Built-in extraction unit for a cutting or splitting machine

Abstract

Cutting or splitting machine with a built-in suction unit, characterized in that the suction unit is driven by a connection to a drive of the machine, wherein the fan of the suction unit is directly or indirectly connected to the drive of the machine or is connected to a power take-off shaft arranged to drive the machine.

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of machine tools, more precisely to the field of sawdust discharge and extraction in sawing and log-splitting machines. The invention relates to a built-in extraction unit for a sawing or log-splitting machine, as well as machines incorporating this extraction unit. Background of the invention and technical problem

[0002] Wood is frequently used for heating, but it must be of the appropriate shape and size for its intended use. In log processing, logs are cut into split pieces that are sized and shaped to fit fireplaces, stoves, and hearths, eliminating the need for further cutting or splitting. Various wood processing machines are known that cut and split logs with minimal manual effort. Sawdust is a byproduct of log splitting that can accumulate and / or fly towards the operator of the log splitter. To prevent or minimize this, many machines have special outlets or pipes for sawdust removal, as described in documents US4621668 and US2075282. Alternatively, machines have built-in dust extraction systems that ensure the removal of sawdust and its transport to the outside of the machine, for example, into suitable containers.The extraction units can be external or independent units that can be connected to the machine, or internal units that are built into the machine itself.

[0003] Common dust extraction units are powered by a drive system that is either hydraulic, a separate electric motor, or a hydraulic motor. The disadvantage of the latter is that the machine must always be located near a power source to operate the extraction unit. This is often not the case, especially in the field. As a result, the extraction system fails to function, and the sawdust is not removed but instead flies everywhere, hindering and slowing down work and reducing productivity. Hydraulically driven dust extraction devices have the disadvantage of placing a strain on the machine's hydraulic system, which impairs optimal performance and reduces its lifespan. In such cases, larger pumps, oil reservoirs, valves, and piping are required, which is uneconomical.

[0004] The technical challenge therefore consists of eliminating the disadvantages of known extraction units and optimizing their drive system. State of the art

[0005] Utility model CN205343349 describes a log splitter that has a sawdust removal device in its lower part, arranged so that the sawdust is conveyed away from the user via pipes. A similar solution is described in patent application EP1878526A, according to which a circular saw has a housing with a sawdust outlet to which a collection container is mounted.

[0006] Patent application US4228708A describes a cutting splitter device with a sawdust collection system, comprising a cover around the saw blades and an outlet pipe located near the saw blades. The device is driven by a motor mounted on a bracket with an axle and wheels.

[0007] Patent application GB776039 describes a machine for cutting tree trunks into logs, equipped with cutting blades driven by at least one motor. The machine also includes a sawdust removal device, essentially a continuous conveyor driven by a second motor.

[0008] All the solutions described differ from the present invention in that these extraction units do not have a drive or have their own separate drives. Description of the solution to the technical problem

[0009] The technical problem is solved according to the independent claim, while the preferred embodiments of the solution to the technical problem are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] The core of the invention consists in the fact that the drive of the extraction unit is connected to the drive of the cutting or splitting machine, wherein a fan of the extraction unit is connected directly or indirectly, via at least one gearbox, to an axle of the machine, for example, to a drive pulley attached to a rotatable part of the drive or to a power take-off shaft via which the cutting or splitting machine is driven. The connection of the fan to the axle can be effected via belts, chains, teeth, or similar torque transmissions from the main axle. The fan draws (vacuumes) the sawdust from a collection or feed channel into a collection container, which can be a bag or a suitably shaped container.The design of the extraction unit allows for extraction to take place every time the machine is in operation, meaning that the sawdust is regularly removed and collected in a suitable container.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the extraction unit comprises: - a housing in which a fan is installed, an inlet for connection to a supply duct and an outlet for connection to an exhaust duct, - the fan, which is rigidly connected to an axle of the extraction unit on which a drive pulley, chain or sprocket of the extraction unit is mounted, wherein the drive pulley, chain or sprocket of the extraction unit is attached to the housing of the extraction unit via the axle and a flange, and wherein the fan is arranged such that a negative pressure is generated by rotation and thus sawdust is drawn from the feed channel, preferably a pipe, and the sawdust is conveyed from the unit via the discharge channel, preferably a pipe, into a suitable container, which may be a bag or a similar container for collecting sawdust, - wherein the feed channel has a first end that is installed inside the machine and a second end that is installed at the inlet of the housing of the extraction unit, - the discharge duct is mounted at the outlet of the housing, while its second end is located outside the machine or terminates at the end of the housing, the end of the discharge duct optionally being provided with a bag, container or other element for collecting sawdust, and the end of the discharge duct optionally being provided with a suitable flange or similar element for improved connection with the bag or other suitable sawdust container, and - any mounting plates or similar elements for fastening the housing of the extraction unit in the cutting or splitting machine, wherein the fastening can be carried out in any suitable manner, preferably by screwing.

[0012] The feed duct is preferably routed to the center of the housing's side panel, but it can also be routed to any other part of the housing containing the fan, with the connection being achieved by welding or another suitable method. The opposite end of the feed duct is located inside the machine, where sawdust is generated during operation (cutting / splitting wood). Due to the simultaneous operation of the extraction unit and the machine, the negative pressure generated by the fan draws the sawdust from inside the machine through the feed duct to the fan, where it is then conveyed to the discharge duct, which directs the sawdust to the outside, preferably into a suitable container.

[0013] The connection to the drive is preferably made via at least one gearbox; however, two or more gearboxes are also possible, depending on the machine drive and the position of the extraction unit. The particularly preferred embodiment of the invention connects the machine drive to the drive unit (preferably a pulley) of the extraction unit or fan via a driven belt drive, which then drives the extraction unit. The machine's drive pulley is attached to a rotating part of one of the machine's rotatable axes or the power take-off shaft, which is located on the hydraulic pump or the multiplier to which the hydraulic pump is connected.

[0014] In the case of a power take-off (PTO) shaft, the drive pulley is preferably rigidly connected to the PTO shaft via a mounting bracket and bolts. The drive power for the pulley is supplied by the PTO shaft, which is connected to a tractor or an electric drive. The drive pulley is connected via a V-belt to a smaller pulley located on a tensioning bracket on the machine frame. The bracket ensures proper tensioning of the pulley. Tensioning can be carried out in any suitable manner known to experts. This smaller intermediate pulley is connected via a bearing-mounted connecting shaft to a larger pulley of the extraction unit, and thus to the drive pulley of the extraction unit. These two pulleys are in turn connected to each other via a second V-belt. The drive pulley is connected to the fan as described above.The connecting shaft can be protected with a suitable protective plate, sheet metal, or similar element. If a chain drive is used instead of pulleys and belts, the design is completely analogous, which is understandable to experts.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment, in which the power take-off shaft is not used, the fan drive pulley is connected to the large pulley via the V-belt. The large pulley is attached at one end to the shaft, which is rigidly connected at the other end to one of the rotating shafts of the cutting or splitting machine. Instead of the direct connection to the rotating parts, the connecting shaft can also be connected to the small pulley, which is connected to the drive pulley of the cutting or splitting machine via the second V-belt. The aforementioned connecting shaft is connected to each pulley by a coupling or other machine element for torque transmission. Additionally, the shaft can be protected from damage by guards, plates, or similar devices attached to the housing of the extraction unit.The size of the pulleys depends on the required gear ratio, which in turn depends on the input or output speed of the gearbox. Theoretically, the smaller and larger pulleys could be the same size, but it is optimal if they have different dimensions. The same type of connection can also be used for chains and sprockets.

[0016] The extraction unit is installed in any cutting or log splitter machine, where it is appropriately attached to the frame. The invention enables the extraction or collection of sawdust during cutting into a bag or container, thereby reducing the emission of sawdust towards the user.

[0017] The built-in extraction unit for cutting and splitting machines, as well as the machine with this extraction unit, are explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and illustrations that show the following: Fig. An isometric front view of the extraction unit according to a first embodiment Fig. A top view of the extraction unit according to the first embodiment from inside the machine with the built-in extraction unit Fig. A top view of the extraction unit according to a second embodiment Fig. A top view of the extraction unit according to the second embodiment from inside the machine with the built-in extraction unit. Fig. The extraction unit according to the second embodiment from above

[0018] The in the Fig. The extraction unit shown includes: - a housing 1 in which a fan 2 is installed, an inlet 1a for connection to a supply channel 11 and an outlet 1b for connection to an exhaust channel 12, - the fan 2, which is rigidly connected to an axle 3 on which a drive pulley 4 of the extraction unit is mounted, the drive pulley 4 of the extraction unit being attached to the housing 1 of the extraction unit via the axle 3 and a flange, - wherein the supply channel 11 has a first end that is installed inside the machine and a second end that is installed at the inlet 1a of the housing 1 with the fan 2, - the discharge duct 12 is mounted at the outlet 1b of the housing 1, while its second end is located outside the machine or terminates at the end of the housing, the end of the discharge duct 12 optionally being provided with a bag, container or other element for collecting sawdust, and the end of the discharge duct 12 optionally being provided with a suitable flange or similar element for improved connection with the bag or other suitable sawdust container, and - any mounting plates 7, 8 or similar elements for fastening the housing 1 of the extraction unit to the cutting or splitting machine, wherein the fastening can be carried out in any suitable way, preferably by screwing.

[0019] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the extraction unit according to the first embodiment, wherein the connection to the machine's drive is made by connecting the drive pulley 4 to the large pulley 6 of the extraction unit via a V-belt 5. The connecting shaft 9 is connected at one end to one of the rotatable shafts (axles) of the machine (not shown) by a connecting element, preferably a bushing 10, while the other end is supported by a bearing mounted on a bracket 7. The connecting shaft 9 is connected to the large pulley 6 by a coupling to transmit the torque from the machine's drive via the connecting shaft 9 to the large pulley 6 and consequently to the drive pulley 4 of the extraction unit, which in turn causes the fan 2 to operate and the sawdust to be drawn from the feed duct 11 into the discharge duct 12.The extraction unit has mounting plates 7, 8 which are intended for the installation of the extraction unit in the housing of the cutting or splitting machine by means of screws.

[0020] The Fig.Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the machine is driven by a power take-off (PTO) shaft. The machine's drive pulley 15 is attached to a rotatable part of the PTO shaft. The drive pulley 15 is rigidly connected to the PTO shaft via a mounting bracket and bolts. The drive power for the pulley 15 is supplied by the PTO shaft, which is connected to a tractor or an electric drive. The drive pulley 15 is connected via a V-belt 13 to a smaller intermediate pulley 14, which is mounted on a tensioning bracket that allows for the installation and optional tensioning of belts, as is sometimes necessary. The smaller intermediate pulley 14 is connected via the supported connecting shaft 9 to a larger pulley 6 of the suction unit and consequently to the drive pulley 4 of the suction unit, which is connected by the second V-belt 5.The drive pulley 4 is connected to the fan 2 in the same manner as described above for the first embodiment. The connecting shaft 9 is protected by a suitable protective plate, guard, or similar element 16. Thus, the torque is transmitted from the drive pulley 15 of the machine, the smaller intermediate pulley 14, the connecting shaft 9, and the large pulley 6 to the drive pulley 4 of the extraction unit, which causes the fan 2 to operate and draw the sawdust from the feed duct 11 into the discharge duct 12. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4621668

[0002] US 2075282

[0002] CN 205343349

[0005] EP 1878526A

[0005] US 4228708A

[0006] GB 776039

[0007]

Claims

[1] Cutting or splitting machine with a built-in extraction unit, characterized by that the extraction unit is driven by a connection with a drive of the machine, wherein the fan of the extraction unit is directly or indirectly connected to the drive of the machine or is connected to a power take-off shaft arranged to drive the machine. [2] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection of the fan to the drive of the machine is indirect and is made with a belt, chain, teeth or other torque transmission element. [3] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the extraction unit comprises: - a housing (1) in which a fan (2) is installed, an inlet (1a) for connection to a supply channel (11) and an outlet (1b) for connection to an exhaust channel (12), - the fan (2) which is rigidly connected to an axle (3) on which a drive pulley (4), a sprocket or a gear of the extraction unit is mounted, wherein the pulley (4) of the extraction unit is attached to the housing (1) of the extraction unit via the axle (3) and a flange, wherein the fan (2) is arranged to rotate and thus create a vacuum to enable the suction from the feed channel (11) to the discharge channel (12) outwards into a collection bag or container, - wherein the supply channel (11) has a first end which is installed inside the machine and a second end which is installed at the inlet (1a) of the housing (1) with the fan (2), - the discharge duct (12) is mounted at the outlet (1b) of the housing (1), while its second end is located outside the machine or terminates at the end of the housing, and - any mounting plates (7, 8) or similar elements for fastening the housing of the extraction unit in the cutting or splitting machine, wherein the fastening can be carried out in any suitable manner, preferably by screwing. [4] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to claim 3, wherein the feed channel (11) is led to a side plate of the housing (1) in which the fan (2) is installed, wherein the connection is achieved by welding or another type of connection, so that the feed channel ends inside the machine where sawdust is produced during wood cutting. [5] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting shaft (9) is protected by a suitable protective plate, a protective shield or a similar element. [6] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at one end of the discharge channel (12) the bag, container or other element for collecting sawdust is attached, wherein the end of the discharge channel (12) is optionally provided with a flange or similar element for improved connection with the bag or container. [7] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive of the machine is via a power take-off shaft and a belt drive is used to connect the machine drive to the drive of the extraction unit or the fan, wherein: - a drive pulley (15) of the machine is attached to the power take-off shaft, preferably the drive pulley (15) is rigidly connected to the power take-off shaft via a mount and engaging screws, and the power of the pulley (15) is taken over by the power take-off shaft connected to a tractor or an electric drive, - the drive pulley (15) is connected to a smaller intermediate pulley (14) via a V-belt (13), which is mounted on a tensioning bracket, - the smaller intermediate pulley (14) is connected via the supported connecting shaft (9) to the large pulley (6) of the extraction unit and consequently to the drive pulley (4) of the extraction unit, which in turn are connected via a second V-belt (5), and the drive pulley (4) of the extraction unit is connected to the fan (2) to transmit the torque from the pulley (15) of the machine to the large pulley (6) and the drive pulley (4) of the extraction unit, which enables the operation of the fan (2) and the extraction of sawdust from the feed duct (11) into the discharge duct (12). [8] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drive of the machine is connected to the drive of the extraction unit or the fan, wherein a belt drive is used to drive the extraction unit, wherein: - the drive pulley (4) of the extraction unit is connected to the large pulley (6) by a V-belt (5), the large pulley (6) is connected to the connecting shaft (9) by a coupling, the other end of the shaft (9) being connected to one of the axes of rotation of the machine by a connecting element, preferably a bushing (10), so that a torque is transmitted to the large pulley (6) and the drive pulley (4) of the extraction unit, which enables the operation of the fan (2) and the extraction of sawdust from the feed duct (11) into the discharge duct (12), - the connecting shaft (9) is connected to the large pulley (6) via a coupling, the shaft (9) being additionally protected by a protective plate attached to the housing of the extraction unit. [9] Cutting or splitting machine with built-in extraction unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a belt drive is used to connect the machine drive to the drive of the extraction unit or the fan, wherein: - the drive pulley of the machine is attached to a rotating part of one of the rotating axes of the machine, - the fan's drive pulley is connected to the large pulley via a V-belt, the large pulley being mounted at one end of the shaft, which is fitted at the other end with the small pulley, which in turn is connected to the machine's drive pulley by a second V-belt, so that the torque is transmitted via the small pulley and the connecting shaft to the large pulley and consequently to the drive pulley of the extraction unit, enabling the operation of the fan and the extraction of sawdust from the feed duct to the discharge. - the connecting shaft is connected to the pulleys, large and small, via a coupling, and the shaft can be additionally protected by a protective plate attached to the housing of the extraction unit.

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