IT202100008384A1 - SEPARATOR DEVICE FOR TILE CUTTERS AND RELATED TILE CUTTERS - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

of the Italian Patent for Industrial Invention entitled:

?SEPARATOR DEVICE FOR TILE CUTTERS AND RELATED

TILE CUTTER?

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an accessory for a tile cutter, in particular to a separating or splitting device for splitting ceramic tiles. PRE-EXISTING TECHNIQUE

As ? Known, tile cutters generally include a base on which the suitable for placing a tile to be cut. These tile cutters also include a guide bar, defined by a single bar or a pair of parallel bars, which is? mounted above the base and parallel to it. A tool holder carriage slides on the guide bar and this carriage supports an engraving tool, generally a point or an engraving wheel, for engraving the upper surface of the tile. Furthermore, the tile cutter? equipped with a breaking foot to break the tile along the incision line previously made by the engraving tool, which breaking foot can? be associated with the carriage that carries the engraving tool or fixed to the base.

A need felt in the sector? that of increasing the efficiency and precision of the splitting performed on the tiles, especially for very thick and/or large format tiles and/or for tiles which, due to their physical-chemical conformation, are particularly difficult to separate, as the fracture does not follow the incision line made with the cutting tool in a regular manner.

In fact, the known breaking feet are not particularly effective in promoting the separation of the tile, when this is, as mentioned above, difficult to separate, since the known breaking feet associated with the carriage are such as to impart an impulsive force (or a impact force) to the tile and, therefore, do not allow the triggering of a controlled failure, while the known failure feet associated with the base are not such as to be able to follow the progress of the failure along the incision line made on the tile.

EXHIBITION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention ? that of satisfying the needs felt in the sector and overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, within the ambit of a simple, rational and low-cost solution.

These purposes are achieved by the characteristics of the invention set forth in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

The invention, in particular, makes available a separator device which can be applied to a manual tile cutter, in which the tile cutter comprises a base for a tile and at least one guide bar arranged above the base and on which an engraving tool slides, in which the separator device comprehends:

- a support configured to be connected in an adjustable manner to the guide bar;

- a presser body equipped with two split feet, in which the presser body ? slidably associated with the support along a (single) sliding direction (preferably perpendicular to the base of the tile cutter or substantially perpendicular, or having the main component perpendicular to the base of the tile cutter), ie so as to translate without oscillating with respect to the support; And

- an actuator configured to actuate the pressure body in sliding relative to the support along the sliding direction.

Thanks to this solution, in particular, ? possible to achieve the set goals. In particular, the separator device allows the tiles to be split effectively and precisely even when the tiles have a high thickness and/or a large size and/or are particularly difficult to break, or have a physical-chemical conformation such as to where the separation, if not controlled and guided gradually, would deviate from the previously made incision line.

Furthermore, this separator device can be used in place of or in addition to the tile cutter's breaking foot and can? be sold in combination with a tile cutter or separately from the tile cutters. Consequently, the separator device, for how ? conformed, can be adaptable to different types of tile cutters or similar on the market.

For example, the? actuator ? a manual actuator, preferably a controlled actuation. For example, the? actuator ? configured to slide the pressure body with respect to the support if actuated (manually) and stop the reciprocal sliding of the pressure body with respect to the support (in the position reached) when released (of manual actuation).

According to one aspect of the invention, the actuator can be a screw actuator. Thanks to this solution, the pressure exerted by the separator device on the tile can be gradual, precisely controlled and, for example, easily kept constant.

Advantageously, the? actuator can? comprising an articulated scissor system interposed between the support and the pressure body.

According to an alternative aspect of the invention, the actuator can be selected from the group consisting of a cam actuator, a lever actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, an actuator with variable thicknesses and combinations thereof.

Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, the support can comprising an abutment surface (for example placed inside a seat, preferably cradle-shaped) suitable for contacting (and possibly embracing) an axial portion of the guide bar at least below.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the invention, the support can include a temporary anchor assembly to the guide bar.

Preferably, the anchor group can? comprising or consisting of at least one magnet capable of anchoring itself to the guide bar by means of a magnetic force of attraction.

Advantageously, the abutment surface of the support (ie the seat of the same) can? be associated with the height-adjustable support along the sliding direction of the pressure body.

Thanks to this solution, the separator device can? be adapted according to the thickness of the tiles to be separated.

Again, the support can? be configured to slide longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the guide bar, for example by defining a substantially prismatic coupling therewith.

According to one aspect of the invention, the splitting feet can be individually or jointly spread apart with respect to each other so as to be able to adjust the mutual distance with respect to an adjustment direction orthogonal to the sliding direction.

For the same purposes set out above, the invention also makes available a manual tile cutter comprising:

- a base;

- a guide bar arranged above the base;

- a scoring tool slidably associated with the guide bar along a scoring direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guide bar, in which the scoring tool configured to score an upper surface of a tile resting on the base along a scoring line with axis longitudinal parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar; And

- at least one separator device, as described above, in which, for example, the abutment surface of the separator device contacts the bottom of at least one axial portion of the guide bar and the splitting feet are arranged on opposite sides with respect to an incision plane orthogonal to the base which contains the scribe line.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached tables.

Figure 1 ? an isometric view of a tile cutter according to the invention. Figure 2 ? a side view of figure 1.

Figure 3 ? a first isometric view of a separator device according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 ? a second isometric view of the separator device of figure 3.

Figure 5 ? a front front view of figure 3.

Figure 6 ? a side view of figure 3.

Figure 7 ? a top view of figure 3.

Figure 8 ? a sectional view along the VIII-VIII section line of figure 6. Figure 9 is a sectional view. a sectional view along the section line IX-IX of figure 2 (when the separator device is of the type of the first embodiment of the invention).

Figure 10 ? a first isometric view of a separator device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 ? a second isometric view of the separator device of figure 10.

Figure 12 ? a front front view of figure 10.

Figure 13 ? a side view of figure 10.

Figure 14 ? a top view of figure 10.

Figure 15 ? a sectional view along the XV-XV section line of figure 13. Figures 16-18 show an association sequence of the separator device according to the second embodiment of the invention to a guide bar (formed by two longitudinal members).

Figure 19 ? a sectional view along the XIX-XIX sectional line of figure 2 (when the separator device is of the type of the second embodiment of the invention).

Figure 20 ? a schematic side view of a separator device according to a third embodiment associated with a tile cutter.

Figure 21 ? a schematic side view of a separator device according to a fourth embodiment associated with a tile cutter.

Figure 22 ? a first isometric view of a separator device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 23 ? a second isometric view of the separator device of figure 22.

Figure 24 ? a front front view of figure 22.

Figure 25 ? a side view of figure 22.

Figure 26 ? an exploded view of the separator device of figure 22.

Figure 27 ? a sectional view along the section line XXVII-XXVII of figure 2 (when the separator device is of the type of the fifth embodiment of the invention).

Figure 28 ? a schematic side view of a separator device according to a sixth embodiment associated with a tile cutter.

BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

With particular reference to these figures, yes? the reference numeral 10 generally indicates a tile cutter, preferably a manual tile cutter (or a manually operated tile cutter, without the aid of motorized members).

The tile cutter 10 comprises a base 20 extended along a longitudinal axis A (in use substantially horizontal).

The basement 20 ? for example made of metal.

The base 20 defines a support plane for at least one tile to be cut, globally indicated with the letter T.

Preferably but not limitedly, the base 20 comprises a pair of longitudinal platforms 21 (coplanar) side by side with respect to a side by side direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A of the base 20, among which ? a longitudinal gap 22 is defined, for example over the entire length.

Such platforms 21 are, for example, arranged on yielding supports (for example springs or cylinders), so as to be able to pass from a raised position (of equilibrium) to a lowered position (under the effect of a thrust directed orthogonally to the plane of support and in contrast to a thrust force, for example elastic, defined by yielding supports).

From the interspace 22, when the platforms 21 are in the lowered position, a cutting ridge 23 rises (for example full extension), the top of which is ? placed at a higher (fixed) level with respect to the plane defined by the platforms 21 (movable) when these are in their lowered position.

At opposite ends? axial supports of the base 20 rise upright supports 24 which support the extremities? axial of a guide bar 25 (fully developed). The guide bar 25 ? arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the base 20 and at a distance (not zero) from the support plane of the base 20.

For example the guide bar 25 ? arranged at a distance from the support surface 20 greater than the maximum thickness of the tiles T to be cut.

The guide bar 25 pu? be arranged at a fixed distance from the support surface or at an adjustable and/or variable distance, in a continuous or discontinuous manner. In a first embodiment of the base 20, shown in figures 1-2, the guide bar 25 is made from a single longitudinal member, for example shaped like a plate (slim width) having two opposite and parallel main faces (orthogonal to the support plane and parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the base 20).

In this case, the guide bar 25 ? aligned along a (vertical) direction orthogonal to the support plane defined by the base 20 to the shearing crest 23 (at a non-zero distance therefrom).

In a second embodiment of the base 20 (in which a portion of the guide bar 25 is shown in figures 16-18), the guide bar 25 is composed of two parallel side members, for example side by side (at non-zero mutual distance) along said side by side direction, for example each side member which makes up the guide bar 25 ? defined by a cylindrical body.

In this second embodiment, the longitudinal members which make up the guide bar are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the longitudinal plane (vertical and median) orthogonal to the support plane and which passes through the cutting crest 23, for example symmetrically with respect to it.

The tile cutter 10 also comprises a tool carriage 30, which ? slidingly mounted on the guide bar 25.

The tool trolley 30 ? configured to slide axially on the guide bar 25 along a sliding direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the base 20, in the two sliding directions.

Preferably, the sliding of the tool holder carriage 30 is manually operated (by a tile cutting operator T).

The tool holder carriage 30 supports a scoring tool 31, which ? configured to make an incision on the upper surface of the tile T resting on the support surface of the base 20 during a sliding stroke of the tool holder carriage 30 along the guide bar 25.

In practice, the engraving tool 31 ? configured to score the tile T along a score line I, preferably straight and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25, for example throughout the development of the tile T.

Furthermore, the tool holder carriage 30 (also) supports a splitting tool 32, which ? configured to trigger a (brittle) fracture in the tile T engraved by the engraving tool 31.

In practice, the splitting tool 32 ? configured to trigger or favor the triggering of a full-thickness crack in the tile T which propagates starting from the incision line I along a preferential development plane orthogonal to the support plane of the base 20.

In a possible embodiment shown in the figures, the tool holder carriage 30 is a lever body, which has a main body (shaped), from the upper portion of which (distal from the base 20) an elongated handle 33 extends.

The handle 33 extends above the guide bar 25, so that it can be operated manually.

The main body of the tool carriage 30 ? configured to slide (with reduced/no lateral play) along the guide bar 25.

The main body of the tool carriage 30 ? inserted on the guide bar 25 with plenty of vertical play, i.e. perpendicular to the support surface of the base 20.

For example, the main body of the tool carriage 30 has a through pocket threaded onto the guide bar 25.

In the lower portion of the main body of the tool holder carriage 30 which extends below the guide bar 25, preferably in a front area of the lower portion, i.e. in an opposite direction to the end? free from the handle 33) ? associated with the engraver tool 31.

In the example, the engraving tool 31 ? rotatably associated with the lower portion of the main body of the tool holder carriage 30, around an axis of rotation orthogonal to the longitudinal axis A and parallel to the support plane defined by the base 20.

Preferably, the engraving tool 31 ? an engraving wheel.

In the lower portion of the main body of the tool holder carriage 30 which extends below the guide bar 25, preferably in a rear area with respect to the engraving tool 31 in the development direction of the handle 33 towards its end? free, ? associated with the splitting tool 32.

The splitting tool 32 ? rigidly fixed to (or made in one piece with) the main body of the tool holder carriage 30.

For example, the splitting tool 32 ? defined by a pad shaped like a ?V? reverse which defines two separate support surfaces placed on opposite sides (and symmetrical) with respect to the plane of arrangement of the engraving tool 31 (or of the wheel), in which the support surfaces of the splitting tool 32 are configured to go into contact (forced) with the upper surface of the tile T on opposite sides with respect to the incision line I made by the incision tool 31. The main body of the tool holder carriage 30 ? associated with the guide bar 25 in a tilting way, how better will it be? described below.

For example, inside the main body pocket? associated with an upper wheel rotatably coupled to the main body by means of an upper rotation pin, which upper wheel ? configured to roll resting on the upper edge of the guide bar 25.

Furthermore, two lower wheels are associated inside the pocket of the main body, one of which is a lower front wheel (proximal to the scoring tool 31) and a lower rear wheel (proximal to the splitting tool 32), in which each of the wheels lower ? rotatably coupled (e.g. adjustable in the vertical direction) to the main body by means of a respective lower pivot pin.

The lower wheels are configured to selectively roll abutting the lower edge of guide bar 25.

The tool trolley 30, therefore, ? pivoting on the guide bar 25 between at least two extreme positions, one of which is an incision position and a splitting position.

In the incision position, the handle 33 ? rotated forward and the lower edge of the guide bar 25 ? in contact (for rolling) with the lower rear wheel, which acts as a front fulcrum for the tool holder carriage 30.

In the split position, the handle 33 ? rotated back and the lower edge of the guide bar 25 ? in contact (for rolling) with the front lower wheel, which acts as the front fulcrum for the tool holder carriage 30.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tool carriage 30 is of the ?pulling? type, it cannot be excluded that it could be of the ?pushing? type. or other type known in tile cutters.

Furthermore, it is not excluded that the main body of the tool holder carriage 30 has different (known) configurations, for example when used to slide on a guide bar with two longitudinal members.

According to the invention, yes? globally indicated with the number 50 a separator device, which for example ? an accessory device usable in combination with a tile cutter 10, as described below.

The separator device 50 comprises a (rigid) support 51 configured to be connected to the guide bar 25, in any position thereof. The separator device 50 and/or the support 51 ? a body separate and independent from the tool holder carriage 30 of the tile cutter 10.

The support 51, in particular, pu? configured to be freely connected to the guide bar 25 without mutual (axial and/or radial) position constraints. Alternatively, support 51 can? be connected to the guide bar 25 by means of suitable (shape) constraints, for example by means of a sliding connection (for example prismatic).

Preferably, support 51 ? removably associated with the guide bar 25 (without having to disassemble it from the base 20).

The support 51 comprises an abutment surface, which ? configured to cooperate with (and come into contact with) the guide bar 25, so as to define a support constraint for the support 51 with respect to the guide bar 25 in the direction in which the support 51 moves away from the base 20.

In other words, the guide bar 25 defines a constraint for (the abutment surface of) the support 51 such as to offer a constraint reaction to a thrust perpendicular to the support plane of the base 20 and directed away from it.

The abutment surface, preferably, ? configured to be arranged (in use) parallel to the support plane defined by the base 20 and facing the guide bar 25 (that is, in a manner consistent with said support plane).

Preferably, the abutment surface ? configured to be placed in contact (coplanar) with the lower edge of the guide bar 25.

The support 51 also comprises a seat 511, which defines (at the top) the aforesaid abutment surface of the support.

In practice, the aforesaid abutment surface ? defined by the internal (or soffit) surface of seat 511.

In particular, the 511 headquarters ? configured to contact (via the abutment surface thereof), at least partially, the guide bar 25, for example in correspondence/proximity? of its lower edge.

For example, the 511 office ? elongated along a longitudinal axis which, in use, is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal bar A.

Furthermore, when does the seat 511 house the lower edge of the guide bar 25 inside the support 51 (thanks to the shape of the seat 511)? the free sliding and/or positioning along the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25 is permitted, so that it can be positioned in any axial position of the guide bar 25.

Seat 511, in the example, ? defined by a pair of plates 512 placed side by side (and separated from each other) along a side by side direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the seat itself (or, in use, of the guide bar 25).

The plates 512 each comprise a free upper wall (facing upwards), in which the upper walls are mutually aligned along the side-by-side direction and, overall, define said seat 511 (or the abutment surface thereof).

The separator device 50, or the support 51 thereof, comprises a temporary anchoring unit 515 to the guide bar 25, which is configured to temporarily constrain the separator device 50 (ie the support 51) to the guide bar 25 itself.

The anchor group 515 ? of the solvable type, i.e. ? configured to selectively dock or undock to guide bar 25.

Preferably, the anchor group 515 is shaped so as to be anchored to the guide bar without modifying its structure.

In the preferred example, the anchor group 515 comprises at least one magnet (or magnet), which ? adapted to anchor itself to the guide bar 25 (made of ferromagnetic metal) by means of a magnetic attraction force.

The magnet? configured so that the magnetic attraction force produced by it is greater than or equal to the weight force exerted on the separator device 50 (or to its weight), so that the anchoring group 515 can support (in suspension) the separator device itself (as a whole).

Furthermore, the anchor group 515 ? configured to allow (and guide) the sliding of the separator device 50 along the guide bar 25, for example by keeping the guide bar 25 inserted in the seat 511 of the support 51.

The separator device 50 then comprises a pressure body 52, which ? configured to be pressed on the upper surface of the tile T resting on the support surface of the base 20.

The pressure body 52 ? supported by the support 51, for example with the possibility? to move relative to it.

Preferably, the pressing body 52 is slidably associated with the support 51, so as to be able to slide, in use, along a (vertical) sliding direction orthogonal to the support surface of the base 20.

In practice, the pressing body 52 ? configured to translate, without variation of reciprocal inclinations, with respect to the support 51.

Basically, the pressure body 52 ? bound to the support 51 by means of a translational constraint which allows a single degree of freedom? translational to the presser body 52 of reciprocal approach/removal (without oscillations).

The pressure body 52 comprises an elongated (and thin) lamina 520, for example with a longitudinal axis which, in use, is parallel to the support plane of the base 20 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25.

The 520 foil? substantially rigid (ie non-deformable under the usual stresses to which it is intended in operation).

The pressure body 52, or the blade 520 thereof, is placed below the support 51 resulting, in use, interposed between the support 51 and (the tile T resting on the support surface of) the base 20.

The pressure body 52 comprises two (lower) split feet 521 configured to contact the upper surface of the tile T in two separate points.

The splitting feet 521 define the lower end area of the pressure body 52 (and of the entire separator device 50), which support the same resting on the upper surface of the tile T.

The split feet 521 arise below the plate 520.

The split feet 521 are separated from each other along a mutual separation direction which, in use, is? parallel to the support plane of the base 20 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25 (or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate 520).

Each of the split feet 521 ? configured to be superimposed in plan view on a respective platform 21 of the base 20.

In practice, the splitting feet 521 are configured to be arranged on opposite sides with respect to the incision line I (made by the incision tool 31) on the tile T resting on the support plane of the base 20.

The splitting feet 521 can be at variable or fixed reciprocal distance (along the direction of separation), as will be better described below in relation to the various exemplary embodiments of the separator device 50.

The splitting feet 521, thanks to the sliding connection between the pressure body 52 (ie the plate 520) and the support 51, are configured to rest on the upper surface of the tile T without any sliding.

The separator device 50 also comprises an actuator 53, which ? configured to operate the pressure body 52 and the support 51 in reciprocal sliding along said direction of sliding.

Preferably, the actuator 53 ? configured to actuate the pressure body 52 in sliding with respect to the support 51 along said sliding direction in both sliding directions, so as to approach and/or move them away along this sliding direction.

The 53 actuator? supported by support 51 and ? connected directly or indirectly to the presser body 52, how best will it be? illustrated below.

The actuator 53, preferably, ? a manual actuator (ie operated exclusively in manual mode) or a servo-assisted actuator (ie operated manually, for example by means of a manual command, with the aid of a force imparted by a drive member).

With the aid of figures 3-9, a first (and preferred) embodiment of the separator device 50 is described below.

This first embodiment of the separator device 50? configured for use with a tile cutter 20 equipped with a guide bar 25 formed by a single longitudinal member (as shown in figures 1-2).

In this first embodiment, the seat 511 ? shaped like a cradle and has a concavity? facing, in use, on the opposite side of the support plane of the base 20 (ie towards the top).

In particular, when does the seat 511 house the lower edge of the guide bar 25 inside the support 51? rotation around an axis orthogonal to the support plane of the base 20 is prevented.

The seat 511, for example, has a cross section substantially complementary to the lower portion of the guide bar 25 (provided with the lower edge) which it embraces.

The plates 512 each comprise an open slot (upward) the bottom wall of which defines the abutment surface, in which the slots are aligned with each other along the side by side direction and, overall, define said seat 511.

In this first embodiment, the support 51 comprises a (rigid) block 510, for example elongated along a longitudinal axis which, in use, is? orthogonal to the support plane defined by the base 20.

The seat 511 is preferably next to the block 510 (or misaligned in plan view from it) along an offset direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the block 510 and, in use, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25.

The seat 511 is preferably rigidly fixed to the block 510.

For example, the plates 512 are rigidly fixed to two opposite sides of the block 510, so as to be arranged on opposite sides of the block 510 (and separated from it along the side by side direction).

The abutment surface, defined by the internal surface of the seat 511, ? preferably associated in an adjustable manner with respect to the (block 510 which defines the) support 51.

In particular, the surface area ? adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the block 510, for example continuously or in certain reciprocal locking positions.

In detail, the seat 511 (ie each plate 512 which defines it) ? associated with (block 510 of) support 51 in an adjustable manner in height, i.e. along the longitudinal axis of block 510.

Preferably, the block 510 has (for each lateral side) a plurality of fixing holes, for example superimposed along the longitudinal axis of the block 510 itself, to which ? selectively rigidly fixable, for example by bolting, a respective plate 512.

Preferably, the internal surface of the seat 511 comprises a central section (horizontal), which defines the bottom of the seat 511, and two opposite side sections (vertical).

The vertical portion proximal to block 510 ? substantially coplanar with a front side of the block 510 (interposed between the side sides of the same).

Preferably, the (magnet defining) anchor assembly 515 ? fixed to the front side of the block 510, for example substantially flush with the same (or set in a special hollowed seat made in the block 510 and protruding in the front side itself).

In this first embodiment, preferably, the splitting feet 521 are of the type with variable reciprocal distance.

In detail, the splitting feet 521 can be spread individually or jointly with respect to each other so as to be able to adjust the reciprocal distance with respect to an adjustment direction parallel to the direction of mutual separation, or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the splitting bar guide 25 (and parallel to the support surface of the base 20).

In detail, each split foot 521 (or at least one of them) ? slidably associated with plate 520 along the direction of adjustment.

In particular, each split foot 521 has an (upper) anchoring root which ? inserted in a (respective) longitudinal slot 523 made in the lamina 520 (with the longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of adjustment, i.e. to the longitudinal axis of the lamina itself).

The anchor root of each split foot 521 has locking means, for example a threaded nut, configured to lock the split foot 521 in any axial position of the longitudinal slot 523.

In this first embodiment, the actuator 53 is a screw actuator.

In particular, the actuator 53 comprises a threaded stem 530 at the end of which? inferior ? associated with the pressure body 52, or the plate 520 thereof.

For example, the extremity bottom of the threaded rod 530 ? rotatably associated with (the blade 520 of) the pressure body 52, so that a relative rotary motion is permitted between them around a screwing axis of the threaded stem 530, without however any reciprocal axial sliding being permitted.

Preferably, the extremity? bottom of the threaded rod 530 ? hinged to (the plate 520 of) the pressure body 52 by means of a coaxial hinge pin with the screwing axis of the threaded rod 530.

The hinge pin is, for example, defined by a bolt that is screwed (and not tightened) at the end of the hinge. lower part of the threaded stem and inserted (with radial clearance) into a central hole made in lamina 520 (for example by interposing suitable washers), in which the central hole is? for example placed at the centerline of the lamina 520 (and is interposed between the two longitudinal slots 523). Preferably, the 520 foil? interposed between plates 512 which prevent its rotation during the rotation of the threaded rod 530 (that is, they allow reciprocal rotation between the threaded rod 530 and the blade 520).

Furthermore, the threaded stem 530 located at the opposite end? upper an operating handwheel 531, which can be operated manually for screwing the threaded stem 530.

The 530 threaded stem? screwed axially into a through hole 513 axially made in the block 510 (with the through axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the same).

The through hole 513 has an internal thread 514 configured to define a helical coupling with the threaded stem 530.

The through hole 513 has a shorter length than the length of the threaded stem 530, so that the end? bottom of the threaded rod 530 which supports the pressure body 52 protrudes axially downwards from the block 510 and the end? top of the threaded rod 530 (equipped with the operating handwheel 531) protrudes axially upwards from the block 510.

In practice, the threaded rod 530 ? configured to be screwed and unscrewed on the internal thread 514 of the block 510.

When the threaded rod 530 is screwed onto the internal thread 514 of the block 510, the actuator 53 pushes the pressure body 52 downwards (away from the support 52) along the sliding direction, vice versa when the threaded rod 530 is unscrewed on the thread internal 514 of the block 510, the actuator 53 pushes the pressure body 52 upwards (away from the support 52) along the sliding direction.

With the aid of figures 10-19, a second embodiment of the separator device 50 is described below.

This second embodiment of the separator device 50? configured to be used with a tile cutter 20 equipped with a guide bar 25 formed by a pair of longitudinal members (as shown in figures 16-19).

In this second embodiment, the support 51 comprises a (rigid) block 510, for example elongated along a longitudinal axis which, in use, is? orthogonal to the support plane defined by the base 20.

Furthermore, the support 51 comprises a pair of seats 511, one of which is front and one rear, which are placed side by side with respect to a direction which, in use, is ? orthogonal to the support plane of the base 20 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25.

For example, each location 511 ? defined by a substantially planar or concave surface which defines the aforesaid abutment surface (configured to contact a respective longitudinal member of the guide bar 25, for example in correspondence with the lower directrix thereof).

For example, the seats 511 are separated from each other by a distance equal to the distance between the longitudinal members which constitute the guide bar 25, so that a respective longitudinal member of the guide bar 25 can be housed within each seat 511.

Each seat 511 is preferably adjacent to the block 510 (or misaligned in plan from it) along an offset direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the block 510 and, in use, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25.

Each seat 511 is preferably rigidly fixed to the block 510.

For example, the plates 512 which define the seats 511 are rigidly fixed to two opposite sides of the block 510, so as to be arranged on opposite sides of the block 510 (and separated from it along the side by side direction).

The abutment surface, defined by the upper surface of the plate 512 which forms the seat 511, is preferably associated in an adjustable manner with respect to the (block 510 which defines the) support 51.

In particular, the surface area ? adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the block 510, for example continuously or in certain reciprocal locking positions.

In detail, the seats 511 (or each plate 512 which define them) are associated with the (block 510 of the) support 51 in an adjustable manner in height, i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the block 510.

Preferably, the block 510 has (for each lateral side) a plurality of fixing holes, for example superimposed along the longitudinal axis of the block 510 itself, to which ? selectively rigidly fixable, for example by bolting, a respective plate 512.

Preferably, the inner surface of each seat 511 is substantially planar and has a salient section proximal to the block 510.

The salient section proximal to the block 510 of each seat 511 ? configured to connect with a front or rear side of the block 510 (interposed between the side sides of the same).

Preferably, the (magnet which defines the) anchor group 515, where provided, is fixed to the front and/or rear side of the block 510, for example substantially flush with the same (or set in a suitable recessed seat made in the block 510 and protruding in the front side itself).

In this embodiment, as an alternative or in addition to the magnet, the anchor group 515 could include one or more? retaining brackets, which are configured to define cradles or retaining surfaces opposite the seats 511 (i.e. with the concavity facing the base 20 in operation and arranged above the seats 511.

In practice, each cradle or retaining surface ? configured to embrace (upper and at a distance) an axial portion of a respective side member from the diametrically opposite side with respect to the portion embraced/contacted by the respective seat 511.

For example, each retaining bracket ? rigidly fixed to the support 51, or to the block 510 thereof.

In that case, the extremities? free of the plates 512 which define the seats 511 and the extremities? free of the retaining brackets which define the cradles or retaining surfaces are mutually separated by a predetermined (fixed) distance, greater than the maximum diameter of the side members which define the guide bar 25, so as to allow the insertion of the side members into the? interior of the seats 511 and the cradles or retaining surfaces, as shown in the sequence illustrated in figures 16-18. However, it is not excluded that each retaining bracket can be fixed to the block 510 in an adjustable manner, for example so as to be able to clamp onto the guide bar 25.

In this second embodiment (as in the first embodiment), preferably, the splitting feet 521 are of the type with variable reciprocal distance. In detail, the splitting feet 521 can be spread individually or jointly with respect to each other so as to be able to adjust the reciprocal distance with respect to an adjustment direction parallel to the direction of mutual separation, or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the splitting bar guide 25 (and parallel to the support surface of the base 20).

In detail, each split foot 521 (or at least one of them) ? slidably associated with plate 520 along the direction of adjustment.

In particular, each split foot 521 has an (upper) anchoring root which ? inserted in a (respective) longitudinal slot 523 made in the lamina 520 (with the longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of adjustment, i.e. to the longitudinal axis of the lamina itself).

The anchor root of each split foot 521 has locking means, for example a threaded nut, configured to lock the split foot 521 in any axial position of the longitudinal slot 523.

In this second embodiment (in an identical way to the first embodiment), the actuator 53 is? a screw actuator.

In particular, the actuator 53 comprises a threaded stem 530 at the end of which? inferior ? associated with the pressure body 52, or the plate 520 thereof.

For example, the extremity bottom of the threaded rod 530 ? rotatably associated with (the blade 520 of) the pressure body 52, so that a relative rotary motion is permitted between them around a screwing axis of the threaded stem 530, without however any reciprocal axial sliding being permitted.

Preferably, the extremity? bottom of the threaded rod 530 ? hinged to (the plate 520 of) the pressure body 52 by means of a coaxial hinge pin with the screwing axis of the threaded rod 530.

The hinge pin is, for example, defined by a bolt that is screwed (and not tightened) at the end of the hinge. lower part of the threaded stem and inserted (with radial clearance) into a central hole made in lamina 520 (for example by interposing suitable washers), in which the central hole is? for example placed at the centerline of the lamina 520 (and is interposed between the two longitudinal slots 523). Preferably, the 520 foil? interposed between plates 512 which prevent its rotation during the rotation of the threaded rod 530 (that is, they allow reciprocal rotation between the threaded rod 530 and the blade 520).

Furthermore, the threaded stem 530 located at the opposite end? upper an operating handwheel 531, which can be operated manually for screwing the threaded rod 530.

The 530 threaded stem? screwed axially into a through hole 513 axially made in the block 510 (with the through axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the same).

The through hole 513 has an internal thread 514 configured to define a helical coupling with the threaded stem 530.

The through hole 513 has a shorter length than the length of the threaded stem 530, so that the end? bottom of the threaded rod 530 which supports the pressure body 52 protrudes axially downwards from the block 510 and the end? top of the threaded rod 530 (equipped with the operating handwheel 531) protrudes axially upwards from the block 510.

In practice, the threaded rod 530 ? configured to be screwed and unscrewed on the internal thread 514 of the block 510.

When the threaded rod 530 is screwed onto the internal thread 514 of the block 510, the actuator 53 pushes the pressure body 52 downwards (away from the support 52) along the sliding direction, vice versa when the threaded rod 530 is unscrewed on the thread internal 514 of the block 510, the actuator 53 pushes the pressure body 52 upwards (away from the support 52) along the sliding direction.

With the aid of figure 20, a third embodiment of the separator device 50 is described below.

This third embodiment? completely identical to the first embodiment (or to the second embodiment), but differs from it only in the type and shape of the actuator 53.

In this third embodiment of the separator device 50, the actuator 53 is? an electric and/or electromechanical or pneumatic/hydraulic actuator.

In particular, the actuator 53 comprises a support body fixed rigidly to the support 51, for example above it, and a push rod, which is slidingly associated with the support body.

The push rod? inserted (co)axially in the through hole 513 (which is not provided with any internal thread) of the block 510, so that its end? free bottom comes out axially from it (below the block 510).

For example, the extremity bottom free push rod ? associated (for example rigidly) with (the lamina 520 de) the pressure body 52, so that an axial translation of the thrust rod corresponds to a corresponding axial translation of (the lamina 520 de) the pressure body 52.

For example, in the event that the actuator 53 is of the type of an electric or electromechanical actuator, the actuator 53 can? be electrically powered by the mains, by wiring, or by an electric battery, for example mounted on the actuator 53 itself and/or on the base 20.

With the aid of figure 21, a fourth embodiment of the separator device 50 is described below.

This fourth embodiment ? completely identical to the first embodiment (or to the second embodiment), but differs from it only in the type and shape of the actuator 53.

In this fourth embodiment of the separator device 50, the actuator 53 is? a cam actuator (i.e. cam and tappet).

In particular, the actuator 53 comprises a lever provided with a cam which ? hinged to the support 51, for example above it. The cam of the lever insists on a tappet that ? slidingly associated with the support 51, or with the block 510 thereof.

The tappet? inserted (co)axially in the through hole 513 (which is not provided with any internal thread) of the block 510, so that its end? lower free comes out axially from it (below the block 510) and the? end? upper free? configured to follow the profile of the cam associated with the lever (during its oscillation).

For example, the extremity free lower tappet ? associated (for example rigidly) with (the lamina 520 de) the pressure body 52, so that an axial translation of the tappet corresponds to a corresponding axial translation of (the lamina 520 de) the pressure body 52.

With the aid of figures 22 - 27, a fifth (and advantageous) embodiment of the separator device 50 is described below.

This fifth embodiment of the separator device 50 ? configured to be used with a tile cutter 20 equipped with a guide bar 25 formed by a single longitudinal member (as shown in figures 1-2 and 27), however it cannot be excluded that it can be used with a tile cutter equipped with a guide bar formed by a pair of spars.

In this fifth embodiment, the support 51 comprises a (rigid) plate 516, for example elongated along a longitudinal axis which, in use, is? parallel to the support plane defined by the base 20 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar 25.

The seat 511 is preferably made in the upper surface of the plate (516 for example substantially centered thereon) with its longitudinal axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the plate itself.

The seat 511 is preferably made by a groove made in the plate 516 (ie it is rigidly fixed to the plate 516), for example shaped overall like a cradle.

For example, small plates 512 branch off from the perimeter edge of the plate 516 substantially at right angles to the plate 516.

For example, the 511 office ? made in correspondence with the plates 512.

Preferably, the internal surface of the seat 511 comprises a central section (horizontal), which defines the abutment surface, and two opposite lateral sections (vertical).

At least one vertical stroke? substantially parallel to a front wall 517 rising from the plate 516 (at right angles thereto).

For example, the front wall 517 ? associated with the plate 516 in an adjustable way, or with the possibility? to slide along the longitudinal axis of the plate 516 and be locked in any axial position thereof.

Preferably, the (magnet defining) anchor group 515 ? fixed to the front wall 517, so that it can be arranged coplanar with the vertical portion of the seat 511.

In this fifth embodiment, preferably, the splitting feet 521 are of the type with fixed reciprocal distance.

In detail, the split feet 521 are rigidly connected below (the plate 520 of) the pressure body 52.

Furthermore, ears 524 branch off from the perimeter edge of the lamina 520 substantially at right angles to the lamina 520.

In this fifth embodiment, the actuator 53 is a scissor actuator (preferably screw actuated), i.e. having a scissor joint system.

In particular, the actuator 53 ? interposed between the support 51 (or the plate 516) and the pressure body 52 (or the plate 520).

For example, the actuator 53 comprises a pair of mutually crossed levers 535 hinged in correspondence with a central region (centre line) of the same. Each lever 535 of the pair has one end? upper hinged (about a hinge axis orthogonal to the mutual hinging axis of the levers 535) to the support 51, for example at one of the plates 512 of the same, and one end? lower part hinged (around a hinge axis orthogonal to the mutual hinging axis of the levers 535) to the pressure body 52, for example in correspondence with one of the ears 524 of the same.

For example, one of the 535 levers has the end? upper hinged to the support 51, by means of a hinge axis defined by an upper hinge pin 536 sliding along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate 516 and the other lever 535 has the end? hinged to the pressure body 52, by means of a hinge axis, defined by a lower hinge pin 527 sliding along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate 520.

For example, the upper hinge pin 536 and the lower hinge pin 537 are individually received in a sliding manner (between two end-of-stroke positions) within respective elongated slots made, respectively, in (the plates 512 of) the plate 516 and ne (ears 524 de) lamina 520.

The opposing extremities? of each lever 535 are, on the other hand, hinged to the support 51 or to the pressure body 52 by means of hinge axes fixed with respect to the respective support 51 and to the pressure body 52.

When the upper hinge pin 536 and the lower hinge pin 537 are respectively distal from the opposed fixed hinge axes, the presser 52 is in a position proximal to the support 51, while when the upper hinge pin 536 and the lower hinge pin 537 are respectively proximal to the opposite fixed hinge axes, the presser 52 is in a position distal to the support 51.

Preferably, the actuator 53 comprises two pairs of similar levers 535 parallel in pairs which share the aforementioned hinge pins and hinging axis.

The actuator 53 comprises, also in this fifth embodiment, a threaded stem 530, which ? for example placed with the screwing axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plate 516 (for example placed below it). The 530 threaded stem? rotatably and coaxially inserted in a through hole rigidly connected to the support 51, for example made in a hinge pin with a fixed hinge axis which constrains the ends? superior of a lever 535 to the support 51, for example so as to be blocked axially with respect to it.

Also, the 530 threaded stem? screwed on a threaded hole 538 (through) made in the upper hinge pin 536, in which the screwing axis of the threaded hole is? orthogonal to the hinge axis defined by the upper hinge pin 536. Furthermore, the threaded stem 530 leads to the opposite end? proximal to the through hole an operating handwheel 531, for example a butterfly, which can be operated manually for screwing the threaded stem 530 onto the threaded hole 538.

In practice, the threaded rod 530 ? configured to be screwed in and out of the 538 threaded hole.

When the threaded rod 530 is screwed into the threaded hole 538, the actuator 53 pushes the pressure body 52 downwards (away from the support 51), pulling the upper hinge pin 536 (and the lower hinge pin 537) towards the end of stroke position in which they are proximal to the opposite fixed hinge axes, vice versa when the threaded stem 530 is unscrewed from the threaded hole 538 (even without being removed from it), the actuator 53 moves the pressure body 52 upwards (approaching to the support 51), pushing the upper hinge pin 536 (and the lower hinge pin 537) towards the end position in which they are distal from the opposite fixed hinge axes.

With the aid of figure 28, a sixth embodiment of the separator device 50 is described below.

In this sixth embodiment, the actuator 53 is a cam actuator, preferably operated by a lever.

In this embodiment, the pressure body 52 ? slidably associated below the support 51, so that a gap of variable height is defined between them.

Inside the interspace? arranged a cam (with an eccentric profile), for example rotatably associated with the support 51, so that the pressure body 52 (that is, the upper surface of the blade 520) is in contact (forced) with the cam and follows its profile.

The cam, for example, ? placed at? extremity? of a handle lever configured to rotate the cam about its axis of rotation.

The rotation of the cam around its axis of rotation ? such as to selectively move the pressure body 52 away from or approach it with respect to the support 51, according to the eccentric profile of the cam itself.

Furthermore, it is not excluded that the actuator 53 may be of a different type, for example an actuator with variable thicknesses.

In this case, in the interspace can be inserted (by force) one or more? shims or a wedge-shaped shim with variable height along a salient ramp, so that at each insertion of a shim the pressure body 52 can be moved away from the support 51 and, vice versa, at each removal of a shim the pressure body 52 can be brought closer to support 51.

Preferably, one or more separator devices 50 according to any embodiment described above, can be associated with a tile cutter 10, defining with it a tile splitting system T.

For example, the split system can be composed of a tile cutter 10 and a single separator device 50 (or two separator devices 50), wherein the separator device 50 is connected to the guide bar 25 of the tile cutter 20 in a respective axial position thereof.

In the light of what has been described above, the functioning of the separator device 50 (in combined use with the tile cutter 10) is? the following.

First, one proceeds by placing a tile T on the support surface defined by the base 20.

Once the tile T has been positioned in the desired position, an incision line I is made on the upper surface of the tile T using the incision tool 31 by operating the tool holder trolley 30.

At this point, a separator device 50 is positioned at a desired axial position of the guide bar 25, for example near the of a perimeter edge of tile T engraved by the incision line I or in a central area of tile T.

In particular, having first brought the pressure body 52 to a position approaching the support 51 (in which the distance between the abutment surface defined by the seat 511 and the split feet 521 is smaller than the distance between the upper surface of the tile T and the edge bottom of the guide bar 25), ? it is sufficient to insert the separator device 50 under the guide bar 25, so that the abutment surface contacts the lower surface of the guide bar 25 and the splitting feet 521 are proximal or in contact with the upper surface of the tile T.

In practice, the splitting feet 521 are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the incision line I made previously and, therefore, on the opposite side with respect to the cutting crest 23 arranged below the incision line I.

By activating the actuator 53 so as to move the pressure body 52 away from the support 51, the splitting feet 521 are brought into a condition of forced support on the tile T.

In practice, the separator device 50 ? interposed between the guide bar 25 (which defines a fixed anti-lifting constraint) and the upper surface of the tile T to be split.

The actuator 53 is preferably configured to exert a gradual and controlled force on the pressure body 52 (for example by screwing) and, through this, on the tile T.

In particular, ? It is possible to operate the actuator 53 so that it causes the pressure body 52 to gradually move away from the support 51.

According to a first modality? of use? It is possible to operate the actuator 53 until it triggers the complete fracture of the tile T along the entire length of the incision line I.

According to a second modality? of use, however, ? It is possible to stop the reciprocal stroke between the support 51 and the pressure body 52 at a determined mutual distance, for example such as not to trigger the complete fracture of the tile T, so that the separator device 50 only tensions the tile T by applying a pre-load pressure (not zero).

This predetermined mutual stopping distance ? for example defined by an initiating fracture (or crack) sound emitted by the tensioned T tile.

At this point you can? decide, depending on the tile T to be separated, whether a) to move the separator device 50 (first by loosening it and then by moving it axially along the guide bar 25) to a further axial position of the guide bar 25 (operating it again as described above) to cause the propagation of the crack along the score line I and, therefore, complete the separation of the tile T; or b) positioning a second separator device 50 (if available), as described above, at a different axial position of the guide bar 50; or again

c) proceed to split the tile T by activating the splitting tool 32 (from an axial position separate from that affected by the separator device 50).

In case a) and b), therefore, ? Is it possible to actuate the actuator 53 of the separator device (or of the second separator device 50) so that this second separator device 50 further tensions the tile T and, by calibrating the thrust exerted, makes s? that the propagation of the crack of the tile T follows the entire incision line I in a controlled way.

In the second c), instead, the splitting tool 32? such as to impart a substantially impulsive force on the tile T, the propagation of the crack is, however, controlled and piloted by the separator device 50 placed in a remote position from the splitting tool 32.

The invention so? conceived ? susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as? the contingent shapes and dimensions may be any according to requirements without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims (11)

1. A separator device (50) applicable to a manual tile cutter (10), wherein the tile cutter (10) comprises a base (20) for a tile (T) and at least one guide bar (25) arranged above the base ( 20) and on which a scoring tool (31) slides, in which the separator device (50) comprises: - a support (51) configured to be adjustably connected to the guide bar (25); - a pressure body (52) equipped with two split feet (521), wherein the pressure body (52) is? slidably associated with the carrier along a sliding direction; And - an actuator (53) configured to drive the pressure body (52) to slide with respect to the support (51) along the direction of sliding. 2. The device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (53) is a screw actuator. 3. The device (50) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator (53) comprises a scissor joint system interposed between the support (51) and the pressure body (52). 4. The device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the actuator (53) is selected from the group consisting of a cam actuator, a lever actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electromechanical actuator, an actuator with variable thicknesses and combinations thereof. 5. The device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the support (51) comprises an abutment surface suitable for contacting an axial portion of the guide bar (25) at least at the bottom. The device (50) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the support (51) comprises a temporary anchor assembly (515) to the guide bar (25). 7. The device (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein the anchoring group (515) comprises at least one magnet able to anchor itself to the guide bar (25) by means of a magnetic attraction force. 8. The device (50) according to claim 5, wherein the abutment surface ? associated with the height-adjustable support along the sliding direction of the pressure body (52). The device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the support (51) is configured to slide longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the guide bar (25). 10. The device (50) according to claim 1, wherein the splitting feet (511) are individually or jointly spreadable with respect to each other so as to be able to adjust the mutual distance with respect to an adjustment direction orthogonal to the direction scroll. 11. A manual tile cutter (10) including: - a base (20); - a guide bar (25) arranged above the base (20); - a scoring tool (31) slidably associated with the guide bar (25) along a scoring direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the guide bar (25), in which the scoring tool (31) is? configured to score an upper surface of a tile (T) resting on the base (20) along a score line (I) with a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the guide bar (25); And - at least one separator device (50) according to claim 1.