LEVER MECHANISM FOR A CERAMIC CUTTING DEVICE.

Abstract

A lever structure for a ceramic cutting device comprising a main body assembly (2) and an actuating element (6). The main body assembly (2) comprises a first (28) and a second (18) body structure, both pivotally connected to each other by means of a first joint, thereby defining a first and a second pivot end position. The actuating element is pivotally connected to the first body structure and comprises a curved base in contact with a contact pivot shaft arranged transversely in the second body structure, the curved base defining a first and a second lever position.The lever structure is configured so that when the first body structure (28) pivots from the first to the second pivoting end position, the pivoting motion of the first body structure (28) causes the actuating element (6) to move from the first lever position to the second lever position.

Description

LEVER STRUCTURE FOR A CERAMIC CUTTING DEVICE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention falls within the field of ceramic tile cutters for grooving and cutting ceramic tiles. In particular, the invention relates to a lever structure that provides improved functionality when applied to manual ceramic tile cutters. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently known manual ceramic cutters typically comprise a guided carriage that is movable along at least one longitudinal guide. The guided carriage is usually equipped with a grooving tool, a breaking tool, and a main lever. The grooving tool is configured to groov, that is, to partially cut the ceramic tile, along a longitudinal line defined by the movement of the guided carriage along at least one longitudinal guide. The grooving, or cutting, only affects a percentage of the total thickness; therefore, it does not result in the ceramic tile being separated into two distinct parts. Instead, the ceramic tile is marked with a line that defines a weakened section. The breaking tool is configured to provide a force on the ceramic tile in order to break it along the line previously defined by the grooving tool, thus separating the ceramic tile into two separate parts. Each tool—the grooving tool and the breaking tool—is configured to be placed in two different positions when using the manual ceramic tile cutter: an operating position and a non-operating position. When a tool is in its operating position, it is available for use by the device. For example, the grooving tool is available to groove the ceramic tile, and the breaking tool is available to break the tile. The ceramic piece to be separated is typically positioned horizontally directly below the tools. The grooving tool and the breaking tool cannot be used simultaneously. Therefore, when the grooving tool is in its operating position, the breaking tool must be in its non-operating position.Similarly, when the breaking tool is in its operating position, the grooving tool must be in its non-operating position. The force required by the device to perform the grooving and breaking operations is supplied by the user via the main lever. Therefore, the technical solution for providing a suitable mechanism to allow changing the positions of the grooving and breaking tools is a critical design feature for manual ceramic cutters. Given that the normal workflow involves placing a ceramic piece in the device, grooving it with the grooving tool, and finally breaking it with the breaking tool, it is particularly important that the user has a very easy-to-use and operate mechanism to move the grooving tool, specifically from its operating position to its non-operating position, while the breaking tool simultaneously moves from its non-operating position to its operating position.Current solutions to this problem include the use of mechanisms that the user must operate entirely manually; that is, the user must stop working to manipulate the device to change the tool positions. The main disadvantage of this type of solution is that the user is forced to halt the work sequence and use both hands to change the tool positions between the grooving and breaking operations. Additionally, some known prior art solutions include the use of curved mechanisms guided by grooves. When using this type of configuration, the user may be forced to apply a significant amount of force to the lever. This is because the normal force between the guided element and the side of the groove, which is responsible for causing frictional forces, is not always constant on both sides of the groove. This results in an uneven and irregular transition of movement, and sometimes causes abrupt movements during the transition between tool positions. Irregular, abrupt, or uncomfortable transitions can, under conditions of prolonged use, cause injury or pain to the device user. Therefore, there is room for technical improvement in manual ceramic cutter devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention addresses the problem of providing a mechanism for a hand-held ceramic cutting device that provides a smooth transition of motion when changing tool positions and allows the user to keep their hands in the operating position while performing the transition by operating the lever. This problem is solved by a lever structure for a ceramic cutting and breaking device according to claim 1 and by a hand-held ceramic cutting device according to claim 18. Preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the appendices. A first aspect of the invention relates to a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device. Ceramic cutting devices are also known as ceramic cutting and breaking devices, and also as ceramic grooving and breaking devices. The lever structure may comprise a main body assembly and an actuating element. The main body assembly may comprise a first body structure and a second body structure, both comprising respective front and rear end portions. The first body structure may extend longitudinally, i.e., between its respective front and rear end portions, along a first direction. The first direction may extend at least partially along a first horizontal direction, i.e., the horizontal component of the vector defining the direction of the first direction may coincide with or be parallel to the direction defined by the first horizontal direction. The first body structure may be configured as an elongated beam, being straight or partially curved.The elongated beam can further be configured as a beam having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, comprising a central face and two side walls, where the side walls can be parallel to each other or divergent from the central face. The second body structure can extend longitudinally between its respective front and rear end portions. The second body structure can extend longitudinally along said first direction or along a second direction, where said second direction can extend at least partially along said first horizontal direction; that is, the horizontal component of the vector defining the second direction can be coincident with or parallel to the direction defined by the first horizontal direction. The rear end portion of the first body structure may comprise a first coupling mechanism for attaching a cutting tool. The first coupling mechanism may be configured, for example, as a threaded hole. In some embodiments, the rear end portion of the first body structure may have a transversely arranged end wall enclosing the substantially U-shaped cross-section, wherein the first coupling mechanism may be arranged in this end wall. The second body structure may comprise at least one contact pivot shaft arranged transversely with respect to the first direction. The at least one contact pivot shaft may pass through the second body structure via at least one through-hole. Preferably, the contact pivot shaft may be located between the front and rear portions of the second body structure.The rear end portion of the second body structure may comprise a second coupling mechanism for attaching a breaking tool. The second coupling mechanism may be configured as a coupling joint, such that the breaking tool can pivot / rotate relative to the second body structure about a coupling axis arranged transversely to the first direction and located in the rear end portion of the second body structure. The cutting tool may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may be attachable to the first coupling mechanism, while the distal end may comprise a cutting element, e.g., a cutting disc or a cutting blade. The breaking tool may comprise an elongated body arranged transversely with respect to the first direction. The breaking tool may preferably be a single piece. The breaking tool may be arranged horizontally and may further comprise at least two contact points for pressing against the ceramic piece to be broken. The at least two contact points may be arranged along the elongated body, but at a distance from each other, so that a point of contact between the cutting tool and the ceramic piece to be broken can be located between them, preferably equidistant from the at least two contact points of the breaking tool. The front end portions of the first and second body structures are pivotally connected to each other by means of a first joint. Therefore, the first body structure can pivot / rotate relative to the second structure about a first axis, arranged transversely to the first direction, from a first pivot end position to a second pivot end position. The actuating element may comprise a lower section comprising a lower end portion and an upper section comprising an upper end portion. The actuating element may be pivotally connected to the first body structure by means of a second joint, such that the actuating element can pivot / rotate with respect to the first body structure about a second axis arranged transversely to the first direction. The lower end portion of the actuating element may have a curved base having at least a first concave portion and a second concave portion, configured respectively to rest on the contact pivot shaft in a first lever position and a second lever position.The curved base can have a smooth profile that seamlessly connects the first and second concave regions, thus enabling smooth transitions between the two lever positions. The smooth profile also allows the force required to move the actuator between its two lever positions to increase continuously and smoothly until the desired position change is achieved. The first and second concave portions can be separated by a convex portion, maintaining the effect of a smooth transition while simultaneously reducing the possibility of unintentionally moving the actuator between its two lever positions, since the concave portions allow for graduated force adjustments to perform the position change operations.The lower section of the actuator may have the form of a flat block with a substantially triangular and moderately wavy and curvilinear outline. The first body structure may include an elongated through-hole arranged longitudinally in the center face of its U-shaped longitudinal profile. This through-hole may be configured to receive the actuating element, such that when the actuating element pivots / rotates with respect to the first body structure about the second axis, the through-hole limits the maximum amplitude of the actuating element's pivoting movement. The through-hole may be configured, for example, as a rectangular or elliptical cut. The main body assembly is further configured such that when the first body structure pivots / rotates from the first pivot end position to the second pivot end position, the pivoting motion of the first body structure causes the actuating element to move from the first lever position to the second lever position. The lever distance between the first axis and a point of contact of the curved base with the contact pivot shaft is shorter in the second lever position than in the first lever position. According to preferred embodiments of the invention, the first coupling mechanism may be arranged at a point between the front and rear end portions of the first body structure. The first coupling mechanism may also preferably be arranged between the second joint and the rear end portion of the first body structure.The upper section of the actuating element may comprise an elongated contact body extending from the second joint at least partially along the first direction or the first horizontal direction, and may be positioned at least partially above the rear end portion of the first body structure. Preferably, the elongated contact body may be curved downwards. The elongated contact body may further comprise an upper end portion comprising a contact element. The contact element may have various shapes and / or geometries, e.g., the contact element may be in the form of a cylinder, sphere, or any type of regular or irregular polyhedral prism. Preferably, the elongated contact body may further comprise two elongated arms, arranged in parallel, and connected to each other at their respective ends by means of the contact element.Therefore, the upper section of the actuating element can have the form of a slightly curved, two-pronged handle equipped transversely in the upper end portion with a cylindrical structure. The lever structure may comprise a lever element attached to the first body structure and configured to actuate the pivoting motion of the first body structure. In preferred embodiments, the lever element may be attached to the rear end portion of the first body structure by means of a third coupling mechanism. The elongated contact body may be further configured such that, when the first body structure pivots / rotates from the first pivoting end position to the second pivoting end position, the pivoting motion of the first body structure causes the first body structure and / or the lever element to push the elongated contact body, thereby moving the actuating element from the first lever position to the second lever position.In preferred embodiments, the contact element is the portion of the elongated contact body configured to contact the first body structure and / or the lever element so that the elongated contact body can be pushed. Contact between the elongated contact body and the first body structure and / or the lever element may occur when the first body structure is moving from its first pivot end position to its second pivot end position. Alternatively, the elongated contact body and the first body structure and / or the lever element may already be in contact when the first body structure is placed in the first pivot end position. The lever element is preferably configured as a lever bar. The lever structure may comprise a cutting tool for grooving a ceramic piece and a breaking tool for breaking said ceramic piece. The cutting tool may be coupled to the first coupling mechanism. The breaking tool may be coupled to the second coupling mechanism. The lever structure may be configured such that when the actuator is in the first lever position and the first body structure is in the first pivoting end position, a distal end of the cutting tool is positioned below the breaking tool, so that the cutting tool can reach a ceramic piece located below the lever structure without the breaking tool reaching the ceramic piece. This position of the lever structure is the grooving position. Additionally, the lever structure can be configured so that when the actuator is in the second lever position and the first body structure is in the second pivoting end position, a distal end of the cutting tool is positioned over the breaking tool, allowing the breaking tool to reach the ceramic piece. This lever structure position is the breaking position. In preferred embodiments, the lever structure can be further configured such that when the actuating element is in an intermediate position between the first and second lever positions, and the first body structure is in an intermediate position between the first and second pivoting end positions, both the distal end of the cutting tool and the breaking tool are arranged at a distance from the ceramic piece such that they cannot reach the ceramic piece. The lever structure may comprise at least one deflection element configured to deflect / pretension the lower end portion of the actuating element against the contact pivot shaft, such that the curved base of the actuating element remains in contact with the contact pivot shaft, particularly while moving between the first and second lever positions. The at least one deflection element may be an elongated elastic element comprising first and second end portions, e.g., an elastomeric component or a spring, preferably a helical return spring. The at least one elongated elastic element may be configured for a variable length, exhibiting either a linear or nonlinear relationship between force and displacement. The first end portion of at least one deflection element may be connected, preferably pivotally, to the first body structure and / or the second shaft, with connection exclusively to the first body structure being preferred. The second end portion of at least one deflection element may be connected, preferably pivotally, to the second body structure of the main body assembly and / or the breaking tool, with connection exclusively to the breaking tool being preferred. The second end portion of the at least one deflection element can be connected to the second body structure of the main body assembly and / or to the breaking tool, which can be coupled to the second body structure by means of the second coupling mechanism. In preferred embodiments, the at least one deflection element can be connected to a point on the second body structure located between the contact pivot shaft and the rear end portion of the second body structure, thereby providing the at least one deflection element with a tilt angle different from that of a segment defined between the second axis and the contact pivot shaft, the segment being arranged perpendicular to both axes.The length and inclination of this segment differ for the first and second lever positions of the actuating element. However, the at least one deflection element is always arranged to define a different inclination angle, regardless of whether the actuator is in its first or second lever position, and regardless of whether the actuator is the second end portion of the at least one deflection element, which can be connected to the second body structure of the main body assembly or to the breaking tool. Therefore, a triangular structure can be formed by the deflection element, the lever distance between the first end portion of the deflection element and the contact pivot shaft 3A, and the lever distance between the contact pivot shaft 3A and the second end portion of the deflection element.The different tilt angle of the at least one deflection element is also achieved when the second end portion of the at least one deflection element is directly connected to the breaking tool, since the breaking tool is coupled to the rear end portion of the second body structure. Having different tilt angles for the at least one deflection element and for the previously described segment has the advantage of allowing for a more controlled and progressive transition between the different positions of the actuating element, as the at least one deflection element acts as an additional link for the mechanism defined by the lever structure, providing a smoother and more stabilized kinematic movement to the lever structure by being able to vary its length and provide an adapted force. In some embodiments, when the second end portion of at least one deflection element is directly connected to the breaking tool, the second coupling mechanism of the second body structure can be configured as a contact base or profile located on a lower end portion of the rear end portion of the second body structure. The contact base can extend longitudinally between a first end position and a second end position. The first end position of the contact base can be arranged closer to the contact pivot shaft, while the second end position of the contact base can be arranged closer to the second end portion of the second body structure. Such a contact base can be in the form of a curved base, a straight base, or a combination thereof.The contact base can be configured to be in contact with at least one contact component of the breaking tool. This at least one contact component can be configured as a pin, preferably arranged transversely with respect to the first direction, and more preferably configured as a cylindrical or polyhedral pin. Therefore, the at least one contact component of the breaking tool can be maintained in contact with the contact base as a result of a force provided by the deflection / pretensioning action of the deflection element. In some embodiments compatible with this configuration, the breaking tool can be configured to be movable along the contact base of the second body structure between its first end position and its second end position. Additionally, the at least one deflection element and / or the shape of the contact base can be further configured to provide a deflection / pretensioning force to pull the breaking tool toward the contact base from the first end position, e.g., by arranging the at least one deflection element at an angle of inclination with respect to a vertical direction. In some embodiments, the contact base can have a rest position, e.g., a curved concave position arranged in the contact base, to determine a predetermined position of said contact point. In alternative embodiments, this rest position can restrict or prevent slippage of the breaking tool relative to the contact base, while allowing pivotable contact. In some embodiments, the lever structure may comprise two deflection elements compatible with all the features already described. The two deflection elements may be arranged symmetrically, e.g., symmetrically with respect to a plane coincident with and / or parallel to the first direction and substantially coincident with the center of gravity of the lever structure. For example, a first deflection element may be connected to the second axis while arranged on a first lateral side of the actuating element, and a second deflection element may be connected to the second axis while arranged on a second lateral side of the actuating element. This has the technical effect of providing additional kinematic stabilization to the lever structure, particularly aimed at preventing unwanted lateral movements of the lever structure. In some embodiments, the breaking tool may comprise extendable means configured to allow a guided rectilinear and vertical displacement of the breaking tool with respect to the second coupling mechanism. This feature provides the effect of enabling a homogeneous fit of the breaking tool to a ceramic piece to be broken: first, the breaking tool contacts the ceramic piece while the extendable means are in an extended position; second, the extendable means are progressively compressed against the ceramic piece; finally, the breaking tool exerts maximum force against the ceramic piece to break it.The use of this type of extendable means in combination with having the second end portion of at least one deflection element directly connected to the breaking tool enhances the effect of providing progressive adjustment of the breaking tool to a ceramic piece to be broken, thus ensuring that the breaking tool is correctly positioned on the ceramic piece before force is applied. Each extendable means according to the invention may comprise at least two elongated elements, each element being displaceable with respect to the other; alternatively or additionally, each extendable means may comprise an elastic means configured to define a rest position of the breaking tool between a maximum extension position and a minimum extension position of said extension means. In some embodiments, the second body structure may comprise a bifurcated section having a first arm and a second arm. The at least one contact pivot shaft may be connected to the first and second arms of the second body structure. The at least one contact pivot shaft may pass through the bifurcated section of the second body structure via respective through holes located in each arm. Alternatively, a first contact pivot shaft may be connected to the first arm and a second contact pivot shaft may be connected to the second arm, wherein preferably both contact pivot shafts are collinearly aligned with respect to each other.The first contact pivot shaft can pass through the bifurcated section via a respective first through-hole located in the first arm, while the second contact pivot shaft can pass through the bifurcated section via a respective second through-hole located in the second arm. Each arm of the bifurcated section can comprise a respective contact base according to the features described above, where each contact base can be configured to be in contact with a respective contact component of the breaking tool, according to the description already provided. Therefore, each arm can provide a respective contact point, line, or surface with the breaking tool. In some embodiments, the second body structure of the lever structure may comprise a first body structure element having respective front and rear end portions, and a second body structure element having respective top and bottom end portions. The first body structure element may comprise at least one contact pivot shaft. In preferred embodiments, the second body structure element may be shorter than the first body structure element and may preferably be arranged in a substantially vertical position.The lower end portion of the second body frame element and the front end portion of the first body frame element can be pivotally connected to each other by means of a third joint, so that the first body frame element can pivot / rotate relative to the second body frame element around a third axis arranged transversely to the first direction. Therefore, the main body assembly can be configured as a trapezoidal structure, i.e., a four-bar linkage defining a trapezoid, where the first body frame element can be configured as a pendulum structure of the main body assembly.This configuration transforms the second body structure into a two-bar linkage submechanism, enabling improved transmission of motion from the lever structure. This allows the lever structure to operate more smoothly and energy-efficiently, reducing the effort required to operate it. Simultaneously, in this configuration, when the actuating element is placed in the second lever position, the second body structure can pivot, actuating the lever element. This allows the breaking tool to oscillate between a high and a low position while the actuating element remains in the second lever position.Therefore, this particular configuration has the unique technical advantage of providing a variable and adaptable multiplication of the force applied by the user through the operation of the lever element, where such force multiplication depends on the position of the breaking tool. This technical effect is even more evident when the second coupling mechanism is configured, as described above, as a contact base arranged on the rear end portion of the first body structure element and configured to be in contact, through the action of at least one deflection element, with at least one contact component of the breaking tool. In this configuration, the breaking tool is displaceable by sliding contact along the contact base between the respective first and second end portions of the contact base, thus providing a variable lever arm length defined by the distance between the contact pivot shaft and the breaking tool.Therefore, the length of this lever arm increases as the breaking tool slides away from the first end position of the contact base while approaching the second end position. This has the effect that, as the lever arm increases in length, the force that the breaking tool can apply to a piece of ceramic decreases accordingly. Additionally, at least one deflection element can be further configured so that, when the breaking tool is in its upper position, the deflection / prestressing force provided by the deflection elements pulls the breaking tool towards the first end position of the contact base, thus placing the breaking tool in the first end position of the contact base. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the deflection element at an angle and / or selecting a compatible spring constant for the deflection element. Additionally, the at least one deflection element can be further configured so that, when the breaking tool is placed in its high position and the second body structure pivots / rotates progressively by actuating the lever element so that the breaking tool can reach its respective low position, the deflection / pretensioning force is progressively overcome by a force provided by the lever structure, so that the breaking tool moves progressively from its high position to its low position, while simultaneously also sliding progressively from the first end position of the contact base to the second end position of the contact base. This configuration allows for a progressive lengthening of the lever arm, defined by the distance between the contact pivot shaft and the breaking tool. Therefore, the lever structure can be configured to provide greater breaking forces in ceramic pieces with greater thicknesses than in ceramic pieces with thinner thicknesses. For thicker ceramic pieces, the lever arm, defined by the distance between the contact pivot shaft and the breaking tool, will be shorter, resulting in a greater breaking force. In some embodiments, the first body structure element may comprise a bifurcated section having a first arm and a second arm. At least one contact pivot shaft may be connected to the first and second arms of the first body structure element. Alternatively, a first contact pivot shaft may be connected to the first arm and a second contact pivot shaft may be connected to the second arm, wherein preferably both contact pivot shafts are collinearly aligned with respect to each other. Another aspect of the invention relates to a ceramic cutting device with a guided carriage comprising a lever structure according to any of the embodiments described above and configured to receive a ceramic piece. The ceramic cutter may comprise at least a first longitudinal guide arranged along the first horizontal direction. Each longitudinal guide may comprise a first longitudinal guide element, or a first and second longitudinal guide element. A respective second longitudinal guide element of a longitudinal guide may be arranged parallel to the respective first longitudinal guide element of the same longitudinal guide, and preferably may be arranged in a lower position.The guided carriage may comprise at least a first support element movably coupled to the first longitudinal guide of the hand-held ceramic cutter to guide movement of the guided carriage in the first horizontal direction. The first horizontal direction may be arranged such that a horizontal component of the vector defining the direction of the first direction may be coincident with or parallel to the first horizontal direction. The main body assembly can be connected to the first support element by means of a first main body joint, wherein the first main body joint can be configured so that the main body assembly can rotate with respect to the first side support about a main body axis arranged transversely with respect to both the first direction and the first horizontal direction. In preferred embodiments, the first main body joint can be arranged on the inner side of the first support element, i.e., the side of the support element facing the lever structure, and can be configured as a circular or cylindrical bearing designed for insertion of the main body shaft ends. In some embodiments, the first support element can be configured as a sliding bearing having a main tubular structure that is attachable and slides relative to the first longitudinal guide of the ceramic cutting device, particularly relative to the first longitudinal guide element of the first longitudinal guide. According to some embodiments, the first support element can further comprise a first lower structure arranged below the sliding bearing. In some embodiments, the first lower structure can be configured as an edge structure designed to attach and slide relative to a second longitudinal guide element of the first longitudinal guide. In some preferred embodiments, the first support element may further preferably comprise a first lateral pivot guide connectable to at least one contact pivot shaft, such that the at least one contact pivot shaft can move along the first lateral pivot guide. Preferably, the first lateral pivot guide may be arranged vertically. This provides the technical advantage of ensuring more progressive movement and allowing better control over the position of the breaking tool along the first horizontal direction when performing a breaking operation, since the breaking tool oscillates about the axis defined by the contact pivot shaft, and the pivot shaft is prevented from moving relative to the support element along the first horizontal direction.This prevents unwanted movement of the breaking tool and reduces the risk of the tool slipping on the surface of the ceramic piece, thus reducing the risk of scratching the ceramic piece. The first lateral pivot guide can be arranged on the inner side of the first support element, preferably on the first lower lateral structure. In preferred embodiments, the hand-held ceramic cutter may further comprise a second longitudinal guide arranged horizontally along the first horizontal direction and parallel to the first longitudinal guide. The second longitudinal guide may comprise a first longitudinal guide element, or a first and second longitudinal guide element. The guided carriage may further comprise a second support element movably coupled to the second longitudinal guide of the hand-held ceramic cutter to guide movement of the guided carriage in the first horizontal direction. The second support element is compatible with all the technical features already described for the first support element.Therefore, the main body assembly can be connected to the second support element by means of a second main body joint, wherein the second main body joint can be configured so that the main body assembly can rotate relative to the second lateral support around the main body axis arranged transversely with respect to both the first and first horizontal directions. The second main body joint can be arranged on the inner side of the first support element, i.e., the side of the support element facing the lever structure, and can be configured as a circular or cylindrical bearing designed for the insertion of the ends of the main body axis.The second support element can be configured as a sliding bearing having a main tubular structure that is attachable and slides relative to the second longitudinal guide of the guided carriage, particularly relative to the first longitudinal guide element of the second longitudinal guide. According to some embodiments, the second support element can further comprise a second respective lower structure, arranged below the sliding bearing. In some embodiments, the second lower structure can be configured as an edge structure designed to attach and slide relative to a second longitudinal guide element of the second longitudinal guide. In some preferred embodiments, the second support element may further preferably comprise a second lateral pivot guide connectable to at least one contact pivot shaft, such that the at least one contact pivot shaft can be displaced along the second lateral pivot guide. Preferably, the second lateral pivot guide may be arranged vertically. This provides the technical advantage of ensuring a more progressive movement and allowing better control over the position of the breaking tool along the first horizontal direction when performing a breaking operation, as already described for the first support element. The second lateral pivot guide may be arranged on the inner side of the second support element, preferably on the second lower lateral structure. One advantage of having a guided carriage with a first and second support element is that the force can be distributed evenly between the two supports, thus providing a balanced and smooth movement of the main body with respect to the first and second support element. In preferred embodiments having a first and a second support element, the main body assembly and the lever structure's actuating element are arranged in a central position, i.e., between the first and second support elements. In this configuration, the support elements are arranged as lateral support elements, while the elements forming the lever structure are arranged as central parts of the guided carriage. In some embodiments, the main body axis may be arranged to coincide with the second axis, also identified in this configuration as the main pivot shaft. Therefore, a single axis can allow the articulation of the actuating element with respect to the first body structure, and the articulation of the main body assembly with respect to the first and second support elements, respectively. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 3 illustrates a top-rear symmetrical view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 5 illustrates a rear-bottom symmetrical view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 6a-6c illustrates a cross-sectional view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention, wherein Figures 6a to 6c illustrate different positions for the actuating element of the lever structure. Figures 7a-7b illustrate bottom-front symmetrical views of two configurations of a guided carriage for a ceramic cutting device according to related embodiments of the invention. The guided carriages in Figures 7a and 7b are shown without their respective first body structure and lever element. rra / ηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ Figure 8a illustrates a bottom-front symmetrical view of an assembly comprising a first body structure and a lever element of a guided carriage for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 8b shows a complementary view of the same first body structure. The embodiment shown in Figures 8a and 8b is compatible with the configurations shown in Figures 7a and 7b. Figure 9a-9b illustrates a top-rear symmetrical view of a guided carriage for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention, wherein the guided carriage is shown without one of its support elements and without its first body structure. Figure 10a-1 illustrates a top-front isometric view of the same guided carriage shown in Figure 9. Figure 11 illustrates a side view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 11 illustrates a top-front view of a first body structure for a lever structure according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 12 illustrates a side view of a support element for a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 13 illustrates an exploded top-front isometric view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 14 illustrates an exploded top-rear isometric view of a guided carriage comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figure 15 illustrates a top-rear isometric view of a ceramic cutting device comprising a guided carriage with a lever structure according to embodiments of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a guided carriage 1 comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. The guided carriage 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a lever structure and is supported by a first 4 and a second 4 side support. Since Figure 1 shows a top view, the only visible parts of the lever structure are the upper portion of a first body structure 28 of the main body assembly 2, an actuating element 6, a lever element 7, a breaking tool 5, and a proximal end 102 of a cutting tool 10. The first body structure comprises a first end portion and a second end portion and extends longitudinally along a first direction.The first direction extends at least partially along a first horizontal direction, which in the top view shown in Figure 1 corresponds to the x direction. In Figure 1, only an upper end portion of the actuating element 6 is visible. This upper end portion comprises an elongated contact body 25 extending from a second joint, which is not visible in Figure 1, and is arranged above the rear end portion of the first body structure 28. The elongated contact body depicted in Figure 1 further comprises two elongated arms, arranged in parallel, rra / nn / zznz / E / YiAi and connected to each other at their respective ends by means of a contact element 26. However, the embodiment shown in Figure 1 is compatible with other configurations for the actuating element 6 defined in the description. The first four and second four support elements of Figure 1 each comprise a respective main tubular structure 11 configured to engage with a respective longitudinal guide of a hand-operated ceramic cutting device. Each main tubular structure 11 may further comprise sliding bearings. However, the embodiment of Figure 1 is also compatible with other types of sliding mechanisms instead of the main tubular structures shown, such as wheel assemblies comprising a plurality of wheels having concave contact surfaces for engaging with the longitudinal guides, wherein some wheels may be positioned above and other wheels may be positioned below the longitudinal guides to ensure controlled guided movement. Figure 2 illustrates a bottom view of the guided carriage 1 of Figure 1. The breaking tool 5 shown in Figure 2 comprises an elongated body arranged transversely with respect to the first direction, and includes two contact zones for pressing against the ceramic piece to be broken. The two contact zones are arranged along the elongated body and are separated by a distance. This distance covers the position of the cutting tool, which is positioned equidistantly with respect to both contact zones. Figure 3 illustrates a top-rear symmetrical view of a guided carriage 1 comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. The first 4 and second 4 support elements of Figure 3 comprise a respective main tubular structure and a respective lower structure 13. Figure 3 also illustrates a particular configuration where the distal end 101 of the cutting tool 10 protrudes through the space between the two elongated arms that form the upper end portion of the actuating element 6. Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the guided carriage 1 comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to the invention. In this embodiment, the second body structure of the main body assembly 2 comprises a first body structure element 8 having respective front and rear end portions, and a second body structure element 18 having respective top and bottom end portions. The bottom end portion of the second body structure element 18 and the front end portion of the first body structure element 8 are pivotally connected to each other by means of a third joint, such that the first body structure element 8 can pivot / rotate with respect to the second body structure element 18 about a third axis 3B arranged transversely with respect to the first direction. Figure 4 also shows a particular configuration of the upper end portion of the actuating element where the elongated contact body is curved downwards, i.e., it is curved towards the lever element 7. In this particular configuration, as shown in Figure 4, the elongated contact body is configured so that when the first body structure 28 pivots from a first pivoting end position to a second pivoting end position, the pivoting motion of the first body structure 28 causes the lever element 7 to push the contact body 26, so that the actuating element 6 moves from a first lever position to a second lever position. However, in some alternative configurations having a shorter elongated body, the contact body 26 may be pushed by the first body structure 28 and / or the lever element 7. Figure 5 illustrates a bottom-rear symmetrical view of the guided carriage 1 of Figure 4. The first body frame element 8 shown in Figure 5 comprises a bifurcated section having a first arm and a second arm. Although not visible in Figure 5, at least one contact pivot shaft can connect the first and second arms of the first body frame element. Alternatively, a first contact pivot shaft can connect to the first arm and a second pivot shaft can connect to the second arm, wherein preferably both contact pivot shafts are collinearly aligned with each other. Figures 6a-6c illustrate a cross-sectional view of the guided carriage 1 of Figures 4 and 5. Figures 6a to 6c show a lever structure according to the invention comprising a main body assembly 2 configured as a trapezoidal structure comprising an actuating element 6, a first body structure 28, and a second body structure, wherein the second body structure comprises a first body structure element 8 and a second body structure element 18. As can be seen, the actuating element 6 has a lower section and an upper section and is pivotally connected to the first body structure 28 by means of a second joint, such that the actuating element 6 can pivot / rotate with respect to the first body structure 28 about a second axis 3 arranged transversely with respect to the first direction.The lower section of the actuating element 6 comprises a lower end portion consisting of a curvilinear base having a first concave portion and a second concave portion. The lower section of the actuating element 6 is configured as a flat block 24 with a substantially triangular contour. Figures 6a to 6c illustrate a cutting tool 10 and a breaking tool 5. The cutting tool is connected to the first body structure 28 by means of a first coupling mechanism. The first body structure element 18 of the second body structure comprises a contact pivot shaft 3A arranged transversely with respect to the first direction, and the rear end portion of the second body structure comprises a second coupling mechanism, where the breaking tool 5 is connected. Figures 6a to 6c partially show a deflection element 9, configured to deflect / pretension the lower end portion of the actuating element 6 against the contact pivot shaft 3A so that the curved base of the actuating element 6 remains in contact with the contact pivot shaft 3A.The deflection element 9 is an elongated elastic element, specifically configured as a helical spring. Although only one deflection element is partially visible in Figure 6, this embodiment comprises two identical deflection elements arranged in parallel, as can be seen in Figure 5. The embodiment of Figures 6a to 6c shows only a first support element 4, as it is a cutaway view. However, the embodiment includes a second support element 4, which is not visible. The first and second support elements comprise respective first and second lateral pivot guides 33, arranged vertically. Only the first lateral pivot guide 33 is partially visible. The contact pivot shaft 3A has respective first and second end portions, where the first end portion is connected to the first lateral pivot guide 33, and the second end portion is connected to the second lateral pivot guide 33. Therefore, the contact pivot shaft can move vertically along the lateral pivot guides 33.Figures 6a to 6c show a lever element 7 configured as a lever bar that is attached to the rear end portion of the first body structure 28 by means of a third coupling mechanism. The third coupling mechanism can be configured, for example, as a threaded hole arranged at the rear end of the first body structure. Figure 6a illustrates, in particular, the lever structure in a grooving position. The grooving position shown in Figure 6a is defined by the fact that the first body structure 28 is arranged in a first pivoting end position and, at the same time, the first concave position of the actuating element 6 rests on the contact pivot shaft 3A in a first lever position. As can be seen, when the lever structure is in the grooving position, the distal end 101 of the cutting tool 10 is arranged below the breaking tool 5, so that the cutting tool 10 can reach a piece of ceramic arranged horizontally below the guided carriage 1, without the breaking tool 5 reaching that piece of ceramic. In Figure 6a, the lever element 7 has an angle of inclination with respect to the first horizontal direction x of approximately 6 degrees.However, in other embodiments, this angle can range from 5 to 20 degrees, with 15 degrees being a preferred ergonomic value. The thickness of the ceramic piece to be broken can affect this angle, as the position of the cutting tool would be adjusted to the exact thickness of the ceramic piece. The first coupling mechanism can be configured to allow and adjust the position of the proximal end of the cutting tool, thus enabling customization of this angle. In the specific embodiment shown in Figure 6a, the contact element 26 of the actuating element 6 is configured to be in contact with the lever element 7 when the lever structure is in the grooving position.However, in some alternative embodiments, the contact element 26 can be configured to be in contact with the first body structure 26 and / or the lever element 7 when the lever structure is in the slotting position. Figure 6b illustrates, in particular, the lever structure in a breakout position. The breakout position shown in Figure 6b is defined by the fact that the first body structure 28 is arranged in a second pivoting end position and, at the same time, the second concave position of the actuating element 6 rests on the contact pivot shaft 3A in a second lever position. As can be seen, when the lever structure is in the breakout position, the distal end 101 of the cutting tool 10 is positioned on the breakout tool 5, such that the breakout tool 5 can reach a piece of ceramic arranged horizontally below the guided carriage 1, without the distal end of the cutting tool 5 reaching that piece of ceramic. In Figure 6b, the lever element 7 has an angle of inclination with respect to the first horizontal direction x of approximately 28 degrees.However, in other realizations this angle may be in the range rra / nn / zznz / E / YiAi between 20 and 30 degrees, with 23 degrees being a preferred ergonomic value. Figure 6c illustrates, in particular, the lever structure positioned between the grooving and breaking positions. The position shown in Figure 6c is defined by the fact that the first body structure 28 is positioned midway between the first and second pivoting end positions, and simultaneously the actuating element 6 is positioned midway between the first and second lever positions. In this position, the cutting tool 10 is positioned higher than when the lever structure is in the grooving position. Additionally, the breaking tool 5 is positioned higher than when the lever structure is in the breaking position. Therefore, the cutting tool 10 and the breaking tool 5 are positioned at a certain distance from the ceramic workpiece.Also, as can be seen, the curvilinear base has a smooth profile that seamlessly and continuously connects the first and second concave regions. The lever structure in Figures 6a to 6c is configured to transition from the grooving position to the breaking position by pushing the lever element 7 upwards. Therefore, when the lever element 7 is pushed upwards, the contact element 26 is also pushed upwards, so that the actuating element 6 moves from the first lever position to the second lever position. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6a to 6c, the actuating element is configured so that the transition from the first lever position to the second lever position is completed when the lever element reaches an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the first horizontal direction.Therefore, the user can keep their hand on the lever element, and in particular, can keep their hand on the lever with the palm facing down both when the lever structure is in the grooving position and the breaking position, and also when moving from the first to the second lever position. This is advantageous because the standard workflow for using this type of device involves: placing a ceramic piece, grooving the ceramic piece, breaking the ceramic piece, and finally replacing the broken ceramic piece with another to be broken. Therefore, the user does not need to remove their hands from the lever structure during the standard workflow. To return from the breaking position to the grooving position, the elongated body 25 of the actuating element 6 must be manually pressed down. Figures 7a-7b illustrate bottom-front symmetrical views of two configurations of a guided carriage 1 for a ceramic cutting device according to related embodiments of the invention. The guided carriages in Figures 7a and 7b are shown without their respective first body structure and lever element. Figures 7a and 7b illustrate that the two deflection elements 9 of the two embodiments comprise respective first and second end portions. Figure 7a shows the respective first end portions of the deflection elements 9 as pivotally connected to the second axis 3, such that the deflection element 9 can pivot / rotate with respect to the first body structure 28 about the second axis 3.Although not visible in Figure 7b, the respective first portions of the deflection elements shown in Figure 7b are connected, preferably pivotally, to the first body structure element 28 of the first body structure. In the embodiment shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the respective second end portions are connected to respective connector holes 27 located in the breaking tool 5. Although this embodiment is compatible with other configurations of the coupling mechanism described above, Figures 7a and 7b illustrate the second coupling mechanism of the second body structure configured as two contact bases 32 located on a lower end portion of the rear end portion of the second body structure.Specifically, a first contact base 32 is located on the first arm of the bifurcated section, while a second contact base 32 is located on the second arm of the bifurcated section. These contact bases 32 are configured to be in contact with two contact components 23 of the breaking tool, both configured as respective cylindrical pins arranged transversely with respect to the first direction. The cylindrical pins are held in contact with the contact base as a result of the force provided by the deflection element. The contact bases 32 extend longitudinally between a first end position, located closer to the contact pivot shaft, and a second end position, located closer to the second end portion of the second body structure. Additionally, the deflection elements 9 can be further configured to provide a deflection / pretensioning force to pull the breaking tool toward the contact base of the first end position. The two embodiments of Figures 7a and 7b comprise respective first and second support elements 4, each support element comprising a respective main tubular structure 11. The support elements 4 of the embodiment of Figure 7a further comprise respective lower structures 13. Each main tubular structure 11 of Figures 7a and 7b is configured to engage and slide with respect to a respective longitudinal guide of a ceramic cutting device, in particular with respect to a first longitudinal guide element of said respective longitudinal guide. The difference between the two embodiments is that each respective lower structure 13 of the support elements of Figure 7a is further configured as a respective edge structure configured to engage and slide with respect to a respective second longitudinal guide element of said respective longitudinal guide. Figure 8a illustrates a first body structure 28 and a lever element 7, wherein the first body structure 28 comprises front through holes 15C and rear through holes 15 for inserting the first shaft 3C and the second shaft 3, respectively. The rear end portion of the first body structure 28 comprises, on the side walls and around the rear through holes, substantially flat surfaces 22. Figure 8b shows a complementary view of the same first body structure 28. The configuration shown in Figures 8a and 8b is compatible with the two embodiments shown in Figures 7a and 7b, respectively. The first body structure 28 of Fig. 8b comprises an elongated through-hole 19 arranged longitudinally in the center face of its U-shaped longitudinal profile. This through-hole 19 is configured to receive the actuating element 6, such that when the actuating element pivots / rotates with respect to the first body structure 28 about the second axis, the through-hole 19 provides the maximum amplitude of the pivoting movement of the actuating element 6. The first coupling mechanism shown in Fig. 12 is configured as having a through-hole 20, in which the cutting tool 10 is inserted. Figures 9a and 10a illustrate different views of the guided carriage 1 of Figure 7a shown without one of its support elements and without its first body structure. Figures 9b and 10b illustrate different views of the guided carriage 1 of Figure 7b shown without one of its support elements and without its first body structure. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9b and 10b, the respective first portions of the deflection elements 9 are directly connected to the first body structure 28. This configuration is specifically compatible with the embodiment shown in Figure 7b. Although other configurations are compatible, Figure 9b illustrates the first body structure comprising respective through holes for receiving the respective first end portions of the deflection elements 9, which are configured, as an illustrative embodiment, as respective hook portions. In all the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, each support element 4 comprises a respective lateral pivot guide 33 connected to the contact pivot shaft 3A, such that the contact pivot shaft 3A is movable along the first lateral pivot guide. In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first lateral pivot guides 33 are arranged vertically. In all embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10, the breaking tool further comprises optional extendable means 29 configured to permit guided linear and vertical displacement of the breaking tool relative to the second coupling mechanism. In these particular embodiments, each support element 4 further comprises a vertically arranged side tool guide 34, configured to receive the extendable means 29, thereby permitting additional guided linear movement of the breaking tool relative to the support elements 4. In some embodiments compatible with the invention, the side tool guides 34 can directly guide the breaking tool 5, instead of guiding the extendable means 29. For example, a pin or similar element can be provided on the breaking tool to be guided by the side tool guide. Figure 11 shows the trapezoidal structure formed by the different parts of the main body assembly. Figure 11 also shows a triangular structure formed by the deflection element, the lever distance between the first end portion of the deflection element and the contact pivot shaft 3A, and the lever distance between the contact pivot shaft 3A and the second end portion of the deflection element. Figure 12 illustrates a side view of a support element 4 for a guided carriage 1 comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. Figures 13 and 14 illustrate an exploded top-front symmetrical view of a guided carriage 1 comprising a lever structure for a ceramic cutting device according to embodiments of the invention. The deflection elements shown in Figures 13 and 14 are compatible with any connection configuration described above. Figures 13 and 14 show a first body structure element 8 having a recess 17 for inserting the lower end portion of a second, vertically arranged, short body structure element 18. Figures 13 and 14 also show that each support element 4 further comprises, at a lower vertical position on its respective inner face with respect to the circular or cylindrical bearing 11, a lower structure 13, comprising a lateral pivot guide 33 and a lateral tool guide 34 on an inner side, i.e., the lateral side facing the main body assembly. The lateral pivot guide 33 is configured to receive the contact pivot shaft 3A, which passes through the bifurcated section of the second body structure element 8 via through holes 15A, so that the contact pivot shaft can pivot along the length of the lateral pivot guide 33 from an upper to a lower position and vice versa. The side tool guide 34 is configured to receive the breaking tool, in particular, a breaking tool pin or extendable medium.The lateral pivot guide 33 and the lateral tool guide 34 can be configured as respective cutouts. The outer side of each support element, i.e., the side facing outwards rather than towards the central lever structure, comprises an opening relative to the edges, wherein the opening is covered by a cap 16, in particular a flat square polymer cap. In Figures 13 and 14, the main body assembly 2 is connected to the first support element 4 by means of a first main body joint, wherein the first main body joint is configured so that the main body assembly can rotate about the first side support 4 around a main body axis 3 arranged transversely with respect to both the first direction and the first horizontal direction. The main body assembly 2 is also connected to the second support element 4 by means of a second main body joint 12, wherein the second main body joint can be configured so that the main body assembly 2 can rotate about the second side support 4 around the main body axis 3.The first and second main body joints 12 are arranged respectively on the respective inner side of the respective support element. The first and second main body joints 12 are configured as a circular or cylindrical bearing designed for the insertion of the ends of the main body shaft 3. In this particular embodiment, the main body shaft coincides with the second shaft 3. Figure 14 shows the third coupling mechanism for joining the lever element 7 to the first body structure 28, wherein said coupling mechanism is configured as a threaded hole 21. The rear end portion of the first body structure 28 has a transversely arranged closing wall, which closes the substantially U-shaped cross-section of the first body structure 28. The first coupling mechanism is arranged in said closing wall. Figure 15 illustrates a top-rear isometric view of a manual ceramic cutting device comprising a guided carriage 1 with a lever structure according to embodiments of the invention. The manual ceramic cutting device comprises first and second longitudinal guides arranged horizontally along the first horizontal direction. The first support element of the guided carriage 1 is movably coupled to the first longitudinal guide of the manual ceramic cutter to guide movement of the guided carriage 1 in the first horizontal direction. The second support element of the guided carriage 1 is movably coupled to the second longitudinal guide of the manual ceramic cutter to guide movement of the guided carriage 1 in the first horizontal direction.Additionally, the manual ceramic cutting device in Figure 15 shows a platform arranged horizontally to place the ceramic pieces to be broken.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A lever structure for a ceramic cutting and breaking device, wherein the lever structure comprises: - a main body assembly (2) comprising: - a first body structure (28) and a second body structure (8,18) having respective front and rear end portions, wherein the first body structure (28) extends along a first direction; - wherein the front end portions of the first and second body structures (2,8,18) are pivotally connected to each other by means of a first joint, such that the first body structure (28) can pivot / rotate with respect to the second structure (8, 18) about a first axis (3C), arranged transversely with respect to the first direction, from a first pivoting end position to a second pivoting end position;- wherein the rear end portion of the first body structure (28) comprises a first coupling mechanism for attaching a cutting tool (10); and - wherein the second body structure comprises at least one contact pivot shaft (3A) arranged transversely with respect to the first direction, and wherein the rear end portion of the second body structure comprises a second coupling mechanism for attaching a breaking tool (5); - an actuating element (6) having a lower section and an upper section; wherein the actuating element (6) is pivotally connected to the first body structure (28) by means of a second joint, such that the actuating element (6) can pivot / rotate with respect to the first body structure (28) about a second axis (3) arranged transversely with respect to the first direction;wherein the lower section of the actuating element (6) comprises a lower end portion having a curvilinear base comprising at least a first concave portion and a second concave portion, configured respectively to rest on the contact pivot shaft (3A) in a first lever position and a second lever position; wherein, when the first body structure (28) pivots / rotates from the first pivot end position to the second pivot end position, the pivoting motion of the first body structure (28) causes the actuating element (6) to move from the first lever position to the second lever position; wherein the lever distance between the first axis (3C) and a point of contact of the curvilinear base with the contact pivot shaft (3A) is shorter in the second lever position than in the first lever position. rra 7 ηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ rra 7 ηη / ζζηζ / Ε / γίΛΐ; 2. A lever structure according to claim 1, wherein the curvilinear base has a smooth profile that continuously and smoothly connects the first and second concave portions, wherein preferably the first concave portion and the second concave portion are separated from each other by a first convex portion.

3. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first coupling mechanism is arranged at a point between the front and rear end portions of the first body structure (28), preferably between the second joint and the rear end portion of the first body structure (28).

4. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the upper section of the actuating element (6) comprises an elongated contact body (25) extending from the second joint at least partially along the first direction, and wherein the elongated contact body is arranged at least partially above the rear end portion of the first body structure (28).

5. A lever structure according to claim 4, wherein the elongated contact body is curved, preferably downwards.

6. A lever structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the elongated contact body (25) of the actuating element (6) comprises an upper end portion having a contact element (26), and wherein, preferably, the elongated contact body (25) further comprises two elongated arms, arranged in parallel, and connected to each other at their respective ends by means of the contact element (26).

7. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a lever element (7) attached to the first body structure (28) and configured to actuate the pivoting movement of the first body structure (28).

8. A lever structure according to claim 7, wherein the lever element (7) is attached to the rear end portion of the first body structure (28) by means of a third coupling mechanism.

9. A lever structure according to claims 4 to 8, wherein the elongated contact body is configured such that, when the first body structure (28) pivots / rotates from the first pivot end position to the second pivot end position, the rotational movement of the first body structure (28) causes the first body structure (28) and / or the lever element (7) to push the elongated contact body (26), so that the actuating element (6) moves from the first lever position to the second lever position.

10. A lever structure according to claim 9, wherein the elongated contact body is arranged such that, when the first body structure (28) pivots / rotates from the first pivot end position to the second pivot end position, the pivoting motion of the first body structure (28) causes the rear end of the first body structure (28) and / or the lever element (7) to push the contact element (26) of the elongated contact body (25), so that the actuating element (6) moves from the first lever position to the second lever position.

11. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a cutting tool (10) for grooving a ceramic piece, wherein the cutting tool (10) is coupled to the first coupling mechanism, and - a breaking tool (5) for breaking said ceramic piece, wherein the breaking tool (5) is connected to the second coupling mechanism; wherein, when the actuating element (6) is in the first lever position and the first body structure (28) is in the first pivoting end position, a distal end (101) of the cutting tool (10) is arranged below the breaking tool (5), so that the cutting tool (10) can reach the ceramic piece without the breaking tool (5) reaching the ceramic piece;and wherein, when the actuating element (6) is in the second lever position and the first body structure (28) is in the second pivoting end position, a distal end (101) of the cutting tool (10) is disposed over the breaking tool (5), so that the breaking tool (5) can reach the ceramic piece.; 12. A lever structure according to claim 11, wherein, when the actuating element (6) is in an intermediate position between the first and second lever positions, and the first body structure (6) is in an intermediate position between the first and second pivot end positions, both the distal end of the cutting tool (10) and the breaking tool (5) are arranged at a distance from the ceramic piece, so that they cannot reach the ceramic piece.

13. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one deflection element (9) configured to deflect / pretension the lower end portion of the actuating element (6) against the contact pivot shaft (3A), such that the curved base of the actuating element (6) remains in contact with the contact pivot shaft (3A), in particular while moving between the first lever position and the second lever position; wherein the at least one deflection element (9) is preferably an elongated elastic element comprising a first and a second end portion;and wherein the first end portion of the at least one deflection element (9) is preferably connected to the first body structure (28) and / or to the second shaft (3), while the second end portion of the at least one deflection element is preferably connected to the second body structure (8,18) of the main body assembly (2) and / or to the breaking tool (5).; 14. A lever structure according to claim 13, having the second end portion of the at least one deflection element (9) connected to the breaking tool (5): - wherein the second coupling mechanism is configured as a contact base (32) located in a lower end portion of the rear end portion of the second body structure (8, 18), preferably wherein the contact base (32) extends between a first end position disposed closer to the contact pivot shaft (3A) and a second end position disposed closer to the second end portion of the second body structure (8, 18); - wherein the breaking tool (5) further comprises at least one contact component (23) configured to be in contact, preferably in sliding contact, with the contact base (32);and - wherein the at least one deflection element (9) is further configured to deflect / pretension the breaking tool (5) against the second body structure (8,18), so that at least a portion of the contact base (32) remains in contact with the at least one contact component (23), preferably wherein at least one deflection element is further configured to provide a deflection / pretensioning force to pull the breaking tool at least partially towards the first end position of the contact base (32).; 15. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the breaking tool comprises at least one extendable means configured to permit guided rectilinear displacement of the breaking tool with respect to the second coupling mechanism.

16. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second body structure further comprises a first body structure element (8) having respective front and rear end portions, and a second body structure element (18); wherein the first body structure element (8) comprises at least one contact pivot shaft (3A); and wherein the front end portion of the first body structure element (8) and the lower end portion of the second body structure element (18) are pivotally connected to each other by means of a third joint, such that the first body structure element (8) can pivot / rotate with respect to the second body structure element (18) about a third axis (3B) arranged transversely with respect to the first direction.

17. A lever structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second body structure (8,18) or the second body structure element (18) comprises a first arm and a second arm, preferably configured as a fork, and wherein the contact pivot shaft (3A) connects the first and second arms of the second body structure (8,18) or the second body structure element (18).

18. A hand-operated ceramic cutter with a guided carriage (1) comprising a lever structure according to any of the preceding claims and configured to receive a ceramic piece, wherein the hand-operated ceramic cutter comprises a first longitudinal guide arranged horizontally along a first horizontal direction; wherein the guided carriage (1) further comprises: - a first support element (4) movably coupled to the first longitudinal guide of the hand-operated ceramic cutter to guide a movement of the guided carriage (1) in the first horizontal direction;- wherein the main body assembly (2) is connected to the first support element (4) by means of a first main body joint, wherein the first main body joint is configured so that the main body assembly (2) can rotate with respect to the first side support (4) about a main body axis arranged transversely with respect to the first horizontal direction; and - wherein, preferably, the first support element (4) further comprises a first side pivot guide (33) connectable to at least one contact pivot shaft (3A), such that the at least one contact pivot shaft (3A) is movable along the first side guide (14).

19. A manual ceramic cutter according to claim 18, wherein the manual ceramic cutter further comprises a second longitudinal guide arranged horizontally along the first horizontal direction; wherein the guided carriage (1) further comprises: - a second support element (4) movably coupled to the second longitudinal guide of the manual ceramic cutter to guide a movement of the guided carriage (1) in the first horizontal direction; - wherein the main body assembly (2) is connected to the second support element (4) by means of a second main body joint, wherein the second main body joint is configured so that the main body assembly (2) can rotate about the second side support (4) about the main body axis arranged transversely with respect to the first horizontal direction;rra 7 ηη / ζζηζ / E / γίΛΐ TI - wherein the main body assembly (2) is preferably arranged between the first (4) and the second support element (4); and - wherein, preferably, the second support element (4) further comprises a second lateral pivot guide (33) connectable to the at least one contact pivot shaft (3A), such that the at least one contact pivot shaft (3A) is movable along the second lateral guide (14).; 20. A manual ceramic cutter according to claims 18 or 19, wherein the main body axis coincides with the second axis (3).

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