Knife

Abstract

The invention relates to a knife with a holder (11) having a handle area (12) and with a cutting head (13) on which a blade (14) with an edge (15) is mounted, wherein cutting material can be fed to the edge (15) via a cutting channel (32) having a width (B), which cutting channel (32) is bounded by a first wall surface (19) and a second wall surface (20). The special feature is that at least a region of the first wall surface (19) is assigned to a movable protective element (22), so that the cutting channel (32) has a first width (B1) in the first position of the protective element (22) and a second width (B2) in a second position, wherein the second width (B2) is larger with respect to the first width (B1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a knife.

[0002] Such a knife is known from previous use. It comprises a handle and a cutting head to which a blade is attached. One edge of the blade is accessible via a cutting channel. The cutting channel is designed, for example, in such a way that parts of the user's body cannot come into contact with the cutting edge.

[0003] US Patent 2010 / 0293796 A1 describes a knife in which a blade is movably mounted on a holder. The blade has feed channels which are fitted with a cutting edge. The blade is movable relative to the holder between a first position in which a cutting operation can be performed and a second position in which the cutting edge is covered by the holder and a cutting operation is not possible.

[0004] The object of the invention was to create a knife with a cutting channel that limits access to the cutting edge, but allows for further cutting applications, and meets high safety requirements. Furthermore, the object of the invention was to create a robust knife.

[0005] The problem was solved by a knife having the features of claim 1.

[0006] The knife according to the invention comprises a holder with a handle and a cutting head on which a blade with an edge is mounted. The knife can be held by the handle. The blade projects forward relative to the cutting head. The edge is accessible only via a cutting channel. The cutting channel is bounded by spaced-apart wall surfaces. Furthermore, the channel is bounded at one end by a portion of the blade. Cutting material can be fed to the edge through the cutting channel formed between the wall surfaces.

[0007] At least one section of the first wall area is formed by a movable protective element. The protective element is movable in such a way that the cutting channel is adjustable between a first width and a second width. The movement of the protective element can be rotary, translational, or a mixed movement with both rotary and translational components.

[0008] The first width, which might have a spacing of 4 mm, can be such that a GS test finger cannot be moved through the cutting channel to the cutting edge. This means that no body parts can come into contact with the cutting edge. It also means that only materials up to a certain thickness can be cut.

[0009] The second width setting allows for cutting thicker materials. Safety is reduced in this position because it cannot be ruled out that narrow body parts could be moved into the cutting channel. After cutting thick materials, the safety guard can be manually or automatically reset to the first position, restoring the high level of safety.

[0010] The knife according to the invention, with the protective element in the first position, inherently ensures a high level of safety because access to the cutting edge is restricted by a channel in such a way that parts of the user's body cannot pass through it. If thicker materials need to be cut than are possible with a narrow cutting channel, the protective element can be adjusted to a second position for the duration of the cut, in which the cutting channel is wider. The knife thus offers a broader range of applications. Since the widening of the cutting channel is actively performed by the user, they are aware of the increased risk and therefore carry out the work with due caution. Due to the blade being detachably or permanently attached to the holder, the knife exhibits a high degree of robustness.

[0011] The protective element is adjustable between a first position in which the gap has a first width and a second position in which the gap has a second width, the second width being larger in relation to the first width.

[0012] The protective element can be moved, for example, by means of a handle that is part of an operating device. The handle can be designed in any suitable form. For example, the handle can be designed as a slider, a push button, or a lever. If the handle is designed as a slider, for example, the knife can be built very compactly.

[0013] A handle in the form of a lever can, for example, be designed as a pliers-type actuation mechanism, where a first lever forms a pivot joint with a second lever, allowing the levers to pivot relative to each other. When the handle is in an inactive position, the protective element is, for example, in the first position. When the handle is in an active position, the protective element is, for example, in the second position. Designing the handle as a lever can offer ergonomic advantages.

[0014] The protective element, for example, performs a translational and / or rotational movement when moving between the first and second positions. A mechanism may be integrated between the handle and the protective element. The movement of the handle may differ from, or alternatively, be identical to, the movement of the protective element.

[0015] A motion converter is, for example, part of the actuating device and can convert the movement of the handle into a different movement of the protective element. For instance, the handle might have a translational movement, which is converted into a rotational movement of the protective element by means of a motion converter. Alternatively, the handle could have a rotational movement that moves the protective element translationally.

[0016] The handle can be connected to the guard, for example, by a mechanism that is also part of the actuating device. When the handle is in an inactive position, the guard is in the first position, and when the guard is in the active position, it is in the second position.

[0017] In principle, the guard or handle can be latched or locked in the first position and / or the second position. From a safety perspective, it is advantageous if the guard automatically returns to the first position as soon as the handle's actuation mechanism is released to the second position. In this case, the guard cannot be locked in the second position but can freely return to the first position. According to one embodiment, it is also possible to choose between locking in the second position and automatic reset.

[0018] The guard is biased back into its first position by means of a return spring mechanism. This mechanism includes at least one spring. Because the guard is biased back into its first position, it automatically returns from the second position to the first position when the actuating device is inactive, thus restoring the high level of safety. This prevents the guard from failing to return to its original position, which would otherwise increase the risk of injury if the knife were used again.

[0019] The movement of the guard element from the first position to the second position can be blocked, for example, by means of a blocking element, which is movable between a blocking position and a passage position. This prevents a force on the guard element from unintentionally moving it towards the second position and thus enlarging the cutting channel. The blocking element is only moved into the passage position when the handle is intentionally actuated, allowing the guard element to move. During its movement between the blocking and passage positions, the blocking element can perform a translational, a rotational, or a mixed movement with translational and rotational components. The movement of the blocking element can, for example, differ from the movement of the guard element. In this case, unintentional actuation could, for example,this occurs through inertial forces that are directed in a specific direction.

[0020] The locking element is, for example, motion-coupled with the actuating device, so that when the actuating device moves from the inactive position to the active position, it moves from the locking position to the passage position. It moves, for example, in the same direction as the handle. Alternatively, it can also move in a different direction than the handle.

[0021] Using a first range of motion of the handle, the blocking element can be moved, for example, from the blocking position to the passage position, and using a second range of motion, the guard element can be moved, for example, from the first position to the second position. If the blocking element is coupled to the handle, it has a lead time relative to the actuating device of the guard element, so that the blocking element is moved to the passage position before the guard element is moved to the second position. When the handle is moved to the active position, the blocking element is first moved to the passage position, and then the guard element is moved from the first position to the second position. Once the guard element is in the passage position, it can also be moved passively to the second position.This has the advantage that the user does not have to hold the handle in the active position against the force of a return element, but only has to actuate it to an intermediate position in which the locking element is in the pass position. These features help prevent fatigue.

[0022] The handle is integrated into the grip area. Simple and ergonomically advantageous operation is ensured when the handle is integrated into the grip area. At least one handle can be located on one side or on opposite sides of the grip area. For example, a first handle is located on one side of the holder and a second handle on the opposite side. A housing-like grip area can, for example, have at least one window through which the handle is connected to the protective element. With multiple handles, the grip area can have several windows. The handle can perform a translational and / or a rotational movement to adjust the protective element between the first and second positions.

[0023] One longitudinal axis of the cutting edge extends, for example, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the knife handle. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of the cutting edge extends, for example, at an obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis. The cutting edge is located, for example, on the side of the blade facing the knife handle. In other words, the cutting edge points, for example, towards the rear end of the handle. A slicing cut is then possible with the knife.

[0024] The blade is either fixed or detachably attached to the cutter head. If the blade is fixed to the cutter head, it may, for example, be molded into the holder or otherwise permanently bonded to it.

[0025] For example, the blade is detachably mounted on the holder. The blade can also be locked in a blade seat by means of a blade locking mechanism comprising a bolt. The blade seat is formed, for example, by a shaft or a positive-locking receptacle. The blade can then be locked in the blade seat with the bolt.

[0026] The blade is mounted, for example, on a blade holder. A blade holder ensures easy assembly and disassembly of the blade. The blade holder can be a separate part or molded onto the holder. The blade holder has, for example, retaining elements that hold the blade in a specific position. The blade can be permanently attached to the blade holder, for example, by injection molding, or it can be detachably attached to the blade holder. In the latter case, the blade holder is reusable.

[0027] The locking mechanism is designed to move between a locking position and a release position. In this case, there are defined positions for blade changes and cutting operations. This ensures a high level of safety in both states of the knife. In the locking position, the first and second locking mechanisms are engaged, and in the release position, they are disengaged.

[0028] The blade locking mechanism comprises, for example, a first locking element associated with the bolt and a second locking element associated with the blade. The interacting locking elements are formed, for example, by positive locking or frictional locking elements, such as a projection and a recess. The second locking elements are formed, for example, directly on the blade or on a part connected to the blade. For instance, a section of the blade is overmolded with plastic. The second locking elements are formed, for example, in this overmolded area.

[0029] The locking mechanism is designed, for example, as a lever. In the locked position, it can be inserted into a recess in the holder in such a way that it does not impair either the cutting operation or the ergonomics of the handle. For instance, the holder has a recess in which the locking mechanism is received in the locked position, so that it does not protrude beyond the holder's outer contour, or only does so minimally. The locking mechanism is advantageously movable between the locked and released positions when designed as a lever.

[0030] For example, one section of the blade is equipped with a guard that forms a gripping surface. The blade can then be safely grasped at this surface without risk of injury and, for example, removed from or inserted into a blade holder. The guard is made of plastic, for example. The blade itself is overmolded with plastic, for example.

[0031] For example, the secondary locking elements are integrated into the guard. This allows the secondary locking elements to be shaped independently of the blade. This improves the possibilities for the arrangement and design of the secondary locking elements.

[0032] The bolt, for example, has a detent element, and the holder has a counter-bar, whereby the detent element and the counter-bar can be releasably engaged in the locked position. These features prevent the bolt from moving unintentionally and ensure that the blade lock is not unintentionally moved to the release position. The detent can be released, for example, by overcoming a threshold force on the bolt. Alternatively, the bolt could also be locked in the locked position. In this case, the holder and the bolt would have locking elements instead of detent elements.

[0033] The holder and the protective element are, for example, made of plastic. Alternatively, they can be made of metal, especially cast metal, as well as a composite material, especially a composite plastic.

[0034] One wall surface of the cutting channel is formed, for example, by a ridge molded onto an end section of the blade. This ridge is made of plastic, for example. A first side wall faces the handle area. A second side wall lies opposite the first, opposite the cutting edge. By using a plastic ridge to form the second side wall, material from the cutting head can be saved, material that would otherwise be required between the cutting head and the ridge. This reduces costs. Alternatively, the cutting head itself could form both the first and second wall surfaces.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in the following description of the figures, also with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, identical or comparable parts, elements, or areas are designated with the same reference numerals, sometimes with the addition of lowercase letters, even where different embodiments are concerned.

[0036] Features described only in relation to one embodiment can also be provided in any other embodiment of the invention. Such modified embodiments are included in the invention, even if they are not shown in the drawings.

[0037] All disclosed features are essential to the invention. The disclosure of this application hereby incorporates in full the disclosure content of the cited publications and the described devices of the prior art, also for the purpose of including one or more features of these documents in one or more claims of the present application.

[0038] They show: Fig. 1 a side view of the knife, with a guard in the first position and the handle in an inactive position, Fig. 2 the side view of the knife based on Fig. 1 , with the handle moved into an intermediate position, Fig. 3 a side view based on Fig. 1 , wherein the handle is actuated into the active position and the protective element is in the second position, Fig. 4 a view according to view arrow A in Fig. 1 , Fig. 5 a sectional view according to section line B - B in Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 a sectional view based on Fig. 5 , with the handle being in an intermediate position, Fig. 7 a sectional view based on Fig. 6 , with the handle in the active position and the protective element in the second position, Fig. 8 a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the knife, wherein a protective element is in the first position and the handle is in an inactive position, Fig. 9 a sectional view according to Fig. 8 , wherein the protective element is in the first position and the handle is in an intermediate position, and Fig. 10 a sectional view according to Fig. 9 , with the protective element in the first position and the handle in an active position.

[0039] The knife as a whole is designated by reference numeral 10 in the figure. Fig. 1 A side view of the knife 10 is shown. The knife comprises a holder 11 with a handle area 12 and a cutting head 13. The holder 11 includes an upper end area 17, a lower end area 18, a front end area 23, and a rear end area 24. Side surfaces 16a and 16b extend between the upper end area 17 and the lower end area 18.

[0040] The cutting head 13, which includes a blade 14, is formed at the front end region 23 of the holder 11. A portion of the blade 14 is arranged in a blade seat within the holder 11 and covered by the holder 11. Another portion of the blade 14 extends from the holder 11 and continues in accordance with Fig. 1 in one direction z2 approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis m of the holder 11. The blade 14 is mounted immovably relative to the holder 11 on the holder 11.

[0041] An end region 29 of the blade 14 is provided with a guard 28, which forms a gripping surface 47. When changing the blade, the blade 14 can be gripped by the guard 28 without the risk of injury from a cutting edge 15 of the blade 14. Another end region 31 of the blade 14 is provided with a bead 21 and forms a second wall surface 20 of a cutting channel 32 through which cutting material can be fed to a cutting edge 15 of the blade 14. In this example, the bead 21 is made of plastic and has been molded onto the blade 14. A first wall surface 19 of the cutting channel 32 is formed by a protective element 22.

[0042] It is in Fig. 1 It can be seen that the cutting edge 15 of the blade 14 is exposed between the wall surface 19 of the protective element 22 and the wall surface 20 of the bead 21. The width of the cutting channel 32 limits the dimension of the cutting material guided to the cutting edge 15 and therefore also contributes to the safety of the knife 10. The greater the width of the cutting channel 32, the thicker the cutting material that can reach the cutting edge 15. According to the Fig. 1 and 2 The cutting channel has a width B 1, which is dimensioned such that - based on average values ​​- no part of a user's body can pass through the cutting channel 32 to the cutting edge 15.

[0043] The cutting channel 32 of the knife 10 is variably designed with respect to its width. It can be changed by moving the protective element 22. The protective element 22 is located between a Fig. 1 the first position shown and one in Fig. 3 The second position shown is adjustable. In this example, the protective element 22 is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis a1. In the first position, the cutting channel 32 has a width B1, and in the second position (see Fig. 3 ) a width B 2. The width B 1 is, for example, approximately 4 mm, the width B 2 is, for example, approximately 15 mm. These values ​​for width B 1 and B 2 can alternatively be chosen differently.

[0044] In Fig. 1 and 2 A virtual test finger 52 with a diameter of 6 mm is shown, which in the first position cannot pass through the cutting channel 32 and reach the cutting edge 15. In the second position of the protective element 22 (see Fig. 3 Thicker materials can be cut. The blade 10 has a lower safety status in the second position than in the first position. For this reason, the protective element 22 is replaced by a Fig. 2 The protective element 22 is loaded into its first position by an invisible return element, e.g., a spring. This means that the protective element 22 automatically returns to its first position.

[0045] The protective element 22 cannot unintentionally move into the second position. In other words, if a body part or a wide cutting material is forced into the cutting channel 32, the protective element 22 does not move out of the first position; that is, it is not passively—i.e., unintentionally—moved from the first position to the second position. This is prevented by means that will be explained further below.

[0046] According to Fig. 2 It can be seen that a handle 25 of an actuator 30 has been moved from the first position in direction x1 to an intermediate position. Due to this initial range of motion of the handle 25, a Fig. 2 Unrecognizable blocking element 35 (see the Fig. 5 bis 7 ) a safety device 50 is moved out of the path of movement of an element of the actuating device 30, so that the protective element 22 can be adjusted from the actuating device 30 into the second position. In Fig. 6 , which corresponds to the position of actuation 30 Fig. 2 As can be seen, in the intermediate position of the handle 25, the locking device 50 is arranged in the pass-through position, so the guard element 22 can move freely into the second position. The blocking element 35 has the function of preventing movement of the guard element 22 from the first position in a blocking position and releasing movement of the guard element 22 in a pass-through position.

[0047] As soon as the blocking element 35 releases the guard element 22 in the passage position, the guard element 22 can be moved actively, i.e., by actuating the handle 25 in a second range of motion, into the active position, or passively, i.e., by applying a force to the guard element 22 (directed in such a way as to move it into the second position), from the first position to the second position. Since the handle 25 is spring-loaded, less force is required for actuation.

[0048] In Fig. 3 The knife 10 is shown in the second position of the protective element 22. The handle 25 is located according to Fig. 3 in the active position. The adjustment of the protective element 22 to the second position occurs against the restoring force of the restoring element. The protective element 22 must be in the active position during the cutting process by actuating the handle 25 or the actuator 30 according to Fig. 3 must be held in place to prevent the automatic movement of the protective element 22 from the second position to the first position. Fig. 3 It is evident that the test finger 52, at width B2 of the cutting channel 32, is not prevented from reaching the cutting edge 15. Therefore, in the second position of the protective element 22, the safety is lower than in the first position.

[0049] As soon as the force on the handle 25 is released, the guard element 22 is reset from the second position to the first position, and the handle 25 moves from the active position to the inactive position, in which the knife again exhibits the highest safety level. The automatic movement of the guard element to the safe first position, caused by the reset element, is therefore possible at any time. The locking element 35 is also automatically moved from the pass-through position to the locking position.

[0050] In Fig. 4 A top view of the upper end 17 of the knife 10 is shown. A bolt 34 is arranged in a recess 33 of the holder 11, which in this example is pivotable about a pivot axis a2 and forms part of a blade locking mechanism 40. The bolt 34 can lock the blade 14 in the blade seat 36, as described in more detail below. Both side surfaces 16a and 16b are visible.

[0051] The blocking element 35 mentioned above (see Fig. 5 The locking element 35 serves to prevent unintentional movement of the protective element 22 in the pivot direction p2 from the first position to the second position. A force on the protective element 35 in the direction of p2 cannot unintentionally move it to the second position. The locking element 35 is designed according to... Fig. 5 shown in the blocking position, while the handle 25 is in the inactive position according to Fig. 1 is located.

[0052] An extension 39 of the protective element 22 is provided with an actuating surface 41. The actuating element 26 of the actuating device, which is coupled to the handle 25 and is fixedly connected to the handle 25 in this example, interacts with the actuating surface 41.

[0053] In the inactive position of handle 25 (see the Fig. 1 and 5 ) an actuating element 26 connected to the handle 25 is arranged in the position shown out of engagement with the actuating surface 41 of the protective element 22. According to Fig. 5 A locking surface 37 of the blocking element 35 rests against a stop surface 38 of the protective element 22 and prevents the protective element 22 from being moved in the direction p2 into the second position. The locking surface 37 can be moved out of the path of movement of the protective element 22 by moving the blocking element 35 in the direction x1 into the passage position.

[0054] In this example, the blocking element 35 is coupled to the handle 25. When the handle 25 moves in the direction x1 to an intermediate position according to... Fig. 6 The blocking element 35 is moved in direction x1 from the blocking position to the passage position before the protective element 22 is moved. According to alternative embodiments, the blocking element 35 can, for example, be movable in different directions relative to the movement of the handle 25. The type of movement (translational or rotational) can also differ from that of the handle 25.

[0055] It is evident that according to Fig. 5 The bolt 34 of a blade locking mechanism 40 is in a locked position. First locking means 48 – in this example in the form of a projection of the front end region 42 of the bolt 34 – engage with second locking means 43 – here in the form of a recess in the guard 28 – and thus lock the blade 14 in the blade seat 36. In the locked position, the bolt 34 is arranged in the recess 33 of the holder 11 and therefore does not project beyond the outer contour of the holder 11. By pivoting the bolt 34 in direction u1 into a release position (see dashed line in Figure 1), the locking mechanism 34 is released. Fig. 5 ), the first locking means 48 are moved out of engagement with the second locking means 43. The blade 14 can then be removed from the blade seat 36.

[0056] It is evident that the guard 28 forms the gripping surface 47, on which the blade 14 can be removed from or mounted in the blade seat 36. Injury to the blade 14 is therefore impossible.

[0057] A locking element 45 is held at a rear end region 44 of the bar 34, in this example formed on the bar 34, which according to Fig. 5 The locking element 45 engages with a counter-terrace 46 of the holder 11. The locking element 45 is elastically deformable and can be disengaged from the counter-terrace 46 by exceeding a minimum force in the pivoting direction u1.

[0058] The holder 11 is designed as a housing and has a receiving chamber 49 in which the bolt 34, as well as elements of the actuation 30, a section of the protective element 22, and a section of the blade 14 are received. The receiving chamber 49 has windows 27a and 27b and an opening 51 at the rear end 24. Dirt particles that have entered the receiving chamber can escape through these openings, thus preventing any impairment of the blade function.

[0059] According to the Fig. 1 and 5 Handle 25 is inactive. The protective element 22 is in the first position and the locking element 35 is in the locking position. When handle 25 is moved to the intermediate position according to the Fig. 2 and 6 The blocking element 35 moves from the blocking position into the position shown in the text. Fig. 6 The passage position shown. With further movement of the handle 25 in the direction of x1, the protective element 22 can now move because it is no longer blocked by the blocking element 35.

[0060] When comparing the Fig. 5 and 6 It can be seen that the actuating element 26 moves with the handle 25 from the position according to Fig. 5 in direction x1, the handle 25 comes into contact with an actuating surface 41 of the extension 39. The actuating surface 41 is designed such that it redirects the force acting in direction x1 on the handle 25 in such a way that a moment acts on the protective element 22 in direction p1 about the axis of rotation a1, which pivots the protective element 22 in direction p1 into the second position. In other words, the actuating surface 41 forms a motion converter with the actuating element 26. When the handle 25 is moved into the active position according to the Fig. 3 and 7When moved, the protective element 22 moves into the second position (see Fig. 7 ).

[0061] As soon as the force on the handle 25 decreases, the protective element 22 is pivoted by the return element in the direction of p2, and in doing so, the actuating surface 41 moves the actuating element 26 and thus the handle 25 from the active position to the inactive position in the direction of x2. The locking element 35 also moves with the handle 25 in the direction of x2 from the passage position to the locking position.

[0062] To replace the blade 14, the end section 44 of the bolt 34 is pivoted in the direction of u1 (see dashed line in Fig. 5 ), whereby the engagement of the detent element 45 is released from the counter-detent 46 and the first locking means 48 and second locking means 43 move out of engagement. The blade 14 can then be removed from the blade seat 36 in direction z1 and a new blade 14 can be inserted into the blade seat 36 in direction z2. When the blade 14 is in the blade seat 36, the bolt 34 can be pivoted into the locked position in direction u2, whereby the first locking means 48 and the second locking means 43 move back into engagement and the detent element 45 and the counter-detent 46 move into engagement.

[0063] In the Fig. 4 bis 7 It can be seen that the bolt 34 is arranged in the recess 33 in the locking position. The bolt is recessed into the recess 33 in such a way that it protrudes only slightly from it. For actuating the bolt 34, an actuating surface 53 extends down onto the side surfaces 16a and 16b at the end region 44.

[0064] A second embodiment of the knife according to the invention is described in the Fig. 8 bis 10 The knife is shown and designated by reference numeral 110. It comprises a holder 111 with a cutting head and a blade. The blade is, for example, detachably mounted on the holder 111, e.g., according to the first embodiment, or alternatively, permanently mounted. A handle 125 forms a pivot joint with the holder 111 at a first end region. The handle 125 is biased into the inactive position by a spring (not shown).

[0065] At a second end region, the handle 125 is provided with a protective element 122, which forms a first wall region 119 of the cutting channel 132. A second wall region is formed by a bead 121. In the first position of the protective element 122 according to Fig. 8 The cutting channel 132 has a width B1. The handle 125 is biased into the first position by a return element 166, here by a spring (not shown), as in Fig. 8 depicted.

[0066] A locking element 135 is movably mounted on the handle 125. It is positioned from a locking position according to Fig. 8 into a passing position according to the Fig. 9 and 10The locking element 135 is movable. A spring 163 biases it into the locking position. In the locking position, the locking element 135 interacts with a first structure 164. A stop surface 162 engages with a counter surface 165 of the first structure 164 in such a way that the handle 125 cannot be moved from the first position to the second position. In the passing position, the locking element 135 can move past the counter surface 162, such that the handle 125, together with the protective element 122 and the locking element 135, can be moved actively or passively into the second position (see Fig. 10 ). In this embodiment, the blocking element 135 dips into a second structure 160 of the holder 111.

Claims

1. Knife with a holder (11) and with a cutting head (13) on which a blade (14) with an edge (15) is mounted, wherein cutting material can be supplied to the edge (15) via a cutting channel (32) with a width (B), which cutting channel (32) is bounded by a first wall surface (19) and a second wall surface (20), characterized by the fact that at least one area of ​​the first wall surface (19) is assigned to a movable protective element (22), such that the cutting channel (32) has a first width (B1) in the first position of the protective element (22) and a second width (B2) in a second position, the second width (B2) being larger in relation to the first width (B1).

2. Knife according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the protective element (22) comprising a handle (25) can be moved by means of an actuation (30).

3. Knife according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the handle (25) is designed as a slide which is movable relative to the holder.

4. Knife according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that The handle (25) forms a pivot joint with the holder (11) and is pivotable relative to the holder (11).

5. Knife according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the protective element (22) is returned to the first position by means of restoring means.

6. Knife according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The movement of the protective element (22) from the first position to the second position can be blocked by means of a blocking element (35) which is movable between a blocking position and a passing position.

7. Knife according to claim 3, insofar as this refers back to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the blocking element (35) is coupled to the actuation (30) in such a way that, when the actuation (30) moves from the inactive position to the active position, it moves from the blocking position to the passing position.

8. Knife according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by the fact that by means of a first movement range of the handle (25) the blocking element (35) can be moved from the blocking position to the passing position and by means of a second movement range the protective element (22) can be moved from the first position to the second position.

9. Knife according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the handle (25) is formed on the holder (11).

10. Knife according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the cutting edge (15) extends approximately at right angles or at an obtuse angle to a longitudinal central axis (m) of the handle area (12).

11. Knife according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the blade (15) is held firmly or releasably on the holder (11) and that the blade (15) can be locked in a blade seat (36) by means of a blade locking mechanism (40) comprising a bolt (34).

12. Knife according to claim 11, characterized by the fact thatthe blade locking mechanism (40) has a first locking means (48) associated with the bolt (34) and a second locking means (43) associated with the blade (14).

13. Knife according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The blade (14) is associated with a guard (28) which forms a gripping surface (47).

14. Knife according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that one of the wall surfaces (19, 20) is formed by a bulge (21) which is formed on an end area of ​​the blade (14).

15. Knife according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the protective element (22) is loaded into the first position by a reset element.

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