Felling assistance device

Abstract

To provide a technology enabling proper felling of trees.SOLUTION: A felling assistance device applies, to a tree to be felled, a figure serving as a guide for a cutting position into the target tree, from a position separated from the tree.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a felling assist device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tree felling assist device that includes a device main body equipped with a laser and a belt for attaching the device main body to a tree. The tree felling assist device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a base unit with a front and back surface, a laser unit attached to the base unit, and a pivoting mechanism with a rotation axis parallel to the surface that pivots the laser unit relative to the surface. The tree felling assist device also has a swinging mechanism with a rotation axis perpendicular to the surface that swings the laser unit relative to the surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-65471 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide technology that enables trees to be properly felled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The felling support device according to the present disclosure is A figure that guides the cutting position of a target tree to be felled is projected onto the target tree from a position separated from the target tree. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The present disclosure makes it possible to properly fell trees. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the felling support mechanism. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the front, side, and rear of the felling support device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of attachment of the felling support device to the support device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a guide figure irradiated by the first laser irradiating unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a guide figure projected onto a target tree. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the illumination range of the felling support device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] When felling a tree, a notch is first formed in the tree. Then, a back notch is formed in the tree. A wedge is then driven into the back notch, and the tree is felled. If the notch and back notch are not properly formed in the tree, the tree may fall in an unexpected direction or at an unexpected time. In this way, if the notch and back notch are not properly formed, it may not be possible to fully ensure the safety of the tree feller. The felling support device of the present disclosure solves this problem.

[0009] The felling support device according to the present disclosure projects a graphic image that guides the position of the incision in the target tree onto the target tree from a position separated from the target tree, allowing the feller to make the incision in the target tree according to the guide.

[0010] Here, we consider a case where a projection device for guiding the incision position is attached to the target tree. In this case, the projection device is limited in the range and shape that can be projected onto the surface of the target tree due to limitations on the depression angle. However, the felling support device according to the present disclosure projects light from a position separated from the target tree. Therefore, the felling support device can project free shapes over a freer range than when a projection device for guiding the incision position is attached to the target tree. This allows the feller to determine the appropriate incision position for felling the target tree. In this way, it becomes possible to properly fell the tree.

[0011] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the present embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise specified.

[0012] <Embodiment> The felling support mechanism 1 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the felling support mechanism 1. The felling support mechanism 1 includes a felling support device 100 and a support device 200. The felling support device 100 is supported by the support device 200 (described later).

[0013] The felling support device 100 is a device that guides the felling of trees. When a feller fells a tree, he or she first makes a notch in the tree. The notch is made by making a horizontal cut below the ground and then a diagonal cut. Next, the feller makes a back cut in the tree. The back cut is made by making a notch on the side opposite the side where the notch was made. It is recommended that the notch be about two-thirds the height of the notch. The tree is then felled by driving a wedge into the notch and felling the tree.

[0014] At this time, if the undercuts and backcuts are not properly formed in the tree, there is a risk that the tree will fall in an unexpected direction. Furthermore, if the undercuts and backcuts are not properly formed in the tree, there is a risk that the tree will fall at an unexpected time. In this way, if the undercuts and backcuts cannot be properly formed, the safety of the tree feller may not be sufficiently ensured. Therefore, the felling support device 100 projects a figure (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "guide figure") that indicates the cutting positions for forming the undercuts and backcuts to fell the target tree. Here, the felling support device 100 projects the guide figure from a position separated from the target tree.

[0015] Here, the felling support device 100 projects the guide figure from a position separated from the target tree. On the other hand, if an projection device for a figure guiding the incision position is attached to the target tree, the depression angle is limited, which limits the range that can be projected onto the surface of the target tree and the figure that can be projected. However, the felling support device 100 projects the guide figure from a position separated from the target tree. Therefore, the felling support device 100 can project the guide figure more freely in a freer range than when an projection device for a figure guiding the incision position is attached to the target tree.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the front, side, and back of the felling support device 100. The felling support device 100 includes a first laser irradiation unit 101, a zoom lens ring 102, a power switch 103, a level 104, a second laser irradiation unit 105, and an attachment unit 106.

[0017] The attachment portion 106 has a function of connecting to a tool for installing the felling support device 100. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of how the felling support device 100 is attached to the support device 200. As shown in Fig. 3, the support device 200 includes a tripod 201, a boom arm 202, and a free-standing The support device 200 includes a pan head 203. In the support device 200, a tripod 201 is placed on the ground. In the support device 200, a boom arm 202 is attached to the tip of the tripod 201, and a pan head 203 is attached to the tip of the boom arm 202. The pan head 203 is then connected to the mounting portion 106.

[0018] Here, the attachment part 106 is provided on the vertical line of the center of gravity of the felling support device 100. In this case, it is assumed that the felling support device 100 is connected with the camera head 203 unlocked. In this case, the magnitude of gravity at the center of gravity of the felling support device 100 and the vertical reaction force at the attachment part 106 are the same, and the directions of these forces are opposite, so the forces are balanced and the center of gravity and the attachment part 106 are aligned vertically. Furthermore, because no lateral force is acting at this time, the felling support device 100 can remain horizontal.

[0019] The power switch 103 is a power switch for the felling support device 100. When the power switch is turned on by a user of the felling support device 100, lasers are emitted from the first laser irradiation unit 101 and the second laser irradiation unit 105 (described later). The level 104 is a spirit level. The feller can use the spirit level 104 to check whether the felling support device 100 is level. In other words, the feller can check whether the guide figure is being properly projected onto the target tree at an appropriate angle.

[0020] In this embodiment, the felling support device 100 is installed by the support device 200. However, the felling support device 100 may be installed by a device other than the support device 200. For example, the felling support device 100 may be installed using a surveying pole and a clamp. In this case, the felling support device 100 is connected to a clamp attached to a surveying pole that is stuck into the ground. Alternatively, the felling support device 100 may be connected to a clamp attached to a surveying pole that is installed on an installation tool such as a stand. Alternatively, the felling support device 100 may be attached to a clamp attached to a surveying pole that is held by the operator. In these cases, the feller uses a level 104 to ensure that the felling support device 100 is level.

[0021] The first laser irradiation unit 101 has a function of projecting a guide figure onto a tree. A laser is projected from the first laser irradiation unit 101. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a guide figure projected by the first laser irradiation unit 101. FIG. 4 shows a guide figure projected onto a wall surface by the first laser irradiation unit 101. The first laser irradiation unit 101 projects a horizontal bottom cutting line L4. The first laser irradiation unit 101 also projects a plurality of elliptical arc-shaped oblique cutting lines L1, L2, and L3 whose intersections intersect with the bottom cutting line L4.

[0022] Here, bottom cutting line L4 is a line indicating the position where bottom cutting is to be made to form the socket. Also, diagonal cutting line L1 is a line indicating the position where diagonal cutting is to be made when the socket angle is 60 degrees. Also, diagonal cutting line L2 is a line indicating the position where diagonal cutting is to be made when the socket angle is 45 degrees. Also, diagonal cutting line L3 is a line indicating the position where diagonal cutting is to be made when the socket angle is 30 degrees.

[0023] Furthermore, height lines L5, L6, and L7 are lines that indicate the height of the back cut. Height line L5 is a line that indicates the recommended height for forming a back cut when the angle of the receiving hole is 60 degrees. Height line L6 is a line that indicates the recommended height for forming a back cut when the angle of the receiving hole is 45 degrees. Height line L7 is a line that indicates the recommended height for forming a back cut when the angle of the receiving hole is 30 degrees. In other words, height lines L5, L6, and L7 are height lines that correspond to diagonal cut lines L1, L2, and L3, respectively.

[0024] In general felling, the formation of a notch at a 60-degree angle is rare compared to other angles. However, there are cases where a notch at a 60-degree angle is formed, such as when providing training on felling. In this case, the felling support device 100 projects a diagonal cut line L1 onto the target tree. Also, there are cases where the recommended height of the notch when forming a notch at a 60-degree angle has not been determined. In such cases, the felling support device 100 does not need to project a height line L5.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a guide figure projected onto a target tree. FIG. 5 shows the guide figure as seen from the side of the projection direction (the side of the target tree). As shown in FIG. 5, a bottom cutting line L4 and diagonal cutting lines L1, L2, and L3 are projected in straight lines along the surface of the target tree onto the side of the target tree. Furthermore, height lines L5, L6, and L7 are projected in straight lines along the surface of the target tree onto the side of the target tree. At this time, the bottom cutting line L4 is projected horizontally in the circumferential direction of the target tree. Furthermore, the end points of the diagonal cutting lines L1, L2, and L3 are projected so as to intersect with the end point of the bottom cutting line L4.

[0026] Because light travels in a straight line, the first laser irradiation unit 101 cannot irradiate the guide figure over the entire circumferential direction of the target tree. Therefore, an irradiation surface is formed. Here, the irradiation surface is a surface onto which light irradiated from the first laser irradiation unit 101 reaches in the circumferential direction from a vertical line (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "vertical line") that passes through the vertices of the diagonal cutting lines L1, L2, and L3 on the guide figure. In FIG. 5, the irradiation surface is indicated by a dotted line. As shown in FIG. 5, height lines L5, L6, and L7 are irradiated onto the irradiation surface from positions circumferentially away from the vertical line with respect to the diagonal cutting lines L1, L2, and L3.

[0027] The feller makes a slash along slash line L4. Next, the feller makes a slash along the slash line (L1, L2, or L3) that corresponds to the determined slash angle (60 degrees, 45 degrees, or 30 degrees). This allows the feller to form the slash.

[0028] The feller also forms a back cut according to the height line (L5, L6, or L7) that corresponds to the determined undercut angle (60 degrees, 45 degrees, or 30 degrees). Here, because the target tree is cylindrical, the guide figure is not projected onto the back of the target tree, but is projected onto the center of the side of the target tree. However, because the feller forms the back cut while standing on the side of the target tree, he can form the back cut while visually checking the height lines L5, L6, and L7. In this way, the feller can form a back cut at a height that corresponds to the undercut angle.

[0029] The guide figure also includes auxiliary lines L8, L9, L10, L11, and L12. Here, auxiliary line L8 is a line that extends bottom cutting line L4. Auxiliary line L8 extends bottom cutting line L4 so that the guide figure is properly projected onto the target tree when its end is aligned with the horizontal endpoint of the target tree. Auxiliary line L9 is a line that emphasizes the end of auxiliary line L8. By checking auxiliary lines L8 and L9, the feller can properly project the guide figure onto the target tree.

[0030] The auxiliary line L10 is a line projected vertically downward from the intersection of the diagonal cut lines L1, L2, and L3 with the bottom cut line L4. Here, the undercut can be properly formed by making diagonal cuts and bottom cuts up to the intersection of the diagonal cut line L1, L2, or L3 with the bottom cut line L4 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "junction point"). Therefore, the auxiliary line L10 emphasizes the junction point, allowing the feller to form the undercut while keeping the junction point in mind.

[0031] Also, fellers may try to modify the shape of the undercut after it has been formed. In this case, if the target tree is cut at the receiving hole before the correction, the visibility of the meeting point may be impaired. Therefore, by projecting the auxiliary line L10 below the part to be cut, it becomes easier for the feller to identify the meeting point even if the target tree has been cut.

[0032] The auxiliary line L11 is a line projected vertically upward from the midpoint of the bottom cut line. Here, the feller starts the diagonal cut from the vertex of the diagonal cut line L1, L2, or L3. Meanwhile, the auxiliary line L11 intersects with the vertex of the diagonal cut line L1, L2, or L3. Therefore, the auxiliary line L11 allows the feller to identify the area where the chainsaw should first be placed when making a diagonal cut. Furthermore, when making a bottom cut, the feller can make a more accurate, horizontal bottom cut by placing the chainsaw perpendicular to the auxiliary line L11.

[0033] Additionally, auxiliary line L12 is a line projected vertically downward from the midpoint of the lower cutting line. Here, the feller places the chainsaw on the center of the target tree to begin lower cutting. At this time, auxiliary lines L11 and L12 intersect at the center of the target tree (the midpoint of lower cutting line L4). Therefore, by projecting auxiliary lines L11 and L12, the feller can determine the area where the chainsaw will first be placed when performing lower cutting.

[0034] Furthermore, when attempting to modify the shape of the receiving hole after it has been formed, the visibility of the bottom cutting line L4 may be impaired if the target tree has been cut. By projecting the auxiliary line L12 below the bottom cutting portion, the feller can determine the line along which the bottom cutting should be made, even if the target tree has been cut.

[0035] In this way, the felling support device 100 projects the auxiliary lines L8, L9, L10, L11, and L12, allowing the feller to form a more appropriate undercut.

[0036] The second laser emitting unit 105 has the function of indicating the felling direction of the target tree. Here, when a backcut and a receiving hole are formed in the target tree by emitting the guide figure to the target tree, the target tree is felled in the direction opposite to the emitting direction. Therefore, the second laser emitting unit 105 irradiates the laser onto the ground in the opposite direction (behind the felling support device 100) from the direction in which the guide figure is irradiated by the first laser emitting unit 101 (see FIG. 1). At this time, the second laser emitting unit 105 irradiates the laser so that a straight line is displayed on the ground. The second laser emitting unit 105 may also irradiate the laser so that an arrow is displayed on the ground.

[0037] This allows the feller or other person to know the direction of felling, ensuring safety. The felling support device 100 may indicate the direction of felling of the target tree by a method other than a laser. For example, the felling support device 100 may display information indicating the felling direction on a display installed in a position visible to the feller.

[0038] The zoom lens ring 102 has the function of adjusting the enlargement and reduction of the projected guide figure. A user of the felling support device 100 adjusts the enlargement and reduction of the guide figure by rotating the zoom lens ring 102. Specifically, by rotating the zoom lens ring 102, the position of the lenses in the zoom lens ring 102 is adjusted, thereby adjusting the enlargement and reduction of the guide figure.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the illumination range of the felling support device 100. FIG. 6 shows the illumination range when the felling support device 100 illuminates guide figures on target trees A and B. Also, FIG. 6 shows the illumination range when the felling support device 100 illuminates target trees (A, B) from a short distance. ), and when the felling support device 100 projects a guide figure onto target trees (A, B) from a long distance. Here, target tree A is a tree with a smaller diameter than target tree B.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, when the felling support device 100 projects a guide figure onto target tree A and when it projects a guide figure onto target tree B, the illumination range is different even if the guide figure is illuminated from the same illumination point. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, even when the felling support device 100 projects a guide figure onto the same target tree (A or B), the illumination range differs depending on the distance from the target tree. Therefore, the feller adjusts the size of the illuminated guide figure by rotating the zoom lens ring 102 to enlarge or reduce it. This allows the feller to illuminate the target tree with an appropriate guide figure according to the installation position of the felling support device 100 and the diameter of the target tree. Here, the feller adjusts the size of the guide figure so that the intersection of auxiliary lines L8 and L9 on the guide figure coincides with the horizontal end point of the target tree.

[0041] As explained above, the felling assistance mechanism 1 projects a guide figure onto the target tree. This allows the feller to form a receiving hole and a re-notch in the target tree according to the guide figure. In this way, the tree can be felled appropriately.

[0042] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, the felling support device 100 projects multiple diagonal cutting lines L1, L2, and L3. However, the felling support device 100 may project one or two diagonal cutting lines. In this case, the felling support device 100 may receive the desired undercut angle from the multiple diagonal cutting lines L1, L2, and L3 by the feller, and project a diagonal cutting line that matches the received undercut angle. In this case, the felling support device 100 projects a height line that corresponds to the one or two diagonal cutting lines.

[0043] (Variation 2) In this embodiment, the felling support device 100 projects the guide figure shown in FIG. 4 onto the target tree. However, the felling support device 100 may project a figure other than the guide figure shown in FIG. 4 onto the target tree. The felling support device 100 may, for example, project onto the target tree the endpoints (meeting points) of the bottom cutting lines and the point where the diagonal cut begins (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "starting point"). In this case, the feller makes a bottom cut so as to connect the endpoints of the bottom cutting lines, and then makes a diagonal cut so as to connect the starting point to the endpoint of the bottom cutting line. This also allows for the formation of an appropriate undercut. As a result, the tree can be felled appropriately.

[0044] (Variation 3) In this embodiment, the felling support device 100 projects the guide figure using a laser. However, the felling support device 100 may project the guide figure using a method other than laser projection. For example, the felling support device 100 may project the guide figure using a drawing lamp or the like. This method also makes it possible to properly fell trees.

[0045] <Other embodiments> The above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the processes and means described in the present disclosure may be freely combined and implemented as long as no technical contradiction occurs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1...Felling Support Organization 100...Felling support equipment 101 First laser irradiation unit 102··Zoom lens ring 103 Power switch 104...Level 105 Second laser irradiation unit 106··Mounting part 200...Support device 201··Tripod 202 Boom Arm 203·Freedom head

Claims

1. The system is configured to project a graphic image, which guides the cutting position of a target tree, onto the target tree from a position separated from the target tree. Felling support equipment.

2. The projecting of the graphic to guide the cutting position includes projecting a horizontal bottom cutting line in the circumferential direction of the target tree and one or more diagonal cutting lines whose end points intersect with the bottom cutting line. The felling assist device according to claim 1.

3. The projecting of the graphic to guide the cutting position further includes projecting one or more height lines horizontally in the circumferential direction of the target tree, which indicate the heights at which the cuttings should be made to form the additional cuts corresponding to the one or more diagonal cutting lines. The felling assist device according to claim 2.

4. Further configured to change the scaling ratio of the figure that guides the incision position to be projected onto the target tree. The felling support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Further configured to indicate the felling direction of the target tree. The felling support device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images