EP3663044B1 - Blade storage unit and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a knife storage unit with a knife magazine for storing a knife according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

Knife sheaths are already known, the knife sheath, which can be fastened to a belt of the user, having a sharpening or grinding device (cf. DE 32 46 100 40 C2 , US 27 67 530 ). This grinds the blade when inserting and removing the knife from the sheath.

Also the U.S. 4,866,845 discloses a knife block with a mechanical grinding device, whereby by inserting the knife into the knife block or the knife magazine by wedge-shaped arranged grinding elements, the knife is sharpened not only when inserting, but also when pulling out, so that after use or for the next use the knife or the blade of the knife is sharpened a little.

However, a disadvantage of such knife sheaths or knife magazines with grinding / sharpening devices is that the quality of the sharpening or grinding and thus the quality of the knife for subsequent use is worse than with manual grinding, for example by means of a so-called sharpening steel or grindstone, at least in the course of time, inter alia due to wear and tear of the grinding elements, etc.

In addition, from the DE 10 2017 100 289 B4 of the applicant already known a knife storage unit, an automated grinding of the knives stored in the magazine taking place by means of a knife sensor and an electrically driven grinding device. Here, the grinding element is transported along the blade, on the one hand a translatory back and forth movement and / or a rotary movement of the grinding element being provided. However, initial tests have shown that this results in a comparatively large amount of wear and tear on the knife edge or blade and that the quality of the cut or the sharpness of the knife does not correspond to the skills of professional users such as butchers, cooks, etc.

Object and advantages of the invention

In contrast, the object of the invention is to propose a knife storage unit with which the quality of the sharpened knife or the sharpness of the knife is significantly improved and / or the knife edge is somewhat spared during the sharpening process.

Based on a knife storage unit of the type mentioned in the introduction, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible through the measures mentioned in the subclaims.

Accordingly, a knife storage unit according to the invention is characterized in that the grinding device comprises at least one first grinding element having a first grinding surface and a second grinding element having a second grinding surface and that at least one adjustment unit is provided for adjusting the first grinding element and the second grinding element transversely to the transport path , so that at least during a first transport of the grinding device along the transport path, a first distance between the first grinding surface and the second grinding surface is smaller than a second distance between the first grinding surface and the second grinding surface during a second transport of the grinding device along the transport path.

In addition, according to the invention, a method for operating a knife storage unit with a knife magazine for storing a knife is implemented, the grinding phase being formed at least during the first transport of the grinding device along the transport path and a free-running phase of the at least during the second transport of the grinding device along the transport path Grinding device is formed, wherein in the free-running phase a first free-running distance between the knife edge and a first grinding element of the grinding device and a second free-running distance between the knife edge and a second grinding element of the grinding device is formed. Here, in the sense of the invention, the freewheeling distance corresponds to half of the second distance.

With the aid of these measures or these process steps, it is achieved that the knife is only ground or removed in one direction. This significantly improves the quality of the grinding process. In addition, the knife edge or

The blade is protected, i.e. not so heavily worn during one grinding pass. In this way an optimal grinding or sharpening of the knife is achieved. The sanding result is comparable to professional, manual sanding. Accordingly, even the non-professional or so-called "normal" user of knives, e.g. in the private kitchen, receives very well sharpened knives with the invention, the sharpening or sharpness of the knife being of top quality.

For example, the two grinding elements or the first and the second grinding element are arranged on opposite sides of the (inserted) knife or the knife edge when viewed in the direction of the transport path or along the transport path. This means that the two grinding elements or the first and the second grinding element are arranged “at the same height” when viewed in the direction of the transport path or along the transport path. In this way, for example, a similar or even pressure load on the cutting edge or knife can be achieved by the grinding device during the grinding process.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, a third distance or offset to the second grinding element and / or to the second grinding surface is provided between the first grinding element and / or the first grinding surface in the direction of the transport path. This means that the two grinding elements or the first and the second grinding element are offset or spaced in the direction of the transport path or viewed along the transport path and are thus "not at the same height". This ensures that the "front" grinding element, for example the first grinding element, first grinds / sharpens the one / first side of the knife edge, possibly resulting in a small burr, and then or afterwards the "rear" grinding element or the previously mentioned example then the second grinding element, the other / second side of the The knife edge grinds / sharpens and also breaks any previously created burr. This enables an extremely sharp knife edge or cutting edge.

In principle, the adjustment unit can advantageously be implemented as a mechanical and / or electromagnetic and / or magnetic and / or pneumatic adjustment device. For example, at least one or two cam tracks or guide rails for adjusting or guiding the grinding element (s) and / or mechanical cams and / or an electro-mechanical adjustment or decoupling / coupling and / or a magnetic adjustment or decoupling / coupling etc. are provided.

The adjustment unit advantageously has at least one first lever element, rotatable about a first axis of rotation, for adjusting the first grinding element, and a second lever element, rotatable about a second axis of rotation, for adjusting the second grinding element. The adjustment according to the invention can be implemented in an advantageous manner by means of the rotatably mounted lever elements.

It is conceivable, for example, that the lever element (s) are in operative connection with a curved track or guide rail in order to implement the adjustment according to the invention. For example, the lever element (s) has an elevation, a pin, a nose or the like which engages / dips into the curved path or guide rails and generates the adjustment according to the invention when the grinding device is transported.

Preferably, there are at least two stops or stop elements such as cams, pins, struts, etc., to which the first and / or second lever elements / grinding elements during transport along the Hit the transport path in an advantageous manner and allow the adjustment according to the invention. This enables an adjustment according to the invention without great effort such as electrical pneumatic power / supply or actuators.

In general, active / complex (separate) drive components or actuators can possibly (completely) be dispensed with in an advantageous manner. Thus, the adjustment according to the invention can preferably be implemented in that the (active) transport unit or the transport of the grinding device along the transport path is / is in an advantageous operative connection with the adjustment unit. As a result, only a comparatively small amount of effort is required, since a separate or additional (active) (adjustment) drive can be dispensed with. The effort can thus be reduced and the costs for the invention are quite low.

The adjustment unit advantageously has at least one first spring element for generating a first grinding force for the first grinding element and a second spring element for generating a second grinding force for the second grinding element. In this way, an advantageous contact pressure or grinding force and / or an advantageous adjustment can be generated. For example, the spring force can generate the grinding force for the grinding process for the first transport and / or for the second transport in a spaced-apart position of the two grinding elements, ie for / at the second spacing according to the invention or the so-called "free running" of the cutting elements Spring action / force can be overcome, for example, by a mechanical cam track / guide rail / groove and / or by electro / magnetic force or the like.

In principle, in the sense of the invention, the / during the first transport is / takes place in an advantageous manner or a grinding phase Grinding process / operation in which the grinding element (s) or the grinding surface (s) are / are / are / are advantageously positioned on the knife edge or on the knife and material is / are removed in the sense of grinding / stripping .

In general, in the sense of the invention, the / during the second transport is / takes place in an advantageous manner a free-running phase or a so-called free-running / process, in which the grinding element (s) or the grinding surface (s) are advantageously not on the knife edge or rest / is / are arranged on the knife, so that no material removal in the sense of grinding / honing takes place / is realized. Rather, an advantageous "return transport" of the grinding element (s), which is contactless in relation to the knife, is implemented, preferably to a so-called "starting point" or a starting position for the first transport within the meaning of the invention.

In a special development of the invention, the first transport of the grinding device is directed away from the magazine opening. As a result, the grinding operation / process or the grinding is implemented with a transport direction of the grinding device or transport device from the magazine opening or a handle of the knife to the tip of the knife. It has been shown that this grinding or. Pulling direction is of particular advantage. Of course, the grinding operation / process or the grinding with a corresponding opposite transport direction of the grinding / transport device, ie a grinding or the first transport in the sense of the invention, starting from the knife tip, towards the handle of the knife or the Magazine opening can be implemented.

The transport path of the first transport of the grinding device is preferably at least up to a knife tip of the Trained knife. In this way, essentially the entire knife edge or blade, ie the cutting edge, can advantageously be ground or peeled off. The second transport of the grinding device is advantageously directed towards the magazine opening.

In general, with the help of the knife sensor, in particular an electrical and / or electronic knife sensor, advantageous possibilities open up to significantly improve the sharpening of the knife, especially during the storage period. This means that the next time the knife is used, even after a long storage period, a knife that has been sharpened to a high quality is available. In this way, even non-professional users in private households can use the knife storage unit according to the invention to obtain knives, e.g. kitchen knives, etc., of particularly high quality.

The knife sensor according to the invention advantageously triggers a (subsequent) grinding process or operation or generates an (electrical) signal for the (electrical and / or electronic) grinding device of the knife storage unit. By detecting the introduction or insertion of the knife into the knife magazine through the magazine opening with the aid of the inventive (electrical and / or electronic) knife sensor, a grinding phase / process is advantageously initiated, in particular started automatically. In this case, an electrical and / or electronic control unit is preferably provided for controlling the grinding process or the knife storage unit and / or grinding device.

According to the invention it can therefore be achieved that each knife that is in the knife storage unit according to the invention is stored, runs through a grinding process / operation during / after insertion or a grinding of the knife is carried out with the aid of the grinding device. Consequently, each knife is always advantageously sharpened by the user the next time it is used, without, for example, manual and / or separate sharpening by the user being necessary.

In advantageous variants of the invention, the knife sensor is designed, for example, as a Hall sensor, light barrier, capacitive proximity switch, inductive proximity switch, electromagnetic coil element, piezo element, electrical switch with tactile element or mechanical switching element and / or as an infrared sensor or the like.

Such a knife sensor advantageously generates a sensor signal that is transmitted to an electrical control unit, for example, and the electrical grinding device is started or put into operation as a result.

The transport device advantageously comprises at least one (electric) drive unit for transporting the grinding element. This can include, for example, an electric motor that transports the grinding element (s) along the transport path. This achieves an advantageous grinding of the blade of the knife or the cutting edge of the knife by means of a translational grinding movement.

Advantageously, after the knife has been inserted into the knife magazine, the grinding phase or the grinding process is provided and / or the free-running phase is provided after the grinding phase. In addition, it can be advantageous that a further grinding phase is provided after the freewheeling phase.

A rest phase of the grinding device and the transport unit is preferably provided after an adjustable number of grinding phases and free-running phases. For example, a comparatively long-lasting grinding or honing can be achieved with a particularly high grinding quality. In this case, the resting phase advantageously corresponds to the storage phase in which the knife is inserted / arranged in the magazine and is not sharpened, but is kept until it is next used.

According to the invention, the knife edge does not necessarily have to be sharpened during the relatively short process of inserting the knife into the knife magazine, but rather the knife or knife edge stored can be sharpened with the aid of the grinding device only after the insertion process, e.g. after a set or programmed waiting time . In this case, the grinding element (s) or the grinding device is then transported along the transport path or along the knife or knife blade, in particular transported back and forth several times.

Thus, according to the invention, the grinding process is made significantly longer than the extremely short insertion process. For example, the grinding element can be transported back and forth several times along the knife edge in order to achieve an advantageous sharpening or a particularly high quality of the sharpened knife. It has been shown that it is not a strong or "powerful" grinding process that generates sharp knives, but rather that multiple, "light" grinding of the knife edge or the knife blade edge is advantageous and generates a particularly high quality of very sharp knives. Accordingly, for example, multiple transport along the (entire) knife edge in the Generating particularly sharp knives for the purpose of the invention

A display unit, such as a light-emitting diode or the like, can preferably be provided in order, among other things, to display the grinding or the grinding process to the user. This advantageously makes it possible for the user not to take the knife out of the knife magazine too early or during the sharpening process and thus to have a knife that has not been optimally sharpened.

The transport path advantageously corresponds essentially to a contour of a curved knife edge. Knives, in particular household knives or the like, are usually equipped with a curved knife edge or a curved blade. The design of the transport unit in such a way that the transport path essentially corresponds to a curved contour of a curved knife edge improves the grinding result.

In addition, an adaptation of the transport path or the curved transport path of the grinding element to the curved contour of the knife introduced / inserted into the knife magazine can be provided in an advantageous manner. An adaptation unit is preferably provided for adapting the transport path to the contour or the curvature of a curved knife edge. The transport unit or the adaptation unit advantageously has a pressing device or pressure device in order to generate a pressing force or a grinding force of the grinding element in relation to the knife edge.

If necessary, the transport drive can also be designed as an adjustment drive of the adjustment unit, so that only a single electric motor or drive is provided both for the adjustment and for the transport of the grinding element (s). A gear or the like may be provided so that, for example, a (fast) adjustment speed and a different (slow) transport speed of the grinding element (s) can be implemented.

In a preferred variant of the invention, the transport unit is at least partially pivotable about a pivot axis. It has been shown that such an advantageous pivotable mounting of the transport unit enables an advantageous adaptation of the transport path of the grinding device along the mostly (differently) curved knife edges. This means that, for example, a substantially straight transport or guide rod and / or a straight guide element or transport element is provided, along which the grinding element or the grinding device is adjustably arranged or guided / transported. At the same time, the advantageous adaptation of the transport path of the grinding device or the grinding element (s) along a curved knife edge or along the curved contour of the knife, especially the blade, is achieved by pivoting the transport unit or the transport element about the advantageous pivot axis. In this way, for example, a complex sensory determination of the (differently) curved contour of the blade and the generation of a curved transport path can be dispensed with without a correspondingly large structural, mechanical and / or electronic effort.

The transport unit preferably comprises at least one spring device for generating a contact pressure of the (first and / or second) grinding element (s). With the help of this advantageous spring device, on the one hand, the pressing force of the grinding element (s) are generated on the knife to be ground or on the knife edge and at the same time an adaptation of the transport path to the (curved) contour or to the curved knife is realized. Thus, an advantageous spring device can generate the pivoting of the transport unit about the pivot axis and also the adaptation to the contour and at the same time generate the pressing force of the grinding element (s) on the knife or the knife edge to be ground. In this way, the constructive and economic effort for adaptation to a wide variety of knives or differently curved knife contours can be reduced.

A toothed rack is advantageously provided as the transport element, along which the grinding device or the grinding element (s) are advantageously transported with the aid of the transport drive or an electric motor with at least one toothed wheel. This means that the grinding element (s) can be transported back and forth along the rack. An electric motor is preferably arranged as a drive unit for rotating or twisting the rack, so that in particular with this electric motor the grinding device with the grinding element (s) can advantageously be transported along the rack or the transport path. The toothed rack can advantageously be rotatably mounted at one end and can be designed so that a pivoting force can be applied to it by means of the spring device, such as a spiral spring, leaf spring, elastomer or the like. In this way, the adaptation to differently curved contours of the knife edges and / or different contact forces can be implemented without great effort.

Alternatively, other transport elements or transport units such as a reciprocating piston / cylinder unit, an electromagnetic linear drive or linear motor, a cable drive or the like can be provided.

At least one transport sensor is preferably provided for detecting the transport path and / or at least one end position of the transport path of the grinding device and / or of the grinding element (s). Preferably at least one sensor is provided at two spaced-apart positions of the transport path, in particular at its two ends / end regions, in order to detect the beginning and / or the end of the transport path or the position of the cutting device, in particular the cutting element (s) to generate an advantageous control signal or sensor signal. With the help of one or more such sensors it can be achieved that a signal for the electrical and / or electronic control unit is generated in an advantageous manner, so that, for example, the transport direction of the transport unit can be changed or so that the grinding device or the grinding element (s) is / are advantageously can be transported back and forth or back and forth along the knife edge.

For example, the number of transport routes along the knife edge or along the transport route can be monitored. For example, the number can be recorded and / or controlled with the aid of the advantageous electronic control unit, so that the grinding device or the grinding element (s) are guided or transported along the knife edge 5 times, 15 times, 30 times, for example, in order to generate an advantageous grinding result .

Advantageously, the knife storage unit is first Knife storage module designed for coupling and / or connecting to a second knife storage module. This means that a modular knife block or a modular knife storage unit can be implemented and can be adapted to the number of knives that the user wants to use or has. At the same time, this means that each knife of the user is equipped with a separate sharpening device or a separate sharpening mechanism, so that each knife that is stored in the respective knife magazine can be sharpened for the next use according to the invention.

In a particular development of the invention, at least one plug-in device is provided for transmitting energy between the first and the second knife storage module. For example, the first knife storage module comprises a mains connection or a mains plug and / or a transformer for supplying electrical energy to the knife storage unit or the electric grinding device and / or the electric transport unit. For example, the electrical network energy from the first knife storage module, possibly converted to low voltage of approx. 12 or 24 volts by means of a converter / transformer, can be transmitted or forwarded to the second knife storage module and / or to a third, fourth or fifth knife storage module with the aid of the advantageous plug-in device become. Thus, a “master knife storage module” with a mains plug device or the like and one or more “slave knife storage modules” can be provided in an advantageous manner. This reduces the design and also the economic outlay for realizing the second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth knife storage module. In this way, an economically favorable adaptation to the number of knives used by the user can be made.

If necessary, a mechanical coupling or connection such as a latching unit, clamping unit or the like is provided for coupling or connecting the first to a second or to a third knife storage module. The plug-in device, in particular the electrical plug-in device, is preferably also designed as a mechanical plug-in device. This means that electrical energy transmission can be implemented with the aid of the advantageous plug-in device and, at the same time, a mechanically secure or fixed connection / fixing of the two adjacent knife storage modules.

Embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

Figur 1

schematisch jeweils eine Querschnittdarstellung und jeweils eine Seitenansicht von Schleifelementen einer ersten Messeraufbewahrungseinheit gemäß der Erfindung in Schleifposition und in Freilaufposition und eines Messers,

Figur 2

schematisch jeweils ein perspektivischer Ausschnitt der der ersten Messeraufbewahrungseinheit gemäß Figur 1 in Schleifposition und in Freilaufposition der Schleifelemente,

Figur 3

schematisch eine Draufsicht eines Verstellsystems einer zweiten Messeraufbewahrungseinheit mit Messer in verschiedenen Betriebspositionen,

Figur 4

schematisch ein Schnitt durch eine dritte, modular ausgebildete Messeraufbewahrungseinheit gemäß der Erfindung mit Messer,

Figur 5

schematisch eine steckbare Moduleinheit mit der dritten Messeraufbewahrungseinheit gemäß Figur 4 und drei weiteren Messeraufbewahrungseinheiten,

Figur 6

schematisch eine perspektivische Darstellung einer freigemachten vierten Messeraufbewahrungseinheit gemäß der Erfindung in Schleifposition des Messers und

Figur 7

ein schematischer perspektivischer Ausschnitt des Transportschlitten der vierten Messeraufbewahrungseinheit gemäß Figur 6.

Specifically shows:

Figure 1

schematically, each a cross-sectional view and each a side view of grinding elements of a first knife storage unit according to the invention in the grinding position and in the free-running position and a knife,

Figure 2

schematically in each case a perspective detail of the first knife storage unit according to FIG Figure 1 in the grinding position and in the free-running position of the Grinding elements,

Figure 3

schematically a top view of an adjustment system of a second knife storage unit with knife in different operating positions,

Figure 4

schematically a section through a third, modular knife storage unit according to the invention with knife,

Figure 5

schematically a plug-in module unit with the third knife storage unit according to FIG Figure 4 and three other knife storage units,

Figure 6

schematically a perspective view of a vacated fourth knife storage unit according to the invention in the grinding position of the knife and

Figure 7

a schematic perspective detail of the transport slide of the fourth knife storage unit according to FIG Figure 6 .

In the figures, various knife storage units 1 with kitchen knives 2 or components thereof are shown schematically. The knife storage unit 1 is designed as a so-called "knife block" 3 and comprises a knife sheath 4 or a knife magazine 4 with a magazine opening 5 in the sense of the invention.

The knife block 3 has one or more sensors 23 and / or 6 which detect the presence or the insertion of the knife 2. Thus, (end) sensors 23, 6, 7 can be provided in an advantageous manner, which detect a grinding of the knife 2 or a position of a grinding unit 9, in particular a first and a second end of a transport path 11 or a grinding path 11 of the Grinding unit 9. The curved grinding path 11 or the transport path 11 of two grinding stones 24 is mainly shown in FIG Figure 1 illustrated.

The grinding unit 9 comprises, for example, a transport motor 12 and a transport slide 13 or grinding holder 13, the latter advantageously holding the two grinding stones 24 or grinding elements 24, for example ceramic grinding stones or the like. The transport carriage 13 with the grinding elements 24 and one in Figure 3 Adjusting device 31 shown in more detail are, for example, mounted / guided so that they can be adjusted or driven along a (curved) rack 14 by means of the transport motor 12 and a toothed wheel 15. The rack 14 can be designed both curved and straight in order to correspond to a curved contour of a knife blade 10 or cutting edge 10, in particular the cutting edge, of the knife 2 or to follow this during the grinding process. Especially in the variant with a substantially straight rack 14, the rack 14 is preferably pivotable on a pivot axis and by means of a spring element, e.g. spiral spring or leaf spring or rubber / elastomer element, etc., with one directed against the blade 10 or cutting edge of the knife 2 Contact pressure can be applied (without further illustration). With this, the grinding unit 9 "follows" in an advantageous manner, inter alia, a wide variety of curved or straight cutting edges or knife blades 10.

With the help of the optional end sensors 23, 7, 8 or limit switches 7, 8, 23, 29, the transport direction or the Direction of the transport path 11, preferably with the lower sensor 7, and a start or end of the grinding process with the upper end sensor 8 detected or controlled. For this purpose, there is, for example, an electronic / electrical control unit (not shown in detail).

In the Figures 1 to 3 6 and 7, the grinding or honing of the blade 10 according to the invention by means of the grinding stones 24 is shown in more detail. So illustrate those marked with "a)" Figures 1 to 3 essentially a grinding position of the grinding stones 24, ie grinding or material removal from the blade 10 is implemented here. Those marked with "b)" Figures 1 to 3 essentially illustrate a freewheeling or so-called “return” of the grinding stones 24, ie in this case no grinding or no material removal, but a spacing of the grinding stones 24 from the blade 10 is realized.

In Figure 3b this is shown in more detail. In the grinding position or contact position of the grinding stones 24 there is a (first) distance A between the grinding stones 24. In the free-running position of the grinding stones 24 there is a (second) distance B between the grinding stones 24, the distance A being smaller than the distance B according to the invention. In this variant, the grinding stones 24, viewed in the direction of the transport path 11, are arranged directly next to one another at what is known as "the same height".

In contrast, the two grindstones 24 according to FIG Figures 1 and 2 When viewed in the direction of the transport path 11, not at so-called "same height", but rather offset or arranged one behind the other.

Advantageously, the grindstones 24 can be acted upon by springs 25 (see. For example Figure 1 ) so that a advantageous grinding force is generated. In addition, the springs 25 can be used for freewheeling or for the spacing of the grinding stones 24.

The adjustment of the grinding stones 24 transversely to the transport path 11 or to the blade 10 is implemented by means of an adjustment device 31, as shown in FIG Figure 3 is shown by way of example and schematically. This variant of an adjustment of the grinding stones 24 according to the invention advantageously has an adjusting device 31, which is at least partially arranged on the transport slide 13, for each grinding stone 24, advantageously on both sides of the blade 10 or of the knife 2, a rotary lever 28 which rotates around an axis of rotation or a pivot bearing 26 is pivotable.

In Figure 3 a possible sequence of grinding or honing the knife 2 or the blade 10 is shown schematically as an example. The grindstones 24 are each located on the pivot lever 27 and are in contact, ie left and right with the blade 10. Both pivot levers 28 are advantageously resiliently mounted (not shown in detail) and are located together on the transport carriage 13. The contact pressure of the The grinding body 24 and the pivot lever 28 can advantageously be implemented electromechanically and / or by spring technology and / or magnetically.

In the starting position or the upper transport slide position according to position I of Figure 3a are the grinding bodies / elements 24 fastened on the pivot lever 28 pressed against the blade base or the blade 10 due to advantageous grinding cams 27 or locking cams 27 (cf. Figure 1a or 2a or position I der Figure 3a ). In this way, the blade 10 can be sharpened.

The grinding operation / process takes place, the transport carriage 13 advantageously moving down to the blade tip 30 or into the area of the blade tip 30 to an electrical switchover point, which is preferably defined by means of the lower sensor 7. By means of two opening cams 29, the grinding stones 24 are now removed from the knife blade 10 by means of the pivot lever 28 (cf. Figure 1b or 2 B or position II of Figure 3a ).

In the open state, the transport carriage 13 moves upwards by a motor (cf. Figure 1b or 2 B or position III of the Figure 3b ) to the closure of the pivot lever by the grinding or. Closing cam 27 in the end position (cf. Figure 1a or 2a or position IV of Figure 3b ).

In general, according to the invention, cams 27 and 29 or stops 27, 29 can also / at the same time be designed as end sensors 7, 8, 23 or limit switches or the like so that the end position of transport carriage 13 or grinding elements 24 is detected with the aid of these and / or a reversal of the transport direction can be realized.

The process / cycle (described advantageously here) can only be carried out once. However, this process or cycle / pass is preferably carried out multiple times, with the number of "passes" or downward / upward cycles being permanently set or possibly changed / adapted by the user by means of advantageous programming or definition. For this purpose, for example, an advantageous electronic control unit is provided and, in particular, is arranged on a printed circuit board in the knife block 3. A setting element, such as a button, rotary knob or the like, can preferably be used for setting or defining the number of grinding processes or "runs" or the downward / upward cycles are provided.

In Figure 4 a third knife storage unit 1 with kitchen knife 2 is shown. The knife storage unit 1 is in turn designed as a so-called "knife block" 3, with a power supply 16 or electrical power supply with a mains plug also being shown. Accordingly, this knife storage unit 1 is designed as a so-called "master" 1, to which one or any number of so-called "slaves" can be connected as knife storage units 1 according to the invention (cf. Figure 5 ). The "master" is equipped with a plug 17, which can be coupled / connected to a socket 19 and with which electrical energy for the grinding units 9 or "slaves" is transmitted (cf. Figure 5 ). An (additional) mechanical coupling / interlocking or the like can also be provided without a detailed representation. In Figure 4 the plug 17 has an optionally available cover cap 18, ie if no "slave" is connected.

In the Figure 4 The illustrated third knife storage unit 1 comprises an electrical cable 21, in particular a ribbon cable, for supplying energy to the grinding unit 9, so that the grinding unit 9 to be adjusted / transported along the transport path 11 or the grinding track is also advantageously supplied with electrical energy in every position.

In addition, an LED 20 is provided which, for example, indicates a grinding phase (red) and a rest phase or a ground state (after the grinding phase) of the knife 2 (green).

Furthermore, one or two cleaning brushes 22 or the like arranged on both sides for cleaning the knife 2 from grinding dust etc. and / or a holding element for the Knife backs are provided.

According to the invention, instead of a manual activity, i.e. sharpening the knife blade of a high-quality kitchen knife 2 by hand, an automatic, mechanical process can be used. Here, the kitchen knife 2 used is inserted into a knife block 3 with an automatically running grinding unit 9. One or more advantageous sensors 6 recognize the inserted knife 2 and the automatic grinding system is carried out, for example, once, but preferably several times. This eliminates the tedious re-sharpening of kitchen knives 2 that have been stored for different periods of time.

An automatic knife sharpening block 3 or a grinding unit 9 is advantageously provided for each knife 2. A basic knife block 3 or so-called “master” with a power supply 16 is preferably provided, to which all further knife blocks 3 or so-called “slaves” are electrically adapted / coupled.

In general, according to the invention, a knife 2 can be removed from any knife block 3 and put back again in order to advantageously initiate or carry out an at least one-time grinding process at this sharpening station or knife magazine 4. Frequently used knives 2 are thus always usable and sharp according to the invention; as well as the rarely used knives. A positive side effect here is the order in the kitchen or in the entire or modular knife storage unit 1 and always sharp knives 2.

In the Figures 6 and 7 a further variant of the invention is shown, this in principle according to the variant Figure 3 resembles. This means that the fourth variant according to the Figures 6, 7 has a transport carriage 13, the two, each with Cutting elements 24 or ceramic rods 24 which are acted upon by springs 25 or are adjustably mounted along an adjustment direction 32 and are preferably releasably fixed to a lever mechanism or lever 28, in particular by means of screws or the like, in order to be replaced if necessary or when worn. The transport slide 13 can be moved up and down on a toothed rack 14 or guide rail 14 or the like with a motor 12.

Especially in Figure 7 it becomes clearer that the grinding elements 24 are mounted on a lever mechanism with several axes of rotation 33, 34, 35 and can be adjusted transversely to the transport path 11 by means of the springs 25. The adaptation to the curved blade contour takes place here or can generally also be advantageously implemented in other variants in such a way that the adjustable or resilient transverse adjustment and an angular arrangement of the grinding elements generate a contact force and thereby the cutting element 24 is pressed against the cutting edge. As a result, differently curved / curved edges can also be traversed or "followed". A pivotable mounting of the rack 14 or guide rail 14 can thereby be omitted.

The release of the cutting elements 24 according to the invention in the lower operating position / position here is again achieved by means of stops 29 or so-called cams 29. When the carriage 13 hits or makes contact in the area of the axis of rotation 26 at / on the stop 29, the lever mechanism or toggle lever is adjusted by overcoming dead center in such a way that the cutting element (s) 24 are drawn in. The carriage 13 or the cutting elements 24 can then move freely upwards or be transported. This can be supported or implemented in an advantageous manner by means of electrical sensors, in which case, for example, the stops 29 can be designed as electrical switches / sensors and, by means of an electr. Control unit the Control motor 12.

An advantageous mode of operation of the automatically sharpening knife block is, for example:
The knife 2 is inserted into the knife block 1, 3 for storage.

The internal sensor 6 (e.g. reflective light barrier) in the end of the knife block detects the inserted knife 2.

A motor-operated transport slide 13 moves up and down along the knife edge contour or the transport path 11 as soon as the sensor 6 has recognized the inserted knife blade 10 of the knife 2. The grindstones 24 are pressed / pressed against the blade 10 during the grinding process and are spaced or removed from the blade 10 by means of the adjusting device 31 in freewheeling or reverse motion, so that the blade 10 is not grinded / pulled off in freewheeling mode, ie no material is removed or removed no chip formation is realized.

In order to follow the knife blade contour exactly and to ensure the most uniform possible grinding, a rotating and spring-loaded grinding wheel 10 moves in a likewise resiliently mounted rocker arm or the toothed rack 14 along the blade.

The spring-mounted rocker arm with the grindstones 24 and the adjusting device 31 sit together on an advantageous drive motor support or transport slide 13.

The drive motor 12 with pinion 15 and drive motor carrier transports the grinding unit 9 along a rack 14.

The toothed rack contour is similar to the contour of the knife blade, so that the grinding stones 24 always grind along the blade with the same spring force as possible, which leads to a uniform grind. The toothed rack 14 has, for example, a shape that determines the sliding path curve.

The grinding process runs relatively quietly, since the "grinding noise" that occurs in the knife block 1, 3 is swallowed and, due to the typically massive construction of the knife block 3, hardly any structure-borne noise occurs. <u> List of reference symbols </u> 1 Storage unit A. distance 2 knife B. distance 3rd Knife block 4th Knife magazine 5 Magazine opening 6th sensor 7th sensor 8th sensor 9 Grinding unit 10 Knife blade 11 Transport route 12th engine 13th Transport carriage 14th Rack 15th gear 16 power adapter 17th plug 18th cap 19th Rifle 20th LED 21 electric wire 22nd brush 23 sensor 24 Grinding element 25th feather 26th Pivot bearing 27 Locking cam 28 Rotary lever 29 Opening cam 30th top 31 Adjusting device 32 Adjustment direction 33 axis 34 axis 35 axis

Claims (12)

1. A blade storage unit (1) having a blade repository (4) for storing a blade (2), a repository opening (5) being provided for introducing the blade (2) into the blade repository (4), a grinding device (9) being provided for grinding a blade edge (10) of the blade (2), at least one blade sensor (6, 23) being provided for detecting the blade (2) introduced at least in part through the repository opening (5) into the blade repository (4), at least one transport unit (12, 13) being provided for transporting the grinding device (9) along a transport path (11), characterised in that the grinding device (9) has at least one first grinding element (24) having a first grinding surface and a second grinding element (24) having a second grinding surface, and that at least one adjusting unit (31) is provided for adjusting the first grinding element (24) and the second grinding element (24) transversely to the transport path (11), so that at least during a first transport of the grinding device (9) along the transport path (11) a first distance (A) between the first grinding surface and the second grinding surface is smaller than a second distance (B) between the first grinding surface and the second grinding surface during a second transport of the grinding device (9) along the transport path (11).
2. The blade storage unit according to claim 1, characterised in that a third distance to the second grinding element (24) and/or to the second grinding surface is provided between the first grinding element (24) and/or the first grinding surface in the direction of the transport path (11).
3. The blade storage unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adjusting unit (31) has at least one first lever element (28) rotatable about a first axis of rotation (26) for adjusting the first grinding element (24) and a second lever element (28) rotatable about a second axis of rotation (26) for adjusting the second grinding element (24).
4. The blade storage unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adjusting unit (31) has at least one first spring element (25) for generating a first grinding force for the first grinding element (24) and a second spring element (25) for generating a second grinding force for the second grinding element (24).
5. The blade storage unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first transport of the grinding device (9) is directed away from the repository opening (5).
6. The blade storage unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transport path of the first transport of the grinding device (9) is formed substantially up to a blade tip (30) of the blade (2).
7. The blade storage unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second transport of the grinding device (9) is directed towards the repository opening (5).
8. A method for operating a blade storage unit (1) having a blade repository (4) for storing a blade (2), the blade (2) being introduced into the blade repository (4) through a repository opening (5), a grinding device (9) grinding a blade edge (10) of the blade (2) during a grinding phase, the introduction of the blade (2) into the blade repository (4) being detected by means of a blade sensor (23, 6), at least one transport unit (12, 13) transporting the grinding device (9) along a transport path (11), characterised in that the grinding phase is formed at least during a first transport of the grinding device (9) along the transport path (11) and that a free-running phase of the grinding device (9) is formed at least during a second transport of the grinding device (9) along the transport path (11), a first free-running distance being formed in the free-running phase between the blade edge (10) and a first grinding element (24) of the grinding device (9) and a second free-running distance being formed between the blade edge (10) and a second grinding element (24) of the grinding device (9).
9. The method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the grinding phase is provided after introducing the blade (2) into the blade repository (4).
10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the free-running phase is provided after the grinding phase.
11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a further grinding phase is provided after the free-running phase.
12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, after an adjustable number of grinding phases and free-running phases, a rest phase of the grinding device (9) and the transport unit (12, 13) is provided.

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