A carriage device and a manual tile cutting system

Abstract

Carriage device (1) for a tile cutting system (100), comprising: at least one sliding car (2); a breaking tool (3); a support element (4) rotatably connected to the at least one sliding car (2) and a cam lever element (5); the cam lever element (5) comprising a contact base (50) with a first contact portion (500) for pushing the breaking tool (3) to an inoperative position (P1) when in a first position (C1); and a second contact portion (501) for pushing the breaking tool (3) to an operative position (P2) when in a second position (C2); elastic elements (6) keeping the breaking tool (3) in contact with the contact base (50); the cam lever element (5) having a mass distribution to provide a force (F) moving it from an intermediate position (C1) to the second position (C2) when the support element (4) rotates back to an initial position (S1).

Description

[0001] A carriage device and a manual tile cutting system

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to manual tile cutting systems, and more particularly to a carriage device for such systems. The invention is specifically designed to facilitate an effortless and smooth transition between the scoring tool and the breaking tool, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of the tile cutting process.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Various manual tile cutting systems are known in the art, typically consisting of a base on which the tile is placed, a scoring tool to create a score line on the surface of the tile, and a breaking tool to apply pressure and snap the tile along the score line. While these systems are effective in cutting tiles, several drawbacks and inefficiencies remain, particularly in the transition between scoring and breaking steps.

[0006] One common solution is the use of a manual tile cutter with separate tools for scoring and breaking. In such systems, the operator must first score the tile using a scoring wheel and then switch to a breaking tool, which may be integrated or require repositioning. However, this approach often results in misalignment between the scored line and the applied breaking force. The necessity to move or reposition the tool adds time to the process and can cause inaccuracies in the final cut.

[0007] Another widely used solution involves tile cutters where the scoring tool and breaking tool are integrated on the same carriage by means of the use of complex mechanisms to automate the transition between scoring and breaking. However, these systems tend to be mechanically complicated, expensive to produce, and prone to malfunction due to their intricate designs. Their complexity increases the maintenance requirements and reduces overall reliability.

[0008] In summary, known manual tile cutting systems suffer from inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and mechanical complexity, particularly with respect to the transition between scoring and breaking. These limitations negatively impact the ease of use and precision of the tile cutting process, especially for professionals requiring consistent, high-quality cuts. Therefore, there remains a need for an improved carriage device in manual tile cutting systems that ensures smooth, effortless and efficient transitions between scoring and breaking tools, enhancing the overall cutting process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention addresses the problem of providing an effortless and smooth transition between the scoring tool and the breaking tool in a carriage device for a manual tile cutting system, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of the tile cutting process, overcoming the disadvantages of known solutions.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention refers to a carriage device for a manual tile cutting system, i.e. suitable for being used as part of a manual tile cutting system. In the context of the present invention, a manual tile cutting system is interpreted as referring to a device designed to selectively score and break tile (e.g. a ceramic, porcelain, or glass tile) into desired shapes and sizes without the use of powered tools. These systems typically comprise a flat base on which the tile is placed, a rail or guide system, and a carriage that houses a scoring tool and a breaking tool.

[0011] The carriage device of the first aspect of the invention comprises: at least one sliding car (e.g. one sliding car or two sliding cars, which may be arranged / configured as two side cars), a breaking tool, a support element, at least one cam lever element and one or more elastic elements.

[0012] Each of the at least one sliding car is respectively configured to be connected to a respective longitudinal guide of a tile cutting system to slide along said longitudinal guide (e.g. longitudinally along the longitudinal guide). The tile cutting system may comprise a number of longitudinal guides (e.g. one or more) which corresponds to the number of sliding cars of the carriage device. Preferably, the manual tile cutting system is configured to be arranged in a preferred position of use in which the one or more longitudinal guides are arranged horizontally, such that the at least one sliding car are configured to slide along the one or more longitudinal guides in a horizontal direction.

[0013] In embodiments in which the carriage device comprises only one sliding car configured to be connected to a respective longitudinal guide, the longitudinal guide and / or the sliding car may be configured to permit relative sliding along the longitudinal guide while inhibiting rotation of the sliding car about the longitudinal guide. For instance, the longitudinal guide may define a non-round (e.g. with a rectangular shape or a polygonal shape, etc.) and / or keyed crosssection, and / or the sliding car may include complementary anti-rotation features (e.g., splines, keys, flats, grooves, dovetail or T-slot geometries, or a circular profile with a longitudinal key), without limitation.

[0014] A breaking tool in the context of the present invention refers to a tool configured to apply a breaking force on a tile (normally on a tile that has previously been scored by a scoring tool) for causing the tile to be separated into two independent parts. The breaking tool comprises at least one contact interface. The breaking tool is configured to be connected (e.g. directly or indirectly) to the at least one sliding car such that the breaking tool is movable relative to the at least one sliding car along a vertical direction (i.e. considering a standard arrangement of the carriage device when integrated in a manual tile cutting system arranged in the preferred position of use of the system) between an inoperative position and an operative position. The inoperative position may correspond to a position of the breaking tool in which the breaking tool is distally arranged with respect to a tile to be cut (e.g. for preventing the breaking tool to contact a tile arranged below the breaking tool), while the operative position may correspond to a position of the breaking tool in which the breaking tool is arranged proximal to a tile to be cut (e.g. in contact with the tile or at a close distance, which may correspond to 1 to 30 mm). Thus, the operative position may be configured to arrange the breaking tool in a lower vertical position than the inoperative position.

[0015] The support element comprises a main joint configured to connect the support element to the at least one sliding car, such that the support element is configured to rotate a predetermined angle from an initial position about a main geometrical axis transversally arranged to the at least one sliding car (e.g. to reach a final position). The predetermined angle is calculated as the difference between the angle of the support element relative to a horizontal plane (i.e. when considering a standard position of use of the carriage device) before and after it has been rotated (e.g. when rotated from the initial position to a final position).

[0016] The support element further comprises an auxiliary joint arranged at a first radial distance from the main joint. The concept radial distance refers to the fact that the radial distance is measured in a radial direction with respect to the main geometrical axis (i.e. the radial distance may also be referred to as levering distance; wherein radial distance refers to distance measured in a direction being perpendicular to the main geometrical axis). The main joint may be arranged at a front part of the support element, while the auxiliary joint may be arranged further back towards a rear part of the support element. The main joint may be configured to have a maximum angle of rotation, which may be optionally configured to correspond with the predetermined angle. The term front is used in the context of the present invention to refer to the front part of the carriage device (or any of its elements / components) when the carriage device is moved forward in the horizontal direction (e.g. when sliding relative to the one or more longitudinal guides). Complementarily, the term rear is used to refer to any part of the carriage device (or any of its elements / components) being arranged in a rear position when the carriage device advances forward in the horizontal direction. Further, the term joint is used in the context of the present invention as meaning articulation (preferably for enabling rotation about a geometrical axis).

[0017] Each cam lever element is configured to be connected to the support element by means of the auxiliary joint to rotate (i.e. to be rotatable) about an auxiliary geometrical axis parallel to the main geometrical axis, such that each of the at least one cam lever element is pivotable relative to the support element between a first position and a second position. Further, each of the at least one cam lever element comprises a respective contact base configured to contact the contact interface of the breaking tool (the term contact interface may refer to a plurality of contact surfaces, e.g. two or more).

[0018] The contact base of each cam lever element comprises: a first contact portion and a second contact portion. The first contact portion is configured to contact the contact interface (e.g. a contact surface being part of the contact interface) when the cam lever element is in the first position such that the first contact portion pushes (e.g. downwards in a vertical direction) the breaking tool to the inoperative position (this arrangement of the carriage device is referred to as scoring position). The second contact portion is configured to contact the contact interface when the cam lever element is in the second position such that the second contact portion pushes (e.g. downwards in a vertical direction) the breaking tool to the operative position (this arrangement of the carriage device is referred to as breaking position).

[0019] The one or more elastic elements are configured to provide a pretensioning force between the breaking tool and the at least one sliding car (e.g. two sliding side cars) for causing the contact interface of the breaking tool to be in contact with the contact base of the at least one cam lever element. Thus, the pretensioning force ensures that the contact interface and the contact base remain in contact despite their relative movement (e.g. sliding movement between each other, such as when the respective cam lever element is rotated, thereby causing the contact base to be moved -e.g. slid relative to the contact interface- so that the contact interface passes from being in contact with the first contact portion to being in contact with the second contact portion). The pretensioning force may also be referred to as biasing force, contact force or spring force.

[0020] The carriage device is configured such that, when the support element rotates by the predetermined angle from the initial position, this rotation induces (e.g. causes) a corresponding rotation of the auxiliary joint relative to the main joint (e.g. the auxiliary joint is rotated also the predetermined angle about the main joint). This rotational movement of the support element (e.g. until the support element reaches a final position) thereby causes (since each of the cam lever elements is operatively connected - operatively connected means that there is functional connection, which may be configured as a direct or as an indirect connection- to the auxiliary joint; wherein operatively should be interpreted as indicating a direct or an indirect connection between the one or more cam lever elements and the auxiliary joint) each cam lever element to rotate / transition from the first position to an intermediate position (which is arranged between the first position and the second position), such that the contact interface of the breaking tool contacts a respective transition contact region of the contact base of each cam lever element. The transition contact region (which may also be referred to as intermediate contact region; the term region may be replaced with any of: portion area, zone or surface) of each contact base is located / arranged between the respective first and second contact portions. This arrangement ensures that the contact interface of the breaking tool maintains effective contact with the base contact of the cam lever element(s) while transitioning from the first position to the second position.

[0021] The carriage device incorporates a unique configuration for the cam lever element(s) to achieve precise mechanical movements with a minimum physical effort from the user operating the device. This unique configuration is based on the fact that each of the at least one cam lever elements (or the multi-cam lever element described below) is designed with a specific mass distribution that plays a crucial role in its operation. Thus, each cam lever element (or the multi-cam lever element described below) has a mass distribution (e.g. a position of its centre of masses) configured such that, when the cam lever element is arranged in the intermediate position and the support element is rotated back (e.g. by the predetermined angle) towards the initial position, the mass distribution of the cam lever element provides a weight leverage force relative to the auxiliary joint (e.g. the weight leverage force is provided at leverage distance from the auxiliary joint) causing the cam lever element to pivot from the intermediate position to the second position. Preferably, the at least one cam lever element is configured such that the weight leverage force causes a rotation in the same direction of the support element when rotated back towards the initial position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the contact base of the at least one cam lever element may be configured to provide a smooth transition between the first contact portion and the second contact portion. Preferably, the smooth transition may be achieved by configuring the contact base as a continuous surface (e.g. without sharp edges or edges separating portions arranged at widely differing inclination from one another).

[0023] According to some embodiments, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of the contact base of each cam lever element may be configured as respective concave portions. Preferably, the transition contact region(which is arranged between the first and second contact portions such that the first and second contact portions are mutually separated by the transition contact region) may be configured as a convex portion. The convex portion may be configured to be in contact with the contact interface (i.e. with a surface being part of the contact interface) of the breaking tool when the respective cam lever element is arranged in the intermediate position. The convex portion provides an instable contact area / point (e.g. a tipping / turning point of the convex portion) with the respective contact interface, thereby making it easier for the weight leverage force to cause the transition of the respective cam lever element from the intermediate position towards the second position. In other words, the contact base may provide a smooth transition between the first contact portion and the second contact portion), for example by way of a convex transition contact region (also referred to as convex portion).

[0024] The carriage device of any of the preceding embodiments may be configured such that the at least one cam lever element may comprise an actuator (e.g. a front actuator, i.e. arranged at a front part of the cam lever element) configured such that, when the at least one cam lever element is arranged in the second position and a user pushes the actuator with a force that overcomes the weight leverage force (i.e. the force provided by the user being a force causing a torque relative to the auxiliary joint being opposite to a torque caused by the weight leverage force), then the at least one cam lever element moves from the second position to the first position. The actuator may be configured to be an integral part of the at least one cam lever element. In those embodiments having a plurality of cam lever elements (e.g. two arranged parallel to each other), the actuator may be configured to be transversally connected to the plurality of cam lever elements (and may also be configured such that all the cam lever elements and the actuator are integrated into a single body part). In preferred embodiments, the at least one sliding car may comprise two sliding cars (e.g. configured or arranged as two respective side / lateral cars), each sliding car being configured to be connected to a respective longitudinal guide, wherein the two longitudinal guides may be parallel to each other. In such embodiments. In these embodiments, the support element may be configured to be arranged between the two sliding cars, and the main joint may comprise one or more transversal connectors (e.g. screws, pins or bolts) configured for connecting the two sliding cars to the support element. Preferably, the one or more transversal connectors may be arranged coincident with the main geometrical axis for connecting the two sliding cars to the support element.

[0025] In some embodiments, the at least one cam lever element may further comprise a lower contact portion configured such that, when the at least one lever element is manually operated by a user (e.g. by pushing the aforementioned optional actuator) to be moved from the second position to the first position, the lower contact portion limits (i.e. is configured to provide a limit) the displacement of the at least one cam lever element upon contact with the support element and / or with at least one of the sliding cars. This solution prevents the user from provoking an excessive rotation that may cause the first contact portion of the respective contact base to no longer be in contact with the contact interface of the breaking tool.

[0026] The lower contact portion of the at least one cam lever element may be connected to the respective contact base. Preferably: the lower contact portion may be arranged in (e.g. connected to) a front part of the respective contact base, such that first contact portion may be arranged between the lower contact portion and the second contact portion; and / or the lower contact portion may be configured as a concave portion (wherein an auxiliary convex portion may be arranged in the contact base for connecting the first contact portion with the lower contact portion).

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the at least one cam lever element comprises (at least) two cam lever elements, wherein each cam lever element may be configured to be arranged at opposite sides of the support element, such that the support element may be arranged between the two cam lever elements. Accordingly, each cam lever element would comprise a respective contact base (according to the description of the above embodiments). Further, the contact interface of the breaking tool may comprise two separate contact surfaces, wherein each contact surface may be configured to contact one of the contact bases. Preferably, the two cam lever elements may be configured as being integral parts of a single-body element (i.e. they may be formed into a single-body element, also referred to as multi-cam lever element), wherein in those embodiments having an actuator (e.g. a front actuator), the actuator may also be integrated as part of the single-body element.

[0028] The carriage device of any of the preceding embodiments may further comprise an operation lever configured to be attached to the support element (or configured to be an integral part of the support element) and further configured to be manually actuated by a user for rotating the support element (i.e. for exerting a force causing a rotation of the support element) relative to the main joint (e.g. for causing the support element to rotate the predetermined angle). Preferably, the operation lever may be configured to be connected to a rear part of the support element (e.g. protruding from a part of the support element being distally arranged with respect to the main joint). The operation lever has the effect of providing a leverage arm that minimises the effort required by the user to cause the rotation of the support element.

[0029] The carriage device of any of the preceding claims may further comprise a scoring tool configured to be connected to the support element (or configured to be an integral part of the support element). Preferably, the scoring tool may be configured such that: when the at least one cam lever element is arranged in the first position (i.e. causing the breaking tool to be in the inoperative position), the scoring tool is arranged at a lower vertical position than the breaking tool; and / or when the at least one cam lever element is arranged in the second position (i.e. causing the breaking tool to be in the operative position), the scoring tool is arranged at a higher vertical position than the breaking tool.

[0030] In some embodiments, the scoring tool may comprise an elongated body comprising a scoring element (e.g. a scoring wheel) arranged at a distal end. The elongated body (e.g. a proximal end of the elongated body) may be configured to be connected to the support element. Preferably, the elongated body may be dimensionally configured (e.g. the elongated body may have a length -e.g. between its proximal and distal ends-, or may be geometrically formed / shaped) such that: when the at least one cam lever element is arranged in the first position (i.e. causing the breaking tool to be in the inoperative position), the elongated body causes the scoring tool to be arranged at a lower vertical position than the breaking tool; and / or when the at least one cam lever element is arranged in the second position (i.e. causing the breaking tool to be in the operative position), the elongated body causes the scoring tool to be arranged at a higher vertical position than the breaking tool. In some embodiments, the whole scoring tool (i.e. the elongated body and the scoring element) may be configured as a separate body being replaceable in case of wear and tear. However, in other embodiments, the elongated body may be configured as an integral part of the support element, wherein the scoring element may be configured to be replaceable.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, each sliding car may respectively comprise at least one guiding element, wherein the breaking tool may comprise at least one guided elements (e.g., configured as sliding elements configured to be guided by one of the guiding elements). In some embodiments, the breaking tool may comprise at least two guided elements (i.e. configured to be guided by the guiding elements) arranged separately (e.g. at different opposed sides of the breaking tool), wherein one of the guided elements may be configured to be slidably connected to one of the guiding elements, and the other guided element may be configured to be slidably connected to the other of the guiding elements for allowing the breaking tool to be movable along the vertical direction (e.g., restricting displacement so that it can only move along the vertical direction) between the inoperative position and the operative position. In embodiments comprising two sliding cars, , the breaking tool may be simultaneously connected to both sliding cars (e.g. side cars) providing a more stable and balanced vertical displacement of the breaking tool (e.g. each sliding car may comprise a respective guiding element for connection with one of the two guided elements of the breaking tool).

[0032] In some embodiments, the one or more elastic elements (also referred to as elastic connectors) may comprise a plurality of elastic elements (e.g. two elastic elements). Each elastic element may be configured to be connected to the at least one sliding car and to the breaking tool, such that the breaking tool is connected to the at least one sliding car (e.g. to two side cars) by the plurality of elastic elements. Preferably, the one or more elastic elements may be configured as respective springs.

[0033] A second aspect of the invention refers to a manual tile cutting system comprising: a base for arranging a tile (i.e. a tile intended to be cut); one or more longitudinal guides arranged substantially parallel to the base; and a carriage device according to any of the embodiments described for the first aspect of the invention, the at least one sliding car of the carriage device being connected to one of the longitudinal guides to slide along the guide(s).

[0034] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the attached drawings, in which: Figs. 1A-1 D show different views of an embodiment of a carriage device 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0036] Figs. 2A-2B depict two illustrative views of a support element 4 for a carriage device 1 according to the first aspect of the invention. The support element 4 of Figs. 2A-2B is compatible with the carriage device 1 shown in Figs. 1A-1 D.

[0037] Fig. 3A shows a side view of a cam lever element 5 for a carriage device 1 according to the first aspect of the invention (which is also compatible with a side view of a multi-cam lever element 5’). Fig. 3B shows a view of multi-cam lever element 5’ comprising two cam lever elements 5 as shown in Fig. 3A. The embodiments of shown in Figs. 3A-3B are compatible with the carriage device 1 shown in Figs. 1A-1 D.

[0038] Fig. 4 depicts two sliding cars 2 for a carriage device 1 of the first aspect of the invention.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a breaking tool 3 for a carriage device 1 according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0040] Figs. 6A-6C depict three different views of the carriage device 1 of Figs. 1 A-1 D when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the first position Ci , thereby causing the breaking tool 3 to be arranged in the inoperative position Pi.

[0041] Figs. 7A-7C represent three different views of the carriage device 1 of Figs. 1A-1 D when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the intermediate position Ci between the first position Ci and the second position C2.

[0042] Figs. 8A-8C show three different views of the carriage device 1 of Figs. 1 A-1 D when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the second position C2, thereby causing the breaking tool 3 to be arranged in the operative position P2.

[0043] Figs. 9A-9B show a manual tile cutting system 100 of the second aspect of the invention comprising a carriage device 1 according to embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

[0044] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Fig. 1A-1 D show four different views of a carriage device 1 according to some embodiments of the first aspect of the invention. This carriage device 1 is suitable for being used in a manual tile cutting system 100 (as the one shown in Figs. 9A-9B which is exemplary represented as comprising two longitudinal guides 200). The carriage device 1 comprises: two sliding cars 2 (represented as two side cars), a breaking tool 3, a support element 4, at least one cam lever element 5 and one or more elastic elements 6. It is noted that the carriage device 1 shown in Figs. 1A-1 D comprises some optional features.

[0046] As illustrated, the carriage device 1 comprises two sliding cars 2, each configured to be connected to a respective longitudinal guide 200, the two longitudinal guides 200 being parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the carriage device 1 may comprise a single sliding car 2 connected to a single longitudinal guide 200. In such single-car embodiments, the longitudinal guide 200 and / or the sliding car 2 may include complementary anti-rotation formations configured to permit relative sliding along the guide while inhibiting rotation of the sliding car about the guide’s longitudinal axis. By way of non-limiting examples, the longitudinal guide 200 may define a non-round and / or keyed cross-section, and / or the sliding car 2 may comprise splines, keys, flats, grooves, or a dovetail / T-slot interface arranged to cooperate with the guide.

[0047] The two sliding cars 2 are configured to be connected to two respective longitudinal guides 200 (shown in Figs. 9A-9B) of a tile cutting system 100 to slide along them. Manual tile cutting systems are normally configured to be arranged in a preferred position of use in which the two longitudinal guides 200 are arranged horizontally (as shown in Figs. 9A-9B), such that the two sliding cars 2 are configured to slide along the two longitudinal guides 200 in a horizontal direction “x”.

[0048] The breaking tool 3 is configured to be connected to the two sliding cars 2 such that the breaking 3 tool is movable relative to the two sliding cars 2 along a vertical direction “z” (i.e. considering a standard arrangement of the carriage device when integrated in a manual tile cutting system 100 arranged in the preferred position of use of the system 100) between an inoperative position Pi (shown in Figs. 6A-6C) and an operative position P2 (shown in Figs. 8A-8C). The inoperative position Pi corresponds to a position of the breaking tool 3 in which the breaking tool 3 is distally arranged with respect to a tile to be cut (e.g. a tile being arranged on the base 300 of a manual tile cutting system 100 as that of Figs. 9A-9B). The operative position P2 corresponds to a position of the breaking tool 3 in which the breaking tool 3 is arranged proximal to a tile to be cut (e.g. in contact with the tile or at a close distance, which may correspond to 1 to 30 mm). Thus, the operative position P2 may be configured to arrange the breaking tool 3 in a lower vertical position than the inoperative position Pi. The support element 4, which is shown more in detail in Figs. 2A-2B, comprises a main joint A configured to connect the support element 4 to the two sliding cars 2, such that the support element 4 is configured to rotate a predetermined angle a (shown in Fig. 7B) from an initial position Si (depicted in Figs. 6A-6C) about a main geometrical axis Ai transversally arranged to the two sliding cars 2 (e.g. to reach a final position S2 as shown in Figs. 7A-7C). Although not shown in the figures, in some embodiments the main joint A may be configured to have a maximum angle of rotation (which may correspond to the predetermined angle a, and which may be configured to limit the rotation of the support element 4 so as to not overpass the final position S2 - or to overpass said final position S2 by a predetermined tolerance); for this purpose the main joint may optionally comprise a mechanical stop. In some embodiments, the maximum angle may be greater than the predetermined angle a.

[0049] The support element 4 further comprises an auxiliary joint B arranged at a first radial distance di from the main joint A (e.g. from the main geometrical axis A1) . Figs. 2A-2B show an optional configuration in which the main joint A is arranged at a front part (i.e. considering the horizontal direction “x” along which the carriage device 1 is intended to move forward) of the support element 4, while the auxiliary joint B is optionally arranged further back towards a rear part of the support element 4.

[0050] The support element 4 of Figs. 2A-2B is depicted as comprising two optional and preferred features: a tool receiving portion 42 configured to receive / attach a scoring tool 41 therein (as shown, inter alia, in Figs. 1 B-1 D), and a lever receiving portion 43 arranged at a rear part of the support element 4 and configured to receive / attach an operation lever 40 (as shown, inter alia, in Figs. 1A-1 D). However, in other embodiments, the scoring tool 41 and / or the operation lever 40 may be configured to be an integral part of the support element 4. In those embodiments comprising an operation lever 40, the operation lever 40 may be configured to be manually actuated by a user for rotating the support element 4 (i.e. for exerting a force causing a rotation of the support element 4) relative to the main joint A (e.g. for causing the support element 4 to rotate the predetermined angle a).

[0051] Figs. 1A-1 D represent a preferred configuration in which the carriage device 1 comprises two cam lever elements 5 arranged in parallel to each other, the two cam lever elements 5 being integrated in a single body part 5’ (the single body may also be referred to as a multi-cam lever element 5’). This is shown in more detail in Figs. 3A-3B. However, it is noted that this is an optional configuration, so the invention is compatible with other configurations having one or more cam lever elements 5 (being in a single body part 5’ or being physically independent entities -although these physically independent entities may be configured to be simultaneously rotated about the auxiliary joint B).

[0052] The cam lever elements 5 are configured (e.g. the multi-cam lever element 5’ is configured) to be connected to the support element 4 by means of the auxiliary joint B to rotate (i.e. to be rotatable) about the auxiliary geometrical axis Bi (which is parallel to the main geometrical axis Ai), such the cam lever elements 5 are pivotable relative to the support element 4 between a first position Ci (shown in Figs. 6A-6C) and a second position C2 (shown in Figs. 8A-8C).

[0053] Further, each cam lever element 5 comprises a respective contact base 50 (shown in Fig. 3A) configured to contact a contact interface 30 of the breaking tool 3 (shown in Figs. 5, 6B, 7B and 8B). The term contact interface 30 may refer to a plurality of contact surfaces (e.g. two or more). In particular, since the embodiments of the figures depict a carriage device 1 comprising two clam lever elements 5 (optional feature), the contact interface 30 of the breaking tool is correspondingly (and also optionally) configured to have two contact surfaces (i.e. each configured to contact one of the two contact bases 50).

[0054] The contact base 50 of each cam lever element 5 comprises: a first contact portion 500 and a second contact portion 501 (as shown in Figs. 3A-3B). The first contact portion 500 is configured to contact the contact interface 30 (e.g. a contact surface being part of the contact interface 30) when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the first position Ci for pushing (e.g. downwards in a vertical direction) the breaking tool 3 to the inoperative position Pi (this arrangement of the carriage device is also called scoring position / arrangement and is shown in more detail in Figs. 6A-6C). In other words, the first contact portion 500 is configured (e.g. geometrically configured) such that, when the first contact portion 500 contacts with the contact interface 30, the first contact portion 500 pushes the breaking tool 3 to the inoperative position Pi. The second contact portion 501 is configured to contact the contact interface 30 when the cam lever element 5 is in the second position C2 for pushing (e.g. downwards in a vertical direction) the breaking tool 3 to the operative position P2 (this arrangement of the carriage device is also called breaking position / arrangement and is shown in more detail in Figs. 8A- 8C). In other words, the second contact portion 501 is configured (e.g. geometrically configured) such that, when the second contact portion 501 contacts with the contact interface 30, the second contact portion 501 pushes the breaking tool 3 to the operative position P2.

[0055] The carriage device 1 of Figs. 1A-1 D comprises two elastic elements 6 (although in other embodiments there may be one or more elastic elements 6) that are configured to provide a pretensioning force between the breaking tool 3 and the two sliding cars 2 for causing the contact interface 30 (shown in Figs. 5, 6B, 7B and 8B) of the breaking tool 3 to be in contact with the contact bases 50 of the cam lever elements 5. This configuration ensures that the contact interface 30 and the contact bases 50 remain in contact despite their relative movement (e.g. sliding movement between each other). Fig. 1 B represents the optional configuration in which each of the two elastic elements 6 is configured to be connected to one of the two sliding cars 2 and to the breaking tool 3, such that the breaking tool 3 is connected to the two sliding cars 2 by the two elastic elements 3. Preferably, the elastic elements 6 may be configured as respective springs (as depicted in Fig. 1A).

[0056] The carriage device 1 is configured such that, when the support element 4 rotates by the predetermined angle a from the initial position Si (i.e. when the carriage device 1 passes from being arranged as shown in Figs. 6A-6C to being arranged as shown in Figs. 7A-7C), it induces (e.g. causes) a corresponding rotation of the auxiliary joint B relative to the main joint A (e.g. the auxiliary joint B is rotated also the predetermined angle a about the main joint A). This rotational movement of the support element 4 thereby causes (since each of the cam lever elements 5 is operatively connected to the auxiliary joint B) each of the cam lever elements 5 to rotate / transition from the first position Ci to an intermediate position Ci (which is arranged between the first position Ci and the second position C2), such that the contact interface 30 of the breaking tool 3 contacts a respective transition contact region 502 (which may also be referred to as intermediate contact region 502 or intermediate contact portion 502) of the contact base 50 of each cam lever element 5. The transition contact region 502 of each contact base 50 is located / arranged between the respective first 500 and second 501 contact portions. This arrangement ensures that the contact interface 30 of the breaking tool 3 maintains effective contact with the base contact 50 of the cam lever elements 5 while transitioning from the first position Ci to the second position C2. Fig. 3A shows a configuration of the contact base 50 of a cam lever element 5 comprising a first contact portion 500, a second contact portion 501 and a transition contact region 502 compatible with embodiments of the invention.

[0057] The cam lever elements 5 (or the multi-cam lever element 5’) are designed with a specific mass distribution that plays a crucial role in its operation. Each cam lever element 5 (or the multi-cam lever element 5’) has a mass distribution (e.g. a position of its centre of masses) configured such that, when the cam lever elements 5 are arranged in the intermediate position Ci and the support element 4 is rotated back (e.g. by the predetermined angle a) towards the initial position Si (i.e. when support element is moved from the position shown in Figs. 7A-7C to the position shown in Figs. 8A-8C), the mass distribution of the cam lever elements 5 provides a weight leverage force F relative to the auxiliary joint B (e.g. the weight leverage force F is provided at leverage distance d2 from the auxiliary joint B, as shown in Fig. 7B) causing the cam lever element 5 to pivot from the intermediate position Ci to the second position C2.

[0058] Fig. 3A depicts a side view of a cam lever element 5 compatible with the embodiments of any of the preceding figures. The side view of Fig. 3A is compatible with an independent cam lever element 5 (i.e. a cam lever element 5 not being part of a multi-cam lever element 5’), but is also compatible with a multi-cam lever element 5’ (i.e. the side view of Fig. 3A may represent also a multi-cam lever element 5’ compatible with the multi-cam lever element 5’ of Fig. 3B).

[0059] The cam lever element 5 of Fig. 3A comprises a contact base 50 configured to contact a contact interface 30 of the breaking tool 3 (shown in Figs. 5, 6B, 7B and 8B). The contact base 50 comprises: a first contact portion 500, a second contact portion 501 and a transition contact region 502, which are configured to contact the contact interface 30 as previously described. The contact base 50 of the cam lever element 5 is shown in Fig. 3A as optionally configured to provide a smooth transition between a first contact portion 500 and a second contact portion 501. This smooth transition is achieved by optionally configuring the contact base 50 as a continuous surface (e.g. without sharp edges or without edges separating portions arranged at widely differing inclination from one another).

[0060] Fig. 3A depicts a preferred and optional embodiment in which the first contact portion 500 and the second contact portion 501 are configured as respective concave portions, wherein the transition contact region 502 is configured as a convex portion arranged between the first 500 and the second 501 contact portions. The convex portion (i.e. the transition contact region 502) is configured to be in contact with the contact interface 30 (i.e. with a surface being part of the contact interface 30) of the breaking tool 3 when the respective cam lever element 5 is arranged in the intermediate position Cj. The convex portion provides an instable contact area / point (e.g. a tipping / turning point of the convex portion) with the respective contact interface 30, thereby making it easier for the weight leverage force F (see Fig. 7B) to cause the transition of the respective cam lever element 5 from the intermediate position Ci towards the second position C2.

[0061] The cam lever element 5 of Fig. 3A comprises an optional actuator 51 (e.g. a front actuator 51 , i.e. arranged at a front part of the cam lever element 5) configured such that, when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the second position C2 and a user pushes the front actuator 51 with a force that overcomes the weight leverage force F (i.e. a force causing a torque relative to the auxiliary joint being opposite to a torque caused by the weight leverage force F shown in Fig. 7B), then the cam lever element 5 moves from the second position C2 to the first position Ci. The actuator 51 is shown in Fig. 3A in the preferred configuration (optional) in which the actuator 51 is an integral part of the cam lever element 5. In those embodiments having a plurality of cam lever elements 5 (e.g. two arranged parallel to each other as shown in Fig. 3B), the actuator 51 may be configured to be transversally connected to the plurality of cam lever elements 5 (and may also be configured such that all the cam lever elements 5 and the actuator 51 are integrated into a single body part 5’ -or multi-cam lever element 5- as depicted in Fig. 3B).

[0062] The cam lever element 5 shown in Fig. 3A (and also the cam lever elements of Fig. 3B) are depicted as comprising an optional lower contact portion 503 configured such that, when the respective cam lever element 5 is manually operated by a user (e.g. by pushing the aforementioned optional actuator 51) to be moved from the second position C2 to the first position Ci , the lower contact portion 503 is configured to limit the displacement of the cam lever element 5 upon contact with the support element 4 and / or with at least one of the two sliding cars 2. This solution prevents the user from provoking an excessive rotation that may cause the first contact portion 500 of the respective contact base 50 to no longer be in contact with the contact interface 30 of the breaking tool 3.

[0063] The lower contact portion 503 of the cam lever element(s) 5 is depicted in Figs. 3A-3B as being optionally connected to the surface of the contact base 50 (e.g. the lower contact portion 503 may be configured as a continuation of said contact base 50). Further, Figs. 3A-3B show the preferred configuration in which the lower contact portion 503 is arranged in a front part of the respective contact base 50, such that first contact portion 500 is arranged between the lower contact portion 503 and the second contact portion 501. In addition, Figs. 3A-3B shown the optional configuration in which the lower contact portion 503 is configured as a concave portion.

[0064] Fig. 3B shows two cam lever elements 5 (although in some compatible embodiments there may be two or more cam lever elements 5), wherein each cam lever element 5 is configured to be arranged at opposite sides of the support element 4 (which is an optional configuration of the carriage device 1), such that the support element 4 is arranged between the two cam lever elements 5. Accordingly, each cam lever element 5 comprises a respective contact base 50 (compatible with the features described for Fig. 3A). Further, the contact interface 30 of the breaking tool 3 may comprise two separate contact surfaces 30 (as shown in Fig. 5), wherein each contact surface 30 may be configured to contact one of the contact bases 50. Fig. 3B shows an optional embodiment in which the two cam lever elements 5 are configured as being integral parts of a single-body element 5’ (also referred to as multi-cam lever element 5’). The actuator 51 is shown (optional feature) as being also integrated as a part of the single-body element 5’.

[0065] Fig. 4 shows a preferred configuration in which the at least one sliding car 2 comprises two sliding cars 2 configured to receive the support element 4 between them. The main joint A (which, although described for the support element 4, is actually an articulation configured for connecting the support element 4 to the two sliding cars 2) comprises one or more transversal connectors 22 (e.g. screws, pins or bolts) configured for connecting the two sliding cars 2 to the support element 4. Preferably, the one or more transversal connectors 22 may be arranged coincident with the main geometrical axis Ai for connecting the two sliding cars 2 to the support element 4, as depicted in Fig. 4. It is noted that in alternative embodiments compatible with the invention, the carriage device 1 may comprises a single sliding car, wherein the main joint A may be equally configured for connecting the support element 4 to said sliding car.

[0066] Further, Fig. 4 shows the preferred and optional configuration in which each of the two sliding cars 2 respectively comprise at least one guiding element 20 (e.g. a rail or similar) and the breaking tool 3 comprises at least two guided elements 31 (shown in Fig. 5) arranged separately (e.g. at different opposed sides of the breaking tool 3). Each of the guided elements 31 is configured to be slidably connected to one of the guiding elements 20, and the other guided element 31 is configured to be slidably connected to the other of the guiding elements 20 for allowing the breaking tool 3 to be movable along the vertical direction “z” (e.g., restricting displacement so that it can only move along the vertical direction “z”) between the inoperative position Pi (as shown in Figs. 6A-6C) and the operative position P2 (as shown in Figs. 8A-8C). In this configuration, the breaking tool 3 is simultaneously connected to both sliding cars 2 providing a more stable and balanced vertical displacement of the breaking tool 3. In singlecar embodiments (not shown), the single sliding car 2 may comprise two guiding elements 20 spaced apart to cooperate with the two guided elements 31 of the breaking tool 3; alternatively, one guiding element 20 may be provided on the sliding car 2 and a complementary guided element 31 may be provided on the body of the breaking tool 3. Each of the two sliding cars 2 of Fig. 4 comprises an optional connecting point 21 (although only visible for one of the two sliding cars 2) configured for connecting a first end of one of the elastic elements 6. Further, the breaking tool 3 of Fig. 5 is correspondingly represented as comprising two respective connecting points 32 configured for connecting a second end of one of the two elastic elements 6 (as shown in Fig. 1 B). In single-car embodiments (not shown), one or more elastic elements 6 may be arranged to provide the pretensioning force between the breaking tool 3 and the sliding car so as to maintain contact between the contact interface 30 and the contact base 50 during relative movement.

[0067] The sequence in Figs. 6A-6C, 7A-7C and 8A-8C illustrates an embodiment comprising two sliding cars solely by way of example; the same kinematic sequence (i.e. transition from the scoring position (first position Pi) to the intermediate position Ci, and then to breaking position (second position P2) with the weight-leverage pivoting of the cam lever element 5 when the support element 4 rotates back to an initial position Si) is equally applicable to embodiments with a single sliding car 2 connected to a single longitudinal guide 200.

[0068] The carriage device 1 of shown in any of the preceding embodiments may optionally comprise a scoring tool 41 (as shown in Figs. 1 B-1 D, Figs. 6A-6C, Figs. 7A-7C and Figs. 8A-8C) configured to be connected to the support element 4. Preferably, the scoring tool 41 is configured such that: when the at least one cam lever element 5 is arranged in the first position Ci (i.e. causing the breaking tool 3 to be in the inoperative position Pi), the scoring tool 41 is arranged at a lower vertical position (i.e. considering the vertical direction “z”) than the breaking tool 3, as shown in Figs. 6A-6C; and / or when the at least one cam lever element 5 is arranged in the second position C2(i.e. causing the breaking tool 3 to be in the operative position P2), the scoring tool 41 is arranged at a higher vertical position than the breaking tool 3, as shown in Figs. 8A-8C.

[0069] The scoring tool 41 represented in Figs. 1 B-1 D, Figs. 6A-6C, Figs. 7A-7C and Figs. 8A-8C is depicted as configured according to an optional configuration in which the comprises an elongated body 411 comprising a scoring element 410 (e.g. a scoring wheel) arranged at a distal end of the elongated body 411. The elongated body 411 (e.g. a proximal end of the elongated body) may be configured to be connected to the support element 4 (e.g. to a tool receiving portion 42 as shown in Figs. 2A-2B). Preferably, the elongated body 411 may be dimensionally configured such that: when the at least one cam lever element 5 is arranged in the first position Ci (i.e. causing the breaking tool 3 to be in the inoperative position Pi), the elongated body 411 causes the scoring element 410 to be arranged at a lower vertical position than the breaking tool 3; and / or when the at least one cam lever element 5 is arranged in the second position C2 (i.e. causing the breaking tool 3 to be in the operative position P2), the elongated body 411 causes the scoring element 410 to be arranged at a higher vertical position than the breaking tool 3. The carriage device 1 of any of the embodiments described in the figures is compatible with having the scoring tool 41 configured as a separate body being replaceable in case of wear and tear. However, in other embodiments, the elongated body 411 may be configured as an integral part of the support element, wherein the scoring element may be configured to be replaceable.

[0070] Figs. 6A-6C depict three different views of the carriage device 1 of Figs. 1 A-1 D when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the first position Ci , thereby causing the breaking tool 3 to be arranged in the inoperative position Pi. This position / arrangement of the carriage device 1 (referred to as the scoring position / arrangement and corresponding to the arrangement of the carriage device 1 before having rotated the support element 4 the predetermined angle a) is configured to cause the breaking tool 3 to be arranged at a higher vertical position than the scoring tool 41 (i.e. than the scoring element 410 of the scoring tool 41). In this arrangement, the support element 4 may be configured to have an angle relative to a horizontal plane in the range 5-30 degrees, preferably 10-20 degrees and more preferably 15 degrees (these angles correspond to the support element 4 when arranged in the initial position Si).

[0071] Figs. 7A-7C represent three different views of the carriage device 1 of Figs. 1A-1 D when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the intermediate position Ci between the first position Ci and the second position C2(due to having rotated the support element 4 the predetermined angle a). This position / arrangement of the carriage device 1 corresponds to an intermediate position / arrangement between the scoring position / arrangement and the breaking position / arrangement. The one or more cam lever elements 5 are configured to have a mass distribution configured to provide a weight leverage force F relative to the auxiliary joint B when arranged in this intermediate arrangement, such that, when the support element 4 is rotated back towards its initial position Si , the weight leverage force F causes a rotation of the cam lever element(s) 5 from the intermediate position Ci to the second position C2. The predetermined angle a may be an angle in the range 20-60 degrees, preferably 30-50 degrees, more preferably 40 degrees. In preferred embodiments, the angle of the support element 4 (i.e. the angle relative to a horizontal plane; e.g. the angle of the operation lever 40) after having been rotated the predetermined angle a may be in the range 40-70, preferably 50-60 degrees, more preferably 55 degrees. Figs. 8A-8C show three different views of the carriage device 1 of Figs. 1 A-1 D when the cam lever element 5 is arranged in the second position C2, thereby causing the breaking tool 3 to be arranged in the operative position P2. This position / arrangement of the carriage device 1 corresponds to the breaking position / arrangement and is configured to cause the breaking tool 3 to be arranged at a lower vertical position than the scoring tool 41 (i.e. than the scoring element 410 of the scoring tool 41).

[0072] Figs. 9A-9B show a manual tile cutting system 100 according to the second aspect of the invention. The manual tile cutting system 100 comprises: a base 300 for arranging a tile (i.e. a tile intended to be cut); two longitudinal guides 200 (e.g. parallel to each other) arranged substantially parallel to the base 300; and a carriage device 1 according to any of the embodiments described for the first aspect of the invention. The tile cutting system 100 is configured such that one of the two sliding cars 2 of the carriage device 1 is connected to one of the two longitudinal guides 200 and the other of the two sliding cars 2 is connected to the other of the two longitudinal guides 200, such that carriage device 1 is configured to slide along the two longitudinal guides 200 (e.g. along the “x” direction shown in Fig. 1A). Although Figs. 9A-9B show a system 100 with two parallel longitudinal guides 200 and two sliding side cars 2, alternative implementations with a single longitudinal guide 200 and a single sliding car 2 are also contemplated as described herein.

[0073] More particularly, Fig. 9A shows the carriage device 1 arranged in the scoring position, which corresponds to the arrangement shown in Figs. 6A-6C, i.e. with the cam lever element(s) 5 arranged in the first position Ci, thereby causing the breaking tool 3 to be arranged in the inoperative position Pi and the scoring tool 41 arranged in a lower vertical position than the breaking tool 3.

[0074] Fig. 9B shows the carriage device 1 arranged in the breaking position, which corresponds to the arrangement shown in Figs. 8A-8C, i.e. with the cam lever element(s) 5 arranged in the second position C2, thereby causing the breaking tool 3 to be arranged in the operative position P2 and the scoring tool 41 arranged in a higher vertical position than the breaking tool 3.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A carriage device (1) for a manual tile cutting system (100), the carriage device (1) comprising: at least one sliding car (2), each sliding car (2) being configured to be connected to a respective longitudinal guide (200) of a manual tile cutting system (100) to slide along the respective longitudinal guide (200) in a horizontal direction (x); a breaking tool (3) comprising a contact interface (30) and configured to be connected to the at least one sliding car (2) such that the breaking tool (3) is movable relative to the at least one sliding car (2) along a vertical direction (z) between an inoperative position (Pi) and an operative position (P2); a support element (4) comprising a main joint (A) configured to connect the support element (4) to the at least one sliding car (2), such that the support element (4) is configured to rotate a predetermined angle (a) from an initial position (Si) about a main geometrical axis (A1) transversally arranged to the at least one sliding car (2); the support element (4) further comprising an auxiliary joint (B) arranged at a first radial distance (di) from the main joint (A); at least one cam lever element (5) configured to be connected to the support element (4) by means of the auxiliary joint (B) to rotate about an auxiliary geometrical axis (Bi) parallel to the main geometrical axis (A1), such that each of the at least one cam lever element (5) is pivotable relative to the support element (4) between a first position (Ci) and a second position (C2); wherein each of the at least one cam lever element (5) comprises a contact base (50) configured to contact the contact interface (30) of the breaking tool (3), the contact base (50) comprising: a first contact portion (500) configured to contact the contact interface (30) when the cam lever element (5) is in the first position (Ci) for pushing the breaking tool (3) to the inoperative position (Pi); and a second contact portion (501) configured to contact the contact interface (30) when the cam lever element (5) is in the second position (C2) for pushing the breaking tool (3) to the operative position (P2); and one or more elastic elements (6) configured to provide a pretensioning force between the breaking tool (3) and the at least one sliding car (2) for causing the contact interface (30) of the breaking tool (3) to be in contact with the contact base (50) of the at least one cam lever element (5); wherein the carriage device (1) is configured such that, when the support element (4) rotates the predetermined angle (a) from the initial position (Si) causing a rotation of theauxiliary joint (B) relative to the main joint (A), each cam lever element (5) rotates from the first position (Ci) to an intermediate position (Ci) between the first position (Ci) and the second position (C2), such that the contact interface (30) of the breaking tool (3) contacts a transition contact region (502) of the contact base (50) of each cam lever element (5), the transition contact region(502) being arranged between the first (500) and the second (501) contact portions; and wherein each cam lever element (5) has a mass distribution configured such that, when the cam lever element (5) is in the intermediate position (Ci) and the support element (4) is rotated back the predetermined angle (a) towards the initial position (Si), the mass distribution of the cam lever element (5) provides a weight leverage force (F) relative to the auxiliary joint (B) causing the cam lever element (5) to pivot from the intermediate position (Ci) to the second position (C2).

2. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the contact base (50) of the at least one cam lever element (5) is configured to provide a smooth transition between the first contact portion (500) and the second contact portion (501).

3. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first contact portion (500) and the second contact portion (501) of the contact base (50) of each cam lever element (5) are configured as respective concave portions; wherein preferably the transition contact region (502) is configured as a convex portion configured to be in contact with the contact interface (30) of the breaking tool (3) when the respective cam lever element (5) is arranged in the intermediate position (Ci).

4. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cam lever element (5) comprises an actuator (51) configured such that, when the at least one cam lever element (5) is arranged in the second position (C2) and a user pushes the front actuator (51) with a force that overcomes the weight leverage force (F), then the at least one cam lever element (5) moves from the second position (C2) to the first position (Ci).

5. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cam lever element (5) further comprises a lower contact portion (503) configured such that, when the at least one cam lever element (5) is manually operated by a user to be moved from the second position (C2) to the first position (Ci), the lower contact portion (503) is configured tolimit the displacement of the at least one cam lever element (5) upon contact with the support element (4) and / or with at least one of the at least one sliding car (2).

6. The carriage device (1) of claim 5, wherein the lower contact portion (503) of the at least one cam lever element (5) is connected to the respective contact base (50); wherein preferably: the lower contact portion (503) is connected to a front part of the respective contact base (50), such that first contact portion (500) is arranged between the lower contact portion (503) and the second contact portion (501); and / or the lower contact portion (503) is configured as a concave portion.

7. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cam lever element (5) comprises at least two cam lever elements (5), each cam lever element (5) being configured to be arranged at opposite sides of the support element (4), such that the support element (4) is arranged between the two cam lever elements (5).

8. The carriage device (1) of claim 7, wherein the at least two cam lever elements (5) are configured as integral parts of a single-body element (5’).

9. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising an operation lever (40) configured to be attached to the support element (4) and configured to be manually actuated by a user for rotating the support element (4) relative to the main joint (A), the operation lever (40) being preferably configured to be connected to a rear part of the support element (4).

10. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a scoring tool (41) configured to be connected to the support element (4), the scoring tool (41) being preferably configured such that: when the at least one cam lever element (5) is arranged in the first position (Ci) causing the breaking tool (3) to be in the inoperative position (Pi), the scoring tool (41) is arranged at a lower vertical position than the breaking tool (3); and / or when the at least one cam lever element (5) is arranged in the second position (C2) causing the breaking tool (3) to be in the operative position (P2), the scoring tool (41) is arranged at a higher vertical position than the breaking tool (3).

11. The carriage device (1) of claim 10, wherein the scoring tool (41) comprises an elongated body (411) and a scoring element (410), wherein the elongated body (411) is configured to be connected to the support element (4), and wherein the scoring element (410) is configured to be connected to a distal end of the elongated body (411); wherein preferably the elongated body (411) is dimensionally configured such that: when the at least one cam lever element (5) is arranged in the first position (Ci) causing the breaking tool (3) to be in the inoperative position (Pi) , the elongated body (411) causes the scoring tool (41) to be arranged at a lower vertical position than the breaking tool (3); and / or when the at least one cam lever element (5) is arranged in the second position (C2) causing the breaking tool (3) to be in the operative position (P2), the elongated body (411) causes the scoring tool (41) to be arranged at a higher vertical position than the breaking tool (3).

12. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one sliding car (2) comprises two sliding cars (2), the two sliding cars (2) being configured as two side cars (2), each side car (2) being configured to be connected to a respective longitudinal guide (200) of a manual tile cutting system (100) to slide along the respective longitudinal guide (200), the two respective longitudinal guides (200) being parallel to each other; wherein preferably the support element (4) is configured to be arranged between the two side cars (2), the main joint (A) comprises one or more transversal connectors (22) configured to be arranged coincident with the main geometrical axis (A1) for connecting the two side cars (2) to the support element (4).

13. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least one sliding car (2) respectively comprises at least one guiding element (20), wherein the breaking tool (3) comprises at least one guided element (31) configured to be slidably connected to the at least one guiding element (20) for allowing the breaking tool (3) to be movable along the vertical direction (z) between the inoperative position (P1) and the operative position (P2); wherein preferably the breaking tool comprises two guided elements (31) arranged separated from each other, each of the two guided elements (31) being configured to be slidably connected to a respective guiding element (20).

14. The carriage device (1) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more elastic elements (6) comprise two elastic elements (6), each elastic element (6) being configured to be connected to the at least one sliding car (2) and to the breaking tool (3), such that the breaking tool (3) is connected to the at least one sliding car (2) by the two elastic elements (6); wherein preferably the one or more elastic elements (6) are configured as respective springs.

15. A manual tile cutting system (100), comprising: a base (300) for arranging a tile; one or more longitudinal guides (200) arranged substantially parallel to the base (300); and a carriage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least one sliding car (2) of the carriage device (1) is connected to one of the one or more longitudinal guides (200), such that the carriage device (1) is configured to slide along the one or more longitudinal guides (200).

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