EP1568443A1 - Knife sharpener - Google Patents

Abstract

A knife sharpening system has a honing rod or cylinder (2) held between end grips (4) in a horizontal position on top of a plastic moulded support housing (1). The honing rod or cylinder can be made of ceramic and is held with rotational adjustment, i.e. the honing surface can be rotated manually to spread the wear. The rod/cylinder is held by spring pressure to prevent rotation during normal honing. The support housing is stabilised on a support surface by friction grip pads.

Description

The invention relates to a knife sharpener for household knives or the like.

Knife Sharpener are in different embodiment and mode of action known. For example, knife sharpeners are known which essentially correspond to the classic sharpening steel. This includes a handle and a in this inserted grinding rod made of steel or ceramic. The handle can with be provided with a hand guard, so even untrained people one Injury protection find.

Knife sharpeners are also known as standing tools on a worktop or the like stand. These usually need to be held with one hand while with the other hand the cutting edge of the knife to be sharpened on grinding wheels, z. As steel or ceramic materials, with more or less pressure is passed over.

Known knife sharpeners have the disadvantage that they are very reluctant to use because the fear of injury is very high. Sizing steels are beyond that often rejected because of their weapon or tool-like character.

Furthermore, knife sharpeners are very much in terms of their design design unvariable and in all cases in terms of production, assembly and Handling very expensive. With regard to production, on the one hand, the Abrasive, on the other hand, the female handles, housings and the like designed according to ergonomic considerations. There is little room left for variability in the design. Economically, the receiving ones have to Handles, housings and the like to the functional design of the grinding wheels be adjusted.

Starting from the prior art described above the invention has for its object to provide a knife sharpener that can be used on the one hand fixed to a substrate for the sharpening, without having to be additionally held. In addition, the knife sharpener should be extremely variable in terms of its external shape and its design and finally be produced with little economic outlay in terms of production and assembly.

For technical solution of this problem, a knife sharpener with the features of claim 1 is proposed.

The knife sharpener according to the invention is characterized in that a Housing with a wide compared to the abrasive body and a simple abrasive pickup is formed. This can be for example Be plastic injection part, which may also be integrally formed.

As grinding body are substantially cylindrical ceramic rods into consideration, which according to an advantageous proposal of the invention also hollow cylindrical could be.

The recording of the grinding wheels on the opposite side of the stand Surface is made such that it with respect to a projection of the are arranged comparatively wide footprint in the central region. In this way it is ensured that one over the surface of the grinding wheel Moving knife does not lead to tipping of the knife sharpener.

The inclusion of the abrasive article can be done in different ways respectively. For example, resilient retaining arms may be formed between which the essentially cylindrical grinding bodies are inserted, preferably with their end portions.

Also, recordings may be formed in the housing, such as holes or the like, into which the abrasive bodies can be inserted with their end regions are. Advantageously, the storage of the abrasive body in the Recordings such that the grinding wheels are at least slightly movable. In In this case, the abrasives are supported from below by spring means. This has the advantage that applied by means of a knife on the grinding wheel Pressure is partially absorbed, on the other hand, the abrasive always in one held in the upper position. This results in a flexible adaptation, so that the Abrasive always on z. B. concave or convex cutting geometries issue.

Advantageously, the substantially cylindrical grinding wheels are rotatable, so that not always the same surface areas for knife sharpening be used. It goes without saying that turning the Grinding is to be excluded during the grinding by the knife. On Turning, for example, by hand, by the arrangement of appropriate Operating elements or the like.

Made in the simplest way, the knife sharpener includes a one-piece trained plastic injection housing with upstanding support arms and an inserted cylindrical grinding wheel.

On the other hand, a more complex design can be two or three or more Having arranged parallel to each other abrasive body, which is practically a Provide grinding surface. In this case, the footprint opposite the Abrasive surface should not be too wide, as here the tilting moments be recorded on the surface support. Even rectangular cases are suitable. This embodiment is independent of the above Embodiment with a broad base and an abrasive body in itself innovative and dependent protectable. It is a knife sharpener, in which the abrasive surface bearing surface and the footprint in are substantially the same, so the housing has a substantially cuboid shape. Through the two, three or more parallel grinding wheels is when grinding the Pressure recorded flat and prevents tilting of the knife sharpener.

With the invention can be produced with little economic effort, one-handed applicable and highest in terms of design design provided variable knife sharpener.

Advantageously, cover caps may be provided to the lying Cover surfaces of the grinding wheels.

During the grinding process, the knife with the cutting edge with one hand, with larger Knives for better guidance also with the help of the second hand, in an angle of z. B. 20 ° from both sides over the grinding wheel painted. So that the abrasive does not wear on one side, but on it can be used manually if needed to be turned around.

Due to the simplicity of this sharpening process, it must be assumed that that incorrect operation and thus possible injury hazards largely excluded are.

Fig. 1

in Perspektive der Messerschärfer mit abgenommener Abdeckkappe im Gebrauchszustand,

Fig. 2

zur Hälfte längsgeschnitten in Seitenansicht das Gehäuse des Messerschärfers,

Fig. 3

einen Querschnitt nach der Linie III-III in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

zur Hälfte längsgeschnitten die Abdeckkappe des Messerschärfers,

Fig. 5

einen Querschnitt durch die Abdeckkappe nach der Linie V-V in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

die Draufsicht der Abdeckkappe,

Fig. 7

in Perspektive den erfindungsgemäßen Messerschärfer in einer zweiten Ausführungsform, gemäß welcher der Messerschärfer über drei Schleifkörper verfügt,

Fig. 8

den Messerschärfer nach Fig. 7 in einer Draufsicht,

Fig. 9

den Messerschärfer nach Fig. 7 in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 10

den Messerschärfer nach Fig. 7 in einer geschnittenen Seitenansicht,

Fig. 11

den Messerschärfer nach Fig. 7 in einer geschnittenen Längsansicht und

Fig. 12

den Messerschärfer in einer dritten Ausführungsform in einer Seitenansicht.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to FIGS. Showing:

Fig. 1

in perspective of the knife sharpener with removed cap in use,

Fig. 2

half cut longitudinally in side view the housing of the knife sharpener,

Fig. 3

a cross section along the line III-III in Fig. 2,

Fig. 4

half cut longitudinally the cover of the knife sharpener,

Fig. 5

a cross section through the cap after the line VV in Fig. 4,

Fig. 6

the top view of the cap,

Fig. 7

in perspective the knife sharpener according to the invention in a second embodiment, according to which the knife sharpener has three grinding wheels,

Fig. 8

the knife sharpener of Fig. 7 in a plan view,

Fig. 9

the knife sharpener of FIG. 7 in a side view,

Fig. 10

the knife sharpener of FIG. 7 in a sectional side view,

Fig. 11

the knife sharpener of Fig. 7 in a longitudinal sectional view and

Fig. 12

the knife sharpener in a third embodiment in a side view.

The knife sharpener shown consists essentially of a one-piece Plastic molded housing 1 with a large footprint, a Ceramic grinding wheel 2 and a cap 3, which are removed in Fig. 1 is shown, so that the knife sharpener ready for use on a table or another worktop is.

Fig. 2 shows half in longitudinal section, the housing 1 alone. It points to both Narrow sides integrally formed support arms 4 on, between which the Abrasive body 2, as shown in Fig. 1, is slightly clamped. The grinding wheel 2 is a ceramic hollow cylinder, wherein in the ends of the same short pin 5 of Holding arms 4, which are slightly resilient, so intervene that the Abrasive 2 rests with some friction on the support arms 4, but if necessary can be turned by hand to another circumferential location of the same Sharpening household knives or the like to use if the before used circumferential spot should be contaminated by abrasive abrasion. The However, abrasive article 2 is easy to clean. To break the To prevent abrasive article 2 in use, it lies on one of the housing. 1 formed V-shaped support 6. The stability and slip resistance of the Sharpening device is characterized by non-slip feet 7, for example made of rubber, ensures that in holes from at the four corner of the housing 1 provided approaches 8 are used and in Figs. 2 and 3 in Sprengdarstellung are reproduced. In the inserted state are the Anti-slip feet 6 slightly down from the lugs 8 of the housing. 1 in order to ensure a secure state of the same.

4 to 6 show the cap 3 in different views or Sections. The cap 3 is adapted to the shape of the knife sharpener, as can be easily imagined with reference to FIG. 1, when the cap 3 on the housing 1 is placed over the grinding wheel 2. At the ends is the Cover provided with the retaining arms 4 corresponding recesses 9 and has four plug pins 10 (Figs. 4 and 5), the pairwise when placing the Cover 3 in openings 11 of the housing 1 in the vicinity of the support arms. 4 intervention. When attached cap 3, the grinding wheel 2 is protected housed and not visible.

The whole knife sharpener, for example, a footprint of about 128 x 80 mm and a height of about 45 mm, takes up little space and is therefore to save space, but can also be visible when not in use be set up because he has an appealing appearance.

The Fign. 7 to 11 show the knife sharpener according to the invention in a second Embodiment. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 6 the knife sharpener according to the invention according to the embodiment according to the fig. 7 to 11 via three grinding wheels 2, which are arranged side by side in parallel are. The abrasive bodies 2 are preferably ceramic Cylinder or hollow cylinder, which, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6 described, are rotatably mounted on the housing 1 are arranged.

For the purpose of enlarging the floor space according to the embodiment according to the fig. 7 to 11 side of the housing 1 housing parts 12 are arranged. casing 1 and housing parts 12 may be integrally formed. Also, the Housing parts 12 may be formed as separate components with the housing. 1 connected, for example, glued or screwed. In the longitudinal direction 18 the housing parts 12 have a longitudinal extent, which is substantially the the grinding wheel 2 corresponds. It goes without saying, however, that the Housing parts 12 and a greater or lesser extent in the longitudinal direction 18th can have. Of importance alone is that by the additional arrangement the housing parts 12, the total footprint of the knife sharpener is increased. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 11 is the footprint formed opposite the top of the housing parts 12 curved. Also This embodiment is only mentioned as an example, because of course itself, that other surface configurations with respect to the housing parts 12th can be chosen.

The achieved by the additional arrangement of the housing parts 12 magnification the base of the knife sharpener can in particular the Fign. 8 and 9 be removed. Is achieved by the arrangement of the housing parts 12th in particular a footprint enlargement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent 18 lying direction. The increase in the footprint of the knife sharpener takes account, in particular, of the fact that there is a need to be sharpened Cutting tool, such as a knife, a pair of scissors or the like, in a transverse to the longitudinal extent 18 of the blade sharpener over direction the grinding body 2 is guided. Is achieved by the housing parts 12 thus an improved stability of the knife sharpener especially with regard to the at a proper use of the knife sharpener occurring loadings transverse to the longitudinal extent of the eighteenth

As in particular the Fign. 10 and 11 can be seen, the three Abrasive body 2 of a arranged within the housing 1 holding element 15 worn. The holding element 15 has in each case recesses 16 at the end, in which compression springs 14, preferably in the form of coil springs used are. The springs 14 in turn carry the grinding wheels 2, these due to the Pressurization by the springs 14 against the underside of the Housing 1 are pressed. The housing 1 has an upper recess, through which the abrasive particles 2 protrude in regions, such as in particular Fig. 10 can be removed. According to above Training support the abrasive body 2 therefore one hand on the housing 1 and on the other hand on the springs 14 from. Due to this configuration, the Abrasive 2 fixed in position safe in the housing 1.

The spring force of the springs 14 is formed such that the abrasive body. 2 do not turn with a knife to be ground over the grinding wheels 2 is pulled. If necessary, the grinding wheels 2 manual, that is from Hand be further rotated, which creates the opportunity, the grinding 2 to use in their entirety. For this purpose are the springs 14 designed with respect to their spring force such that the grinding body. 2 by hand, slightly downwards against the spring force, that is towards the Housing 1 is pressed and then rotated about its longitudinal axis can.

For a position-safe arrangement of the abrasive body 2, the housing 1 has laterally arranged projections 17, in particular Fig. 11 are removed can. These extensions 17 ensure that the abrasive body 2 in the longitudinal direction 18 safely stored and supported. An unintentional shifting of the Abrasive body 2 in the longitudinal direction 18 is prevented by the extensions 17.

For a position-safe arrangement of the abrasive body 2 in a transverse to Longitudinal direction 18 lying direction serve the spacers 13, as they the fig. 8 and 10 can be removed. The spacers 13 provide that the grinding wheels 2 in the transverse direction is always the same distance have from each other.

In addition, the spacers 13 serve as an abutment. As in particular Fig. 10 can be removed, the spacers 13 with respect to their in Height direction of the upper end widened formed and in its contour to the Cylindrical shape of the abrasive 2 adapted. In the assembled state of Knife sharpeners become the grinding wheels 2 as a result of acting on them Spring force is pressed against the upper end of the spacers 13, thereby a position-secure fixation of the abrasive body 2 is ensured. In doing so, as can be seen in particular Fig. 10, the middle abrasive body 2 on the left and right sides of the spacers 13 respectively arranged there pressed. Both the left and right grinding wheels 2 become on the one hand to the housing 1 and on the other hand on the other side of the each spacer 2 arranged spacer 13 pressed. The Spacers 13 fulfill, as described above, two functions. To the one support the abrasive body 2 in the height direction, that is opposite to the acting spring force, on the other they space the grinding wheels 2 in Transverse direction from each other. In this case, the spacers 13 in one piece with the housing 1 may be formed or as separate parts with the housing 1 bolted, glued, welded or otherwise connected.

For the purpose of mounting the knife sharpener according to the invention Embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 11 will be the first Abrasive 2 inserted into the housing 1 from below. Conveniently, For this purpose, the housing 1 is held downside down, so that the abrasive body 2 due to their weight position safe from the Spacers 13 and the housing-side edge region are held. Then, the holding element 1 5 is inserted from below into the housing 1, wherein in the recesses 16, the springs 14 are located. The Retaining element 1 5 locked to the housing 1 in its intended Location in which the grinding wheels 2 rest on the springs 14 and through this due to the pressure applied by the springs 14 Druckkraftbeaufschlagung be pressed against the spacers 13 and the housing side edge. If the holding element 15 is inserted into the housing 1, then this can turned over and for proper use on a pad be turned off.

The embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 11 shows the use of a total of three grinding wheels 2. It goes without saying that the above-described construction also for the arrangement of more than three Abrasive bodies 2 can be used. Also, the arrangement is less as three grinding wheels 2 possible.

As shown in Fig. 7, the housing-side support is the spring-loaded grinding body 2 on the housing side by means of one piece on Housing 1 formed extensions 19. It goes without saying that this Design only to be understood as an example, because others can Constructions are chosen, such. B. the training of a on the entire length in the longitudinal direction 18 extending bar. It is crucial alone, that the abrasive body 2 applied by the result of the springs 14 Spring force are pressed against corresponding abutment, causing the Abrasive 2 are securely fixed in position.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of another embodiment of the invention knife sharpener according to the invention. The embodiment of FIG. 12 is substantially similar to that of FIG. 9, in contrast to Embodiment of FIG. 9, the middle of the three grinding wheels 2 something further protrudes from the housing 1 than the other two grinding wheels 2, that is, as the left and right in Fig. 12 grinding wheel 2. Such a different height arrangement of the abrasive 2 supported in Advantageously, the process of sharpening a knife, a Cutting tool or the like, if this with his sharpening Blade on the increased compared to the other two grinding wheels 2 arranged grinding body 2 and placed over this in the direction of one of two other, in the height direction lower arranged abrasive 2 is pulled. In an alternative embodiment, it may as well be provided, the individual grinding wheels 2 in their relative altitude to arrange each other at different levels, such as in the Form that a staircase-like configuration arises. Come more than three Abrasive 2 used, for example, four, so can also be provided be that the two middle grinding wheels 2 in relation to the outer two abrasive bodies 2 are arranged in an elevated position.

For all the above embodiments, the rest is true that the used grinding wheels 2 from each other different surfaces can have. In particular, it may be provided that the Surfaces of the abrasive bodies 2 in terms of their roughness, their material, their abrasion resistance and the like differ. So, for example overlooking the in the Fign. 9 and 12 illustrated embodiments be provided that the middle abrasive body 2 a coarse-grained and thus has a rougher surface than the two adjacent grinding wheels 2. In addition, it is conceivable that an abrasive body 2 in the longitudinal direction different Surface areas, each with different surface properties having.

The in Figs. 1 to 11 shown embodiments are not shown to scale.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

2

abrasives

3

cap

4

holding arms

5

spigot

6

edition

7

Non-slip feet

8th

approaches

9

recess

10

plug-in pin

11

breakthrough

12

housing part

13

spacer

14

feather

15

retaining element

16

recess

17

extension

18

longitudinal direction

19

extension

Claims (12)

Knife sharpener with a housing, which one as a stand area having formed surface, and at least one elongated, im essential cylindrical ceramic grinding wheel, with at least a part of its surface opposite to the base Surface of the housing is arranged exposed on the housing, wherein the Standing surface in perpendicular to a longitudinal center line of the grinding wheel lying wide direction and the grinding body with respect to a Projection of the footprint is positioned in a central area. Knife sharpener according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one grinding body is rotatably mounted. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing is an injection-molded plastic housing. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that anti-slip feet are arranged on the standing surface at least at the corners. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one grinding body is arranged between retaining arms formed on the housing. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grinding body is placed on a housing-side support. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one grinding body is in each case inserted into a housing-side receptacle at the end. Knife sharpener according to claim 7, characterized in that the grinding body is movably arranged in the receptacle and pressed by spring means in the direction of the outer surface. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three ceramic grinding wheels are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grinding bodies are covered by a removable cover cap. Knife sharpener according to Claim 10, characterized in that the cover cap can be inserted with plug-in pins in housing openings. Knife sharpener according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grinding body is formed as a hollow cylinder.

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