Sharpener including a sliding pivot joint

Abstract

This description relates to a sharpener comprising a housing (1) in which a cavity (11) is provided for receiving a blade (110) to be sharpened, a sharpening device (2), an arm (3), and a return device (4) connecting the housing (1) to the arm (3). The housing (1) further comprises a sliding pivot joint (15) in which the arm (3) is mounted to move in translation and rotation relative to the housing (1). The return device (4) is arranged such that, upon insertion of the blade (110), the rotation of the arm (3) tends to increase the return force exerted by the return device (4), while the translation of the arm (3) tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the return force. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Sharpener comprising a sliding pivot joint. Technical field

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

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

[0003] Existing sharpening sheaths simplify and facilitate knife sharpening for a novice user. These sharpening sheaths generally incorporate abrasive elements fixed in a housing that guides the blade during sharpening. A sharpening sheath is described in French document 2 576 537 A1 and in US document 3 696 961 A1. However, such a sharpening sheath can cause premature wear of the blade, may not adapt satisfactorily to the different heights of blades to be sharpened, and may not allow for uniform sharpening of the blade along its entire length.

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

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

[0006] Another aim of the present exposition is to propose a sharpener capable of sharpening blades of different shapes and sizes.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present application relates to a sharpener comprising:

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

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

[0010] - an arm arranged to be moved during the insertion or extraction of the blade in the cavity of the sharpener, and

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

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

[0013] The sharpener, through the action of the return mechanism, automatically sharpens the blade simply by inserting or removing it from the housing. Sharpening is thus simplified and its efficiency improved, while also reducing the time required for sharpening.

[0014] Furthermore, the return force exerted by the return device is substantially independent of the shape and size of the blade. The sharpener therefore ensures good sharpening quality on cutting tools of varying shapes and sizes.

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

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

[0017] The arm may include a pin adapted to be mounted for translational and rotational movement within the sliding pivot joint. Such a pin allows for efficient translation and rotation of the arm within the sliding pivot joint.

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

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

[0020] The sharpening arm or device may include an additional pin adapted to be mounted for translational and rotational movement within the additional sliding pivot joint. Such an additional pin allows for efficient translation and rotation within the additional sliding pivot joint.

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

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

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

[0024] The sharpening device can be positioned adjacent to the access opening. In this way, the blade is sharpened uniformly substantially along its entire length, i.e. from its tip to its heel.

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

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

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

[0028] Fig. 1 represents a schematic side-section view of a cutting assembly according to a first embodiment, comprising a knife located outside the sharpener.

[0029] Fig. 2 represents a schematic side section view of the cutting assembly of Fig. 1, with the knife being inserted into the sharpener.

[0030] Fig. 3 represents a schematic side section view of the cutting assembly of Fig. 1, with the knife fully inserted into the sharpener.

[0031] Fig. 4 represents a schematic perspective view of the sharpener housing of Fig. 1.

[0032] Fig. 5 represents a schematic perspective view of the arm and sharpening device of the sharpener of Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 6 represents a schematic perspective view of the cutting assembly of Fig. 1, with the knife fully inserted into the sharpener.

[0034] Fig. 7 represents a schematic side-section view of a cutting assembly according to a second embodiment, comprising a knife being inserted into the sharpener.

[0035] Fig. 8 represents a schematic side cross-sectional view of a sharpener according to a third embodiment.

[0036] Fig. 9 represents a schematic side cross-sectional view of a sharpener according to a fourth embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 10 represents a schematic side cross-sectional view of a sharpener according to a fifth embodiment.

[0038] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Sharpener

[0039] A sharpener, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 6], comprises: - a housing 1 in which a cavity 11 is provided for receiving a blade 110 to be sharpened, a proximal end of the cavity 11 forming an access opening 12 to the cavity 11, - a sharpening device 2 onto which a wire 112 of the blade 110 is provided for being applied during insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the sharpener, - an arm 3 arranged to be moved during insertion or extraction of the blade 110 into the cavity 11 of the sharpener, and - a return device 4 connecting the housing 1 to the arm 3, the return device 4 being provided for exerting on the arm 3 a return force which tends to press the wire 112 of the blade 110 against the housing 110. inserted in cavity 11 against the sharpening device 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The casing 14 forms a cover that can be removably attached to the frame 13. The casing 14 may include a curved apex connecting two vertical side walls located on either side of the apex. The casing 14 then has an inverted U-shaped cross-section, as shown by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 6]. The frame 13 and the casing 14 together define the cavity 11 intended to receive the blade 110 to be sharpened.

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

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

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

[0053] The guide rail 51 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction L of the housing 1. The guide rail 51 can extend over only part of the cavity 11 of the housing 1, so as to be in contact with only part of the back 111 of the blade 110 when the blade 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 11. The guide rail 51 can extend downwards into the cavity 11 of the housing 1. The guide rail 51 can include a vertical slot adapted to extend on either side of the back 111 of the blade 110 when the blade 110 is inserted, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig.4] and [Fig.6]. Thus, the guide rail 51 allows the blade 110 to be held in a centered position in the cavity 11 of the housing 1 and with a longitudinal orientation during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.The sharpening angle therefore remains symmetrical and constant throughout the path of the blade 110 in the sharpener, without the user needing to manually orient the blade 110. Thus, the symmetry of the sharpening is guaranteed and the sharpening angles are equal on each side of the edge 112 of the blade 110, which allows for homogeneous and centered wear of the blade 110.

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

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

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

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

[0058] The sharpener described above allows for a mechanical locking of the blade 110 inside the cavity 11 of the housing 1, due to the interaction between the locking element and the complementary locking element, which are engaged by the return force exerted by the return device 4. The sharpener is thus secured, as the blade 110 cannot be accidentally removed from the sharpener, for example, during transport or if the sharpener is dropped. Furthermore, such a mechanical locking mechanism is simple to implement, robust, and compact.

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

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

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

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

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

[0064] In a first embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 1], the blade 110 is inserted between the arm 3 and the casing 14, more precisely between the bottom wall of the arm 3, near the wire 112 of the blade 110, and the top of the casing 14, in contact with the back 111 of the blade 110. Consequently, the insertion of the blade 110 moves downwards the sharpening device 2 and therefore the arm 3 relative to the top of the casing 14, which causes the arm 3 to lower. The arm 3 thus moves away from the top of the casing 14 by a combined translational and rotational movement. Conversely, the extraction of the blade 110 causes a raising of the arm 3, the arm 3 approaching the top of the envelope 14 by a combined movement of translation and rotation under the effect of the restoring force.

[0065] In a second embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig.7], the blade 110 is inserted between the frame 13, in close proximity or even in contact with the wire 112 of the blade 110, and the arm 3, in contact with the back 111 of the blade 110. Then, the insertion of the blade 110 causes a raising of the arm 3, the arm 3 thus moves away from the frame 13 by a combined movement of translation and rotation. The sharpening device 2 is housed in the frame 13 and the return device 4 exerts a return force on the back 111 of the blade 110 tending to press it against the sharpening device 2. Conversely, the extraction of the blade 110 causes a lowering of the arm 3, the arm 3 approaching the frame 13 by a combined movement of translation and rotation under the effect of the return force.Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the size of the sharpener, and to further reduce the variation in the pressure force exerted by the return device 4 when inserting or removing the blade 110. Sliding pivot joint

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

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

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

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

[0070] The pin 31 can be brought to the distal end of the arm 3. Such a position of the pin 31 allows to optimize the translational and rotational movement of the arm 3 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.

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

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

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

[0074] The arm 3 can be mounted in the additional sliding pivot joint 16 of the housing 1, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 8]. Alternatively, the sharpening device 2 can be mounted in the additional sliding pivot joint 16 of the housing 1, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 9] and [Fig. 10].

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

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

[0077] A larger dimension of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may correspond to the vertical direction V, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 4]. Alternatively, a larger dimension of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may correspond to a direction oblique to the vertical direction V, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 8], in order to further minimize the pressure variation exerted on the sharpening device 2 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110. Alternatively, the opening of the additional sliding pivot joint 16 may have a curved shape, presenting straight sections extending in different directions, or presenting any other suitable shape to allow the desired combination between translation and rotation of the arm 3 during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110, with a view to the desired compensation of the variation in the restoring force during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0089] For example, the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring can be arranged above the cavity 11. Thus, the first end of the return spring can be mounted on the guide piece 5, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 1], or can be mounted on an upper end of a vertical wall of the frame 13, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 9]. The return spring can be mounted in an oblique direction, substantially longitudinally, or substantially vertically. For example, the return spring can be oriented in an oblique direction closer to the longitudinal direction L than to the vertical direction V, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. Alternatively, the return spring can be oriented in an oblique direction closer to the vertical direction V than to the longitudinal direction L, as illustrated in [Fig. 9].The closer the orientation of the return spring is to the vertical, the greater the variation in the extension of the return spring, and therefore the greater the return force exerted by the return spring, during the insertion or extraction of the blade 110. An orientation close to the vertical direction V is therefore particularly suitable for a sharpener intended to sharpen small blades 110, which generate little movement of the arm 3 and therefore little variation in the return force.

[0090] Alternatively, the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring can be located at one end of the cavity 11 opposite the access opening 12, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 7] and [Fig. 10]. The first end of the return spring is then mounted on the distal end of the housing 1, and the second end of the return spring is mounted on the distal end of the arm 3, the return spring being located behind the arm 3 and behind the blade 110 inserted into the sharpener and extending substantially in the longitudinal direction L. In the sharpener of [Fig. 7], the sliding pivot joint 15 is arranged substantially above the return spring. In the sharpener of [Fig. 10], the sliding pivot joint 15 is arranged substantially below the return spring.

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

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

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

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

[0095] The sharpening device 2 can be mounted on the arm 3, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 5], [Fig. 8], [Fig. 9] and [Fig. 10]. Alternatively, the sharpening device 2 can be mounted on the housing 1, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 7], in particular on the lower wall of the frame 13 of the housing 1.

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

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

[0098] A sharpener according to a first embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 1], [Fig. 2], [Fig. 3], [Fig. 4], [Fig. 5], and [Fig. 6]. The sharpener according to the first embodiment conforms to a sharpener as described above. The sharpener comprises a guide piece 5 including a guide rail 51 as described above. The return device 4 is a return spring having a first end mounted on the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 disposed on the guide piece 5, and a second end mounted on the second attachment point 42 to the arm 3. The return spring extends in an oblique direction closer to the longitudinal direction L than to the vertical direction V. The cavity 11 is provided such that the blade 110 is inserted between the arm 3 and the guide rail 51.The sharpener includes a substantially longitudinal sliding pivot joint 15 in which a pin 31 of the arm 3 is movable in translation and rotation, and an additional substantially vertical sliding pivot joint 16 in which an additional pin 32 of the sharpening device 2 is movable in translation and rotation. The sharpening device 2 is mounted on the arm 3, at a proximal end of the arm 3. The sharpening device 2 is mounted in the additional pivot joint.

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

[0100] A sharpener according to a second embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 7]. The sharpener according to the second embodiment conforms to a sharpener as described above. The return device is a return spring having a first end mounted on the first attachment point 41 of the housing 1 located at the distal end of the housing 1 and a second end mounted on the second attachment point 42 of the arm 3 located at the distal end of the arm 3. The spring extends in a substantially longitudinal direction. The cavity 11 is designed so that the blade 110 is inserted between the arm 3 and the lower wall of the frame 13. The sharpener includes a substantially longitudinal sliding pivot joint 15 in which a pin 31 of the arm 3 is movable in translation and rotation, and an additional substantially vertical sliding pivot joint 16 in which an additional pin 32 of the arm 3 is movable in translation and rotation. The sharpening device 2 is mounted on the lower wall of the frame 13 of the housing 1. The arm 3 is mounted in the additional pivot joint.

[0101] A sharpener according to a third embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 8]. The sharpener according to the third embodiment is similar to the sharpener according to the first embodiment. However, the additional sliding pivot joint 16 is oblique.

[0102] A sharpener according to a fourth embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 9]. The sharpener according to the third embodiment is similar to the sharpener according to the first embodiment. However, the return spring extends in an oblique direction closer to the vertical direction V than to the longitudinal direction L. The additional sliding pivot joint 16 extends parallel to the entrance of the access opening 12. Thus, the sharpening device 2 is always at the same distance from the access opening 12 during its movement under the effect of the movement of the blade 110 relative to the sharpening sheath.

[0103] A sharpener according to a fifth embodiment is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in [Fig. 10]. The sharpener according to the fifth embodiment is similar to the sharpener according to the first embodiment. However, the return spring has a first end mounted on the first attachment point 41 of the housing 1 located at the distal end of the housing 1 and a second end mounted on the second attachment point 42 of the arm 3 located at the distal end of the arm 3. The spring extends in a substantially longitudinal direction.

[0104] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the pins 22 and the additional pins 32 are separate and do not share the same axis of rotation. Cutting assembly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0113] Figure 1 illustrates the blade 110 in an uninserted position. The pin 31 of the arm 3 is located in the slot of the sliding pivot joint 15, abutting a proximal end of the sliding pivot joint 15. The additional pin 32 of the sharpening device 2 is located in the additional slot of the additional sliding pivot joint 16, abutting an upper end of the additional slot of the additional sliding pivot joint 16. The return device 4 exerts a return force on the arm 3 which maintains it in the raised position.

[0114] Figure 2 illustrates a blade 110 in a first intermediate position corresponding to a first insertion distance. The pin 31 of the arm 3 is located in the lumen of the sliding pivot joint 15, strictly between the proximal end and a distal end of the sliding pivot joint 15. As the blade 110 is inserted between the uninserted position and the first intermediate position, the arm 3 descends following a combined translational and rotational movement in the sliding pivot joint 15 and the additional sliding pivot joint 16.In particular, the pin 31 is subjected to a translation in the sliding pivot joint 15 which brings it closer to the distal end of the housing 1, which has the effect of limiting the distance between the second attachment point 42 to the arm 3 of the return spring and the first attachment point 41 to the housing 1 of the return spring, thus limiting the increase in the elongation of the return spring due to the rotation of the arm 3. The increase in the return force is then slowed down because the translation opposes the rotation to reduce the increase in the pressure force exerted by the return device 4.

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

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

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

Claims

Demands

1. Sharpener, comprising: - a housing (1) in which is provided a cavity (11) intended to receive a blade (110) to be sharpened, a proximal end of the cavity (11) forming an access opening (12) to the cavity (11), - a sharpening device (2) on which a wire (112) of the blade (110) is provided to be applied during insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) of the sharpener, - an arm (3) arranged to be moved during insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) of the sharpener, and - a return device (4) connecting the housing (1) to the arm (3), the return device (4) being provided to exert on the arm (3) a return force which tends to press the wire (112) of the blade (110) inserted into the cavity (11) against the sharpening device (2),The sharpener is characterized in that the housing (1) further comprises a sliding pivot joint (15) in which the arm (3) is mounted to move freely in translation and rotation relative to the housing (1), the arm (3) is arranged such that an insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) causes a rotation and translation of the arm (3) via the sliding pivot joint (15), and the return device (4) is arranged such that upon insertion of the blade (110), the rotation of the arm (3) tends to increase the return force exerted by the return device (4) while the translation of the arm (3) tends to at least partially compensate for the increase in the return force, and such that upon extraction of the blade (110), the rotation of the arm (3) tends to decrease the return force exerted by the return device (4) while the translation of the arm (3) tends to at least partially compensate for the decrease in the return force.

2. Sharpener according to claim 1, wherein the sliding pivot joint (15) is a light provided in the housing (1), said light extending mainly in a longitudinal direction (L) corresponding to an insertion direction of the blade (110) in the cavity (11) of the housing (1).

3. Sharpener according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the arm (3) includes a pin (31) adapted to be mounted movable in translation and rotation in the sliding pivot joint (15).

4. Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing (1) comprises an additional sliding pivot joint (16), the arm (3) or the sharpening device (2) being mounted in the additional sliding pivot joint (16) of the housing (1), and wherein an axis of rotation of the additional sliding pivot joint (16) is parallel to an axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint (15).

5. Sharpener according to claim 2 taken in combination with claim 4, wherein the additional sliding pivot joint (16) is an additional light provided in the housing (1), said additional light extending mainly in a vertical direction (V) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the light in the sliding pivot joint (15).

6. Sharpener according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the arm (3) or the sharpening device (2) includes an additional pin (32) adapted to be mounted movable in translation and rotation in the additional sliding pivot joint (16).

7. Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the return device (4) is a return spring interposed between the housing (1) and the arm (3), the return spring having a first end mounted on a first attachment point (41) to the housing (1) and a second end mounted on a second attachment point (42) to the arm (3).

8. Sharpener according to claim 7, wherein the first attachment point (41) to the housing (1) is disposed either above the cavity (11) or at a distal end of the cavity (11) opposite the access opening (12).

9. Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the housing (1) includes a guide rail (51) for the back (111) of the blade (110), provided so that the blade (110) is inserted into the cavity (11) between the sharpening device (2) and the guide rail (51).

10. Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the sharpening device (2) is mounted on the arm (3) or on the housing (1), the sharpening device (2) being mounted movable in rotation about an axis of rotation of the sharpening device (2) which is parallel to an axis of rotation of the sliding pivot joint (15).

11. Sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sharpening device (2) is arranged adjacent to the access opening (12).

12. Cutting assembly comprising a sharpener according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and a cutting tool (100) comprising a blade (110) and a handle (120), the blade (110) comprising an edge (112) and a back (111) opposite the edge (112), the edge (112) of the blade (110) being intended to be applied to the sharpening device (2) during insertion or extraction of the blade (110) into the cavity (11) of the housing (1) of the sharpener.

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