TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure described herein, in general, relates to a cutting machine for cutting bricks, stones, tiles, stone material and the like. In particular, the invention relates to a block cutting apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The working principle or operation of an existing block cutting apparatus is such that it imposes a number of problems. To be specific, the existing block cutting apparatus requires the engagement of both hands of an operator and one of the feet in order to perform cutting activity. The operator has to use one hand to move the handle of the cutting blade of the block cutting apparatus up and down so as to adjust the cutting blade’s position. This particular upward and downward movement of the cutting blade is further controlled with the help of a pedal operated by the foot. A slab that is supported on a frame and on which a workpiece or a block to be cut or machined is mounted is moved in the horizontal direction with the help of rolling wheels placed beneath the slab. The horizontal movement of the slab is controlled by the operator’s other hand so as to position the block under the cutting blade accurately. The upward and downward movement of the cutting blade and horizontal movement of the slab is done simultaneously and in coordination with each other thus requiring the operator to be in specific posture generally bend position which causes discomfort, fatigue, and reduced work efficiency which in turn lowers productivity. Since the coordination of the movement is bound to be imprecise, the chances of high dimensional inaccuracy prevail in the cut blocks. Further, the operator is exposed to the spark while performing the cutting operation which can be accidental and harmful for the operator.
[0004] In view of the above, there is a need to provide a working principle or operating method which mitigates the above-mentioned problems and provides a safe, easy and comfortable environment to the operator while performing the cutting operation.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed hereinbelow.
[0006] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide a block cutting apparatus that provides a safe and comfortable operating posture for the operator.
[0007] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a block cutting apparatus which ensures steady productivity.
[0008] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a block cutting apparatus that ensures fewer dimension inaccuracies in the cutting operation.
[0009] These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a block cutting apparatus. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0011] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a block cutting apparatus. The block cutting apparatus in broader aspects comprises a supporting frame, a cutting tool mounted on one end of the supporting frame and a horizontal slab mounted on another end of the supporting frame. The cutting tool has a cutting blade for performing the cutting operation. The horizontal slab supports a block which is to be cut. The horizontal slab is movable in a horizontal and vertical direction by the control means so as to accurately position the block under the cutting blade for cutting.
[0012] In an aspect, one of the control means is a screw jack which facilitates the movement of the horizontal slab in the vertical direction. In another aspect, the other control means is a rack and pinion arrangement (or worm and worm gear) which facilitates the movement of the horizontal slab in the horizontal direction.
[0013] In a further aspect, a cover shield is mounted perpendicularly at one of the longitudinal edges of the supporting frame, wherein the said one of the longitudinal edges houses the control means.
[0014] The present disclosure thus helps to provide a comfortable and safe operating posture to the operator which helps in reducing fatigue to a considerable extent and also provides steady productivity. The block cutting apparatus further reduces dimensional inaccuracies of the cut blocks.
[0015] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0016] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates the operation of an existing block cutting apparatus; and
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates the operation of a block cutting apparatus, in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0020] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0022] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0023] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0024] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows the way an existing block cutting apparatus is operated. As visible from the FIG. 1, an operator is required to use both of his hands and a foot simultaneously and in coordination in order to perform cutting operation. The upward and downward movement of a handle 100 so as to precisely or accurately position a cutting blade 102 over a block is controlled by the operator’s left hand and by controlling a pedal 104 which is located near the bottom region of a frame 106 with the help of left foot. A slab 108 supported on the frame 106 is used to mount a block 110 over it. The slab 108 is movable in horizontal direction with the help of rolling wheels placed beneath the slab 108 and the movement of the slab 108 is controlled by the right hand of the operator so as to position the block 110 under the cutting blade 102 for cutting operation. The operation, therefore, takes place in such a manner that the operator has an uncomfortable posture i.e. bend posture which causes fatigue and low work efficiency. This, in turn, decreases productivity. The dimensional accuracy is also affected as it is inevitable to maintain precise coordination of the movement of the slab 108 and the cutting blade 102. Furthermore, the operator is directly exposed to the spark generated during the cutting operation of the block 110 which is hazardous for the operator. Therefore, there is a need to provide a solution to these problems.
[0027] Accordingly, FIG. 2 shows the operation of a block cutting apparatus in accordance with present disclosure. The detailed components and their arrangement along with their function are already known and the same are not mentioned here in order to maintain brevity. The block cutting apparatus is broadly comprised of a supporting frame 200 which forms a base for the block cutting apparatus and provides support to other components of the block cutting apparatus. The block cutting apparatus further comprises a cutting tool 202 which is mounted on one end of the supporting frame 200. The cutting tool 202 comprises a cutting blade 204 for performing the cutting operation. The cutting blade 204 moves in a rotary direction and is driven by a drive motor (not visible) attached to it. The position of the cutting blade 204 has been fixed with the help of clamps so that the requirement of upward and downward movement of the cutting blade 204 is omitted. The cutting blade 204 is made up of hard material like high-speed steel, tool steel and the like or is diamond coated. A horizontal slab 206 is mounted on another end of the supporting frame 200. The horizontal slab 206 is used for mounting and supporting a block 208 to be cut, rigidly. In an embodiment, the block 208 to be cut can be a brick, tile, stone, stone material and the like. The horizontal slab 206 is movable in the horizontal and vertical direction with the help of control means 210, 211 by the operator so as to accurately position the block 208 under the cutting blade 204. The control means 210 is a screw jack (not visible) which facilitates movement of the horizontal slab 206 in vertical direction. The control means 211 is a rack and pinion arrangement or worm and worm gear arrangement (not visible) which facilitates movement of the horizontal slab 206 in horizontal direction. As visible from FIG. 2 there is no need for a pedal as the cutting blade 204 is fixed. As visible from FIG. 2, the cutting operation can now be performed in a sitting position which is comparatively comfortable and less exhausting. Moreover, since only the movement of the horizontal slab 206 is required to be controlled, proper and precise coordination can be made which will ensure less dimensional inaccuracies. The screw jack and rack and pinion arrangement further helps in achieving this advantage. In an embodiment, a cover shield (not shown) is mounted perpendicularly at one of the longitudinal edges 206a of the supporting frame 200, wherein the said one of the longitudinal edges 206a houses the control means 210, 211. The cover shield is made up of toughened glass, engineering plastic, transparent ceramic and the like which are strong and possesses high endurance. The cover shield helps in creating a barrier between the operator and the spark which generates during the cutting operation and thus prevents any chances of injuries or accidents.
[0028] The block cutting apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure is not movable. But in an exemplary embodiment, the block cutting apparatus can be moved from one location to another. The legs of the supporting frame (200) can be accommodated with rolling wheels of suitable size which will help in easy movement of the block cutting apparatus.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
[0029] The present disclosure provides a block cutting apparatus that provides an easy, safe and comfortable operating posture for an operator.
[0030] The present disclosure provides a block cutting apparatus that helps in maintaining steady productivity and work efficiency.
[0031] The present disclosure provides a block cutting apparatus that ensures fewer dimension inaccuracies.
[0032] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the present disclosure when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims:

1.A block cutting apparatus, comprising:
a supporting frame (200);
a cutting tool (202) mounted on one end of the supporting frame (200), wherein the cutting tool (200) has a cutting blade (204);
a horizontal slab (206) mounted on another end of the supporting frame (200), wherein the horizontal slab (206) holds a block (208) for cutting;
characterized in that the horizontal slab (208) is movable in a horizontal and vertical direction by respective control means (210, 211) so as to accurately position the block (208) under the cutting blade (204) for cutting.
2. The block cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control means (210) is a screw jack that facilitates the movement of the horizontal slab (206) in the vertical direction.
3. The block cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means (211) is a rack and pinion arrangement that facilitates the movement of the horizontal slab (206) in the horizontal direction.
4. The block cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cover shield is mounted perpendicularly at one of the longitudinal edges (206a) of the supporting frame (200), wherein the said one of the longitudinal edges (206a) houses the control means (210, 211).
5. The block cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cover shield is made up of a toughened glass, engineering plastic, and transparent ceramic.
6. The block cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein the block (208) includes a brick, tile, wooden plank, or a stone.
7. The block cutting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the block cutting apparatus is movable with the help of wheels.