Carriage and system comprising the same

Abstract

A carriage (4) includes: a housing (24) slidably mounted on a track (8); a platform (26) on which an object to be cut by a cutting device (14) mounted on the track (8) is placed; and a stop (34) that stops the object relative to the cutting device (14) while the object is placed on the platform (26), wherein the platform (26) is movable relative to the housing (24) between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein when the housing (24) is slidably mounted on the track (8), in the lowered position the platform (26) is closer to the track than in the raised position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carriage and a system including the carriage, particularly a carriage for adjusting the position of an object to be cut by a cutting device, and more particularly to an autonomous digital ranging unit. Background Technology

[0002] Systems comprising a cutting device, a track, and a carriage slidably mounted on the track are known. The carriage can be moved to different distances from the cutting device. The carriage serves as a support for the object to be cut by the cutting device. The object is cut while it is simultaneously placed on the carriage and the platform of the cutting device.

[0003] In some systems, the cutting device is releasably mounted on a track. Therefore, this cutting device can be replaced by another cutting device with a different structure or size. However, after this replacement, the object to be cut, simultaneously resting on the platform and carriage of the new cutting device, may not be perfectly horizontal. As a result, the object may be cut inaccurately. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to correctly position the object to be cut relative to a first cutting system, and to correctly position the object to be cut relative to a second cutting system of a different size and replacing the first cutting system.

[0005] To address this, a carriage is proposed. The carriage includes: a housing slidably mounted on a track; a platform on which an object to be cut by a cutting device mounted on the track is placed; and a stop that can stop the object relative to the cutting device when the object is placed on the platform. The platform is movable relative to the housing within a range of positions including a raised position and a lowered position. When the housing is slidably mounted on the track, in the lowered position, the platform is closer to the track than in the raised position. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Further details, features, and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the track and carriage according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a side view of a system used to cut objects to the desired length.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Side perspective view of the carriage.

[0010] Figure 4a and Figure 4b It is shown that includes Figure 1 and Figure 3 A side view of the scissor mechanism in the carriage.

[0011] Figure 5 It is shown that includes Figure 1 and Figure 3 The side view of the ratchet mechanism in the carriage and the engagement structure.

[0012] Figure 6 It is shown in detail Figure 5 Perspective view of some parts of the ratchet mechanism shown.

[0013] Figure 7 It shows the state of being detached from the structure. Figure 5 Side view of the ratchet mechanism.

[0014] Figure 8 It is shown that includes Figure 1 A side view of the other components in the carriage.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Another view of the carriage. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment, system 1 includes a support 2 and a carriage 4.

[0017] The support 2 is, for example, a sawmill. The support 2 includes multiple legs 6, for example, two pairs of legs 6.

[0018] The support 2 also includes a track 8 extending along the longitudinal axis X. When the legs support the support 2, the longitudinal axis X is horizontal.

[0019] The track 8 includes two longitudinal grooves 10 parallel to the axis X. The two longitudinal grooves 10 are opposite to each other.

[0020] The track 8 also includes a straight rack 12 extending in one of the longitudinal slots 10.

[0021] Reference Figure 2 The system 1 may also include a cutting device 14. The cutting device can be releasably mounted on the bracket 2 by means of fasteners 16.

[0022] The cutting device 14 includes a saw 18 (e.g., a circular saw) and a cutting platform 20 for supporting an object W to be cut by the saw 18. The cutting platform 20 defines an upper surface 22 on which the object W to be cut by the saw 18 can be placed. When the cutting device 14 is mounted on the support 2, the saw 18 is oriented to cut the object W in a cutting plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The saw 18 can move away from and toward the upper surface 22 within this cutting plane.

[0023] Reference Figure 3 The carriage 4 includes a housing 24 that can be slidably mounted on the track 8.

[0024] The carriage 4 includes a platform 26 on which an object W to be cut by a cutting device 14 mounted on a track 8 can be placed. When the housing 24 is slidably mounted on the track 8, the housing 24 extends between the platform 26 and the track 8.

[0025] When the housing 24 is slidably mounted on the track 8, the platform 26 includes four side panels 28a to 28d, which include two side panels 28a and 28b perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and two other side panels 28c and 28d parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0026] Platform 26 also includes a top panel 30 connected to each of the four side panels 28a to 28d. The top panel 30 defines the upper surface 32 of the carriage 4 on which the object W to be cut by the cutting device 14 can rest.

[0027] The carriage 4 includes a stop 34, which can stop the object W relative to the cutting device 14 when the object W is placed on the upper surface 32.

[0028] The stop 34 can be set in an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the stop 34 protrudes from the platform 26 so as to stop the object relative to the cutting device 14 when the object is placed on the platform 26. In the retracted position, the stop 34 retracts into the platform 26 and can no longer stop the object.

[0029] Preferably, the stop 34 includes a flap 36 pivotally mounted on the platform 26 between a standing position and a lying position. In the standing position, the flap 36 is perpendicular to the platform 26 (e.g., ...). Figure 3 As shown), in the flat position, the flap lies flat along the platform (as shown). Figure 4a (As shown).

[0030] When the carriage 4 is slidably mounted on the track 8, the flap 36 pivots relative to the platform 26 about a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0031] The flap 36 has an outer surface 38 and an inner surface 40 opposite to the outer surface. Both surfaces 38 and 40 are planar.

[0032] In the flat position, the outer surface 38 is flush with the upper surface 32, while the inner surface 40 is not visible. In the upright position, both surfaces 38 and 40 are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0033] The carriage 4 also includes a second stop 42. The second stop 42 has the same features as the stop 34 (including a pivotally mounted flap having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface). When the two flaps 34, 42 are in their upright position, the inner surfaces of the two stops face each other. Figure 3 In the middle, the stop 34 is in its upright position, while the other stop 42 is in its flat position.

[0034] Platform 26 can move relative to housing 24 within a range of positions, including a raised position and a lowered position. When housing 24 is slidably mounted on track 8, platform 26 is closer to track 8 in the lowered position than in the raised position. In other words, the vertical height of upper surface 32 can be adjusted by raising or lowering platform 26 relative to housing 24.

[0035] When the carriage 4 is slidably mounted on the track 8, the platform 26 translates relative to the housing 24 in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0036] The housing 24 includes four side panels 44a to 44d, each side panel 44a to 44d comprising two transverse panels 44a and 44b perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and two longitudinal panels 44c and 44d parallel to the axis X. The four side panels of the housing 24 are respectively surrounded by the four side panels of the platform 26.

[0037] Four side panels 44a to 44d define an inner cavity between them, the cavity opening at its top. A top panel 30 covers the top opening of the inner cavity.

[0038] Now go to Figure 4a Each of the two longitudinal panels 44c to 44d defines a first longitudinal slot 46 and a second longitudinal slot 48. When the carriage is slidably mounted on the track 8, the first longitudinal slot 46 and the second longitudinal slot 48 are aligned and extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0039] The carriage 4 includes a scissor mechanism 50 that connects the housing 24 to the platform 26. The scissor mechanism 50 prevents the platform 26 from rotating relative to the housing 24. In other words, the scissor mechanism 50 ensures that the upper surface 32 is parallel to the longitudinal axis X, regardless of the height of the platform 26 relative to the housing 24 between the lowered and raised positions.

[0040] The scissor mechanism is located inside the housing.

[0041] The scissor mechanism 50 includes a first rod 52 pivotally mounted on the platform 26 about a first transverse axis Y1. When the carriage 4 is slidably mounted on the track 8, the first transverse axis Y1 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

[0042] The first link 52 includes two pins 54. Each pin 54 engages with a first longitudinal slot 46. Each pin 54 is arranged to slide in the corresponding slot 46 when the first link 52 pivots about a first transverse axis Y1.

[0043] The scissor mechanism 50 also includes a second rod 56, which is pivotally mounted on the housing 24 about a second transverse axis Y2 parallel to the first transverse axis Y1, and pivotally mounted on the first rod 52. The second rod 56 is connected to the middle of the first rod 52, which extends between the first transverse axis Y1 and the pin 54.

[0044] The scissor mechanism 50 also includes a third rod 58 pivotally mounted on the platform 26 about a third transverse axis Y3. The third transverse axis Y3 is parallel to the first transverse axis Y1. The third rod 58 includes two pins 60. Each pin 60 engages with a second longitudinal slot 48. Each pin 60 is arranged to slide in the corresponding slot 48 when the third rod 58 pivots about the third transverse axis Y3.

[0045] The scissor mechanism 50 also includes a fourth link 62, which is pivotally mounted on the housing 24 about a fourth transverse axis Y4 parallel to the third transverse axis Y3, and pivotally mounted on the third link 58. The fourth link 62 is connected to the middle of the third link 58, which extends between the third transverse axis Y3 and the pin 60.

[0046] When platform 26 is raised or lowered, the first rod 52 pivots about the first transverse axis Y1, the second rod 56 pivots about the second transverse axis Y2, and each pin 54 slides in a corresponding first longitudinal slot 46 parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Simultaneously, the third rod 58 pivots about the third transverse axis Y3, the fourth rod 62 pivots about the fourth transverse axis Y4, and each pin 60 of the third rod 58 slides in a corresponding second longitudinal slot 48 parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0047] When platform 26 rises (e.g.) Figure 4a As shown), pin 54 of the first lever 52 moves away from pin 60 of the third lever 58. When platform 26 is lowered (as shown...), Figure 4bAs shown), pin 54 of the first lever 52 and pin 60 of the third lever 58 are close to each other.

[0048] Reference Figure 5 The carriage 4 also includes a ratchet 64 that can be configured to engage and disengage.

[0049] In the joint structure ( Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the ratchet device 64 allows the platform 26 to move from the lowered position to the raised position and prevents the platform 26 from moving from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0050] In the disengagement configuration, the ratchet device 64 allows the platform 26 to move from the lowered position to the raised position, and also allows the platform 26 to move from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0051] The ratchet mechanism 64 is located within the housing 24. The scissor mechanism 50 is arranged between the stops 34, 42 and the ratchet mechanism 64. When the carriage 4 is slidably mounted on the track 8, the ratchet mechanism 64 is located between the track 8 and the scissor mechanism 50.

[0052] The ratchet device 64 includes a toothed element 66.

[0053] The toothed element 66 is a straight rack. The straight rack 66 includes a first series of teeth 68, the first series of teeth 68 as follows: Figure 6 The design shown is asymmetrical. The straight rack 66 also includes a second series of teeth 70, which are asymmetrical but have a different orientation from the first series of teeth 68. The first series of teeth 68 and the second series of teeth 70 are actually oriented in two opposite directions.

[0054] The ratchet device 64 also includes a first pawl 72. The first pawl 72 is pivotally mounted on a shaft of the first lever 52 aligned with the pin 54. The first pawl 72 includes a spring-loaded tooth arranged to engage with a first series of teeth 68 when the ratchet device 64 is in the engaged configuration.

[0055] The ratchet mechanism 64 also includes a second pawl 74. The second pawl 74 is pivotally mounted on a shaft of the third lever 58 aligned with the pin 60. The second pawl 74 includes a spring-loaded tooth arranged to engage with a second series of teeth when the ratchet mechanism 64 is in the engaged configuration.

[0056] When the ratchet device 64 is in the engaged configuration:

[0057] The first pawl 72 can move relative to the linear rack 66 in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X, but cannot move in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0058] The second pawl can move along the second series of teeth in the second direction, but cannot move in the first direction.

[0059] Due to the orientation of the first series of teeth 68 and the second series of teeth 70, when the ratchet device 64 is in the engaged configuration, the first pawl 72 and the second pawl 74 are allowed to move away from each other (thus allowing the scissor mechanism 50 to raise the platform 26), but the first pawl 72 and the second pawl 74 are prevented from moving closer to each other (thus preventing the scissor mechanism 50 from lowering the platform 26).

[0060] On the contrary, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the ratchet mechanism 64 is in disengaged configuration, the straight rack 66 moves away from the pawls 72 and 74. As a result, both pawls 72 and 74 can move freely in both the first and second directions (thus allowing the scissor mechanism 50 to lower and raise the platform 26).

[0061] The carriage 4 also includes a gripping element 76 that extends outside the housing 24 and allows the user to set the ratchet mechanism 64 in an engaging and disengaging configuration. The gripping element 76 is rotatably mounted on the housing 24.

[0062] A gripping element 76 is connected to a cam 78. The cam 78 extends within a bore defined in a linear rack 66. The cam 78 is arranged to move the linear rack 66 away from or toward a pawl whenever the gripping element is rotated by the user relative to the housing 24 (e.g., 180 degrees). The linear rack 66 extends between two parallel walls that constrain the linear rack to move vertically as the gripping element 76 rotates.

[0063] The carriage 4 also includes a limiting stop 80 for adjusting the position range of the platform.

[0064] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the limiting stop 80 is adapted to adjust the upper boundary of the range, i.e., the (maximum) raised position that the platform 26 can reach. In other embodiments, the limiting stop may adjust the lower boundary of the range (i.e., the lowest position that the platform can reach), or adjust both boundaries of the range.

[0065] The limiting stop 80 is disposed in the housing 24 so that when the first pawl 72 moves in the first direction, it abuts against the first rod 52, thereby preventing further movement of the first pawl 72 in the first direction. When the first pawl contacts the limiting stop 80, the platform reaches its maximum raised position. In other words, the limiting stop 80 restricts the rotation of the first rod 52 relative to the housing 24, thereby limiting the height that the platform 26 can reach when it is raised.

[0066] The carriage 4 also includes a gripper element 82 extending outside the housing 24. The gripper element 82 can be rotated by the user to move the position of the limiting stop in a first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction. For this purpose, the gripper element 82 is mechanically connected to the limiting stop 80 by a threaded shaft 84 engaging in a threaded hole defined in the limiting stop 80. When the limiting stop 80 moves in the first direction, the maximum height position that the platform 26 can reach increases. When the limiting stop moves in the second direction, the maximum height position that the platform 26 can reach decreases.

[0067] Reference Figure 9 The housing 24 also includes two legs 86a and 86b, which define a space 88 through which the track 8 can pass.

[0068] The two legs 86a, 86b include two protrusions 90a to 90b facing each other. When the carriage 4 is slidably mounted on the track 8, the protrusion 90a extends in one of the longitudinal grooves 10, and the other protrusion 90b extends in the opposite groove 10 to stabilize the carriage 4 relative to the track 8.

[0069] The carriage 4 also includes at least one wheel 92 arranged to roll on the track 8. For example, the carriage includes four wheels 92 (i.e., two wheels pivotally mounted on leg 86a and two other wheels pivotally mounted on leg 86b) to contact the bottom surface of the track 8.

[0070] The carriage 4 also includes a drive mechanism for sliding the housing 24 relative to the track 8. This drive mechanism includes a pinion 94 rotatably mounted to the housing 24 and capable of engaging with a rack on the track 8. The pinion 94 is mounted on the leg 86a.

[0071] The drive mechanism also includes a motor configured to drive a pinion. Because the motor is included in the carriage 4, the carriage 4 can move autonomously along the track 8, which is advantageous. This contrasts with carriages driven by external devices such as belts.

[0072] The carriage 4 also includes a power supply configured to supply power to the motor.

[0073] The carriage 4 also includes an input interface 96 for receiving data representing the length of the object to be cut by the cutting device 14. The input interface 96 includes a keyboard 98 allowing the user to input the data. The input interface may also include a display screen 100 for displaying the data entered by the user.

[0074] When the removable unit is installed into the housing 24, the keyboard 98 and / or the display 100 can rotate relative to the housing 24 about a horizontal axis.

[0075] The input interface may also include a radio antenna for wireless communication with the user terminal. The antenna can then receive the data when it is transmitted by the user terminal.

[0076] The carriage 4 also includes a controller configured to determine a target position of the carriage 4 relative to the track 8 based on the data (where the distance between the stop 34 and the cutting device 14 is equal to the length), and to control the drive mechanism to move the carriage 4 to the determined target position.

[0077] The carriage 4 includes a detachable unit that can be releasably mounted to the housing 24.

[0078] The detachable unit includes at least one of the following components of the carriage 4: input interface 96, power supply, and controller.

[0079] The above system can be used to cut an object W to the desired length L.

[0080] In the preparatory step, system 1 is installed such that the carriage 4 is slidably mounted on the track 8, such that the protrusions 90a to 90b extend in the longitudinal grooves 10 of the track 8, and such that the pinion 94 engages with the linear rack 12. Furthermore, the cutting device 14 is also mounted on the track 8 by fasteners 16.

[0081] The user then inputs the desired length L in the carriage 4 using the input interface 96, for example, via the keyboard 98. The controller receives the input length L and determines the target position of the carriage 4 relative to the track 8 based on the length L. The controller controls the drive mechanism to move the carriage 4 to the target position. The carriage 4 slides along the track 8 via a rack and pinion system formed by the rack 12 and the pinion 94.

[0082] Once the carriage 4 reaches the target position, the user deploys the stop 34 so that the inner surface 40 faces the cutting device 1. When the carriage 4 is in the target position, the distance between the vertical plane extending from the inner surface 40 and the vertical plane extending from the saw 18 is equal to the desired length L, as shown in the figure. Figure 2 As shown.

[0083] The user can then simultaneously place the object W on the platform 26 of the carriage 4 and the platform 20 of the cutting device 14, with the object W resting against the inner surface 40 of the upright flap 36. Because the stop 34 prevents the object W from moving away from the cutting device 1, the stop 34 advantageously allows for better control of the object's horizontal position relative to the cutting device 1.

[0084] At this stage, the upper surface 32 of the carriage 4 and the upper surface 22 of the cutting device 14 may not be at exactly the same vertical height, which may make the object W unstable. To overcome this problem, the user can raise or lower the platform 26 of the carriage 4 so that the upper surface 32 of the carriage 4 and the upper surface 22 of the cutting device 14 are at exactly the same vertical height.

[0085] To raise platform 26, the user rotates the gripper element 76 to engage the ratchet mechanism 64. The user then manually grips platform 26 and moves it upward. As this is done, the scissor mechanism 50 extends vertically and the first pawl 72 and the second pawl 74 move away from each other: the first pawl 72 moves in a first direction (away from the cutting device 14), while the second pawl 74 moves in a second direction (towards the cutting device 14). When the user releases platform 26, platform 26 is prevented from lowering back due to the ratchet mechanism 64.

[0086] To lower platform 26, the user rotates the gripper element 76 to engage the ratchet mechanism 64 in a disengaged configuration. As a result, the two pawls 72, 74 move freely toward each other, and platform 26 falls naturally under the influence of gravity.

[0087] Once platforms 20 and 26 are fully aligned, saw 18 can be used to cut the object.

[0088] Subsequently, the user can replace cutting device 1 with another cutting device of different structure or size. In this case, the user may have to lower or raise platform 26 as described above to align platform 26 with the cutting platform of the other cutting device.

Claims

1. A carriage (4), comprising: The housing (24) is slidably mounted on the track (8). Platform (26), on which an object to be cut by a cutting device (14) mounted on the track (8) is placed, and includes a top panel (30) having an upper surface (32), and A stop (34) that can stop the object relative to the cutting device (14) when the object rests on the upper surface (32) of the platform (26). The platform (26) is movable relative to the housing (24) within a range of positions including: Elevate position, and In the lowered position, when the housing (24) is slidably mounted on the track (8), the platform (26) is closer to the track than in the raised position; The housing (24) includes an inner cavity at its top, and the top panel (30) covers the top opening of the inner cavity. The carriage further includes a ratchet device (64) that can be configured in an engagement structure in which the ratchet device (64) allows the platform (26) to move from the lowered position to the raised position and prevents the platform (26) from moving from the raised position to the lowered position.

2. The carriage (4) according to claim 1, wherein, The stop (34) can be set to: In the unfolded position, the stop (34) protrudes from the platform (26) to stop the object relative to the cutting device (14) when the object is placed on the platform (26), and The retracted position, wherein the stop (34) retracts into the platform (26) and cannot stop the object; Furthermore, the carriage (4) includes a scissor mechanism (50) located in the inner cavity and capable of being vertically deployed to raise the platform (26). When the platform (26) is at a height between the lowered position and the raised position, the scissor mechanism (50) keeps the upper surface (32) parallel to the track (8).

3. The carriage (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The stop (34) includes a flap (36) pivotally mounted on the platform (26) between the following positions: In an upright position, wherein the flap (36) is perpendicular to the platform (26), and In a flat position, wherein the flap (36) lies flat along the platform (26); The flap (36) has a function of abutting against the inner surface (40) of the object when it is in the upright position.

4. The carriage (4) according to claim 1, wherein, The ratchet mechanism can be configured in a disengagement configuration in which the ratchet mechanism allows the platform (26) to move from the lowered position to the raised position, and also allows the platform (26) to move from the raised position to the lowered position.

5. The carriage (4) according to claim 4, comprising a gripping element (76) that allows a user to position the ratchet device (64) in the engagement and disengagement configurations.

6. The carriage according to claim 5, wherein, The ratchet device (64) includes a toothed element (66) and pawls (72, 74) configured to engage with the toothed element. The cam (78) is arranged to move the toothed element (66) away from or toward the pawl whenever the gripper element (76) is rotated relative to the housing (24).

7. The carriage (4) according to claim 1 further includes a limiting stop (80) for adjusting the position range.

8. The carriage (4) according to claim 1, further comprising a scissor mechanism (50) for connecting the housing (24) to the platform (26) to raise and lower the platform (26).

9. The carriage (4) according to claim 1, wherein, When the housing (24) is slidably mounted on the track (8), the housing (24) extends between the platform (26) and the track (8).

10. The carriage (4) according to claim 1, further comprising a drive mechanism for sliding the housing (24) relative to the track (8), wherein the drive mechanism comprises: A pinion (94), which is rotatably mounted to the housing (24) and capable of engaging with the rack (12) of the track, and An electric motor, configured to drive the pinion (94).

11. The carriage (4) according to claim 1, further comprising: A drive mechanism for sliding the housing (24) relative to the track (8), Input interface (96), which is used to receive data representing the length of the object, and The controller is configured as follows: The target position of the carriage (4) relative to the track (8) is determined based on the data, wherein the distance between the stop (34) and the cutting device (14) is equal to the length, and Control the drive mechanism to move the carriage (4) to the target position.

12. The carriage (4) according to claim 11, wherein, The drive mechanism is included in the housing (24), and The input interface (96) and / or the controller are included in a removable unit that can be releasably mounted to the housing (24).

13. The carriage (4) according to claim 12, wherein, The drive mechanism includes a motor, and the detachable unit includes a power source configured to supply power to the motor.

14. A system (1), comprising: Orbit (8), and Carriage (4) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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