FR2991898A1 - Device, useful for cutting cement bag into two parts in a field of construction, comprises receptacle formed by two supports movable between a cutting configuration and a gripping configuration, and guidance unit to guide cutting unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises: a unit (4) for cutting a container into two parts (2.1, 2.2) when an operator actuates the cutting unit; a receptacle adapted to receive the container and formed by two supports (6.1, 6.2) movable between a cutting configuration and a gripping configuration; and a guidance unit to guide the cutting unit according to an overall vertical direction at the time of cutting of the container placed out of the receptacle so that the cutting unit has an upward motion between a low position and a high position. The cutting unit in low position is placed under the receptacle. The device comprises: a unit (4) for cutting a container into two parts (2.1, 2.2) when an operator actuates the cutting unit; a receptacle adapted to receive the container and formed by two supports (6.1, 6.2) movable between a cutting configuration, in which the supports are juxtaposed and separated by an opening (8) adapted for the passage from the cutting unit, and a gripping configuration, in which each support places the respective cut parts in a position for allowing the gripping of the cut part by an operator and the maintenance of a pulverulent material in the cut parts; and a guidance unit arranged to guide the cutting unit according to an overall vertical direction at the time of cutting of the container placed out of the receptacle so that the cutting unit has an upward motion between a low position and a high position. The cutting unit in low position is placed under the receptacle. The device further comprises: a first connection unit arranged to allow a swiveling of each support between the cutting configuration and the gripping configuration and around a respective fulcrum pin extending parallel to the opening; two handles (12, 13) connected to the cutting unit to enable the operator to draw the cutting unit according to a vertical and upward movement; a first biasing member arranged to bring the cutting unit in the low position; a second biasing member arranged respectively to bring each support back to the cutting configuration after the operator is unloaded the respective supports of the cut parts; and a fixed structure such as feet arranged to place the receptacle at a height from 1 meter above the horizontal ground. Each support is tilted compared to a horizontal ground at an angle of 50-80[deg] degrees in the gripping configuration. The handles are located close to a transverse side of the cutting unit. The receptacle has a shape of a rectangle with length of 500-1000 mm and width of 300-500 mm. The opening transversely extends to a longitudinal direction from the receptacle and on a level from half the length of the receptacle. The second biasing members exert a return effort that is lower than the effort exerted by the cut parts. The supports include plates that are coplanar in the cutting configuration. Each support includes a wall arranged to retain the cut parts in the gripping configuration and placed on a side of the respective support opposed to the opening. The opening extends on a major part of the width of the receptacle. The cutting unit include a blade whose thread has shape of a V reversed. The guidance unit is formed by two guide links extending parallel to a direction of upward movement of the blade.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for cutting into at least two parts a container of powder material, such as a cement bag. The present invention finds particular application in the field of construction for the handling and preparation of containers of pulverulent materials. In particular, the present invention makes it possible to cut bags of cement, mortar, concrete, plaster, glue, etc. According to a method of the prior art, an operator, usually a mason, places a bag of cement on the ground, then slices it with a shovel. Then, the operator drops to the ground to lift and transport part of the cement bag. However, such a method forces the operator to bend to the ground, which increases his fatigue and the risk of injury. Indeed, in France, a "standard" cement bag weighs about 35 kg. In other countries, a "standard" cement bag can weigh around 50 kg. In addition, the cutting of the cement bag is not always performed the first time or in the right place, that is to say preferably in the middle of the cement bag. In addition, a substantial portion of the powder material flows out of each portion thus cut, which increases the cost of cement and soiling of the work site. The present invention aims to solve, in whole or in part, the problems mentioned above. For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for cutting into at least two parts a container of powder material, such as a cement bag, the device comprising at least: cutting means adapted to cut a container into at least two parts cut when an operator actuates the cutting means; a receptacle adapted to receive at least one container, the receptacle being formed by at least two movable supports between: a cutting configuration, in which the supports are juxtaposed and separated two by two by an opening adapted for the passage of the means of chopped off ; and - a gripping configuration, wherein each support places a respective cut portion in a position for gripping the cut portion by an operator and maintaining the powder material in the cut portion and; guiding means arranged to guide the cutting means in a generally vertical direction, during the cutting of the container disposed on the receptacle, so that the cutting means have an upward movement, between a low position and a high position, the cutting means in the lower position being disposed under the receptacle.

In other words, the operator actuates the cutting means so as to cut the container placed on the receptacle. Then, each support moves to present a cut portion of the container to the gripping of the operator. Thus, a device according to the invention reduces fatigue and the risk of injury to the operator, because he must not bend down to the ground. In addition, a device according to the invention makes it possible to cut the container always the first time and precisely in the right place. In addition, a device according to the invention allows the maintenance of the powder material in the cut portion, which avoids loss of powder material and soiling of the work site. In addition, such cutting means guarantee the safety of the operators because the cutting means are retracted under the receptacle when the receptacle is empty. The weight of the cutting means may be sufficient to move them from their high position to their lowered and retracted position.

In the present application, the term "cut" means that the container is sliced in all or in large part in the direction of its thickness. In other words, cutting a container involves cutting not only its envelope, but also the agglomerate formed by the powder material.

In this application, the term "cut portion" refers to a portion of the container after cutting. In the present application, a low position is located at an altitude lower than a high position, when the device according to the invention is in use.

In the present application, the term "arranged under" means that the cutting means are disposed at an altitude less than the altitude of the receptacle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a device according to the invention may further comprise first connecting means arranged to allow pivoting of each support between the cutting configuration and the gripping configuration and around an axis. of respective pivoting extending generally parallel to the opening. In other words, after cutting, the weight of each half of the cement bag moves the respective support from the cutting position (high) to an inclined gripping position (low). Thus, such first connecting means makes it possible to move each support from the cutting configuration, where the container is substantially horizontal, to the gripping configuration, where the container is substantially oblique or even vertical. According to one embodiment of the invention, in the gripping configuration, each support is inclined relative to a horizontal ground at an angle of between 40 degrees and 80 degrees, preferably between 50 degrees and 80 degrees. Thus, such an angle allows effective maintenance of the powder material in the cut portion. According to one embodiment of the invention, a device 20 according to the invention may further comprise two handles related to the cutting means so as to allow an operator to pull the cutting means according to the generally vertical and upward movement, the handles being preferably located near the transverse edges of the cutting means. Thus, such handles facilitate movement of the cutting means by an operator: to cut the cement bag, the operator can pull up both handles. According to one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle generally has the shape of a rectangle whose length is between 500 mm and 1000 mm and whose width is between 300 mm and 500 mm, and in which the opening extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the receptacle and at half the length of the receptacle. Thus, such a receptacle can receive a "standard" cement bag having common dimensions. In addition, such an opening 35 allows the container to be cut in two halves.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a device according to the invention may further comprise first return members arranged to return the cutting means in the lower position. Thus, such first return members provide a passive safety of the operators, because the first return members quickly retract the cutting means under the receptacle. According to one embodiment of the invention, a device according to the invention may further comprise second return members, respectively arranged to return each support in cutting configuration, after the operator has relieved the respective support of the cut part. Thus, such second return members allow the cut portion, typically half of the cement bag, to move the support in the gripping position against the return members.

According to a variant of the invention, the second return members are resilient members, for example springs working in torsion. Thus, such resilient members can quickly bring each carrier in cutting configuration. According to a variant of the invention, the second return members comprise dampers of hydraulic, pneumatic or oleopneumatic type. Thus, such dampers can gradually bring back and without shock each support in cut configuration. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second return members are adapted to exert a return force which is less than the force exerted by the weight of a cut part. According to one embodiment of the invention, each support comprises at least one tray, the trays of the supports being generally coplanar in cutting configuration. Thus, such supports allow to receive a container 30 having a generally flat face, such as a "standard" cement bag. According to one embodiment of the invention, each support comprises at least one wall arranged to retain a cut portion in gripping configuration, the wall being preferably disposed on the edge of the respective support which is opposite to the opening. Thus, such a wall makes it possible to retain the cut portion in a gripping configuration on the device according to the invention, which prevents it from falling on the ground.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the opening extends over most of the width of the receptacle. In other words, the opening defines a transverse slot. Thus, such an opening makes it possible to cut the container along its median region. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cutting means comprise a blade whose wire has generally the shape of an inverted "V". Thus, such cutting means allow an operator to cut a container without significant effort. According to a variant of the invention, the cutting means are composed of several cutting projections and the opening is composed of several cavities aligned in the manner of dotted lines. In other words, the blade is serrated because it has a succession of teeth, which are preferably aligned. Thus, such cutting means ensure efficient cutting of a container while ensuring the safety of an operator. Alternatively, the blade can be smooth. According to one embodiment of the invention, a device according to the invention may further comprise a fixed structure, for example feet, arranged to place the receptacle at a height of about 1 meter above a horizontal floor. Thus, the receptacle is placed at a working height, which allows an operator to easily place a container on the receptacle and easily unload each support. According to one embodiment of the invention, the guide means are formed by two slide links extending substantially parallel to the direction of the upward movement of the blade. In other words, the guide means slide the blade. In practice, the slide links are formed by rails, and therefore profiles. Thus, such sliding links can guide the blade avoiding its disengagement. The present invention will be well understood and its advantages will also emerge in the light of the description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a device according to the invention in sectional configuration; - Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, at an angle different from Figure 1, with a container placed in sectional configuration; - Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, at an angle different from Figure 2, in the gripping configuration; - Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2, with an operator near the device; and - Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, the operator actuating the device according to the invention during a step between the cutting configuration and the gripping configuration.

Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 illustrate a device 1 for cutting into two parts a container of powder material. In the example of Figures 2 and 3, the container of powder material is a bag 2 containing cement. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the device 1 comprises a blade 4 which forms cutting means adapted to cut a bag 2 in two cut parts when an operator actuates the cutting means. The blade 4 has a thread 4.1 which generally has the shape of an inverted "V". In other words, the blade 4 is generally in the form of a triangle. The device 1 further comprises a receptacle 6 which is adapted to receive a bag 2. The receptacle 6 is here formed by two supports 6.1 and 6.2 which are movable between: - a cutting configuration (FIGS. 2 and 4), in which the supports 6.1 and 6.2 are juxtaposed and separated in pairs by an opening 8 adapted for the passage of the blade 4; and - a gripping configuration (FIG. 3), in which each support 6.1 or 6.2 places a respective cut portion 2.1 or 2.2 in a position allowing gripping of the cut portion 2.1 or 2.2 by an operator; in addition, this position allows the maintenance of the cement in the cut part 2.1 or 2.2.

Each support 6.1 or 6.2 comprises a respective plate 6.11 or 6.21 to support a portion of the bag 2. The plates of the supports 6.1 and 6.2 are coplanar overall in cut configuration (Figure 1). The receptacle 6 has the overall shape of a rectangle whose length L6 is here about 630 mm and whose width W6 is here about 450 mm. The length L6 is measured parallel to a longitudinal direction X6 of the receptacle 6. The width W6 is measured perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction X6. The opening 8 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction X6 and at half the length L6. The opening 8 extends over the entire width W6 of the receptacle 6. The device 1 further comprises unrepresented guide means which are laterally covered by flanges 8 and 9. The guide means are arranged to guide the blade 4 in a generally vertical direction Z4 when cutting the bag 2 disposed on the receptacle 6, so that the blade 4 has an upward movement between a low position (Figure 2) and a high position (Figure 3). In the low position, the blade 4 is disposed under the receptacle 6. In the example of the figures, the guide means are formed by two slide links formed by rails which extend substantially parallel to the direction of the upward movement of the blade . The device 1 further comprises first not shown connecting means which are arranged to allow pivoting of each support 6.1 or 6.2 between the cutting configuration (Figures 1 and 2) and the gripping configuration (Figure 3). In practice, each of these first connecting means may be formed by an axis, such as a rod, to which a respective support 6.1 or 6.2 is rotatably connected. As shown in FIG. 3, the support 6.1 pivots around a pivot axis Y6.1 which extends generally parallel to the opening 8.

The support 6.2 pivots about a pivot axis Y6.2 which extends generally parallel to the opening 8. The pivot axes Y6.1 and Y6.2 are here located near the opening 8. In the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 3, each support 6.1 or 6.2 is inclined relative to the horizontal ground by a respective angle A6.1 or 6.2 which is about 60 degrees. For the clarity of FIG. 3, the angles A6.1 and 6.2 are materialized with respect to a horizontal plane and parallel to the horizontal ground 10.

The device 1 further comprises two handles 12 and 13 which are connected to the blade 4 so as to allow an operator to pull the blade 4 in a generally vertical movement (Z4) and ascending. The handles 12 and 13 are here located near the transverse edges of the blade 4.

In the example of the figures, the blade 4 returns to the low position under the effect of gravity. Alternatively, the device may comprise first return members arranged to return the cutting means in the lower position. In addition, the device 1 comprises second not shown return members, which are respectively arranged to return each support 6.1 or 6.2 in cutting configuration (Figures 1 and 2), after the operator has relieved the respective support 6.1 or 6.2 from its cut off section 2.1 or 2.2. In practice, the second return members may comprise two "grooms" or door closers, which are respectively arranged under and against the supports 6.1 and 6.2 so as to exert on each support 6.1 or 6.2 a return torque in cutting configuration ( Figure 1), that is substantially horizontally. As an alternative to grooms, the second return members may comprise two helical traction springs (typically a spring-loaded door closer) which are respectively arranged under the supports 6.1 and 6.2 so as to exert on each support 6.1 or 6.2 a force in the cut configuration (FIG. 1). The second return members are adapted to exert a return force which is less than the force exerted on the respective support 6.1 or 6.2 by the weight of a cut portion 2.1 or 2.2. In the example of the figures, the second return members are springs working in torsion. Furthermore, each support 6.1 or 6.2 comprises transverse walls and a respective end wall 6.12 or 6.22. As shown in Figure 3, each end wall 14.1 or 14.2 is arranged to retain a cut portion 2.1 or 2.2 in the gripping configuration. In the example of the figures, each end wall 14.1 or 14.2 is disposed on the longitudinal edge of the respective support 6.12 or 6.22 which is opposite the opening 8.

In addition, the device 1 comprises a frame 16 forming a fixed structure with feet 18. The frame 16 is arranged to place the receptacle 6 at a height H6 of about 1 meter above a horizontal ground 10.

In use, as shown in Figure 4, an operator 20 places a bag 2 in the receptacle 6, the supports 6.1 and 6.2 are in cut configuration. Then, the operator 20 actuates the blade 4 by pulling the handles 12 and 13 so as to print to the blade 4, guided by the not shown guide means, a generally vertical movement (Z4) and ascending, between the low position and the high position of the blade 4. When the blade 4 has passed through the opening 8 and reaches its high position, the bag 2 is cut into two halves or cut parts 2.1 and 2.2. The blade 4 is then retracted under the receptacle 6 under the effect of its own weight. As the second return members exert a lower return force to the force exerted on the respective support 6.1 or 6.2 by the weight of a cut portion 2.1 or 2.2, the respective support 6.1 or 6.2 pivots around the respective axis Y6.1 or Y6.2, from the cut configuration (Figure 4) to the gripping configuration (Figure 5). The operator 20 can then take the cut portions 2.1 and 2.2. After the operator 20 has relieved the respective support 6.1 or 6.2 of its cut portion 2.1 or 2.2, the second non-represented return members bring each support 6.1 or 6.2 in cut configuration (Figures 1 and 2). According to advantageous but optional features of the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: Each foot has an adjustable length. Thus, the operator can adjust to its size the gripping height of the half-bags. - Each foot can be retracted to be folded under each support. Thus, when the feet are folded, the device is more compact, so easier to store. - The device, in particular its receptacle, can be foldable. Thus, when the device is folded, it is more compact, so easier to store. The present invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. The present invention includes all

Claims (14)

REVENDICATIONS1. Device (1) for cutting in at least two parts a container (2) of powder material, such as a cement bag, the device (1) comprising at least: cutting means (4) adapted to cut a container (2) in at least two cut portions when an operator (20) actuates the cutting means (4); a receptacle (6) adapted to receive at least one container (2), the receptacle (6) being formed by at least two supports (6.1, 6.2) movable between: - a cutting configuration, in which the supports (6.1 6.2) are juxtaposed and separated two by two by an opening (8) adapted for the passage of the cutting means (4); and - a gripping configuration, in which each support (6.1, 6.2) places a respective cut portion (2.1, 2.2) in a position for gripping the cut portion (2.1, 2.2) by an operator (20) and maintaining the powder material in the cut portion (2.1, 2.2) and; guiding means arranged to guide the cutting means (4) in a generally vertical direction, during the cutting of the container (2) disposed on the receptacle (6), so that the cutting means (4) have an upward movement between a low position and a high position, the cutting means (4) in the lower position being disposed under the receptacle (6). 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising first connecting means arranged to allow pivoting of each support (6.1, 6.2) between the cutting configuration and the gripping configuration and around a bearing axis. respective pivoting extending generally parallel to the opening (8). 35 3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in gripping configuration, each support (6.1, 6.2) is inclined relative to a horizontal ground (10) of an angle (A6.1, A6 .2) between 40 degrees and 80 degrees, preferably between 50 degrees 80 degrees. 4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising two handles (12, 13) connected to the cutting means (4) so as to allow an operator (20) to pull the cutting means (4). ) following the generally vertical and upward movement, the handles (12, 13) being preferably located near the transverse edges of the cutting means (4). 5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (6) has the overall shape of a rectangle whose length (L6) is between 500 mm and 1000 mm and whose width (W6) is between 300 mm and 500 mm, and wherein the opening (8) extends transversely to the longitudinal direction (X6) of the receptacle (6) and at half the length (L6) of the receptacle (6). ). 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising first return members arranged to return 20 the cutting means in the low position. 7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising second return members, respectively arranged to return each support (6.1, 6.2) in cutting configuration, after the operator (20) relieved the support (6.1, 6.2) respective of the cut part (2.1, 2.2). 8. Device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second return members are adapted to exert a return force 30 which is less than the force exerted by the weight of a cut portion (2.1, 2.2). 9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each support (6.1, 6.2) comprises at least one plate (6.11, 6.21), the trays (6.11, 6.21) supports (6.1, 6.2) being generally Coplanar in cut configuration. 10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each support (6.1, 6.2) comprises at least one wall (6.12, 6.22) arranged to retain a cut portion (2.1, 2.2) in gripping configuration, the wall (6.12, 6.22) being preferably arranged on the edge of the respective support (6.1, 6.2) which is opposite to the opening (8). 11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (8) extends over most of the width (W6) of the receptacle (6). 12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting means (4) comprise a blade whose wire has generally the shape of a "V" reversed. 13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fixed structure (16), for example feet (16), arranged to place the receptacle (6) at a height (H6) of about 1 meter above a horizontal ground (10). 14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide means are formed by two slide links extending substantially parallel to the direction of the upward movement of the blade.