Portable machine for grooving plates

Abstract

A portable plate grooving machine, of the type comprising a main body (1) provided with drive means and at least one handle (2), characterized in that the shaft carries a set of parallel cutting discs (4), separated by spacers (5), the set of cutting discs (4) being covered by a disc guard (3) and associated with depth adjustment means.

Description

Portable machine for grooving plates OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention, as indicated in the title of this descriptive report, refers to a portable machine for slotting plates, configured for the on-site creation of flex grooves in panels by means of a system of spaced cutting discs and the cooperation of lateral guiding elements, providing a technical solution not contemplated in the configurations usually employed. TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the field of miscellaneous industrial techniques and transport, specifically in the subclass of working with cement, clay, or stone. It is particularly relevant in the field of drywall construction (plasterboard), as well as in the carpentry, joinery, and architectural panel manufacturing industries. Specifically, it relates to machines for technical grooving (a technique known as 'kerfing') intended to provide flexibility to rigid materials such as plasterboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, wood, and aluminum or polymer composite panels. It also falls under the category of devices or means intended to wear down or condition the condition of abrasive surfaces by using circular saw blades or saw discs. STATE OF THE ART The present invention arises from the observation that, in current architectural projects, curved shapes and complex geometries are increasingly being incorporated, requiring the controlled shaping of panels. In the usual practice of construction, the systems available for grooving these panels are not specifically designed for their efficient and precise machining, which forces this process to be carried out in non-specialized workshops or facilities external to the construction site. This significantly increases manufacturing costs, accentuates the fragility of an already delicate material, and causes the panels, once grooved, to be damaged frequently during handling and transport to the installation site. As a result, there are material losses, delays in project execution, and unnecessary environmental impact. In this context, the invention proposes a portable machine for grooving panels that allows for the creation of parallel and uniform linear grooves directly on-site, with controlled depth and without fully penetrating the material, while maintaining ribs between grooves that provide flexibility to the panel. This facilitates the formation of articulated panels suitable for creating curved geometries and complex structures. Currently, there is no known portable plate grooving machine specifically configured with a system of multiple spaced discs and side guides for kerfing of panels on site, which has structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is the creation of a portable machine for slotting plates that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present description. The invention relates to a portable machine for grooving panels with a system of multiple spaced discs and lateral guides for kerfing or flexural grooves of panels on-site. The machine comprises a main body equipped with drive means for a shaft on which a set of cutting discs is arranged, and at least one handle, as well as a safety guard or cover for the discs. The set of cutting discs is associated with depth adjustment means, while each disc in the set is separated from adjacent discs by spacers. The machine as a whole allows for simultaneous parallel cuts of controlled depth.A cutting guide element can be arranged laterally to the disc guard and parallel to the discs, to ensure parallelism between passes and allow multiple grooving intended for the curved shaping of the plate, guaranteeing a precise, repeatable and controlled execution of the machining process. This configuration is particularly suitable for applications in construction work, interior fitting out and manufacturing curved surfaces from flat panels. The cutting discs and spacers are configured to define linear grooves, leaving a rib or trace of uncut material between them. This configuration allows for modification of the plate's mechanical behavior, facilitating controlled bending without compromising its structural integrity, which is especially advantageous for shaping curved surfaces. Thanks to the combination of speed control and depth of cut control, the machine is configured for machining not only plasterboard, but also wood panels and composite materials, where the precision of the remaining material rib is crucial for the mechanical behavior of the panel. In materials such as MDF, it allows for a plurality of parallel cuts that reduce the tensile strength in a controlled manner on one side of the board, enabling an initially flat element to adopt a defined curvature without fractures or structural degradation. In this way, the inaccuracies, irregularities and limitations inherent in manual or poorly controlled processes are eliminated, as well as the dependence on fixed or workshop machinery, allowing the direct execution on site of coverings for circular pillars, rounded corners in furniture elements or organic shapes in ephemeral architecture. This solution helps reduce execution times, minimize material waste and improve the final quality of the finish, providing a reliable, repeatable and versatile procedure for applications that require high precision and adaptability at the installation site. This innovation addresses the challenges of shaping fragile panels in architectural projects with complex geometries, enabling controlled scoring directly at the installation site and eliminating reliance on external processes. This ensures uniform and precise work that preserves the material's integrity and facilitates its adaptation to different configurations, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. This solution is particularly advantageous in the construction sector, as it helps reduce costs, minimize waste, and optimize construction times. Furthermore, it reduces the risk of damage during handling and transport, improves the overall efficiency of the construction process, and promotes more sustainable practices by reducing the environmental impact associated with logistics and material replenishment. The drive means are intended to consist of an electric motor designed to provide the appropriate torque and power for grooving operations, and this motor may have external access to the brushes to facilitate their replacement during maintenance tasks. The main body may also include a speed regulator designed to adapt the cutting speed to the hardness and nature of the material being worked, such as plasterboard, wood, MDF, or composite materials. This configuration improves the machine's versatility and optimizes cutting performance depending on the material being processed. Additionally, the main body may include a dust extraction port located adjacent to the disc guard, which can be seamlessly connected to the cutting area to evacuate dust and debris generated during grooving. This arrangement helps keep the work area clear, improves visibility during operation, and reduces particle accumulation, promoting cleaner and safer working conditions. Additionally, the handle may be connected to a second auxiliary handle located on the disc guard, which may be either detachable or reversible. This second handle improves manual control of the machine, facilitates different grip positions, and adapts to various directions of travel, increasing stability and precision during extended use. It may also include a "dead man's switch" that prevents or stops the machine from operating if the user is not holding the second handle. This is typically a button on the second handle, a pressure sensor, or a similar device. Furthermore, the disc guard may consist of a compartment located laterally to the main body, inside which the assembly of cutting discs with spacers mounted on corresponding disc-carrying spindles is housed. This assembly of cutting discs may be secured by a disc clamping screw with washers, ensuring proper alignment, reliable clamping, and uniform stress distribution during operation. Similarly, the cutting guide element can be detached and secured with clamping elements, allowing its removal when internal cuts, work close to edges, or cuts guided directly by visual line are required. This feature expands the machine's range of applications and improves its adaptability to different working conditions. Furthermore, the machine may include a plurality of rollers or other rolling elements arranged in the lower area of ​​the main body and / or the disc guard, configured to facilitate movement over the plate surface and maintain stability during feed. The presence of these rollers helps to reduce friction, minimize vibrations, and promote uniform movement during grooving. Furthermore, depth adjustment mechanisms may include a spindle system with a knob located on the disc guard, causing the discs to protrude an adjustable distance from the guard, thus enabling precise or micrometric adjustment of the cutting depth. This system facilitates the repeatability of operations and ensures the production of grooves with consistent dimensions, regardless of the material being processed. In connection with the above, the machine may include a crank or locking element associated with the spindle system with a knob, configured to fix the selected grooving depth. This element prevents unintentional variations during operation and helps maintain the dimensional stability of the workpiece. Finally, the main body may include a speed locking means conveniently arranged in the handle, allowing a constant rotation speed to be maintained during continuous operation. Additionally, the main body may include a means for locking the rotation of the shaft, configured to immobilize the shaft of the cutting discs during assembly and disassembly operations, facilitating maintenance, reducing intervention times and increasing user safety. To use the grooving machine, the user must place it on the surface of the plate and hold it stably for manual guidance, adjusting the necessary parameters beforehand according to the work to be done. During use, the handle design allows for balanced and safe handling with either hand, making the machine easy to control for both right- and left-handed users. Once set up, the user operates the machine and moves it in a controlled manner along the desired path, allowing for the creation of uniform grooves at the selected depth. During operation, the guidance systems facilitate parallel passes, while the waste removal system helps keep the work area clean and visible. Once the process is complete, the user can stop the machine and perform any necessary adjustments or maintenance for its subsequent reuse. EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented. Figure 1 illustrates a front view of the portable plate grooving machine. Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of the portable plate grooving machine. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION The portable plate grooving machine comprises a main body (1) provided with means for driving a shaft, such as an electric motor, at least one handle (2), a disc guard (3) housing a set of cutting discs (4) associated with the shaft, and depth adjustment means. Each disc in the set of cutting discs (4) is separated by spacers (5) from the adjacent cutting discs (4), so that simultaneous parallel cuts of controlled depth are defined. In the figure, the machine also has a cutting guide element (6) arranged laterally to the disc guard (3). This arrangement ensures parallelism between consecutive passes, allowing for multiple grooving that facilitates the curved shaping of the plate without compromising its structural integrity. In a preferred embodiment, the main body (1) houses an electric motor sized to provide adequate torque and speed for the grooving process, with external access to the brushes (7) to facilitate their direct replacement during maintenance. The main body (1) also includes a speed regulator (8) that allows the cutting speed to be adapted to the hardness and nature of the material being worked, such as plasterboard, wood, MDF, or composite materials, optimizing the finish quality and reducing premature wear of the cutting discs (4). Preferably, the main body (1) comprises a dust extraction port (9) located adjacent to the disc guard (3), said port (9) being seamlessly connected to the cutting zone. This configuration allows for the efficient removal of dust and debris generated during grooving, improving the operator's visibility, reducing particle dispersion, and contributing to a cleaner and safer working environment. Preferably, the handle (2) is associated with a second auxiliary handle (10) located on the disc guard (3), allowing for additional control of the machine while moving over the plate. This second handle (10) has a detachable and / or reversible configuration, facilitating its ergonomic adaptation to different working positions and different directions of travel, increasing the stability and precision of the grooving. Typically, the disc guard (3) consists of a compartment located laterally to the main body (1), inside which the assembly of cutting discs (4) and spacers (5) are mounted on corresponding disc-carrying spindles. The assembly of cutting discs (4) is secured by a disc clamping screw (11) fitted with washers, ensuring a firm hold, uniform distribution of forces, and precise alignment of the discs during operation. Alternatively, the cutting guide element (6) is removable and attached to the disc guard (3) by means of clamping elements, allowing its removal when internal cuts, cuts close to edges, or work guided directly by visual line are required, while maintaining the precision of the cutting assembly. It also allows the distance between existing and new grooves to be adjusted by modifying the position of the cutting guide element (6). In the figures, the machine comprises a plurality of rollers (12) arranged in the lower area of ​​the main body (1) and / or the disc guard (3), said rollers (12) being configured to facilitate the smooth movement of the machine over the surface of the plate and to maintain stability during the advance, reducing vibrations and improving the uniformity of the grooving. Preferably, the depth adjustment means include a spindle system with a knob (13) located on the disc guard (3), to define the relationship between the disc guard (3) and the discs, determining how much the cutting discs (4) protrude, thus allowing for precise or micrometric adjustment of the cutting depth. This system ensures exact repeatability of the grooves and fine control of the residual material left between cuts. Preferably, the machine comprises a crank (14) or locking element associated with the spindle system with knob (13), configured to stably fix the selected grooving depth, preventing unintentional displacements during operation and ensuring the dimensional consistency of the grooves obtained. Preferably, the main body (1) comprises a speed locking means (15) arranged in an accessible manner on the handle (2), allowing a constant motor rotation speed to be maintained during prolonged work, reducing operator fatigue and improving the uniformity of the cut. In another preferred embodiment, the main body (1) comprises a means for locking the rotation of the shaft (16) configured to immobilize the shaft of the cutting discs (4) during assembly and disassembly operations, facilitating the safe changing of the discs, reducing maintenance times and increasing the operational safety of the assembly. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A portable plate grooving machine, of the type comprising a main body (1) provided with drive means and at least one handle (2), characterized in that the shaft carries a set of parallel cutting discs (4), separated by spacers (5), the set of cutting discs (4) being covered by a disc guard (3) and associated with depth adjustment means.

2. A portable plate grooving machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a cutting guide element (6) arranged laterally to the disc guard (3).

3. A portable plate grooving machine, according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive means are an electric motor with external access to the brushes (7) and comprising a speed regulator (8). 4.A portable plate grooving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the main body (1) comprises a suction inlet (9) arranged adjacent to the disc guard (3).

5. A portable plate grooving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a second auxiliary handle (10) arranged on the disc guard (3).

6. A plate grooving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly of cutting discs (4) is fixed to the shaft by means of a disc clamping screw (11).

7. A portable plate grooving machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the second handle (10) has a deadman's device.

8. A portable plate grooving machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the cutting guide element (6) is removable. 9.Portable plate grooving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of rolling elements in the lower area of ​​the main body (1) and / or the disc guard (3).

10. Portable plate grooving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the depth adjustment means include a spindle system with a knob (13) arranged in the disc guard (3) that adjusts its relative position with respect to the cutting discs (4).

11. Portable plate grooving machine according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a locking element associated with the spindle system with a knob (13).

12. Portable plate grooving machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a speed locking means (15) accessible on the handle (2) of the main body (1). 13.Portable machine for slotting plates, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a means for locking the rotation of the shaft (16).