Sharpener comprising a sliding pivot connection

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sharpener, comprising a housing (1) in which there is provided a cavity (11) intended to receive a blade (110) to be sharpened, a sharpening device (2), an arm (3), and a return device (4) connecting the housing (1) to the arm (3), wherein the housing (1) further comprises a sliding pivot connection (15) in which the arm (3) is mounted so as to be able to move in translation and in rotation with respect to the housing (1), and wherein the return device (4) is arranged such that, when the blade (110) is inserted, the rotation of the arm (3) tends to increase the return force exerted by the return device (4) while the translation of the arm (3) tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the return force.

Description

Sharpener including a sliding pivot joint

[0001] This presentation concerns the general technical field of sharpeners intended for cutting tool blades, for example knife blades, and also concerns a cutting set comprising such a sharpener and a cutting tool blade intended to be received in the sharpener. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Among the systems for sharpening cutting tools such as kitchen knives and scissors, whetstones are traditionally used and allow for efficient and precise manual sharpening. However, using whetstones requires skill and dexterity in the sharpening motion and knowledge of sharpening angles to achieve optimal sharpness. Honing steels are also used to straighten and refine the edge of the blade. While honing steels are easier to use than whetstones, their effectiveness can vary, and they also require some skill to ensure a uniform edge.

[0003] Existing sharpening sheaths simplify and facilitate knife sharpening for novice users. These sheaths typically incorporate abrasive elements fixed within a housing that guides the blade during sharpening. A sharpening sheath is described in French document FR 2 576 537 A1 and US document US 3 696 961 A1. However, such a sheath can cause premature blade wear, may not adequately accommodate different blade heights, and may not allow for even sharpening along the entire length of the blade.

[0004] Document WO 2021 / 209194 A1 describes an alternative sharpening sheath that guides sharpening angles for a wider variety of blades, thus improving sharpening efficiency. However, it does not guarantee uniform sharpening along the entire length of the blade. GENERAL STATEMENT

[0005] One aim of this presentation is to propose a sharpener that improves the efficiency of sharpening, in particular that improves the homogeneity of sharpening over the entire length of the blade.

[0006] Another aim of this presentation is to propose a sharpener capable of sharpening blades of different shapes and sizes.

[0007] According to one aspect, the present application concerns a sharpener comprising:

[0008] - a housing in which a cavity is provided to receive a sharpening blade, the proximal end of the cavity forming an access opening to the cavity,

[0009] - a sharpening device to which a blade edge is provided to be applied during insertion or extraction of the blade into the sharpener cavity,

[0010] - an arm designed to be moved when inserting or removing the blade from the sharpener cavity, and

[0011] - a return device linking the housing to the arm, the return device being designed to exert a return force on the arm which tends to press the edge of the blade inserted in the cavity against the sharpening device.

[0012] The housing further includes a sliding pivot joint in which the arm is mounted movable in translation and rotation relative to the housing, the arm is arranged so that an insertion or extraction of the blade into the cavity causes a rotation and a translation of the arm via the sliding pivot joint, and the return device is arranged so that upon insertion of the blade, the rotation of the arm tends to increase the return force exerted by the return device while the translation of the arm tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the return force, and so that upon extraction of the blade, the rotation of the arm tends to decrease the return force exerted by the return device while the translation of the arm tends to at least partially compensate for the decrease in the return force.

[0013] The sharpener, thanks to its return mechanism, automatically sharpens the blade simply by inserting or removing it from the housing. This simplifies and improves sharpening efficiency while reducing the time required.

[0014] Furthermore, the return force exerted by the return mechanism is virtually independent of the blade's shape and size. The sharpener therefore ensures high-quality sharpening on cutting tools of varying shapes and dimensions.

[0015] Finally, the sliding pivot joint, by allowing both rotation and translation that partially opposes the rotation, limits pressure variations between the sharpening device and the blade edge during blade insertion and removal. This improves the uniformity of the sharpening along the blade's length, thus increasing its lifespan.

[0016] The sliding pivot joint can be a slot provided in the housing. This slot in the sliding pivot joint can extend primarily in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction of blade insertion into the housing cavity. Such a sliding pivot joint effectively compensates for variations in the restoring force during blade insertion or extraction from the cavity.

[0017] The arm may include a pin adapted for movability in translation and rotation within the sliding pivot joint. Such a pin allows for efficient translation and rotation of the arm within the sliding pivot joint.

[0018] The housing may include an additional sliding pivot joint, with the arm or sharpening device mounted in this additional sliding pivot joint. One axis of rotation of the additional sliding pivot joint may be parallel to one axis of rotation of the housing. Such an additional sliding pivot joint ensures smooth simultaneous translation and rotation of the arm during blade insertion or removal.

[0019] The additional sliding pivot joint can be an extra opening provided in the housing. This additional opening of the sliding pivot joint can extend primarily in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sliding pivot joint opening. Such an additional opening is easy to implement and allows the arm to be raised or lowered during blade insertion or extraction.

[0020] The sharpening arm or device may include an additional pin adapted for movability in translation and rotation within the additional sliding pivot joint. Such an additional pin enables efficient translation and rotation within the additional sliding pivot joint.

[0021] The return mechanism can be a return spring interposed between the housing and the arm. The return spring may have one end mounted on a first attachment point on the housing and a second end mounted on a second attachment point on the arm. The first attachment point on the housing may be located either above the cavity or at a distal end of the cavity opposite the access opening. Such a return spring is a simple, reliable, and durable device. Furthermore, the return force of the return spring exerts pressure on the blade during its insertion or extraction, which tends to bring the blade's edge into contact with the sharpening device, thus ensuring satisfactory sharpening simply by the act of inserting or removing the blade.

[0022] The housing may include a blade back guide rail, designed so that the blade is inserted into the cavity between the sharpening device and the guide rail. Such a guide rail allows for better guidance of the blade during insertion and removal from the sharpener, thus improving sharpening accuracy.

[0023] The sharpening device can be mounted on the arm or the housing, with the sharpening device being mounted to rotate freely around an axis of rotation parallel to an axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint. Such a sharpening device allows for consistent and efficient sharpening of the blade inserted in the cavity, regardless of the blade's shape.

[0024] The sharpening device can be positioned adjacent to the access opening. This ensures that the blade is sharpened evenly along its entire length, from tip to heel.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the present application relates to a cutting set comprising a sharpener according to the first aspect and a cutting tool comprising a blade and a handle, the blade comprising an edge and a back opposite the edge, the edge of the blade being intended to be applied to the sharpening device when inserting or removing the blade from the cavity of the sharpener housing.

[0026] The cutting set offers similar advantages to those described above regarding the sharpener. In particular, the cutting set allows for automatic, simplified, more efficient, and faster sharpening. Furthermore, the cutting set ensures high-quality sharpening on cutting tools of varying shapes and sizes. Finally, the cutting set improves the consistency of the sharpening, thus increasing the blade's lifespan.

[0027] The cutting tool can be a knife or a pair of scissors. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] Lare represents a schematic side-section view of a cutting assembly according to a first embodiment, including a knife located outside the sharpener.

[0029] The diagram represents a schematic side-section view of the cutting assembly, with the knife being inserted into the sharpener.

[0030] The diagram represents a schematic side-section view of the cutting assembly, with the knife fully inserted into the sharpener.

[0031] This represents a schematic perspective view of the sharpener housing.

[0032] The diagram represents a schematic perspective view of the arm and sharpening device of the sharpener.

[0033] The representation is a schematic perspective view of the entire cutting assembly, with the knife fully inserted into the sharpener.

[0034] Lare represents a schematic side section view of a cutting assembly according to a second embodiment, including a knife being inserted into the sharpener.

[0035] Lare represents a schematic side cross-sectional view of a sharpener according to a third embodiment.

[0036] Lare represents a schematic side cross-sectional view of a sharpener according to a fourth embodiment.

[0037] Lare represents a schematic side cross-sectional view of a sharpener according to a fifth embodiment.

[0038] Across all figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Sharpener

[0039] A sharpener, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example, comprises: - a housing 1 in which a cavity 11 is provided for receiving a blade 110 to be sharpened, a proximal end of the cavity 11 forming an access opening 12 to the cavity 11, - a sharpening device 2 onto which a wire 112 of the blade 110 is provided for application during insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the sharpener, - an arm 3 arranged to be moved during insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the sharpener, and - a return device 4 connecting the housing 1 to the arm 3, the return device 4 being provided for exerting on the arm 3 a return force which tends to press the wire 112 of the blade 110 inserted in the cavity 11 against the sharpening device 2.

[0040] The housing 1 further includes a sliding pivot joint 15 in which the arm 3 is mounted to move in translation and rotation relative to the housing 1. The arm 3 is arranged so that an insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 causes a rotation and a translation of the arm 3 via the sliding pivot joint 15. The return device 4 is arranged so that during the insertion of the blade 110, the rotation of the arm 3 tends to increase the return force exerted by the return device 4 while the translation of the arm 3 tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the return force, and so that during the extraction of the blade 110, the rotation of the arm 3 tends to decrease the return force exerted by the return device 4 while the translation of the arm 3 tends to at least partially compensate for the decrease in the return force.

[0041] Thus, when the blade 110 is inserted into or removed from the housing 1, the return mechanism 4, which connects the housing 1 to the arm 3, allows the arm 3 to exert pressure on the blade 110, bringing the edge 112 of the blade 110 into contact with the sharpening device 2. The blade 110 is therefore automatically sharpened simply by being inserted into or removed from the housing 1, that is, each time the user inserts or removes it from the sharpener, with the sharpening angle and force being guided. The sharpener thus simplifies sharpening and improves its efficiency, while reducing the time required for sharpening.

[0042] Furthermore, the return force exerted by the return device 4 is essentially independent of the shape and size of the blade 110, and in particular, essentially independent of its height 110. The sharpener thus makes it possible to achieve equivalent pressure forces even with blades 110 of different sizes and shapes, especially heights. The sharpener therefore guarantees good sharpening quality on cutting tools 100 of varying shapes and dimensions.

[0043] The further the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, the greater the pressure exerted by the return device 4, and therefore the more firmly the edge 112 of the blade 110 is pressed against the sharpening device 2. The sliding pivot joint 15, by allowing both rotation and translation that partially opposes the rotation, limits the variations in pressure exerted between the sharpening device 2 and the edge 112 of the blade 110 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110. Thus, the sharpener significantly improves the uniformity of the sharpening along the entire length of the blade 110. The cutting edge of the sharpened blade 110 is therefore more uniform, which increases the lifespan of the blade 110. Definitions

[0044] A cutting tool 100 comprises a blade 110 and a handle 120. The cutting tool 100 can be, for example, a knife or a pair of scissors. The knife 100 comprises a single blade 110 fixed to the handle 120. The pair of scissors comprises two blades 110, each fixed to the handle 120, the two blades 110 being hinged to each other via a pivot point on the handle 120.

[0045] A blade 110 comprises a cutting edge 112 and a back 111 opposite the cutting edge 112. The cutting edge 112 of the blade 110 corresponds to the cutting edge of the blade 110, used for cutting. The back 111 of the blade 110 is generally thicker and not cutting. The blade 110 further comprises a point and a heel. The point corresponds to a front end of the blade 110 and can be used, for example, for drilling. The heel corresponds to a rear end of the blade 110 opposite the point. The heel of the blade 110 can be connected to the handle 120 of the cutting tool 100.

[0046] In the remainder of the application, the term length is used with reference to a longitudinal direction L of insertion and extraction of the blade 110, which corresponds to a principal direction of the housing 1. The term height is used with reference to a vertical direction V perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, which corresponds to a direction of a distance measured directly between the wire 112 and the back 111 of a blade 110 inserted into the housing 1. The term width is used with reference to a lateral direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and to the vertical direction V.

[0047] An insertion distance of the blade 110 in the cavity 11 of the housing 1 corresponds to a longitudinal distance between the tip of the blade 110 and a section of the blade 110 located at the access opening 12 to the cavity 11. Housing

[0048] The housing 1 may include a frame 13 and an enclosure 14. The enclosure 14 defines one part of the cavity 11, and the frame 13 defines another part of the cavity 11. The frame 13 and / or the enclosure 14 may be made of plastic. The frame 13 includes a lower wall adapted to rest flat on a horizontal support such as a work surface or table. The frame 13 further includes two vertical walls extending upwards from the lower wall on either side of it. The vertical walls may extend substantially along the entire length of the lower wall. The vertical walls define a receiving space for the arm 3. The frame 13 may further include a proximal wall extending perpendicularly to the lower wall and the vertical walls at one end of the frame 13. The frame 13 may form the access opening 12 to the cavity 11.More specifically, the access opening 12 to the cavity 11 can be formed in the proximal wall of the frame.

[0049] The casing 14 forms a cover that can be removably attached to the frame 13. The casing 14 may include a curved apex connecting two vertical side walls located on either side of the apex. The casing 14 then has an inverted U-shaped cross-section, as shown by way of non-limiting example in the figure. The frame 13 and the casing 14 together define the cavity 11 designed to receive the blade 110 to be sharpened.

[0050] The access opening 12 to the cavity 11 and the cavity 11 itself may have sufficient height, length, and width to accommodate blades 110 of varying heights, lengths, and widths. The access opening 12 to the cavity 11 may be in the form of a vertical slot with a height and width adapted to guide blades 110 of varying heights and widths during their insertion into or removal from the cavity 11. Thus, the sharpener is capable of sharpening numerous blades 110 of varying shapes and dimensions.

[0051] An upper end of the slot forming the access opening 12 to the cavity 11 can be widened relative to the rest of the slot, so as to facilitate the introduction of the tip of the blade 110 into the access opening 12. A lower end of the slot forming the access opening 12 to the cavity 11 can open onto the sharpening device 2.

[0052] The housing 1 may include a guide piece 5 comprising a guide rail 51 for the back 111 of the blade 110, provided so that the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11 between the sharpening device 2 and the guide rail 51. Such a guide rail 51 allows the blade 110 to be guided more accurately during its insertion and removal from the sharpener, and thus improves the sharpening accuracy.

[0053] The guide rail 51 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction L of the housing 1. The guide rail 51 can extend over only a portion of the cavity 11 of the housing 1, so that it is in contact with only a portion of the back 111 of the blade 110 when the blade 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 11. The guide rail 51 can extend downwards into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. The guide rail 51 may include a vertical slot adapted to extend on either side of the back 111 of the blade 110 during the insertion of the blade 110, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example. Thus, the guide rail 51 allows the blade 110 to be held in a centered position within the cavity 11 of the housing 1 and with a longitudinal orientation during the insertion or removal of the blade 110.The sharpening angle therefore remains symmetrical and constant throughout the path of the blade 110 in the sharpener, without the user needing to manually orient the blade 110. Thus, the symmetry of the sharpening is guaranteed and the sharpening angles are equal on each side of the edge 112 of the blade 110, which allows for homogeneous and centered wear of the blade 110.

[0054] The guide piece 5 can be fixed on the frame 13, in particular at the upper ends of the vertical walls of the frame 13, so as to extend above the frame 13 inside the casing 14 of the housing 1. The guide piece 5 can extend in the immediate vicinity of, or even in direct contact with, the top of the casing 14, and substantially conform to a shape of the top of the casing 14. Locking element

[0055] The housing 1 may further include a locking element intended to be positioned opposite a corresponding complementary locking element located on the blade 110 when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11.

[0056] The return device 4 is designed to exert a return force on the arm 3 directed towards the locking element, so as to engage the locking element with the complementary locking element when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, thus blocking a longitudinal translation of the blade 110 so as to prevent extraction of the blade 110 through the access opening 12 to the cavity 11.

[0057] The housing 1 further includes a through opening 17 leading into the cavity 11 and a release button 6 adapted to be disposed through the through opening 17, the release button 6 being arranged so that when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, a press on the release button 6 opposes the return force exerted by the return device 4 so as to disengage the locking element from the complementary locking element, thus permitting a longitudinal translation of the blade 110 so as to permit extraction of the blade 110 through the access opening 12 into the cavity 11.

[0058] The sharpener described above allows for the mechanical locking of the blade 110 inside the cavity 11 of the housing 1, due to the interaction between the locking element and the complementary locking element, which are engaged by the return force exerted by the return device 4. The sharpener is thus secured, preventing the blade 110 from being accidentally removed from the sharpener, for example, during transport or if the sharpener is dropped. Furthermore, such a mechanical locking mechanism is simple to implement, robust, and compact.

[0059] Furthermore, the blade 110 can only be extracted from the cavity 11 of the housing 1 by a two-step process. The user must use one hand to press the release button 6 to allow the blade 110 to be extracted, and with the other hand pull on the handle 120 of the cutting tool 100 to extract the blade 110 from the sharpener. The unlocking and extraction actions are separate. This provides an additional safety feature compared to a system where the blade 110 could be extracted with one hand. Moreover, the procedure for unlocking and extracting the blade 110 is ergonomic for the user.

[0060] The locking element can be a safety stop 7 and the supplementary locking element can be a notch 130. The return device 4 is designed to position the safety stop 7 in the notch 130 when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, and pressing the release button 6 releases the safety stop 7 from the notch 130. The safety stop 7 can protrude inside a volume of the casing 14, and can protrude vertically from the top of the casing 14. Arm

[0061] Arm 3 comprises a proximal end disposed on the side of the access opening 12 to the cavity 11, and a distal end opposite the proximal end.

[0062] The arm 3 may include two substantially vertical side walls delimiting between them a central space intended to receive the blade 110, and a bottom wall connecting the two side walls.

[0063] The blade 110 can be inserted between the housing 1 and the arm 3. However, the height of the blade 110 increases from tip to heel. Therefore, inserting the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the housing 1 causes a translational and rotational movement of the arm 3 within the housing 1 to accommodate the blade 110, whose height increases within the cavity 11. This movement of the arm 3 increases the restoring force generated by the return mechanism 4 as the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. Conversely, removing the blade 110 causes a translational and rotational movement of the arm 3 within the housing 1, under the effect of the return mechanism 4, which decreases the restoring force generated by the return mechanism 4.

[0064] In a first embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, the blade 110 is inserted between the arm 3 and the casing 14, more precisely between the bottom wall of the arm 3, near the edge 112 of the blade 110, and the top of the casing 14, in contact with the back 111 of the blade 110. Consequently, the insertion of the blade 110 displaces the sharpening device 2, and therefore the arm 3, downwards relative to the top of the casing 14, causing the arm 3 to lower. The arm 3 thus moves away from the top of the casing 14 by a combined translational and rotational movement. Conversely, the removal of the blade 110 causes the arm 3 to rise, the arm 3 moving towards the top of the casing 14 by a combined translational and rotational movement under the effect of the restoring force.

[0065] In a second embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, the blade 110 is inserted between the frame 13, in close proximity to or even in contact with the edge 112 of the blade 110, and the arm 3, in contact with the back 111 of the blade 110. Inserting the blade 110 causes the arm 3 to rise, and the arm 3 moves away from the frame 13 through a combined translational and rotational movement. The sharpening device 2 is housed within the frame 13, and the return device 4 exerts a restoring force on the back 111 of the blade 110, tending to press it against the sharpening device 2. Conversely, removing the blade 110 causes the arm 3 to lower, and the arm 3 moves towards the frame 13 through a combined translational and rotational movement under the effect of the restoring force.Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the size of the sharpener, and to further reduce the variation in the pressure force exerted by the return device 4 when inserting or removing the blade 110. Sliding pivot joint

[0066] The sliding pivot joint 15 can be a slot provided in the housing 1. This slot can extend primarily in a longitudinal direction L corresponding to the insertion direction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. The sliding pivot joint 15 then allows translation of the arm 3 in the longitudinal direction L. The sliding pivot joint 15 also allows rotation of the arm 3 around an axis of rotation, which can be oriented laterally. The axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint 15 is thus translationally movable within the sliding pivot joint 15. Such a sliding pivot joint 15 makes it possible to effectively compensate for variations in the restoring force during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11.

[0067] The position, shape, direction, and dimensions of the slot in the sliding pivot joint 15 can be adapted to compensate for variations in the restoring force during insertion or extraction of the blade 110. Thus, the slot in the sliding pivot joint 15 can be oblong, i.e., substantially rectangular with rounded ends, for example, semi-circular ends. A longer dimension of the slot in the sliding pivot joint 15 can correspond to the longitudinal direction L, or to a direction oblique to the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, the slot in the sliding pivot joint 15 can be curved, have straight sections extending in different directions, or have any other suitable shape to compensate for variations in the restoring force.

[0068] The arm 3 may include a pin 31 adapted to be mounted movable in translation and rotation in the light of the sliding pivot joint 15. Such a pin 31 allows efficient translation and rotation of the arm 3 in the sliding pivot joint 15.

[0069] The pin 31 can be a substantially cylindrical pin with a circular cross-section, which projects laterally outwards from the arm 3. A diameter of the pin 31 can correspond substantially to a dimension of the light of the sliding pivot joint 15 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the largest dimension of the light of the sliding pivot joint 15. Thus, the pin 31 is translationally mobile only in the direction of the largest dimension of the light of the sliding pivot joint 15, the pin 31 being further rotationally mobile in the sliding pivot joint 15 around the axis of rotation.

[0070] Pin 31 can be placed on the distal end of arm 3. Such a position of pin 31 optimizes the translational and rotational movement of arm 3 during the insertion or extraction of blade 110.

[0071] The sliding pivot joint 15 can be provided so that an insertion or extraction of the blade 110 can cause only rotation of the arm 3 for certain positions of the blade 110, and cause simultaneous rotation and translation of the arm 3 for other positions of the blade 110. A dimension in the direction of the largest dimension and / or a light orientation of the sliding pivot joint 15 is then adapted to allow partial compensation of the rotation by translation for certain positions of the blade 110, and not to compensate the rotation for other positions of the blade 110.

[0072] The sliding pivot joint 15 can be formed in a vertical wall of the housing 1, in particular in a vertical wall of the frame 13. The sharpener can comprise two sliding pivot joints having substantially identical shapes and dimensions, each formed in a respective vertical wall of the frame 13, the two sliding pivot joints extending opposite each other. The arm 3 comprises two substantially identical pins 31, located on either side of the arm 3, such that each pin 31 is inserted into a slot in a respective sliding pivot joint 15. For example, each vertical wall of the arm 3 can comprise a respective pin 31 extending laterally outwards from the vertical wall. Additional sliding pivot joint

[0073] The housing 1 may include an additional sliding pivot joint 16. One axis of rotation of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may be parallel to an axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint 15. The axis of rotation of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may, for example, be directed laterally. Such an additional sliding pivot joint 16 ensures smooth simultaneous translation and rotation of the arm 3 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.

[0074] The arm 3 can be mounted in the additional sliding pivot joint 16 of the housing 1, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example. Alternatively, the sharpening device 2 can be mounted in the additional sliding pivot joint 16 of the housing 1, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example.

[0075] The additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be an additional light provided in the housing 1. Said additional light can extend mainly in a vertical direction V perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the light of the sliding pivot joint 15. Such an additional light is easy to implement and allows a lowering or raising of the arm 3 when inserting or removing the blade 110.

[0076] The position, shape, direction and dimensions of the additional light of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be adapted according to the desired compensation of variations in the restoring force during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110. Thus, the additional light can have an oblong shape, i.e. substantially rectangular with rounded ends, for example semi-circular ends.

[0077] A larger dimension of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may correspond to the vertical direction V, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in. Alternatively, a larger dimension of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may correspond to a direction oblique to the vertical direction V, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in, in order to further minimize the pressure variation exerted on the sharpening device 2 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.Alternatively, the light of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may have a curved shape, have straight sections extending in different directions, or have any other shape suitable to allow the desired combination between the translation and rotation of the arm 3 when inserting or removing the blade 110, for the purpose of the desired compensation of the variation in the restoring force when inserting or removing the blade 110.

[0078] The additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be positioned at the proximal end of the arm 3. The additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be positioned adjacent to, or near, the proximal end of the cavity 11 of the housing 1. Since the sharpening device 2 is located at the additional sliding pivot joint 16, such a positioning of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 allows sharpening to be performed substantially along the entire length of the blade 110 during insertion or extraction of the blade 110. Furthermore, when the sliding pivot joint 15 is positioned at the distal end of the arm 3, the sliding pivot joint 15 and the additional sliding pivot joint 16 are separated by a distance substantially corresponding to one length of the arm 3, which allows optimal compensation of the rotation of the arm 3 by the translation of the arm 3 in the sliding pivot joint 15 and in the additional sliding pivot joint 16.

[0079] The arm 3 or the sharpening device 2 may include an additional pin 32 adapted to be mounted movably in translation and rotation in the additional sliding pivot joint 16. Such an additional pin 32 allows efficient translation and rotation in the additional sliding pivot joint 16.

[0080] The additional pin 32 can be a substantially cylindrical pin with a circular cross-section, projecting laterally outwards from the arm 3 or the sharpening device 2. A diameter of the additional pin 32 can substantially correspond to a dimension of the opening of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the largest dimension of the additional sliding pivot joint 16. Thus, the additional pin 32 is translationally movable only in the direction of the largest dimension of the additional opening of the additional sliding pivot joint 16, the additional pin 32 being further rotationally movable in the additional sliding pivot joint 16 about the axis of rotation of the additional sliding pivot joint 16. The additional pin 32 can be attached to the proximal end of the arm 3.

[0081] The additional sliding pivot joint 16 can be formed in a vertical wall of the housing 1, in particular in a vertical wall of the frame 13. The sharpener may include two additional sliding pivot joints having substantially identical shapes and dimensions, each formed in a respective vertical wall of the frame 13, the two additional sliding pivot joints extending opposite each other. The arm 3 or the sharpening device 2 includes two substantially identical additional pins 32, located on either side of the arm 3 or the sharpening device 2, such that each additional pin 32 is inserted into an additional slot in a respective additional sliding pivot joint 16. Reminder device

[0082] The return device 4 can be a return spring, in particular a helical spring, interposed between the housing 1 and the arm 3. The return spring may have a first end mounted on a first attachment point 41 on the housing 1 and a second end mounted on a second attachment point 42 on the arm 3. Such a return spring is a simple, reliable, and durable device. Furthermore, the return force of the return spring exerts pressure on the blade 110 during its insertion or removal, which tends to bring the edge 112 of the blade 110 into contact with the sharpening device 2, so as to ensure satisfactory sharpening simply by the insertion or removal of the blade 110.

[0083] The lengthening of the return spring, that is, the distance between its first and second ends, increases with the insertion distance of the blade 110 into the cavity 11. In other words, the distance between the first attachment point 41 on the housing 1 and the second attachment point 42 on the arm 3 increases with the insertion distance of the blade 110 into the cavity 11, due to the rotational and translational movement of the arm 3 relative to the housing 1 during the insertion of the blade 110. The longer the return spring, the greater the pressure force exerted by the sharpening device 2 on the edge 112 of the blade 110. The effect of the translational movement opposes the effect of the rotational movement to partially compensate for the lengthening of the return spring.Thus, during the insertion of the blade 110, the translation of the arm 3 tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the elongation of the return spring due to the rotation of the arm 3, while during the extraction of the blade 110, the translation of the arm 3 tends to at least partially compensate for the decrease in the elongation of the return spring due to the rotation of the arm 3. Therefore, the elongation of the return spring increases more slowly as the blade 110 is inserted than with a pure rotational movement of the arm 3, which would occur with a simple pivot joint and not a sliding pivot joint 15, and which would result in a proportional increase in the elongation of the return spring with the insertion distance of the blade 110. The presence of such a return spring thus allows for more uniform sharpening of the blade 110, regardless of the shape and dimensions of the blade 110.

[0084] The pin 31, the additional pin 32 and the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring form three guiding zones for a movement of the arm 3 relative to the housing 1.

[0085] The first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 can be a first other pin protruding from the housing 1, the first end of the return spring being wound around the first other pin. The second attachment point 42 to the arm 3 of the return spring can be a second other pin protruding from the arm 3, the second end of the return spring being wound around the second other pin.

[0086] The return device 4 can exert a non-zero return force on the arm 3 even when the blade 110 is not inserted into the cavity 11 of the housing 1, so as to keep the arm 3 in a folded position against the housing 1 in the absence of blade 110 and to exert a return force on the blade 110 from the beginning of the insertion. Thus, sharpening can take place over the entire length of the blade 110.

[0087] The first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 can be arranged in any position allowing an increase in the extension of the return spring when the blade 110 is inserted into the cavity 11, and a decrease in the extension of the return spring under the effect of the return force when the blade 110 is extracted from the cavity 11.

[0088] The return spring can extend in any suitable direction to exert the return force when the blade 110 is inserted, for example in a substantially longitudinal direction, an oblique direction or a substantially vertical direction.

[0089] For example, the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring can be positioned above the cavity 11. Thus, the first end of the return spring can be mounted on the guide piece 5, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figure 1, or can be mounted on an upper end of a vertical wall of the frame 13, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figure 2. The return spring can be mounted in an oblique direction, substantially longitudinally, or substantially vertically. For example, the return spring can be oriented in an oblique direction closer to the longitudinal direction L than to the vertical direction V, as illustrated in Figure 3. Alternatively, the return spring can be oriented in an oblique direction closer to the vertical direction V than to the longitudinal direction L, as illustrated in Figure 4.The closer the orientation of the return spring is to the vertical, the greater the variation in the extension of the return spring, and therefore the greater the return force exerted by the return spring, when inserting or removing the blade 110. An orientation close to the vertical direction V is therefore suitable in particular for a sharpener intended to sharpen small blades 110, which generate little movement of the arm 3 and therefore little variation in the return force.

[0090] Alternatively, the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring can be located at one end of the cavity 11 opposite the access opening 12, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example. The first end of the return spring is then mounted on the distal end of the housing 1, and the second end of the return spring is mounted on the distal end of the arm 3, the return spring being located behind the arm 3 and behind the blade 110 inserted into the sharpener and extending substantially in the longitudinal direction L. In the sharpener, the sliding pivot joint 15 is located substantially above the return spring. In the sharpener, the sliding pivot joint 15 is located substantially below the return spring.

[0091] The sharpener may include two return devices 4, in particular two return springs, designed to extend on either side of the blade 110. Thus, the return force is applied homogeneously and symmetrically on the blade 110. Sharpening device

[0092] The sharpening device 2 can be an abrasive device, in order to ensure effective sharpening when it is brought into contact with the wire 112 of the blade 110.

[0093] The sharpening device 2 can be positioned on either side of the edge 112 of the blade 110 during the insertion or removal of the blade 110 from the cavity 11. Thus, the sharpening device 2 helps to center the blade 110 during its insertion or removal, and the sharpening angle remains symmetrical and constant throughout the blade 110's path in the sharpener, without the user needing to manually orient the blade 110. The symmetry of the sharpening is therefore guaranteed, and the sharpening angles are equal on each side of the edge 112 of the blade 110, which allows for even and centered wear of the blade 110.

[0094] The sharpening device 2 can be positioned adjacent to the access opening 12. In this way, the blade 110 is sharpened almost uniformly along its entire length, from its tip to its heel. Specifically, the sharpening device 2 can be mounted approximately at the level of the access opening 12 to the cavity 11.

[0095] The sharpening device 2 can be mounted on the arm 3, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in, in, in and in. Alternatively, the sharpening device 2 can be mounted on the housing 1, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in, in particular on the lower wall of the frame 13 of the housing 1.

[0096] The sharpening device 2 can be mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation of the sharpening device 2 which is parallel to an axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint 15. For example, the sharpening device 2 can be mounted on the arm 3 or on the housing 1 by means of a substantially cylindrical pin 22 with a circular cross-section, which projects laterally outwards from the sharpening device 2. A diameter of the pin 22 corresponds substantially to a diameter of a circular recess formed in the arm 3 or the housing 1, so that the pin 22 is received in the circular recess by pivoting about the axis of rotation of the sharpening device 2. The sharpening device 2 can pivot relative to the arm 3 over an angular range of at least 15°, for example on the order of 30°. Such a sharpening device 2 allows for homogeneous and efficient sharpening of the blade 110 inserted in the cavity 11, regardless of the shape of the blade 110.

[0097] The sharpening device 2 may include a U-shaped body supporting two sharpening elements 21, for example abrasive, arranged to form a V in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, the two sharpening elements 21 being offset in the longitudinal direction L. The two sharpening elements 21 may consist of two cylinders made of ceramic material. Methods of implementation

[0098] A sharpener according to a first embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in, in, in, in, and in. The sharpener according to the first embodiment conforms to a sharpener as described above. The sharpener includes a guide piece 5 comprising a guide rail 51 as described above. The return device 4 is a return spring having a first end mounted on the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 disposed on the guide piece 5, and a second end mounted on the second attachment point 42 to the arm 3. The return spring extends in an oblique direction closer to the longitudinal direction L than to the vertical direction V. The cavity 11 is provided so that the blade 110 is inserted between the arm 3 and the guide rail 51.The sharpener includes a substantially longitudinal sliding pivot joint 15 in which a pin 31 of the arm 3 is movable in translation and rotation, and an additional substantially vertical sliding pivot joint 16 in which an additional pin 32 of the sharpening device 2 is movable in translation and rotation. The sharpening device 2 is mounted on the arm 3, at a proximal end of the arm 3. The sharpening device 2 is mounted in the additional pivot joint.

[0099] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the pawns 22 and the additional pawns 32 share the same axis of rotation. If desired, the pawns 22 and the other additional pawns 32 can be considered as one.

[0100] A sharpener according to a second embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example. The sharpener according to the second embodiment conforms to a sharpener as described above. The return device is a return spring having a first end mounted on the first attachment point 41 of the housing 1 located at the distal end of the housing 1 and a second end mounted on the second attachment point 42 of the arm 3 located at the distal end of the arm 3. The spring extends in a substantially longitudinal direction. The cavity 11 is provided such that the blade 110 is inserted between the arm 3 and the lower wall of the frame 13.The sharpener comprises a substantially longitudinal sliding pivot joint 15 in which a pin 31 of the arm 3 is movable in translation and rotation, and an additional substantially vertical sliding pivot joint 16 in which an additional pin 32 of the arm 3 is movable in translation and rotation. The sharpening device 2 is mounted on the lower wall of the frame 13 of the housing 1. The arm 3 is mounted in the additional pivot joint.

[0101] A sharpener according to a third embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example. The sharpener according to the third embodiment is similar to the sharpener according to the first embodiment. However, the additional sliding pivot joint 16 is oblique.

[0102] A sharpener according to a fourth embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example. The sharpener according to the third embodiment is similar to the sharpener according to the first embodiment. However, the return spring extends in an oblique direction closer to the vertical direction V than to the longitudinal direction L. The additional sliding pivot joint 16 extends parallel to the entrance of the access opening 12. Thus, the sharpening device 2 is always at the same distance from the access opening 12 during its movement under the effect of the movement of the blade 110 relative to the sharpening sheath.

[0103] A sharpener according to a fifth embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example. The sharpener according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the sharpener according to the first embodiment. However, the return spring has a first end mounted on the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 located at the distal end of the housing 1 and a second end mounted on the second attachment point 42 to the arm 3 located at the distal end of the arm 3. The spring extends in a substantially longitudinal direction.

[0104] In the embodiment examples illustrated in figures 9 and 10, the pawns 22 and the additional pawns 32 are distinct and do not share the same axis of rotation. Cutting set

[0105] A cutting set may include a sharpener as described above and a cutting tool 100 as described above. In particular, the cutting tool 100 includes a blade 110 and a handle 120, the blade 110 including a wire 112 and a back 111 opposite the wire 112, the wire 112 of the blade 110 being intended to be applied to the sharpening device 2 when the blade 110 is inserted into or removed from the cavity 11 of the housing 1 of the sharpener.

[0106] The cutting assembly offers similar advantages to those described above for the sharpener. In particular, the cutting assembly, through the action of the return mechanism, automatically sharpens the blade simply by inserting or removing it from the housing. This simplifies sharpening and improves its efficiency, while also reducing the time required. Furthermore, the return force exerted by the mechanism is virtually independent of the blade's shape and size. The cutting assembly therefore guarantees high-quality sharpening on cutting tools of varying shapes and dimensions. Finally, the sliding pivot joint, by allowing both rotation and translation that partially opposes the rotation, limits pressure variations between the sharpening device and the blade edge during blade insertion or removal.Thus, the cutting assembly improves the uniformity of the sharpening along the length of the blade, which increases the lifespan of the blade.

[0107] The cutting tool 100 can be, for example, a knife or a pair of scissors. The handle 120 of the cutting tool 100 protrudes from the sharpener, even when the blade 110 is fully inserted into the sharpener. Operation of the cutting assembly

[0108] When the user wishes to store the blade 110 of the cutting tool 100 in the sharpener or to sharpen it, he brings the tip of the blade 110 of the cutting tool 100 in front of the access opening 12, then inserts the blade 110 into the cavity 11 with a substantially longitudinal movement.

[0109] During the insertion of the blade 110, the edge 112 of the blade 110 is centered by the sharpening device 2, and if necessary the back 111 of the blade 110 can be centered by the guide rail 51. The return device 4 exerts pressure on the edge 112 of the blade 110 to press it against the sharpening device 2.

[0110] Furthermore, during the insertion of the blade 110, the arm 3 performs a combined rotational and translational movement in the sliding pivot joint 15 and, where applicable, in the additional sliding pivot joint 16. The translational movement of the arm 3 partially compensates for the increase in the restoring force exerted by the restoring device 4 due to the rotational movement of the arm 3. Thus, the increase in pressure exerted between the wire 112 of the blade 110 and the sharpening device 2 is limited as the blade 110 is inserted into the sharpener.

[0111] During the extraction of the blade 110, the arm 3 performs a combined rotational and translational movement in the sliding pivot joint 15 and, where applicable, in the additional sliding pivot joint 16. The translational movement of the arm 3 partially compensates for the decrease in the restoring force exerted by the restoring device 4 due to the rotational movement of the arm 3. Thus, the decrease in pressure exerted between the wire 112 of the blade 110 and the sharpening device 2 is limited as the blade 110 is extracted from the sharpener.

[0112] More specifically, the operation is described below with reference to the sharpener according to the first embodiment.

[0113] The illustration shows the blade 110 in an uninserted position. The pin 31 of the arm 3 is located in the slot of the sliding pivot joint 15, abutting a proximal end of the sliding pivot joint 15. The additional pin 32 of the sharpening device 2 is located in the additional slot of the additional sliding pivot joint 16, abutting an upper end of the additional slot of the additional sliding pivot joint 16. The return device 4 exerts a return force on the arm 3 which maintains it in the raised position.

[0114] The illustration shows a blade 110 in a first intermediate position corresponding to a first insertion distance. The pin 31 of the arm 3 is located in the lumen of the sliding pivot joint 15, strictly between the proximal end and a distal end of the sliding pivot joint 15. As the blade 110 is inserted between the uninserted position and the first intermediate position, the arm 3 descends following a combined translational and rotational movement in the sliding pivot joint 15 and the additional sliding pivot joint 16.In particular, the pin 31 is subjected to a translation in the sliding pivot joint 15 which brings it closer to the distal end of the housing 1, which has the effect of limiting the distance between the second attachment point 42 to the arm 3 of the return spring and the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring, thus limiting the increase in the extension of the return spring due to the rotation of the arm 3. The increase in the return force is then slowed down because the translation opposes the rotation to reduce the increase in the pressure force exerted by the return device 4.

[0115] When the blade 110 reaches a second intermediate position, not shown in the figures and corresponding to a second insertion distance strictly greater than the first insertion distance, the pin 31 comes to rest against the distal end of the lumen of the sliding pivot joint 15. As the blade 110 is inserted between the second intermediate position and the fully inserted position, the arm 3 descends in a purely rotational movement. The restoring force then increases substantially proportionally to the insertion distance of the blade 110.

[0116] The figure illustrates a blade 110 in a fully inserted position, corresponding to the maximum insertion distance of the blade 110. The pin 31 of the arm 3 is located in the slot of the sliding pivot joint 15, abutting the distal end of the sliding pivot joint 15. The additional pin 32 of the sharpening device 2 is located in the additional slot of the additional sliding pivot joint 16, abutting a lower end of the additional slot of the additional sliding pivot joint 16. The return device 4 exerts a maximum return force on the arm 3.

[0117] Although this presentation has been made with reference to specific embodiments, modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from its general scope. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments.

Claims

Sharpener, comprising: - a housing (1) in which a cavity (11) is provided for receiving a blade (110) to be sharpened, a proximal end of the cavity (11) forming an access opening (12) to the cavity (11), - a sharpening device (2) onto which a wire (112) of the blade (110) is provided for application during insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) of the sharpener, - an arm (3) arranged to be moved during insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) of the sharpener, and - a return device (4) connecting the housing (1) to the arm (3), the return device (4) being provided for exerting a return force on the arm (3) which tends to press the wire (112) of the blade (110) inserted into the cavity (11) against the sharpening device (2),The sharpener is characterized in that the housing (1) further comprises a sliding pivot joint (15) in which the arm (3) is mounted to move freely in translation and rotation relative to the housing (1), the arm (3) is arranged such that an insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) causes a rotation and translation of the arm (3) via the sliding pivot joint (15), and the return device (4) is arranged such that upon insertion of the blade (110), the rotation of the arm (3) tends to increase the return force exerted by the return device (4) while the translation of the arm (3) tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the return force, and such that upon extraction of the blade (110), the rotation of the arm (3) tends to decrease the return force exerted by the return device (4) while the translation of the arm (3) tends to at least partially compensate for the decrease in the return force. Sharpener according to claim 1, wherein the sliding pivot joint (15) is a light provided in the housing (1), said light extending mainly in a longitudinal direction (L) corresponding to an insertion direction of the blade (110) in the cavity (11) of the housing (1). Sharpener according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the arm (3) includes a pin (31) adapted to be mounted movable in translation and rotation in the sliding pivot joint (15). Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (1) includes an additional sliding pivot joint (16), the arm (3) or the sharpening device (2) being mounted in the additional sliding pivot joint (16) of the housing (1), and wherein an axis of rotation of the additional sliding pivot joint (16) is parallel to an axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint (15). Sharpener according to claim 2 taken in combination with claim 4, wherein the additional sliding pivot joint (16) is an additional light provided in the housing (1), said additional light extending mainly in a vertical direction (V) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the light of the sliding pivot joint (15). Sharpener according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the arm (3) or the sharpening device (2) includes an additional pin (32) adapted to be mounted movable in translation and rotation in the additional sliding pivot joint (16). Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the return device (4) is a return spring interposed between the housing (1) and the arm (3), the return spring having a first end mounted on a first attachment point (41) to the housing (1) and a second end mounted on a second attachment point (42) to the arm (3). Sharpener according to claim 7, wherein the first attachment point (41) to the housing (1) is disposed either above the cavity (11) or at a distal end of the cavity (11) opposite the access opening (12). Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (1) includes a guide rail (51) for the back (111) of the blade (110), provided so that the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11) between the sharpening device (2) and the guide rail (51). Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sharpening device (2) is mounted on the arm (3) or on the housing (1), the sharpening device (2) being mounted movable in rotation about an axis of rotation of the sharpening device (2) which is parallel to an axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint (15). Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sharpening device (2) is arranged adjacent to the access opening (12). Cutting assembly comprising a sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a cutting tool (100) comprising a blade (110) and a handle (120), the blade (110) comprising an edge (112) and a back (111) opposite the edge (112), the edge (112) of the blade (110) being provided to be applied to the sharpening device (2) during insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) of the housing (1) of the sharpener.

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