Abstract: A pencil sharpener having a sharpening sub-assembly for sharpening pencils, and first and second external shells having internal ribs defining surfaces for supporting the sharpening sub-assembly. Components of the sub-assembly are placed into corresponding portions defined by the internal ribs. The ribs ensure proper alignment of the components relative to the shell and each other, e.g. in the x- and y-directions. All components may be placed in the shell in a single direction, e.g. in a single axial direction (the z-direction). The components of the pencil sharpener are mounted in place upon fastening together of the first and second external shells. No internal or additional fasteners are required. The sharpening sub-assembly may include an electric motor, a gear assembly, and a cutter assembly including a cutter gear module having an annular ring gear, acting as a carrier support, and housing a pencil insertion switch and/or a receptacle presence switch.

Abstract: A housing having an integral receptacle which is particularly useful for pencil sharpeners. The receptacle is attached to the body so as to be pivotable between a closed position, for closing a cavity of the housing, and an open position, for exposing the cavity. This is useful, for example, for emptying pencil shavings in a pencil sharpener. Attachment of the receptacle to the housing minimizes accidental opening of the receptacle and spillage of shavings. In the open position, the receptacle also serves as a spout for controlled disposal of shavings. In the preferred embodiment, the housing and receptacle have a mating rib and groove on opposing sides of the cavity which interfit when the receptacle is in the closed position to form a seal trap shavings within the cavity. Additionally, the receptacle is provided with a lower surface and rearward edge positioned to form a seal with the housing when the cover is in the closed and open positions, respectively.