Cork-masking machine with depth control of size by conductivity measurement

Abstract

A tree bark stripping machine comprising a cutting machine (1) by vibrations or microvibrations, a coupling head (2) and a cutting element (3) comprising at least two conductivity measuring layers, wherein: a. The at least two conductivity measuring layers are arranged on the cutting element (3) so as to be in contact with the bark being stripped, each measuring layer being isolated from at least one other measuring layer, and b. The electronic control unit (1d) is designed to control a controlled relay (1c) in order to interrupt the power supply to the motor (1a) by the energy source as a function of a conductivity measurement made via the at least two measuring layers, the electronic control unit (1d) interrupting the cutting before reaching the parent layer (5) of the stripped tree determined by the conductivity measurement.

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of portable power tools for cutting by vibration, and more particularly to such tools for stripping tree bark. Previous techniques

[0002] The stripping of cork from cork oak trees remains a largely artisanal task. Mechanized cork extraction is not yet industrialized. The traditional method involves using an axe to cut and lift planks. The skill and dexterity of the harvester are essential. Furthermore, climate change is reducing the time available for working in the forest to harvest cork, which involves stripping the bark from the tree trunk. Cork oaks also have varying degrees of complexity, making a simple, multi-purpose tool that meets safety requirements imperative.

[0003] From the prior art, we know of document ES 1 194 488 describing equipment for extracting the cork layer from a cork oak, including detection of the cork layer in formation, characterized by a higher moisture content than the external cork layer.

[0004] The equipment includes a chainsaw, a push motor operating a pusher, an electronic cork layer detection system and a double reference system with needles inserted into the trunk and connected by cables to the electronic cork layer detection system.

[0005] The electronic cork layer detection system determines the position of the chainsaw cutting element based on the conductivity measurement between the chainsaw guide on which an electrode is fixed and the reference established by the double reference needle system.

[0006] It is worth recalling that a chainsaw includes an engine housed in a casing equipped with at least one handle, the engine driving a cutting chain circulating around a guide bar which generally extends in front of the casing.

[0007] Depending on the determined position of the chainsaw's cutting element, the electronic cork layer detection system controls the drive motor to reduce the distance between the cutting element and the tree trunk, thus cutting deeper into the bark.

[0008] When the cutting element approaches the parent layer, the thrust motor is controlled so that the distance between the cutting element and the tree trunk no longer changes.

[0009] The conductivity measurement determines whether a current flows between the chainsaw guide bar and the forming cork layer in which the reference electrodes are installed. This measurement is based on the principle that cork is considered an insulator, while the forming cork layer is very moist. The cutting guide bar remains in the cork as long as the current flowing between the guide bar electrode and the electrodes is zero. The cutting element can then advance. As soon as a current appears (i.e., exceeds a reference threshold), the guide bar comes into contact with the forming cork layer, and the electronic control system then interrupts the cutting element's advance in the cork by moving the chainsaw away from the tree via the push stick.

[0010] The equipment described in this document allows the cork layer to be cut without damaging the developing cork layer. However, the system is bulky and complex to use due to the positioning of the reference electrodes, the cables connecting these electrodes to the extraction equipment, and the presence of the pusher motor and its corresponding pusher, which necessitates two-handed operation. This makes lifting certain types of cork difficult or even impossible. Furthermore, as it is a chainsaw, its power consumption is high and lubrication is essential.

[0011] There is a need for a cork extraction system that is simpler in design and operation than the state-of-the-art system. Description of the invention

[0012] The invention relates to a tree bark stripping machine comprising a vibration or microvibration cutting machine, a coupling head and a cutting element comprising at least two conductivity measurement layers, the cutting machine comprising a motor, a power source, and a connecting rod and crank or cam mechanism designed to convert a rotational movement of the motor into a linear oscillatory movement transmitted to the cutting element via the coupling head. a. The cutting machine includes a controlled relay disposed between the motor and the power source, a human-machine interface, and an electronic control unit connected to the controlled relay, the human-machine interface, and at least two conductivity measurement layers; b. The at least two conductivity measurement layers are disposed on the cutting element so as to be in contact with the bark being stripped, each measurement layer being isolated from at least one other measurement layer; and c. The electronic control unit is designed to control the controlled relay c to interrupt the power supply to the motor from the power source as a function of a conductivity measurement taken via the at least two measurement layers, the electronic control unit interrupting the cut before reaching the mother layer of the stripped tree, the presence of which is determined by the conductivity measurement.

[0013] The demasking machine may include a variator for the amplitude and / or oscillation frequency of the cutting element controlled by the electronic control unit before the interruption of the motor supply, so as to give an indication of depth to the operator as well as an indication of the imminence of stopping the machine.

[0014] The cutting element may include a cutting blade and at least two conductivity measurement layers.

[0015] The cutting element can be in the shape of a disc, a half-disc, a rectangle, or an axe head.

[0016] The measuring layers can be arranged in the cutting element so that the measurement is carried out in an axial direction relative to the fixing of the cutting element.

[0017] The measuring layers can be arranged in the cutting element so that the measurement is carried out in a radial direction relative to the fixing of the cutting element.

[0018] The power source may include an internal power source such as a battery, preferably a battery from an interchangeable battery system.

[0019] The power source may include an external power source, such as an external battery, a generator, a photovoltaic panel, or any other portable power source.

[0020] The debarking machine may include a board separation system, equipped with an adjustable rotating head with a degree of rotational freedom around the axis of the cutting element, the adjustable rotating head being able to be rotated manually or via another electric motor controlled by the operator.

[0021] Another object of the invention is a method for manufacturing a cutting element for a demasking machine as described above, comprising the following steps: a. at least one depression of predetermined depth is created on an external or internal face of a cutting element without measuring the conductivity of the cutting machine by vibration or microvibration, b. a layer of insulation is deposited over the entire surface of said at least one depression, and c. a conductive layer is fixed on each layer of insulation so that each conductive layer is totally isolated from the rest of the cutting element without measuring conductivity, each conductive layer then forming a measurement layer. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: the figure [ Fig 1 ] illustrates the main elements of a demasking machine according to a first embodiment, the figure [ Fig 2 ] illustrates the main elements of a demasking machine according to a second embodiment, the figures [ Fig 3 ], [ Fig 4 ] And [ Fig 5 ] illustrate a first embodiment of a cutting element, the figures [ Fig 6 ], [ Fig 7 ] And [ Fig 8 ] illustrate a second embodiment of a cutting element, the figures [ Fig 9 ], [ Fig 10 ] And [ Fig 11 ] illustrate a third embodiment of a cutting element, and the figure [ Fig 12 ] illustrates a board separation system. Detailed description

[0023] The bark stripping machine, particularly for cork, replaces the traditional use of the hatchet and can be operated by less trained and less physically strong personnel. The tool cuts the bark by making a vertical cut in the tree trunk and a cut at the base and in the upper part of the trunk's diameter. This cutting stops automatically thanks to an electrical conductivity measurement that detects the highest moisture content in the tree as it approaches the inner phelloderm layer. This layer is responsible for regenerating the bark after harvest. It is therefore crucial not to damage this layer, as can sometimes happen due to improper handling with a hatchet. The machine also opens the cut groove to separate the bark from the tree without physical effort, thanks to a torque applied to the cutting element.

[0024] The cork oak debarking machine, illustrated by the figures [ Fig 1 ] And [ Fig 2 ], includes a vibration or microvibration cutting machine referenced 1, a coupling head 2 and a cutting element 3.

[0025] In the figures [ Fig 1 ] And [ Fig 2 ], also illustrated are the bark 4, the mother layer 5 and the wood 6 of a tree, in particular a cork oak.

[0026] The cutting machine 1 generates rapid, low-amplitude movements transmitted to the cutting element 3 via the coupling head 2. The cutting element 3 is then set into oscillation by the transmission of these rapid, low-amplitude movements. This oscillation ensures the penetration of the cutting element 3 into the bark 4 of the cork oak.

[0027] It will be understood that the function of such a cutting machine 1 differs intrinsically from the operation of a conventional rotary cutting tool. Indeed, a rotary cutting tool uses a rotational movement of a cutting element or a cutting chain in order to cut the material of the workpiece by local abrasion, in this case the bark 4 of a cork oak.

[0028] Returning to the cutting machine 1 illustrated by the figures [ Fig 1 ] And [ Fig 2 ], it will be understood that it includes a motor 1a connected to an energy source 1b1,1b2 via a relay 1c.

[0029] The motor 1a is notably an electric motor, and generates the energy required for the high-speed oscillating movement of the cutting element 3. The rotational movement generated by the motor 1a is converted by a mechanism 1e, with connecting rod and crank or cam, into a linear oscillating movement.

[0030] In an embodiment illustrated by the figure [ Fig 1 ], the power source is an internal power source 1b1 such as a battery, preferably a battery from an interchangeable battery system.

[0031] In another embodiment illustrated by the figure [ Fig 2 ], the power source is an external power source 1b2, such as an external battery, a generator, a photovoltaic panel, or any other portable power source.

[0032] It should be noted that these two embodiments are not mutually exclusive, the cutting machine 1 being able to include an internal energy source 1b1 and an external energy source 1b2.

[0033] The cutting machine 1 also includes an electronic control unit 1d connected at its output to the controlled relay 1c and to a human-machine interface 1f, and at its input to at least two conductivity measurement layers. The human-machine interface 1f is a screen and / or a means of emitting sound such as a loudspeaker.

[0034] The electronic control unit 1d is designed to interrupt the cutting process before reaching the parent layer 5, based on a conductivity measurement taken via at least two measuring layers. In a particular embodiment, the electronic control unit 1d informs the operator of the approach to the parent layer and the imminent shutdown of the demassing machine, notably via the human-machine interface 1f.

[0035] The cutting element 3 includes a cutting blade 14,14a,14b and conductivity measurement layers 11,13,21,23,31,33.

[0036] The cutting element 3 is fixed to the coupling head 2, which is connected to the motor 1a of the cutting machine 1. When the motor 1a is running, the oscillations are transmitted to the cutting blade 14, 14a, 14b, which is then set into vibration. This vibration of the cutting blade 14, 14a, 14b allows for precise and smooth cutting of the cork.

[0037] The measurement layers of the cutting element 3 are in the form of measurement layers separated by insulators.

[0038] The cutting element 3 can take several geometric shapes (rectangle, disc sector, axe head, etc.) which serve to better adapt to the lifting area. Depending on the shape of the tree, a narrower cutting element 3 allows adaptation to deformed or narrow parts of the tree at the cost of slower work, while a wider cutting element 3 allows lifting the cork in straighter or wider parts of the tree, speeding up the work.

[0039] The cutting element 3 is fixed to the coupling head 2 of the demassing machine by means of a clamping system 16,17, in particular of the quick release type.

[0040] The figures [ Fig 3] to [Fig 11 ] show different ways of implementing such cutting elements 3.

[0041] A first embodiment of a cutting element 3 is illustrated by the figures [ Fig 3] to [Fig 5 The figure [ Fig 3 ] is a bird's-eye view of such a section element 3. Figure [ Fig 4 ] is a side view and the figure [ Fig 5 ] a cross-sectional view along the VV axis illustrated in the figure [ Fig 4 ].

[0042] In this embodiment, the cutting element 3 comprises an inner measuring layer 11 separated by an insulator 12 from an outer measuring layer 13. The outer measuring layer 11 supports a cutting blade 14. In a particular embodiment, the outer measuring layer 11 and the cutting blade 14 form a single object.

[0043] The inner measuring layer 11 is insulated from the fixed part 17 of the clamping system by another insulating layer 15a, the outer measuring layer 13 being insulated from the removable part 16 of the clamping system by another insulating layer 15b. The removable part 16 of the clamping system cooperates with the fixed part 17 of the clamping system, which is integral with the coupling head 2.

[0044] A preferred embodiment of the cutting element 3 according to the first embodiment comprises the following steps: Starting with a cutting element without conductivity measurement, a depression is created on the outer face of the cutting element, to a predetermined depth. By depression, we mean a localized thinning of the cutting element such that the layers subsequently deposited in the depression or thinning are contained within the volume of the cutting element removed to form it.

[0045] In other words, the extent and depth of the thinning are chosen so that the outer surface of the last layer deposited in the thinning is substantially at the same level as the outer surface of the cutting element in a part without depression.

[0046] A layer of insulation is placed over the entire surface of the depression.

[0047] A conductive layer is fixed on the insulating layer so that the conductive layer is totally isolated from the cutting element without conductivity measurement.

[0048] The conductive layer then forms the outer measuring layer 13, the machined cutting element without conductivity measurement forming the inner measuring layer 11 and the cutting blade 14.

[0049] The predetermined machining depth is chosen so that the exposed part of the conductive layer is flush with the surface of the cutting element without conductivity measurement before machining.

[0050] A second embodiment of a cutting element 3 is illustrated by the figures [ Fig 6] to [Fig 8 The figure [ Fig 6 ] is a bird's-eye view of such a section element 3. Figure [ Fig 7 ] is a side view of such a disk support, the figure [ Fig 8 ] being a cross-sectional view along axis VII-VII illustrated in the figure [ Fig 7].

[0051] In this embodiment, the cutting element 3 comprises an inner measuring layer 21 with an inner insulating layer 22a and an outer measuring layer 23 with an outer insulating layer 22b, arranged on a structural layer 24. The structural layer 24 also supports the cutting blade 14. In a particular embodiment, the structural layer 24 and the cutting blade 14 form a single object.

[0052] The inner measuring layer 21 is insulated from the fixed part 17 of the clamping system by an insulating layer 15a, the outer measuring layer 23 being insulated from the removable part 16 of the clamping system by another insulating layer 15b. The removable part 16 of the clamping system cooperates with the fixed part 17 of the clamping system, which is integral with the coupling head 2.

[0053] A preferred method of embodiment of the cutting element 3 according to the second embodiment includes the following steps: Starting from a cutting element without conductivity measurement, a first depression is made on the outer face of the cutting element, to a predetermined depth and a second depression is made on the inner face of the cutting element, to a predetermined depth.

[0054] A layer of insulation is placed over the entire surface of each depression.

[0055] A conductive layer is fixed on each insulating layer so that each conductive layer is totally isolated from the cutting element without conductivity measurement.

[0056] Each conductive layer then forms a measurement layer 21,23, the machined cutting element without conductivity measurement forming the structural layer 24 and the cutting blade 14.

[0057] Predetermined machining depths are chosen so that the exposed part of each conductive layer is flush with the surface of the cutting element without conductivity measurement prior to machining.

[0058] A third embodiment of a cutting element 3 is illustrated by the figures [ Fig 9] to [Fig 11 The figure [ Fig 9 ] is a bird's-eye view of such a section element 3. Figure [ Fig 10 ] is a side view of such a disk support, the figure [ Fig 11 ] being a cross-sectional view along the XX axis illustrated in the figure [ Fig 10 ].

[0059] In this embodiment, the cutting element 3 comprises an inner measuring layer 31 separated by an insulator 32 from an outer inner measuring layer 33. The inner measuring layer 31 supports a first cutting blade 14a, while the outer measuring layer 33 supports a second cutting blade 14b. In one particular embodiment, the inner measuring layer 31 and the first cutting blade 14a form a single object. In another particular embodiment, the outer measuring layer 33 and the second cutting blade 14b form a single object. These two particular embodiments are not mutually exclusive. It will also be understood that other cutting blades can be installed, either supported by a measuring layer or integrated into a measuring layer. The measurements from the additional measuring layers are used in combination with at least one of the other measurements to determine a conductivity measurement.

[0060] We always refer to the embodiment illustrated by the figure [ Fig 11 The inner measuring layer 31 is insulated from the fixed part 17 of the clamping system by an insulating layer 15a, the outer inner measuring layer 33 being insulated from the removable part 16 of the clamping system by an insulating layer 15b. The removable part 16 of the clamping system cooperates with the fixed part 17 of the clamping system, which is integral with the coupling head 2.

[0061] The cutting element 3 is formed by placing an insulating layer between two cutting discs, each cutting element without conductivity measurement forming a measurement layer 31,33 and a cutting blade 14a,14b.

[0062] The electronic control unit 1d allows the frequency and amplitude of the vibrations of the cutting element 3 to be adjusted according to the material being cut. This provides flexibility to adapt to different types of cork, such as male cork, thin cork, or reproduction cork, each of which has its own particular characteristics in terms of both hardness and structure.

[0063] Regardless of the embodiment, each measuring layer is electrically connected to the electronic control unit 1d. It should be noted that the cutting element 3 is vibrated so that a connecting wire can be directly connected to each measuring layer without being affected by the vibration. To achieve this, care must be taken to use a wire length sufficient to ensure that the wire is not under tension, thus preventing breakage when vibrations are applied to the cutting element 3.

[0064] The electronic control unit 1d includes a processing means, such as a processor, at least one memory, and an analog-to-digital converter. The electronic control unit 1d is connected at the input to each of the measuring layers, and at the output to the relay 1c located between the motor 1a and the power source 1b1, 1b2 of the cutting machine 1. The electronic control unit 1d is also connected to the human-machine interface 1f.

[0065] During operation of the demassing machine, the analog-to-digital converter of the electronic control unit 1d digitizes the voltage difference between the at least two measuring layers and transmits at least one predetermined value to the processing unit. The processing unit compares the received value to a stored threshold value that is a function of the moisture content of the target layer. When the received value becomes greater than or equal to the stored threshold value, the processing unit sends a switching signal to the relay 1c, switching it to a closed position. The motor 1a and the cutting action are then stopped. Depending on the embodiment, a signal is also sent to the human-machine interface 1f to inform the operator of the approach to the parent layer and the imminent stoppage of the cutting action. Depending on the nature of the human-machine interface 1f, this information is communicated visually and / or audibly.Information can also be communicated tactilely through vibration of a gripping element of the demasking machine.

[0066] In an alternative embodiment, a power variator is positioned upstream of the motor 1a and connected to the electronic control unit 1d. The power variator allows the operator to modulate the vibration frequency of the cutting blade 14, 14a, 14b and, consequently, the cutting speed of the tool. This enables the debarking machine to be adapted to different types of cork and provides better control and greater cutting precision.

[0067] When the digitized value determined by the analog-to-digital converter of the electronic control unit 1d exceeds a first threshold value, the power inverter is activated to reduce the power supplied to the motor 1a. When the digitized value exceeds a second threshold value, the electronic control unit 1d activates the relay 1c and / or the power inverter to interrupt the power supply to the motor 1a. As before, information can be transmitted to the operator via the human-machine interface 1f.

[0068] The variation of the vibration frequency by the electronic control unit 1d also makes it possible to warn the operator of the imminent shutdown of the machine due to a cutting depth that is too deep.

[0069] In one particular embodiment, the debarking machine is equipped with a board separation system. This system consists of an adjustable rotating head with one degree of rotational freedom on the axis for fixing the cutting element 3. This rotation can be achieved manually or by means of a second electric motor separate from the electric motor 1a. Figure [ Fig 12 ] shows the operating principle of this board separation system.

[0070] After cutting, the operator has the option to activate the board separation system to effortlessly separate the board resulting from the debarking of the tree.

[0071] The demassing machine has several pre-adjusted operating modes by default.

[0072] The operator selects the working mode and initiates the cutting process by vibration, pressing the disc against the saw blade. Once the measured moisture content reaches the set point for the selected mode, the vibration decreases or stops, and the operator either removes the cutting element from the saw blade in cutting mode or leaves it inserted so the machine applies predefined lateral rotational movements to the disc to separate the board. This operation is repeated along the length of the board being cut.

[0073] The demasking machine described above has the advantage of having a vibrating cutting blade that is more precise and easier to control than a rotating cutting element such as a cutting disc or chain, due to the absence of torque resulting from the rotation of the cutting element.

[0074] It is also simpler to use because of the integration of the measurement layers into the cutting element 3, which limits the difficulty related to a good depth insertion of reference electrodes and the bulk related to the presence of cables linking these electrodes to the cutting machine.

[0075] Finally, the demasking machine has a handling similar to that of common power tools, which simplifies use and operator training.

Claims

1. Tree bark stripping machine comprising a cutting machine (1) by vibrations or microvibrations, a coupling head (2) and a cutting element (3) comprising at least two conductivity measuring layers, the cutting machine (1) comprising a motor (1a), a power source (1b1,1b2) and a mechanism (1e), with connecting rod and crank or cam, designed to convert a rotational motion of the motor (1a) into a linear oscillatory motion transmitted to the cutting element (3) via the coupling head (2), characterized by the fact thata. the cutting machine (1) includes a controlled relay (1c) disposed between the motor (1a) and the power source (1b1,1b2), a human-machine interface (1e) and an electronic control unit (1d) connected to the controlled relay (1c), to the human-machine interface (1e) and to at least two conductivity measuring layers, b. the at least two conductivity measuring layers are disposed on the cutting element (3) so as to be in contact with the bark being debarked, each measuring layer being isolated from at least one other measuring layer, and c.The electronic control unit (1d) is designed to control the controlled relay (1c) in order to interrupt the supply of the motor (1a) by the energy source (1b1,1b2) as a function of a conductivity measurement carried out via the at least two measurement layers, the electronic control unit (1d) interrupting the cut before reaching the mother layer (5) of the unstripped shaft whose presence is determined by the conductivity measurement.

2. Debarking machine according to claim 1, comprising a variator of the amplitude and / or frequency of oscillation of the cutting element (3) controlled by the electronic control unit (1d) before the interruption of the power supply to the motor (1a), so as to give an indication of depth to the operator as well as an indication of the imminence of the stopping of the machine.

3. Debarking machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting element (3) comprises a cutting blade (14,14a,14b) and at least two conductivity measuring layers.

4. Debarking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cutting element (3) has the shape of a disc, half-disc, rectangle or axe head.

5. Demasking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measuring layers are arranged in the cutting element (3), so that the measurement is carried out in an axial direction with respect to the fixing (16,17) of the cutting element (3).

6. Unmasking machine any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the measuring layers are arranged in the cutting element (3), so that the measurement is carried out in a radial direction with respect to the fixing (16,17) of the cutting element (3).

7. Unmasking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power source comprises an internal power source (1b1) such as a battery, preferably a battery from an interchangeable battery system.

8. Unmasking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the power source comprises an external power source (1b2), such as an external battery, a generator, a photovoltaic panel, or any other portable power source.

9. Debarking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a board separation system, equipped with an adjustable rotating head with a degree of freedom of rotation about the axis of the cutting element (3), the adjustable rotating head being able to be rotated manually or by means of another electric motor controlled by the operator.

10. Method of manufacturing a cutting element (3) of a demasking machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps: a. at least one depression of predetermined depth is made on an outer or inner face of a cutting element without measuring conductivity of a cutting machine by vibration or microvibration, b. an insulating layer is deposited over the entire surface of said at least one depression, and c. a conductive layer is fixed on each insulating layer so that each conductive layer is totally isolated from the rest of the cutting element without measuring conductivity, each conductive layer then forming a measuring layer (11,13,21,23).

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