DK180139B1

DK180139B1 - Rod mowing system for on-site bar mowing, method and application of the bar mowing system

Info

Publication number: DK180139B1
Application number: DKPA201970651A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Dahlgaard Tommy
Original assignee: Tommy Dahlgaard ApS
Priority date: 2019-10-18
Filing date: 2019-10-18
Publication date: 2020-06-19
Also published as: EP4045206A4; EP4045206A1; WO2021073705A1; DK201970651A1

Abstract

A rod cutter system for on-site cutting of metal rods, the rod cutter system may comprise - a rod cutter and a rod table extending from the rod cutter along a longitudinal axis, - a plurality of tracks positioned along the rod cutter and the rod table, the plurality of tracks being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, - a plurality of displacement mechanisms supporting the rod cutter and the rod table, the plurality of displacement mechanisms being displaceable connected to the plurality of tracks, such that the rod cutter and the rod table are displaceable along the plurality of tracks.

Description

Rod cutter system for on-site rod cutting, method and use of the rod cutter system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rod cutter system capable of displacing a rod cutter and a rod table along an axis.

Background of the Invention

On constructions sites, where concrete is cast, you will often find a rod cutter with a rod table mounted onto the rod table for receiving cut rods. The rod table is often made on-site with leftover wood such as shutter boards or the like, thus the rod table is often unsafe.

The metal rods lie on the opposite side of the rod cutter relative to the rod table. Typically, the metal rods lie randomly in a pile and the different metal rods may have more than five different diameters. The metal rods will typically have a length of 6-12 m before being cut. The pile of rods typically has a pile width of about 2-2.5 m.

While present day rod cutters may be equipped with wheels, they still weigh up to 400 kg and the rod table mounted on the rod cutter is not mobile. Thus, the entire system is immobile.

The pile width is about 2-2.5 m, and thus it is often necessary to pull the metal rods to the rod cutter. This is a cumbersome and exhausting procedure as it is done manually and the metal rods are heavy. The rods lie on top of each other along the length of the pile of rods and this causes the person pulling the rods to make damaging twists and turns to the person’s body over time. The problem with the poor posture is that the person’s body gets worn out faster, thereby increasing the number of sick days. The higher number of sick days increases costs for the company.

The problems with bad posture and increased number of sick days is well known and has been known for decades within the field, however, there is no known solution to the problem.

The Danish Working Environment Authority are aware of the strain on the people working with these rod cutters, but the present day practice described above is allowed as there is no known solution.

Thus, there is a need for a new system and method for cutting rods on a construction site, which enables a person to cut rods without or at least with less damaging twists and turns to the person’s body, thereby reducing the strain on the person’s body and sick days i.e. increasing the working environment and reducing costs for the company.

GB1560351 describes a bar handling system for conveying steel bars of the kind used for concrete reinforcement bars from storage beds of a storage to shears or another machine tool. The pick-up device and part of the storage beds are mutually aligned before the bars are drawn towards the shears.

ES2233141A1 discloses benches for bars and a platform on which shears are mounted for cutting the bars. The benches for the bars are inclined to ease the movement of the bars.

EP1952905A1 discloses a machine for cutting and bending of iron rods by use of mobile heads and displaceable sections holding straight iron rod. The machine is characterised by a combination of cutting machinery and bending machinery of iron concrete, where each cutting/bending section can be controlled using a control-panel.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to present a rod cutter system and method capable of overcoming the short comings of the prior art. Thereby, the working environment is improved and the costs are reduced for the company by a lower number of sick days.

Description of the Invention

An object of the invention is achieved by a rod cutter system for on-site cutting of metal rods, the rod cutter system may comprise

- a rod cutter and a rod table extending from the rod cutter along a longitudinal axis, - a plurality of tracks positioned along the rod cutter and the rod table, the plurality of tracks being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis,

- a plurality of displacement mechanisms supporting the rod cutter and the rod table, the plurality of displacement mechanisms being displaceable connected to the plurality of tracks, such that the rod cutter and the rod table are displaceable along the plurality of tracks.

The rod cutter may be any rod cutter, which is already known and which is presently used on construction sites. The rod cutters typically weigh around 400 kg.

The rod cutter system is to be placed next to a pile of rods and the plurality of tracks should optimally have a length equal to the width of the pile of rods.

The tracks and the plurality of displacement mechanisms supporting the rod cutter and the rod table enables a user, working with the rod cutter, to displace the rod cutter and the table perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, such that a rod from the pile of rods can be pulled along the longitudinal axis through the rod cutter and into the rod table. This straight pulling of the rod puts less strain on the user than the prior art. Thereby, the user can work faster with a reduced strain on the body, which may result in less sick days.

The plurality of displacement mechanisms may be directly connected to the respective rod cutter and rod table.

The plurality of displacement mechanisms may be connected to an intermediate piece having a surface on which the rod cutter or the rod table is placed. The rod cutter and the rod table may be placed on two different intermediate pieces such that the rod cutter and the rod table can be moved separately, which can be necessary as the entire system may be 6 m long, which may result in a large mass and potentially a large torque.

The plurality of tracks may be a plurality of rails.

In an embodiment of the rod cutter system is configured such that the rod cutter and the rod table can be moved as two different units. The rod cutter typically weights 400 kg and the rod table may be 6 m if a rod of 12 m is to be cut in half, and a rod table filled with rods can have a large mass of up to 400 kg, furthermore the pushing of the rod table may involve a large torque dependent on the mass and where the rod table is pushed along the longitudinal axis.

In an embodiment of the rod cutter system the displacement mechanisms are connected directly to the rod table and the rod cutter.

In an embodiment, the system is configured such that the rod cutter and the rod table can be moved as single unit. This may be done by attachment means between the rod cutter and the rod table.

The attachment means may be releasable snap members or the like.

The positioning of the rod cutter and rod table may be secured by inserting a wedge between one or more tracks and one or more displacement mechanisms. The wedge may be made on-site by cutting a piece of wood into a wedge.

In an aspect of the invention, a first group of tracks supporting the rod cutter and a second group of tracks supporting the rod table are vertically off-set.

This allows for easier use of the entire rod cutter system, thereby reducing the strain on the user as the rod table is placed at the height, where the rod cutter have means for cutting the rod. Thus, the rod can be supported by the rod table during the cutting of the rod.

The attachment means may be releasable snap members or the like.

In an aspect of the invention, a first displacement mechanism supporting the rod cutter and a second displacement mechanism supporting the rod table are paired by a crossbar extending between the first and second displacement mechanisms. The pairing by the crossbar ensures that the rod cutter and the rod table can be moved as one unit.

There may be additional attachment means between the rod table and the rod cutter. Thereby, the rod table and the rod cutter are secured together at a lower point by the crossbar and at an upper point by the attachment means.

The first displacement mechanism is the displacement mechanism positioned at a track below the rod cutter while being the track closest to the rod table.

The second displacement mechanism is the displacement mechanism positioned at a track below the rod table while being the track closest to the rod cutter.

There may be one, two or more first displacement mechanisms as there may be one, two or more displacement mechanisms positioned on the track below the rod cutter and being the track closest to the rod table.

There may be one, two or more second displacement mechanisms as there may be one, two or more displacement mechanisms positioned on the track below the rod table and being the track closest to the rod cutter.

In an aspect of the invention, one or more of the tracks may comprise a track top surface and two track sides and one or more of the displacement mechanisms may comprise a track channel defined by two channel sides and a top side, the track channel being complementary to the one or more of the tracks, the displacement mechanisms having at the top side one or more top wheels for engaging with the track top surface.

The embodiments enable a fast and easy installation of the displacement mechanism and the top wheel reduce friction by a large factor, thereby making it easier to move the rod cutter system.

The displacement mechanism is complementary to the one or more of the tracks by the two channel sides facing the two track sides, while the one or more top wheels engage with the track top surface. Thereby, the displacement mechanism gets a downwardly extending U-profile with a track in between.

This enables a relatively large surface equal to maybe 2-3 times the track width for better and more stable supporting of the rod cutter and rod table.

In an aspect of the invention, the one or more of the displacement mechanisms with a track channel may comprise a side wheel on one or both channel sides of the track channel for engaging with one or both track sides.

The one or more side wheels significantly increases the tolerance of displacement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as the side wheels will engage with the one or more track sides when moved such that the system will self-align if the displacement mechanism begins to move slightly non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This makes the system easier and faster to use.

Furthermore, the technical effect of the side wheel increases with the length of the rod table as it becomes harder and harder to move the rod table straight without the one or more side wheels.

In an aspect of the invention, wherein one or more of the plurality of tracks have a Ushaped profile and the corresponding displacement mechanisms have one or more wheels complementary to the U-shaped profile.

The U-shaped profile of the track will keep the wheels of the corresponding displacement mechanisms on the track, thereby making it easier for a user to use the rod cutter system.

In an aspect of the invention, one or more of the plurality of tracks may comprise a runway and a running track and the corresponding displacement mechanisms may comprise a wheel for engaging the runway and a side wheel for engaging the running track.

Thereby, the rod cutter system is kept on the track when being displaced perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In an aspect, the rod table may comprise a shield extending over the rod table. The cutting of a rod may cause the rod to move suddenly and randomly. The shield ensures that the user will not be hit by the rod as the rod is heavy and can cause severe trauma.

In an embodiment the rod table is equipped with a displaceable length stop, which length stop is displaceable along the longitudinal axis. The length stop may be placed 3 meters from the rod cutter such that the user can easily make several rod pieces having a length of 3 m.

In an aspect of the invention, the plurality of tracks is supported by a chassis.

Thereby, the parallel positioning of the plurality of tracks is made easier.

Furthermore, the vertically off-set of the plurality of tracks is also made easier.

The chassis and plurality of tracks will have a large mass, but construction sites will always have means for moving the plurality of tracks and the chassis.

In an aspect, the plurality of tracks and the chassis is a monolith.

This will make it easier to install the rod cutter system as there is no risk of missing alignment of the tracks.

In an embodiment the rod cutter system comprises a motor for displacing the rod cutter and the rod table. The skilled person would know how to install said motor to the rod cutter system.

In an aspect, the rod cutter system is equipped with a motor for displacing the rod cutter and rod table along the tracks.

An object of the invention is achieved by a method for cutting a metal rod on a construction site, the method comprising acts of

- providing a rod cutter system as previously described;

- moving the rod cutter and rod table to a rod to be cut;

- pulling the rod along the longitudinal axis and through the rod cutter; and

- cutting the rod.

As an example

The rod cutter system is provided and positioned at the pile of rods. The pile of rods may have several rods with different diameters. The pile of rods may be divided over 1-3 m or more.

The rod cutter may position such that the tracks are perpendicular to the pile of rods as this enables the rod cutter and the rod table to be moved to the rod to be cut.

Thus, an act of moving the rod cutter and the rod table to a rod to be cut is performed by the user. This may be counter-intuitive that this is less straining than moving a single rod to the rod cutter as the rod cutter and rod table is heavier than the rod to be cut, but the movement of the rod cutter and rod table involves no twist and turns of the users body and therefore the strain on the body is smaller. The strain is especially lowered if the rod cutter system is according to figure 2.

This is followed by an act of pulling the rod along the longitudinal axis or at least along substantially the longitudinal axis and through the rod cutter. Since the rod cutter and rod table is moved, the rod is piled along a straight line parallel with the longitudinal axis, thereby reducing the strain on the body pulling the rod.

This is followed by cutting the rod.

An object of the invention is achieved by use of a rod cutter system for cutting rods on a construction site.

In an embodiment, a rod cutter system for on-site cutting of metal rods, the rod cutter system may comprise - a rod cutter,

- two or more tracks positioned mutually parallel,

- two or more displacement mechanisms supporting the rod cutter, the plurality of displacement mechanisms being displaceable connected to the plurality of tracks, such that the rod cutter is displaceable along the plurality of tracks.

Thereby the rod cutter can be displaced along a pile of rods such that the can be pulled along a straight line to and through the rod cutter, thereby easing the strain on the user.

Description of the Drawing

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:

Fig. 1 illustrates a prior art rod cutter system;

Fig. 2 illustrates a rod cutter system;

Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a rod cutter system;

Fig. 4 illustrates a displacement mechanism;

Fig. 5 illustrates a displaceable rod table; and

Fig. 6 illustrates a method for cutting a metal rod on a construction site.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Item	No
Rod cutter system	10
Rod	12
Longitudinal axis	14
Displacement axis	16
Rod cutter	20
Rod table	30
Shield	32
Track	40
Plurality of tracks	42
Track top surface	44
Track side	46
Displacement mechanism	50
Track channel	52
Top side	54
Top wheels	56
Channel side	58
Side wheel	60
Crossbar	62
Method	100
Providing	110
Moving	120

Pulling	130
Cutting	140

Fig. 1 illustrates a prior art rod cutter system 10 from a top view (A) and side view (B). The prior art rod cutter system 10 is a stationary system comprising a rod cutter 20 and rod table 30, where the rods 12 are moved to the system 10 for being cut by the rod cutter 20.

The rod table 20 will typically be a makeshift solution using wood at the construction site. The rod table 20 will typically be positioned on something appropriate such that it can support the rod 12 to be cut.

Fig. 2 illustrates a rod cutter system 10 according to the invention from a top view (A), a side view (B) and a cross-section (C) of the dashed line in (B).

The rod cutter system 10 comprises a rod cutter 20 and a rod table 30 extending from the rod cutter 20 along a longitudinal axis 14. The rod cutter may be any rod cutter 20 used on a construction site.

The rod cutter system 10 comprises a plurality of tracks 42 positioned along the rod cutter 20 and the rod table 30, the plurality of tracks 42 being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14. The plurality of tracks extends along a displacement axis 16, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14.

Each of the tracks 40, 42 comprises a track top surface 44 and two track sides 46.

The rod cutter system 10 comprises a plurality of displacement mechanisms 50 supporting the rod cutter 20 and the rod table 30, the plurality of displacement mechanisms 50 being displaceable connected to the plurality of tracks 42, such that the rod cutter 20 and the rod table 30 are displaceable along the plurality of tracks 42.

The rod cutter 20 and the rod table 30 are vertically offset.

The rod cutter system enables the rod cutter 20 and the rod table 30 to be displaced to the rod 12 to be cut. This movement is a straight movement along the tracks 40, 42 and the displacement axis 16. The straight movement is less straining to the human body than the twists and turns needed for pulling the rod 12 to the rod cutter.

The displacement mechanism 50 (C) is equipped with two top wheels for engaging with the track top surface 44 thereby the displacement is made easier.

The rod table 30 is equipped with two upwardly extending sides, such that the rod table 30 becomes box-like and one of the sides is equipped with a shield 32 which extends over part of the rod table 30.

Fig. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a rod cutter system 10. The rod cutter system 10 has the same features as the rod cutter system 10 disclosed in figure 3.

However, the rod cutter system 10 further comprises a first displacement mechanism 50I supporting the rod cutter 20 and a second displacement mechanism 50I supporting the rod table 30 which are paired by a crossbar 62 extending between the first and second displacement mechanisms 50I, 50II. The pairing by the crossbar 62 ensures that the rod cutter 20 and the rod table 30 can be moved as one unit.

The first displacement mechanism 50I is the displacement mechanism 50 positioned at a track 42I below the rod cutter 20 while being the track 42I closest to the rod table 30.

The second displacement 50II mechanism is the displacement mechanism positioned at a track 42II below the rod table 20 while being the track 42II closest to the rod cutter 20.

Fig. 4 illustrates a displacement mechanism 50 from a top view (A), a side view (B) and a cross-sectional view (C), where the displacement mechanism 50 is cut along the dashed line in (B).

The displacement mechanism 50 comprises a track channel 52 defined by two channel sides 58 and a top side 54, the track channel 52 being complementary to the track 40 as shown in fig. 3, the displacement mechanisms 50 having at the top side 54 one or more top wheels 56 for engaging with a track top surface 44 of a track 40 (see figure 3).

The displacement mechanism 50 with the track channel 52 comprises side wheels 60 on both channel sides 58 of the track channel 52 for engaging with one or both track sides 46.

Fig. 5 illustrates a displaceable rod table 30 from a top view (A), a side view (B) and a cross-sectional view (C) from the A-A dashed line in (B).

The rod table 30 extends along a longitudinal axis 14. A plurality of tracks 42 are positioned along the rod table 30, and the plurality of tracks 42 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14. The plurality of tracks extends along a displacement axis 16, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 14.

A plurality of displacement mechanisms 50 support the rod table 30, the plurality of displacement mechanisms 50 are displaceable connected to the plurality of tracks 42, such that the rod table 30 is displaceable along the plurality of tracks 42.

The displacement mechanism 50 (C) is equipped with two top wheels for engaging with the track top surface 44, thereby displacement is made easier.

The rod table 30 is equipped with two upwardly extending sides, such that the rod table 30 becomes box-like and one of the sides is equipped with a shield 32 which extends over at least part of the rod table 30.

Fig. 6 illustrates method 100 for cutting a metal rod 12 at a construction site. The method 100 comprising acts of

- providing 110 a rod cutter system 10;

- moving 120 the rod cutter 20 and rod table 30 to a rod 12 to be cut;

- pulling 130 the rod 12 along the longitudinal axis 14 and through the rod cutter 20; 10 and

- cutting 140 the rod 12.

Claims

patent claims

A rod cutting system (10) for on-site cutting of metal rods (12), wherein the rod cutting system (10) comprises

a bar mower (20) and a bar table (30) extending from the bar mower (20) along a longitudinal axis (14),

a plurality of grooves (42) located along the rod mower (20) and the rod table (30), the plurality of grooves (42) being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (14),

- a plurality of displacement mechanisms (50) supporting the rod mower (20) and the rod table (30), the plurality of displacement mechanisms (50) being displaceably connected to the plurality of tracks (42) such that the rod mower (20) and the rod table (30) may be displaced along the plurality of grooves (42), wherein the rod cutting system (10) is characterized in that one or more of the plurality of grooves (40) has a U-shaped profile and the corresponding displacement mechanisms (50) have one or more wheels therein. are complementary to the U-shaped profile; and / or one or more of the plurality of tracks (40) comprises a starting track and a running track, and the corresponding displacement mechanisms (50) include a wheel for coupling with the starting track and a side wheel for coupling with the running track; and / or one or more of the grooves (40, 42) comprise a top groove surface (44) and two groove sides (46), and one or more of the displacement mechanisms (50) comprises a groove channel (52) defined by two channel sides (58) and one top side (54), wherein the track channel (52) is complementary to one or more of the tracks (40), the displacement mechanisms (50) on the top side (54) having one or more top wheels (56) for coupling with the top track surface (44).

The bar cutting system (10) of claim 1, wherein a first group of tracks supporting the bar mower (20) and a second group of tracks supporting the bar table (30) are vertically displaced.

The rod cutting system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first displacement mechanism (50I) supporting the rod mower (20) and a second displacement mechanism (50II) supporting the rod table (20) are paired with a crossbar (62) extends between the first and second displacement mechanisms (50I, 50II).

A rod cutting system (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein one or more of the displacement mechanisms (50) with the track channel (52) comprises a side wheel (60) on one or both channel sides (58) of the track channel (58). 60) for coupling with one or both track sides (46).

A rod cutting system (10) according to one or more of claims 1-4, wherein the plurality of tracks (42) are supported by a chassis.

A method (100) for cutting a metal rod (12) on a construction site, the method comprising the actions

providing (110) a rod cutting system (10) according to one or more of claims 1-5; - moving (120) the rod mower (20) and the rod table (30) to a rod (12) to be cut;

pulling (130) the rod (12) along the longitudinal axis (14) and through the rod mower (20); and

clipping (140) of the rod (12).

Use of a bar cutting system (10) according to one or more of claims 1-5 for cutting bars (12) on a construction site.