DISTRIBUTOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a feeder for feeding sawn timber parts from a storage conveyor to a carrier conveyor according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] It is known that in wood processing, sawn timber components are transferred from an untimed conveying system to a timed conveying system. For this purpose, the untimed sawn timber components are typically accumulated and picked up individually by the feeder. Usually, the feeder transfers the individual sawn timber components to a carrier conveyor, with one sawn timber component being transferred to each carrier.

[0003] From WO 2020 / 014790 A1, which discloses the features of the preamble of claim 1, a feeder for dispensing sawn timber parts is known, which can be arranged between a storage conveyor and a carrier conveyor. The feeder has first and second clamping elements for clamping sawn timber parts, each of which can be controlled by actuators. Furthermore, one embodiment of the feeder shows a reset device for the first clamping elements comprising a guide track. From US 5,931,287 A and US 2015 / 0353296 A1, further feeders are known, wherein in both feeders the first clamping element is not controllable independently of the second clamping element.

[0004] US patent 4,515,196 A describes a sawmill with a support mechanism for logs.

[0005] A disadvantage of currently known feeders is that if sawn timber is fed unintentionally, the timber pieces must be pushed back against the feeder's direction of travel, causing instability in the accumulated boards. Furthermore, current feeders are designed for a specific size of sawn timber pieces, and feeding pieces with a different size is either restricted or impossible without modifying the feeder. Another disadvantage of current feeders is that they often cannot accelerate the sawn timber pieces sufficiently to transfer them directly to a feeder conveyor.This often necessitates the additional use of an acceleration conveyor, which is positioned between the feeder and the drive conveyor to accelerate the sawn timber parts to the speed of the drive conveyor.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a feeder of the type mentioned above, with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided, with which a controlled feeding of sawn timber parts of different thicknesses can be achieved and an unrest in the sawn timber parts can be avoided if feeding is not carried out.

[0007] According to the invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] This offers the advantage that when a piece of lumber is clamped in the accumulation position, the clamping process can be individually adjusted to the thickness of the lumber. This also reduces surface damage to the lumber, allowing lumber of varying thicknesses and widths to be transferred gently and controllably from a non-timed to a timed conveying system without any modifications to the feeder. By controlling the first clamping element independently of the second, any disruption of the accumulated lumber is prevented, as the control device allows for quick and easy adjustments to ensure the lumber remains in its current position.This allows sawn timber pieces to remain in the accumulation position if no portion is being fed into the system, eliminating the need to push them back against the conveying direction. Furthermore, the independent control of the first and second clamping elements by the control device allows for quick and easy adjustment of the clamping motion, which is performed to clamp the sawn timber piece between the first and second clamping elements, to accommodate different dimensions of sawn timber pieces. This ensures that the sawn timber is contacted by both clamping elements as simultaneously as possible, preventing instability during clamping and thus also preventing disturbances to other sawn timber pieces in the accumulation position. This results in an efficient and low-maintenance feeder that can reliably transfer sawn timber pieces from a non-timed to a timed conveying system, even at high cycle rates.

[0009] The invention further relates to a method according to claim 12.

[0010] The invention therefore further aims to provide a method of the type mentioned at the outset, with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided, with which a controlled allocation of sawn timber parts of different thicknesses can be achieved and an unrest in the sawn timber parts can be avoided if allocation is not carried out.

[0011] According to the invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 12.

[0012] The advantages of the method correspond to the advantages of the aforementioned allocator.

[0013] The dependent claims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0014] Reference is hereby expressly made to the wording of the patent claims, whereby the patent claims are incorporated into the description at this point by reference and are deemed to be reproduced verbatim.

[0015] The invention is described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which only preferred embodiments are shown by way of example. These show: Fig. 1 shows at least parts of a preferred embodiment of a distributor in a first position, Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 shown parts of the preferred embodiment of the distributor in a second position, Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 1 shown parts of the preferred embodiment of the distributor in a third position, Fig. 4 shows the in Fig. 1 shown parts of the preferred embodiment of the distributor in a fourth position, Fig. 5 shows the in Fig. 1 shown parts of the preferred embodiment of the distributor in a fifth position, Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of a dispensing system, Fig. 7 shows the in Fig. 6 Section shown according to AA of the preferred embodiment of the allocation system.

[0016] The Fig. 1 bis 7 Figure 1 shows at least parts of a preferred embodiment of a feeder 1 for feeding sawn timber parts 2 from a storage conveyor 3 to a carrier conveyor 4, wherein the feeder 1 comprises at least one wheel 5 with a pivot axis 6 and at least one control device, wherein at least one first clamping element 7 and at least one second clamping element 8 are attached to the wheel 5, wherein the feeder 1 is designed to clamp a sawn timber part 2 in a conveying area 9 between the first and the second clamping element 7, 8 when the wheel 5 is rotated and to transport it in a clamped state along the conveying area 9, wherein the control device is designed to control the first clamping element 7 independently of the second clamping element 8.

[0017] Furthermore, a metering system 15 comprising a storage conveyor 3 and a carrier conveyor 4 is provided, wherein the metering device 1 is arranged between the storage conveyor 3 and the carrier conveyor 4 in order to transport a sawn timber part 2 from the storage conveyor 3 to the carrier conveyor 4.

[0018] Furthermore, a method for distributing sawn timber parts 2 from a storage conveyor 3 to a conveying conveyor 4 with a distributor 1 is provided, wherein the distributor 1 comprises at least one wheel 5 with a pivot axis 6 and at least one control device, wherein at least one first clamping element 7 and at least one second clamping element 8 are attached to the wheel 5, wherein when the wheel 5 rotates, a sawn timber part 2 is clamped in a gripping area of ​​a conveying area 9 between the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8 and is transported in a clamped state along the conveying area 9, wherein the first clamping element 7 is controlled independently of the second clamping element 8 by the control device.

[0019] This offers the advantage that, when a sawn timber part 2 is clamped in the accumulation position, the clamping process can be individually adjusted to the thickness of the sawn timber part 2. This also reduces surface damage to the sawn timber parts 2, allowing sawn timber parts 2 of varying thicknesses and widths to be transferred from an untimed to a timed conveying process in a controlled and gentle manner without any modifications to the feeder 1. By controlling the first clamping element 7 independently of the second clamping element 8, any disruption of the accumulated sawn timber parts 2 can be avoided, as the control device allows for quick and easy control of the sawn timber parts 2 remaining in the accumulation position.This allows the sawn timber pieces 2 to remain in the jam position if no portion is being allocated and does not need to be pushed back against the conveying direction. Furthermore, the independent control of the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 by the control device allows the clamping movement, which is performed to clamp the sawn timber piece 2 between the first and second clamping elements 7, 8, to be quickly and easily adapted to different dimensions of sawn timber pieces 2. This ensures that the sawn timber piece 2 is contacted by both clamping elements 7, 8 as simultaneously as possible, thus preventing instability during the clamping process and consequently also of other sawn timber pieces 2 in the jam position.This allows for the creation of an efficient and low-maintenance feeder 1 with which, even at a high cycle rate, sawn timber parts 2 can be transferred in a controlled manner from an untimed conveying system to a timed conveying system.

[0020] Preferably, the conveying area 9 extends from the accumulation conveyor 3 to the drive conveyor 4. Preferably, the conveying area 9 is the spatial area that is crossed by the sawn timber parts 2 during transport or conveying. Fig. 7 is the in Fig. 6 The section shown in AA of a preferred embodiment of the metering system 15 is shown, wherein the arrangement of the accumulation conveyor 3, the metering unit 1 and the carrier conveyor 4 on the metering system 15 is preferably shown and the conveying area 9 is visible.

[0021] Preferably, the conveying directions of the accumulation conveyor 3, the feeder 1, and the carrier conveyor 4 are the same. Preferably, the conveying direction is the direction in which the sawn timber parts 2 are conveyed or fed.

[0022] Preferably, the feeder 1 picks up the sawn timber part 2 in the picking area of ​​the conveying area 9. The picking area is, in particular, the area in which the sawn timber part 2 is clamped by the feeder 1. Preferably, at least one sawn timber part 2 is accumulated in the picking area of ​​the accumulation conveyor 3.

[0023] Preferably, a picking area is arranged at a first end of the conveying area 9, and a settling area of ​​the conveying area 9 is arranged at a second end opposite the first end. Preferably, the settling area is the area at which the feeder 1 releases the clamped sawn timber part 2.

[0024] Preferably, the sawn timber parts 2 are accumulated by the accumulation conveyor 3. The sawn timber parts 2 are preferably in an accumulation position on the accumulation conveyor 3. Preferably, in this accumulation position, the sawn timber parts 2 are arranged side by side along their longitudinal sides.

[0025] Preferably, the accumulation conveyor 3 can be designed as a conveyor belt and / or as a roller conveyor. Preferably, the sawn timber parts 2 are transported up to a stop, which is arranged in the conveying area 9, in particular in the picking area.

[0026] Preferably, the conveyor 4 can comprise a plurality of carriers 16. Preferably, the feeder 1 feeds one sawn timber part 2 to each carrier 16.

[0027] Preferably, the accumulation conveyor 3 and / or the carrier conveyor 4 and / or the feeder 1 may be designed as a transverse conveyor. A transverse conveyor is, in particular, a conveyor that transports a sawn timber part 2 transversely to its longitudinal extent.

[0028] Preferably, the allocation system 15 may only include the accumulation conveyor 3, the allocation unit 1 and the carrier conveyor 4.

[0029] Preferably, the metering system 15 includes an acceleration conveyor arranged between the meter 1 and the drive conveyor 4. Preferably, the acceleration conveyor can accelerate the sawn timber parts 2 to a predefinable speed.

[0030] It is provided that the feeder 1 comprises at least one wheel 5 with a pivot axis 6. Preferably, the wheel 5 can be designed as a disc, in particular with recesses.

[0031] The distributor 1 is designed to include a first clamping element 7 and a second clamping element 8. The first and second clamping elements 7, 8 are attached to at least one wheel 5.

[0032] Preferably, the first clamping element 7 and / or the second clamping element 8 can be pivotably attached to the wheel 5.

[0033] Preferably, the distributor 1 can comprise two wheels 5 with a common axis of rotation 6. Fig. 6 The preferred embodiment of the metering system 15 with two identically designed wheels 5 is shown as an example. Furthermore, in Fig. 7 the in Fig. 6 The section shown is shown according to AA, with the section shown in Fig. 6 The wheels 5 shown have the same axis of rotation 6. Preferably, the two wheels 5 and the clamping elements 7, 8 attached to the wheels 5 can be of the same design. This has the advantage that the two wheels 5 can be operated essentially synchronously, which allows the sawn timber part 2 to be transferred to a cycle-controlled conveying system in a particularly controlled manner.

[0034] The feeder 1 is designed to clamp a sawn timber part 2 between the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8 and to hold it securely with the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8. Preferably, the clamping of the sawn timber part 2 is caused by the interaction of the first and the second clamping element 7, 8.

[0035] Preferably, the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8 together form a clamping unit. Preferably, the clamping unit is designed to clamp a single piece of sawn timber 2, in particular between the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8.

[0036] Preferably, the sawn timber part 2 has a width, a thickness, and a length, wherein the length is greater than the width and the thickness. Preferably, the sawn timber part 2 can be a wood product manufactured by sawing round timber parallel to the log axis. Preferably, the sawn timber part 2 can have a thickness of at least 6 mm.

[0037] The feeder 1 is designed to transport the sawn timber part 2 in its clamped state along the conveying area 9. Preferably, the sawn timber part 2 is transported to the settling area. Preferably, the feeder 1 releases the sawn timber part 2 from its clamped state in the settling area.

[0038] It is provided that the distributor 1 includes at least one control device. The control device is designed to control the first clamping element 7 independently of the second clamping element 8. In the Fig. 6 and 7 The metering system 15 with two wheels 5 is shown as an example, wherein the wheels 5 and the parts interacting with the wheels 5 are of the same design. It is preferably provided that a separate control device is used for the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 attached to each wheel 5. The in Fig. 6 The allocation system 15 shown as an example therefore comprises two control devices.

[0039] Preferably, the control device comprises a first guide 10 with a first guide track 11, and the first clamping element 7 for clamping the sawn timber part 2 in the conveying area 9 is guided in a first rotational area of ​​the wheel 5 on the first guide track 11. This offers the advantage that the control of the first guide 10 allows for simple and quick regulation of whether or not sawn timber parts 2 are to be fed into the conveyor. This allows sawn timber parts 2 to remain in the accumulation position without having to be pushed back against the conveying direction of the accumulation conveyor 3.

[0040] In the Fig 1 bis 5 At least parts of the preferred embodiment of the distributor 1 are shown in different positions, with the first guide 10 and the first guide track 11 being visible. Furthermore, by comparing the Fig. 1 bis 5 It can be seen how the first clamping element 7 is guided to clamp the sawn timber part 2 in the conveying area 9 in the first turning area of ​​the wheel 5 on the first guide track 11.

[0041] Preferably, the rotation range is an angle of rotation of the wheel 5. The rotation range or the angle of rotation is preferably smaller than a full revolution of the wheel 5, in particular smaller than 360 degrees.

[0042] Preferably, the first rotation range is the rotation angle of the wheel 5 in which the first clamping element 7 is guided on the first guide track 11.

[0043] Preferably, the first rotation range of the wheel 5 is a maximum of 140 degrees, more preferably a maximum of 120 degrees, and particularly a maximum of 100 degrees.

[0044] Preferably, the first rotation range of the wheel 5 is at least 40 degrees, more preferably at least 60 degrees, and more preferably at least 80 degrees.

[0045] Preferably, the first clamping element 7 can comprise a first roller 17, which first roller 17 is guided on the first guide 10, in particular on the first guide track 11. In the Fig. 1 An exemplary first configuration of the preferred embodiment of the feeder 1 is shown. It can be seen that the first roller 17 is in contact with and guided at the beginning of the first guide track 11. Fig. 2 An exemplary second position of the preferred embodiment of the feeder 1 is shown, wherein guiding the first roller 17 on the first guide track 11 results in the first clamping element 7 coming into contact with the sawn timber part 2. Fig. 4 An exemplary fourth position of the preferred embodiment of the feeder 1 is shown, wherein the first roller 17 has reached an end of the first guide track 11 and the sawn timber part 2 is released from the clamped state. Fig. 5 An example of a fifth position of the preferred embodiment of the distributor 1 is shown, wherein the first roller 17 is no longer guided on the first guide track 11 and the first rotation area has been left.

[0046] Preferably, the first rotation range is the rotation angle of the wheel 5 in which the first roller 17 is guided on the first guide track 11.

[0047] According to the invention, the control device comprises a second guide 12 with a second guide track 13, and the second clamping element 8 is guided on the second guide track 13 in a second rotation area of ​​the wheel 5 for clamping the sawn timber part 2 in the conveying area 9. This offers the advantage of rapid adjustment of the clamping of the sawn timber parts 2 between the first and second clamping elements 7, 8. This allows for the simultaneous clamping movement of the first and second clamping elements 7, 8, resulting in a particularly controlled transfer of the sawn timber parts 2 into a cycle-controlled conveying system.

[0048] Preferably, the second rotation range is the rotation angle of the wheel 5 in which the second clamping element 8 is guided on the second guide track 13.

[0049] Preferably, the second rotation range of the wheel 5 is a maximum of 120 degrees, more preferably a maximum of 100 degrees, and particularly preferably a maximum of 80 degrees.

[0050] Preferably, the second rotation range of the wheel 5 is at least 40 degrees, more preferably at least 60 degrees, and more preferably at least 80 degrees.

[0051] Preferably, the second clamping element 8 can comprise a second roller 18, which second roller 18 is guided on the second guide 12, in particular on the second guide track 13. In the Fig. 1 The first position of the preferred embodiment of the feeder 1 is shown as an example, wherein the second roller 18 is in contact with and guided by a beginning of the second guide track 13. Fig. 2 An exemplary second position of the preferred embodiment of the feeder 1 is shown, wherein the guiding of the second roller 18 on the second guide track 13 results in the second clamping element 8 coming into contact with the sawn timber part 2 and the sawn timber part 2 being clamped between the first and the second clamping elements 7, 8. Fig. 3 An example of a third position of the preferred embodiment of the distributor 1 is shown, wherein the second roller 18 has reached an end of the second guide track 13. Fig. 5 The fifth position of the preferred embodiment of the distributor 1 is shown as an example, wherein the second roller 18 is no longer guided on the second guide track 13 and the second rotation area has been left.

[0052] The preferred second rotation range is the rotation angle of the wheel 5 in which the second roller 18 is guided on the second guide track 13.

[0053] Preferably, the clamping force for clamping the sawn timber part 2 for the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 can be generated by guiding the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 on the first and second guide tracks 11, 13.

[0054] According to the invention, the control device comprises a control unit for controlling the first and second guides 10, 12, in particular for controlling the orientation and position of the first and second guide tracks 11, 13. Preferably, the control unit can also be referred to as a controller.

[0055] Preferably, the first and / or the second guide 10, 12 of the control device may be pneumatically controlled.

[0056] Preferably, the control device can include a motor for controlling the first and / or the second guide 10, 13. Preferably, the control unit can control the motor of the control device.

[0057] Preferably, the feeder 1 can include pneumatic cylinders attached to the wheel 5 for resetting the first and / or the second clamping element 7, 8. It is preferably provided that the pneumatic cylinders are extended by clamping the sawn timber part 2 and retracted by pressurization. This retraction can be referred to as resetting the first and / or the second clamping element 7, 8.

[0058] Alternatively, the first and / or second clamping element 7, 8 can be reset using springs instead of pneumatic cylinders.

[0059] Preferably, the control device can be configured to actuate the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8 in such a way that the time difference between the point of contact of the first clamping element 7 with the sawn timber part 2 and the point of contact of the second clamping element 8 with the sawn timber part 2 is as small as possible. Preferably, the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8 can contact the sawn timber part 2 essentially simultaneously. This allows for a particularly smooth and controlled clamping of the sawn timber part 2 between the first and the second clamping elements 7, 8.

[0060] Preferably, the time difference between the time of contact of the first clamping element 7 with the sawn timber part 2 and the time of contact of the second clamping element 8 with the sawn timber part 2 can be less than 500 milliseconds, particularly preferably less than 100 milliseconds, and especially less than 10 milliseconds.

[0061] Preferably, the first clamping element 7 may comprise a substantially flat clamping surface 14 for clamping the sawn timber part 2. Fig. 3 The third position of the preferred embodiment of the divider 1 is shown by way of example, with the sawn timber part 2 clamped between the clamping surface 14 of the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8 being shown as an example. This results in the advantage that a particularly controlled engagement of the sawn timber part 2 by the first clamping element 7 can be achieved, because a particularly good clamping of the sawn timber part 2 between the first and the second clamping elements 7, 8 can be achieved.

[0062] Preferably, the first clamping element 7 and / or the second clamping element 8 may be designed as an arm, and a pivoting movement of the arm may be specified by the control device. This offers the advantage of a particularly simple and low-maintenance design for the clamping elements 7 and 8.

[0063] Preferably, the arm of the first and / or the second clamping element 7, 8 can extend away from the attachment of the first and / or the second clamping element 7, 8 to the wheel 5.

[0064] Preferably, the first guide 10, in particular the first guide track 11, and / or the second guide 12, in particular the second guide track 13, can define the pivoting movement of the arm of the first clamping element 7 and / or the second clamping element 8.

[0065] Preferably, the second clamping element 8, in particular the arm of the second clamping element 8, may be designed in a hook shape. Such a hook-shaped design of the second clamping element 8 is exemplified in the Fig. 1 bis 7 shown. This offers the advantage that differently dimensioned sawn timbers can be clamped between the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 without any modifications to the divider 1.

[0066] Preferably, the first roller 17 can be attached to the first clamping element 7 between the clamping surface 14 and the attachment of the first clamping element 7 to the wheel 5.

[0067] Preferably, the second clamping element 8 can comprise a projection to which the second roller 18 is attached. Preferably, the projection can extend away from the point where the second clamping element 8 is attached to the wheel 5.

[0068] Preferably, the extension and the arm of the second clamping element 8 can extend in different directions away from the attachment of the second clamping element 8 to the wheel 5.

[0069] Preferably, several first clamping elements 7 and several second clamping elements 8 are attached to the wheel 5, and the first clamping elements 7 are guided on the first guide track 11 in the first rotation range of the wheel 5, and the second clamping elements 8 are guided on the second guide track 13 in the second rotation range of the wheel 5. This offers the advantage of achieving the highest possible cycle rate for the controlled transfer of sawn timber parts 2 from an untimed conveyor to a timed conveyor.

[0070] If the distributor 1 comprises more than one wheel 5, it may preferably be provided that several first clamping elements 7 and several second clamping elements 8 are attached to each wheel 5.

[0071] Preferably, at least one carrier 16 of the carrier conveyor 4 moves at a carrier speed in a settling area of ​​the conveying area 9, and the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8 release the sawn timber part 2 from its clamped state into the settling area. This offers the advantage of direct transfer of the sawn timber parts 2 to the carrier conveyor 4, resulting in a significantly faster and more controlled transfer of the sawn timber parts 2 to the carrier conveyor 4, even with highly deformed boards. This significantly reduces the number of misalignments after transfer to the carrier conveyor 4, i.e., the movement of a sawn timber 2 that undergoes rotation in addition to translation during conveying.This allows for the smoothest possible operation, even with varying qualities of sawn timber 2 during allocation.

[0072] Preferably, the accumulation conveyor 3 includes a movable accumulation conveyor retaining device in a picking area of ​​the conveying area 9. This has the advantage that the sawn timber parts 2 can rest in a predetermined position, allowing the sawn timber parts 2 to be quickly and easily clamped between the first and second clamping elements 7, 8.

[0073] Preferably, the jam retention device can be designed as a hook or as a stepped elevation. Preferably, the jam retention device is the stop in the conveying area 9 up to which the jam conveyor 3 transports the sawn timber parts 2. Fig. 1 The sawn timber part 2 is shown as an example, piled up on a stepped elevation.

[0074] Preferably, the accumulation conveyor retention device can form a predefinable, removable stop for the accumulation conveyor 3.

[0075] Preferably, the sawn timber section 2 is transported by the accumulation conveyor 3 until it reaches the accumulation holding device. Then, this sawn timber section 2 is preferably clamped by the feeder 1, and the accumulation holding device is moved out of its holding position, releasing the clamped sawn timber section 2, which is then transported away by the feeder 1. Afterwards, the accumulation holding device is moved back into its holding position to hold subsequent sawn timber sections 2 from the accumulation conveyor 3.

[0076] Alternatively, the accumulation conveyor 3 may preferably have a fixed stop, wherein the feeder 1 lifts the sawn timber part 2 over the fixed stop.

[0077] Preferably, the accumulation conveyor 3 includes a sensor operatively connected to the feeder 1 for measuring the thickness of the sawn timber part 2, and the control device takes the measured thickness of the sawn timber part 2 into account when controlling the first and second clamping elements 7, 8. This offers the advantage that the clamping between the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 can be adapted particularly easily and quickly to sawn timbers 2 of different thicknesses.

[0078] Preferably, the sensor can be part of a sensor system. Preferably, the sensor system can comprise a light barrier system. Preferably, the sensor system can be connected to the control device, wherein the control device can be configured to execute a clamping movement of the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 only when a sawn timber part 2 is detected in the detection range by the sensor system.

[0079] Preferably, a carrier 16 of the conveyor 4 moves within a settling area of ​​the conveying area 9 at a carrier speed such that the sawn timber part 2, in its clamped state, is accelerated to essentially the carrier speed, and that the sawn timber part 2 is released from its clamped state into the settling area by the first clamping element 7 and the second clamping element 8. This offers the advantage of direct transfer of the sawn timber parts 2 to the conveyor 4, resulting in a significantly faster and more controlled transfer of sawn timber parts 2 to the conveyor 4, even with highly deformed boards. This significantly reduces the number of misalignments. Consequently, trouble-free operation can be achieved, even with varying qualities of sawn timber 2 during feeding.

[0080] Preferably, the control device can take into account the thickness of the sawn timber part 2 when controlling the first and second clamping elements 7, 8. This has the advantage that the sawn timber parts 2 can be clamped between the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 in a particularly controlled manner.

[0081] Preferably, the thickness of the sawn timber part 2 can be measured before it is fed to the accumulation conveyor 3. Preferably, the measured thickness of the sawn timber part 2 can be preset to the control device. Advantageously, when feeding sawn timber parts 2 of the same thickness, the thickness of only one sawn timber part 2 needs to be measured, with the feeder 1 being set to the measured thickness of the sawn timber part 2. This allows, for example, a first batch of sawn timber parts 2 of a specific thickness to be fed to the accumulation conveyor 3, with the control device being preset to this thickness or input into the control unit, and the control device taking this thickness into account when clamping the sawn timber parts 2 of the first batch.Subsequently, a second batch of sawn timber parts 2 with a second thickness can be fed to the accumulation conveyor 3, whereby the second thickness is specified to the accumulation conveyor 3 or fed into the control unit and the control device takes the second thickness into account when clamping the sawn timber parts of the second batch.

[0082] Preferably, the thickness of the sawn timber section 2 is measured by a sensor of the accumulation conveyor 3 that is operatively connected to the feeder 1. This offers the advantage that the clamping between the first and second clamping elements 7, 8 can be adapted particularly easily and quickly to sawn timber sections 2 of different thicknesses.

[0083] The following are principles for understanding and interpreting the disclosure in question.

[0084] Characters are usually introduced with an indefinite article "ein, eine, eines, einer". Unless the context indicates otherwise, "ein, eine, eines, einer" should therefore not be understood as a numeral.

[0085] The conjunction "or" is to be interpreted as inclusive, not exclusive. Unless the context indicates otherwise, "A or B" also includes "A and B," where "A" and "B" represent any two characteristics.

[0086] By means of an ordering numeral, for example "first", "second" or "third", a feature X or an object Y is distinguished in several embodiments, unless otherwise defined by the disclosure of the invention. In particular, a feature X or object Y with an ordering numeral in a claim does not mean that an embodiment of the invention falling under that claim must have a further feature X or a further object Y.

[0087] The phrase "essentially" in conjunction with a numerical value includes a tolerance of ± 10% around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise indicated by the context.

[0088] Value ranges include the endpoints unless the context indicates otherwise.

Claims

1. A feeder (1) for feeding sawn wood pieces (2) from an accumulating conveyor (3) to a drag conveyor (4), wherein the feeder (1) comprises at least one wheel (5) with an axis of rotation (6) and at least one control device, wherein a plurality of first clamping elements (7) and a plurality of second clamping elements (8) are fastened to the wheel (5), wherein the feeder (1) is designed to clamp a sawn wood piece (2) in place in a conveying region (9) between the first and the second clamping element (7, 8) when the wheel (5) rotates and to transport it in a clamped state along the conveying region (9), wherein the control device is designed to control the first clamping element (7) independently of the second clamping element (8), wherein the control device comprises a first guide (10) with a first guideway (11) and wherein the first clamping element (7) for clamping the sawn wood piece (2) in place in the conveying region (9) is guided on the first guideway (11) in a first rotation range of the wheel (5), characterized in that the control device comprises a second guide (12) with a second guideway (13) and that the second clamping element (8) for clamping the sawn wood piece (2) in place in the conveying region (9) is guided on the second guideway (13) in a second rotation range of the wheel (5), that the control device comprises a control unit for controlling the orientation and the position of the first and the second guideways (11, 13), and that the first clamping elements (7) are each guided on the first guideway (11) in the first rotation range of the wheel (5) and the second clamping elements (8) are each guided on the second guideway (13) in the second rotation range of the wheel (5).

2. The feeder (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first rotation range of the wheel (5) is a maximum of 140 degrees, especially preferably a maximum of 120 degrees, in particular a maximum of 100 degrees.

3. The feeder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second rotation range of the wheel (5) is a maximum of 120 degrees, especially preferably a maximum of 100 degrees, in particular a maximum of 80 degrees.

4. The feeder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first clamping element (7) comprises a first roller (17), which first roller (17) is guided on the first guideway (11).

5. The feeder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second clamping element (8) comprises a second roller (18), which second roller (18) is guided on the second guideway (13).

6. The feeder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first clamping element (7) comprises a substantially flat clamping surface (14) for clamping the sawn wood piece (2).

7. The feeder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first clamping element (7) and / or the second clamping element (8) is embodied as an arm and that a pivoting movement of the arm is predetermined by the control device.

8. A feeding system (15) comprising an accumulating conveyor (3) and a drag conveyor (4), characterized in that a feeder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is arranged between the accumulating conveyor (3) and the drag conveyor (4) in order to transport a sawn wood piece (2) from the accumulating conveyor (3) to the drag conveyor (4).

9. The feeding system (15) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one flight (16) of the drag conveyor (4) moves in a delivery region of the conveying region (9) at a flight speed and that the first clamping element (7) and the second clamping element (8) release the sawn wood piece (2) from the clamped state into the delivery region.

10. The feeding system (15) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the accumulating conveyor (3) comprises a movable accumulating conveyor retaining device in a pick-up region of the conveying region (9).

11. The feeding system (15) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the accumulating conveyor (3) comprises a sensor that is operatively connected to the feeder (1) for measuring the thickness of the sawn wood piece (2) and that the control device takes the measured thickness of the sawn wood piece (2) into account when controlling the first and second clamping elements (7, 8).

12. A method for feeding sawn wood pieces (2) from an accumulating conveyor (3) to a drag conveyor (4) with a feeder (1), wherein the feeder (1) comprises at least one wheel (5) with an axis of rotation (6) and at least one control device, wherein a plurality of first clamping elements (7) and a plurality of second clamping elements (8) are fastened to the wheel (5), wherein, when the wheel (5) rotates, a sawn wood piece (2) is clamped in a pick-up region of a conveying region (9) between the first clamping element (7) and the second clamping element (8) and is transported in a clamped state along the conveying region (9), wherein the first clamping element (7) is controlled independently of the second clamping element (8) by the control device, wherein the control device comprises a first guide (10) with a first guideway (11) and wherein the first clamping element (7) for clamping the sawn wood piece (2) in the conveying region (9) in a first rotation range of the wheel (5) is guided on the first guideway (11), characterized in that the control device comprises a second guide (12) with a second guideway (13) and that the second clamping element (8) for clamping the sawn wood piece (2) in the conveying region (9) is guided on the second guideway (13) in a second rotation range of the wheel (5), that the orientation and position of the first and second guideways (11, 13) are controlled by means of a control unit of the control device, and that the first clamping elements (7) are each guided on the first guideway (11) in the first rotation range of the wheel (5) and the second clamping elements (8) are each guided on the second guideway (13) in the second rotation range of the wheel (5).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that a flight (16) of the drag conveyor (4) moves in a delivery region of the conveying region (9) at a flight speed, that the sawn wood piece (2) in the clamped state is accelerated substantially to the flight speed, and that the sawn wood piece (2) is released by the first clamping element (7) and the second clamping element (8) from the clamped state into the delivery region.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the control device takes into account a thickness of the sawn wood piece (2) when controlling the first and the second clamping element (7, 8).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the thickness of the sawn wood piece (2) is measured by a sensor of the accumulating conveyor (3) that is operatively connected to the feeder (1).