Electric Pencil Sharpener

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric pencil sharpener, and pertains to the field of mechanical technology. It resolves the issue that existing electric pencil sharpeners are unable to be switched off automatically when emptying the shavings debris. The present electric pencil sharpener comprises a housing, and a power receptacle is fixed to the housing. The electric pencil sharpener also comprises a base. The housing is placed on the base, while a power connector is fixed to the base. The power connector is electrically connected to the power receptacle, and a locating structure is arranged between the housing and the base to circumferentially secure the housing and the base. It has the advantages that the power is cut off automatically while the normal service performance is ensured.

Claims

1. An electric pencil sharpener comprising: a housing (1); a base (3), the housing (1) placed on the base (3); a power connector (4) fixed to the base (3); a power receptacle (5) fixed to the housing (1), the power connector (4) electrically connected to the power receptacle (5); and a locating structure arranged between the housing (1) and the base (3), the locating structure capable of circumferentially securing the housing (1) and the base (3).

2. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 1, further comprising: a locating bump (3a2) of the locating structure, the locating bump (3a2) protruding from a rim of an upper surface of the base (3); and a locating recess (1d) arranged on a bottom of the housing (1), the locating bump (3a2) being embedded into the locating recess (1d).

3. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 2, further comprising: a pan (1c) of the housing (1); a lower shell (1b) of the housing (1); a mouth on a lower end of the lower shell (1b), the pan (1c) connected to the lower end of the lower shell (1b) and seals the mouth of the lower shell (1b); a sharpener core (2) arranged inside the housing (1), the sharpener core (2) fixed to the pan (1c); a first recess (1c2) of the locating recesses (1d), the first recess (1c2) arranged on a bottom of the pan (1c); and a second recess (1b21) of the locating recesses (1d), the second recess (1b21) arranged on a bottom of the lower shell (1b); wherein the first recess (1c2) is connected to the second recess (1b21); and wherein the locating bump (3a2) is embedded into both the first recess (1c2) and the second recess (1b21).

4. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 3, further comprising: a left pod (1b1) of the lower shell (1b), the left pod (1b1) having an arc plate shape; a right pod (1b2) of the lower shell (1b), the right pod (1b2) having an arc plate shape, the left pod (1b1) and the right pod (1b2) fixed through fasteners; an annular retainer (1b3) on an inner side of a lower end of the lower shell (1b); and an annular flange (1c3) on an outer rim of the pan (1c); wherein a lower end face of the annular flange (1c3) abuts on an upper end face of the annular retainer (1b3).

5. The electric pencil sharpener of claims 2 wherein an upper surface of the locating bump (3a2) is a convex cambered surface.

6. The electric pencil sharpener as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: an access cavity (1c4) arranged at a bottom center of the housing (1); and a embedding part (3a7) protruding from the top center of the base (3), a cross section of the embedding part (3a7) being not round; wherein a shape of the connecting cavity is same as a shape of the embedding part (3a7); and wherein the embedding part (3a7) is embedded into the connecting cavity.

7. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 1, further comprising: a clamping block (6) fixed inside the housing (1); a clamping slot (6a) set up downward on an upper end of the clamping block (6); and a power connector hole (1c1) arranged on a bottom of the housing (1), the clamping slot (6a) aligned to the power connector hole (1c1); wherein the power receptacle (5) is located inside the clamping slot (6a); wherein an inner wall of the housing (1) has a stopper (1b11); and wherein the stopper (1b11) abuts on an upper end of the power receptacle (5).

8. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 1, further comprising: a locating column (3a5) inside the base (3); a boss (3b1) inside the base (3), the boss (3b1) having a mating hole (3b11); a locating hole (3a51) arranged on a bottom of the locating column (3a5); an output hole (3a1) arranged on an upper face of the base (3), the output hole (3a1) aligned to the locating hole (3a51); a columnar locator (4c) of the power connector (4), the locator (4c) located inside the locating hole (3a51); an output lead (4a) arranged on the locator (4c), the output lead (4a) passes through the output hole (3a1) and connects the power receptacle (5); and a bulge (4e) on a bottom of the locator (4c), the bulge (4e) being embedded into the mating hole (3b11).

9. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 8, further comprising: a first notch (3a52) on a side of the locating column (3a5); a second notch (3a3) on a side of the base (3); a junction (4d) of the power connector (4), the junction (4d) connected to a side of the locator (4c); and an input lead (4b) of the power connector (4), the input lead (4b) located on a side of the junction (4d), the input lead (4b) located outside of a side wall of the base (3); wherein the junction (4d) consecutively passes through the first notch (3a52) and then the second notch (3a3); wherein the junction (4d) stretches out of a side of the base (3); and wherein a side wall of the junction (4d) abuts a side wall of the first notch (3a52) and a side wall of the second notch (3a3).

10. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 6, wherein a locating bump (3a2) and the power connector (4) arranged on the same diameter direction are both lower than the embedding part (3a7).

11. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 1, further comprising: a sharpener core (2) arranged inside the housing (1); a core chassis (21) of the sharpener core (2), the core chassis (21) having an upper end opening; a pencil bracket (22) set inside the core chassis (21); a sharpening component (23) on one side of the pencil bracket (22); and a motor (24) fixed at an eccentric position of the core chassis (21), the motor (24) drives the sharpening component (23) through a gear transmission mechanism (27).

12. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 6, further comprising: a clamping block (6) fixed inside the housing (1) beside the connecting cavity; a clamping slot (6a) set up downward on an upper end of the clamping block (6); and a power connector hole (1c1) arranged on a bottom of the housing (1), the clamping slot (6a) aligned to the power connector hole (1c1); wherein the power receptacle (5) is located inside the clamping slot (6a); wherein an inner wall of the housing (1) has a stopper (1b11); and wherein the stopper (1b11) abuts on an upper end of the power receptacle (5).

13. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 7, further comprising: a locating column (3a5) inside the base (3) beside a mating part; a boss (3b1) inside the base (3), the boss (3b1) having a mating hole (3b11); a locating hole (3a51) arranged on a bottom of the locating column (3a5); an output hole (3a1) arranged on an upper face of the base (3), the output hole (3a1) aligned to the locating hole (3a51); a columnar locator (4c) of the power connector (4), the locator (4c) located inside the locating hole (3a51); an output lead (4a) arranged on the locator (4c), the output lead (4a) passes through the output hole (3a1) and connects the power receptacle (5); and a bulge (4e) on a bottom of the locator (4c), the bulge (4e) being embedded into the mating hole (3b11).

14. The electric pencil sharpener of claim 12, further comprising: a locating column (3a5) inside the base (3) beside a mating part; a boss (3b1) inside the base (3), the boss (3b1) having a mating hole (3b11); a locating hole (3a51) arranged on a bottom of the locating column (3a5); an output hole (3a1) arranged on an upper face of the base (3), the output hole (3a1) aligned to the locating hole (3a51); a columnar locator (4c) of the power connector (4), the locator (4c) located inside the locating hole (3a51); an output lead (4a) arranged on the locator (4c), the output lead (4a) passes through the output hole (3a1) and connects the power receptacle (5); and a bulge (4e) on a bottom of the locator (4c), the bulge (4e) being embedded into the mating hole (3b11).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of one embodiment of the power connector in FIG. 2.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of one embodiment of the locating bump in FIG. 2.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the housing of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the base of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the housing of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener while the lower shell is partially disassembled.

[0037] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the housing of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0038] FIG. 9 is an exploded sectional view of the base of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0039] FIG. 10 is the schematic view of the base frame of the base of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0040] FIG. 11 is the schematic view of the power connector of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

[0041] FIG. 12 is the schematic view of the pan of one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The embodiments of this invention will be described below and the technical solutions of the invention will be further illustrated in connection with the accompanying figures. However, the present invention shall not be limited to these embodiments.

First Embodiment

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 5, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8, one embodiment of an electric pencil sharpener comprises a housing (1) and a sharpener core (2) arranged inside the housing (1). From top to bottom, the housing (1) consecutively comprises an upper shell (1a), a lower shell (1b) and a pan (1c). The lower end of the lower shell (1b) has a mouth, and the pan (1c) is connected to the lower end of the lower shell (1b) and seals the mouth of the lower shell (1b). The upper part of the sharpener core (2) is located inside the upper shell (1a), while the lower part of the sharpener core (2) is located inside the lower shell (1b). On the lower end of the sharpener core (2), there are several connecting poles. The sharpener core (2) and the pan (1c) are fixed by fasteners which pass through the pan (1c) and enter the connecting poles. The sharpener core (2) includes the core chassis (21) with an upper end opening, the pencil bracket (22) set inside the core chassis (21), the sharpening component (23) on one side of the pencil bracket (22) and the motor (24). The motor (24) drives the sharpening component (23) through a gear transmission mechanism (27). There is a pencil channel within the pencil bracket (22). Within the pencil bracket (22), just below the pencil channel, there is a pencil stopper block (25) that can move up and down. A mandrel (26) is provided within the core chassis (21), along the axis. The upper end of the mandrel (26) extends into the pencil bracket (22) and rests against the lower end of the pencil stopper block (25). In this embodiment, the motor (24) is fixed at the eccentric position of the core chassis (21), on one side of the mandrel (26), the lower shell (1b) is made by connecting a left pod (1b1) to a right pod (1b2) both in an arc plate shape by fasteners. There is an annular flange (1c3) on the outer side of the pan (1c) and there is an annular retainer (1b3) on the inner side of the lower end of the lower shell (1b). The lower end face of the annular flange (1c3) abuts on the upper end face of the annular retainer (1b3).

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 12, a clamping block (6) is fixed on the pan (1c), and a clamping slot (6a) is arranged on the upper end of the clamping block (6). A power receptacle (5) is clamped in the clamping slot (6a), and both of the clamping slot (6a) and the power receptacle (5) have the same shape. There is a protruding stopper (1b11) on the inner wall of the left pod (1b1), and the stopper (1b11) abuts on the upper end of the power receptacle (5). In this embodiment, the pan (1c) is made of plastic, and the clamping block (6) is integrated with the pan (1c). There are two buckles (6b) on the mouth of the upper end of the clamping slot (6a). The two buckles (6b) are block-shaped and opposite each other. The opposite sides of the two buckles (6b) are inclined. The inclined faces incline in opposite directions and the distance between the two inclined faces gradually increases from top to bottom. Both of the two buckles (6b) abut on the upper end of the power receptacle (5).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10, one embodiment of the electric pencil sharpener also comprises a base (3), and a power connector (4) is fixed inside the base (3). The power connector (4) comprises a input lead (4b) and a output lead (4a). A through power connector hole (1c1) is arranged on the base (1c), and the power connector hole (1c1) is aligned to the clamping slot (6a) on the clamping block (6). The output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) stretches out of the upper surface of the base (3), and the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) passes through the power connector (4) and connects to the power receptacle (5). The input lead (4b) of the power connector (4) stretches out of the side of the base (3). The base (3) comprises a base plate (3b) and a base frame (3a) which is connected to the base plate (3b). There is a cavity on the bottom of the base frame (3a), and there is an annular collar (3a4) on the top wall of the cavity. There are several mounting posts (3a6) on the annular collar (3a4), and there are several corresponding mounting stands (3b2) on the base plate (3b). The mounting posts (3a6) abut on the mounting stands (3b2). The base plate (3b) and the base frame (3a) are connected by fasteners which pass through the mounting stands from the bottom of the base plate (3b) and enter into the mounting posts (3a6).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11, there are locating columns (3a5) on the annular collar (3a4), and there is a locating hole (3a51) on the locating column (3a5), arranged upward from the bottom of the locating column (3a5). There is a first notch (3a52) on the side of the locating column (3a5), and a second notch (3a3) is arranged through the side of the base frame (3a). An output hole (3a1) is arranged on the base frame (3a), and the output hole (3a1) is aligned to the locating hole (3a51). The power connector (4) has a columnar locator (4c), as well as a junction (4d) connected to the side of the locator (4c). The locator (4c) is located inside the locating column (3a5), and the junction (4d) consecutively passes through the first notch (3a52) and the second notch (3a3), and stretches out of the side of the base frame (3a). The output lead (4a) is located on the locator (4c) and the output lead (4a) sticks out from the output hole (3a1). The input lead (4b) is located on the junction (4d). The power connector (4) also has a bulge (4e), and the bulge (4e) is on the bottom of the locator (4c). There is a boss (3b1) on the base plate (3b). The boss (3b1) has a mating hole (3b11), and the bulge (4e) is embedded into the mating hole (3b11). Through the mating of the bulge (4e) and the boss (3b1), and the mating of the locator (4c) and the locating column (3a5), the axial fixation of the power connector (4) inside the base (3) is achieved. At the same time, the circumferential fixation of the power connector (4) is achieved by mating the junction (4d) with the first notch (3a52) and the second notch (3a3). Hence, a stable mate between the output lead (4a) and the power connector hole (1c1) is ensured when the housing (1) is placed on the base (3).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7, a locating structure is arranged between the base (3) and the housing (1), which keeps the housing (1) positioned when the output lead (4a) plugs into the power connector hole (1c1). The locating structure comprises a locating bump (3a2) protruding along the rim of the upper surface of the base (3a), as well as a locating recess (1d) located on the housing (1). The upper surface of the locating bump (3a2) is a convex cambered surface, and the shape of the locating recess (1d) is the same as that of the locating bump (3a2). In this embodiment, the locating recess (1d) comprises a first recess (1c2) and a second recess (1b21). The first recess (1c2) is located on the pan (1c), and the second recess (1b21) is located on the lower shell (1b). The first recess (1c2) is connected to the second recess (1b21). When the housing (1) abuts on the base (3), the locating bump (3a2) is embedded into the first recess (1c2) and the second recess (1b21).

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in this embodiment, an access cavity (1c4) is arranged at the bottom center of the pan (1c). There is a protruding embedding part (3a7) on the base frame (3a) of the base (3). The embedding part (3a7) has the same shape as that of the access cavity (1c4). The embedding part (3a7) is embedded into the access cavity (1c4), and a access hole (3a71) is arranged on the embedding part (3a7). To some extent, the mating between the access cavity (1c4) and the embedding part (3a7) can achieve locating of the pan (1c). Meanwhile, the adjusting rod inside the sharpener core (2) extends into the access cavity (1c4). In order to prevent the embedding part (3a7), while embedded in the access cavity (1c4), from interfering with the extension of the adjusting rod, the access hole (3a71) is arranged on the embedding part (3a7). Hence, the end of the adjusting rod is located inside the access hole (3a71), and the interference is avoided.

[0049] When the pencil needs to be sharpened, the housing (1) is placed on the base (3), and it is ensured that the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) can be plugged into the power connector hole (1c1) and connected to the power receptacle (5). Then, the input lead (4b) of the power connector (4) is connected to the power source, making the electric power from the power source transmitted to the sharpener core (2) through the power connector (4). Hence the sharpener core (2) can sharpen the pencil. When sharpening is completed and the shavings debris needs to be emptied, the housing (1) may be directly pulled off the base (3), and then the housing (1) can be disassembled to empty the shavings debris. There is no need to switch off the power, mainly because the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) automatically detaches from the power receptacle (5) after the housing (1) is pulled off the base (3). In addition, after the electrical connection is disconnected between the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) and the power receptacle (5), even if the power source is not disconnected, the power source can no longer transmit electric power to the sharpener core (2), so as to achieve the function of automatic power down when emptying the shavings debris.

[0050] Separately, since the sharpener core (2) is driven by the motor to sharpen pencils, it is prone to vibrating the electric pencil sharpener when sharpening pencils. In addition, the housing (1) is placed on the base (3), and the base (3) is seated on the desktop and stays stationary. Hence, when sharpening pencils, the housing (1) will produce the shift in the radial and circumferential directions relative to the base (3). Since the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) is plugged into the power connector hole (1c1), The radial and circumferential shifts of the housing (1) of the base (3) will act on the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) through the power connector hole (1c1), making the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) inclined or bended. Hence, the connection stability between the power connector (4) and the power receptacle (5) will be affected. As a result, after a long time of use, an accidental power down would arise because of the unstable connection between the power connector (4) and the power receptacle (5).

[0051] For the situation stated above, in one embodiment of the present electric pencil sharpener, a locating structure is formed between the housing (1) and the base (3) by arranging a locating bump (3a2) on the base (3), arranging a locating recess (1d) on the housing (1), and embedding the locating bump (3a2) into the locating recess (1d), so as to prevent the housing (1) from shifting in the radial and circumferential directions relative to the base (3) due to vibration and producing synchronous vibration between the housing (1) and the base (3). Hence, the stability of plugging the output lead (4a) of the power connector (4) into the power connector hole (1c1) is improved. Not only the automatic power down during shavings discharge is implemented, but accidental power outages, caused by the implementation of automatic power down, during pencil sharpening are also prevented, and the normal sharpening operation of the electric pencil sharpener is ensured.

[0052] Also, the locating recess (1d) comprises the first recess (1c2) and the second recess (1b21). The first recess (1c2) is located on the pan (1c), and the second recess (1b21) is located on the lower shell (1b). The pan (1c) is directly fixed to the sharpener core (2) and connected to the mouth of the lower shell (1b). The vibration of the sharpener core (2) first impacts the pan (1c), and then transmits to the lower shell (1b) through the pan (1c). Then, as the locating bump (3a2) is embedded into the first recess (1c2), the pan (1c) is circumferentially secured to the base (3), and hence the synchronous vibration between the pan (1c) and the base (3) is achieved. At the same time, the locating bump (3a2) is also embedded into the lower shell (1b21), making the lower shell (1b) circumferentially secured to the base (3) at the same time. Therefore, the base (3), the pan (1c) and the lower shell (1b) vibrate synchronously, preventing the whole body of the housing (1) from shifting in the radial and circumferential directions relative to the base (3). While the function of automatic power down when emptying the shavings debris is achieved by the added arrangement of the base (3), the impact from the vibration of the sharpener core (2) to the power connector (4) is greatly weakened, and the normal service performance of the electric pencil sharpener is ensured.

Second Embodiment

[0053] The structure and principle of this embodiment are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. The differences are:

[0054] In this embodiment, the locating structure comprises a connecting cavity arranged at the bottom center of the housing (1), as well as a mating part protruding from the top center of the base (3). The cross section of the mating part is not circular. The shape of the connecting cavity is the same as that of the mating part, and the mating part is embedded into the connecting cavity.

[0055] Using a locating structure, which consists of a mating part with a non-circular cross-section and a connecting cavity in the same shape as the mating part, can also prevent the housing (1) from shifting in the radial and circumferential directions relative to the base (3) due to vibrations. Therefore, this improves the poor connection stability between the power connector (4) and the power receptacle (5) resulting from achieving the automatic power down function when emptying the shavings debris.

[0056] The description of the preferred embodiments thereof serves only as an illustration of the spirit of the invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes or supplements in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0057] 1 Housing [0058] 1a Upper Shell [0059] 1b Lower Shell [0060] 1b1 Left Pod [0061] 1b11 Stopper [0062] 1b2 Right Pod [0063] 1b21 Second Recess [0064] 1b3 Annular Retainer [0065] 1c Pan [0066] 1c1 Power Connector Hole [0067] 1c2 First Recess [0068] 1c3 Annular Flange [0069] 1c4 Access Cavity [0070] 1d Locating Recess [0071] 2 Sharpener Core [0072] 21 Core Chassis [0073] 22 Pencil Bracket [0074] 23 Sharpening Component [0075] 24 Motor [0076] 25 Pencil Stopper Block [0077] 26 Mandrel [0078] 27 Gear Transmission Mechanism [0079] 3 Base [0080] 3a Base Frame [0081] 3a1 Output Hole [0082] 3a2 Locating Bump [0083] 3a3 Second Notch [0084] 3a4 Annular Collar [0085] 3a5 Locating Column [0086] 3a51 Locating Hole [0087] 3a52 First Notch [0088] 3a6 Mounting Post [0089] 3a7 Embedding Part [0090] 3a71 Access Hole [0091] 3b Base Plate [0092] 3b1 Boss [0093] 3b11 Mating Hole [0094] 3b2 Mounting Stand [0095] Power Connector [0096] 4a Output Lead [0097] 4b Input Lead [0098] 4c Locator [0099] 4d Junction [0100] 4e Bulge [0101] Power Receptacle [0102] 6 Clamping Block [0103] 6a Clamping Slot [0104] 6b Buckle