SPLITTING DEVICE FOR SPLITTING WOOD

Abstract

The invention relates to a splitting device (100) for splitting wood, comprising a support column (1) arranged vertically in the operating state of the splitting device (100), wherein a support surface (2) for a piece of wood to be split and a splitting tool (3) for splitting the piece of wood are arranged on the support column (1), wherein for splitting the piece of wood during a splitting process the splitting tool (3) and the support surface (2) are designed to be movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column (1), wherein - the splitting device (100) comprises a protective means (5) which stretches a working space (4) for carrying out the splitting process, wherein the protective means (5) comprises a first leaf (5a) and a second leaf (5b), and wherein the leaves (5a,5b) of the protective means (5) are arranged pivotably each time laterally on the support column (1) about an axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column (1), - on the end (51a, 51b) of at least one leaf (5a, 5b) which is remote from the splitting tool (3), an adjusting element (8) is arranged for triggering the splitting process, in particular semi-automatically, - on the end (51a, 51b) of at least one leaf (5a, 5b) which is remote from the splitting tool (3), at least one sensor unit (6) is arranged, the sensor unit (6) being designed to detect movements between the two leaves (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) on the side of the working space (4) which is opposite the splitting tool (3), and - the device of splitting (100) comprises a control unit which is in communication connection with the splitting tool (3) and / or the support surface (2) and the at least one sensor unit (6),the control unit being designed to interrupt the performance of the splitting process upon detection of a movement between the two leaves (5a, 5b) of the protection means by the at least one sensor unit (6).,

Description

Title of the invention: SPLITTING DEVICE FOR SPLITTING WOOD

[0001] The invention relates to a splitting device intended for splitting wood.

[0002] According to the state of the art, various splitting devices for splitting wood are known, which in principle have a splitting tool, for example a splitting wedge, arranged movably on a support column of the splitting device, and a support surface for the wood to be split. For example, other splitting devices are known from DE 4304617 A1 and AT 397061 B, which have a two-handed switching system to make them safe to use by the operator. For this purpose, the splitting devices comprise two movable handles for the operator, arranged at the support column, which serve as triggering means for the actual splitting process.Such splitting devices ensure a lower risk of injury to the operator's hands and fingers compared to conventional splitting devices where the splitting process can only be initiated with one hand, which can lead, in case of improper handling of the splitting device, to bruises or cuts to the limbs which are produced by the splitting tool of the splitting device or by touching the support surface for the wood to be split.

[0003] The problem, however, with splitting devices with such two-handed switching is that, in order to initiate the splitting process, the operator is also in the danger zone directly in front of the support column and the splitting tool or the wood to be split, where there is a risk of injury and in particular crushing for the operator or other persons present or working nearby, for example due to pieces of wood falling to the ground or flying apart.

[0004] According to DE 102009040851 A1, a splitting device is known in this context with a protective stirrup arrangement having pivoting angle stirrups which prevent the wood to be split on the support surface from tipping over or falling to the ground during the splitting process. This certainly ensures better protection of the operator against injuries from falling or tipping over pieces of wood, but does not prevent the operator, who is directly in the danger zone in front of the support column, or persons present outside the danger zone from being injured, for example, by pieces of wood that splinter freely all around.

[0005] The aim of the invention is therefore to provide a solution to this problem and to propose a splitting device for splitting wood which allows reliable protection of the operator and bystanders from pieces of wood which burst or fall to the ground and at the same time to ensure that the operator does not need to stand in front of the splitting tool directly in the danger zone to initiate the splitting process. Furthermore, handling should be significantly simpler and more ergonomic.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by a splitting device for splitting wood comprising a support column arranged vertically in the operating state of the splitting device, in which on the support column are arranged a support surface for a piece of wood to be split and a splitting tool for splitting the piece of wood, in which for splitting the piece of wood during a splitting process the splitting tool and the support surface are designed to be movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column.

[0007] According to the invention, it is proposed - that the splitting device comprises a protective means which stretches a working space for carrying out the splitting process, in which the protective means comprises a first leaf and a second leaf, and in which the leaves of the protective means are pivotally arranged each time laterally on the support column around an axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column, - that, on the end of at least one leaf which is remote from the splitting tool, an adjustment element is arranged to trigger the splitting process, in particular semi-automatically, - that at least one sensor unit is arranged on the end of at least one leaf which is remote from the splitting tool, the sensor unit being designed to detect movements between the two leaves of the protective means on the side of the working space which is opposite the splitting tool, and - that the splitting device comprises a control unit which is in communication connection with the splitting tool and / or the support surface and the sensor unit, wherein the control unit is designed to interrupt, respectively stop, i.e. not continue carrying out the splitting process when a movement between the two leaves of the protective means is detected by the at least one sensor unit.

[0008] By this arrangement of a splitting device according to the invention, it is on the one hand advantageously possible that the operator does not need to stand in the work space, nor directly in the danger zone in front of the splitting tool, to trigger the splitting process. The splitting process can also advantageously be triggered outside the danger zone and proceed, preferably semi-automatically respectively semi-automatically, i.e. operating almost automatically with few handles to be operated by hand by the operator. On the other hand, the leaves of the protective means make it possible to provide effective protection against pieces of wood falling to the ground or bursting apart for the operator and bystanders. In addition, the sensor unit in combination with the control unit ensures that the splitting process is interrupted, respectively ended directly, and does not continue, which resolves any dangerous situation if a piece of wood, for example, should fall towards the open area between the two leaves of the protective means where the operator stands during the splitting process.

[0009] In the context of the invention, the term "working space" means any space directly in front of the support column, respectively laterally, which is delimited by the leaves of the protective means. In the working space, the wood to be split is received and the splitting process is carried out, i.e. the splitting of the wood by the splitting tool, where the splitting tool respectively the support surface on the support column move relative to each other, for example the splitting tool is moved in the direction of the support surface. In order to press the wood to be split onto the support surface of the splitting device, usually at least one operator is located in the working space.

[0010] In the context of the invention, the term "leaves" of the protective means means large elements or lateral parts of the protective means which laterally delimit the work space in the manner, for example, of a door leaf.

[0011] By sensor unit which can be used within the scope of the invention is understood any sensor unit which is designed to detect movements, the physical measuring principle being in fact not important.

[0012] The splitting process can be interrupted, for example, upon detection of a movement between the two leaves of the protective means by the control unit, so that the splitting tool or possibly the support surface stops and no longer moves in the direction of the support surface or possibly the splitting tool of the splitting device. It is also possible for the splitting tool or the support surface to return to the respective starting position that the splitting tool or the support surface assumed before the start of the splitting process.

[0013] Other advantageous embodiments of a device according to the invention intended for sawing and splitting wood are described below.

[0014] The detection of a movement between the leaves of the protective means can be carried out particularly reliably by the sensor unit if the sensor unit is designed as an optoelectronic unit. In the context of the invention, an optoelectronic unit is understood to mean a sensor which emits and / or detects radiation or light of defined wavelengths and which is therefore also designed to detect the interruption of a (light) beam.

[0015] Preferably, the sensor unit or optoelectronic unit may be an active optoelectronic sensor unit or an active optoelectronic protective means, the sensor function of which is produced by optoelectronic transmitting and receiving units. Interruption of the radiation produced in the device by an opaque object, for example a person within the predetermined protective zone, generates a signal, for example a stop signal. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of a splitting device according to the invention, the optoelectronic unit may also be designed as a photoelectric barrier.

[0016] A further improvement in reliability can be achieved when detecting movements between the two leaves of the protective means on the side of the working space facing away from the splitting tool when a plurality of optoelectronic units, in particular associated with one another and / or arranged vertically on top of one another, are arranged on the side of at least one leaf facing away from the splitting tool and when the optoelectronic units form a light array. In the context of the invention, a light array is understood to mean an arrangement of several optoelectronic units which are arranged, for example, on top of one another and are associated with one another in such a way that several (light) beams are simultaneously available in common for monitoring movements between the two leaves of the protective means.

[0017] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of a splitting device according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one sensor unit is designed to detect a movement on the monitored side of the workspace when a force, in particular a lateral force, is applied to at least one leaf and / or when at least one leaf of the protective means is deflected. The application of a force to the leaf of the protective means causes the leaf to move at least slightly to the side or in the vertical direction such that the sensor unit detects a movement in the area monitored by the sensor unit between the two leaves of the protective means on the side of the workspace which is opposite the splitting tool.

[0018] It is possible to obtain a particularly reliable screening action of the protection means of a splitting device according to the invention when the leaves of the means protective means always have a path, in particular a C-shaped or V-shaped path, curved inwards towards the splitting device. This means that the leaves of the protective means do not extend in a straight line but are curved, i.e. they have a bend and / or a curved path.

[0019] A further improvement in the screening action of the protective means of a splitting device according to the invention can be achieved when the surfaces of the individual leaves extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column. This means that the surfaces of the leaves of the protective means extend in planes which are stretched substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column. Thus, a leaf is not necessarily formed by a surface in a single plane but may, for example in the case of a bent path, also comprise surfaces in two or more different planes which extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column.

[0020] The protection can be configured particularly effectively for the persons present when the surfaces of the leaves of the protection means cover between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the distance between the support surface and the splitting tool respectively have an extension parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column which covers between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the distance between the support surface and the splitting tool. This means that the surfaces of the leaves have in the extended state in the vertical direction a height which corresponds to 1 / 3 to 2 / 3 of the distance between the support surface and the splitting tool.

[0021] In order to be able to keep the transport dimensions of a splitting device according to the invention as small as possible for delivery and storage, it can be provided that the leaves of the protective means can be brought into a transport position for transporting the splitting device, in which the leaves of the protective means in the transport position are folded back each time in the direction of the splitting tool in such a way that the working space and the distance between the two leaves of the protective means are minimal on the side of the working space opposite the support column and in which in particular it is provided that in the transport position the execution of the splitting process is blocked by the control unit.

[0022] In order to be able to provide as large a working space as possible for the use of a winch and the handling of large logs, respectively to be able to use a log lifting means of the splitting device, it is possible to provide that at least one leaf of the protective means is pivotable towards the rear of the splitting tool, in particular behind the support column, for the use of a winch arranged on the splitting device and / or a log lifting means, in which in particular it is provided that in this case the realization of the process of splitting is blocked by the control unit. In such an arrangement of the splitting device, the working space can advantageously be completely open.

[0023] To increase ease of use and operational safety, a splitting device according to the invention may provide that the adjusting element is arranged on the end face of a leaf of the protective means and / or that the adjusting element is connected to the control unit, the control unit being designed to trigger the splitting process, in particular semi-automatically, upon actuation of the adjusting element, when there is no detection of a movement on the monitored side of the working space by the at least one sensor unit.

[0024] In order to be able to activate the splitting process also when using a mechanical log lifting means of the splitting device with an enlargement of the working space, it can be provided that, on the support column, two further adjusting elements are arranged to trigger the splitting process upon simultaneous actuation of both adjusting elements, in which the further adjusting elements are connected to the control unit and in which the control unit is designed to trigger the splitting process upon actuation of the adjusting elements, even when detecting a movement on the monitored side of the working space by the at least one sensor unit.

[0025] Other advantages and arrangements of the invention will appear on reading the description and the attached drawings.

[0026] The invention is shown schematically in the drawings in the following using particularly advantageous embodiment examples, but which should not be considered as limiting, and will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0027] The figures schematically represent in the following: in [Fig.l] a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a splitting device according to the invention intended for splitting wood, and in [Fig.2] a top view of the splitting device of [Fig.l], in [Fig.3] a top view of the splitting device of [Fig.l] in the transport position, in [Fig.4] a top view of the splitting device of [Fig.l] when using the winch function, in [Fig.5] a top view of the splitting device of [Fig.l] when using the log lifting function.

[0028] [Fig.l] shows an exemplary embodiment of a splitting device according to the invention 100 for splitting wood in an inclined view. As can be seen in [Fig.l], the splitting device 100 is arranged vertically in the state operating state, respectively the support column 1 of the splitting device 100 extends vertically in the operating state. The splitting device 100 further has a winch 9 which is arranged on a frame 12 of the splitting device 100, which is also connected to the support column 1, as well as a log lifting means 13 which at the same time serves as a protective stirrup.

[0029] Arranged on the support column 1 at the lower end are a support surface 2, for example a metal plate, for the wood to be split, respectively the piece of wood, as well as a splitting tool 3 in the form of a splitting wedge for splitting the piece of wood. In the exemplary embodiment, the splitting tool 3 can be moved for splitting the piece of wood reversibly in the direction of the support surface 2. The splitting tool 3 thus moves during the splitting process parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column 1 in the direction of the support surface 2 and splits the wood on the support surface 2. After reaching a reversal position, the splitting tool 3 moves back to its starting position away from the support surface 2 at the upper end of the support column 1.To enable the upward and downward movement of the splitting tool 3, a hydraulic cylinder driven by a pump and a motor and supplied with hydraulic fluid, for example oil, is provided in the exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Optionally, the splitting tool 3 can also be made in two parts. Thus, the splitting tool 3 can comprise a wedge-shaped lower part which can be lowered by the operator by actuating a handle or another adjustment element towards the support surface 2 in order to wedge the piece of wood to be split. The splitting tool 3 can further comprise an upper part, which fits during the splitting process into the wedge-shaped lower part of the splitting tool 3 and transmits the pressure for splitting the piece of wood onto the wedge-shaped lower part.

[0031] The splitting device 100 further has a protective means 5 which has a first pivoting left leaf 5a and a second pivoting right leaf 5b. The leaves 5a, 5b are each arranged laterally on the support column 1 and are arranged pivotally and suspended around an axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column 1. The leaves 5a, 5b stretch a working space 4 where the splitting process actually takes place.

[0032] The leaves 5a, 5b are in the embodiment curved approximately in a C-shape and each have a surface which extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column 1 from which the bearing surface 2 projects and covers approximately 2 / 3 of the height between the ground and the splitting tool 3 in its starting position. The upper edge of the leaves 5a, 5b ends in the embodiment approximately at the height of the splitting tool 3 in its starting position. Such an arrangement of the protective means 5 is particularly advantageous for retaining parts of wood which burst into pieces in the work space 4 and protecting the people present and the operator.

[0033] As can be seen in [Fig.l], the leaves 5a, 5b are designed in two parts in the exemplary embodiment. Approximately the lower third of each leaf 5a, 5b, closer to the bearing surface 2, is formed by a first leaf surface 52a, 52b, while the other two upper thirds further from the bearing surface 2 are formed by a second leaf surface 53a, 53b. The two leaf surfaces 52a and 53a respectively 52b and 53b are each delimited by a metal stirrup 54 at their upper and lower ends, which forms a robust terminating edge and thus protects against impacts and damage at the upper edge and the lower edge of each leaf 5a, 5b. Another metal bracket 54 between the leaf surfaces 52a and 53a respectively 52b and 53b serves to obtain additional stability.The termination areas 55a, 55b at the ends 51a, 51b of the leaf 5a, 5b that are remote from the splitting tool 3 are also made of metal to provide protection against impact and damage. At the end 51a, 51b of each leaf 5a, 5b that is remote from the splitting tool 3, it is also possible to optionally apply, as in the exemplary embodiment, a handle for the operator to facilitate the pivoting of the leaf 5a, 5b.

[0034] The first leaf surface 52a, 52b of the leaf 5a, 5b is in the embodiment in each case made up of several metal plates which are arranged and welded next to each other to obtain the overall C-shape of the leaves 5a, 5b. The second leaf surface 53a, 53b is in each case made up of several sufficiently thick Plexiglas plates which are also arranged next to each other and connected to each other to obtain the overall C-shape of the leaves 5a, 5b. This arrangement makes it possible to offer the protective means 5 on the one hand the greatest possible protection for the operator and the persons present and on the other hand also optimal working conditions in the work space 4, since sufficient light can reach the work space 4 through the second leaf surface 53a, 53b.

[0035] As can be seen in [Fig.l], the work space 4 is delimited on three sides by the support column 1 and the leaves 5a, 5b of the protection means 5. It is thus possible to adapt the work space 4 to the given work requirements by choosing a desired position of the leaves 5a, 5b of the protection means 5 and for example to open it, enlarge it or reduce it.

[0036] The work space 4 is open on the side opposite the support column 1 and away from the splitting tool. The leaves 5a, 5b have, to monitor this end open laterally on the front side, i.e. on their end 51a, 51b remote from the splitting tool 3, each time several sensor units 6 which detect the movements between the two leaves 5a, 5b on the side of the working space 4 which is opposite the splitting tool 3.

[0037] The sensor units 6 are in the exemplary embodiment optoelectronic units which form an active optoelectronic protective device (AOPD) in the form of a light network which virtually closes the four sides of the workspace 4. However, it is also quite possible to imagine an arrangement of one or more sensor units 6, for example in the form of motion detectors.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the light network operates according to the principle of unidirectional light barriers and consists of a plurality of transmitting and receiving units arranged vertically on top of each other and associated with each other laterally on the front face of the leaves 5a, 5b. The transmitting diodes of the transmitting units emit infrared or laser light 7 which is detected by the receiving units and thus form a close-meshed light curtain or a close-meshed light network.

[0039] The splitting device 100 further comprises in the exemplary embodiment a control unit, not shown, which is connected respectively is in communication connection with the splitting tool 3 and the sensor units 6, which interrupts the execution of the splitting process when a movement between the two leaves 5a, 5b of the protective means 5 is detected by at least one of the sensor units 6.

[0040] When the light network is engaged or triggered by a pivoting movement of the leaves 5a, 5b, for example when a force is applied to a leaf, the light beam between one or more transmitting units and the receiving units is interrupted and a movement on the monitored side of the working space 4 which is opposite the splitting tool 3 is detected and information relating to the detection is transmitted to the control unit. Upon such detection, the dangerous movement is immediately stopped by the control unit and in the exemplary embodiment the splitting wedge returns to its starting position. Otherwise, the splitting wedge then returns to the starting position automatically in a controlled manner at the end of the splitting stroke by the machine control or the control unit.

[0041] Since it is necessary to prevent people from remaining in the danger zone before the splitting process is triggered, an adjustment element 8, for example a push button, is additionally arranged at the end 51b of the right leaf 5b which is remote from the splitting tool 3 for triggering the splitting process semi-automatically. That is to say, the splitting process can only be triggered by the operator outside the work area 4 and therefore only from outside the danger zone. In the exemplary embodiment, this is done by pressing a button and almost semi-automatically. At the end 51b of the right leaf 5b, which is remote from the splitting tool 3, an emergency stop 10, also a push button, is also arranged in the exemplary embodiment for manually interrupting the splitting process.

[0042] [Fig. 2] shows a top view of the splitting device 100 of [Fig. 1] with slightly open leaves 5a, 5b. In order to prevent damage to the protective means 5 when a lateral force is applied during the splitting process, as shown schematically in [Fig. 2] by the two arrows in the direction of the leaves 5a, 5b, for example in the case of logs with large diameters, the leaves 5a, 5b can be rotated and in the exemplary embodiment mounted suspended on the support column 1 and lower accordingly when stressed. This makes it possible to immediately stop the automatic splitting process when at least one leaf 5a, 5b deviates or when the light network between the leaves 5a, 5b is at least partially interrupted.However, damage to the leaves 5a, 5b could alternatively also be caused, for example, by other construction elements, such as, for example, leaves 5a, 5b or side parts mounted and suspended in a linear manner.

[0043] [Fig. 3] shows the splitting device of [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2] in its transport position. In order to keep transport dimensions as small as possible for delivery and storage, the leaves 5a, 5b respectively the side parts of the protective means 5 are rotatably mounted and can be arranged and fixed around the support column 1 in the transport position in a space-saving manner.

[0044] In the transport position, the leaves 5a, 5b of the protective means 5 are each folded completely inwards in the direction of the splitting tool 3, so that the working space 4 and the distance between the two leaves 5a, 5b are minimal on the side of the working space 4 facing away from the support column 1. That is to say, the support column 1 and the splitting tool 3 are surrounded as closely as possible by the leaves 5a, 5b of the protective means 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit blocks the splitting process in the transport position and thus excludes any unintentional actuation of the adjusting element 8.

[0045] [Fig. 4] further shows the splitting device 100 described above when using a winch 3. In order to be able to create as large a working space as possible for using a winch and handling large logs and at the same time to be able to reliably deactivate the splitting function, the leaves 5a, 5b of the protective means 5 with movable separation can pivot backwards with the integrated sensor units 6, respectively with the light network, in order to be able to fully open the work space 4. In [Fig. 4], the two leaves 5a, 5b are pivoted backwards so that the leaves 5a, 5b are located completely behind the support column 1.

[0046] In this case, in the exemplary embodiment, the execution of the splitting process is blocked by the control unit since, when folding the leaves 5a, 5b, positions are reached where the light network is permanently blocked by parts, for example, of the support column 1. The operator can then certainly operate the winch 9 in the work space 4, but the splitting function is blocked.

[0047] Finally, [Fig. 5] also shows a top view of the splitting device 100 described above when using the mechanical log lifting means 13, which is also a protective stirrup. To enable the function of the mechanical log lifting means, a unilateral pivoting of at least one leaf 5a, 5b of the protective means 5 is possible. In this case, in the exemplary embodiment, the splitting process is also blocked by the control unit, since when folding a leaf 5a, 5b, positions are reached where the light network is permanently blocked by parts, for example, of the support column 1. The operator can then operate the log lifting means in the work space 4, but the splitting function of the splitting device 5 is blocked.

[0048] In [Fig. 5], the log lifting means or the protective bracket 13 arranged on the right on the support column 1 and thus the right leaf 5b pivots backwards behind the support column 1, while the left leaf 5a is arranged in a normal working position. The working space 4 is then enlarged or opened laterally to the right.

[0049] Since, when using the log lifting function, the triggering of the splitting process is desired, in the exemplary embodiment on the support column 1 are arranged at the level above the splitting tool 3 in its rest position two further adjustment elements 11, for example push buttons, for triggering the splitting process alternatively using two-handed operation. Such adjustment elements 11 are, however, optional.

[0050] In order to provide the greatest possible safety for the operator here, the splitting process can only be triggered by the simultaneous actuation of the two further adjustment elements 11. The further adjustment elements 11 are connected to the control unit for this purpose and the control unit is programmed to trigger the splitting process upon actuation of the further adjustment elements 11, even upon detection of movement on the monitored side of the workspace 4 by the at least one sensor unit 6. Optionally, it is possible in this context, as in the exemplary embodiment, to also block the automatic return of the splitting tool 3 to the starting position by the control unit in order to further increase handling safety.

[0051] In order to catch pieces of wood or split logs that have fallen to the side, so that these do not fall to the ground and do not have to be picked up or put into place with a great deal of force, the splitting device 100 additionally has in the exemplary embodiment (see in particular [Fig. 5]) a lateral protective stirrup 13 and 14 which are separately adjustable by the protective means 5. The protective stirrup 13, which also has a log lifting function in the exemplary embodiment, is in the exemplary embodiment made of metal and designed approximately in a C-shape and can, as in the exemplary embodiment, be arranged on the support column 1 and extend laterally around the working space 4 from the support column 1.Alternatively, the protective bracket can also be connected to the support surface 2 and extend laterally upwards to thereby delimit the working space 4. Such a protective bracket 13 can of course be arranged additionally or alternatively on the other side of the working space 4.

[0052] In the embodiment, the splitting device 100, however, has on its left leaf 5a another protective bracket 14 permanently arranged on the first leaf 5a and which serves superficially to protect the first leaf 5a in the event of logs or parts of logs falling to the ground in order to retain them if they fall in the direction of the first leaf 5a. Such a further protective bracket 13 can of course be arranged in addition or as a variant on the other side of the work space 4 and supplement or replace the protective bracket 13.

Claims

1. Claims Splitting device (100) for splitting wood, comprising a support column (1) arranged vertically in the operating state of the splitting device (100), wherein on the support column (1) are arranged a support surface (2) for a piece of wood to be split and a splitting tool (3) for splitting the piece of wood, wherein for splitting the piece of wood during a splitting process the splitting tool (3) and the support surface (2) are designed to be movable relative to each other parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column (1), characterized, - in that the splitting device (100) comprises a protective means (5) which stretches a working space (4) for carrying out the splitting process, wherein the protective means (5) comprises a first leaf (5a) and a second leaf (5b), and wherein the leaves (5a,5b) of the protective means (5) are arranged pivotably each time laterally on the support column (1) about an axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column (1), - in that, on the end (51a, 51b) of at least one leaf (5a, 5b) which is remote from the splitting tool (3), an adjusting element (8) is arranged for triggering the splitting process, in particular semi-automatically, - in that, on the end (51a, 51b) of at least one leaf (5a, 5b) which is remote from the splitting tool (3), at least one sensor unit (6) is arranged, the sensor unit (6) being designed to detect movements between the two leaves (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) on the side of the working space (4) which is opposite the splitting tool (3),and - in that the splitting device (100) comprises a control unit which is in communication connection with the splitting tool (3) and / or the support surface (2) and the at least one sensor unit (6), the control unit being designed to interrupt the execution of the splitting process upon detection of a movement between the two leaves (5a, 5b) of the protective means by the at least one sensor unit (6).,

2. Splitting device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor unit (6) is designed as an optoelectronic unit.

3. Splitting device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the optoelectronic unit is designed in the form of a photoelectric barrier.

4. Splitting device (100) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that a plurality of optoelectronic units, in particular associated with one another and / or arranged vertically on top of one another, are arranged on the side (51a, 51b) of at least one leaf (5a, 5b) which is opposite the splitting tool (3) and in that the optoelectronic units form a light network.

5. Splitting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor unit (6) is designed to detect a movement on the monitored side of the working space when a force, in particular lateral force, is applied to at least one leaf (5a, 5b) and / or when at least one leaf (5a, 5b) is deflected from the protective means (5).

6. Splitting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaves (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) each have a course, in particular C-shaped or V-shaped, curved inwards towards the splitting device.

7. Splitting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surfaces of the individual leaves (5a, 5b) - extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column (1) and / or - have an extension parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support column (1) which covers between 1 / 3 and 2 / 3 of the distance between the support surface (2) and the splitting tool (3).

8. Splitting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leaves (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) can be brought into a transport position for transporting the splitting device, in which the leaves (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) in the transport position are folded back each time in the direction of the splitting tool (3) in such a way that the working space (4) and the distance between the two leaves (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) are minimal on the side of the working space (4) opposite the support column (1) and in which in particular it is provided that in the transport position the execution of the splitting process is blocked by the control unit.

9. Splitting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one leaf (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) can pivot towards the rear of the splitting tool (3), in particular behind the support column (1), for the use of a winch (9) arranged on the splitting device (100) and / or a log lifting means, in which in particular it is provided that in this case the execution of the splitting process is blocked by the control unit.

10. Splitting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (8) is arranged on the end face of a leaf (5a, 5b) of the protective means (5) and / or in that the adjusting element (8) is connected to the control unit, the control unit being designed to trigger the splitting process, in particular semi-automatically, upon actuation of the adjusting element (8) when there is no detection of a movement on the monitored side of the working space (4) by the at least one sensor unit (6).

11. Splitting device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the support column (1) two further adjustment elements (11) are arranged to trigger the splitting process upon simultaneous actuation of the two further adjustment elements (11), wherein the further adjustment elements (11) are connected to the control unit and wherein the control unit is designed to trigger the splitting process upon actuation of the further adjustment elements (11) even upon detection of a movement on the monitored side of the working space (4) by the at least one sensor unit (6).

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