Sharpening device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sharpening device (10) to sharpen pencils comprising - a frame (12) forming an interior space and providing a receiving section (16) therein, - a sharpening unit (14) that is attached to a wall of the frame (12) in such a way that a cutting edge of the sharpening unit (14) is directed towards the receiving section (16), - a cone-shaped insert body (18) that is arranged within the receiving section (16), wherein the cone-shaped insert body (18) provides a receiving space (20) to receive a front section of a pencil (100) through an insertion opening (22) provided at a rear end of the cone-shaped insert body (18), and wherein the cone-shaped insert body (18) is movable within the receiving section (16) between a non-use position and a use position along a longitudinal axis (L)of the sharpening device, - safety means (24, 30) to releasably lock the cone-shaped insert body (18) within the receiving section (16) in the non-use position, wherein the cone-shaped insert body (18) is fixed against movement along the longitudinal axis (L) in the receiving section (16) and the receiving space (20) of the cone-shaped insert body (18) is located at a distance (T1) to the sharpening unit (14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sharpening device to sharpen or shapen pencils, in particular pencils having a diameter of up to 18 mm.

[0002] Sharpening devices for sharpening or shaping pencils, in particular writing, drawing or cosmetic pencils, are known from the prior art in different embodiments. Such a device typically comprises a sharpening unit, in particular a blade that is accessible to the pencil via a sharpener channel in which the pencil can be inserted to be positioned with regard to the sharpening unit.

[0003] The sharpening unit, in particular the blade comprises a sharp edge or cutting edge for sharpening or shaping the pencil. As sharpening devices are often also used by children it is desirable to protect the children from getting into touch with the sharp edge of the blade to avoid any injury of the fingers. This is in particular important in the case of sharpening devices that can be used to sharpen pencils having a diameter up to about 18 mm as they provide enough space in the sharpener channel to insert a finger.

[0004] From the prior art, sharpening devices are known that comprise some kind of closure elements to close the insertion opening through which the pencil is inserted into the sharpener channel and therefore the sharpener channel, when the sharpening device is not in use. Such sharpening devices are for example known from DE 20 2022 103 385 A1 or DE 10 2020 132 446 A1.

[0005] However, there is a constant need for improvement and further development of the design or structure of such sharpening devices, which in particular ensure a reliable prevention of the risk of injury from the blade with simultaneous easy handling when used as intended.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sharpening device configured to protect the user's finger from being injured by the sharpening unit.

[0007] According to the invention, a sharpening device to sharpen or shapen pencils (or: pencil sharpener), such as writing, drawing or cosmetic pencils, in particular to sharpen or shapen pencils having a diameter of up to 18 mm, preferably a diameter between 15 and 18 mm, more particularly between 17 and 18 mm, according to claim 1 is provided. The sharpening device comprises a frame (or: housing) forming an interior space and providing a receiving section therein and a sharpening unit, in particular a blade, that is attached to the frame, in particular to a wall of the frame (so-called "cutting surface"), in such a way that a cutting edge of the sharpening unit, in particular the blade is directed towards the receiving section to allow sharpening of a pencil once inserted. The sharpening device further comprises a cone-shaped insert body that is arranged within the receiving section, wherein the cone-shaped insert body provides a receiving space (or: sharpening channel) to receive a front section of a pencil inserted into the receiving space through an insertion opening provided at a rear end of the cone-shaped insert body. Further, the cone-shaped insert body is movable within the receiving section between a non-use position, i.e. when the sharpening device is not in use and no pencil is inserted, and a use position, i.e. when the sharpening device is in use and a pencil is inserted, along a longitudinal axis of the sharpening device. Said longitudinal axis of the sharpening devices is defined here as an axis extending parallel to an insertion direction of a pencil through the insertion opening. The sharpening device further comprises safety means to reseably lock the cone-shaped insert body within the receiving section in said non-use position, wherein the cone-shaped insert body is fixed against movement along the longitudinal axis in the receiving section and the receiving space of the cone-shaped insert body is located at a distance to the sharpening unit. Thereby a protection space is formed between the cone-shaped insert body and the sharpening unit and the sharpening unit does not protrude into the receiving space.

[0008] It is therefore an idea of the invention, to protect a user's finger from being injured by the sharpening unit by providing a sharpening device wherein the user's finger cannot come into contact with the blade, even if said finger is inserted into the receiving space instead of a pencil, due to the protection space formed between the receiving space and the sharpening unit. Therefore, a separate closure element is not mandatory. The sharpening device is in particular considered for use by children having small fingers and for sharpening pencils having a diameter between 17 and 18 mm. To prevent unintentional movement of the cone-shaped insert body into the use position without inserted pencil, but by the user's finger, said safety means are provided and lock the cone-shaped insert body in the non-use position in which said protection space is present. Said safety means cannot be operated by a user's finger, but only by inserting a pencil, in particular when the insertion opening is larger than a user's finger. In particular, a children's finger that is smaller than the insertion opening and the receiving space cannot unlock the safety means unintentionally.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the insertion opening has a diameter between 15 and 18 mm, in particular between 17 and 18 mm and / or the sharpening device is configured to sharpen pencils having a diameter between 15 and 18 mm, in particular between 17 and 18 mm. Thereby, it is ensured that the safety means cannot be unlocked by a user's finger as the diameter of the insertion opening is larger than the finger, in particular when used by children.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the safety means comprise a first safety mechanism. Said first safety mechanism comprises a locking member that is attached to the frame in the area of the rear section of the cone-shaped insert body. The locking member has a section extending from the frame to provide an impact surface for the rear end of the cone-shaped insert body in the non-use position. This prevents an outward movement, i.e. in the direction of the insertion opening, of the cone-shaped insert body from the frame. In particular, the locking member is attached to a bottom wall, opposite to the cutting surface of the frame and / or is at least partially arranged within a recess in a wall of the frame. Thereby, the locking member can be easily secured within the frame against movement in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] The terms "front" and "rear" used herein are to be understood in that "front" means in the direction away from the insertion opening and "rear" means in the direction towards the insertion opening.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the locking member is at least partially hook-shaped at a front section and said hook-shaped part of the locking member engages with a rear section of the cone-shaped insert body through positive locking to prevent movement of the cone-shaped insert body towards the inside of the frame, i.e. in a direction away from the insertion opening, in the non-use position.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the locking member comprises at least one elastic part that leans on the frame and is extended therefrom when the cone-shaped insert body is in the non-use position and depressed when the cone-shaped insert body is in the use position.

[0014] Preferably, the locking member is integrally formed from an elastic material.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the locking member is at least partially made of a thermoplastic material, in particular made of polyoxymethylen and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS).

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the safety means comprise a second safety mechanism comprising an elastic element that is arranged within the frame between the frame and a front end of the cone-shaped insert body, wherein the elastic element leans on the front end of the cone-shaped insert body with a rear end and leans on the frame with a front end. The elastic member is configured to bias the cone-shaped insert body towards the locking member and to prevent movement of the cone-shaped insert body towards the inside of the frame in the non-use position. Thereby, the protection space is maintained. Said elastic element is preferably a coil spring.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the frame comprises a cover element, in particular a plate, comprising an aperture corresponding to the insertion opening of the cone-shaped insert body in an assembled state of the frame and the cover element. Said cover element is configured to secure or at least to assist in securing the locking member and the cone-shaped insert body within the frame against the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the cone-shaped insert body comprises guiding and / or sliding means on its outer surface and the receiving section comprises guiding and / or sliding means at an inner sidewall or surface to allow and guide movement of the cone-shaped insert body between the non-use position and the use position. Said guiding and / or sliding means are configured to provide a sliding track for the movement of the cone-shaped insert body. For example, the cone-shaped insert body comprises at least one projection on its outer surface, wherein the at least one projection extends at least partially from a rear end of the cone-shaped insert body to a front end of the cone-shaped insert body, and the receiving section comprises at least one corresponding groove extending at least partially from a rear end of the receiving section to a front end of the receiving section. Such a design is advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology, but in principle, this can also be the other way round, so that the receiving section has one or more protrusions and the cone-shaped insert body has one or more grooves. Furthermore, other projections, such as nubs arranged behind each other in a direction from a rear end of the cone-shaped insert body to a front end of the cone-shaped insert body may also be possible instead of merely linear projections. Thereby the at least one projection is slidably received in the at least one corresponding groove to allow and guide movement of the cone-shaped insert body between the non-use position and the use position. The guiding and / or sliding means may have at least partially a structured surface, e.g. steps, that is configured to improve the grip during the movement of the cone-shaped insert body.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the cone-shaped insert body has a structure and / or pattern on its inner surface. Thereby a further safety mechanism is provided as a user that inserts his finger into the receiving space and rotates the finger therein will feel a sense of friction and the finger will feel uncomfortable, so that the user will give up rotating fingers in the hole.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the cone-shaped insert body comprises a conical section and a linear section at a rear end.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the cone-shaped insert body comprises an elongated recess on or in its lateral surface that is aligned with the cutting edge of the sharpening unit, wherein the elongated recess is in particular provided in the conical section. Thereby, the cutting surface can come into contact with the pencil that is inserted into the cone-shaped insert body.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the cone-shaped insert body comprises a cut-out (or: recess), in particular in its front section, and the receiving section comprises a cutout (or: recess), in particular in its front section. These cutouts extend at least partially in a circumferential direction of the cone-shaped body or the receiving section, respectively. Further, the cutout of the cone-shaped insert body and the cutout of the receiving section overlap at least partially in the circumferential direction and / or the longitudinal direction. Such cutouts have the advantage that lead material removed during the sharpening process does not remain inside the cone-shaped insert body and / or the receiving section, but can fall out therefrom. This prevents lead material from sticking inside the cone-shaped insert body and the receiving section and ensures that the cone-shaped insert body can be moved in the long term.

[0023] Preferably, the cutout of the cone-shaped insert body and / or the cutout of the receiving section are arranged on a side opposite the sharpening unit.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the locking member and the cone-shaped insert body are separated from each other and the at least one elastic part of the locking member is depressed in the use position, i.e. when the pencil is inserted. This ensures that the cone-shaped body will be locked again in the non-use position, once the pencil is removed due to the elastic properties of the elastic part that will bring the locking member again into contact with the cone-shaped insert body once the pencil is removed.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the sharpening unit protrudes into the receiving space of the cone-shaped insert body in the use position such that a sharpening space is formed between the cone-shaped insert body and the sharpening unit and a pencil that is inserted into the cone-shaped insert body comes into contact with the sharpening unit. This results from the conical shape of the insert body, when positioned in the use position.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the distance of the receiving space of the cone-shaped insert body to the sharpening unit in the non-use position is at least 0.2 mm, in particular at least 0.3 mm, and / or the sharpening unit protrudes into the receiving space of the cone-shaped insert body with a length of at least 0.2 mm, in particular at least 0.3 mm in the use position.

[0027] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary implementations and the accompanying drawings, wherein FIG 1a sharpening device in a top view, FIG 2the sharpening device in a perspective view, FIG 3the sharpening device in an exploded view, FIG 4a sectional view in the transverse direction of a first embodiment of the sharpening device in a non-use position, FIG 5a sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the first embodiment of the sharpening device in a non-use position, FIG 6a sectional view in the transverse direction of the first embodiment of the sharpening device in a use position, FIG 7a partial sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the first embodiment of the sharpening device, FIG 8a bottom view of a second embodiment of the sharpening device, FIG 9a sectional view in the longitudinal direction of the second embodiment of the sharpening device.

[0028] In the following, two possible embodiments of a sharpening device are described. Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference signs in both embodiments.

[0029] The sharpening device 10 comprises a frame 12 forming an interior space and providing a receiving section 16 in said interior space. A sharpening unit 14, presently a blade is attached to a wall of the frame 12, in the figures an upper wall of the frame 12, in such a way that a cutting edge of the sharpening unit 14 is directed towards the receiving section 16. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 1 to 3, the sharpening unit 14 is fixed to the frame via a fastening element 28, presently a screw.

[0030] The receiving section 16 has a hollow conical shape. A cone-shaped insert body 18 is arranged within the receiving section 16 and provides a receiving space 20, also having a conical shape, also referred to as a sharpener channel, that is configured to receive a front section of a pencil 100 (FIG. 7) through an insertion opening 22 provided at a rear end of the cone-shaped insert body 18. The cone-shaped insert body 18 comprises a conical section 18a in a front section and a linear section 18b at a rear end. The receiving section 16 has corresponding conical section and a corresponding linear section. Exemplary, the insertion opening 22 at a rear end of the receiving section 16 has a diameter D of about 18 mm, presently 17.8 mm. Therefore, the sharpening device 10 is intended to be used for pencils having a diameter of up to about 18 mm, presently 17.8 mm.

[0031] The cone-shaped insert body 18 further comprises an elongated recess 42 on its lateral surface that is aligned with the cutting edge of the sharpening unit 14 when assembled so that the cutting edge can protrude into the receiving space 20 when the sharpening device 10 is in use. In this exemplary embodiment, the elongated recess 42 is solely provided in the conical section 18a, but may extend into the linear section 18b as well.

[0032] On its inner surface, the cone-shaped insert body 18 is provided with a tactile structure 40 (see e.g. FIG 4). In this exemplary embodiment, the structure is formed by a pattern having rounded projections extending along the cone-shaped insert body 18. Other structures, e.g. nubs or regular or irregular patterns, can be provided as well.

[0033] The cone-shaped insert body 18 is movable within the receiving section 16 between a non-use position (FIG. 4 and 5) and a use position (FIG. 6 and 7) along a longitudinal axis L of the sharpening device 10.

[0034] FIG 4 and 5 illustrate the cone-shaped insert body 18 in the non-use position, i.e. when no pencil is inserted and the cone-shaped insert body 18 is releasably locked within the receiving section 16. In the non-use position, the cone-shaped insert body 18 is located at a distance T 1 to the sharpening unit 14. To releasably lock the cone-shaped insert body 18, safety means, in the present case a first safety mechanism 24 and a second safety mechanism 30 are present. The first safety mechanism 24 and the second safety mechanism 30 both fix the cone-shaped insert body 18 against movement along the longitudinal axis L. In particular, the cone-shaped insert body 18 cannot move inwardly towards the sharpening unit 14. Thereby, the safety means further ensure that the cone-shaped insert body 18 is kept at a distance T 1 to the sharpening unit 14. In this embodiment, the distance T 1 of the receiving space 20 of the cone-shaped insert body 18 to the sharpening unit 14 in the non-use position is about 0.3 mm.

[0035] The first safety mechanism 24 and the second safety mechanism 30 are explained in more detail in the following.

[0036] The first safety mechanism 24 comprises a locking member 26 that is attached to the frame 12 in the area of the rear section of the cone-shaped insert body 18, thereby fixing the locking member 26 in the longitudinal direction L. In this embodiment, the locking member 26 is attached to a bottom wall of the frame 12, opposite to the upper wall where the sharpening unit 14 is attached. The locking member 26 has a section 26a extending from the frame 12, presently the bottom wall of the frame 12, into the interior space and provides an impact surface for the rear end of the cone-shaped insert body 18 in the non-use position (see FIG 5).

[0037] Further, the locking member 26 is at least partially hook-shaped at a front section and said hook-shaped part 26b of the locking member 26 engages with a rear section of the cone-shaped insert body 18 through positive locking to prevent movement of the cone-shaped insert body 18 towards the inside of the frame 12 in the non-use position, as the locking member 26 is fixed in the longitudinal direction L (see FIG 5).

[0038] The locking member 26 further comprises one elastic part 26c that leans on the frame 12 and is extended therefrom when the cone-shaped insert body 18 is in the non-use position and depressed when the cone-shaped insert body 18 is in the use position. The locking member 26 is preferably a one-piece element, i.e. its parts 26a, 26b and 26c are integrally formed, and is made of a thermoplastic material, in particular polyoxymethylen.

[0039] The second safety mechanism 30 comprises an elastic element 32, exemplary a coil spring, that is arranged within the frame 12 between the frame 12 and a front end of the cone-shaped insert body 18. The elastic element 32 leans on the front end of the cone-shaped insert body 18 with a rear end and on the frame 12 with a front end. The elastic element 32 is configured to bias the cone-shaped insert body 18 towards the locking member 26 and prevents movement of the cone-shaped insert body 18 towards the inside of the frame 12 in the non-use position. Thereby, the elastic element 32 and the cone-shaped insert body 18 form the second safety mechanism 30.

[0040] Additionally, the frame 12 comprises a cover element 34 to enclose the interior space. In this embodiment, the cover element 34 is a pressure plate that is attached to the frame 12 to additionally secure the locking member 26 and the cone-shaped insert body 18 within the frame 12 against the elastic force of the elastic element 32. The cover element 34 comprises an aperture 44 corresponding to the insertion opening 22 of the cone-shaped insert body 18 so that a pencil can be inserted through the aperture 44 of the cover element 34 and the insertion opening 22 into the receiving space 20.

[0041] The cone-shaped insert body 18 further comprises guiding and / or sliding means 36 on its outer surface and the receiving section 16 comprises guiding and / or sliding means 38 at an inner sidewall or surface to allow and guide movement of the cone-shaped insert body 18 between the non-use position and the use position. In this embodiment, the cone-shaped insert body 18 comprises two projections 36 extending from a rear end of the cone-shaped insert body 18 to a front end of the cone-shaped insert body 18 on its outer surface. The projections 36 are provided at opposite sides of the cone-shaped insert body 18. The receiving section 16 comprises corresponding grooves 38 that are integrally formed with the frame 12. The projections 36 may further comprise some steps on their upper and / or lower surface that are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L (see Fig. 3). These steps are configured to improve the grip during the movement of the cone-shaped insert body 18.

[0042] FIG 6 and 7 illustrate the cone-shaped insert body 18 in the use position, i.e. when a pencil 100 is inserted. In the use position the locking member 26 and the cone-shaped insert body 18 are separated from each other and the at least one elastic part 26c of the locking member 26 is depressed. Further, the sharpening unit 14 protrudes into the receiving space 20 of the cone-shaped insert body 18 with a length T 2 of exemplary 0.2 mm thereby forming a sharpening space between the cone-shaped insert body 18 and the sharpening unit 14 so that a pencil 100 comes into contact with the sharpening unit 14 when inserted through the insertion opening 22 into the receiving space 20.

[0043] The function of the sharpening device 10 and the safety means are described in the following. When the sharpening device 10 is not in use, the cone-shaped insert body 18 is pushed forward towards the insertion opening 22 under the force of the elastic element 32. The cone-shaped insert body 18 uses the guiding and sliding means that function as a sliding track to move outwardly. The locking member 26, which is made from an elastic material and has the specific structure as described above generates an elastic force to move upward, forming the first safety mechanism 24 to lock the cone-shaped insert body 18 ensuring that the cone-shaped insert body 18 is held in this position. When the user's finger extends into the receiving space 20 of the frame 12, due to the protective space between the sharpening unit 14 and the receiving space 20, the surface of the cone-shaped insert body 18 is about 0.3mm lower than the sharpening unit 14 and its cutting surface so that the user cannot contact the sharpening unit 14 from any direction. If the user just forcefully pushes the cone-shaped insert body 18 to move inward, the cone-shaped insert body 18 will not move inward due to the first safety mechanism 24 that has locked the cone-shaped insert body 18. In case of a large aperture, the user's finger cannot touch the below locking member 26 at the same time so that the self-locking device will not be triggered. When the user presses down the locking elements with their fingers to unlock the safety mechanism, they also need to push the cone-shaped insert body 18 inward, and their fingers are still weak, what makes it difficult to press down the locking member 26. Because they need to press down the locking member 26 and push the cone-shaped insert body 18, the user's fingers press down on the bottom, and after unlocking, they push the cone-shaped insert body 18 inward, but their fingers still cannot touch the edge surface of the sharpening unit 14 as the fingers press downward, i.e. away from the sharpening unit 14. The protective space continues to exist to protect the user. If the user rotates their fingers in the hole, due to the structure 40, which functions as an additional auxiliary protection device, the user will feel a sense of friction what feels uncomfortable, so they will give up rotating fingers in the hole.

[0044] When the sharpening device 10 is in use, a pencil 100 is inserted into the receiving space and an outer surface of the pencil 100 comes into contact with the surface of the locking member 26, i.e. with the section extending from the frame 12. When the user rotates and pushes inward the pencil 100, the pencil 100 will press down the locking member 26 so as to unlock the safety mechanism 24. The cone-shaped insert body 18 moves inward by using the sliding and guiding means under the user's thrust. Because the user's thrust is greater than the elasticity of the elastic member 32, the cone-shaped insert body 18 will be pushed into the use position by the user, thereby forming the sharpening space, wherein the surface of the cone-shaped insert body 18 is about 0.2 mm higher than the cutting surface of the sharpening unit 14. The user continues to rotate the pencil 100 and the pencil sharpening process begins.

[0045] After the user completes the sharpening work, the pencil 100 is removed and under the action of the elastic member 32, the cone-shaped insert body 18 is moved outwardly into the non-use position. The locking member 26 does not have the pressure from the pencil 100 anymore and will move upward so that the cone-shaped insert body 18 is locked in the non-use position.

[0046] To assemble a sharpening device as described herein, the following steps may be carried out: The sharpening unit 14 is attached to the frame 12, exemplary to an upper wall ("cutting surface") of the frame 12 by use of fastening means, exemplary by use of an automatic locking screw machine to screw the fastening element 28 into the frame 12 through a hole of sharpening unit 14. In a next step, the elastic element 32 is disposed between a front end of the cone-shaped insert body 18 and the frame 12. The cone-shaped insert body 18 and the locking member 26 are assembled and this assembly is moved along the guiding and / or sliding means and positioned within the receiving section 20 and the interior space of the frame 12. The locking member 26 stands within the frame 12 due to its elastic material and / or structure. Under the action of the first safety mechanism 24 and the second safety mechanism 30, the cone-shaped insert body is releasable locked within the frame 12 in the non-use position and the protective space between the receiving space 20 and the sharpening unit 14 is formed. Finally, the cover member 34 is pressed onto the frame 12. After the cover member 34 is assembled, the surface is on the same level with the frame 12, and there is no assembly gap around. It is difficult for users to remove the cover member 34, ensuring the use of the sharpening device 10.

[0047] The above explanations regarding the structure and the sharpening process apply equally to the second embodiment described in the following with regard to the FIG 8 and 9 so that we explicitly refer to the above.

[0048] In addition, the receiving section 16 according to the second embodiment comprises a cutout 46 provided at a front section of the receiving section 16. Further, the cone-shaped insert body 18 comprises a cutout 48 provided at a front section of the cones-shaped insert body 18. These cutouts 46, 48 each extend in the circumferential direction and the longitudinal direction. In this example, the cutout 48 extends over about half of the cone-shaped insert body 18 in a longitudinal direction and nearly about a half in a circumferential direction. The cutout 46 of the receiving section 16 extends less far in the longitudinal direction than the cutout 48 (nearly about a half) and also nearly about a half in the circumferential direction. The cutouts 46, 48 overlap in both directions.

[0049] As can be seen in the bottom view according to FIG 9, the cutouts 46, 48 are arranged on a side opposite the sharpening unit so that lead material produced during the sharpening process can easily fall out the receiving chamber 16 and the cone-shaped insert body 18.

[0050] Having now described embodiments of the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications and substitutions for the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Such modifications are within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.Reference signs list

[0051] 10sharpening device 12frame 14sharpening unit 16receiving section 18cone-shaped insert body 18aconical section 18blinear section 20receiving space 22insertion opening 24first safety mechanism 26locking member 26asection of the locking member 26bhook-shaped part of the locking member 26celastic part of the locking member 28fastening element 30second safety mechanism 32elastic element 34cover member 36projection 38groove 40structure / pattern 42elongated recess 44aperture 46cutout in the receiving section 48cutout in the cone-shaped insert body 100pencil Ddiameter T 1 distance T 2 distance

Claims

1. Sharpening device (10) to sharpen or shapen pencils comprising - a frame (12) forming an interior space and providing a receiving section (16) therein, - a sharpening unit (14) that is attached to the frame (12) in such a way that a cutting edge of the sharpening unit (14) is directed towards the receiving section (16), - a cone-shaped insert body (18) that is arranged within the receiving section (16), wherein the cone-shaped insert body (18) provides a receiving space (20) to receive a front section of a pencil (100) through an insertion opening (22) provided at a rear end of the cone-shaped insert body (18), and wherein the cone-shaped insert body (18) is movable within the receiving section (16) between a non-use position and a use position along a longitudinal axis (L)of the sharpening device, - safety means (24, 30) to releasably lock the cone-shaped insert body (18) within the receiving section (16) in the non-use position, wherein the cone-shaped insert body (18) is fixed against movement along the longitudinal axis (L) in the receiving section (16) and the receiving space (20) of the cone-shaped insert body (18) is located at a distance (T1) to the sharpening unit (14).

2. Sharpening device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the insertion opening (22) has a diameter (D) between 15 and 18 mm.

3. Sharpening device (10) according to any of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the safety means comprise a first safety mechanism (24) comprising a locking member (26) that is attached to the frame (12) in the area of the rear section of the cone-shaped insert body (18) and that has a section (26a) extending from the frame (18) to provide an impact surface for the rear end of the cone-shaped insert body (18) in the non-use position.

4. Sharpening device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the locking member (26) is at least partially hook-shaped at a front section and said hook-shaped part (26b) of the locking member (26) engages with a rear section of the cone-shaped insert body (18) through positive locking to prevent movement of the cone-shaped insert body (18) towards the inside of the frame (12) in the non-use position.

5. Sharpening device (10) according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the locking member (26) comprises at least one elastic part (26c) that leans on the frame (12) and is extended therefrom when the cone-shaped insert body (18) is in the non-use position and depressed when the cone-shaped insert body (18) is in the use position.

6. Sharpening device (10) according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the locking member (26) is at least partially made of a thermoplastic material, in particular made of polyoxymethylene and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer.

7. Sharpening device (10) according to any of the claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the safety means comprise a second safety mechanism (30) comprising an elastic element (32), in particular a coil spring, that is arranged within the frame (12) between the frame (12) and a front end of the cone-shaped insert body (18), wherein the elastic element (32) leans on the front end of the cone-shaped insert body (18) with a rear end and leans on the frame (12) with a front end, and wherein the elastic element (32) is configured to bias the cone-shaped insert body (18) towards the locking member (26) and to prevent movement of the cone-shaped insert body (26) towards the inside of the frame (12) in the non-use position.

8. Sharpening device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (12) comprises a cover element (34) comprising an aperture (44) corresponding to the insertion opening of the cone-shaped insert body (18) to secure the locking member (26) and the cone-shaped insert body (18) within the frame (12) against the elastic force of the elastic element (32).

9. Sharpening device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cone-shaped insert body (18) comprises guiding and / or sliding means (36) on its outer surface and the receiving section (16) comprises guiding and / or sliding means (28) at an inner sidewall or surface to allow and guide movement of the cone-shaped insert body (18) between the non-use position and the use position.

10. Sharpening device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cone-shaped insert body (18) has a structure and / or pattern (40) on its inner surface.

11. Sharpening device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cone-shaped insert body (18) comprises a conical section (18a) and a linear section (18b) at a rear end.

12. Sharpening device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cone-shaped insert body (18) comprises an elongated recess (42) on its lateral surface that is aligned with the cutting edge of the sharpening unit (14), wherein the elongated recess (42) is in particular provided in the conical section (18a).

13. Sharpening device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cone-shaped insert body (18) comprises a cutout (48) and the receiving section (16) comprises a cut-out (46), wherein the cutouts (46, 48) extend at least partially in a circumferential direction of the cone-shaped body (18) and the receiving section (16) and / or at least partially in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the cutouts (46, 48) at least partially overlap in the circumferential direction and / or the longitudinal direction.

14. Sharpening device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the cutout (48) of the cone-shaped insert body (18) and / or the cutout (46) of the receiving section (16) are arranged on a side opposite the sharpening unit (12).

15. Sharpening device (10) according to any one of the claims 3 to 14, characterized in that in the use position the locking member (26) and the cone-shaped insert body (18) are separated from each other and the at least one elastic part (26c) of the locking member (26) is depressed.

16. Sharpening device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the use position the sharpening unit (14) protrudes into the receiving space (20) of the cone-shaped insert body (18) so that a sharpening space is formed between the cone-shaped insert body (18) and the sharpening unit (14) and a pencil (100) that is inserted into the cone-shaped insert body (18) comes into contact with the sharpening unit (14).

17. Sharpening device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (T1) of the receiving space (20) of the cone-shaped insert body (18) to the sharpening unit (14) in the non-use position is at least 0.2mm, in particular at least 0.3 mm, and / or the sharpening unit (14) protrudes into the receiving space (20) of the cone-shaped insert body (18) with a length (T2) of at least 0.2mm, in particular at least 0.3 mm in the use position.

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