Self-contained portable pipe cutting device

Abstract

Title: Self-contained portable pipe cutting device Device comprising: (a) a cutting head (2) with a fixed frame (21), a cutting unit (22) slidably coupled to the fixed frame (21) in the cutting direction (DC), and sliding drive means for moving the cutting unit (22) relative to the fixed frame (21). The cutting unit (22) comprises a U-body (221) with means (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) for actuating a cutting wire (4) through a cutting section (TC) located between the ends of the arms of the U-body (221). (b) a clamping tool (3) attaches to the pipe to be cut. Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Self-contained portable pipe cutting device FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of construction.

[0002] The object of the present invention is a self-contained portable device designed to cut pipes, poles and the like in a safe, fast, simple and economical manner. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Current piping systems require frequent maintenance and renewal to reduce water losses in installations due to deteriorated pipes. The installation and connection of new pipes requires significant cutting work to adapt them to the geometric configuration of the piping system. The most frequently used materials for piping are concrete, cast iron and plastic (PVC).

[0004] Nowadays, a different tool and consumable are used for each type of material for this cutting. Chain saws and diamond disc saws are examples of cutting tools used in this way. In both cases, the operator must be present in the cutting area, usually in a non-ergonomic position and exerting effort throughout the process. In addition, the pipes are often underground and the operator must therefore work in cramped, damp and uncomfortable places. This leads to arduous work which frequently results in occupational diseases, as well as work accidents due to the kickback of the cutting tools during the operation.

[0005] Another disadvantage of the cutting tools used to date is that they do not offer the high cutting precision necessary to fit the parts, which requires the use of larger connecting pieces.

[0006] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention aims to reduce these drawbacks by means of new cutting tools which are more precise, more comfortable, safer and more efficient.

[0008] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a device for cutting pipes of different materials which solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0010] An important feature of the device of the invention is its portability, since a single operator can manually transport it from one site to another. Furthermore, the device of the invention is autonomous because, once the cutting process has Once started, it does not require any operator intervention. The fact that the device is autonomous also means greater safety for the operator, as well as greater comfort by avoiding physical effort. The device uses a single consumable, the diamond wire, to cut all materials without the need to change it.

[0011] The portable, self-contained device for cutting pipes essentially comprises the following elements: cutting head, clamping tool, and preferably also a control cabinet and a transport trolley.

[0012] Each of these elements is defined in more detail below.

[0013] a) Cutting head

[0014] The cutting head configured to cut a pipe comprises a fixed frame, a cutting unit slidably coupled to the fixed frame so as to move along a cutting direction, and a sliding drive means for moving the cutting unit relative to the fixed frame along the cutting direction. The fixed frame is first fixed to the pipe by the clamping tool, and then the cutting unit equipped with a diamond wire is moved in the cutting direction, i.e., toward the pipe.

[0015] The cutting unit comprises a U-shaped body essentially contained in a plane parallel to the cutting direction. The U-shaped body has a certain thickness, although it has a substantially flat shape which is considered to be a plane. The U-shape allows the pipe to be cut to be inserted between the branches of the U in the cutting direction which coincides with the direction of the main axis of the U.

[0016] The U-shaped body comprises means for driving the cutting wire. These driving means pass the diamond cable through a section located between the ends of the arms of the U-shaped body. The cutting section of the cable is therefore perpendicular to the cutting direction, contained in the plane.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the fixed frame comprises a structure composed of two main uprights oriented in the cutting direction and connected at their ends by two plates. This forms a rigid and stable rectangular structure along which the cutting unit slides.

[0018] The sliding connection between the fixed frame and the cutting unit can be implemented in different ways as long as it allows the cutting unit to slide relative to the frame. For example, according to another embodiment of the invention, the sliding connection between the fixed frame and the cutting unit comprises two guide rods of the frame, parallel to the cutting direction, to which two connecting sleeves of the cutting unit are slidably connected.

[0019] The sliding drive means allows the cutting unit to move along the fixed frame. The sliding drive means comprises a spindle parallel to the cutting direction to which the motor of the cutting unit is coupled. Thus, driving this motor in either direction moves the cutting unit in the forward direction to cut the pipe (i.e. in the direction "suggested" by the U-arms), or in a reverse direction, but in both cases depending on the cutting direction.

[0020] The drive means which guide and drive the diamond cable can be implemented in different ways. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, these means comprise two pulleys at the ends of the arms of the U-shaped body which delimit the cutting section of the diamond cable, a drive pulley connected to a second motor which drives the cable, and a tension pulley, movable perpendicular to a junction line between the pulley and the drive pulley to tension the diamond cable. These pulleys create a cable path contained in a plane parallel to that containing the U-shaped body, having in any case a very small thickness.

[0021] Normally, it is necessary to cool the wire in the area of the cutting section in order to remove the heat generated by friction. For this purpose, the body of the cutting unit preferably has two cooling water pipes located next to the ends of the U-shaped body arms. Each pipe has an inlet end for connection to a coolant supply and an outlet end facing the cutting section of the diamond-coated wire. In this way, the water supply can be connected to the inlet end and, when cutting is in progress, water jets are emitted towards the wire in the cutting section.

[0022] According to one feature, the cutting head comprises a protective plate fixed to the U-shaped body of the cutting unit so as to cover the means for driving the diamond cable. This protective plate, normally of the same shape as the U-shaped body, is fixed to the U-shaped body by any suitable means, such as screws. The protective plate is fixed to the U-shaped body, leaving a small space between the two to accommodate the pulleys forming the path of the cutting cable.

[0023] (b) Clamping tool

[0024] The clamping tool is fixed to the pipe to be cut. For this purpose, it comprises means for connection to the fixed frame and means for fixing to the pipe. These connecting and fixing means are configured so that the pipe is fixed between the arms of the U-shaped body with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the aforementioned plane.

[0025] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the clamping tool comprises a plate having a first side fixed to the base of the frame perpendicular to the cutting direction and a second side fixed to the pipe perpendicular to the cutting direction and to the plane containing the cutting unit.

[0026] The coupling means with the fixed frame can be implemented in different ways, as long as they allow the clamping tool to be firmly connected to the fixed frame of the cutting head. For example, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupling means comprise two studs raised perpendicularly from the first face of the plate of the clamping tool to engage in corresponding holes in the base of the frame. Furthermore, these coupling means comprise screws at the corners of the plate to engage in corresponding holes at the corners of the base of the frame.

[0027] The means for attaching to the pipe may also be implemented in various ways, provided that the pipe is attached perpendicular to the plane containing the cutting unit. For example, the means for attaching to the pipe may preferably comprise two support wedges attached to the second face of the plate, the inclined sides facing each other, and two strap lashing uprights projecting perpendicular to the ends of the first face of the plate.

[0028] The support wedges could be fixed. However, in order to give the clamping tool greater adaptability to pipes of different diameters, the support wedges are connected below the plate by means of sliding fixing means in the direction perpendicular to the cutting direction and contained in the plane. These sliding fixing means fix the support wedges in the desired position on the plate depending on the diameter of the pipe.

[0029] (c) Control cabinet

[0030] The control cabinet is equipped with means for controlling the operation of the cutting head.

[0031] (d) Transport trolley

[0032] The wheeled transport trolley is configured so that a single operator can transport the assembly consisting of the cutting head, the clamping tool and the control cabinet.

[0033] With this configuration, when the clamping tool is securely attached to the pipe, activation of the sliding drive means moves the cutting unit in the longitudinal direction, towards the pipe. At the same time, the cutting wire drive means is activated. The combination of these two actions causes the cutting section to move towards the pipe and the diamond wire to cut the pipe. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The device of the invention is described below with reference to the figures showing its various elements.

[0035] [Fig. 1] Perspective view of the cutting device of the present invention,

[0036] [Fig.2] perspective view of the cutting device fixing tool,

[0037] [Fig.3] view of the pipe surmounted by the cutting device,

[0038] [Fig.4] perspective view from the front of the cutting head,

[0039] [Fig.5] another perspective view of the rear of the cutting head according to the present invention,

[0040] [Fig.6] another perspective view of the cutting head according to the present invention without the protective plate,

[0041] [Fig.7a] perspective view of the device fixed to a pipe and in initial position to start a cut,

[0042] [Fig.7b] Perspective view from the front of the device attached to a pipe and in the initial position for starting a cut.

[0043] [Fig.8] Apparatus attached to a pipe just after the end of a cutting process.

[0044] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0045] According to [Fig.l], the apparatus (1) of this example is essentially composed of four main elements: the cutting head (2), the clamping tool (3), the control cabinet (5) and the transport trolley (6).

[0046] The clamping tool (3), illustrated in detail in Figures 2 and 3, consists essentially of an essentially rectangular plate (31) provided with means for coupling with the fixed frame (21) of the cutting head (2), which will be described later, and means for clamping the pipe (100) to be cut.

[0047] The means for fixing to the pipe (100) comprise two complementary elements: support wedges (313) and lashing posts (314). The support wedges (313) are fixed below the plate (31), and have sides which face each other to provide a stable support on the pipe (100). A pipe (100) held by these wedges (313) is thus oriented in a direction parallel to the short sides of the rectangle of the plate (31). The lashing posts (314) are on top of the plate (31), precisely next to the short sides of the rectangle; they constitute a lashing point for a strap (200) attached to the pipe (100). For this, the lashing posts (314) consist of two parallel bars connected at their upper end.

[0048] In this example, to adapt their position to the diameter of each pipe (100), the shims (313) are fixed to the plate (31) by sliding connection means (315) in a direction perpendicular to the short sides of the plate (31). The sliding connection means (315) have elements for fixing the position of the shims (313) in the desired position in each case.

[0049] The coupling means to the fixed frame (21) also comprise two complementary elements, in this case two studs (311) raised perpendicularly above the plate (31) in positions close to its short sides. These two studs (311) are inserted into the holes in the base of the frame (21) of the cutting head (2). In order to fix the plate (31) to the frame (21), these coupling means also have screws (312) at the corners of the plate (31) to screw into the corresponding holes at the corners of the base of the frame (21). Thus, by placing the base of the frame (21) on top of the plate (31) to insert the nipples (311) into the holes, and by tightening the screws (312) into the second holes, the two components are quickly and securely fixed.

[0050] Figures 4, 5 and 6 are views of the cutting head (2) showing the main components of the cutting head, namely the fixed frame (21) and the cutting unit (22).

[0051] The fixed frame (21) is a structure consisting of two main vertical uprights joined by their ends. The base of this fixed frame (21) comprises a plate with the first and second holes mentioned, for fixing the top of the plate (31) of the apparatus (3) firmly to the base of the fixed frame (21).

[0052] The fixed frame (21) is slidably connected to the cutting unit (22). For this purpose, the structure of the fixed frame (21) comprises a pair of vertical rods (211) next to the main uprights. For its part, the cutting unit (22) comprises sleeves (224) in which these vertical rods (211) pass, so that the sleeves (224) can move up and down along the vertical rods (211).

[0053] Thus, a sliding drive means (23) slides the cutting unit (22) vertically along the fixed frame (21). In the position in which the device (1) is shown in this example, the vertical direction coincides with the cutting direction (DC). The sliding drive means (23) comprises a spindle (23a) fixed to the structure of the fixed frame (21) to which an electric motor (23b) connected to the cutting unit (22) is coupled. The electric motor (23b) drives in either direction the movement of the cutting unit (22) along the cutting direction (DC), i.e. the vertical direction.

[0054] The cutting unit (22) comprises a body (221) which is essentially flat and in the shape of an inverted U, to which is fixed a protective plate (24) of the same shape, leaving between them a space of relatively small thickness in which the cutting wire (4) passes as will be described. The body (221) is practically contained in the plane (ji) which is a vertical plane containing the cutting direction (DC). The dimensions of the body (221) and the U-shaped plate (24) are such that the space between the two branches of the U is greater than the diameter of the pipes (100) to be cut. The sleeves (224) and the motor (23b) are fixed to the face of this body (221) of the cutting unit (22) opposite that on which the protective plate (24) is fixed.

[0055] The interior of the cutting unit (22), between the plate forming the body (221) and the plate (24), houses the means for driving the cutting wire. These drive means comprise four pulleys, namely two pulleys (221a, 221d) at the ends of the arms of the U-shaped body (221), a drive pulley (221b), and a tension pulley (221c). The pulleys (221a, 221d) located between the arms of the body (221) delimit between them the section of the cutting wire (4) where the cutting of the pipe (100) is made, called here "cutting section (TC)". The cutting section (TC) is contained in the plane of the plate forming the U-shaped body (221), and perpendicular to the cutting direction (DC) or vertical direction. The drive pulley (221b) located at the base of the U-shaped body (221) is connected, through the body (221), to a second motor (221e) which drives it selectively. Finally, the tension pulley (221c) also located near the base of the U-shaped body (221), is movable perpendicular to a line connecting the pulley (221d) and the drive pulley (221b) to tension or slacken the cutting line (4). As shown in [Fig.6], the cutting line (4) guided along its path by these four pulleys, is driven by the drive pulley (221b).

[0056] The cutting unit (22) is further equipped with cooling means comprising water pipes (222) passing through the arms of the U-shaped body. Each of these pipes (222) has an inlet end (222a) for connection to a coolant supply and an outlet end (222b) oriented towards the cutting section (TC) of the cutting wire (4).

[0057] The operation of this device (1) is as follows: it is fixed to the pipe (100) to be cut, by the lower face of the clamping device (3) and to the cutting head (2) by the upper face of the clamping device (3). The result of this operation is shown in Figures 7a and 7b. A water supply is then connected to the inlet ends (222a) of the cooling lines (222), so that water jets arrive at the cutting wire (4) in the cutting section (TC). The second motor (221e) is activated, to drive the pulley (221b), which in turn drives the cutting wire (4). Then, the first motor (23b) can be activated, and the cutting unit (22) descends relative to the fixed frame (21). The cutting wire (4) begins to cut the pipe (100). As shown in [Fig.8], the cutting operation ends when the cutting wire (4) reaches the underside of the pipe (100).At this point, the direction of rotation of the first motor (23b) can be reversed to return the cutting unit (22) to its initial position. All these actions are controlled by the control cabinet (5).

Claims

Claims

1. A portable, self-contained pipe cutting device (1), characterized in that it comprises: (a) a cutting head (2) for cutting a pipe (100), comprising a fixed frame (21), a cutting unit (22) slidably coupled to the fixed frame (21) along a cutting direction (DC), and a sliding drive means (23) for moving the cutting unit (22) relative to the fixed frame (21) along the cutting direction (DC), the cutting unit (22) comprises a U-shaped body (221) substantially contained in a plane (ji) parallel to the cutting direction (DC), - the U-shaped body (221) comprises means (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) for actuating a cutting wire (4) configured to drive the cutting wire (4) in a cutting section (TC) located between the ends of the arms of the U-shaped body (221), this cutting section (TC) is contained in the plane (ji) perpendicular to the cutting direction (DC), and (b) a clamping tool (3) fixed to the pipe (100) to be cut,comprising coupling means to the fixed frame (21) and fixing means to the pipe (100), the coupling and fixing means are fixed to the pipe (100) between the arms of the U-shaped body (221) whose longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the plane (ji), so that, when the pipe (100) is fixedly fixed to the clamping tool (3), the activation of the sliding drive means (23) moves the cutting unit (22) along the longitudinal direction (DC) towards the pipe (100), in combination with the activation of the drive means (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) of the cutting wire (4), the cutting section (TC) moving towards the pipe (100) and the cutting wire (4) cutting the pipe (100).,

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fixed frame (21) comprises a structure composed of two main uprights oriented in the cutting direction (DC) connected at their ends by two plates.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding coupling between the fixed frame (21) and the cutting unit (22) comprises two guide rods (211) of the frame (21) parallel to the cutting direction (DC), on which slide two connecting sleeves (224) of the cutting unit (22).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sliding drive means (23) comprises a spindle (23a) of the frame (21), parallel to the cutting direction (DC) and to which a motor (23b) of the cutting unit (22) is coupled.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive means (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) comprise two pulleys (221a, 221d) at the ends of the U-shaped arms of the body (221) delimiting the cutting section (TC) of the cutting wire (4), a driving pulley (221b) connected to a second motor (221e) which moves the cutting wire (4), and a tensioning pulley (221c) movable perpendicular to the line connecting the pulley (221d) and the driving pulley (221b) to tension the cutting wire (4).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (221) of the cutting unit (22) further comprises two cooling water pipes (222) near the ends of the U-shaped arms of the body (221), each pipe (222) having an inlet end (222a) connected to a coolant supply and an outlet end (222b) oriented towards the cutting section (TC) of the cutting wire (4).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting head (2) comprises a protective plate (24) fixed to the U-shaped body (221) of the cutting unit (22) so as to cover the drive means (221a, 221b, 221c, 221d) of the cutting wire (4).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing tool (3) comprises a plate (31) with a first side for fixing to the base of the frame (21) perpendicular to the cutting direction (DC) and a second side for fixing the pipe (100) perpendicular to the cutting direction (DC) and to the plane (ji) containing the unit of cut (22).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the means for fixing to the fixed frame (21) comprise two studs (311) raised perpendicular to the first face of the plate (31) of the fixing tool (3) to engage in corresponding holes in the base of the frame (21), and screws (312) in the corners of the plate (31) to screw into corresponding holes located at the corners of the base of the frame (21).

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 8 to 9, in which the means for fixing the pipe (100) comprise two support wedges (313) for the support, fixed to the second face of the plate (31) with their inclined walls facing each other, and two uprights (314) for fixing a strap (200) protruding perpendicularly from the ends of the first face of the plate (31).

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the support wedges (313) are fixed to the second face of the plate (31) by sliding fixing means (315) in a direction perpendicular to the cutting direction (DC) and contained in the plane (ji), the sliding fixing means (315) fixing the support wedges (313) in the desired position of the plate (31) depending on the diameter of the pipe (100).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a control cabinet (5) equipped with means for controlling the operation of the cutting head (2).

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a transport trolley (6) provided with wheels for transporting the assembly consisting of the cutting head (2), the clamping tool (3) and the control cabinet (5).

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