition wall CW2, the first interconnected configuration 104A being elongated and extending longitudinally between the first end wall portion 68 and the second end wall portion 70, adjacent to the first side wall portion 64.

[0192] In this way, by increasing the height of the partition wall CW adjacent to the first side wall portion 64, the improvement in rigidity provided by the second partition wall CW2 can be provided in areas where the risk of bulging due to the expansion of vapor from the cleaning liquid 26 in the internal space 24 is higher.

[0193] In some embodiments, with further reference to Figure 7B, the second partition wall CW2 includes a second interconnected configuration 104B of the second partition wall CW2, the second interconnected configuration 104B being elongated and extending 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 compartment wall CW2 in areas where the risk of bulging of the base portion 60 due to the expansion of vapor from the cleaning fluid 26 in the internal space 24 is higher (further).

[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 configurations 104A, 104B are separate from each other, in other words, they do not share a second partition wall CW2 common to both the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configurations 104A, 104B.

[0196] In such embodiments, the symmetry provided by including both the first interconnected configuration and the second interconnected configurations 104A, 104B can be useful in the manufacture of the base portion 60, for example, by minimizing the risk of warping during the 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, the third interconnected configuration 104C being located 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 reduce the risk of bulging caused by the presence of cleaning fluid 26 within the internal 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 internal space 24, and the plurality of elongated support ribs SR include 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 can improve the rigidity / stiffness of the base portion 60. In particular, the combination of the second partition wall CW2 and the elongated support ribs SR can provide the base portion 60 with particularly improved structural robustness.

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

[0203] Alternatively or additionally, 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, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, both longitudinal and transverse support ribs are included in the base portion 60 in combination with a partition wall CW, which includes, for example, a first partition wall and second partition walls CW1 and CW2.

[0205] Such a base portion 60 can 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 ​​listed. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the listed value and the functionally equivalent range encompassing that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm."

[0207] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A shaver cleaning station cartridge (22) for inserting into a slot defined in the shaver cleaning station (14) and for containing a cleaning solution (26) suitable for cleaning a shaver (12) docked to the shaver cleaning station, Base part (60) and The cover part (62) and A first side wall portion (64) and a second side wall portion (66) are erected between the base portion and the cover portion, respectively, and together with the base portion and the cover portion define a hollow space, The first end wall portion (68) that closes the first end of the hollow portion, A second end wall portion (70) that closes the second end of the hollow portion opposite to the first end, and an internal space (24) for receiving the cleaning liquid is defined within the hollow portion between the first end wall portion and the second end wall portion, When the cartridge is fixed in the slot, an interface (37) for establishing a fluid path for the cleaning fluid between the internal space and the shaver cleaning station, Equipped with, Multiple partition walls (CWs) protrude from the inner surface (102) of the base portion into the internal space, the partition walls define sections from which debris can be collected from the cleaning fluid received into the internal space from the shaver cleaning station, the partition walls include a first partition wall (CW1) and a second partition wall (CW2), the second partition wall protrudes further from the inner surface into the internal space than the first partition wall, and the second partition wall defines at least opposing portions of one or more regular polygonal or circular shapes within the section when the inner surface is viewed from above. Cartridge (22).

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

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

4. The cartridge (22) according to claim 1, wherein the second partition wall (CW2) includes a third interconnected configuration (104C) of the second partition wall, the third interconnected configuration being located 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. The cartridge (22) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of elongated support ribs (SR) protrude from the inner surface (102) of the base portion (60) into the internal space (24), and the plurality of elongated support ribs include 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. The first end wall portion (68) differs from the second end wall portion (70) in that the first end wall portion includes at least a mounting mechanism (72) which engages with a positioning component of the shaver cleaning station (14) while fixing the cartridge in the slot. The cartridge (22) according to claim 1.

7. The mounting mechanism includes a recess defined within the first end wall portion, and at least a portion of the positioning component is capable of being received within the recess. The cartridge (22) according to claim 6.

8. The cartridge (22) according to claim 1, wherein the first side wall portion (64) extends axially from the first end wall portion (68), the axially extended portion of the first side wall portion reaches a joint portion (74) where the first side wall portion intersects with the second end wall portion (70), and at the joint portion, the second end wall portion extends toward the second side wall portion (66).

9. The cartridge (22) according to claim 1, wherein the second side wall portion (66) extends axially from the first end wall portion (68), the axially extended portion of the second side wall portion reaches a further joint portion (76) where the second side wall portion intersects with the second end wall portion (70), and at the further joint portion, the second end wall portion extends toward the first side wall portion (64).

10. The first side wall portion (64) extends axially from the first end wall portion (68), and the axially extended portion of the first side wall portion reaches a joint portion (74) where the first side wall portion intersects with the second end wall portion (70), and at the joint portion, the second end wall portion extends toward the second side wall portion (66), The cartridge (22) according to claim 9, wherein the first side wall portion and the second side wall portion (64, 66) extend axially parallel to each other.

11. The cartridge (22) according to claim 1, comprising a first thermoplastic component (90) including the cover portion (62) and a second thermoplastic component (92) including the base portion (60), wherein the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded to each other, and a weld seam (94) is provided between the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component.

12. The cartridge (22) according to claim 11, wherein the second thermoplastic component (92) includes a weld rib (WR) which is welded to an additional weld rib (FWR) included in the first thermoplastic component (90) when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded to each other to form an internal rib extending into the hollow portion, and the second thermoplastic component further includes a mirror rib (MR) which is not welded when the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded to each other and reflects the shape and extension of the weld rib.

13. The cartridge (22) according to claim 11, comprising an outer surface (96) facing away from the internal space (24), wherein the outer surface is 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), and the outer surface comprises a first surface portion (98A) of the first thermoplastic component (90) and a second surface portion (98B) of the second thermoplastic component (92), wherein the first surface portion and the second surface portion are separated from each other by the weld seam (94), and the first surface portion and the second surface portion are aligned with each other.

14. A method for manufacturing the cartridge (22) described in claim 1, comprising molding the base portion (60) from a thermoplastic material.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising injection molding the base portion (60) from a thermoplastic material.

16. The cartridge (22) includes a first thermoplastic component (90) including the cover portion (62) and a second thermoplastic component (92) including the base portion (60), wherein the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component are welded to each other, and a weld seam (94) is provided between the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component. The cartridge (22) includes an outer surface (96) facing away from the internal space (24), the outer surface includes each of the first sidewall portion (64), the second sidewall portion (66), the first endwall portion (68), and the second endwall portion (70), the outer surface includes 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 are separated from each other by the weld seam (94), the first surface portion and the second surface portion are aligned with each other, and the manufacture of the cartridge (22) according to claim 12 includes, The method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising 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 to each other.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the gap (101) is initially defined in the interface region between the first thermoplastic component (90) and the second thermoplastic component (92), and thereafter receives molten thermoplastic material from the first thermoplastic component and the second thermoplastic component during the welding, and the tooling member (100) is positioned to prevent the outflow of the molten thermoplastic material from the gap.

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