Patent Description:
Systems comprising a cutting device, a track and a carriage slidably mounted on the track are known. The carriage can be moved at different distances from the cutting device. The carriage is used as a support for an object to be cut by the cutting device. The object is cut while it rests simultaneously on the carriage and on a platform of the cutting device. One such device can be found in <CIT> discloses a processing robot for cutting stainless steel tubes. The disclosed device includes a bottom plate, a conveying device, a feeding device, a sleeve type fixing device, a cutting device and a cleaning device. According to the disclosure, the device permits the safe and clean cutting of stainless steel tubes.

<CIT> discloses a carriage according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, and in particular a portable work bench, which includes a beam supported by legs, and at least one bracket for supporting a power tool and a workpiece.

In some systems, the cutting device is releasably mounted on the track. Thus, it can be replaced by another cutting device one having a different structure or size. However, after this replacement, an object to be cut resting simultaneously on a platform of the new cutting device and the carriage may not be perfectly level. As a consequence, the object may be cut inaccurately.

An aim of the present disclosure is to correctly position an object to be cut in relation to a first cutting system, and in relation to a second cutting system of different size and replacing the first cutting system.

According to the invention, there is provided a carriage according to claim <NUM>.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of the exemplary embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in the figures in which:.

In reference with <FIG>, a system <NUM> according to an embodiment comprises a stand <NUM> and a carriage <NUM>.

The stand <NUM> is for example a sawhorse. The stand <NUM> comprises a plurality of legs <NUM>, for example two pairs of legs <NUM>.

The stand <NUM> further comprises a track <NUM> extending along a longitudinal axis X. Longitudinal axis X is horizontal when the legs support the stand <NUM>.

The track <NUM> comprises two longitudinal grooves <NUM> parallel to axis X. The two longitudinal grooves <NUM> are opposite to each other.

The track <NUM> further comprises a linear rack <NUM> extending in one of the longitudinal grooves <NUM>.

In reference with <FIG>, the system <NUM> may further comprise a cutting device <NUM>. The cutting device may be releasably mounted on the stand <NUM> by means of fasteners <NUM>.

The cutting device <NUM> comprises a saw <NUM>, for example a circular saw, and a cutting platform <NUM> for supporting an object W to be cut by the saw <NUM>. The cutting platform <NUM> defines an upper surface <NUM> on which the object W to be cut by the saw <NUM> can rest. When the cutting device <NUM> is mounted on the stand <NUM>, the saw <NUM> is oriented to cut an object W in a cutting plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis X. The saw <NUM> can moved in this cutting plane away from and towards upper surface <NUM>.

In reference with <FIG>, the carriage <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> able to be slidably mounted on the track <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> comprises a platform <NUM> on which can rest an object W to be cut by the cutting device <NUM> mounted on the track <NUM>. The housing <NUM> extends between the platform <NUM> and the track <NUM>, when the housing <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>.

The platform <NUM> comprises four side panels 28a-d, including two side panels 28a, 28b perpendicular to longitudinal axis X and two other side panels 28c, 28d parallel to longitudinal axis X, when the housing <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>.

The platform <NUM> further comprises a top panel <NUM> connected to each of the four side panels 28a-d. The top panel <NUM> defines an upper surface <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> on which an object W to be cut by the cutting device <NUM> can rest.

The carriage <NUM> comprises a stop <NUM> able to stop an object W relative to the cutting device <NUM> while the object W rests on the upper surface <NUM>.

The stop <NUM> is able to be set in a deployed position wherein the stop <NUM> protrudes from the platform <NUM>, so as to stop the object relative to the cutting device <NUM> while the object rests on the platform <NUM>, and in a retracted position wherein the stop <NUM> is retracted in the platform <NUM> and cannot stop the object.

The stop <NUM> preferably comprises a flap <NUM> pivotally mounted on the platform <NUM> between a standing position wherein the flap <NUM> is perpendicular to the platform <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), and a lying position wherein the flap lies along the platform (as shown in <FIG>).

The flap <NUM> pivots relative to the platform <NUM> about a transverse axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis X, when the carriage <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>.

The flap <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM> opposite to the inner surface. Both surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are planar.

In the lying position, the outer surface <NUM> is flush with the upper surface <NUM>, while the inner surface <NUM> is invisible. In the standing position, both surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> are perpendicular to longitudinal axis X.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises a second stop <NUM>. The second stop <NUM> has the same features as stop <NUM> (including a pivotally mounted flap having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface). When both flaps <NUM>, <NUM> are in their standing position, the inner surfaces of the two stops face each other. In <FIG>, the stop <NUM> is in its standing position, while the other stop <NUM> is in its lying position.

The platform <NUM> is movable relative to the housing <NUM> in a range of positions comprising a raised position and a lowered position. In the lower position, the platform <NUM> is closer to the track <NUM> than in the raised position, when the housing <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>. In other words, the vertical level of the upper surface <NUM> can be adjusted by raising or lowering the platform <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

The platform <NUM> translates relative to the housing <NUM> in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, when the carriage <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> comprises four side panels 44a-d, including two transverse panels 44a, 44b perpendicular to longitudinal axis X and two longitudinal panels 44c, 44d parallel to axis X. The four side panels of the housing <NUM> are surrounded by the four side panels of the platform <NUM>, respectively.

The four side panels 44a-d define therebetween an inner cavity opened at its top. The top panel <NUM> covers the top opening of said inner cavity.

Now turning to <FIG>, each of the two longitudinal panels 44c-d defines a first longitudinal slot <NUM> and a second longitudinal slot <NUM>. The first longitudinal slot <NUM> and the second longitudinal slot <NUM> are aligned and extend in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis X when the carriage is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> comprises a scissors mechanism <NUM> which links the housing <NUM> to the platform <NUM>. The scissors mechanism <NUM> prevents the platform <NUM> from rotating relative to the housing <NUM>. In other words, the scissors mechanism <NUM> ensures the upper surface <NUM> is parallel to the longitudinal axis X whatever the level of the platform <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, between the lowered position and the raised position.

The scissors mechanism is in the inner cavity of the housing.

The scissors mechanism <NUM> comprises a first rod <NUM> pivotally mounted on the platform <NUM> about a first transverse axis Y1. The first transverse axis Y1 is perpendicular to longitudinal axis X when the carriage <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>.

The first rod <NUM> comprises two pins <NUM>. Each pin <NUM> engages a first longitudinal slot <NUM>. Each pin <NUM> is arranged to slide in the corresponding slot <NUM> when the first rod <NUM> pivots about the first transverse axis Y1.

The scissors mechanism <NUM> further comprises a second rod <NUM> pivotally mounted on the housing <NUM> about a second transverse axis Y2 parallel to the first transverse axis Y1 and pivotally mounted on the first rod <NUM>. The second rod <NUM> is connected to a middle portion of the first rod <NUM> extending between the first transverse axis Y1 and the pins <NUM>.

The scissors mechanism <NUM> further comprises a third rod <NUM> pivotally mounted on the platform <NUM> about a third transverse axis Y3. The third transverse axis Y3 is parallel to the first transverse axis Y1. The third rod <NUM> comprises two pins <NUM>. Each pin <NUM> a second longitudinal slot <NUM>. Each pin <NUM> is arranged to slide in the corresponding slot <NUM> when the third rod <NUM> pivots about the third transverse axis Y3.

The scissors mechanism <NUM> further comprises a fourth rod <NUM> pivotally mounted on the housing <NUM> about a fourth transverse axis Y4 parallel to the third transverse axis Y3 and pivotally mounted on the third rod <NUM>. The second rod <NUM> is connected to a middle portion of the third rod <NUM> extending between the third transverse axis Y3 and the pins <NUM>.

When the platform <NUM> is raised or lowered, the first rod <NUM> pivots about the first transverse axis Y1, the second rod <NUM> pivots about the second transverse axis Y2, and each pin <NUM> slides in the corresponding first longitudinal slot <NUM> parallel to longitudinal axis X. Simultaneously, the third rod <NUM> pivots about the third transverse axis Y3, the fourth rod <NUM><NUM> pivots about the fourth transverse axis Y4, and each pin <NUM> of the third rod <NUM> slides in the corresponding second longitudinal slot <NUM> parallel to longitudinal axis X.

When the platform <NUM> is raised (as shown in <FIG>), the pins <NUM> of the first rod <NUM> move away from the pins <NUM> of the third rod <NUM>. When the platform <NUM> is lowered (as shown in <FIG>), the pins <NUM> of the first rod <NUM> and the pins <NUM> of the third rod <NUM> get closer to each other.

In reference with <FIG>, the carriage <NUM> further comprises a ratchet <NUM> able to be set in an engaged configuration and in a disengaged configuration.

In the engaged configuration (shown in <FIG>), the ratchet <NUM> allows the platform <NUM> to be moved from the lowered position to the raised position and prevents the platform <NUM> to be moved from the raised position to the lowered position.

In the disengaged configuration, the ratchet <NUM> allows the platform <NUM> to be moved from the lowered position to the raised position and allows the platform <NUM> to be moved from the raised position to the lowered position.

The ratchet <NUM> is located in the housing <NUM>. The scissors mechanism <NUM> is arranged between the stops <NUM>, <NUM> and the ratchet <NUM>. When the carriage <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>, the ratchet <NUM> is between the track <NUM> and the scissors mechanism <NUM>.

The ratchet <NUM> comprises a toothed element <NUM>.

The toothed element <NUM> is a linear rack. The linear rack <NUM> comprises a first series of teeth <NUM>, which are asymmetrical as shown in <FIG>. The linear rack <NUM> further comprises a second series of teeth <NUM>, which are asymmetrical but oriented differently from the first series of teeth <NUM>. The first series of teeth <NUM> and the second series of teeth <NUM> are actually oriented in two opposite directions.

The ratchet <NUM> further comprises a first pawl <NUM>. The first pawl <NUM> is pivotally mounted on a shaft of the first rod <NUM> which is aligned with the pins <NUM>. The first pawl <NUM> comprises spring-loaded teeth arranged to engage the first series of teeth <NUM> when the ratchet <NUM> is in the engaged configuration.

The ratchet <NUM> further comprises a second pawl <NUM>. The second pawl <NUM> is pivotally mounted on a shaft of the third rod <NUM> which is aligned with the pins <NUM>. The first pawl <NUM> comprises spring-loaded teeth arranged to engage the second series of teeth when the ratchet <NUM> is in the engaged configuration.

When the ratchet <NUM> is in the engaged configuration:.

Due to the orientation of the first series of teeth <NUM> and the second series of teeth <NUM>, the first pawl <NUM> and the second pawl <NUM> are allowed to move away from each other (thus allowing the scissors mechanism <NUM> to raise the platform <NUM>) but are prevented from getting closer to each other (thus preventing the scissors mechanism <NUM> to lower the platform <NUM>), when the ratchet <NUM> is in the engaged configuration.

In contrast, when the ratchet <NUM> is in the disengaged configuration, the linear rack <NUM> is away from the pawls <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As a consequence, both pawls <NUM>, <NUM> are free to move both in the first direction and in the second direction (thus allowing the scissors mechanism <NUM> to lower and raise the platform <NUM>).

The carriage <NUM> further comprises a grippable element <NUM> extending outside the housing <NUM> and allowing a user to set the ratchet <NUM> in the engaged configuration and in the disengaged configuration. The grippable element <NUM> is rotatably mounted on the housing <NUM>.

The grippable element <NUM> is connected to a cam <NUM>. The cam <NUM> extends within a hole defined in the linear rack <NUM>. The cam <NUM> is arranged to move the linear rack <NUM> away from the pawls or towards the pawls, whenever the grippable element is rotated by a user relative to the housing <NUM>, for instance rotated <NUM> degrees. The linear rack <NUM> extends between two parallel walls which constrain it to move vertically whenever the grippable element <NUM> is rotated.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises a limiting stopper <NUM> for adjusting the range of positions of the platform.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the limiting stopper <NUM> is adapted to adjust the upper boundary of this range, i.e. the (maximum) raised position the platform <NUM> can reach. In other embodiments, the limiting stopper could adjust the lower boundary of this range (i.e. the lowest position of the platform can reach), or both boundaries of this range.

This stopper <NUM> is arranged in the housing <NUM> so as to abut against the first rod <NUM>, when the first pawl <NUM> moves in the first direction, thus blocking further movement of the first pawl <NUM> in the first direction. The maximum raised position of the platform is reached when the first pawl contacts the stopper <NUM>. In other words, the stopper <NUM> limits the rotation of the first rod <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>, thus the level of the platform <NUM> can reach when it is raised.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises a grippable element <NUM> extending outside the housing <NUM>. Grippable element <NUM> can be rotated by a user to as to move the position of the limiting stopper in the first direction or in the second direction opposite to the first direction. For that purpose, the grippable element <NUM> is mechanically coupled to the stopper <NUM> by means of a thread shaft <NUM> engaged in a threaded hole defined in the stopper <NUM>. When the limiting stopper <NUM> is moved in the first direction, the maximum raised position the platform <NUM> can reach is increased. When the movable stop is moved in the second direction, the maximum raised position the platform <NUM> can reach is decreased.

In reference with <FIG>, the housing <NUM> further comprises two legs 86a, 86b defining therebetween a space <NUM> which can be crossed by the track <NUM>.

The two legs 86a, 86b comprise two protrusions 90a-b facing each other. When the carriage <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>, protrusions 90a extends in one of the longitudinal grooves <NUM> and the other protrusion 90b extends in the opposite groove <NUM>, in other to stabilize the carriage <NUM> relative to the track <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises at least one wheel <NUM> arranged to roll on the track <NUM>. For example, the carriage comprises four wheels <NUM>, including two wheels pivotally mounted on leg 86a and two other wheels pivotally mounted on leg 86b, so as to contact a bottom surface of the track <NUM>.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises a drive mechanism for sliding the housing <NUM> relative to the track <NUM>. The drive mechanism comprises a pinion <NUM> rotatably mounted to the housing <NUM>, and able to engage the rack of the track <NUM>. The pinion <NUM> mounted on leg 86a.

The drive mechanism further comprises a motor configured to drive the pinion. Since the motor is included in the carriage <NUM>, the carriage <NUM> is able to move along the track <NUM> in an autonomous manner, which is advantageous. This contrasts with carriages driven by external means such that a belt.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises a power supply configured to supply the motor with power.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises an input interface <NUM> for receiving data representing a length of an object to be cut by the cutting device <NUM>. The input interface <NUM> comprises a keypad <NUM> allowing a user to input said data. The input interface may further comprise a display screen <NUM> for displaying the data inputted by the user.

The keypad <NUM> and/or the display screen <NUM> is rotatable relative to the housing <NUM> when the detachable unit is mounted to the housing <NUM>, about a horizontal axis.

The input interface may further comprise a radio antenna for communicating with a user terminal wirelessly. This antenna can then receive said data when it is sent by the user terminal.

The carriage <NUM> further comprises a controller configured to determine from said data a target position of the carriage <NUM> relative to the track <NUM> wherein a distance between the stop <NUM> and the cutting device <NUM> equals to the length, and control the drive mechanism so as to move the carriage <NUM> into the determined target position.

The carriage <NUM> comprises a detachable unit which can be releasably mounted to the housing <NUM>.

The detachable unit includes at least one of the following components of the carriage <NUM>: the input interface <NUM>, the power supply and the controller.

The system described above can be used as follows to cut an object W at a desired length L.

In a preliminary step, the system <NUM> is installed: the carriage <NUM> is slidably mounted on the track <NUM>, such that protrusions 90a-b extend in the longitudinal grooves <NUM> of the track <NUM> and such that pinion <NUM> engages the linear rack <NUM>. Besides, the cutting device <NUM> is mounted as well on the track <NUM> by means of fasteners <NUM>.

Then, a user inputs the desired length L in the carriage <NUM> using the input interface <NUM>, for example by means of the keypad <NUM>. The controller receives the inputted length L and determines from it a target position of the carriage <NUM> relative to the track <NUM>. The controller controls the drive mechanism so as to move the carriage <NUM> into the target position. The carriage <NUM> slides along the track <NUM> by means of the rack-and-pinion system formed by rack <NUM> and pinion <NUM>.

Once the carriage <NUM> has reached the target position, the user unfolds stop <NUM> such that the inner surface <NUM> faces the cutting device <NUM>. When the carriage <NUM> is in the target position, the distance between the vertical plane wherein the inner surface <NUM> extends and the vertical plane wherein the saw <NUM> extends is equal to the desired length L, as shown in <FIG>.

A user can then lay an object W on the platform <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> and on the platform <NUM> of the cutting device <NUM> simultaneously, and abut the object W against the inner surface <NUM> of standing flap <NUM>. The stop <NUM> advantageously allows to better control the horizontal position of the object relative to the cutting device <NUM> since it prevents the object W to move away from the cutting device <NUM>.

At this stage, the upper surface <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> and of the upper surface <NUM> of the cutting device <NUM> may not be at the exact same vertical level, which may make the object W unstable. To overcome this issue, a user can raise or lower the platform <NUM> of the carriage <NUM>, such that the upper surface <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> and of the upper surface <NUM> of the cutting device <NUM> are at the exact same vertical level.

To raise the platform <NUM>, a user rotates the grippable element <NUM> so as to set the ratchet <NUM> in the engaged configuration. Then the user seizes the platform <NUM> manually and move it upwards. When doing so, the scissors mechanism <NUM> is vertically expanded and the first pawl <NUM> and the second pawl <NUM> move away from each other: the first pawl <NUM> moves in the first direction (away from the cutting device <NUM>) while the second pawl <NUM> moves in the second direction (towards the cutting device <NUM>). When the user releases the platform <NUM>, the platform <NUM> is prevented to lower back thanks to the ratchet <NUM>.

To lower the platform <NUM>, the user rotates the grippable element <NUM> so as to set the ratchet <NUM> in the disengaged configuration. As a consequence, the two pawls <NUM>, <NUM> are free to move towards each other and the platform <NUM> naturally falls under the effect of gravity.

Once platforms <NUM>, <NUM> are perfectly aligned, the object can be cut using the saw <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A carriage (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) able to be slidably mounted on a track (<NUM>),
a platform (<NUM>) on which can rest an object to be cut by a cutting device (<NUM>) mounted on the track (<NUM>),
a stop (<NUM>) able to stop the object relative to the cutting device (<NUM>) while the object rests on the platform (<NUM>), and configured to be set in either a deployed position or a retracted position, wherein in said deployed position, the stop (<NUM>) protrudes from the platform (<NUM>), so as to stop the object relative to the cutting device (<NUM>) while the object rests on the platform (<NUM>), and wherein in said retracted position, the stop (<NUM>) is retracted in the platform (<NUM>) and is prevented to stop the object,
wherein the platform (<NUM>) is movable relative to the housing (<NUM>) in a range of positions comprising:
a raised position, and
a lowered position wherein the platform (<NUM>) is closer to the track than in the raised position, when the housing (<NUM>) is slidably mounted on the track (<NUM>), and
characterized in that the carriage further comprises a ratchet (<NUM>) able to be set in an engaged configuration and in a disengaged configuration, wherein the ratchet (<NUM>) allows the platform (<NUM>) to be moved from the lowered position to the raised position and prevents the platform (<NUM>) to be moved from the raised position to the lowered position.