A PORTABLE AUTOMATIC PANEL CUTTER AND A METHOD FOR MARKING PANEL PARTS

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable automatic panel cutter (1) comprising one or more remote operator interfaces (2) adapted to receive instructions from an operator regarding dimensional processing of a panel (3) in the portable automatic panel cutter (1). The portable automatic panel cutter (1) is adapted to automatically cutting the panel (3) into two or more panel parts (4) according to the instructions. Furthermore, the portable automatic panel cutter (1) also comprises an automated marker tool (5) configured for marking at least one of the two or more panel parts (4) with one or more identification marks (6) in response to the instructions. A method for marking one or more panel parts in a portable automatic panel cutter (1) and use of a portable automatic panel cutter (1) is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A portable automatic panel cutter comprising: one or more remote operator interfaces adapted to receive instructions from an operator regarding dimensional processing of a panel in said portable automatic panel cutter, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter is adapted to automatically cutting said panel into two or more panel parts according to said instructions, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter also comprises an automated marker tool configured for marking at least one of said two or more panel parts with one or more identification marks in response to said instructions.

2. (canceled)

3. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said automated marker tool is arranged to operate contact-free in relation to said panel parts.

4. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said automated marker tool comprises an inkjet printer, a pen, a label maker, or a laser printer.

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter comprises a power cutter releasably suspended in a power cutter holder.

8. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 7, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter is arranged to move said power cutter holder in a three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system and to rotate said power cutter holder around a holder rotation axis parallel to an axis of said three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter comprises X-direction drive means for driving said power cutter holder in a X-direction of said three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system, Y-direction drive means for driving said power cutter holder in a Y-direction of said three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system, Z-direction drive means for driving said power cutter holder in a Z-direction of said three-dimensional cartesian coordinate system and rotation means for rotating said power cutter holder around said holder rotation axis.

9-15. (canceled)

16. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 7, wherein said power cutter is a stand-alone power cutter designed to be operated by hand

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said automated marker tool is arranged to be automatically moved at least partly by said X-direction drive means, said Y-direction drive means, said Z-direction drive means and/or said rotation means adapted to displace a power cutter performing said cutting during said automatically cutting of said panel.

20. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said automated marker tool is provided with marker displacement means arranged independent to said X-direction drive means, said Y-direction drive means, said Z-direction drive means and/or said rotation means adapted to displace a power cutter performing said cutting during said automatically cutting of said panel.

21. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said automated marker tool comprises means for displacing said automated marker tool independently in at least one direction in relation to said X-direction drive means, said Y-direction drive means, said Z-direction drive means and/or said rotation means adapted to displace a power cutter performing said cutting during said automatically cutting of said panel.

22. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said remote operator interface is configured to receive said instructions from said operator by means of voice commands.

23-25. (canceled)

26. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said one or more identification marks comprises information that are unique for an operator or a remote operator interface.

27. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter comprises a power socket and wherein power to said power socket is controlled by a controller arranged to control said automatically cutting of said panel.

28. (canceled)

29. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter comprises a number of feet arranged to support said portable automatic panel cutter against the underlying ground during normal use of said portable automatic panel cutter, wherein a contact surface of said feet forms a contact plane, wherein said portable automatic panel cutter further comprises a support area arranged to support a panel during cutting of said panel and wherein said support area is arranged in an angle (α) between 20 and 90 degrees, preferably between 45 and 86 degrees, and most preferred between 65 and 82 degrees in relation to said contact plane.

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 7, wherein said independent power cutter comprises rotating drive shaft for rotating a circular cutting blade.

33. The portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 32, wherein said circular cutting blade is a circular saw blade.

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. A method for marking one or more panel parts in a portable automatic panel cutter, said method comprising the steps of: providing instructions to a remote operator interface regarding dimensional processing of a panel in said portable automatic panel cutter; transmitting said instructions from said remote operator interfaces to a controller of said portable automatic panel cutter; automatically cutting said panel into two or more panel parts in said portable automatic panel cutter in response to said instructions and marking at least one of said two or more panel parts with one or more identification marks in response to said instructions.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein said method comprises the step of releasably connecting an independent power cutter to a power cutter holder of said portable automatic panel cutter before said power cutter is automatically cutting said panel.

38-43. (canceled)

44. The method according to claim 36, wherein said method is performed on a portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1.

45. Use of a portable automatic panel cutter according to claim 1 for cutting panels on a building, repair or restauration site.

46. The portable automated panel cutter according to claim 1, wherein the portable automated panel cutter is collapsible.

47. (canceled)

48. (canceled)

Description

FIGURES

[0112] The invention will be described in the following with reference to the figures in which

[0113] FIG. 1. illustrates the portable automatic panel cutter as seen in perspective,

[0114] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the power cutter as seen in perspective, and

[0115] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section through a power cutter holder as seen from the bottom

[0116] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section through a power cutter holder and adaptor, as seen from above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] FIG. 1 illustrates the portable automatic panel cutter 1 as seen in perspective

[0118] The portable automated panel cutter 1 comprises a plurality of panel cutter parts 26 and each individual part 26 may be carried by hand. Thus, in this embodiment the operator may take the panel cutter 1 apart by unscrewing some screws or bolts, by disengaging interlocking parts, by releasing snap locks or the like and move the cutter parts 26 to any location in which the cutting work must be performed. This could for example be done by carrying the cutter parts 26 in in dedicated holder, by means of handles, in a bag or other. The cutter parts 26 are then assembled to form the panel cutter 1. Then, when a panel 3 is to be cut, it may be positioned in a support area 11 of the portable automated panel cutter 1 which is formed when the panel cutter parts 26 are assembled. Depending on the type of material of the panel 3 and the type of cutting to be performed, a specific power cutter 8 may be chosen. For example, if straight cuts are to be performed, e.g. if the panel 3 must be cut in just two pieces in a straight line, a circular saw may be used for such a purpose. The power cutter 8 is then connected to the power cutter holder 2 which is connected to the traverse beam 30. When the traverse beam 30 moves in the x-direction, the power cutter holder 2 and the power cutter 8 follow the same motion as these are connected to the traverse beam 30—in this case releasably connected to the traverse beam 30. The power cutter holder 9 further comprises Y-direction drive means and Z-direction drive means for moving the power cutter holder in Y- and Z-direction, respectively.

[0119] In this embodiment the power cutter holder 2 is a more complex structure surrounding the power cutter 8 but in another embodiment the power cutter holder 2 could be formed more as a plate, an arm, a bracket or other type of structure for supporting a power cutter 8 connected to the traverse beam 30.

[0120] The movements in the respective cartesian coordinate axis (x, y and z) and the rotation around the holder rotation axis 4 may be achieved in numerous ways. In this embodiment, the x-direction movement is achieved by an electric motor which moves the traverse beam 30 by e.g. a set of wheels (not shown) engaging a track 18. However, in another embodiment, the displacement means (13,14,15,16) could be a magnetic system, belt drive, pulley system, a spindle drive, a rack and pinion or other kind of mechanism for moving the traverse beam 30 in the x-direction. And in an embodiment, instead of using an electric motor for moving the traverse beam 30, a hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, engine or other type of drive means could be used for the purpose of moving in the x-direction. This also applies to the y- and z-direction movements and the rotation means 16 for rotation around the holder rotation axis 10 i.e. in this embodiment the automated displacement means comprises four electrical motors each driving one of the x, y and z direction and performing the rotation of the power cutter holder 9.

[0121] In this embodiment the rotation drive means 16 comprises a bearing (not shown) and an endless belt (not shown) encircling an inner opening of the power cutter holder 9 so that an inner part of the power cutter holder 2 is rotated, and thereby the power cutter 8, when the belt is pulled by means of an electrical motor and a pulley.

[0122] When a panel is to be cut, the operator may instruct the portable automatic panel cutter 1 to cut a panel 3 into a specific size, dimension, particular shape via a remote operator interface 2. In this embodiment, the operator may provide instructions to the remote operator interface 2 via a keyboard, but in another embodiment the operator could provide the instructions orally (i.e. by voice commands), through a touchscreen, by providing a picture of a targeted panel shape or in other suitable ways. The instructions may then preferably be transmitted from the remote operator interface 2 to the panel cutter 1 via wireless communication (Wi-Fi, mobile telecommunication network or via other long range wireless communication protocols such as SigFox, LoRa or other), such that the operator may freely move around at e.g. a construction site without being constrained by the limited length of a cable. Furthermore, a plurality of operators may do exactly the same, e.g. a craftsman at another position on a construction site needing a panel 3 of a specific size could provide instructions to the panel cutter 1 via his own remote operator interface 2.

[0123] In this embodiment, the remote operator interface 2 comprises wireless communication means 7 for transmitting the instructions wirelessly from the remote operator interface 2 to the panel cutter 1. However, in another embodiment, the operator interface 2 could be wired to the panel cutter 1. In another embodiment the panel cutter 1 could also further be provided with a stationary operator interface (not shown) mounted directly on a suitable position on the panel cutter 1.

[0124] In an embodiment where the operator may provide the instructions orally, he may be provided with a headset communicating with the remote operator interface 2 which again communicates with the panel cutter 1. Thus, the operator may provide the instructions without using his hands and thereby simultaneously perform other tasks such as assembling already cut panel parts 4 or acquiring dimensions to provide new instructions. There is also a safety aspect in that the operator does not have to focus his attention to e.g. a monitor and keyboard of the remote operator interface 2 for feeding the instructions to the interface 2. One has to keep in mind that the operator may be at a construction site with potentially dangerous machinery or he may be working from a scaffold where it may be vital that his hands are free. Also, workmen are often using gloves (for example when working in cold weather or when performing a specific task which requires safety gloves) and it is therefore advantageous that the operator does not have to take off the gloves for operating e.g. buttons, a touch screen or other type of action which require full finger control. Even further, the hands may be dusty, greasy or dirty and it is therefore advantageous that the operator interface is configured to receive voice commands in that the remote operator interface 2 is cleaner.

[0125] An operator at one position at a construction site could provide the panel cutter 1 with instructions regarding a specific panel part 4 that he needs independently from an operator at a different position. Thus, the portable automated panel cutter 1 may comprise means (small processors, controllers, computer system or other) for handling the multiple instructions such that these are queued and may be prioritized in relation to for example urgency, complexity, operator, number of panels to be cut or other kind of parameter. The computer system may also queue the instructions and put them on hold when the panel cutter 1 lacks panels 3 to be cut and run the instructions as soon as possible, either when a preceding task is performed or when the panel cutter is again fed with panels. The portable automated panel cutter may have a dedicated person for continuously feeding the panel cutter with panels such that the panel cutter may operate non-stop (depending on the work load) or the panel cutter 1 may be provided with automated feeding systems which synchronize the panel feeding with the instruction(s) whereby the panel cutter is more efficient.

[0126] When the portable automatic panel cutter 1 has cut a panel 3 into two or more panel parts 4 according to the instructions the automated marker tool 5 provides an identification mark 6 on at least one of the two or more panel parts 4. For example, if the instructions set out that a panel 3 is to be cut almost exactly through the middle, the operator may find it hard to determine which panel part 4 corresponds to his instructions (he may not have been near the panel cutter 1 during the cutting and thereby not have observed the cutting process). Therefore, the automated marker tool 5 is configured to mark the panel 4 which corresponds to the instructions given by the operator. In this example the automated marker 5 would mark the panel part 4 such that the operator may distinguish between the panel parts 4.

[0127] In more busy construction sites, the panel cutter 1 may be provided with numerous instructions all the time and from different remote operator interfaces 2 each being used by different operators at different positions. Thus, when one of the operators wants to collect a panel part 4 which corresponds to his instructions, a pile of panel parts 4 may have built up due to the plurality of given instructions. Therefore, the automated marker tool 5 is adapted to provide each of the panel parts 4 with a unique mark corresponding to for example the specific operator or to remote operator interface 2 from which the instructions originate from such that he may quickly identify which panel part 4 corresponds to his instructions.

[0128] In another embodiment the automated marker tool 5 may also be used for automated marking of the cut-off or waste plate material so that these parts may more easily be identified as waste or to identify the waste plate material so that the controller 12 of the panel cutter 1 may keep track of the waste plate material and if a specific job can be cut from a specific waste plater part, this specific waste plate part may more easily be identified and reused.

[0129] In this embodiment, the automated marker tool 5 is an inkjet printer. In another embodiment, the automated marker tool could be a laser marker, laser printer, a label maker, wood scorch tool, a pen or other. The identification mark 6 itself could be a simple, coloured droplet. For example, each operator may be assigned a specific colour such that the operator may identify the panel parts 4 by looking for a panel part 4 with a specifically coloured droplet. In other embodiments, the identification mark 6 could also be a logo, a specific sign, a short string of text, a letter, a number, an indentation with a specific shape, a label or any other kind of mark which may be provided to the panel part 4 and such that the operator may identify the panel part 4 corresponding to his instructions.

[0130] In this embodiment, the identification mark 4 is designed such that the operator may relatively easy and visually identify the identification mark and thereby the panel part 4 corresponding to his instructions. However, in some situations this type of identification mark 4 may not be sufficiently complex (i.e. the amount of information). For example, a complex structure may require many different panel parts 4 and it may quickly become too complex to store a lot of information in simple identification marks. Thus, the automated marker tool 5 may also provide the panel parts 4 with more complex identification marks 4 such as barcodes, QR codes, number series or other machine-readable representation of data capable of storing a lot of information regarding e.g. operator, date, assembly number, GPS position, material or other type of information. The operator may then process such an identification mark via e.g. the remote operator interface 2, which could be provided with a camera, QR scanner, picture scanner or other kind of reading devices for reading and processing the identification mark 6. The reading device could also be arranged separate from the remote operator interface 2.

[0131] In this embodiment, the automated marker tool 5 is mounted on the outer side of the power cutter holder 9 via screws (not shown) such that it follows the same motion as the power cutter holder 9. In another embodiment, the automated marker tool 5 could be mounted on the inner side of the power cutter holder 9. The automated marker tool 5 could be mounted on the power cutter holder 9 via bolts, screws, by inserting the marker tool in a sleeve (not shown) designed for receiving the marker tool or in any other way. Such a sleeve could be glued, welded, screwed, bolted or by any other means connected to the power cutter holder 9. In another embodiment, the automated marker tool 5 may be provided with marker displacement means 19 (see FIG. 3) arranged to move the automated marker tool 5 in e.g. the z-direction such that it may accommodate to the thickness of a panel 3 e.g. to ensure a certain distance between the printing head and the surface of the panel 3 for printing an identification mark 6 with a desired resolution, quality, size or to avoid collision with the panel 3. The marker displacement means 19 may be arranged to rotate the automated marker tool 5 around a rotation point (not shown) such that the automated marker tool 5 could be angled in relation to the holder rotation axis 10. In some embodiments, the automated marker tool 5 is offset to the cutting point 17 and if the power cutter holder is very close to an edge of the panel 3, the marker tool 5 may protrude outside of the extension of the panel 3 whereby the identification mark 6 may not be provided on the panel part 4. Therefore, it is advantageous if the automated marker tool 5 can be rotated around a rotation point in that the automated marker tool 5 may provide the entire identification mark 6 on the panel part 4 instead of partly or completely missing it.

[0132] In another embodiment, the automated marker tool 5 could be located differently on the panel cutter 1—such as on the traverse beam 30 or even on its own dedicated system of displacement means.

[0133] In this embodiment the panel cutter 1 is only provided with one automated marker tool 5 but in another embodiment the panel cutter 1 could comprise two or more automated marker tool 5—e.g. dedicated for different jobs, different material, different interfaces or other.

[0134] In this embodiment the rotation means 16 are enclosed within the power cutter holder 10 but could also be outside or over the holder 9. In another embodiment the rotation could be achieved by a gear, pulley system, drive shaft or in any other suitable way for connecting the rotation means 16 to the power cutter holder 9 and rotate it around the holder rotation axis 10.

[0135] In this embodiment, the holder rotation axis 10 (see FIG. 3) is an axis parallel with the z-axis. However, in another embodiment, the holder rotation axis 10 could be an axis be parallel with the x- or y-axis of the cartesian coordinate system.

[0136] The power cutter 8 is connected to the power cutter holder such that the circular cutting blade 29 of the power cutter 8 points towards the support area 11 for cutting a panel 3. The power cutter is connected to the power cutter holder 9 such that the holder 9 and the power cutter 8 may displace in a z-direction e.g. for accommodating the thickness of the panel 3 or for moving the power cutter holder 9 in the cartesian coordinate system without colliding with the panel 3. The power cutter 8 may also be arranged such that it may move in the z-direction independently from the power tool holder 9 such that calibration of the cutting point 17 in the z-direction is possible. In another embodiment alignment of the z-direction is not possible in that a small difference in cutting depth only will result in the cutter tool extending a little further into the support area 11.

[0137] The power cutter 8 may be battery-driven or may need to extract power from a power socket. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power cutter 8 comprises a power socket 20 such that a power plug 21 of the power cutter 8 may be plugged directly to the power socket 20 of the panel cutter such that the operator does not have to extend the power plug 21 to a power socket in the factory, construction site, workshop or where ever it may be positioned for use. However, the power socket 20 could naturally also be provided in a nearby power source, for example in a power socket of a factory in which the panel cutter 1 is to be used.

[0138] In this embodiment the power button 27 of the power cutter is in an “on” state and the panel cutter 1 comprises a controller 12 arranged to control the x-, y-, z-movement and the rotation around the holder rotation axis 10 and also the power to the power socket 20 such that the controller 12 may control the entire system, i.e. movement in the cartesian coordinate system and the cutting. For example, it may move the holder 9 to a particular (x, y) coordinate, apply power to the power socket 20 such that the power cutter 8 starts cutting and move the power cutter towards the panel in the z-direction to cut the panel 3. In this embodiment, the power cutter comprises a power button 27 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) which is always in the “on” state such that the power cutter 8 is controlled by the controller 12 controlling the power to the power socket 20. However, in another embodiment, the power cutter 8 may not necessarily always be in the “on” state. A power button actuating mechanism (not shown) could be designed such that the controller 12 controls this part instead of (or in addition to) controlling the power to the power socket 20. Such a mechanism for actuating the power button 27 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) could be a simple relay switch, actuator, a spring-actuated arm, mechanism driven by compressed air, a solenoid or other kind of mechanism for actuating the power button 38 via the controller 12.

[0139] In this embodiment the controller 12 is placed on the traverse beam 30 but in another embodiment the controller 12 could be placed elsewhere on the panel cutter or it could be located in a separate stand, cupboard or the like.

[0140] The controller 12 may control the movement and power supply in response to instructions provided by an operator provided to the panel cutter 1 via a remote operator interface 2 on e.g. a wireless communication means 7. The instructions could be provided to the handheld device via voice commands, a user interface or even by taking a picture of e.g. a targeted shape, which the controller 12 could convert to a cutting path. The instructions could also be provided directly to the controller 12 via a user interface in the panel cutter 1. In order to provide for complex shaped panels 3, the controller 12 could be provided with means for operating the displacement means 3 e.g. in the x- and y-direction simultaneously to make e.g. diagonal cuts or even cutting along a curve. The controller 12 could do this by controlling actuators, belt drives, pulley systems, rack and pinion mechanism or other means displacing in the x- and y-direction simultaneously. The controller 12 may also be used for displacing the power cutter holder 9 in the respective directions separately, i.e. not necessarily simultaneously.

[0141] In this embodiment, the support area 11 is comprised of a number of supporting rods 31 which extend between the upper frame part 32 and lower frame part 33. In another embodiment, the support area 11 could be a plate which e.g. completely fills out the space between the frame parts, a mesh, a support edge on the panel cutter parts or other type of support for supporting the panel(s) 3.

[0142] The portable automated panel cutter 1 comprises feet 22 which distribute the mass of the panel cutter 1 such that it is stable upon cutting operation. Furthermore, the contact surface of the feet 22 form a contact plane 25 and the panel cutter 1 is angled in relation to this contact plane 25 such that it does not take up too much space and so that panels 3 may more easily be placed in the panel cutter 1 and removed after cutting. In this embodiment the panel cutter 1 is arranged in an angle α of 75°. However, in another embodiment the angle α could angle the support area 11 more towards being vertical or more towards being horizontal.

[0143] In this embodiment the feet 22 comprises rods. However, in another embodiment, the feet 22 could comprise suction cups, wheels, shell structure, beam structure or other kind of feet for supporting the weight of the panel cutter 1 and stabilizing it.

[0144] In this embodiment the power cutter 8 is a standard off-the-shelf angle grinder provided with a cutting tool 39 (see FIG. 2) which in this embodiment is a circular cutting blade 29. Power cutters 8 of one manufacturer and different makes usually differ from angle grinders of another manufacturer and/or of other types. Thus, to ensure flexibility and manufacturer preferences, the adaptor 40 is in this embodiment connectable to different types of power cutters 8 irrespective of manufacturer or specific embodiments of the power cutter 8 (circular saw, jigsaw, angle grinder etc.). However, in another embodiment different adaptors 40 could be provided for each type of power cutter 8.

[0145] Marking the one or more panel parts 4 in the portable automatic panel cutter 1 could comprise the steps of providing instructions to a remote operator interface 2 regarding dimensional processing of a panel 3 in the portable automatic panel cutter 1, transmitting the instructions from the remote operator interface 2 to a controller 12 of the portable automatic panel cutter 1, automatically cutting the panel 3 into two or more panel parts 4 in the portable automatic panel cutter 1 in response to the instructions, and marking at least one of the two or more panel parts 4 with one or more identification marks 6 in response to the instructions.

[0146] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the power cutter 8 as seen in perspective

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the power cutter 8 is handheld so that the operator may easily move it around. Also, since the automated portable panel cutter 1 is a dynamic system, it is important to keep the inertia as low as possible such that the resulting accelerations do not result in large forces which would require stiff supports, strong beams and also powerful displacement means. The panel cutter 1 is designed such that the operator may easily remove the power cutter 8 and use it for manual work by simply removing the power cutter 8 from the adapter 40.

[0148] More specifically, the power cutter 8 is in this embodiment an angle grinder. This type of power cutter 8 could be used for cutting gypsum plates and as this cutting process may develop a lot of dust and flakes, the power cutter 8 also comprises an extraction device 34 for venting the area at the vicinity of the cutting point 17 and the power cutter 8. Naturally, the extraction device 34 could be provided no matter which type of panel 3 is to be cut.

[0149] Also, if a panel 3 to be cut is of a type of material, which generates a lot of dust, chips and flakes, the power cutter may comprise a shield 35 for protecting the operator but also for protecting the components of the panel cutter 1. Furthermore, the shield 35 improves the efficiency of the extraction device 34 in that the cutting residues are easier guided into the extraction device 34. In this embodiment, the extraction device 34 is a ventilation system which actively sucks the dust, flakes and chips away from the power cutter 8. The extraction device 34 could then lead the residues to a container (not shown) or simply blow it out to the surroundings. But in another embodiment, the extraction device 34 could be a simple container (not shown) in which the cutting residues are conducted into without actively sucking the residues towards the container. The container could then be emptied regularly.

[0150] The drive train 36 of the power cutter 8 could comprise a plurality of shafts, gears, axles or other kind of mechanical components for transmitting a force from the electrical cutter motor 38 to a circular cutting blade 29. Thus, the drive train 8 could be designed such that the resulting movement of a cutting blade 29 mounted on the power cutter 8 undergoes a rotational movement or a reciprocating movement depending on which type of cutter tool 39 is mounted on the power cutter 8. Such a reciprocating motion could be provided by a rack mechanism, slider-crank mechanism, crankshaft, wheel-pinion mechanism or other type of mechanism for achieving a reciprocating motion. In this embodiment, the drive train comprises a rotating drive shaft 28 which is powered by the electrical cutter motor 38 and provides a rotational motion to the circular cutting blade 29 via a drive train 36 and a gearbox 37. In another embodiment, power could be provided pneumatically (e.g. via compressed air), hydraulically, an engine or other type of power source. It could also be provided directly to the cutter tool, i.e. without any gearbox. The power to the electrical cutter motor itself is provided via a power plug 21 connected to a power socket but could also be provided by a battery (not shown) which could be positioned internally within the power cutter 8. The electric cutter motor 38 and drive train 36 are in this embodiment enclosed within the power cutter 8.

[0151] In this embodiment, the cutter tool 8 is an angle grinder cutting disc which cuts the panel 3 by conducting a rotational motion. However, in another embodiment, the cutter tool 39 could be a saw blade, jigsaw blade, saw wire or any other kind of cutter for attachment to a power cutter 8 and thereby cut a material by carrying out a circulating, reciprocating or a continuous translating motion.

[0152] The independent power cutter 8 may be powered by electricity (battery, power socket), engine, compressed air or in other ways for driving the cutting motion of the power cutter 8.

[0153] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section through a power cutter holder 9 as seen from the bottom

[0154] Some types of power cutters 8 comprise threaded holes 42 for receiving a support handle 41 such that the operator may take a firm grip of the power cutter 8. Such a threaded hole 42 may also be used for connecting the power cutter 5 to the adaptor 40. Thus, instead of inserting a support handle 41 into the threaded holes 42 a bolt 43 (see FIG. 3), pins or other type of connector may be received therein to connect the adaptor 40 to the power cutter 8.

[0155] In this embodiment, the adaptor 40 is connected to the threaded holes 42 of power cutter 8 via bolts 43. One or more bolts 43 may be used depending on the available threaded holes 42 and the size of the power cutter 8. In another embodiment the adapter 40 may be connected to the power cutter 8 via screws, pins, a bayonet mount or in other suitable way.

[0156] In this embodiment the automated marker tool 5 comprises marker displacement means 19 for displacing the automated marker tool 5 in relation to the power cutter holder 9. In this embodiment the marker displacement means 19 comprises a guide an electrical solenoid arranged for displacing the marker tool 5 back and forth but in another embodiment marker displacement means 19 could comprise means for displacing the marker tool 5 in a more complex pattern i.e. to enable that the marker tool 5 could also be displaced in the x- and/or y-direction independently from the power cutter holder 9.

[0157] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section through a power cutter holder 9 and adapter 40, as seen from above.

[0158] In this embodiment power cutter holder 9 holds the adaptor 10 through four adjustment means 44 of the adaptor 40 arranged to extend through elongated tracks in the power cutter holder 9. The elongated tracks allow the adaptor 40 to be rotationally aligned and the nuts 45 allows the adaptor 40 to be displaced in the x-direction and y-direction. In this embodiment the adaptor 40 cannot be adjusted in the z-direction, but in another embodiment a similar adjustment arrangement could be provided for the z-direction. It would be obvious to the skilled person that in another embodiment the adaptor 40 and/or the adjustment means 44 could be formed in numerous other ways i.e. in ways comprising adjustable arms, set screws, spacers, lock mechanisms or other for either stepless adjustment or adjustment in increments of the position of the power cutter 5 in relation to the power cutter holder 9.

[0159] In this embodiment the adaptor 40 is releasably connected to the power cutter 8 by means of two connection means 46 in the form of bolts extending through holes in the adaptor 40 and into treaded holes 42 in the power cutter 8 but in another embodiment the power cutter 8 could also or instead be releasably connected to the adaptor 40 through snap locks, interlocking geometry, clamps, grippers, belts, bands or other.

[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, a reference to a portable automated panel cutter 1 is a reference to a machinery that does not comprise a power cutter 8 i.e. the contrary to a standard CNC cutter. The power cutter 8 is a stand-alone tool and the tool holder/power cutter holder 9 of the portable automated panel cutter 1 is designed to fit to and hold the power cutter 8. When mounting the tool holder 9 in a tool holder carriage, the power cutter 8 is mounted to the machinery and the portable automated panel cutter 1 is able to cut a board to be cut. This is, in contrary to a CNC cutter done by moving the power cutter 8 including the motor driving the cutting tool/cutter tool 39 together with the cutting tool 39 when cutting the board to be cut.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, when a power cutter 8 is mounted in the automated panel cutter 1, the tool holder 9 (or indirectly the carriage) facilitates moving the power cutter 8 and thereby the cutting tool 39 both in the Z-direction and around the Z-direction i.e. the angle of rotation φ. Hence, the cutting tool 39 is able to be move from front of board to be cut towards the back of the board to be cut. In addition, the cutting tool 39 is able to be moved in an angle φ around the Z-axis, preferably a freedom of 180 degrees plus a margin of e.g. ±2 degrees. Such movement around the Z-axis ensures that circular cuts can be made and it distinguishes the present portable automated panel cutter 1 from known portable tools having a frame and a power tool in the form of a milling cutter. Using a milling cutter as power tool 8 reduces complexity in control of the movement of the power tool in that it only has to be moved in the X, Y and Z directions.

[0162] The marking tool can be passive or active understood in that e.g. a pen as described above is passive in that it needs to be moved by the tool holder 9 or marker holder to be able to mark part of a board. A passive marker tool can mark part of the board while the power cutter 8 is cutting the board, before or afterwards, but is best used after or before the cutting operation. Alternative is an active marker tool which can be controlled independently from the power cutter 8 such as a spray, labeling tool (sticker), stamping tool or the like as described above. Active should be understood as it needs to be activated to produce a mark. The mark could be a pattern such as a barcode or quick read code, series of symbols, numbers, letters, etc.

[0163] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, no matter type of the marker tool, it is characterized in that it is physically separated from the cutting tool 39 of the power tool i.e. the marker tool and the cutting tool 39 is typically one and the same part of the panel cutter in fact, the marking tool in most embodiments will remain located on the panel cutter when the power tool is removed and/or when the cutting tool 39 is replaced.

[0164] The portable automated panel cutter 1 is dynamic in the sense that two subsequent cuts are different from each other. This is at least true for the majority of cuttings.

[0165] The invention has been exemplified above with reference to specific examples of power cutter 8, cutter tool 39, automated marker tool 5 or other. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular examples described above but may be designed and altered in a multitude of varieties within the scope of the invention as specified in the claims.

LIST

[0166] 1. Portable automatic panel cutter [0167] 2. Remote operator interface [0168] 3. Panel [0169] 4. Panel parts [0170] 5. Automated marker tool [0171] 6. Identification mark [0172] 7. Wireless communication means [0173] 8. Power cutter [0174] 9. Power cutter holder [0175] 10. Holder rotation axis [0176] 11. Support area [0177] 12. Controller [0178] 13. X-direction drive means [0179] 14. Y-direction drive means [0180] 15. Z-direction drive means [0181] 16. Rotation means [0182] 17. Cutting point [0183] 18. Track [0184] 19. Marker displacement means [0185] 20. Power socket [0186] 21. Power plug [0187] 22. Feet [0188] 23. Underlying ground [0189] 24. Contact surface [0190] 25. Contact plane [0191] 26. Panel cutter parts [0192] 27. Power button [0193] 28. Rotating drive shaft [0194] 29. Circular cutting blade [0195] 30. Traverse beam [0196] 31. Support rod [0197] 32. Upper frame part [0198] 33. Lower frame part [0199] 34. Extraction device [0200] 35. Shield [0201] 36. Drive train [0202] 37. Gearbox [0203] 38. Electrical cutter motor [0204] 39. Cutter tool [0205] 40. Adapter [0206] 41. Support handle [0207] 42. Threaded hole [0208] 43. Bolt [0209] 44. Adjustment means [0210] 45. Nut [0211] 46. Connection means [0212] α. Angle between support area and contact plane