Pencil sharpener device for sharpening pencil

Abstract

The invention relates to a pencil sharpener device (1) for sharpening a pencil (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pencil sharpener device for sharpening pens, the pencil sharpener device comprising a base body having at least one pencil groove defined by one or more walls and having a pencil groove axis, the pencil groove being used to introduce a pen to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device, wherein the pencil groove has a first pencil groove section formed by a first wall having a cylindrical basic shape and a second pencil groove section connected to the first pencil groove section and formed by a second wall having a conical basic shape, the pencil sharpener device further comprising at least one sharpening element assigned to at least one pencil groove and having a blade-like or blade-shaped cutting edge, wherein the at least one sharpening element is arranged on a wall of the base body defining a sharpening element plane. Background Art

[0002] Corresponding pencil sharpener devices are generally known from the prior art in various embodiments. It is also known that during conventional use of corresponding pencil sharpener devices, chip-like or chip-shaped removed material is produced, thus producing chips which are guided out of the pencil groove via the gap extending between the cutting edge of the sharpening element and the wall of the basic body.

[0003] The previous designs of corresponding pencil sharpener devices, although they enable satisfactory sharpening results for the pens to be sharpened, are not designed in principle to enable or support as controlled and / or uniform chip formation as possible within the sharpening process of the pens to be sharpened. However, the possibility or support of controlled and / or uniform chip formation may have a positive influence on the sharpening results of pens with certain sheath materials and / or lead materials, i.e., in particular soft sheath materials and / or lead materials. Summary of the invention

[0004] Starting from this, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved pencil sharpener device for sharpening pens.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a pencil sharpener device for sharpening pens. The pencil sharpener device described here is therefore generally configured for sharpening pens. The pen can be, for example, a writing pen, a drawing pen or a cosmetic pencil, which has a refill made of at least one refill material and a shield or sheath surrounding the refill made of at least one shield or sheath material, which can in particular be a plastic material. Accordingly, the pencil sharpener device can generally be configured for sharpening writing pens and / or drawing pens and / or cosmetic pencils. In particular, the pencil sharpener device can be considered as an embodiment of a cosmetic pencil sharpener.

[0006] The pencil sharpener device comprises a base body which can also be referred to as a housing if necessary or can be considered as a housing. The base body is defined by one or more walls which determine its functional and / or structural configuration. The respective walls can differ in their arrangement, orientation or shape and can be distinguished from each other, for example, in their arrangement, orientation or shape. Thus, the individual walls can differ, for example, in their function, wherein the function of the individual walls can in turn be generated, for example, by their respective arrangement, orientation or shape.

[0007] The pencil sharpener device further comprises at least one sharpening element assigned to at least one pencil groove and having a blade-shaped or blade-shaped cutting edge. The at least one sharpening element can also be referred to or considered as a sharpening tool. The at least one sharpening element is arranged or fixed on a wall of the base body which defines a sharpening element plane (blade plane). The wall defining the sharpening element plane is typically designed to be planar in order to enable the at least one sharpening element to be supported in a planar manner as far as possible; the at least one sharpening element is typically also designed to be (essentially) flat.

[0008] The base body is formed with at least one pen groove, which is delimited by one or more corresponding walls and has a pen groove axis, or comprises at least one such pen groove for introducing a pen to be sharpened by means of a pencil sharpener device. As will be shown below, the pen groove, which can be referred to as or regarded as a sharpening groove, accordingly delimits a space extending at least in sections within the base body, into which a pen to be sharpened by means of a pencil sharpener device can be introduced so as to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device.

[0009] The pen slot has a first pen slot section and a second pen slot section, the first pen slot section being formed by a first wall having a basic shape of a (hollow) cylinder, the second pen slot section being connected to the first pen slot section or generally directly transitioning into the first pen slot section and being formed by a second wall having a conical (i.e., in particular, truncated cone-shaped) basic shape. Due to its conical basic shape, the second pen slot section can taper in the direction of its free end facing away from the first pen slot section. Thus, the pen slot comprises two pen slot sections, namely the first pen slot section and the second pen slot section, which are different in geometry (i.e., in particular in terms of their basic shape) and can be defined accordingly to one another, the first pen slot section being formed by a first wall having a basic shape of a (hollow) cylinder and thus having a basic shape of a (hollow) cylinder, the second pen slot section being formed by a second wall having a conical (i.e., in particular, truncated cone-shaped) basic shape and thus having a conical (i.e., in particular, truncated cone-shaped) basic shape. The at least two pen slot segments typically each include a pen slot segment axis that typically coincides with the pen slot axis; thus, the at least two pen slot segments are typically coaxially arranged.

[0010] The (hollow) cylindrical basic shape of the first wall or the first pen slot section can be geometrically determined by a base circle or a plane of a base circle with a defined radius about the pen slot axis and by a height. The base circle typically constitutes the base surface of the hollow cylinder that determines the basic shape of the first wall. The height of the hollow cylinder usually corresponds to the length dimension of the first wall along the pen slot axis. The radius of the base circle typically corresponds to at least 2 mm, in particular at least 2.5 mm, in particular at least 5 mm, further in particular at least 7 mm, further in particular at least 9 mm, further in particular at least 11 mm. Therefore, commercially available writing pens, drawing pens or cosmetic pens can be introduced into the first pen slot section. In particular, if necessary, so-called small or large pens can also be introduced into the first pen slot section.

[0011] The conical basic shape of the second wall or the second pen slot section can be determined geometrically by a base circle or a plane of a base circle with a defined radius about the pen slot axis, by a cone angle or opening angle, and by a height. The base circle typically forms the base surface of a cone or truncated cone that determines the basic shape of the second wall. The cone angle or opening angle can be in the range between 15 and 50°, in particular in the range between 15 and 45°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 40°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 35°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 30°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 25°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 20°. The height of the cone or truncated cone corresponds to the length dimension of the second wall along the pen slot axis. The radius of the base circle is in particular at least 2 mm, further in particular at least 2.5 mm, so that commercially available writing pens, drawing pens or cosmetic pens can be introduced into the second pen slot section. Therefore, the base circle can have a radius greater than or equal to 2 mm, in particular a radius in the range between 2 mm and 9 mm, further in particular a radius in the range between 2 mm and 7 mm, further in particular a radius in the range between 2 mm and 5 mm. The radius of the base circle of the second wall typically corresponds to the radius of the base circle of the first wall. The radius of the base circle of the second wall can therefore be equal to the radius of the base circle of the first wall. The basic shape of the cone of the second wall or the second pen groove section can also be described or defined by a plurality of cross-sectional circles arranged parallel to or coaxially to the base circle, in particular, all of these cross-sectional circles have different radii depending on the axial position with respect to the pen groove axis.

[0012] Here, the base circle forms a cross-sectional circle with a maximum radius, and the cone angle or opening angle results in a relatively small radius of a cross-sectional circle arranged parallel to the base circle. The cross-sectional circle with the smallest radius can form a so-called mating hole; this applies in particular to the case where a chip guide section described below does not extend beyond the mating hole in the axial direction. The cross-sectional circle with the largest radius is the base circle. Therefore, the second wall or the second pen groove section extends at least between the base circle and the mating hole when viewed axially. However, the second pen groove section can also have a region that extends axially with respect to the pen groove axis between the mating hole and the conical top of an imaginary cone, which forms an extension of the conical basic shape of the second pen groove section.

[0013] For all embodiments, it is applicable that the base circle defining the basic shape of the cone of the second wall and thus the second wall can also be interrupted in the circumferential direction at least in the transition area from the second wall to the first wall. Usually, the second wall is also interrupted in other aspects in order to provide the possibility of removing the material from the pen slot. Therefore, the base circle defining the basic shape of the cone of the second wall and thus the second wall at least in the transition area from the second wall to the first wall can be a circular arc, which is free in a certain angular segment and thus forms a free space.

[0014] When observed, the angular segment or the free space can be, for example, in an angular range of between 10° and 120°, in particular in an angular range of between 10° and 110°, further particularly in an angular range of between 10° and 100°, further particularly in an angular range of between 10° and 90°, further particularly in an angular range of between 10° and 80°, further particularly in an angular range of between 10° and 70°, further particularly in an angular range of between 10° and 60° in the circumferential direction without the at least one sharpening element, that is to say, for example, in an unfinished assembled state of the pencil sharpener device. In some embodiments, the angular range may be in the range of 10° to 55°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 55°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 50°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 45°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 40°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 35°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 30°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 25°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 20°, in some embodiments in the range of 10° to 15°. The angular range may also form the upper and lower limits of the angular range interval.

[0015] The angular extent may relate to an imaginary (complete) cross-sectional circle of the second wall. Typically, the angular extent of the free space is greater in the case of a cross-sectional circle with a relatively small radius than in the case of a cross-sectional circle with a relatively large radius.

[0016] As described, the pencil sharpener device also comprises at least one sharpening element assigned to at least one pencil receptacle and having a blade-like or blade-shaped cutting edge. The base circle defining the conical basic shape of the second wall or the second pencil receptacle section and thus the second wall in the assembled state of the pencil sharpener device, at least in the transition region from the second wall to the first wall, is typically a circular arc, which is free in an angular segment extending between the at least one sharpening element and the second wall and thus forms or defines a gap (chip discharge gap) extending between the cutting edge of the sharpening element and, in particular, the second wall of the base body, through which the removed material produced during the sharpening of the pencil introduced into the pencil receptacle can be discharged from the pencil receptacle. This angular segment extends in the circumferential direction over a (considerably) smaller angular range than the previously mentioned angular segments. Specifically, the angular sector may be between 0.5° and 100° in the circumferential direction, in particular between 0.5° and 90°, further in particular between 0.5° and 80°, further in particular between 0.5° and 70°, further in particular between 0.5° and 60°, further in particular between 0.5° and 55°, further in particular between 0.5° and 50°, further in particular between 0.5° and 45°, further in particular between 0.5° and 40°, further in particular between 0.5° and 35°, further in particular between 0.5° and 30°, further in particular between 0.5° and 25°. , further especially between 0.5° and 20°, further especially between 0.5° and 15°, further especially between 0.5° and 10°, further especially between 0.5° and 9°, further especially between 0.5° and 8°, further especially between 0.5° and 7°, further especially between 0.5° and 6°, further especially between 0.5° and 5°, further especially between 0.5° and 4°, further especially between 0.5° and 3°, further especially between 0.5° and 3°, further especially between 0.5° and 2°, further especially between 0.5° and 1°. This angular range can even be less than 1° or less than 0.5°, therefore for example in the range between 0.5° and 0.95°, in particular in the range between 0.5° and 0.75°. The specific value of the angular sector typically depends on the radius of the corresponding base circle. The angular range can also form the upper and lower limits of the angular range interval.

[0017] The angular extent can also relate to an imaginary (complete) cross-sectional circle of the second wall. Typically, the angular extent of the free space is greater in the case of a cross-sectional circle with a relatively small radius than in the case of a cross-sectional circle with a relatively large radius.

[0018] Therefore, the angular extension of the gap in the circumferential direction is typically also below 30°. In particular, the angular extension of the gap can be between 0.5° and 100°, in particular between 0.5° and 90°, further in particular between 0.5° and 80°, further in particular between 0.5° and 70°, further in particular between 0.5° and 60°, further in particular between 0.5° and 55°, further in particular between 0.5° and 50°, further in particular between 0.5° and 45°, further in particular between 0.5° and 40°, further in particular between 0.5° and 35°, further in particular between 0.5° and 30°, further in particular between 0.5° and 25°, Further in particular between 0.5° and 20°, further in particular between 0.5° and 15°, further in particular between 0.5° and 10°, further in particular between 0.5° and 9°, further in particular between 0.5° and 8°, further in particular between 0.5° and 7°, further in particular between 0.5° and 6°, further in particular between 0.5° and 5°, further in particular between 0.5° and 4°, further in particular between 0.5° and 3°, further in particular between 0.5° and 3°, further in particular between 0.5° and 2°, further in particular between 0.5° and 1°. The angular range may even be less than 1°, thus in the range of 0.5° to 0.95°, in particular in the range of 0.5° to 0.75°. The angular range may also form the upper and lower limits of the angular range interval.

[0019] The angular extent can also relate to an imaginary (complete) cross-sectional circle of the second wall. Typically, the angular extent of the gap is greater in the case of a cross-sectional circle with a relatively small radius than in the case of a cross-sectional circle with a relatively large radius.

[0020] Merely by way of example, a gap width of 0.1 mm and a corresponding cross-sectional circle radius of 11.5 mm may result in an angular lower limit of 0.5°. Alternatively or additionally, for example, a gap width of 0.75 mm and a corresponding cross-sectional circle radius of 1.25 mm may result in an angular range of 35°.

[0021] As described, a gap (also referred to as chip removal gap) is formed by at least one sharpening element, that is to say in particular by regions of the at least one sharpening element and the second wall thereof which are located opposite one another, through which gap the material removed during the sharpening of the pencil inserted into the pencil holder can be discharged from the pencil holder. As mentioned, the gap is narrower and has a smaller angular extension than conventional pencil sharpener devices, which has a positive effect on chip formation. It was surprisingly found that a relatively small angular extension of the gap, thus in particular an angular extension of less than 10°, in particular less than 5°, further in particular less than 2.5°, further in particular less than 1°, can have a positive effect on chip formation during the sharpening of the pencil to be sharpened, thus achieving a controlled and uniform chip formation.

[0022] The gap in the base circle defining the conical basic shape of the second wall can extend in the front region of the second wall in the circumferential direction over a large angular segment, that is to say in particular over more than 45°, because the radius can be very small in the front region or the gap can cover a larger angular range. Here, the angular segment is relatively observable, related to the radius or circumference, and therefore the angular segment is relatively large.

[0023] For the sake of completeness, it is stated that the base circle defining the cylindrical basic shape of the first wall and thus also the first wall can be interrupted at least in sections in the circumferential direction, in particular in the transition region from the first wall to the second wall.

[0024] The base body may include one or more fixing interfaces, which allow the at least one sharpened element to be arranged or fixed on a wall defining the plane of the sharpened element; a corresponding fixing interface may be, for example, an opening in the wall defining the plane of the sharpened element, which may be provided with a thread. A fixing element, for example in the form of a spiral, may be inserted into the opening in order to fix the at least one sharpened element on the wall defining the plane of the sharpened element. The walls defining the plane of the sharpened element may jointly define the first and / or second pen groove section; the first and / or second wall may accordingly transition at least in sections into the wall defining the plane of the sharpened element.

[0025] In a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axis of the pen groove, at least one sharpening element can be arranged on a secant formed by a base circle defining the base surface of the second wall or the second pen groove section, or such a secant can be defined. The secant is typically covered by at least 50% or less by the at least one sharpening element. Accordingly, the at least one sharpening element typically extends into the base circle by a maximum of 50% of the length of the section of the secant intersecting the base circle. This results in a chip removal gap that is significantly smaller in size than in the prior art, which is therefore formed in particular by the secant or the area of ​​the section of the secant intersecting the base circle that is not covered by the at least one sharpening element.

[0026] In the corresponding transverse section, the center of the secant can be arranged at right angles to the pen slot axis, and is spaced apart from the nearest edge of the base circle defining the base surface of the second wall or the second pen slot section by a distance of between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.45 mm, further in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.4 mm, further in particular between 0.1 mm and 0.35 mm. Thus, the spacing of the secant from the nearest edge of the base circle defining the base surface of the second wall or the second pen slot section, defined by a perpendicular to the secant, can be between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.45 mm, further in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.4 mm, further in particular between 0.1 mm and 0.35 mm. This also applies when the base circle is interrupted in the circumferential direction as described; in this case, an imaginary base circle closed in the circumferential direction is assumed. The secant line is therefore typically (clearly) located on the center of the base circle.

[0027] At least the second groove section has a chip guide section extending in the direction of the groove axis, in particular in its longitudinal direction. Therefore, at least the second groove section is constructed with a chip guide section, which extends in particular in the longitudinal direction of the groove axis. The chip guide section is particularly configured to construct and / or guide chips generated during the sharpening process from the sharpening groove. The chip guide section can be located, in particular, with its free end opposite to the at least one sharpening element on a radius about the groove axis, which radius can be greater than the radius about the groove axis, and the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element is located on this radius. This provides a particularly suitable chip guiding function. Compared with the prior art, the chip guide section substantially opens up or promotes the formation of chips in terms of the possibility of controlled and uniform chip formation.

[0028] The chip guide section is typically designed in the form of a sector when viewed in cross section. However, embodiments with different shapes when viewed in cross section, such as, for example, a trapezoidal shape or a freeform shape, are also conceivable.

[0029] The chip guide section can be located at least in sections, i.e. (substantially) when viewed in cross section, in particular at least in a plane defined by one or more base circles defining the basic shape of the cone of the second wall or the second groove section or in a plane defined by the base surface of the second wall or the second groove section, above the plane of the sharpening element or above the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element. The arrangement of the chip guide section at least in sections above the plane of the sharpening element is a structural measure, i.e., opens up or facilitates the aforementioned possibility of improved chip formation compared to the prior art.

[0030] The chip guide section, together with the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element (as shown in the figure), usually also defines a gap (also referred to as a chip discharge gap), through which material removed in a chip-like or chip-like manner, i.e., for example, lead material and / or sheathing material, can be discharged from the pencil groove during the sharpening of the pencil inserted into the pencil groove and sheathed with the cap material or sheathing material. The cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element and the chip guide section formed by the exposed wall section of the base body arranged adjacent to the cutting edge, in particular opposite thereto, thus jointly define a gap (also referred to as a chip discharge gap), through which material removed during the sharpening of the pencil inserted into the pencil groove can be discharged from the pencil groove. The chip guide section is thus arranged or configured such that it defines, together with the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, one or more gaps, through which the hood material or sheath material, which is removed in particular in a chip-like or chip-like manner, can be discharged from the trough during the sharpening of the pencil introduced into the trough and sheathed with the hood material or sheath material. Thus, the chip guide section can extend (essentially) parallel to the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element when viewed axially with respect to the trough axis. Thus, the gap can be formed by an elongated free space extending between the chip guide section and the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, which elongated free space extends axially with respect to the trough axis in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] In all embodiments, the chip guide section can form an axial protrusion of the second wall, which axial protrusion, for example, as a web-shaped or web-shaped element, extends in the axial direction beyond the matching hole in the direction of the imaginary cone top of the second pen groove section. The second wall can therefore have a corresponding axial protrusion, which thus forms a component of the second wall. In this case, the matching hole forms the end of the basic shape of the cone of the second wall, that is, in particular the end of the truncated cone or truncated cone-shaped section, rather than the entire end of the second wall or the second pen groove section. The chip guide section can, in particular, extend in the axial direction as a corresponding axial protrusion beyond the matching hole by at least 0.5 mm, further in particular by at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm in the direction of the imaginary cone top of the second pen groove section. The above values ​​can also form the upper or lower limit of the interval.

[0032] In the circumferential direction of the base circle of the second groove section, the chip guide section can form a free end of the second wall that is (substantially) opposite the at least one sharpening element; this applies analogously to corresponding embodiments in which, viewed in cross section, the chip guide section is located (substantially) above the plane of the sharpening element or above the cutting edge of at least one sharpening element at least in sections, i.e., in particular at least in a plane defined by one or more base circles defining the conical basic shape of the second wall or the second groove section or in a plane defined by the base surface of the second wall or the second groove section.

[0033] The chip guide section provides a possibility in principle to achieve or support the most controlled chip formation within the scope of the sharpening process of the pencil to be sharpened by the pencil sharpener device. The width of the gap is important for the possibility of achieving or supporting the most controlled chip formation within the scope of the sharpening process of the pencil to be sharpened.

[0034] It is shown here that surprisingly, a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm leads to well-controlled or controllable chip formation. Therefore, the gap has a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm at least in sections. Therefore, the gap is not wider than 0.75 mm at least in sections. In particular, the gap can have a width of less than or equal to 0.7 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.65 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.60 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.55 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.50 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.45 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.40 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.35 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.30 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.25 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.20 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.15 mm, further, especially less than or equal to 0.10 mm at least in sections.

[0035] Thus, due to the at least sectionally very small width of the gap or the small dimension of the gap in the width direction, the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element can at least sectionally almost rest on the chip guide section (or vice versa).

[0036] By forming the chip guiding section in the area of ​​the second wall or the second slot section, the angular range occupied by the gap with respect to the slot axis is (significantly) reduced compared to the prior art, whereby the gap width is reduced. Thus, the chip guiding section can be defined as the area of ​​the wall delimiting the second slot section, in which the wall is located in an angular sector, in which a corresponding cross-sectional circle defining the cross section of the second slot section is located above the plane of the sharpening element and provides a contraction of the gap compared to the prior art. This can be applied to each plane of the second slot section arranged parallel to the base circle and facing the free end of the second slot section. A cross-sectional circle can be understood as a circle arranged parallel to the base circle or parallel to a plane of the base circle, but arranged in a plane spaced axially from the base circle with respect to the axis of the sharpening slot. The cross-sectional circle can form a so-called "matching hole", which can be a cross-sectional circle with a minimum radius.

[0037] If the gap has a variable width in the direction of its longitudinal extension, the gap can have a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm over at least 10%, further in particular at least 20%, further in particular at least 30%, further in particular at least 40%, further in particular at least 50%, further in particular at least 60%, further in particular at least 70%, further in particular at least 80%, further in particular at least 90% of its longitudinal extension. In the case of a variable gap width with a minimum width and a maximum width, the minimum width of the gap is therefore less than or equal to 0.75 mm.

[0038] The width of the gap can correspond to the clear width between the chip guide section and the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element.

[0039] By providing corresponding chip guide sections and the geometric dimensions of the gap between the chip guide section and the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, wherein, as explained, the gap at least in sections has a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm, a pencil sharpener device is provided which is improved with regard to the possibility of controlled chip formation.

[0040] The gap can, in particular, at least in sections, have a width in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.75 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.65 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.60 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.55 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.50 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.45 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.40 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.35 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.30 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.25 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.20 mm, further in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.15 mm. Particularly good sharpening results are obtained if the gap has, at least in sections, a width in the range between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 0.3 mm.

[0041] A suitable embodiment of the pencil sharpener device is provided as follows: As mentioned, the conical basic shape of the second wall is defined by a base circle. The second wall, viewed in cross section, can define at least one cross-sectional circle arranged parallel to the base circle, which has a radius greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, in particular a radius in the range between 1.5 mm and 4 mm, further in particular a radius in the range between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, further in particular a radius between 1.5 mm and 2 mm. The gap can have a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm, in particular less than or equal to 0.5 mm in the region of at least one cross-sectional circle. At least one cross-sectional circle can be the mentioned mating hole or at least one cross-sectional circle can form the mentioned mating hole.

[0042] The chip guide section is typically rigidly and thus immovably connected to the base body. This is to be understood in particular that the chip guide section, in particular when a pen is introduced into and / or led out of the pen slot, is in particular substantially immutable in its orientation and / or position. Therefore, even during the sharpening process of the pen to be sharpened by means of a pencil sharpener, the chip guide section generally does not or hardly deflect or move. By correspondingly rigidly and thus immovably connected to the base body, a particularly good chip guide possibility is achieved, which is particularly caused by the fact that, during the sharpening process of the pen to be sharpened by means of a pencil sharpener, as mentioned, the chip guide section does not deflect or move. However, due to material reasons, the rigid construction and connection of the chip guide section may allow the chip guide section to deflect or deform slightly at least in the front area (in particular due to the corresponding structural characteristics of the pen to be sharpened). The corresponding deflection or deformation of the chip guide section can be in the range between 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm.

[0043] The rigid and therefore immovable connection of the chip guide section to the base body can be achieved in particular by forming the chip guide section integrally or integrated with the base body. The integral or integrated design with the base body can also bring advantages in terms of production technology, since the chip guide section can be formed together with the base body in a common production step. It is generally necessary to ensure that the base body is composed of, for example, an injection-moldable plastic material.

[0044] The free end of the chip guide section, which is opposite the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, can be configured with a bevel or have such a bevel. The bevel, viewed in cross section, can form a section of an imaginary secant through a base circle forming the conical basic shape of the second wall of the second pen groove section or is formed by such a secant. The corresponding secant usually does not pass through the center of the base circle. The bevel can support the chips formed during the sharpening process of the pen to be sharpened by the pencil sharpener device and accordingly contribute to controlled chip formation and to better discharge of chips from the pen groove.

[0045] In an analogous manner, embodiments with corresponding curvatures are also conceivable. Thus, the free end of the chip guide section, which is opposite the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, can also be designed with a corresponding curvature or have such a curvature.

[0046] In order to further facilitate or support controlled chip formation, the chip guide section can have a section that protrudes (essentially) radially into the second pen groove section with respect to the sharpening groove axis, that is, in particular a section that protrudes into the base circle or the corresponding cross-sectional circle. Therefore, the chip guide section can have a section that protrudes radially into the second pen groove section with respect to the pen groove axis, which section is particularly set up and arranged to apply a force (pressure) that acts radially on the pen section introduced into the second pen groove section. Therefore, the section of the chip guide section that protrudes into the second pen groove section can be particularly set up and arranged to reduce the cutting depth of at least one sharpening element into the corresponding relevant pen section to a certain size or limit it to a certain size. In particular, the section of the chip guide section protruding into the second pen groove section can be established and arranged to apply a force, in particular radially acting about the pen groove axis, to a front pen section, in particular a conical front pen section, of the pen section introduced into the second pen groove section, having an exposed lead section, in particular, such that the cutting depth of at least one sharpening element into the respectively associated pen section is reduced by a certain dimension or is limited to a certain dimension.

[0047] Thus, the section of the chip guide section that protrudes into the second pen groove section can be pressed, in particular radially with respect to the pen groove axis, against the pen introduced into the pen groove, in particular the front pen section with the exposed lead section, so that the pen moves away from the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element by a certain dimension. In this way, as mentioned, the penetration depth of the at least one sharpening element into the respectively associated pen section can be reduced or limited to a certain dimension, so that the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element can be prevented from penetrating too deeply into the pen introduced into the pen groove or into the hood or sheath of the pen introduced into the pen groove that surrounds the lead of the pen. In particular, in the case of the hood or sheath being made of a relatively soft material, such as, for example, a plastic material, this can lead to an undesirable accumulation or growth of chips, to uncontrolled chip formation and thus to uneven material removal. As described above, since the available radius is smaller than the radius of the pen guide, the section of the chip guide section that protrudes into the second pen groove section can therefore limit the cutting depth of the at least one sharpening element, and the introduction of the pen is now limited by this radius. This radius limitation can lead to the shield material or jacket material of the pen introduced into the second pen groove section being pressed radially inwards with respect to the pen groove axis, and thus can reduce or suppress the undesirable effect of the shield material or jacket material in this area near the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element being pulled upward or moved upward. In practice, by means of this deformation, the pen can be introduced into the pen groove as deeply as in conventional pencil sharpener devices, but in contrast to conventional pencil sharpener devices, the chips can be formed in a controlled manner.

[0048] The section of the chip guide section protruding into the second pen groove section can in particular be constructed in the above-mentioned area of ​​the second pen groove section, which extends axially about the pen groove axis between the matching hole and the cone top of an imaginary cone, which forms an extension of the conical basic shape of the second pen groove section.

[0049] By means of a chip guide section designed in this way, it is possible in particular to achieve an improvement in the chip formation in the front region of the respective hood or sleeve, i.e. in the region of the respective hood or sleeve which is opposite the exposed section of the lead when viewed axially, since the respective hood or sleeve is usually thin or weak in this front region of the respective pencil. In this case, the front region of the respective hood or sleeve comprises in particular the pencil section which protrudes from the respective pencil. As described, by means of a correspondingly designed chip guide section, these regions can be pushed away by a certain size from the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, which can be achieved during the sharpening process of the pencil to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device and thus achieve a (mostly) constant chip formation, regardless of the number of rotations of the pencil relative to the at least one sharpening element.

[0050] The section of the chip guide section that protrudes into the second pencil groove section can be designed and arranged in particular to achieve an arrangement of the pencil section introduced into the second pencil groove section relative to the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, which achieves a corresponding limitation of the cutting depth. The arrangement is selected so that, as described, during the sharpening process of the pencil to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device, and thus, a (mostly) constant chip formation is achieved, regardless of the number of rotations of the pencil relative to the at least one sharpening element.

[0051] The section of the chip guide section that protrudes into the second pen groove section can be arranged and / or dimensioned in particular so that it acts on a pen section that protrudes from a corresponding mating hole. In this way, the pen introduced into the second pen groove section can be positioned in a suitable manner relative to the cutting edge of the at least one long sharpening element, which can facilitate (as much as possible) constant chip formation, as described above.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, in the longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element, in the case where the longitudinal extension of the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element is typically substantially parallel to or inclined to the groove axis, the section of the chip guide section protruding into the second groove section is arranged or constructed in the region of the center of the cutting edge of the at least one sharpening element. In this way, the section of the chip guide section protruding into the second groove section (as described) can act on a pen section introduced into the groove section in order to facilitate (as much as possible) constant chip formation.

[0053] Specifically, the section of the chip guide section protruding into the second pen slot section may protrude into the second pen slot section by at least 0.1 mm. Therefore, the section of the chip guide section protruding into the second pen slot section may have a dimension of at least 0.1 mm in the radial direction of the pen slot axis. In particular, the section of the chip guide section protruding into the second pen slot section may have a dimension in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm in the radial direction of the pen slot axis.

[0054] In principle, the pencil sharpener device can be a simple pencil sharpener with only one pencil slot or a multiple pencil sharpener with multiple, in particular (essentially) parallel arranged pencil slots or sharpening slots; in the embodiment as a multiple pencil sharpener, the pencil sharpener device can have a corresponding chip guide section for each pencil slot or sharpening slot. The above explanations apply analogously.

[0055] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for sharpening a pencil by means of a pencil sharpener device according to the first aspect. The method comprises in particular the following steps: inserting a pencil to be sharpened into a pencil receptacle of a base body of the pencil sharpener device and moving the pencil relative to at least one sharpening element in order to remove material from the pencil, wherein the removed material produced during the sharpening of the pencil introduced into the pencil receptacle is discharged from the pencil receptacle in the form of chips, in particular in the form of chips, via a gap. As can be seen from the description of the pencil sharpener device according to the first aspect of the invention, this method can achieve a controlled chip formation during the sharpening of the pencil, that is to say in particular a (mostly) constant chip formation.

[0056] All embodiments relating to the pencil sharpener device according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the method according to the second aspect of the invention and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] The invention will be explained again below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings show:

[0058] Figure 1 – FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a pencil sharpener device according to various embodiments;

[0059] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a pencil sharpener device according to the prior art; and

[0060] Figure 7 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing a pen sharpened by a pencil sharpener device according to the present invention and a pen sharpened by a pencil sharpener device according to the prior art is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figure 1- FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a pencil sharpener device 1 according to various embodiments, wherein Figure 1 shows a transverse cross-sectional view of a pencil sharpener device 1 according to one embodiment, Figure 2a-2c A plurality of transverse cross-sectional views of a pencil sharpener device 1 according to an embodiment are shown and Figure 2d The top view of FIG. 1 shows the corresponding cross section, Figure 3a , Figure 3b 1 and 2 show a top view of a pencil sharpener device 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 4a-4c A partially cutaway view of an exemplary embodiment of a pencil sharpener device 1 as a multiple pencil sharpener is shown, and Figure 5a , Figure 5b , Figure 5c In each case, differently enlarged transverse sections through a pencil sharpener device 1 with an inserted pencil 2 are shown (at the height of the base circle of the second wall 3 . 2 ) according to one exemplary embodiment.

[0062] Figure 6 A transverse section through a pencil sharpener device according to the prior art is shown, in particular in relation to a Figure 5c A view of a pencil sharpener device is compared.

[0063] Figure 7 shows a pen 2 sharpened by means of a pencil sharpener device 1 according to the invention, and Figure 8 The schematic diagram of a pen being sharpened by means of a pencil sharpener device according to the prior art is shown.

[0064] In all embodiments, the pencil sharpener device 1 is provided for sharpening a pen 2, which is only schematically shown in the figures (if any). The pen 2 can be, for example, a writing pen, a drawing pen or a cosmetic pencil, which has a core 2.1 made of a core material and a shield or sheath 2.2 made of a shield material or sheath material surrounding the core 2.1, which shield material or sheath material can especially be a plastic material.

[0065] The pencil sharpener device 1 comprises a base body 3 which is also collectively referred to as or can be regarded as a housing. The base body 3 is defined by one or more walls 3.1 to 3.n which determine its functional and / or structural configuration. The respective walls 3.1 to 3.n can differ in their arrangement, orientation or shape and thus can be distinguished from each other, for example, in their arrangement, orientation or shape. Thus, the respective walls 3.1 to 3.n can differ, for example, in their function, wherein the function of the respective walls 3.1 to 3.n in turn results, for example, from their respective arrangement, orientation or shape.

[0066] The base body 3 is designed with at least one pen groove 4 with a pen groove axis A, which is defined by one or more corresponding walls 3.1 to 3.n, for introducing a pen 2 to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1, or the base body 3 comprises at least one such pen groove. The pen groove 4, which can also be referred to or can be regarded as a sharpening groove at least in sections, thus defines a space extending in the base body 3, into which a pen 2 to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1 can be introduced so as to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1.

[0067] Especially according to Figure 4a As can be seen from the sectional view, the pen holder 4 has a first pen holder section 4.1 formed by a first wall 3.1 having a (hollow) cylindrical basic shape and a second pen holder section 4.2 (as long as the second wall 3.2 has a conical, i.e., in particular, a truncated cone-shaped, basic shape) which is connected to the first pen holder section or typically directly transitions into the first pen holder section and is formed by a second pen holder section 4.2 (as long as the second wall 3.2 has a conical, i.e., in particular, a truncated cone-shaped, basic shape) Figure 4a The pencil sharpener device 1 is concerned with the embodiment of a simple pencil sharpener, which is immaterial, since the basic configuration of the pencil slot 4 is the same even in the case of multiple pencil sharpeners). The pencil slot 4 therefore comprises two pencil slot sections 4.1, 4.2, namely a first pencil slot section 4.1 and a second pencil slot section 4.2, which are in any case geometrically different (i.e., in particular in their shape) and can be distinguished from one another accordingly, the first pencil slot section 4.1 being formed by a first wall 3.1 having a (hollow) cylindrical basic shape and thus also having a (hollow) cylindrical basic shape, and the second pencil slot section 4.2 being formed by a second wall 3.2 having a conical (i.e., in particular a truncated cone-like basic shape) and thus also having a conical basic shape, i.e., in particular a truncated cone-like basic shape. The second pencil slot section 4.2 has, in particular in the region of its free end, a mating hole 10 delimited by a wall section of the second wall (see in particular Figure 4b , 4c ), at least as regards its basic conical shape.

[0068] The pen tray sections 4 . 1 , 4 . 2 each comprise a pen tray section axis which usually coincides with the pen tray axis A; accordingly, the pen tray sections 4 . 1 , 4 . 2 are typically arranged coaxially and merge directly into one another axially with respect to the pen tray axis A in the exemplary embodiment.

[0069] The (hollow) cylindrical basic shape of the first wall 3.1 or the first pen slot section 4.1 is geometrically determined by a base circle or a plane of a base circle with a defined radius with respect to the pen slot axis A and by a height. The base circle forms the base surface of the hollow cylinder that determines the basic shape of the first wall 3.1. The height of the hollow cylinder corresponds to the length dimension of the first wall 3.1 in the direction of the pen slot axis A. The radius of the base circle typically corresponds to at least 2 mm, in particular at least 2.5 mm, further in particular at least 5 mm, so that any commercially available writing pens, drawing pens or cosmetic pencils can be introduced into the first pen slot section 4.1.

[0070] The conical basic shape of the second wall 3.2 or the second pen holder section 4.2 is geometrically determined by a base circle or a plane of a base circle with a defined radius about the pen holder axis A, by a cone angle or opening angle, and by a height. The base circle typically forms the base surface of a cone or truncated cone that determines the basic shape of the second wall 3.2. The cone angle or opening angle can be, for example, in the range between 15 and 50°, in particular in the range between 15 and 45°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 40°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 35°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 30°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 25°, further in particular in the range between 15 and 20°. The height of the cone or truncated cone corresponds to the length dimension of the second wall 3.2 in the direction of the pen holder axis A. The radius of the base circle of the second wall 3.2 typically corresponds to the radius of the base circle of the first wall 3.1. The radius of the base circle of the second wall 3.2 can therefore be equal to the radius of the base circle of the first wall 3.1. In particular, the radius of the base circle of the second wall can correspond to at least 2.5 mm, so that commercially available writing pens, drawing pens or cosmetic pencils can be introduced into the second pen recess section 4 . 2 .

[0071] In particular, according to Figure 5cAs can be seen in the transverse section view of the second wall 3.2, the base circle defining the basic shape of the cone of the second wall 3.2 and thus the second wall 3.2 can also be interrupted in the circumferential direction. This can apply in particular to the transition area from the second wall 3.2 to the first wall 2.1. Therefore, the base circle defining the basic shape of the cone of the second wall 3.2 and thus the second wall 3.2 can be a circular arc, which is free in a certain angular segment; the angular segment α can include a gap or a gap 8 extending between the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 and the wall of the base body 3, through which the removed material produced during the sharpening of the pen 2 introduced into the pen holder 4 can be discharged from the pen holder 4. Therefore, the angular segment α can extend in the circumferential direction, for example, over an angular range between 0.5° and 30°, in particular over an angular range between 0.5° and 25°, and further in particular over an angular range between 0.5° and 20°. Here, the angular range can vary depending on the respectively observed axial position of the second wall 3.2.

[0072] Likewise, through Figure 5c The angular extension of the gap 8, indicated by the angular segment α, can be seen, through which the removed material produced during the sharpening of the pencil 2 introduced into the pencil slot 4 can be discharged from the pencil slot 4. The angular extension of the gap 8 in the circumferential direction is very small due to the small size of the gap 8 and is below 10° in this embodiment. In particular, the angular extension of the gap 8 can be less than or equal to 9°, further in particular less than or equal to 8°, further in particular less than or equal to 7°, further in particular less than or equal to 6°, further in particular less than or equal to 5°, further in particular less than or equal to 4°, further in particular less than or equal to 3°, further in particular less than or equal to 2°, further in particular less than or equal to 1°, further in particular less than or equal to 0.5. It was surprisingly found that a relatively small angular extension of the gap 8, i.e. an angular extension of less than 10°, in particular less than 5°, further in particular less than 5°, can have a positive effect on chip formation during the sharpening of the pencil 2 to be sharpened, so that a controlled and uniform chip formation can be achieved.

[0073] Figure 6 It is shown that in pencil sharpener devices according to the prior art the corresponding angular segment β is significantly larger.

[0074] The pencil sharpener device 1 therefore also includes a sharpening element 5 with a blade-like or blade-shaped cutting edge 5.1, which is assigned to the (corresponding) pencil receptacle 4. The sharpening element 5 can also be referred to or considered as a sharpening tool. The sharpening element 5 is arranged or fixed on a wall 3.3 of the base body 3, which defines a sharpening element plane E. The wall 3.3, which defines the sharpening element plane E, which can also be referred to as the blade plane, is typically designed to be flat, so that the sharpening element 5, which is also designed to be flat in the embodiment, can be supported as flatly as possible.

[0075] The base body 3 may include one or more fixing interfaces (not shown) which are not shown in detail and which enable the sharpening element 5 to be arranged or fixed on the wall 3.3 defining the sharpening element plane E; a corresponding fixing interface may be, for example, an opening in the wall 3.3 defining the sharpening element plane E, which may be provided with a thread, into which, for example, a spiral fixing element 6 may be inserted in order to fix the sharpening element 5 on the wall 3.3 defining the sharpening element plane E. The wall 3.3 defining the sharpening element plane E may together define the first and / or second pen groove section 4.1, 4.2; the first and / or second wall 3.1, 3.2 may therefore at least partially transition into the wall 3.3 defining the sharpening element plane E.

[0076] Especially according to Figure 2a – Figure 2c and according to Figure 5c It can be seen that in the cross-sectional view, the sharpened element 5, in particular its underside, can be arranged or oriented perpendicularly to the groove axis A on a secant S or define such a secant S, which passes through a base circle defining the base surface of the second wall or the second groove section 4.2. The secant S is typically covered by the sharpened element 5 up to 50%. Therefore, the sharpened element 5 usually extends into the base circle of the second wall 3.2 by at least 50% of the length of the secant S or the length of the section of the secant S that intersects the base circle.

[0077] according to Figure 5cIt can be seen that the midpoint of the secant line S can be arranged at right angles to the pen slot axis A in the corresponding transverse cross-sectional view and spaced apart from the nearest edge of the base circle BK defining the base surface of the second wall 3.2 or the second pen slot section 4.2 by a distance a between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.45 mm, further in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.4 mm, further in particular between 0.1 mm and 0.35 mm. The distance a defined by the perpendicular line L to the secant line S from the nearest edge of the base circle defining the base surface of the second wall 3.2 or the second pen slot section 4.2 can therefore be between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm, in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.45 mm, further in particular between 0.01 mm and 0.4 mm, further in particular between 0.1 mm and 0.35 mm. This also applies when the base circle BK is as in Figure 5c In this case, as in Figure 5c As indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 1 , the starting point is an imaginary base circle BK which is closed in the circumferential direction. The secant line S is therefore typically (clearly) located above the center Z of the base circle BK.

[0078] At least the second groove section 4.2 has a chip guide section 7 extending in the direction of the groove axis A, in particular in its longitudinal direction. The chip guide section 7 is particularly provided for forming and / or guiding the chips generated during the sharpening process from the point groove 4. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the chip guiding section is located, in particular with its free end opposite the sharpening element 5, on a radius R1 with respect to the groove axis A, which radius R1 can be greater than the radius R2 with respect to the groove axis A, on which the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 is located. This provides a particularly suitable, controlled or uniform chip guiding function.

[0079] like Figure 1 As shown by way of example, the chip guide section 7 can be designed in the form of a circular arc when viewed in cross section. Figure 5a – Figure 5c ; the chip guide section 7 is here again purely by way of example designed as a strip or strip-shaped. In principle, embodiments with other shapes (such as, for example, a trapezoidal shape or a freeform shape) when viewed in cross section are conceivable. The chips 9 that can be generated by the pencil sharpener device 1 are Figure 5a , Figure 5b It is shown as an example in FIG.

[0080] The figures show that the chip guide section 7 can be located above the sharpening element plane E or above the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 when viewed in cross section, at least in sections, i.e., in particular at least in a plane defined by a base circle defining the conical basic shape of the second wall 3.2 or of the second groove section 4.2 or in a plane defining the base surface of the second wall 3.2 or of the second groove section 4.2 (see in particular Figure 2b , Figure 2c The arrangement of the chip guide section 7 above the sharpening element plane E in terms of construction in principle opens up or facilitates the possibility of improving the chip formation with respect to controllability and uniformity compared to the prior art.

[0081] The chip guide section 7 and the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 define a gap 8 (also referred to as a chip removal gap), through which the lead material and / or the sheathing material removed in a chip-like or chip-like manner during the sharpening of the pencil 2 introduced into the pencil receptacle 4 and sheathed with the cap material or sheathing material 2.2 can be discharged from the pencil receptacle 4. Thus, the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 and the chip guide section 7 formed by the exposed wall section of the base body 3 adjacent to the cutting edge, in particular arranged opposite, jointly define a gap 8, through which the removed material produced during the sharpening of the pencil 2 introduced into the pencil receptacle 4 can be discharged from the pencil receptacle 4. The chip guide section 7 is thus arranged or designed such that it defines together with the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 a gap 8, through which the lead material and / or the sheathing material removed in a chip-like or chip-like manner can be discharged from the pencil receptacle 8 during the sharpening process of the pencil 2 introduced into the pencil receptacle 4 and sheathed with the sheathing material or sheathing material 2.2. Figure 4b It can be seen that the chip guide section 7 can extend substantially parallel to the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5, viewed axially with respect to the groove axis A. Thus, the gap 8 can be formed by an elongated free space extending between the chip guide section 7 and the cutting edge 5.1 of the chip removal element 5, which extends axially with respect to the groove axis A in the longitudinal direction.

[0082] In the circumferential direction of the base circle of the second wall 3.2 or the second groove section 4.2, the chip guide section 7 can form a free end of the second wall 3.2 (substantially) opposite the sharpening element 5; this applies similarly to a corresponding embodiment in which, when viewed in cross section, the chip guide section 7 is located (substantially) above the sharpening element plane E or above the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 at least in sections, i.e., in particular at least in a plane defined by the base circle defining the conical basic shape of the second wall 3.2 or the second groove section 4.2 or in a plane defined by the base surface of the second wall 3.2 or the second groove section 4.2.

[0083] The chip guide section 7 provides in principle a possibility of achieving or supporting as controlled a chip formation as possible within the scope of the sharpening process of the pencil 2 to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1. The width b of the gap 8 is important for the possibility of achieving or supporting as controlled a chip formation as possible within the scope of the sharpening process of the pencil 2 to be sharpened. It was surprisingly found that a width b of less than or equal to 0.75 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm, leads to a well-controlled or controllable chip formation. Therefore, the gap 8 has a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm, in particular less than 0.5 mm, at least in sections. Therefore, the gap 8 is not wider than 0.75 mm, in particular not wider than 0.5 mm, at least in sections. Due to the at least sectionally small width b of the gap 8 or the small size of the gap 8 in the width direction, the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 can almost abut on the chip guide section 7 at least in sections (and vice versa). For example, in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 , a variant is shown purely by way of example in which the width of the gap 8 is always below 0.35 mm.

[0084] Specifically, the radius of the base circle of the second wall 3.2 can be, for example, greater than or equal to 2 mm and the gap can have a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm at least in sections. In particular, the radius of the base circle of the second wall 3.2 can be in the range between 2 mm and 4 mm, in particular between 2 mm and 3 mm, and the gap can have a width of less than or equal to 0.75 mm at least in sections. With corresponding dimensions, very good results can be achieved, especially for the sharpening of cosmetic pencils, in terms of controlled and uniform chip formation.

[0085] See also Figure 5c It can be seen that Figure 6Compared to the prior art shown in , the angular range occupied by the gap 8 with respect to the slot axis A is (significantly) reduced due to the region of the second wall 3.2 or the second slot section 4.2 that forms the chip guide section 7, and thus the gap width is significantly reduced. In the prior art, the angular range occupied by the gap is determined on the one hand by the angular range occupied by the arc of the cross-sectional circle, which, when viewed in cross section, is distinguished from the rest of the cross-sectional circle by the line through the sharpening element plane (tool bed plane) and, on the other hand, is further defined by the sharpening element. Thus, the chip guide section 7 can be defined as a region of the wall defining the second slot section 4.2, in which the wall is located in an angular sector in which the corresponding cross-sectional circle defining the cross section of the second slot section is located above the sharpening element plane E and provides a narrowing of the gap 8 compared to the prior art. This can apply to each plane of the second slot section 4.2 that is arranged parallel to the base circle in the direction of the free end of the second slot section 4.2. A cross-sectional circle is to be understood as a circle which is arranged parallel to the plane of the base circle but which is arranged axially spaced apart from the base circle with respect to the groove axis A.

[0086] If the gap 8 has a width b that varies in the direction of its longitudinal extension, as is also shown purely by way of example in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 , the following applies: The variable gap width is defined by a minimum width and a maximum width, wherein the minimum width of the gap 8 is less than or equal to 0.5 mm. In the embodiment according to FIG. 2 , the minimum width and the maximum width of the gap 8 are purely by way of example below 0.5 mm.

[0087] The figures also show that, as mentioned, the width b of the gap 8 (also referred to as chip removal gap) can be equal to the clear width between the chip guide section 7 and the cutting edge 5 . 1 of the sharpening element 5 .

[0088] By setting the geometric dimensions of the chip guide section 7 and the gap 8 between the chip guide section 7 and the cutting edge 5 . 1 of the sharpening element 5 , wherein, as explained, the gap 8 at least in sections has a width of less than or equal to 0.5 mm, an improved pencil sharpener device 1 is obtained with regard to the possibility of controlled chip formation.

[0089] The chip guide section 7 is typically connected rigidly and thus immovably to the base body 3. This is to be understood in particular to mean that the chip guide section 7 is immutable or barely immutable in its orientation and / or position, in particular when the pencil 2 is introduced into the pencil holder 4 and / or removed from the pencil holder 4. Therefore, even during the sharpening process of the pencil 2 to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1, the chip guide section 7 cannot deflect or move. The corresponding rigid and thus immovable connection to the base body 3 achieves a particularly good chip guiding possibility, which is particularly caused by the fact that, as mentioned, during the sharpening process of the pencil 2 to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1, the chip guide section 7 does not deflect or move. However, due to material reasons, the rigid design and connection of the chip guide section 7 may, if necessary (in particular due to corresponding structural properties of the pencil to be sharpened), allow the chip guide section 7 to deflect or deform slightly at least in the front region.

[0090] As can be seen from the figures, a rigid and thus immovable connection of the chip guide section 7 to the base body 3 can be achieved or can be achieved by forming the chip guide section 7 in one piece or integrated with the base body 3. The one-piece or integrated design with the base body 3 can also bring advantages in terms of production, since the chip guide section 7 can be formed together with the base body 3 in a common production step. It should generally be noted here that the base body 3 consists or can consist of an injection-moldable plastic material, for example.

[0091] Furthermore, it can be seen from the figures that the free end of the chip guide section 7, which is opposite the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5, is configured with a bevel 7.1 or can have such a bevel 7.1. The bevel 7.1, viewed in cross section, can form a section of an imaginary secant through a base circle forming the conical basic shape of the second wall 3.2 of the second pen groove section 4.2 or be formed by such an imaginary secant. The corresponding secant usually does not pass through the center of the base circle. The bevel 7.1 can support the chips formed during the sharpening of the pencil 2 to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1 and thus contribute to a controlled chip formation and to a better discharge of the chips from the pen groove.

[0092] Although not shown, embodiments with corresponding curvatures are also conceivable in an analogous manner. Thus, the free end of the chip guide section 7, which is opposite the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5, can also be designed with a corresponding curvature or have such a curvature.

[0093] In order to further facilitate or support the controlled chip formation, the chip guide section 7 can have a section 7.2 that protrudes (essentially) radially with respect to the tip groove axis A into the second groove section 4.2 (see in particular Figure 4a-4c). Thus, the chip guide section 7 can have a section that protrudes radially with respect to the pen groove axis A into the second pen groove section 4.2, which section is particularly designed and arranged to exert a force (pressure) that acts radially on the pen 2 introduced into the second pen groove section 4.2. The section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 that protrudes into the second pen groove section 4.2 can be particularly designed and arranged to reduce the cutting depth of the sharpening element 5 into the respectively associated pen section by a certain dimension or to limit it to a certain dimension. In particular, the section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 that protrudes into the second pen groove section 4.2 can be designed and arranged to apply a force that acts radially, in particular about the pen groove axis A, to a front pen section (in particular a conical front pen section) of the pen 2 introduced into the second pen groove section 4.2, with an exposed lead section, in particular in such a way that the penetration depth of the sharpening element 5 into the respectively associated pen section is reduced to a certain size or is limited to a certain size. The direction of action of the force is in accordance with Figure 4c This is shown by way of example in the enlarged view of FIG. 1 by way of example by way of arrow F for all exemplary embodiments.

[0094] Thus, the section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 can be pressed, in particular radially relative to the pen groove axis A, onto the pen 2 introduced into the second pen groove section 4.2, in particular onto the front pen section with the exposed lead section 2.1, in order to “move” the pen 2 by a certain amount away from the cutting edge 5 of the sharpening element 5. As described above, this can prevent the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 from cutting too deeply into the pen 2 introduced into the second pen groove section 4.2 or into the hood or sheath 2.2 of the pen 2 introduced into the second pen groove section 4.2, which surrounds the lead 2.1 of the pen 2, which, in particular in the case of the hood or sheath 2.2 made of a relatively soft material, such as, for example, a plastic material, can lead to an undesirable accumulation or growth of chips, to uncontrolled chip formation and therefore to uneven material removal. Thus, the section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 that protrudes into the second pencil groove section 4.2 can limit the theoretical cutting depth of the sharpening element 5, since the radius available is smaller than the radius of the pencil guide and the introduction of the pencil 2 is now limited by this radius. This radius limitation can lead to the shield material or jacket material of the pencil 2 introduced into the second pencil groove section 4.2 being pressed radially inwards with respect to the pencil groove axis A, and thus can reduce or suppress the undesirable effect of pulling or moving the shield material or jacket material upwards in this area near the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5. By means of this deformation, the pencil 2 can be introduced into the second pencil groove section 4.2 as deeply as in conventional pencil sharpener devices, but in contrast to conventional pencil sharpener devices, a controlled chip formation is possible.

[0095] By means of the chip guide section 7 designed in this way, it is possible in particular to achieve an improvement in the chip formation in the front region of the respective shield or sheath 2.2, i.e. in the region of the respective shield or sheath 2.2 which, when viewed axially, is opposite the exposed section of the lead 2.1, since the respective shield or sheath 2.2 is typically thin or weak in the front region of the respective pencil 2. As described, by means of the chip guide section 7 designed accordingly, these regions can be pushed away from the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 by a certain amount, which makes it possible to achieve a (mostly) constant chip formation during the sharpening process of the pencil 2 to be sharpened by means of the tip device 1 and therefore independently of the number of rotations of the pencil 2 relative to the sharpening element 5.

[0096] The section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 that projects into the second pencil groove section 4.2 can be designed and arranged in particular to define an arrangement of the pencil section introduced into the second pencil groove section 4.2 relative to the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5, which arrangement enables a corresponding limitation of the cutting depth. The arrangement is selected such that, as described, a (mostly) constant chip formation is achieved during the sharpening process of a pencil 2 to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device 1 and thus independently of the number of rotations of the pencil 2 relative to the tip 5.

[0097] If especially in Figure 4c As indicated by way of example in FIG. 1 , the section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 that protrudes into the second pen groove section 4.2 can be arranged and / or dimensioned in particular such that it acts on a pen section 2 that protrudes from the mating hole 10. In this way, the pen section introduced precisely into the second pen groove section 4.2 can be spaced apart by a certain dimension from the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5, which facilitates a (largely) constant chip formation as described.

[0098] Especially with the help of Figure 4b and Figure 4c It can be seen that, correspondingly in the longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5, the section 7.1 of the chip guide section 7 protruding into the second pen groove section 4.2 is also arranged or formed at least in sections in the central region of the longitudinal extension of the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5, in the case where the longitudinal extension of the cutting edge 5.1 of the sharpening element 5 is typically substantially parallel to or inclined to the pen groove axis A. In this way, the section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 protruding into the second pen groove section 4.2 (as described) can act on a pen section introduced into the second pen groove section 4.2 in order to promote (largely) constant chip formation.

[0099] Specifically, the section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 protruding into the second slot section 4.2 may protrude into the second slot section 4.2 by at least 0.1 mm. The section 7.2 of the chip guide section 7 may therefore have a dimension in the radial direction about the slot axis A of at least 0.1 mm.

[0100] 3 are shown in plan view in each case in that the width b of the gap is different, which is Figure 3a In the embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary embodiment is about 0.1 mm and in the embodiment according to Figure 3b In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the diameter is exemplarily about 0.25 mm.

[0101] The improved sharpening result obtained by using the pencil sharpener device 1 described herein is Figure 7 and Figure 8 The comparison of the results shows that, in particular, the improved sharpening results can be shown for the pen 2 with the soft plastic shield; obviously, the exposed area of ​​the refill neck is significantly reduced compared to the prior art. As shown in the figure, the uniformity of the profile of the refill neck is also observed.

[0102] The pencil sharpener device 1 can in principle be embodied as a simple pencil sharpener with only one pencil slot 4 or as a multiple pencil sharpener with a plurality of pencil sharpener slots 4, in particular (essentially) arranged in parallel; in the embodiment as a multiple pencil sharpener, the pencil sharpener device 1 can have a corresponding chip guide section 7 for each pencil slot 4.

[0103] A method for sharpening a pencil 2 can be implemented with the embodiments of the corresponding pencil sharpener device 1 shown in the figures. The method comprises in particular the following steps: the pencil 2 to be sharpened is introduced into the pencil receptacle 4 of the base body 3 of the pencil sharpener device 1, and the pencil 2 is moved relative to the sharpening element 5 to remove material from the pencil 2, wherein the removed material produced during the sharpening of the pencil 2 introduced into the pencil receptacle 4 is discharged from the pencil receptacle 4, in particular in the form of chips or in the shape of chips, through the gap 8. With this method, a controlled chip formation can be achieved during the sharpening of the pencil 2, that is to say a particularly (mostly) constant chip formation.

[0104] All dimensions specifically known and shown in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures are by way of example only.

[0105] exist Figure 2a-2c The dimensions drawn in the drawing, in particular the dimensions of the gap 8 , are to be understood as being purely exemplary, and no exemplary embodiment is restricted to the drawn dimensions.

[0106] With the help of Figure 4b , Figure 4cIt can be seen that the chip guide section 7 can form an axial protrusion of the second wall 3.2, which, for example, as a web-like or web-shaped element, extends in the axial direction beyond the mating hole 10 in the direction of the imaginary cone top of the second pen groove section 4.2. The chip guide section 7 can, in particular, extend as a corresponding axial protrusion by at least 0.5 mm, further in particular by at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 mm in the axial direction beyond the mating hole 10 in the direction of the imaginary cone top of the second pen groove section 4.2.

[0107] Single, multiple or all features described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with single, multiple or all features described in connection with at least one other embodiment.

Claims

1. A pencil sharpener device (1) for sharpening a pencil (2), comprising: A base body (3) having at least one pen slot (4) delimited by one or more walls (3.1-3.n) and having a pen slot axis (A) for receiving a pen (2) to be sharpened by means of a pencil sharpener device (1), wherein the pen slot (4) has a first pen slot section (4.1) formed by a first wall (3.1) having a cylindrical basic shape and a second pen slot section (4.2) connected to the first pen slot section and formed by a second wall (3.2) having a conical basic shape, at least one sharpening element (5) assigned to the at least one pen holder (4) and having a blade-like or blade-shaped cutting edge (5.1), wherein the at least one sharpening element (5) is arranged on a wall (3.3) of the base body (3) which defines a sharpening element plane (E), The invention is characterized in that the second groove section (4.2) has a chip guiding section (7) extending in the longitudinal direction of the groove axis (A). wherein the chip guide section (7) defines a gap (8) with the cutting edge (5.1) of the at least one sharpening element (5), During the sharpening process of the pencil (2) which is introduced into the pencil groove (4) and is covered with a sheathing material, the removed swarf material can be discharged from the pencil groove (4) through the gap (8), wherein: The gap (8) has, at least in sections, a width (b) of less than or equal to 0.75 mm, in particular less than or equal to 0.5 mm.

2. The pencil sharpener device according to claim 1, wherein: The conical basic shape of the second wall (3.2) is defined by a base circle, wherein the base circle has a radius greater than or equal to 2 mm, in particular a radius in the range between 2 mm and 9 mm, further in particular a radius in the range between 2 mm and 7 mm, further in particular a radius in the range between 2 mm and 5 mm.

3. The pencil sharpener device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The tapered basic shape of the second wall (3.2) is defined by a base circle, wherein the second wall (3.2) defines at least one cross-sectional circle arranged parallel to the base circle when viewed in cross section, the cross-sectional circle having a radius greater than or equal to 1.5 mm, in particular a radius between 1.5 mm and 4 mm, further in particular a radius between 1.5 mm and 3 mm, further in particular a radius between 1.5 mm and 2 mm, wherein the gap (8) has a width (b) less than or equal to 0.75 mm, in particular less than or equal to 0.5 mm in the region of the at least one cross-sectional circle.

4. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The chip guide section (7) is located at least partially on a radius (R1) about the groove axis (A), the radius (R1) being greater than a radius (R2) about the groove axis (A), and the cutting edge (5.1) of the at least one sharpening element (5) is located on the radius (R2).

5. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The chip guide section (7) extends, viewed in cross section, at least partially above the sharpening element plane (E).

6. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The gap (8) has, at least in sections, a width (b) in the range between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm.

7. The pencil sharpener device according to claim 1, wherein the chip guide section (7) is connected rigidly and / or immovably to the basic body (3).

8. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The free end of the chip guide section (7) which is opposite the cutting edge (5.1) of the at least one sharpening element (5) is configured with a bevel (7.1) or a curved surface.

9. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The chip guide section (7) has, at least in sections, a section (7.2) which protrudes radially into the second groove section (4.2).

10. The pencil sharpener device according to claim 9, wherein: The section (7.2) protruding into the pen holder (4) is designed to achieve an arrangement of the pen section introduced into the pen holder (4) relative to the cutting edge (5.1) of the at least one sharpening element (5), the arrangement being arranged in such a way that a constant chip formation is achieved during the sharpening process of the pen (2) to be sharpened by means of the pencil sharpener device (1), regardless of the number of rotations of the pen (2) relative to the at least one sharpening element (5).

11. A pencil sharpener device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The section (7.2) protruding into the pencil groove (4) is designed to reduce or limit the penetration depth of the at least one sharpening element (5) into the respectively associated pencil section to a certain dimension.

12. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The section (7.2) protruding into the pen holder (4) is arranged and / or dimensioned such that it acts on the pen section of a pen (2) introduced into the second pen holder (4) that protrudes from the mating hole of the second wall.

13. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The section (7.2) protruding into the pen groove (4) is arranged in the central area of ​​the cutting edge (5.1) of the at least one sharpening element (5) in the longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal extension of the cutting edge (5.1) of the at least one sharpening element (5).

14. A pencil sharpener device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein: The section (7.2) protruding into the pen holder (4) protrudes into the pen holder (4) by at least 0.1 mm.

15. A pencil sharpener device according to any preceding claim, wherein The chip guide section (7) is formed integrally with the main body (3).

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