Cutting tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a cutting tool for cutting out a section of a floor covering lying on a substrate, e.g. a carpet, vinyl or the like, with a torus-shaped holding ring 2 which can be placed on the floor covering and which defines an inner side of the holding ring, a blade holder 10 which can be inserted into this and is movable relative to the inner side of the holding ring and which is movable relative to the stationary holding ring 2 via an actuating element in order to carry out a cutting movement, wherein one or more blades 22, 22', 22'', 22''' can be or are fastened to the blade holder 10 in such a way that they cut into the floor covering when the cutting movement is carried out in order to cut out the section from the floor covering. In order to realize a particularly precise cutout, it is proposed that fixing means are provided to fix the retaining ring 2 in a desired position on the substrate, and that bearings 12, 12', 12'', 12'''; 13, 13', 13'', 13''' are arranged between the stationary knife holder 10 and the knife holder which is relatively movable thereto.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting tool or a cutting device designed for cutting out a section of an air-impermeable floor covering lying on a substrate, e.g. a carpet, linoleum, vinyl or the like, with a torus-shaped holding ring which can be placed on the floor covering and defines an inner side of the holding ring, a blade holder which can be inserted into this holding ring and is movable relative to the inner side of the holding ring and which is rotatable relative to the stationary holding ring via an actuating element in order to carry out a cutting movement. One or more blades can be or are fastened to the blade holder in such a way that they cut into the floor covering when the cutting movement is carried out in order to cut out the section from the floor covering. State of the art

[0002] Various cutting tools are known for cutting out a section of the floor covering. All known cutting tools have in common that they only allow for limited dimensional accuracy and are relatively complex. Limited dimensional accuracy in this context means that a gap is often created between the cutout and the opening created in the floor covering during the cutting process, which is visible when the cutout is reinserted into the floor covering. Task

[0003] Based on the known prior art and the associated disadvantages, the invention is therefore based on the task or the technical problem of providing a cutting tool which enables a particularly precise cutout in the sense of very good dimensional accuracy. invention

[0004] According to the invention, this object is already achieved by the features of the independent claim. Preferred, but not mandatory, features are recited in the subclaims.

[0005] In the simplest embodiment, this task is therefore solved by the retaining ring being designed to be particularly stable so that it forms the most even and smooth guide possible with its inner side for the knife holder.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment, this is achieved by the retaining ring being designed as a metal, in particular steel, ring or fiber-reinforced plastic ring, which has a wall thickness of 25 to 35 mm, preferably 30 mm and more, and thus realizes a particularly stable and dimensionally accurate running surface for the bearings between the knife holder and the retaining ring.

[0007] Furthermore, fixing means are provided which fix the retaining ring precisely and firmly in the desired position on the floor covering.

[0008] Finally, between the stationary retaining ring and the knife holder, which is relatively movable in relation to it, bearings are arranged which roll on the inside of the retaining ring, so that the inside of the retaining ring forms a running surface for the bearings.

[0009] A key element of the invention are the fixing means for securing the retaining ring in a desired position on the substrate. The "desired position" is the position that fixes the retaining ring in the desired position on the substrate, thus defining the running edge or running surface for the knife holder with the inside of the retaining ring, specifically at a precisely predefined location. This is to hold the retaining ring in a position relative to the substrate so that the retaining ring always remains in the desired position, even when multiple cuts or multiple movements are made. The floor covering is expediently designed so that the fixing means can be attached to or on the substrate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fixing means comprise a vacuum fixing means, such as a suction cup, which can be subjected to a negative pressure by applying negative pressure to the sealing lip that can be placed on the floor covering, so that a negative pressure is generated between the suction cup or the retaining ring and the floor covering, which fixes the retaining ring in the desired position on the floor covering.

[0011] The suction cups comprise a suction seal with a circumferential sealing lip that can be placed against the floor covering. By activating the pump or another device for applying vacuum to the seal, a vacuum is applied to the top of the suction seal, causing the suction cup to adhere to the airtight floor covering.

[0012] In the particularly preferred, particularly stable embodiment, the bearings are designed as ball bearings.

[0013] The knife holder preferably has multiple edges, namely longitudinal edges extending in a longitudinal direction and transverse edges extending between the longitudinal edges, which thus extend transversely to the longitudinal direction and thus intersect the longitudinal edges at corners. The bearings are preferably arranged at the edges or corners, particularly preferably in the corners, especially in all corners, so that a particularly harmonious and smooth running of the edges on the inside of the retaining ring is realized.

[0014] A particularly stable and thus smooth-running design provides for bearings in two or more levels between the knife holder and the retaining ring. In the preferred embodiment, the bearings are arranged on the knife holder.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the knife holder is rectangular in shape, in particular constructed with a square geometry.

[0016] As mentioned above, it has been found to be particularly useful for a harmonious force distribution to arrange the bearings at or in the corners of the knife holder, and in particular at each corner.

[0017] The fixing means for securing the retaining ring in the desired position on the floor covering preferably comprise one, but also several, suction cups. According to the invention, a suction cup is understood to be a device comprising sealing lips for firmly suctioning the retaining ring onto the floor covering, which can thus be placed against the surface of the floor covering, and wherein a vacuum can be applied to the suction cup, preferably by means of a pump, which can also be integrated into the suction cup, e.g., a hand pump or a pump integrated into the device.

[0018] The suction cup for fixing the retaining ring can be fixed to the side of the retaining ring via an arm.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the retaining ring comprises two arms which protrude diametrically opposite from the central axis of rotation of the retaining ring and at whose distal ends, i.e. ends facing away from the central axis of rotation of the retaining ring, two suction cups are arranged.

[0020] The retaining ring can also be secured in the desired position by the user's weight. The arms, which extend radially from the sides of the retaining ring without suction cups, can be used for this purpose. The user can stand on these arms, so that the cutting device is secured in the desired position by the user's own weight. In this case, the arms, as well as the retaining ring, are preferably made of metal, especially steel.

[0021] If the arms projecting from the support ring are designed for the user to stand on, these arms are preferably connected or connectable to the lower end of the support ring that can be placed on the ground, so that the user's weight is transferred particularly well to the support ring. Furthermore, the arms, which preferably project radially diametrically opposite, can comprise connected or connectable footrests on which the user can stand.

[0022] If the radially projecting arms of the fixing means are designed to be attached to these suction cups, these arms, which are then designed as suction cup arms, are preferably connected or connectable to the retaining ring at the height of the suction cups or at the upper end of the retaining ring, so that the suction cup can be connected to an air-impermeable floor covering or clamps for connection to an air-permeable floor covering with the arms, preferably in a detachable manner.

[0023] Preferably, the suction devices are actuated by pumps, in particular by hand-operated pumps.

[0024] A particularly compact and space-optimized embodiment provides for the fixing means to be integrated into the retaining ring. For this purpose, sealing lips can be provided directly on the underside of the retaining ring, e.g. embedded in it, which can be placed against the surface of the floor covering. By applying a negative pressure to the retaining ring, e.g. using a hand pump arranged in the retaining ring or also using a pneumatic negative pressure element, the negative pressure can then be applied to the suction cup in the retaining ring in order to fix it in the desired position. With this embodiment, no radially projecting arms with suction cups are required, which is why this design is particularly suitable for use in narrow or confined spaces.

[0025] Different cutting circles with different radii can be realized by attaching knives to the knife holder, which can be spaced apart from a side wall of the knife holder via spacers in order to vary the radius as required.

[0026] The particularly stable and dimensionally accurate embodiment of the cutting tool according to the invention comprises that all essential components, such as the retaining ring, the blade holder, and the arms for the suction cups ("suction cup arms"), are constructed from metal parts. An alternative embodiment provides for the design to be made from a fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0027] The device according to the invention for particularly precise cutting of a section in a floor covering thus also enables better drying of damp floors or a new drying method for drying damp floors that have been or are exposed to water damage and require drying.

[0028] In such a case, drying is normally achieved using warm air by blowing or introducing the warm air into the lateral gap between the screed lying on the floor and a wall enclosing the screed on the side. According to the invention, a core hole can now be drilled into the screed down to the insulation beneath the screed. This core hole or hole can then be used to achieve particularly intensive drying of the floor, meaning that drying can be carried out much more quickly. Subsequently, once drying is complete, the drilled-out core can be reinserted into the screed and the floor covering, e.g. linoleum or another floor covering, can be glued down.

[0029] Because the cutout can be made with particular precision using the device according to the invention, the cutout is almost invisible after it has been glued in place. In this respect, the invention also enables and claims a novel drying process which is characterized in that a core hole is drilled in the center of a screed and a drying device is connected to the hole thus created in the screed, thus drying the floor with or without the edge. When cutting linoleum, a joint 2-5 mm wide, for example, can be cut using a double blade, thus creating a circular ring-shaped cutout between the cutout and the floor covering, which is filled with filler when reinserted in order to tightly fix the cutout to the surrounding floor covering and bond it to it.

[0030] In the following detailed description of the figures, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "fore", "rear", etc., will be used with reference to the orientations of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is for the purpose of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0031] In this description, the terms “connected,” “attached,” and “integrated” are used to describe both direct and indirect connection, direct or indirect connection, and direct or indirect integration.

[0032] Unless otherwise stated, the indefinite article and the definite article do not refer solely to a single component, but should be understood as "at least one." The terminology includes the aforementioned words, variations thereof, and similar meanings. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "about," "substantially," and similar terms in connection with the dimensions and a characteristic of a component of the invention do not describe the described dimension and characteristic as a strict limit or parameter and do not exclude minor variations thereof that are functionally similar. At a minimum, descriptions containing numerical parameters also include variations of these parameters according to mathematical and manufacturing principles in the prior art, e.g., rounding, deviations, and other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference symbols where appropriate.

[0033] Reference symbol lines are lines that connect the reference symbol to the part in question. An arrow that doesn't touch any part, on the other hand, refers to the entire unit to which it is pointed.

[0034] The representations in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain areas may be exaggerated to illustrate details. Furthermore, the drawings may be simplistic and may not contain every detail that may be present in the actual design.

[0035] The cutting tool according to the invention is described below by way of example with reference to the figures. All features of the respective exemplary embodiments are disclosed independently and independently of other features of the respective exemplary embodiment. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those further described can each be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather are exemplary in nature for describing the invention.

[0036] They show: Fig. 1 an isometric top view of the cutting tool; Fig. 2 an isometric side view of the cutting tool from below; Fig. 3 an enlarged view of the cutting tool from below; Fig. 4 an enlarged detailed view of the knife holder in the retaining ring from below; and Fig. 5 an enlarged cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the cutting tool.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric top view of the cutting tool. It essentially comprises the centrally arranged retaining ring 2 and suction cups arranged laterally therefrom, namely a first suction cup 4 and a second suction cup 6.

[0038] Finally, an actuating element in the form of a rod 8 is provided to actuate the cutting tool and carry out the cutting process. The retaining ring 2 is designed as a toroidal metal, in particular steel, ring with a wall thickness of 30 mm in this case. Its underside forms a contact surface against the floor covering and its inner side defines a circular running surface for the knife holder 10, which is movable relative to the retaining ring 2, which remains stationary during actuation.

[0039] The knife holder 10, like the retaining ring 2, is made of metal, in particular steel, and has a square geometry. Ball bearings 12, 12', 12'', 12'''; 13, 13', 13'', 13''' are arranged at the corners of the knife holder 10, specifically on the top side of the knife holder 10 and on its bottom side, so that a total of eight ball bearings 12, 12', 12'', 12'''; 13, 13', 13'', 13''' hold the knife holder 10 within the retaining ring 2 and thus realize particularly precise and dimensionally accurate guidance.

[0040] Extending transversely across the top of the retaining ring 2 is a cross member 14, which is releasably attached to the top of the retaining ring 2 with two screws 16, 16' and which has a pivot axis 18 in the center, which extends around the central pivot axis in the center of the retaining ring 2 and is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the knife holder 10. The knife holder 2 is then actuated via the rod 8, which is displaceably arranged in a transverse hole within the pivot axis 18.

[0041] The knife holder can also be accommodated in the holder ring in a height-adjustable manner, so that the knife holder can be accommodated in the holder ring 2 for transport to protect the knives and to prevent injuries to the user, and can be lowered into the cross member 14 and placed on the ground for the cutting process.

[0042] Two suction arms 20, 20' can be provided diametrically laterally on the upper side of the retaining ring 2, to whose distal ends, i.e. directed away from the central axis of rotation, the suction cups 4, 6 are attached, which otherwise have a known structure and which serve as fixing means in this embodiment.

[0043] The fixed arrangement of the suction arms on the retaining ring increases the dimensional accuracy and stability of the cutting device.

[0044] In an alternative, more easily transportable embodiment, the suction arms 20, 20' can also be designed to be insertable into the retaining ring 2 and not, as in the present embodiment, be designed in one piece with the retaining ring 2.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the suction cups 4, 6 are designed as manually operable suction cups, which therefore each comprise a hand pump on the top side which can be operated via a button on the side, so that a negative pressure can be built up on the suction cup surface with the circumferential sealing rubber or on the contact surface of the suction cup on the lower contact surface of the suction cup, with which it can be fixed, for example, to a linoleum floor.

[0046] In an alternative, more easily transportable embodiment, the suction arms 20, 20' can also be designed to be insertable into the retaining ring 2 and not, as in the present embodiment, be designed in one piece with the retaining ring 2.

[0047] At the end of the suction arms 20, 20" there are trough-shaped receptacles into which the suction cups 4, 6 can be inserted and releasably fixed by means of a splint. In the present case, these are commercially available suction cups 4, 6, which are used, for example, for carrying glass panes.

[0048] Particularly good stability can be achieved through the inventive design, in which bearings 12, 12', 12'', 12'''; 13, 13', 13'', 13''' are arranged at all corners of the knife holder 10, specifically on the top and bottom of the knife holder 10, i.e., in two planes, to effectively prevent the knife holder from tilting in the retaining ring 2 and thus achieve particularly precise running and thus cutting. These bearings, which can be designed as roller bearings or plain bearings and arranged on two vertical planes between the knife holder 10 and the retaining ring 2, ensure particularly good tilt stability of the movable knife holder 10 relative to the stationary retaining ring 2.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the suction cups 4, 6 are designed as manually operated suction cups, which therefore each comprise a hand pump on the top side that can be operated via a button on the side, so that a negative pressure can be built up on the suction cup surface with the circumferential sealing rubber or on the contact surface of the suction cup on the lower contact surface of the suction cup, with which it can be fixed, for example, to a linoleum floor.

[0050] At the end of the suction arms 20, 20", trough-shaped receptacles can preferably be formed, into which the suction cups 4, 6 can be inserted and releasably fixed by means of a splint. In the present case, these are commercially available suction cups 4, 6, which are used, for example, for carrying glass panes.

[0051] Particularly good stability can be achieved by the inventive design, in which bearings 12, 12', 12'', 12''; 13, 13', 13'', 13''' are arranged at all corners of the knife holder 10, namely on the top and bottom of the knife holder 10, in order to effectively prevent the knife holder from tilting in the retaining ring 2 and thus to achieve particularly precise running and thus cutting. These bearings, arranged on two vertical planes between the knife holder 10 and the retaining ring 2, are particularly well suited to Fig. 4, which shows an enlarged detailed view of the upper section of the knife holder 10 and the retaining ring 2.

[0052] The view of the cutting device from below in Fig. Figure 3 shows the blades 22, 22', 22'', 22''' attached to the sides of the blade holder 10, which in this case are screwed to each side of the blade holder 10 at an angle of inclination of 30 to 45 degrees. To change the cutting radius, spacer elements of different widths can be arranged between the blade holder 10 and the blades 22, 22', 22'', 22''', which are preferably releasably fixed to an external holder via screws.

[0053] In an alternative, more easily transportable embodiment, the suction arms 20, 20' can also be designed to be insertable into the retaining ring 2 and not, as in the present embodiment, to be designed as one piece with the retaining ring 2.

[0054] Fig.5 shows an enlarged cross section through an alternatively designed retaining ring 2', which comprises sealing lips 26, 26' fastened to the underside as a fixing means, inserted here into corresponding grooves and extending all the way around, with which the retaining ring 2' can be placed on a base and, by applying a negative pressure, can be applied to the annular space formed between the retaining ring 2' and the sealing lips 26, 26' and the base in order to fix the retaining ring to the base in the desired position with precise positioning, in order to then carry out the cut. List of reference symbols 2 retaining rings 4, 6 suction cups 8 bars 10 knife holders 12,12', 12'', 12''' ball bearings 13, 13', 13'', 13''' ball bearings 14 cross members 16, 16' screw 18 axis of rotation 20, 20' suction arm 22, 22', 22'', 22''' knives 24 spacers 26, 26' Dichlippe

Claims

[1] Cutting tool for cutting out a section of a floor covering lying on a substrate, e.g. a carpet, vinyl or the like, with a toroidal holding ring (2) which can be placed on the floor covering and which defines an inner side of the holding ring, a knife holder (10) which can be inserted into the toroidal holding ring and is movable relative to the inner side of the holding ring and which is movable relative to the stationary holding ring (2) via an actuating element to carry out a cutting movement, wherein one or more knives (22, 22', 22'', 22''') can be or are fastened to the knife holder (10) in such a way that they cut into the floor covering when the cutting movement is carried out in order to cut out the section from the floor covering, INDICATED BY , THAT fixing means are provided to fix the retaining ring (2) in a desired position on the substrate, and THAT bearings (12, 12', 12'', 12'''; 13, 13', 13'', 13''') are arranged between the stationary knife holder (10) and the knife holder which is relatively movable thereto. [2] Cutting tool according to claim 1, wherein the bearings (12, 12', 12'', 12''' 13, 13', 13'', 13''') are designed as ball bearings or plain bearings. [3] Cutting tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the knife holder (2) has a plurality of edges, namely longitudinal edges extending in a longitudinal direction and transverse edges extending between the longitudinal edges, which cut the longitudinal edges in corners, and in that the bearings are arranged on the edges or corners. [4] Cutting tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the knife holder (2) is rectangular, in particular square. [5] Cutting tool according to claim 4, wherein the bearings (12, 12', 12'', 12'''; 13, 13', 13'', 13''') are arranged at corners of the knife holder (2). [6] Cutting tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing means comprise at least one, preferably two, suction cups (4, 6). [7] Cutting tool according to claim 6, wherein the at least one suction cup (4, 6) is connected to the retaining ring (2) via an arm. [8] Cutting tool according to claim 7, wherein the retaining ring (2) comprises two arms with two suction cups 4, 6. [9] Cutting tool according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the suction cups are integrated into the retaining ring (2). [10] Cutting tool according to claim 9, wherein sealing lips are provided on a retaining ring underside, which in use rests on the floor covering when carrying out the cutting process, which sealing lips can be placed against the floor covering and that the retaining ring (2) is designed to apply a negative pressure in a space formed by the retaining ring underside, the sealing lips and the floor covering. [11] Cutting tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one, preferably two, particularly preferably two opposing knives (22, 22', 22'', 22''') can be detachably fastened laterally to the knife holder (10). [12] Cutting tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a spacer (24) of different sizes can be or is inserted between the knife holder (10) and the at least one knife (22, 22', 22'', 22'''). [13] Cutting tool according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the essential components are made of metal, in particular steel.

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