HAND-OPERATED CUTTING DEVICE WITH RATCHET MECHANISM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cutting device for cutting materials without producing chips. The invention further relates to a method for cutting materials without producing chips.

[0002] The product catalog 2012 / 2013 "Rothenberger - pipetool technologies at work" from Rothenberger Werkzeuge GmbH, Kelkheim, pages 20 and 21, describes a hand-operated cutting device for chipless cutting of materials. This device is used for cutting plastic pipes or multilayer composite pipes to length, such as those used in heating and / or plumbing systems. The cutting device is designed to provide a relatively high cutting force. To achieve this, it features a ratchet mechanism that divides the cutting blade's feed movement into several actuation movements of the hand lever.

[0003] Furthermore, for a hand-operated scissors with a ratchet mechanism, the publication DE 10 2009 019989 A1 discloses the proposal to provide an additional locking element which bypasses the ratchet mechanism and thus makes it possible to operate the scissors in a direct cutting mode in which a single closing action of the handle lever also causes the cutting arrangement to close completely.

[0004] Furthermore, US document 20170215346 discloses a cutting tool consisting of a first component and a second component pivotably connected to each other; wherein a control device is pivotably connected to the second component. The cutting tool performs a multi-stage or single cut, depending on whether the control device is moved into the desired position or not, with the first and second components moving closer to or further away from each other under the control of the control device.

[0005] One objective of the invention is to propose at least one way to optimize the existing concept for chipless cutting of materials.

[0006] The problem is solved with a cutting device having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, a method having the features of claim 11 and a method having the features of claim 12 are proposed to solve the problem. In addition, use with the features of claim 13 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments and / or configurations and / or aspects of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] A basic cutting device for chipless cutting of materials comprises a cutting element with a cutting edge and a support element that can be used as a rest for the material being cut. The cutting element and the support element are mounted so that they can rotate relative to each other about a pivot axis and are designed to rotate between an open and a closed position. In particular, the cutting element can be moved relative to the support element between the open and closed positions. For example, the support element has a support section or rest for the material being cut. The support section can be part of a counter-holder or anvil. The support section can also have or form its own cutting edge.

[0008] In this description, the term "open position" refers specifically to a position of the cutting element relative to the support element such that the material to be cut can be placed between them and then cut by moving the cutting element or its cutting edge towards the support element. The term "closed position" refers specifically to the position the cutting element assumes relative to the support element when the cutting process has been completed and, for example, the material has been cut through.

[0009] In the closed position, the cutting edge of the cutting part can be moved up to the support part or its bearing surface for the material being cut, or even beyond the support part or its bearing surface, so that there is no gap between the cutting edge and the support part when viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation. It is also possible that in the closed position, when viewed in the direction of the axis of rotation, there is still a gap, particularly a small one, between the cutting part or the cutting edge and the support part or its bearing surface.

[0010] The cutting device further comprises a hand lever and a ratchet mechanism. The hand lever is pivotally mounted to the support part about a pivot axis. The ratchet mechanism is designed to convert a back-and-forth movement of the hand lever about the pivot axis into a continuous rotary movement of the cutting part towards the closed position. It features a toothed section and a drive pawl that can be engaged to transmit force from the hand lever to the cutting part. The drive pawl can be rotatably mounted on the hand lever, in particular directly or via an intermediate element. The ratchet mechanism facilitates the manual cutting of materials that require a relatively high cutting force.

[0011] Furthermore, the cutting device includes a coupling mechanism designed to convert a single pivoting movement of the hand lever around its pivot axis into a rotary movement of the cutting element from the open to the closed position. This coupling mechanism enables direct cutting of the material; that is, the material can be cut, and in particular severed, with a single actuation of the hand lever. Because the hand lever only needs to be actuated once, relatively quick cutting, and especially severing, of the material is facilitated.

[0012] Furthermore, the coupling mechanism features a separate coupling element to transmit power from the hand lever to the cutting element. This makes it possible to implement the coupling mechanism without relying on components of the ratchet mechanism, such as the drive pawl and / or the gearing. Instead, the coupling element is designed as a separate transmission link to establish a drive connection between the hand lever and the cutting element, specifically a direct drive connection between the hand lever and the cutting element. Adding the coupling mechanism to an existing cutting device with a ratchet mechanism is simplified, as the ratchet mechanism can remain unchanged, and only the coupling element needs to be added for power transmission.

[0013] In another embodiment, the cutting device is configured so that, during power transmission via the coupling element, the drive pawl is in the operative position against the teeth and is in a free-running mode. "Free-running mode" here means, in particular, that although the drive pawl is already in contact with the teeth, no power is transmitted from the drive pawl to the teeth; that is, the drive pawl rotates freely against the teeth. This measure facilitates a rapid changeover from power transmission via the coupling element to power transmission via the ratchet mechanism or via the drive pawl.For example, this rapid change can be achieved by interrupting or reducing the power flow via the coupling element, so that the drive pawl, which was previously free-running relative to the gearing, then engages in the gearing in a force-transmitting manner without requiring a switching operation with regard to the drive pawl.

[0014] The coupling element is connected to the cutting part and the hand lever via a pivot point to transmit force from the hand lever to the cutting part. For example, the coupling element may be elongated. For example, the coupling element may be a connecting rod. For example, the pivot points may be spaced apart from each other, particularly along the longitudinal direction of the coupling element. For example, the pivot points may each be located in the region of a longitudinal end of the coupling element.

[0015] The cutting device includes a positive guidance system, namely a linear guide, to enable guided movement of one pivot point and / or to guide the one pivot point into the transmission position. The linear guide is a cam guide with a cam and a guide element on which the one pivot point is formed. The cam has a stop for the guide element to hold the one pivot point in the transmission position. Finally, the cam has a guide section for guided movement of the guide element to allow for the deflection of the one pivot point.

[0016] Such a forced guidance system allows the variability of the single pivot point described above to be realized in a technically simple and / or structurally compact manner. The cam guide enables such a compact design that it can be integrated into the hand lever, in particular, at least partially or completely incorporated within it. For example, the cam is formed into the hand lever. Alternatively, the cam can also be a separate component.

[0017] Furthermore, the cam can have an additional guide section which can be used as a lead-in path to move the guide element against the stop. In this respect, the cam offers the possibility of controlling the movement of the guide element so that one pivot point reliably reaches the transmission position when switching to power transmission via the coupling element. For example, the cam is ring-shaped, and the stop and / or the guide section and / or the additional guide section are formed, or at least partially formed, on the inner circumference.

[0018] In one embodiment, the ratchet mechanism has a pawl that can be engaged against the teeth to prevent the cutting element from moving towards the open position. This measure aims to prevent the cutting element from unintentionally opening relative to the support element when, during a ratcheting action (i.e., a back-and-forth movement of the hand lever), the hand lever is returned to its starting position without the cutting element moving. The pawl allows the cutting element to remain in its current position when the hand lever is returned to its starting position for another cutting action during a subsequent ratcheting cycle.

[0019] A return element may be provided, which is designed to move the pawl, preferably against the force of a spring element, into an unlocked position relative to the teeth, so that the cutting element automatically opens into the open position under the force of another spring element. This measure aims to facilitate the opening of the cutting element, i.e., the execution of the opening movement of the cutting element into the open position. In the open position of the cutting element, the material to be cut can then be placed on the support element or inserted between the cutting element and the support element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the return element is designed to serve as a guide for the coupling element. For example, the return element acts as a guide to direct the coupling element's movement during the opening movement of the cutting part, ensuring that one pivot point is moved into the transmission position. This gives the return element multiple functions, which in turn facilitates a compact design and / or reduces the number of components in the cutting device, and particularly supports reliable movement of the coupling element into the force transmission position.One possible embodiment consists in the return element having a projection, in particular a cam, and being arranged so that the projection holds the pawl in the unlocked position, and further providing, for example, that a surface section of the projection forms the guide for the coupling element.

[0021] For example, the return element is designed as a return lever which is pivotably mounted on the support part and / or on a handle attached to the support part. For example, the return element can be pivoted against the force of a spring element from a starting position, such as a rest position, into a functional position in which the return element holds the pawl in the unlocked position and / or serves as a guide for the coupling element.

[0022] To switch from power transmission via the coupling element to power transmission via the drive pawl, one embodiment of the cutting device is configured to move one pivot point out of the transmission position by moving the hand lever from an intermediate position between a starting position and an extended position towards or into the extended position, with, for example, the drive pawl and the locking pawl in the operative position against the gear teeth. This measure makes it possible to switch from a direct drive effected by the coupling mechanism to a ratchet drive effected by the ratchet mechanism, which is achieved by an actuating movement of the hand lever.

[0023] This design facilitates easy operation of the cutting device, enabling the cutting element to be quickly brought into a cutting position against the material being cut and / or allowing for the application of a relatively high cutting force. For example, the direct drive allows for rapid positioning of the cutting element from the open position to the cutting position against the material. If, for instance, the required cutting force exceeds what the direct drive can provide, the aforementioned actuation movement of the hand lever allows switching from the direct drive to the ratchet drive, which then enables cutting with greater force.

[0024] In one possible embodiment, the pivot axis of the hand lever is located at one end, particularly a longitudinal end, facing the cutting element. This facilitates a compact design of the coupling mechanism and / or the ratchet mechanism, as the pivot axis is relatively close to the cutting element. For example, the drive pawl of the ratchet mechanism is associated with the hand lever, and in particular, pivotably mounted on it. Similarly, the toothing is associated with the cutting element, and in particular, rotationally fixed to it, for example, by being integrally formed with it.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the cutting device comprises two handle arms that are pivotable relative to each other. One handle arm is formed by the hand lever, and the other handle arm is fixed to the support part or integrally formed with it, such that the handle arms pivot about the pivot axis of the hand lever. The fixed arm and / or the support part may also be fixed to or integrally formed with a base body. For example, the pawl of the ratchet mechanism is associated with the fixed arm and / or the base body, and in particular, pivotally mounted thereon. For example, the return lever is associated with the fixed arm and / or the base body, and in particular, pivotally mounted thereon.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the cutting device is designed for chipless cutting of the material by means of a knife action, and the cutting edge is a knife blade. For example, the cutting edge has a cutting tip formed by two inclined planes converging at an acute angle. The cutting tip can also be formed by two inclined planes converging at an angle of less than 5 degrees. Furthermore, the cutting edge can have a straight or substantially straight cutting edge or cutting tip.

[0027] For example, the cutting edge has a cutting edge that runs in a straight line over at least one longitudinal segment. For example, the cutting edge may have two longitudinal segments, in particular adjacent longitudinal segments, which are at angles to each other. It has been shown that after one of the longitudinal segments enters the material being cut, the subsequent cutting process is facilitated if the cutting edge has at least two longitudinal segments that are at angles to each other. In principle, the cutting edge can also have at least one longitudinal segment over which the cutting edge is curved.

[0028] A method for cutting material without producing chips using the cutting device described above includes, for example, the step of manually actuating the return element. In particular, the method includes the step of manually actuating the return element, thereby moving the locking pawl into the unlocked position.

[0029] In particular, the procedure includes the step of manually actuating the reset element, which brings the locking pawl into the unlocking position and in turn causes the cutting part to automatically perform an opening movement into the open position by means of spring force, and the coupling element to automatically perform a movement accompanied by the opening movement.

[0030] In particular, the movement of the coupling element moves one pivot point into the transmission position, thus placing the cutting device in a direct cutting mode. Specifically, in this direct cutting mode, the force is transmitted from the hand lever to the cutting element via the coupling element. In this way, the cutting device can be returned to a starting state in which the cutting device is in direct cutting mode and the cutting element is in the open position, this starting state being achieved simply by actuating the return lever.

[0031] Another method for chipless cutting of materials using the cutting device described above is based, for example, on the direct cutting mode described above, in which, for example, force is transmitted from the hand lever to the cutting element via the coupling element, and the drive pawl and the locking pawl of the ratchet mechanism are in the operative position against the teeth. In particular, this further method assumes that the cutting element is already moved towards the closing position, placing the hand lever in an intermediate position between the starting position and the extended position.

[0032] The further procedure includes, for example, the step of pivoting the hand lever from the intermediate position towards the extended position or into the extended position. Specifically, the further procedure includes the step of pivoting the hand lever from the intermediate position towards the extended position or into the extended position, thereby moving one pivot point out of the transmission position and thus placing the cutting device in a ratchet cutting mode. In particular, in the ratchet cutting mode, the force transmission from the hand lever to the cutting element takes place via the drive pawl and the gearing. This proposes a user-friendly procedure for switching from the direct cutting mode to the ratchet cutting mode when, for example, a greater cutting force is required to cut the material than can be applied in the direct cutting mode.

[0033] According to one aspect, the invention further comprises the use of the cutting device described above for cutting a plastic or plastic composite pipe or other deformable workpiece to length. The plastic pipe and / or the plastic composite pipe are intended, for example, for use in heating and / or sanitary systems, such as for use in a drinking water line. The plastic pipe can be made of PE, PP, and / or PVC, or incorporate such material. The plastic composite pipe can be a so-called multilayer pipe. For example, the plastic composite pipe may have an aluminum layer, in particular embedded in the pipe wall.

[0034] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 shows a possible embodiment of a manually operated cutting device for chipless cutting of material in an initial state, shown in a sectional view, Figs. 2 to 5 show the cutting device of the Figure 1 , shown in different situations to move from the initial state to a direct cutting mode, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 the cutting device of the Figure 1 , shown in different situations during a direct cutting process, and Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the cutting device of the Figure 1 , shown in different situations to switch from direct cutting mode to ratchet cutting mode.

[0035] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of a manually operated cutting device 1 for cutting materials in a sectional view. The cutting device 1 can be used for cutting, in particular for cutting to length, plastic pipes or composite plastic pipes. Such pipes are used, for example, in heating and / or plumbing systems, such as components of drinking water or heating pipes. The cutting device 1 can also be used for cutting branches or other biogenic materials.

[0036] The cutting device 1 comprises a cutting element 3 with a cutting edge 2 and a support element 4 serving as a rest for the material to be cut, which, for example, functions as a counter-holder. Preferably, the support element 4 is designed as an anvil or has an anvil. Alternatively, the support element 4 itself can also be designed as a cutting edge or have a cutting edge. Preferably, the cutting edge 2 is a knife blade to cut the material by knife action.

[0037] The cutting part 3 and the support part 4 are rotatably mounted relative to each other about a common axis of rotation 5. Accordingly, the cutting part 3 is in a position between an open position O ( relative to the support part 4). Figure 4 ) and a closed position S, rotatable about the axis of rotation 5. In the Figure 1 The cutting element 3 is in the closed position S. Furthermore, the sectional view concerns the Figure 1 a longitudinal section of the cutting device 1 transverse to the axis of rotation 5.

[0038] The cutting device 1 further comprises a hand lever 6 and a ratchet mechanism 8. Preferably, the hand lever 6 is pivotally mounted on the support part 4 about a pivot axis 7. Preferably, the pivot axis 7 is located at a region of an end 31, in particular the longitudinal end of the hand lever 6. Preferably, this end 31 faces the cutting part 3.

[0039] The ratchet mechanism 8 is designed to convert a back-and-forth movement of the hand lever 6 about the pivot axis 7 into a continuous rotary movement of the cutting element 3 in the direction of the closed position S. For this purpose, the ratchet mechanism 8 has a toothed section 9 and a drive pawl 10 that can be brought into an operative position by means of the toothed section 9, in order to transmit force from the hand lever 6 to the cutting element 3. Preferably, the ratchet mechanism 8 also has a locking pawl 12, which can be brought into an operative position by means of the toothed section 9, in order to lock the cutting element 3 against an opening movement in the direction of the open position O.

[0040] Preferably, the toothing 9 is associated with the cutting part 3. Preferably, the drive pawl 10 is associated with the hand lever 6. Preferably, the locking pawl 12 is associated with the support part 4. For example, the toothing 9 is rotationally fixed to the cutting part 3 and / or integrally formed on the cutting part 3. For example, the drive pawl 10 is rotatably mounted on the hand lever 6 about an axis of rotation 11. For example, the locking pawl 12 is rotatably mounted on the support part 4 about an axis of rotation 13.

[0041] Preferably, a return element 23 is provided which is configured to disengage the pawl 12 from the toothing 9, so that the pawl 12 no longer exerts a locking effect with respect to the cutting element 3. For example, the return element 23 is designed as a return lever. Preferably, the return element 23 is rotatably mounted on the support part 4 about a pivot axis 24. Figure 1The return element 23 is in a rest position R. Preferably, the return element 23 performs no function in the rest position R.

[0042] Preferably, the hand lever 6 forms one of two handle legs 29, 30, which are pivotable relative to each other, so that, for example, the cutting device 1 is designed in the manner of scissors or pliers with respect to its handle legs 29, 30. For example, the other handle leg 30 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the support part 4, so that the handle legs 29, 30 pivot relative to each other about the pivot axis 7. In this case, the pawl 12 can also be assigned to the handle leg 30 designed as the fixed leg, and in particular be rotatably mounted on it about the pivot axis 13. Preferably, the handle legs 29, 30 each have an end 32, 33, which is located away from the cutting part 3 and, for example, forms a free end.

[0043] The cutting device 1 further comprises a coupling mechanism 14, which is configured to convert a single pivoting movement of the hand lever 6 about the pivot axis 7 into a rotary movement of the cutting part 3 from the open position O to the closed position S. Thus, unlike the ratchet mechanism 8, the coupling mechanism 14 does not divide the cutting movement of the cutting part 3 into several actuation movements of the hand lever 6; rather, a single actuation movement of the hand lever 6 executes a single cutting movement of the cutting part 3.

[0044] For this purpose, the coupling mechanism 14 has a coupling element 15, such as a connecting rod, to transmit force from the hand lever 6 to the cutting part 3. Preferably, the drive pawl 10 is located outside the force flow during force transmission via the coupling element 15, meaning that no force transmission takes place via the drive pawl 10. Preferably, a direct drive connection between the hand lever 6 and the cutting part 3 is established via the coupling element 15.

[0045] The coupling element 15 is articulated via two spaced-apart pivot points 16, 17, one to the cutting part 3 and the other to the hand lever 6, in order to transmit force from the hand lever 6 to the cutting part 3. Preferably, the pivot point 17 associated with the cutting part 3 is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation 5 about which the cutting part 3 can rotate relative to the support part 4. For example, one pivot point 17 is located above the axis of rotation 5 when the cutting part 3 is in the closed position S. For example, one pivot point 17 is formed by a connecting pin through which the coupling element 15 is rotatably connected to the cutting part 3.

[0046] Preferably, the pivot point 16 associated with the hand lever 6 is positionally variable, in that the pivot point 16 is configured to perform an evasive movement in response to a movement exerted by the hand lever 6 and / or the cutting element 3. Preferably, the pivot point 16 is located in a transmission position U ( Figure 4 ), when the force transmission from the hand lever 6 to the cutting part 3 takes place or is intended to take place, so that the cutting part 3 performs a cutting movement in the direction of the closed position S.

[0047] To allow the evasive movement of one pivot point 16, a cam guide 18 is provided in the cutting device 1. The cam guide 18 comprises a cam 19.1 and a guide element 19.2 guided thereon, which forms or has one pivot point 16. Preferably, the cam guide 18 is associated with the hand lever 6, and in particular, integrated into the hand lever 6. The cam 19.1 can be a separate component or be formed on the hand lever 6.

[0048] As especially from Figure 2 As can be seen, the backdrop 19.1 includes a stop 20 for the guide element 19.2 to connect the pivot point 16 in the transmission position U ( Figure 4) to hold. Furthermore, the track 19.1 has at least one guide section 21 for a guided movement of the guide element 19.2 in order to allow the evasive movement of one pivot point 16. A further guide section 22 may also be provided, which can be used as an approach track to bring the guide element 19.2 into position against the stop 20.

[0049] Preferably, the cam 19.1 is annular in shape, and the stop 20 and / or the guide section 21 and / or the further guide section 22 are formed on circumferential sections of the inner circumference of the cam 19.1. Preferably, the annular cam 19.1 is open at one circumferential point, so that the guide element 19.2 can be inserted into the interior of the annular cam 19.1.

[0050] From the Figure 2It is further evident that the cutting device 1 can comprise several spring elements 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5 in order to move certain components of the cutting device 1 automatically by spring force. Preferably, one of the spring elements 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5, in particular the one spring element 25.1, which is hereinafter also referred to as the first spring element, is assigned to the pawl 12.

[0051] Preferably, a further spring element 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, 25.4, 25.5, in particular the further spring element 25.2, which is hereinafter also referred to as the second spring element, is assigned to the cutting part 3. Preferably, a third spring element 25.3 is assigned to the drive pawl 10. Preferably, a fourth spring element 25.4 is assigned to the coupling element 15, in particular to one pivot point 17. Preferably, a fifth spring element 25.5 is assigned to the return element 23.

[0052] The cutting device 1 enables chipless cutting of materials by hand, with two different operating modes available: a direct cutting mode and a ratchet cutting mode. The functionality of the cutting device 1 is described below by way of example: Preferably, before cutting, the cutting device 1 is in a starting state, in which it may be stored and / or transported, for example. In this starting state, which is, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the cutting element 3 is in the closed position S and the hand lever 6 is in a starting position A. Preferably, in starting position A, the hand lever 6 is pivoted close to the handle leg 30. Preferably, in starting position A, the hand lever 6 is connected by a (in the Figure 1The locking mechanism (not shown) is fixed in its position. Preferably, in the initial position A, the force of a spring element (not shown in the figures) acts as a restoring or opening force on the hand lever 6. For example, this spring element is designed as a torsion spring, which is supported on one side against the hand lever 6 and on the other side against the support part 4 and, for example, surrounds the pivot axis 7.

[0053] Preferably, in the initial state, the return element 23 is in the rest position R, in which it exerts no effect on the pawl 12. The pawl 12 is thus in an operative position against the toothing 9, in particular, in engagement with the toothing 9. Specifically, the pawl 12 is pressed against the toothing 9 by the force of the first spring element 25.1. In the initial state, the drive pawl 10 can also be in an operative position against the toothing 9, for example, engaging with the toothing 9. For example, the drive pawl 10 is pressed against the toothing 9 by the force of the third spring element 25.3. In the initial state, the guide element 19.2 is, for example, outside the stop 20.

[0054] Preferably by manually releasing the locking mechanism of the hand lever 6, the hand lever 6 is automatically deflected from its initial position A to the extended position B by the force of the associated spring element (not shown in the figures), whereby the cutting element 3 remains in the closed position S due to the locking action of the pawl 12. Preferably, the coupling element 15 is held, or largely held, in its previous position by the force of the fourth spring element 25.4, so that the guide element 19.2 remains out of contact with the stop 20, particularly in the area of ​​an upper end of the cam 19.1 facing the support element 4. The state of the cutting device 1 after releasing the locking mechanism is shown in the figure. Figure 2 As shown. Preferably, in the extended position B, the hand lever 6 is in an extended position with respect to one handle leg 30, in particular in a maximally extended position.

[0055] By deflecting the hand lever 6 from the initial position A to the extended position B, the drive pawl 10 is disengaged from the toothing 9. Preferably, the drive pawl 10 is in contact with a stop 35 of a stop element 34, which is, for example, rigidly connected to or integrally formed with the hand lever 6. Preferably, the stop 35 is dimensioned such that the movement of the drive pawl 10 is limited so that, in the extended position B of the hand lever 6, the drive pawl 10 is held at a distance from the toothing 9 by the stop 35. Preferably, the drive pawl 10 is pressed against the stop 35 or the toothing 9 by the force of the third spring element 25.3.

[0056] To move the cutting element 3 out of the closed position S, the return element 23 is moved from its rest position R to a functional position F, in particular pivoted about the axis of rotation 24. This state is in Figure 3 The reset element 23 is located there in the functional position F, in which the reset element 23 releases the locking pawl 12 from its locking position V ( Figure 2 ) against the toothing 9 and is now in an unlocking position E.

[0057] Preferably, this is achieved by a projection 27 on the return element 23, which has a surface section 28, for example, of a circumferential surface, that forms a driver to engage the pawl 12 and move it from the locking position V to the unlocking position E, and in particular to hold it there. Preferably, the projection 27 has a further function; for example, the projection 27 serves as a guide 26 for the coupling element 15 during its movement from the position according to the Figure 3 into a position against the attack 20, which consisted of Figure 4 as is evident.

[0058] For example, from the Figure 3 As can be seen, a base body 40 can be provided between one handle leg 30 and the support part 4. The base body 40 can be rigidly connected to one handle leg 30 and / or to the support part 4. In particular, one handle leg 30 is integrally formed with the base body 40 and / or the support part 4 is integrally formed with the base body 40.

[0059] By unlocking the pawl 12 and disengaging the drive pawl 10 from the toothing 9 due to the pivoting movement of the hand lever 6 into the extended position B, the cutting element 3 is freely movable and is automatically moved from the closed position S to the open position O by the force of the second spring element 25.2. Preferably, the open position O is the maximum possible extended position of the cutting element 3 away from a support section 38 of the support part 4, which is opposite the cutting edge 2 of the cutting element 3. Preferably, in the open position O, the cutting element 3 is brought into contact with a stop 36 against a counter-stop 37 arranged on the support part 3.

[0060] The current state of the cutting device 1 is described in the Figure 4As shown, during the opening movement of the cutting part 3 into the open position O, the coupling element 15 also performed a movement, which was positively guided by the guide 26 of the return element 23 in such a way that the guide element 19.2 came into contact with the stop 20 and thus one pivot point 16 was in a transmission position U. In the transmission position U, force transmission from the hand lever 6 to the cutting part 3 is now possible via the coupling element 15.

[0061] By moving one pivot point 16 into the transmission position U, the cutting device 1 is in direct cutting mode. To perform cutting of the material in this mode, the return element is preferably moved back to its rest position. This is preferably achieved by releasing the return element 23, which was previously held, for example, manually, and allowing it to move automatically to the rest position R by the force of the fifth spring element 25.5. Preferably, the pawl 12 is then moved back into the locking position V by the force of the first spring element 25.1.

[0062] In the present direct cutting mode, by manually actuating the hand lever 6 from the extended position B towards the starting position A, a force transmission from the hand lever 6 directly to the cutting part 3 is effected via the coupling element 15, whereby the cutting part 3 is moved from the open position O towards the closed position S.

[0063] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows an example of a state in which the hand lever 6 has been moved from the extended position B towards the starting position A and is therefore in a first intermediate position BZ1. Similarly, the cutting element 3 has been moved from the open position O towards the closed position S and is now in a first intermediate position OZ1. Figure 7shows the state in which the direct cutting process is finished and the hand lever 6 is again in the starting position A and accordingly the cutting part 3 is brought into the closed position S.

[0064] As from the Figures 6 and 7 As can be seen, the pawl 12 and the drive pawl 10 can each be in an engaging position against the toothing 9. Due to the power transmission via the coupling element 15, the drive pawl 10 is in a freewheel position relative to the toothing 9. Likewise, the pawl 12 is in a freewheel position relative to the toothing 9.

[0065] Figures 8 and 9 Figure 1 illustrates the operation of the cutting device when switching from direct cutting mode to ratchet cutting mode. To perform such a switch, the hand lever 6 is moved from the extended position A according to the figure 1. Figure 5in the direction of one handle leg 30 and brought into a second intermediate position BZ2 and by force transmission via the coupling element 15 pivots the cutting part 3 from the open position O into a second intermediate position OZ2.

[0066] To switch from the current direct cutting mode to the ratchet cutting mode, the hand lever 6 is released slightly, so that the hand lever 6 is automatically pivoted back towards the extended position B, for example, into a third intermediate position BZ3, by the force of the associated spring element (not shown in the figures). Since the pawl 12 is in the locking position V against the teeth 9, the cutting part 3 does not open towards the open position O. Instead, the cutting part 3 remains in the intermediate position OZ2, as shown in the Figure 8 shown.

[0067] Due to the pivoting movement of the hand lever 6 towards the extended position B and the stationary cutting element 3, the stop 20 of the cam 19.1 is moved from its stop position against the guide element 19.2, and thus one pivot point 16 leaves the transmission position U. As a result, the force transmission from the hand lever 6 to the cutting element 3 no longer occurs via the coupling element 15, but instead via the drive pawl 10 when the hand lever 6 is actuated towards the starting position A. Due to the design of the cam 19.1, the guide element 19.2 can perform an evasive movement within the cam 19.1, ensuring that no force transmission occurs via the coupling element 15 in the ratchet cutting mode.

[0068] The exemplary operating principle allows the cutting device 1 to initially be in direct cutting mode when the cutting device 1 is opened, i.e., when the locking mechanism of the hand lever 6 is released, and the hand lever 6 then automatically pivots into the extended position B ( Figure 5 ). The direct cutting mode enables rapid positioning of the cutting part 3 against a material to be cut placed between the cutting part 3 and the support section 38 of the support part 4, by means of a single pivoting movement or actuation of the hand lever 6 around the pivot axis 7, which brings the cutting part 3 from the open position O into a contact position against the material to be cut.

[0069] Depending on the required cutting force, the device can either remain in direct cutting mode or, as described above, switch to ratchet cutting mode. Therefore, cutting device 1 offers the advantages of cutting materials across a wide range of applicable cutting forces. At the same time, the cutting process can be carried out quickly even for relatively compact materials, since the direct cutting mode allows for rapid positioning of the cutting element 3 from the open position O to contact with the material.

[0070] For example, the cutting device 1 enables the cutting of plastic pipes or plastic composite pipes with a diameter of up to approximately 30 mm, in particular up to 35 mm, preferably up to 32 mm, in direct cutting mode. The ratchet cutting mode allows plastic pipes or plastic composite pipes with a diameter of up to approximately 75 mm, in particular 75 mm, to be cut or cut to length. Reference symbol list

[0071] 1 Cutting device 2 Cutting edge 3 Cutting part 4 Support part 5 Pivot axis 6 Hand lever 7 Swivel axis 8 Ratchet mechanism 9 Gearing 10 Drive pawl 11 Pivot axis 12 Locking pawl 13 Pivot axis 14 Coupling mechanism 15 Coupling element 16 Pivot point 17 Pivot point 18 Guide cam 19.1 Cam 19.2 Guide element 20 Stop 21 Guide section 22 Further guide section 23 Return element 24 Pivot axis 25.1 Spring element (first spring element) 25.2 Further spring element (second spring element) 25.3 Third spring element 25.4 Fourth spring element 25.5 Fifth spring element 26 Guide 27 Projection 28 Surface section 29 Handle leg 30 Handle leg 31 End 32 End 33 End 34 Stop part 35 Stop 36 Stop 37 Counter stop 38 Support section 40 Base body SClosed position (cutting part 3) OOpen position (cutting part 3) OZ1Intermediate position (cutting part 3) OZ2Intermediate position (cutting part 3) AStarting position (hand lever 6) BExit position (hand lever 6) BZ1Intermediate position (hand lever 6) BZ2Intermediate position (hand lever 6) BZ3Intermediate position (hand lever 6) EUnlocking position (locking pawl 12) VLocking position (locking pawl 12) UTransmission position (Pivot point 16) RRest position (Reset element 23) FFunctional position (Reset element 23)

Claims

1. Cutting apparatus (1) for chipless cutting of material to be cut, comprising a cutting part (3), which has a cutting edge (2), and a supporting part (4), which can be used as a rest for the material to be cut, wherein the cutting part (3) and the supporting part (4) are mounted such that they can be rotated with respect to one another about a rotational axis (5) and are configured to be rotated relative to one another about the rotational axis (5) between an open position (O) and a closed position (S), and comprising a hand lever (6) and a ratchet mechanism (8), wherein the hand lever (6) is articulated on the supporting part (4) such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis (7), and the ratchet mechanism (8) is configured to convert a to-and-fro movement of the hand lever (6) about the pivot axis (7) into a continuous rotational movement of the cutting part (3) in the direction of the closed position (S), wherein the ratchet mechanism (8) has a toothing system (9) and a drive pawl (10) which can be brought into an active position with the former, in order, via this, to bring about a force transmission from the hand lever (6) to the cutting part (3), and, furthermore, comprising a coupling mechanism (14) which is configured to convert a singular pivoting movement of the hand lever (6) about the pivot axis (7) into a rotational movement of the cutting part (3) from the open position (O) into the closed position (S), wherein the coupling mechanism (14) has a separate coupling element (15), in order, via this, to bring about a force transmission from the hand lever (6) to the cutting part (3), wherein the coupling element (15) is articulated in each case via an articulation point (16; 17) on the cutting part (3) and on the hand lever (6), in order to bring about the force transmission from the hand lever (6) to the cutting part (3), and one of the articulation points (16, 17) is positionally variable, wherein the one articulation point (16) is situated in a transmission position (U), in order to bring about the force transmission from the hand lever (6) to the cutting part (3), and is configured to carry out an evading movement in response to a movement performed by the hand lever (6) or the cutting part (3), characterized in that the cutting apparatus (1) comprises a slotted guide (18) with a guide piece (19.1) and a guide element (19.2) which is guided thereon, wherein the one articulation point (16) is configured on the guide element (19.2), and wherein the guide piece (19.2) has a stop (20) for the guide element (19.2), in order to hold the one articulation point (16) in the transmission position (U), wherein, furthermore, the guide piece (19.2) has a guide portion (21) for a guided movement of the guide element (19.2), in order to permit the evading movement of the one articulation point (16).

2. Cutting apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the cutting apparatus (1) is configured such that, in the case of the force transmission via the coupling element (15), the drive pawl (10) is present in an active position with respect to the toothing system (9) and is in a freewheel mode.

3. Cutting apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide piece (19.1) has a further guide portion (22) which can be used as an inlet section, in order to move the guide element (19.2) against the stop (20).

4. Cutting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the slotted guide (18) is integrated into the hand lever (6).

5. Cutting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratchet mechanism (8) has a locking pawl (12) which can be moved into engagement against the toothing system (9), in order to block a movement of the cutting part (3) in the direction of the open position (O), and the restoring element (23) is provided which is configured to preferably move the locking pawl (12) counter to the force of the spring element (25.1) into an unlocked position (E) with regard to the toothing system (9), with the result that the cutting part (2) automatically carries out an opening movement into the open position (O) as a result of the force of a further spring element (25.2).

6. Cutting apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the restoring element (23) is configured to be used as a guide (26) for the coupling element (15), in order, in the case of the opening movement of the cutting part (3), to guide an accompanying movement of the coupling element (15) in such a way that the one articulation point (16) is moved into the transmission position (U).

7. Cutting apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the restoring element (23) has a projection (27) and is configured such that the projection (27) holds the locking pawl (12) in the unlocked position (E), wherein a surface portion of the projection (27) forms the guide (26) for the coupling element (15).

8. Cutting apparatus according to one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the cutting apparatus (1) is configured to move the one articulation point (16) out of the transmission position (U), in order to change from the force transmission via the coupling element (15) to the force transmission via the drive pawl (10), by virtue of the drive pawl (10) and the locking pawl (12) being present in an active position against the toothing system (9), and the hand lever (6) being moved from an intermediate position (BZ1; BZ2; BZ3) between a starting position (A) and a deployed position (B) in the direction of the deployed position (A) or into the deployed position (A).

9. Cutting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot axis (7) is arranged in the region of an end (31) of the hand lever (6), wherein the one end (31) of the hand lever (6) faces the cutting part (3).

10. Cutting apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting apparatus (1) is configured for chipless cutting of the material to be cut by way of knife action, and the cutting edge (2) is a knife blade.

11. Method for chipless cutting of material to be cut by means of a cutting apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 5 to 8, in the case of which method the restoring element (23) of the cutting apparatus (1) is actuated manually, as a result of which the locking pawl (12) of the cutting apparatus (1) is moved into the unlocked position (E) and, once again as a result, the cutting part (2) of the cutting apparatus (1) carries out an opening movement into the open position (O) by means of a spring force, and the coupling element (15) of the cutting apparatus (1) automatically carries out a movement accompanying the opening movement, wherein, as a result of the movement of the coupling element (15), the one articulation point (16) passes into the transmission position (U) and therefore the cutting apparatus (1) is present in a direct cutting mode, in which the force transmission from the hand lever (6) to the cutting part (3) takes place via the coupling element (15) .

12. Method for chipless cutting of material to be cut by means of a cutting apparatus (1) according to Claim 8, wherein the cutting apparatus (1) is in a direct cutting mode, in which a force transmission from the hand lever (6) to the cutting part (3) of the cutting apparatus (1) takes place via the coupling element (15) of the cutting apparatus (1), and the drive pawl (10) and the locking pawl (12) of the ratchet mechanism (8) of the cutting apparatus (1) are present in an active position against the toothing system (9), and the cutting part (3) has already moved in the direction of the closed position (S), as a result of which the hand lever (6) in situated in an intermediate position (BZ1; BZ2; BZ3) between the starting position (A) and the deployed position (B), wherein the method comprises the step that the hand lever (6) is pivoted from the intermediate position (BZ1; BZ2; BZ3) in the direction of the deployed position (A) or into the deployed position (A), as a result of which the one articulation point (16) is moved out of the transmission position (U), and therefore the cutting apparatus (1) is present in a ratchet cutting mode, in which the force transmission from the hand lever (6) to the cutting part (3) takes place via the drive pawl (10) and the toothing system (9).

13. Use of a cutting apparatus (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 10 for cutting a plastic or plastic composite pipe to length.