Cutting strand segment

Abstract

A cutting strand segment for a cutting strand of a machine tool separating device includes at least one blade carrier element, at least one blade element arranged on the blade carrier element, and at least one cutting depth limiting element arranged on the blade carrier element which is configured to limit a maximum cutting depth of the blade element to a value that is less than 0.5 mm.

Claims

1. A cutting strand segment for a cutting strand of a power-tool parting device, comprising: a cutter carrier element that includes: a cutting element disposed on the cutter carrier element; a cut-depth limiting element disposed on the cutter carrier element and configured to limit a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element to a value that is less than 0.5 mm; a connecting recess disposed on the cutter carrier element; and a connecting element integral with the cutter carrier element, the connecting element configured as a cylindrical stud fixedly extending from a coupling region of the cutter carrier element.

2. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cut-depth limiting element is configured to limit a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element to a value that is less than 0.3 mm.

3. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a transverse securing element disposed on the connecting element and configured to secure the cutter carrier element, when in a mounted state, against a transverse movement relative to a further cutting strand segment of the cutting strand.

4. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 3, wherein the transverse securing element has at least one securing region that is at least substantially parallel to a cutting plane of the cutting element.

5. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 1, the cutting strand segment having a maximum volume that is less than 20 mm.sup.3.

6. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the connecting element defines a first central axis, the connecting recess defines a second central axis, a spacing of the cutting strand segment is defined as a linear distance between the first central axis and the second central axis, and the spacing is less than 4.0 mm.

7. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 6, wherein: the cutting element defines a cutting plane, a width of the cutting strand segment is perpendicular to the cutting plane, and the width is less than 2.5 mm.

8. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 7, wherein a width of the cutting strand is less than or equal to the width of the cutting strand segment.

9. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the cylindrical stud defines a first diameter, the connecting recess defines a second diameter, and the first diameter is less than or equal to the second diameter.

10. The cutting strand segment as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a segment guide element disposed on the cutter carrier element and including a transverse extension, wherein the cylindrical stud defines a first longitudinal axis, wherein the transverse extension defines a second longitudinal axis that is parallel to the first longitudinal axis, wherein the cylindrical stud extends from the cutter carrier element in a first direction along the first longitudinal axis away from the cutter carrier element, wherein the transverse extension extends from the cutting carrier element in a second direction along the second longitudinal axis away from the cutting carrier element, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

11. A cutting strand for a power-tool parting device, comprising: a first cutting strand segment that includes: a first cutter carrier element having: a first cutting element disposed on the first cutter carrier element; a first cut-depth limiting element disposed on the first cutter carrier element and configured to limit a maximum depth of cut of the first cutting element to a value that is less than 0.5 mm; a first connecting recess disposed on the first cutter carrier element; and a first connecting element integral with the first cutter carrier element, the first connecting element configured as a first cylindrical stud fixedly extending from a first coupling region of the first cutter carrier element; and a second cutting strand segment that includes: a second cutter carrier element having: a second cutting element disposed on the second cutter carrier element; a second cut-depth limiting element disposed on the second cutter carrier element and configured to limit a maximum depth of cut of the second cutting element to a value that is less than 0.5 mm; a second connecting recess disposed on the second cutter carrier element; and a second connecting element integral with the second cutter carrier element, the second connecting element configured as a second cylindrical stud fixedly extending from a second coupling region of the second cutter carrier element, wherein the first cylindrical stud is configured to be received by the second connecting recess to connect directly the first cutting strand segment to the second cutting strand segment.

12. The cutting strand as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first cutting strand segment and the second cutting strand segment are rotatably connected together, such that the second cutting strand element is rotatable about the first cylindrical stud.

13. The cutting strand as claimed in claim 11, wherein: the first cutting strand segment further includes a transverse securing element disposed on the first connecting element and configured to secure the first cutter carrier element, when in a mounted state, against a transverse movement relative to the second cutter carrier element, and the transverse securing element is stamped onto the first connecting element to connect directly the first cutter carrier element to the second cutter carrier element.

14. A power tool system comprising: a portable power tool; and a power-tool parting device supported by the portable power tool and having at least one cutting strand that includes: a first cutting strand segment that has: a first cutter carrier element with: a first cutting element disposed on the first cutter carrier element; a first cut-depth limiting element disposed on the first cutter carrier element and configured to limit a maximum depth of cut of the first cutting element to a value that is less than 0.5 mm; and a connecting recess disposed on the first cutter carrier element; and a second cutting strand segment that has: a second cutter carrier element with: a second cutting element disposed on the second cutter carrier element; a second cut-depth limiting element disposed on the second cutter carrier element and configured to limit a maximum depth of cut of the second cutting element to a value that is less than 0.5 mm; and a connecting element integral with the second cutter carrier element, the connecting element configured as a cylindrical stud fixedly extending from a coupling region of the second cutter carrier element, wherein the cylindrical stud is configured to be received by the connecting recess to connect directly the first cutting strand segment to the second cutting strand segment.

15. The power tool system as claimed in claim 14, wherein: the power-tool parting device further includes at least one guide unit; and the first cutting strand segment further includes at least one segment guide element disposed on the first cutter carrier element and configured to limit a movement of the first cutting strand segment away from the at least one guide unit along a direction that is at least substantially parallel to a cutting plane of the first cutting element.

16. The power tool system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the portable power tool includes a coupling device configured to couple the power-tool parting device to the portable power tool in at least one of a form-fitting and force fitting manner.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further advantages are given by the following description of the drawing. The drawing shows exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The drawing, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Persons skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them to create appropriate further combinations.

(2) In the drawings:

(3) FIG. 1 shows a portable power tool according to the disclosure, having a power-tool parting device according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation,

(4) FIG. 2 shows a detail view of the power-tool parting device according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation,

(5) FIG. 3 shows a detail view of a cutting strand segment according to the disclosure of a cutting strand according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation,

(6) FIG. 4 shows a detail view of an alternative cutting strand segment according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation,

(7) FIG. 5 shows a detail view of a further, alternative cutting strand segment according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation,

(8) FIG. 6 shows a detail view of a further, alternative cutting strand segment according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation, and

(9) FIG. 7 shows a detail view of an alternative cutting strand according to the disclosure, in a schematic representation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) FIG. 1 shows a portable power tool 36a, having a power-tool parting device 14a, which together constitute a power-tool system. The portable power tool 36a has a coupling device 38a for coupling in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the power-tool parting device 14a. The coupling device 38a in this case can be realized as a bayonet closure and/or as another coupling device, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. The portable power tool 36a additionally has a power-tool housing 40a, which encloses a drive unit 42a and a transmission unit 44a of the portable power tool 36a. The drive unit 42a and the transmission unit 44a are connected to each other, in a manner already known to persons skilled in the art, to generate a drive torque that can be transmitted to the power-tool parting device 14a. The transmission unit 44a is realized as a bevel gear transmission. The drive unit 42a is realized as an electric motor unit. It is also conceivable, however, for the drive unit 42a and/or the transmission unit 44a to be of a different design, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. The drive unit 42a is provided to drive a cutting strand 12a of the power-tool parting device 14a at a cutting speed of less than 6 m/s, when in at least one operating state. The portable power tool 36a in this case has at least one operating mode, in which it is possible for the cutting strand 12a to be driven at a cutting speed of less than 6 m/s, in a guide unit 32a of the power-tool parting device 14, along a cutting direction 72a of a cutting element 18a of a cutting strand segment 10a.

(11) FIG. 2 shows the power-tool parting device 14a decoupled from the coupling device 38a of the portable power tool 36a. The power-tool parting device 14a has the cutting strand 12a, which comprises at least one cutting strand segment 10a. In addition, the power-tool parting device 14a has the guide unit 32a, which, together with the cutting strand 12a, constitutes a closed system. The cutting strand 12a is guided by means of the guide unit 32a. For this purpose, the guide unit 32a has at least one guide groove (not represented in greater detail here). The cutting strand 12a is guided by means of edge regions of the guide unit 32a that delimit the guide groove. It is also conceivable, however, for the guide unit 32a to have a different element for guiding the cutting strand 12a, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, as a rib-type means, formed on the guide unit 32a, that engages in a recess on the cutting strand 12a. During operation, the cutting strand 12a is moved in a revolving manner along the circumference of the guide unit 32a, in the guide groove.

(12) The cutting strand segment 10a has at least one connecting element 46a, which is realized so as to be integral with a cutter carrier element 16a of the cutting strand segment 10a (FIG. 3), for connection to a further cutting strand segment 48a of the cutting strand 12a. The cutting strand 12a thus comprises at least one connecting element 46a for connecting the cutting strand segment 10a and the further cutting strand segment 48a. The connecting element 46a is realized in the form of a stud. The connecting element 46a in this case is provided, by acting in combination with a connecting recess (not represented in greater detail here) of a further cutter carrier element 26a of the further cutting strand segment 48a, to realize a form-fitting connection between the cutter carrier element 16a and the further cutter carrier element 26a, or between the cutting strand segment 10a and the further cutting strand segment 48a. The cutting strand segment 10a likewise comprises a connecting recess 50a, disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a. The connecting recess 50a of the cutter carrier element 16a acts in combination with a further connecting element (not represented in greater detail here) of the cutting strand 12a, or of a third cutting strand segment 52a, to form the cutting strand 12a. Each cutting strand segment of the cutting strand 12a thus comprises at least one connecting element, disposed on the respective cutter carrier element of the cutting strand segments, and at least one connecting recess, disposed on the respective cutter carrier element of the cutting strand segments. Thus, by means of a combined action of the connecting elements and the connecting recesses, the cutting strand segments of the cutting strand 12a are mounted so as to be pivotable relative to each other.

(13) The connecting element 46a of the cutting strand segment 10a closes in an at least substantially flush manner with at least one outer face 54a of the cutter carrier element 16a. It is also conceivable, however, for the connecting element 46a to project beyond the outer face 54a, as viewed along a direction at least substantially perpendicular to the outer face 54a, or to be set back relative to the outer face 54a. By projecting, or by closing in a flush manner with the outer face 54a of the connecting element 46a, the cutting strand segment 10a, when disposed in the guide groove, can be guided by means of the connecting element 46a at edge regions of the guide groove.

(14) In addition, the cutting strand segment 10a has at least one transverse securing element 22a, which is disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a and which is provided to secure insofar as possible the cutter carrier element 16a, when in a mounted state, against a transverse movement relative to the further cutter carrier element 26a of the cutting strand 12a (FIG. 3). The cutting strand segment 10a has at least one stamped transverse securing element 22a. The transverse securing element 22a is disposed on the connecting element 46a. The transverse securing element 22a in this case has at least one securing region 28a, which is at least substantially parallel to a cutting plane of the cutting element 18a. The securing region 28a is thus at least substantially parallel to the outer face 54a of the cutter carrier element 16a. The transverse securing element 22a is stamped on to the connecting element 46a of the cutting strand 12a by means of a stamping device, after at least the cutter carrier element 16a has been coupled to the further cutter carrier element 26a of the cutting strand 12a. The securing region 28a is thus realized as a result of the stamping of the transverse securing element 22a.

(15) The securing region 28a is provided, by acting in combination with a counter-securing region (not represented in greater detail here), in the form of a groove having the shape of a circular ring, of the further cutter carrier element 26a, to secure insofar as possible the cutter carrier element 16a, when in a mounted state, in at least one direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the outer face 54a, against a transverse movement relative to the further cutter carrier element 26a of the cutting strand 12a. The cutting strand segment 10a likewise has a counter-securing region 56a in the form of a groove having the shape of a circular ring. The counter-securing region 56a is disposed in the region of the connecting recess 50a, on the cutter carrier element 16a. Furthermore, following connection of the connecting element 46a of the cutter carrier element 16a and a connecting recess of the further cutter carrier element 26a, the cutter carrier element 16a is secured insofar as possible, in at least one further direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the outer face 54a, against a transverse movement relative to the further cutter carrier element 26a, by means of a combined action of an edge region of the further cutter carrier element 26a, that delimits the connecting recess of the further cutter carrier element 26a, with a coupling region 58a of the cutter carrier element 16a that surrounds the connecting element 46a of the further cutter carrier element 26a. In this case, each cutter carrier element of the cutting strand segments of the cutting strand 12a comprises at least one transverse securing element, which is disposed on the connecting element by means of stamping, after coupling to the further cutter carrier element.

(16) Furthermore, the cutting strand segment 10a has at least one segment guide element 34a, which is disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a and which is provided to limit a movement of the cutting strand segment 10a, when disposed on the guide unit 32a, as viewed in a direction away from the guide unit 32a, at least along a direction that is at least substantially parallel to the cutting plane of the cutting element 18a (FIG. 3). The segment guide element 34a is constituted by a transverse extension, which extends at least substantially perpendicularly in relation to the outer face 54a of the cutter carrier element 16a. The segment guide element 34a in this case delimits a longitudinal groove. The segment guide element 34a is provided to act in combination with segment counter guide elements 60a, 62a of the guide unit 26 that are disposed on an inner face of the guide unit 32a that faces toward the cutter carrier element 16a, for the purpose of limiting movement (FIG. 2). The segment counter guide elements 60a, 62a are realized so as to correspond with the segment guide element 34a of the cutting strand segment 10a. In this case, each of the cutting strand segments of the cutting strand 12a comprises at least one segment guide element, which is provided to limit a movement of the cutting strand segments, when disposed in the guide unit 32a, as viewed in a direction away from the guide unit 32a, at least along a direction that is at least substantially parallel to the cutting plane of the cutting element 18a.

(17) Moreover, the cutting strand segment 10a has a compressive-force transfer face 64a, disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a (FIG. 3). The compressive-force transfer face 64a is provided, by acting in combination with a compressive-force absorption region (not represented in greater detail here) of the guide unit 32a, to support compressive forces that act upon the cutting strand 12a as work is being performed on a workpiece (not represented in greater detail here). In this case, the compressive-force absorption region of the guide unit 32a, as viewed along a direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane of the cutting element 18a, is disposed between two outer faces of the guide unit 32a that are at least substantially parallel to each other. In this case, each of the cutting strand segments of the cutting strand 12a comprises a compressive-force transfer face.

(18) The cutting strand segment 10a additionally has a driving face 66a, which is disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a and which is provided to act in combination with driving faces of a torque transmission element 68a (FIG. 2) of the power-tool parting device 14a, for the purpose of driving the cutting strand 12a. The driving faces of the torque transmission element 68a in this case are realized as tooth flanks. In this case, the driving face 66a of the cutter carrier element 14 is realized so as to correspond with the driving faces of the torque transmission element 68a. When the cutting strand 12a is being driven, the tooth flanks of the torque transmission element 68a bear temporarily against the driving face 66a, for the purpose of transmitting driving forces. In this case, each cutting strand segment of the cutting strand 12a thus comprises a driving face.

(19) For the purpose of driving the cutting strand 12a, the torque transmission element 68a is rotatably mounted in the guide unit 32a. For the purpose of driving the cutting strand 12a, the torque transmission element 68a, when in a mounted state, is coupled to a pinion (not represented in greater detail here) of the drive unit 42a and/or to a gear wheel (not represented in greater detail here) and/or to a toothed shaft (not represented in greater detail here) of the transmission unit 44a. The torque transmission element 68a in this case has a coupling recess 70a that, when in a mounted state, can be coupled to a driving element of the portable power tool 36a. The coupling recess 70a is disposed concentrically in the torque transmission element 68a. In addition, the coupling recess 70a is provided to be coupled to the pinion (not represented in greater detail here) of the drive unit 42a and/or to a gear wheel (not represented in greater detail here) and/or to a toothed shaft (not represented in greater detail here) of the transmission unit 44a, when the torque transmission element 68a and/or the power-tool parting device 14a are/is in a coupled state. The coupling recess 70a is realized as a hexagon socket. It is also conceivable, however, for the coupling recess 70a to be of a different design, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art. Moreover, it is conceivable for the power-tool parting device 14a, in an alternative design, not represented in greater detail here, to be realized so as to act in isolation from the torque transmission element 68a. In this case, the pinion (not represented in greater detail here) of the drive unit 42a and/or the gear wheel (not represented in greater detail here) and/or the toothed shaft (not represented in greater detail here) of the transmission unit 44a would engage directly in the guide unit 32a, and would act in isolation from interposition of a torque transmission element, disposed in the guide unit 32a, for the purpose of driving the cutting strand 12a.

(20) In addition, the cutting strand segment 10a has at least one cutting element 18a, disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a. The cutting element 18a is realized so as to be integral with the cutter carrier element 16a. The cutting element 18a is provided to enable a workpiece (not represented in greater detail here) on which work is to be performed to be parted off, and/or to enable material particles to be removed therefrom. For this purpose, the cutting element 18a is realized as a scratcher tooth. The cutting element 18a in this case is at least substantially parallel to the outer face 54a of the cutter carrier element 16a. The cutting strand segment 10a in this case is integrally punched out of a strip stock, in one working step, by means of a punching device. Each cutting strand segment of the cutting strand 12a comprises at least one cutting element. It is also conceivable, however, for each of the cutting strand segments of the cutting strand 12a to have a different number of cutting elements. The cutting element 18a in this case may have a cutting layer (not represented in greater detail here) that comprises at least titanium carbide. The cutting layer is applied to the cutting element 18a by means of a CVD process. It is also conceivable, however, for the cutting layer to comprise, alternatively or additionally, another material such as, for example, titanium nitride, titanium carbonitride, aluminum oxide, titanium aluminum nitride, chromium nitride or zirconium carbonitride. Moreover, it is also conceivable for the cutting layer to be applied by means of another process, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, by means of a PVD or PACVD process. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the cutting element 18a to be provided with particles. In this case, the cutting element 18a may be provided with diamond particles, hard metal particles, or other particles considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art.

(21) Furthermore, the cutting strand segment 10a comprises at least one cut-depth limiting element 20a, disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a, for limiting a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element 18a (FIG. 3). Thus, the cutting strand segment 10a comprises at least the cutter carrier element 16a, at least the cutting element 18a disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a, and at least the cut-depth limiting element 20a disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a, for limiting a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element 18a. The cutting strand segment 10a in this case has a maximum volume that is less than 20 mm.sup.3. The cut-depth limiting element 20a limits a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element 18a to a value of less than 0.5 mm. In this case, the cut-depth limiting element 20a limits a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element 18a to a value of less than 0.3 mm. The maximum depth of cut of the cutting element 18a is determined by a distance between a top side 74a of the cut-depth limiting element 20a and a cutting edge 78a of the cutting element 18a, as viewed along a direction that, in the cutting plane of the cutting element 18a, is at least substantially perpendicular to the cutting direction 72a of the cutting element 18a. The cut-depth limiting element 20a, as viewed along the cutting direction 72a of the cutting element 18a, is disposed behind the cutting element 18a, on the cutter carrier element 16a. A chip space 80a of the cutting strand segment 10a is thus formed, as viewed along the cutting direction 72a of the cutting element 18a. The cut-depth limiting element 20a in this case is realized so as to be integral with the cutter carrier element 16a. The cut-depth limiting element 20a is formed on to the cutter carrier element 16a, in the region of the connecting recess 50a. The cutting strand segments of the cutting strand 12a all have a respective cut-depth limiting element. It is also conceivable, however, that not every cutting strand segment of the cutting strand 12a has a cut-depth limiting element, and for the cutting strand segments to be combined with each other in various arrangements, with and without a cut-depth limiting element, to form the cutting strand 12a.

(22) Alternative exemplary embodiments are represented in FIGS. 4 to 7. Components, features and functions that remain substantially the same are denoted, in principle, by the same references. To differentiate the exemplary embodiments, the letters a to c and/or apostrophes have been appended to the references of the exemplary embodiments. The description that follows is limited substantially to the differences in relation to the first exemplary embodiment described in FIGS. 1 to 3, and reference may be made to the description of the first exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3 in respect of components, features and functions that remain the same.

(23) FIG. 4 shows a cutting strand segment 10a as an alternative realization of the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 3. The cutting strand segment 10a is of a design that is at least substantially similar to that of the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 3. The difference between the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 3 and the cutting strand segment 10a consists in a design of the cutting element 18a of the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 3 and that of the cutting element 18a of the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 4. The cutting element 18a of the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 4 has, along a cutting direction 72a of the cutting element 18a, a varying offset, relative to an outer face 54a of a cutter carrier element 16a of the cutting strand segment 10a. In this case, the cutting element 18a is disposed on the cutter carrier element 16a, inclined relative to the cutter carrier element 16a, about two axes running at least substantially perpendicularly, relative to the outer face 54a. The two at least substantially perpendicular axes in this case are preferably at least substantially parallel to the outer face 54a of the cutter carrier element 16a and/or to the cutting plane of the cutting element 18a. In respect of further features of the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 4, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 3. For the purpose of forming the cutting strand 12a from FIGS. 1 to 3, a plurality of cutting strand segments 10a from FIG. 4 and a plurality of cutting strand segments 10a from FIG. 3 may be disposed in a sequence considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art.

(24) FIG. 5 shows a cutting strand segment 10b as an alternative realization of the cutting strand segment 10a from FIG. 3. The cutting strand segment 10b comprises at least one cutter carrier element 16b, at least one cutting element 18b disposed on the cutter carrier element 16b, and at least one cut-depth limiting element 20b disposed on the cutter carrier element 16b, for limiting a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element 18b. The cutting element 18b is realized as a scratcher tooth. In this case, the cutting element 18b is at least substantially parallel to an outer face 54b of the cutter carrier element 16b. The cutting strand segment 10b additionally comprises at least one connecting element 46b, disposed on the cutter carrier element 16b. The connecting element 46b is realized so as to be integral with the cutter carrier element 16b. The connecting element 46b in this case is realized as an elongate extension of the cutter carrier element 16b. The elongate extension is realized in the shape of a hook. The elongate extension in this case is realized so as to be other than a rod-shaped extension, on which there is a formed-on circular form-fitting element, and/or other than a semicircular extension.

(25) Furthermore, the connecting element 46b, realized as an elongate extension, has a transverse securing region 76b on one side. The transverse securing region 76b is provided, by acting in combination with at least one transverse securing element of a further cutter carrier element (not represented in greater detail here) connected to the cutter carrier element 16b, to prevent, at least to a very large extent, a transverse movement of the cutter carrier element 16b along at least two opposing directions, when in a coupled state, relative to the further cutter carrier element. In this case, the transverse securing region 76b is realized as a rib. It is also conceivable, however, for the transverse securing region 76b to be of another design, considered appropriate by persons skilled in the art, such as, for example, designed as a groove, etc. The transverse securing region 76b is disposed on a side of the connecting element 46b that faces toward the cutting element 18b that is realized so as to be integral with the cutter carrier element 16b. Moreover, the transverse securing region 76b, or the connecting element 46b, as viewed along a cutting direction 72b of the cutting element 18b, is disposed on a side of the cutter carrier element 16b that faces away from the cut-depth limiting element 20b.

(26) The cutting-strand segment 10b additionally has two transverse securing elements 22b, 24b, disposed on the cutter carrier element 16b, which are provided to act in combination with a transverse securing region of the further cutter carrier element, when the cutter carrier element 16b has been coupled to the further cutter carrier element. The transverse securing elements 22b, 24b are each disposed in an edge region of the cutter carrier element 16b that delimits a connecting recess 50b of the cutter carrier element 16b. The transverse securing elements 22b, 24b in this case are realized so as to be integral with the cutter carrier element 16b. The transverse securing elements 22b, 24b are each integrally formed on to the cutter carrier element 16b, by means of a stamping process.

(27) FIG. 6 shows a cutting strand segment 10b as an alternative realization of the cutting strand segment 10b from FIG. 5. The cutting strand segment 10b is of a design that is at least substantially similar to that of the cutting strand segment 10b from FIG. 3. The difference between the cutting strand segment 10b from FIG. 3 and the cutting strand segment 10b consists in a design of the cutting element 18b of the cutting strand segment 10b from FIG. 5 and that of the cutting element 18b of the cutting strand segment 10b from FIG. 6. The cutting element 18b of the cutting strand segment 10b from FIG. 6 has, along a cutting direction 72b of the cutting element 18b, a varying offset, relative to an outer face 54b of a cutter carrier element 16b of the cutting strand segment 10b. The cutting element 18b in this case is disposed on the cutter carrier element 16b, inclined relative to the cutter carrier element 16b, about two axes running at least substantially perpendicularly, relative to the outer face 54b. The two at least substantially perpendicular axes in this case are preferably at least substantially parallel to the outer face 54b of the cutter carrier element 16b and/or to the cutting plane of the cutting element 18b. In respect of further features of the cutting strand segment 10b from FIG. 4, reference may be made to the description of FIG. 5.

(28) FIG. 7 shows an alternative cutting strand 12c. The cutting strand 12 comprises a multiplicity of cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c, which each comprise at least one cutter carrier element 16c, at least one cutting element 18d disposed on the cutter carrier element 16c, and at least one cut-depth limiting element 20c, disposed on the cutter carrier element 16c, for limiting a maximum depth of cut of the cutting element 18c. The cutting strand 12c in this case has two types of cutting strand segment 10c, 48c, 52c. On the one hand, the cutting strand 12c has driving-member cutting strand segments and, on the other hand, has cutting-member cutting strand segments, which are disposed alternately in succession along a cutting direction 72c of the cutting elements 18c. For the purpose of connecting the cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c, the cutting strand 12c comprises connecting elements 46c, realized separately from the cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c. The connecting elements 46c are realized as connecting studs or connecting rivets. In this case, for the purpose of connecting the cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c, the connecting elements 46c are pushed into connecting recesses 50c of the cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c, and secured against falling out of the connecting recesses 50c by means of forming and/or welding a retaining region of the connecting elements 46c. In this case, all cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c have a respective cut-depth limiting element 20c. It is also conceivable, however, for only cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c to have cut-depth limiting elements 20c, which are realized as cutting members or as driving members. Further combinations of an arrangement of cut-depth limiting elements 20c on the cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c are likewise conceivable. In respect of further features of the cutting strand segments 10c, 48c, 52c, reference may be made to the description of FIGS. 1 to 3.