Machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications

Abstract

The invention relates to a machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications, said member being made at least partly of metal, and being arranged to be moved in order to carry out machining, in which at least a portion of the machining or support member comprises a gold-cobalt alloy coating. This type of coating makes it possible to obtain good tribological properties, in particular reduced frictional force and good anti-corrosion. In addition, cleaning of the machining or support members for portable tools according to the invention is made easier. Finally, the machining or support members are also biocompatible, which makes them particularly suitable for livestock applications, for example for blades for hoof shears for sheep or goats, for example. The coating also has good wear resistance. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications. State of the art

[0002] In the context of the present invention, the expression "portable tool" means a tool arranged to be carried by a user.

[0003] During its use, the portable tool is carried by a limb of the user, for example by his hand. In particular, the same limb that carries such a tool also allows it to be controlled, for example using a trigger. A portable tool does not have a stationary position during its use, because the user moves it, for example to machine a new object or to better machine the same object. In other words, a portable tool is not stationary, that is to say it does not always occupy the same position.

[0004] Pruning shears, pruners, cable cutters, hoof shears for livestock such as sheep, goats, etc. for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications are non-limiting examples of portable tools according to the invention.

[0005] In the context of the present invention, a "power tool" is a specific case of a portable tool and means an electric or electrically powered handheld tool. The power tool may be electrically powered by a self-contained power source. The power source of such a power tool may be, for example, a battery or a battery pack. In one case, the source is a separate part of the power tool. In particular, the user may carry the tool with one hand and simultaneously carry the power source on him, for example using a backpack, a harness or a belt. In another case, the power source of such a power tool is in the power tool.

[0006] A power tool comprises an actuator, for example a motor, for transmitting a force to an external object on which the tool acts.

[0007] A hand-held electric pruning shears, shears, pliers, a hand-held chainsaw, a hand-held circular saw, a hand-held jigsaw, etc. for applications agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock farming are non-limiting examples of portable electric cutting tools according to the invention.

[0008] A portable or electric tool comprises a member for machining an object and possibly a support member for this object. The machining member makes it possible to machine an object and comes into direct contact with this object. It is movable during the machining of the object and actuated by the user (in the case of a portable tool) or by an actuator (in the case of a electric tool).

[0009] In the context of the present invention, the word "machine" indicates any operation carried out on the object which allows it to be transformed, for example to cut, press, slice, plane etc.

[0010] The support member supports the object during its machining and is fixed relative to the object during the machining of the object. The support member is not actuated by the user of the hand-held portable tool or by the actuator of the power tool. Its presence is necessary to carry out this machining. The support member is also in direct contact with this object during its machining.

[0011] In the case where the tool is a pruning shear or a portable electric pruning shear, its movable blade is the machining member, because it allows an object such as a branch to be cut, and the counter-blade is the support member, because it supports the branch during its cutting.

[0012] In the case where the tool is a circular saw, its rotating blade is the machining member, because it allows an object such as a piece of wood to be cut, and the plate comprising the passage for the blade and on which the object rests during cutting is the support member.

[0013] In the case where the tool is a plane, its blade is the machining member, because it allows an object such as a piece of wood to be cut, and the plate on which the object rests during cutting is the support member.

[0014] In the case where the tool is a portable chainsaw, its rotating chain is the machining member, because it allows an object to be cut, and the chain guide of the portable chainsaw around which the rotating chain moves is the support member.

[0015] The machining member and the support member are generally made of metal, for example steel, in particular hardened steel.

[0016] Sometimes the machining member and the support member have a non-stick coating reducing the adhesion of sap and / or friction, which reduces, for example, the effort required to cut branches. Some coatings also provide a certain resistance to corrosion, scratches and abrasion.

[0017] In the field of concrete or surgery, known cutting tools have a gold coating. Document JP2002200522 describes, for example, a concrete saw blade coated with a layer (including Au, Ag, or alloys) with a thickness between 100 μm to 1 mm. Document US5569257 describes, for example, a surgical saw blade coated with a layer of precious material including gold. Brief summary of the invention

[0018] An aim of the present invention is to provide a machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications, which is an alternative to known members. In particular, the invention relates to a machining member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications, which is an alternative to known members. In particular, the invention relates to a support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications, which is an alternative to known members.

[0019] According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of the machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications according to the invention, preferred embodiments being given below.

[0020] The machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications according to the invention is made at least partly of metal, and is arranged to be moved in order to carry out machining. According to the invention, at least a portion of the machining or support member comprises a gold-cobalt alloy coating. In one embodiment, the machining member is a movable blade and the support member is a counter-blade.

[0021] The use of the gold-cobalt alloy coating for a machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications is surprising, because it is not expected to use an alloy comprising a precious metal such as gold for such tools for such applications.

[0022] Among all the known coatings, the applicant has selected a specific type of coating, known in watchmaking, in particular as a decorative treatment making it possible to give a watch component a specific gilding, but not for machining or support organs for portable tools.

[0023] This type of specific coating was known to improve the aesthetic appearance of a watch component. However, the aesthetic appearance is not important for machining or support organs for portable tools. Therefore, the applicant had no incentive to try this type of known coating.

[0024] Furthermore, the machining or support organs have large dimensions compared to the watch components having such a coating. Once again, the applicant had no incentive to try this type of known coating.

[0025] This type of coating, known in watchmaking for its decorative visual appearance, presents numerous advantages against any damage for machining or support parts for portable tools. Indeed, it allows good tribological properties to be obtained, in particular reduced frictional stress and good anti-corrosion.

[0026] In addition, this coating has good adhesion to the metal: wear of the coating is thus reduced compared to other coatings.

[0027] In addition, cleaning of the machining or support members for portable tools according to the invention is facilitated.

[0028] Finally, the machining or support members for portable tools according to the invention are also biocompatible, which makes them particularly suitable for livestock applications, for example for blades for hoof shears for sheep or goats, for example.

[0029] In one embodiment, the mass percentage of gold being equal to at least 99%, the remainder of the material comprising cobalt or consisting of cobalt.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the remainder of the material consists of cobalt and the mass percentage of cobalt is in the range 0.15% - 1%.

[0031] In one embodiment, the mass percentage of cobalt is in the range 0.15% - 1% and the remainder of the material is gold.

[0032] In one embodiment, the thickness of the coating is in the range 0.1 qm - 20 qm.

[0033] In one embodiment, the hardness of the coating is in the range 140 Vickers - 180 Vickers.

[0034] In one embodiment, the density of the coating is in the range 17 g / cm3 - 18 g / cm3.

[0035] In one embodiment, the machining or support member is a blade.

[0036] In one embodiment, the portion that comprises the gold alloy coating- cobalt includes a blade bevel and / or a blade chamfer.

[0037] The invention also relates to a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications comprising the machining and / or support member according to the invention.

[0038] In one embodiment, the portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications is a pruning shear or hoof shears.

[0039] In one embodiment, the portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications is a portable electric tool, for example a portable electric pruning shears. Brief description of the figures

[0040] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the appended figures in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] illustrates a first side view of an embodiment of a machining member and a support member, which form a cutting head in the closed position.

[0042] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a first side view of the cutting head of [Fig.l], in the open position.

[0043] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a second side view of the cutting head of [Fig.l], in the open position.

[0044] Example(s) of embodiment(s) of the invention

[0045] In the following description provided by way of example, reference will be made, for simplicity, to blades of pruning shears, in particular of portable electric pruning shears. The invention, however, is not limited to such an instrument.

[0046] [Fig. 1] illustrates a first side view of an embodiment of a cutting head 1 of the portable power tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications according to the invention, in the closed position. [Fig. 2] illustrates a first side view of the cutting head 1, in the open position. [Fig. 3] illustrates a second side view of the cutting head 1, in the open position. Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

[0047] As visible in Figures 1 to 3, the movable blade 4 and the counter-blade 2 are superimposed on each other and connected by connection means, in the example a bolt 90 which cooperates with a socket (not illustrated), and a toothed nut 92. These connection means are known and will not be described in detail here. The movable blade 4 is arranged to pivot relative to the counter-blade 2 around the axis of rotation 9, which passes through these connection means.

[0048] The movable blade 4 comprises a cutting portion or chamfer 40 and an actuating portion 42, the two portions extending from the connection means 90, 92.

[0049] In the example of Figures 1 to 3, the actuating portion 42 of the movable blade 4 comprises a means of connection with the transmission of the portable electric pruning shears, a hole 44 in the illustrated example. The transmission, via this means, pushes the actuating portion 42, thus causing the rotation of the movable blade 4 around the axis of rotation 9. During this rotation, the cutting part 40 can move away from the counter-blade 2 (Figures 2 and 3), thus allowing the user to insert an object to be cut into the space which is created between the cutting part 40 and the counter-blade 2, and then can approach the counter-blade 2 ([Fig.l]), thus cutting the object. The cutting part 40 of the movable blade 4 in fact comprises a bevel (or sharpened edge) 46, which allows this cutting.

[0050] The cutting part 40 of the movable blade of figures 1 to 3 has a beak shape, slightly curved. However, other shapes can be envisaged. The free end of the cutting part 40 in the plane of a lateral surface of the movable blade 4 has a greater width compared to the width of the cutting part in correspondence of the connection means 90, 92. In other words, the cutting part 40 has a section in the plane of a lateral surface of the movable blade 4 which is substantially triangular.

[0051] Although in the examples of Figures 1 to 3 the movable blade is not flat, in other examples (not shown) it may be flat.

[0052] The movable blade 4 is made at least in part, and often completely, from an electrically conductive material, for example and in a non-limiting manner from steel or hardened steel.

[0053] The counter-blade 2 comprises a support portion 20 and a fixing portion 22, the two portions extending from the connection means 90, 92. The support portion 20 makes it possible to support an object to be cut during cutting and comes at least partly into direct contact with this object.

[0054] The fixing portion 22 makes it possible to fix the counter-blade 2 to the body of the portable electric pruning shears, in order to make the body integral with the counter-blade 2.

[0055] In the example of figures 1 to 3, the fixing portion 22 of the counter-blade 2 comprises means for fixing the counter-blade 2 with the body of the portable electric pruning shears, two holes 24 in the example illustrated.

[0056] Although in the examples of figures 1 to 3 the counter blade 2 is not flat, in other examples it may be flat.

[0057] According to the invention, at least one portion of the blade 4 or the counter-blade 2 comprises a gold-cobalt alloy coating.

[0058] This type of coating, known in watchmaking for its decorative visual appearance, presents numerous advantages for a blade or counter-blade against any damage. Indeed, it allows good tribological properties to be obtained, in particular reduced frictional force and good anti-corrosion.

[0059] In addition, cleaning of the blade or counter-blade for portable tools according to the invention is made easier.

[0060] Finally, the blade or counter-blade is also biocompatible, which makes them particularly suitable for livestock applications, for example for blades for hoof shears for sheep or goats, for example.

[0061] In one embodiment, the portion that comprises the gold-cobalt alloy coating comprises the bevel 46 of the blade 4 and / or the cutting portion 40 of the blade 4.

[0062] In one embodiment, the entire blade 4 comprises the coating according to the invention. Indeed, in one embodiment, the simplest is to coat the entire blade.

[0063] It is also possible to coat the counter-blade 2, for example entirely. This makes it possible to have a cutting head 1 that is entirely gilded.

[0064] In one embodiment, the coating is deposited electrochemically, but it is also possible to deposit it by PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition).

[0065] In one embodiment, the mass percentage of gold being equal to at least 99%, the remainder of the material comprising cobalt or consisting of cobalt.

[0066] In one embodiment, the mass percentage of cobalt is in the range 0.15% - 1%.

[0067] In one embodiment, the mass percentage of cobalt is in the range 0.15% - 1% and the remainder of the material is gold.

[0068] In one embodiment, the thickness of the coating is in the range 0.1 qm - 20 qm.

[0069] In one embodiment, the hardness of the coating is in the range 140 Vickers - 180 Vickers.

[0070] In one embodiment, the density of the coating is in the range 17 g / cm3 - 18 g / cm3.

[0071] Reference numbers used in the figures: [Tables 1] 1 Cutting head 2 Counterblade 4 Movable blade 9 Pivot pin 20 Support portion of counterblade 2 22 Fixing portion of counterblade 2 24 Connection hole with body 25 Support surface of counterblade 2 40 Cutting portion of movable blade 4 42 Actuating portion of movable blade 4 44 Connection hole with transmission 46 Sharpened edge of movable blade 4 90 Bolt 92 Toothed nut

Claims

Claims

1. Machining or support member for a portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications, said member being made at least partly of metal, and being arranged to be moved in order to carry out machining, in which at least a portion of the machining or support member comprises a gold-cobalt alloy coating.

2. A machining or support member according to claim 1, wherein the mass percentage of gold is at least 99%, the remainder of the material comprising or consisting of cobalt.

3. Machining or support member according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the mass percentage of cobalt is in the range 0.15% - 1%.

4. Machining or support member according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the coating is in the range 0.1 pm - 20 pm.

5. Machining or support member according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the hardness of the coating is in the range 140 Vickers - 180 Vickers.

6. Machining or support member according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the density of the coating is between 17 g / cm3 and 18 g / cm3.

7. Machining or support member according to one of claims 1 to 6, being a blade (4) or a counter-blade (2).

8. A machining or support member according to claim 7, wherein the portion which comprises the gold-cobalt alloy coating comprises a bevel (46) of the blade (4) and / or the cutting portion (40) of the blade (4).

9. Portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications comprising the machining and / or support member according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications according to claim 9, being a secateurs or hoof shears.

11. A portable tool for agricultural, viticultural, arboricultural or livestock breeding applications according to claim 9, being a portable electric tool, for example a portable electric pruning shears.

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