EP3858566A1

EP3858566A1 - Cutting tool and chain cutting machine for stones and similar material

Info

Publication number: EP3858566A1
Application number: EP21153385.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabio BIGINI
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-01-28
Filing date: 2021-01-26
Publication date: 2021-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 2041-01-26
Also published as: EP3858566B1; IT202000001606A1

Abstract

It is provided a cutting tool (1) comprising an attachment base (2) to a chain cutter; a plug (3) configured to perform a manufacturing by removing material; a movable body (4) of the plug (3); and a locking body (5) defining a plurality of locking positions of the movable body (4) at the base (2); each of said locking positions defining a different position of said plug (3) with respect to said base (2); the base (2) comprises a tooth (22) defining a first support surface (22a) and a second support surface (22b) of the movable body (4); and wherein the movable body (4) comprises a first portion (41) configured to rest on the first support surface (22a) and a second portion (42) configured to rest on the second support surface (22b).

Description

The present invention relates to a cutting tool and chain cutting for lapidary and similar materials of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.
Chain cutters are used for cutting / processing rocks and in particular lapidary material. They provide a chain wherein each "internal" link is rotatably connected to two "external" links and these external and internal links are arranged in such a way as to alternate. Each outer link supports a cutting tool that carries a piece of hard metals such as tungsten carbides and diamond.
The cutting tool has an attachment body to the chain defining a seat in which to insert a plug; a locking body of the plug in the seat by tightening it in the direction parallel to the feed direction of the chain.
The seat is such as to partially contain the plug which partially protrudes from the rest of the tool, becoming the only component in contact with the material to be machined.
In order to widen the machined surface in the direction normal to the feed direction of the chain links, each chain cutter has multiple sets of cutting tools. Each series is characterized by tools with different positions of the plug.
The described known technique includes some important drawbacks.
In particular, the plugs are subjected to high forces that cause frequent tool breakage. In fact, the hardness of the material to be machined imposes high forces on the plug which force the plug to force the clamping causing the breaking not only of the plug, but also of the attachment and/or clamping body.
Such break thus renders the tool unusable, requiring complete replacement.
Another important drawback is represented by the fact that each chain cutting machine, presenting tools with a different position of the block, has high costs and requires large stocks of tools with the various positions of the plug.
In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a cutting tool capable of substantially obviating at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.
Within the scope of said technical task, an important object of the invention is to design a cutting tool which allows easy replacement of the block and to have a chain cutting machine of reduced costs.
The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a cutting tool as claimed in the annexed claim 1. Examples of preferred embodiment are described in the dependent claims.
The characteristics and advantages of the invention are clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

The Fig. 1 shows, in scale, a cutting tool according to the invention;
The Fig. 2 shows the cutting tool according to the invention;
The Fig. 3 shows a different view of the tool; and
The Fig. 4 shows the cutting tool according to the decomposed invention.

In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", are to be considered as except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors, and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measurements, shape, or geometric reference with which it is associated. For instance, these terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a divergence of not more than 10% of the value.
Moreover, when used, terms such as "first", "second", "higher", "lower", "main" and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or a relative position, but can simply be used to clearly distinguish between their different components. The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in the ICAO International Standard Atmosphere (ISO 2533).
With reference to the Figures, the cutting tool according to the invention is globally indicated with the number 1.
The tool 1 can be configured to be constrained to a chain cutting machine for removing material from an object in lapidary material, preferably marble, or other similar material.
The chain cutting machine can comprise at least one cutting tool 1 and a chain configured to move the cutting tool 1 by defining a cutting trajectory and, along said cutting trajectory, a direction of advancement of the cutting tool 1 when executing the removal of material.
The chain cutting machine can preferably comprise several cutting tools 1 as better described below.
The cutting tool 1 can comprise an attachment base 2 to a chain suitably of a chain cutting machine; a plug 3 configured to perform a manufacturing by removing material; a movable body 4 constraining the plug 3 to the base 2 suitably arranging the plug 3 cantilevered with respect to the base 2; and a locking body 5 configured to suitably integrally constrain the movable body 4 to the base 2.
The plug 3 can comprise at least one cutter 3a configured to remove material.
The base 2 can define a longitudinal axis 2a configured to be substantially parallel to the advancement axis of the tool 1 when the tool 1 is constrained to the chain cutting machine and therefore put in use.
The expression "in use" can define when the cutting tool 1 is constrained to the chain cutting machine and therefore can be moved along the cutting trajectory according to the direction of advancement.
The base 2 can define a longitudinal plane 2b configured to be substantially parallel to the sliding plane of the chain cutting machine.
The longitudinal plane 2b can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 2a. The locking body 5 can define an axis of rotation of the movable body 4 with respect to the base 2 so as to define locking positions having a different angular position of the plug 3 with respect to the base 2.
The axis of rotation can be substantially parallel to the axis longitudinal 2a. Alternatively, said axis of rotation is transverse to the longitudinal axis 2a which is substantially inclined suitably by an angle of less than 30°, in detail 15° and suitably 10°.
As better described below, the mobile body 4 constrains the plug 3 in a position radially distant from the rotation axis so that a rotation of the mobile body 4 and plug 3 changes the position of the plug 3 with respect to the base 2 and in detail at the longitudinal axis 2a. Conveniently, said rotation varies the position of the projection of the plug 3 on the longitudinal plane 2b.
The plug 3 can define a cutter configured to perform a material removal. It is made of a high hardness material such as diamond. The plug 3 is of a known type.
The base 2 can define an attachment surface 2c of the cutting tool 1 to a chain cutting machine and suitably an attachment 2d, such as a hole, through which the plug 3 is rigidly constrained to the chain by means of a bolt, screws or other similar means.
The base 2 can comprise a plate 21 defining the attachment surface 2c and suitably the attachment 2d.
The attachment surface 2c can be practically parallel to the longitudinal plane 2b.
The plate 21 can comprise at least one lateral edge 21a of the attachment surface 2c and in detail two lateral edges 21a enclosing the attachment surface 2c together. The lateral sides 21a can have, at least in correspondence with the end of the front tool 1 with respect to said direction of advancement, a tapered section along the normal to the attachment surface 2c.
The first surface 2c and the attachment of the cutting tool 1 to the chain cutting machine can be of a known type. As an example, they can be like those described in EP0028418 or in EP0625416 .
The base 2 can comprise a support tooth 22 for the mobile body 4.
The tooth 22 can protrude on the opposite side to the attachment surface 2c with respect to the base 2 itself and in detail to the plate 21.
The tooth 22 can protrude almost perpendicularly to the surface of attack 2c.
It can protrude substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 2a and in detail to the longitudinal plane 2b.
The tooth 22 can define a first support surface 22a of the mobile body 4 substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis; and at least a second support surface 22b of the movable body 4 substantially transverse to the first support surface 22a.
The first support surface 22a can be substantially perpendicular to the attachment surface 2c.
The first surface 22a can be substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 2a.
Preferably the tooth 22 can define a plurality of second bearing surfaces 22b.
Each second surface 22b defines, for the plug 3, a different fixing point with respect to the base 2. In fact, by varying the second engagement surface 22b of the base body 4, the position of the plug 3 with respect to the base 3 varies.
The second support surfaces 22b can be substantially angularly equidistant from each other with respect to the rotation axis.
Each of the second surfaces 22b can be substantially parallel to the rotation axis 2a.
Said second surfaces 22b can be substantially equidistant from the rotation axis.
More preferably the tooth 22 can comprise, for each second support surface 22b; a groove 221 defining said second support surface 22b.
The second surface 22b and therefore the groove 221 can be almost parallel to the rotation axis.
Conveniently, the tooth 22 can comprise a number of second supporting surfaces 22b and therefore of uneven grooves 221.
The amplitude of the total opening angle of the second support surfaces 22b and therefore of the grooves 221 can be substantially at least equal to 120° and in detail almost equal to 180°.
The movable body 4 can comprise a first portion 41 constraint of the plug 3 e configured to rest on the first bearing surface 22a; and a second portion 42 configured to substantially rest on the second resting surface 22b.
The portions 41 and 42 can be integral with each other and in detail the movable body 4 is in one piece.
The first portion 41 can be configured to support the block 3 by suitably putting the cutter 3a in view.
The plug 3 can be constrained to the first portion 41 integrally and in detail detachably.
The first portion 41 may comprise a housing for the plug 3 which puts the cutter 3a in front (with respect to the direction of advancement of the tool 1 during machining) and in view. The cutter 3a is therefore able to perform the machining when placed in the housing.
The housing can be configured to contain at least a major portion and, to be precise, substantially the whole of the plug 3.
Said housing can be configured to put the block 3 substantially flush with the first portion 41.
The first portion 41 can define a first contact surface 41a with the first portion on the tooth 22 and in particular the first bearing surface 22a.
The first contact surface 41 a can be substantially parallel to the first support surface 22a.
The first contact surface 41a can be substantially transverse and in detail perpendicular to the cutting trajectory of the chain.
The first portion 41 is identifiable in a cam.
It can have a substantially 8-shaped profile.
The first portion 41 can comprise a main sector 41b configured to rest on the first support surface 22a and a secondary sector 41c configured to support the plug 3 suitably on the opposite side to the first support surface 22a.
The housing can be configured to place the plug 3 substantially flush with the main sector 41b.
The main sector 41b can be circular in axis, suitably the axis of rotation is cylindrical. Preferably it is cylindrical.
The secondary sector 41c can be configured to be constrained to the plug 3 integrally and suitably detachably.
It can comprise said housing for the plug 3.
The secondary sector 41c can be circular. In detail, it can be cylindrical or conical. The main sector 41b has a larger section than the secondary sector 41c.
The second portion 42 is configured to overlap the tooth 22 and to be precise to rest on the tooth 22. In detail, it is configured to rest on one of the second support surfaces 22b by varying the position of the block 3 with respect to the base 2.
The second portion 42 therefore defines a second contact surface 42a with the tooth 22 and, more precisely, at least one of the second support surfaces 22b.
The second contact surface 42a can be substantially parallel to the second surfaces 22b and in detail to the axis of rotation 2a.
The second portion 42 is configured to define an extension of the first portion 41 (in particular of the secondary sector 41c) on the opposite side to the portion 41 with respect to the plug 3. It defines an extension, suitably opposite direction of the advancement of the tool 1, of the secondary sector 41c and for the accuracy of the housing of the plug 3.
The second portion 42, resting on the tooth 22 and defining said extension of the plug 3, can discharge, through the second contact surface 42a, the forces and/or couples on the torch 3 against the base 2.
The second portion 42 can define a prevalent axis of extension inclined, with respect to the longitudinal axis 2a, by a spreading angle substantially lower than 30° in particular at 20° and more particularly at 10°. Preferably, said extension is practically parallel to the longitudinal axis 2a.
The second portion 42 has an extension, calculated substantially along the longitudinal axis 2a, at least equal to 50% and in detail at 100% of that of the second support surface 22b and therefore to the groove 221.
It can be seen how the secondary sector 41c and the second portion 42 can therefore have the same extension axis. In particular, as shown in Fig. 4, they can define an element (preferably in one piece) of longitudinal axis, with a first end integral with the first sector 41b and defining said housing of the plug and a second end (or rather the second portion 42) resting on the support surface 22b.
In summary, the movable body 4 can be identified as a substantially L-shaped element with the vertex defining the anchoring point of the plug 3 and a leg resting on the first support surface 22a and the other leg resting on the second support surface 22b.
It can thus be described as comprising the main sector 41b for releasing the forces given by the cut on the tooth 22 and a plug holder (comprising the secondary sector 41c and second portion 42) for discharging the copies given by the cut on the tooth 22.
The contact surfaces 41a and 42a can be substantially transverse to each other and suitably contiguous.
The plate 21 may comprise a socket 21c configured to allow the rotation of the first portion 41.
The locking body 5 is configured to constrain the movable body 4 to the base 2 when the first portion 41 rests on the first support surface 22a and the second portion 42 rests on one of the second support surfaces 22b.
It can define said axis of rotation. It may comprise a hinge or other similar element configured to define the axis.
The locking body 5 can be configured to constrained detachably and in detail integrally, the movable body 4 to the base 2.
It can therefore comprise clamping means 51 rigidly constrained of the movable body 4 to the base 2.
The clamping means 51 can comprise a screw configured to define a threaded coupling with the tooth 22 so as to enclose and therefore clamp the movable body 4 between the base 2 and said clamping means 51.
The hinge and clamping means 51 can coincide with each other. For example, the screw of the clamping means 51 can define the rotation axis as in the figures.
Optionally, the locking body 5 can comprise a stop 52 configured to press the plug 3 against the movable body 4.
The stop 52 can be configured to interpose between the movable body 4 and means 51.
It can comprise a washer (such as cup) configured to compress and therefore elastically deform by tightening the plug 3 to the movable body 4.
As defined above, a chain cutting machine can comprise a plurality of cutting tools 1. In particular, it can comprise several series of cutting tools 1; each series has cutting tools 1 with a different position of the plug 3 and in particular with the movable body 4 constrained to the base 2 by arranging the second portion 42 on a different second support surface 22b.
The operation of the cutting tool 1 and therefore of the chain cutting machine previously described in structural terms is as follows.
Before constraining the cutting tool 1 to the cutting machine, the operator, acting on the clamping means 51, disengages the mobile body 4 and block 3 assembly from the base 2, places the second portion 42 in the desired second support surface 22b so as to have the plug 3 in the desired angular position with respect to the base 2.
Once the plug 3 is in the desired position, the operator integrally fastens the mobile body 4 to the base 2 by means of the locking body 5 and then anchors the tool 1 to the chain cutting machine.
The cutting tool 1 and therefore the chain cutting machine according to the invention achieve important advantages.
In fact, the adoption of a movable body 4 hinged to the base 2 allows to have with a single working tool 1 capable of varying the position of the block 3 which can therefore be adapted to specific requirements. The tool 1 is modular and therefore adaptable to specific needs.
For example, thanks to this solution it is possible to exchange/replace the tools 1 by adapting the position of the plug 3 to the particular requests.
An important advantage is given by the particular locking body 5 and in particular by its engagement with the base 2. In fact, the second portion, resting on the second support surface 22b, allows to discharge the forces on the plug 3 on the base 2 and in detail avoids the presence of cantilever portions and therefore easy to break.
The tool 1 thus presents minor wear and a reduced breaking frequency.
Another advantage is represented by the fact that, since the amplitude of the total opening angle of the second supporting surfaces 22b is substantially equal to 180°, it is possible with tools 1 equipped with a single plug 3 to perform a cut/groove of high width.
The invention is susceptible of variants falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.
For example, the mobile body 4 can be constrained in a complaint way to the plug 3 so as to allow the same plug 3 to vary its position with respect to the movable body 4 and therefore the portion of the plug 3 active in the cut.
The plug 3 is removable with respect to the movable body 4 and therefore replaceable.
Within the scope of the inventive concept, all the details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.

Claims

Cutting tool (1) comprising:
- a base (2) defining an attachment surface (2c) of said cutting tool (1) to a chain cutter;

- a plug (3) configured to perform a manufacturing by removing material;

- a movable body (4) of said plug (3); and
characterized by that
- said base (2) comprises a support tooth (22) said movable body (4) protruding on the opposite side to said attachment surface (2c) and defining
∘ a first support surface (22a) of said movable body (4) and

∘ a plurality of second support surfaces (22b) each of which defining a support of said mobile body (4) on said base substantially transverse to said first support surface (22a); and

by the fact that
- said movable body (4) comprises
∘ a first portion (41) configured to rest on said first support surface (22a) and defining a first contact surface (41a) with said first support surface (22a); and

∘ a second portion (42) defining a second contact surface (42a) transversal to said first contact surface (41a) and configured to rest on one of said second support surfaces (22b) varying the position of said plug (3) with respect to said base (2);

by that comprising
- a locking body (5) configured to constrain said movable body (4) to said base (2) when said first portion (41) rests on said first support surface (22a) and said second portion (42) rests on a said second support surfaces (22b);
Cutting tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein said first portion (41) comprises a housing for said plug (3) and said second portion (42) identifies an extension of said housing and therefore of said plug (3) developing on the opposite side to said plug (3) with respect to said first portion (41).
Cutting tool (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said first portion (41) comprises a main sector (41b) configured to rest on said first support surface (22a) and a secondary sector (41c) comprising said housing; and wherein said secondary sector (41c) and said second portion (42) are made in one piece defining an element defining a longitudinal axis, a first end defining said housing and integral with said first sector (41b) and a second end of support on said support surface (22b).
Cutting tool (1) according to at least one claim 2-3, wherein said base (2) defines a longitudinal axis (2a); and wherein said extension defines with respect to said longitudinal axis (2a) a spreading angle substantially lower than 20 °.
Cutting tool (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said extension is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (2a).
Cutting tool (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said locking body (5) defines an axis of rotation of said movable body (4) with respect to said base (2) so as to define locking positions of said plug (3) with respect to said base (2) having a different angular position of said plug (3) with respect to said base (2).
Cutting tool (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said axis of rotation is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis (2a).
Cutting tool (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said locking body (5) integrally and detachably constrains said base body (4) to said base (2)
Cutting tool (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said locking body (5) comprises clamping means (51) configured for integrally constraining said movable body (4) to said base (2).
Cutting tool (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said clamping means (51) comprise a screw.
Cutting tool (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said locking body (5) comprises a stop (52) configured to press said plug (3) against said movable body (4).
Chain cutter machine for lapidary material comprising cutting tools (1) according to at least one preceding claim.