Tree Treatment Equipment

Abstract

When trees are sent out from the feeding section, damage to the trees caused by spikes is reduced, thereby preventing a decline in the quality of the trees. [Solution] When the spike 314 is embedded in the tree W so that its central axis C is perpendicular to the length direction of the tree W, the hole formed in the tree W is called an embedding hole H, the position of the front edge of the spike 314 in the feeding direction opposite the tree surface position HS of the embedding hole H is called an embedding front edge P2, and the front edge of the tip 314a of the spike 314 in the feeding direction is called a tip front edge P1, and the spike 314 is formed so that, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the feeding member 31, from a state in which the spike 314 is embedded in the tree W so that its central axis C is perpendicular to the length direction of the tree W, until it leaves the embedding hole H, the tip front edge P1 is located rearward of or at least at the same position as the embedding front edge P2 in the feeding direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tree processing device for carrying out lumber processing work. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, tree processing devices known as harvesters or processors are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Tree processing devices are attached to a work arm provided on a base machine such as a hydraulic excavator and are used for lumber operations. In lumber operations using a processor among tree processing devices, the delimbing of felled trees and the cutting of the delimbed trees to any length to form logs are carried out consecutively. In lumber operations using a harvester, it is also possible to fell standing trees.

[0003] The tree processing equipment mainly comprises a gripping unit, a feeding unit, a length measuring unit, a delimbing unit, and a cutting unit. The gripping unit presses a pair of feeding units against the tree to grip the tree. The feeding units rotate while pressed against the tree, feeding the tree in the length direction.

[0004] The length measuring unit measures the length of the tree that has been fed. When the tree has been fed to the length preset by the length measuring unit, the feeding unit stops feeding the tree. The limbing unit delimbs the tree by bringing a cutter into contact with the branches of the tree that are being forcefully fed by the feeding unit. The cutting unit cuts the tree that has been fed to the set length to form logs of the desired length.

[0005] The pair of log feeding units in Patent Document 1 each have an endless crawler chain that is wound around a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket. The crawler chain has a plurality of crawler links that are provided with a plurality of spikes. When the crawler chain is driven to rotate while the pair of log feeding units are gripping a tree, the spikes dig into the tree, transmitting the driving force of the log feeding units to the tree and feeding the tree in the log length direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-157075 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When trees are fed using a crawler chain equipped with multiple spikes, numerous spike holes are formed in the tree's surface as the crawler chain rotates and the tree is fed. The formation of spike holes in the tree's surface is unavoidable due to the mechanism. However, conventional tree processing equipment has had problems such as holes larger than the spike holes being formed in the tree's surface or partial peeling of the bark, damaging the tree and reducing its quality.

[0008] After investigating the cause, the inventors discovered that such damage to trees occurs not in the process in which the spikes dig into the tree as the crawler chain rotates, but rather in the process in which the spikes that have dug into the tree gradually come out of the holes as the crawler chain rotates and the tree is sent out.

[0009] Specifically, holes larger than the spike holes are formed in the tree surface because, as the spikes gradually leave the holes, the tips of the spikes press against the holes in the direction of release, widening them. Also, the bark peeling occurs because, as the spikes gradually leave the holes, the tips of the spikes catch on the bark, causing it to peel off.

[0010] Therefore, if the tip of the spike can be made less likely to press the hole in the direction of release as the spike gradually leaves the hole, and less likely to catch on the bark with the tip of the spike, it is thought that damage to the tree, such as holes larger than the spike's hole being formed on the surface of the tree or partial peeling of the bark, can be prevented.

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a tree processing device that can suppress deterioration in the quality of trees by suppressing damage to trees caused by spikes when trees are sent out from the feeding section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The tree processing device of the present invention is a tree processing device equipped with a feeding unit that feeds a gripped tree in the tree length direction, The feeding unit has a feeding member that has a plurality of spikes on its surface and that, when driven and rotated while gripping a tree, feeds the tree in a feeding direction, which is the length direction of the tree, while causing the spikes to dig into the tree. When the spike is inserted into the tree so that the central axis of the spike is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tree, a hole formed in the tree is defined as an insertion hole; The position of the leading edge of the spike in the feeding direction opposite to the position of the biting hole on the tree surface is defined as a biting leading edge, The leading edge of the tip of the spike in the sending direction is defined as a leading edge, The spikes are When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the delivery member, from the state in which the central axis is embedded so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tree, until the delivery member is released from the embedding hole, the leading edge portion is formed to be in a position rearward of, or at least in the same position as, the embedding front edge portion in the delivery direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the tree processing device of the present invention, damage to trees caused by spikes can be reduced when trees are sent out from the feeding section, thereby preventing deterioration in the quality of the trees. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a base machine to which a tree processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tree processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tree processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the tree processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the main part of the tree processing device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the main parts of a tree processing device during lumbering operations, where (a) shows a pair of stud rollers pressed against a tree, and (b) shows a cutter of the limbing unit pressed against a tree. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the hydraulic circuit and its control system of the tree processing device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view showing the state of lumber processing work performed by the tree processing system, where (a) shows trees being sent out to a predetermined length, and (b) shows the trees being sent out to a predetermined length and cut to form logs. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the stud roller of this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the stud roller of this embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of a main part showing the spikes of the stud roller of this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of a main part of the stud roller of this embodiment, showing the spikes in a position where they are perpendicularly biting into a tree. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of a main part of the stud roller of this embodiment, showing the spikes of the stud roller in the middle of being released from the position where they are perpendicularly biting into the tree. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of a main part of the stud roller of this embodiment, showing the state immediately before the spikes leave the surface of the tree. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first angle of the spike and the position on the surface of a virtual tree. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of a main part of a conventional stud roller, showing the spikes of the roller in a position where they are perpendicularly biting into a tree. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an enlarged side view of a main part of a conventional stud roller, showing the spikes of the roller in the process of being removed from the position where they are perpendicularly biting into the tree. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged side view of a main part of a conventional stud roller, showing the state immediately before the spikes are about to separate from the surface of the tree. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A tree processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a tree processing device equipped with a feeding unit that feeds a gripped tree in a tree length direction, The feeding unit has a feeding member that has a plurality of spikes on its surface and that, when driven and rotated while gripping a tree, feeds the tree in a feeding direction, which is the length direction of the tree, while causing the spikes to dig into the tree. When the spike is inserted into the tree so that the central axis of the spike is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tree, a hole formed in the tree is defined as an insertion hole; The position of the leading edge of the spike in the feeding direction opposite to the position of the biting hole on the tree surface is defined as a biting leading edge, The leading edge of the tip of the spike in the sending direction is defined as a leading edge, The spikes are When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the delivery member, from the state in which the central axis is embedded so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tree, until the delivery member is released from the embedding hole, the leading edge portion is formed to be in a position rearward of or at least in the same position as the embedding front edge portion in the delivery direction (first configuration).

[0016] According to the above configuration, the spike is formed so that, from the state in which the central axis is embedded so as to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tree when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the delivery member, until the spike is released from the embedding hole, the leading edge of the spike is positioned rearward of or at least at the same position as the embedding leading edge in the delivery direction. This prevents the tip of the spike (leading edge of the tip) from moving ahead of the tree surface position (leading edge of the penetration) in the direction of tree delivery when the spike that has penetrated into the tree gradually leaves the penetration hole as the delivery member rotates and the tree is delivered. Therefore, when the spike gradually leaves the hole, the moving speed of the tip of the spike is less likely to become faster than the sending-out speed of the tree. This makes it less likely that the hole will be pressed in the sending-out direction, making it less likely that the hole will be widened. In addition, the leading edge of the spike from the tree surface (the leading edge of the digging in) to the tip of the spike (leading edge of the tip) faces downward in the direction of tree feed, making it difficult to scoop up the bark. This makes it difficult for the tip of the spike to catch and peel off the bark. Therefore, damage to trees caused by spikes can be reduced, and deterioration in the quality of the trees can be prevented.

[0017] In the first configuration, The spikes are a distal end region that is a region including the distal end portion, and a proximal end region that is a region closer to the proximal end than the distal end region, an angle formed by a front edge portion of the tip region in the feeding direction and a central axis of the spike is defined as a first angle; The angle formed by the front edge portion of the base end region in the delivery direction and the central axis of the spike is defined as a second angle, The first angle may be greater than the second angle (second configuration).

[0018] According to the above configuration, the spike is formed so that the first angle formed between the front edge of the tip region and the central axis is larger than the second angle formed between the front edge of the base region and the central axis. This allows the spike to be shaped in a way that is easy to form, and also prevents the tip of the spike (leading edge of the tip) from moving ahead of the tree surface position (leading edge of the penetration) in the direction of tree delivery when the spike that has penetrated the tree gradually releases from the penetration hole as the delivery member rotates and the tree is delivered.

[0019] In the second configuration, In a virtual state where the central axis of the spike is perpendicular to the sending direction of the tree and the spike is embedded in the tree, A virtual line extending the virtual tree surface position in the sending direction is defined as a tree surface extension line, The spikes are The first angle may be set so that, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the delivery member, the angle formed by the leading edge of the tip region in the delivery direction and the tree surface extension line is less than a right angle from the state in which the central axis is perpendicular to the delivery direction of the tree until the leading edge of the tip passes beyond the tree surface extension line (third configuration).

[0020] According to the above configuration, the spike has a first angle set so that, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the delivery member, the angle formed between the leading edge of the tip region in the delivery direction and the tree surface extension line is less than a right angle from the state in which the central axis is perpendicular to the delivery direction of the tree until the leading edge of the tip exceeds the tree surface extension line. This prevents the tip of the spike (leading edge of the tip) from moving ahead of the tree surface position (leading edge of the penetration) in the direction of tree delivery when the spike that has penetrated into the tree gradually leaves the penetration hole as the delivery member rotates and the tree is delivered.

[0021] In any one of the first to third configurations, The spikes are The distal end region and the proximal end region may have a generally conical shape with the shape of the front edge portion in the delivery direction as a generatrix (fourth configuration).

[0022] According to the above configuration, the spike has a substantially conical shape with the shape of the front edge portion in the delivery direction of the distal end region and the proximal end region as the generatrix. This allows the spike to be shaped in a way that is easy to form, and because the tree is pushed out by the front of the spike in the push-out direction, the force applied to the tree can be dispersed, thereby reducing damage to the tree.

[0023] In any one of the first to fourth configurations, the delivery member having a plurality of delivery member elements; A plurality of the spikes may be provided on each of the plurality of delivery member elements in a staggered arrangement in the delivery direction (fifth configuration).

[0024] According to the above configuration, the spikes are arranged so as not to overlap in the feeding direction, which makes it easier to transmit the driving force when the feeding unit grips and feeds the tree. Also, even if some of the spikes slip on the tree, the spikes are arranged in a dispersed manner, which allows them to dig into the surface of the tree, making it easier to stop the slippage and transmit the driving force to the tree.

[0025] In any one of the first to fifth configurations, The delivery member is The roller may be a stud roller having a circular outer circumferential surface and a plurality of the spikes protruding outward from the circular outer circumferential surface (sixth configuration).

[0026] According to the above configuration, the feed-out member is a stud roller having a circular outer circumferential surface and a plurality of spikes protruding outward from the circular outer circumferential surface. This prevents the tip of the spike (leading edge of the tip) from moving ahead of the tree surface position (leading edge of the penetration) in the direction of tree delivery when the spike of the stud roller that has penetrated into the tree gradually leaves the penetration hole as the delivery member rotates and the tree is delivered. This reduces damage to trees caused by spikes and prevents deterioration in the quality of the trees.

[0027] In any one of the first to fifth configurations, The delivery member is The chain may be an endless crawler chain having a plurality of spikes protruding outward and wound around a driving sprocket and a driven sprocket provided on the material feeding section (seventh configuration).

[0028] According to the above configuration, the feed-out member is an endless crawler chain that has a plurality of spikes protruding outward and is wound around a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket provided in the material feeding section. This prevents the tip of the spike (leading edge of the tip) from moving ahead of the tree surface position (leading edge of the penetration) in the direction of tree release when the spike of the crawler chain that has penetrated into the tree gradually releases from the penetration hole as the feed member rotates and the tree is fed out. This reduces damage to trees caused by spikes and prevents deterioration in the quality of the trees.

[0029] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, the tree processing device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0030] In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. Note that, for ease of understanding, the drawings referred to below show simplified or schematic configurations, and some components are omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios between components shown in each drawing do not necessarily represent the actual dimensional ratios.

[0031] Fig. 1 is a side view of a base machine 900 to which a tree processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached. As shown in Fig. 1, a tree processing system S is formed by attaching the tree processing device 1 to the base machine 900. In the figure, arrow F indicates the front of the base machine 900, and arrow B indicates the rear. Arrow L indicates the left side of the base machine 900, and arrow R indicates the right side. Arrow U indicates the top of the base machine 900, and arrow D indicates the bottom side.

[0032] The tree processing device 1 can rotate horizontally relative to the work arm 901 of the base machine 900 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, the orientation of the tree processing device 1 relative to the base machine 900 can be changed, but for the sake of convenience, the front, back, left, right and front of the tree processing device 1 will be the same as those shown in FIG.

[0033] In this specification, a standing tree or a tree with branches (whole timber) that has been felled from a standing tree is referred to as a tree W, a whole trunk timber from which branches have been removed is referred to as a lumber W, and lumber that has been cut into logs is referred to as a log WL, but these may sometimes be referred to as a tree W or lumber W without making a distinction between them.

[0034] [Overall configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the base machine 900 is a hydraulic excavator and includes a work arm 901 and a cab 902. The work arm 901 is an articulated arm that can bend and extend. The work arm 901 includes a boom 911, an arm 912, and a distal arm 913. The tree processing device 1 is attached to the distal end of the work arm 901. The distal arm 913 constitutes part of the tree processing device 1. The tree processing device 1 is a so-called processor, and is a device that performs timber processing work while sending out trees W (see FIG. 2) in the length direction. The cab 902 of the base machine 900 is provided with a control unit 60 for controlling the drive of the tree processing device 1. The base machine is not limited to a hydraulic excavator. For example, a wheeled base machine may be used.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tree processing device 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tree processing device 1. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the tree processing device 1. FIG. 5 is a front view of the main parts of the tree processing device 1. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the tree processing device 1 includes an apparatus main body 10, a gripping unit 20, a material feeding unit 30, a length measuring unit 61, a limbing unit 40 disposed in front of the apparatus main body 10, and a cutting unit 50 disposed in rear of the apparatus main body 10. The apparatus main body 10 is a part that forms the base of the tree processing device 1. A rotator 11 is provided on the top of the apparatus main body 10. The apparatus main body 10 is attached to a distal arm 913 via the rotator 11. The rotator 11 has the function of horizontally rotating the tree processing device 1 relative to the distal arm 913.

[0036] The gripping unit 20 is a part that grips or releases the tree W. The gripping unit 20 is attached to the device main body 10 so as to be able to open and close freely. The gripping unit 20 is provided at a position intermediate between the limbing unit 40 and the cutting unit 50 in the front-to-rear direction. The gripping unit 20 has a pair of tongs (first tongs 21A, second tongs 21B) that are provided on the device main body 10 so as to be able to open and close freely. The first tongs 21A are configured to be longer in the front-to-rear direction than the second tongs 21B. The first tongs 21A and second tongs 21B can be opened and closed by driving a gripper opening / closing hydraulic cylinder 22 (see Figure 7) to grip or release the tree W.

[0037] The first tongs 21A has a delimbing unit-side arm 212A arranged on the delimbing unit 40 side, a cutting unit-side arm 213A arranged on the cutting unit 50 side, a rotating part 211A arranged on the base end side of the first tongs 21A, and a tip end 214A arranged on the tip end side of the first tongs 21A. The rotating part 211A extends in the front-to-rear direction. The rotating part 211A connects the base end of the delimbing unit-side arm 212A to the base end of the cutting unit-side arm 213A. The tip end 214A extends in the front-to-rear direction so as to be parallel to the rotating part 211A. The tip end 214A connects the tip end of the delimbing unit-side arm 212A to the tip end of the cutting unit-side arm 213A.

[0038] The delimbing unit-side arm 212A and the cutting unit-side arm 213A are plate members with arc-shaped curved tips, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Support rollers 215 are attached to the tips of the delimbing unit-side arm 212A and the cutting unit-side arm 213A, as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] Similar to the first tongs 21A, the second tongs 21B has a delimbing unit-side arm 212B arranged on the delimbing unit 40 side, a cutting unit-side arm 213B arranged on the cutting unit 50 side, a rotating part 211B arranged on the base end side of the second tongs 21B, and a tip end 214B arranged on the tip end side of the second tongs 21B. The rotating part 211B extends in the front-rear direction. The rotating part 211B is shorter than the rotating part 211A of the first tongs 21A. The rotating part 211B connects the base end of the delimbing unit-side arm 212B to the base end of the cutting unit-side arm 213B. The tip end 214B extends in the front-rear direction so as to be parallel to the rotating part 211B. The tip end 214B connects the tip end of the delimbing unit-side arm 212B to the tip end of the cutting unit-side arm 213B.

[0040] The delimbing unit-side arm 212B and the cutting unit-side arm 213B are plate members with arc-shaped curved tips, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Support rollers 215 are attached to the tips of the delimbing unit-side arm 212B and the cutting unit-side arm 213B, as shown in Figure 2.

[0041] The material feeding section 30 is a section that feeds the gripped tree W in the length direction. In this embodiment, two material feeding sections 30 are provided. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the two material feeding sections 30 are provided on the gripping section 20 so as to face each other. Each material feeding section 30 has a stud roller 31 having a circular outer peripheral surface 312a, a stud roller hydraulic motor 32, and an attachment member 33. The stud roller 31 corresponds to the feeding member of the present invention.

[0042] The attachment member 33 provided on the right side is disposed between the delimbing unit-side arm 212A and the cutting unit-side arm 213A that constitute the first tongs 21A, and is attached to the rotating part 211A. The attachment member 33 provided on the right side is linked to the opening and closing of the first tongs 21A.

[0043] The mounting member 33 on the left side is disposed between the delimbing unit-side arm 212B and the cutting unit-side arm 213B that constitute the second tongs 21B, and is attached to the rotating unit 211B. The mounting member 33 on the left side is linked to the opening and closing of the second tongs 21B. The pair of stud rollers 31, provided on the left and right, are attached to the respective mounting members 33 so as to be rotatable by the driving force of the stud roller hydraulic motors 32, respectively.

[0044] 6A and 6B are front views of essential parts of the tree processing device 1 during lumbering operation, with (a) showing the pair of stud rollers 31, 31 pressed against a tree W, and (b) showing the cutters 43, 44 of the limbing unit 40 pressed against the tree W. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A, the pair of stud rollers 31 open and close in conjunction with the opening and closing movements of the first tongs 21A and the second tongs 21B. In FIG. 5, the pair of stud rollers 31, 31 are open in conjunction with the first tongs 21A and the second tongs 21B. In FIG. 6A, the pair of stud rollers 31, 31 are closed in conjunction with the first tongs 21A and the second tongs 21B.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6(a), the tree processing device 1 grips the tree W by closing the first tongs 21A and the second tongs 21B, and closes the pair of stud rollers 31, 31 to press their circular outer circumferential surfaces 312a, 312a against the tree W. The lower part of the tree W is supported by the support roller 215. In this state, the pair of stud rollers 31, 31 pressed against the tree W are rotated in the same direction by the stud roller hydraulic motor 32, thereby feeding the tree W in the length direction. The specific structure of the stud rollers 31 will be described later.

[0046] The delimbing unit 40 is a part that delimbs the trees W delivered by the log feeding unit 30. As shown in Figures 5 and 6(b), the delimbing unit 40 has a pair of cutter support parts 41, 41, a pair of open-close cutters 43, 43, a pair of biasing members 45, 45, and a movable cutter 44. One of the cutter support parts 41 is attached to the front side of the delimbing unit-side arm part 212A of the first tongs 21A. The base end of this one cutter support part 41 is attached to the upper end of the delimbing unit-side arm part 212A so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0047] The other cutter support part 41 is attached to the front side of the delimbing unit-side arm part 212B of the second tongs 21B. The base end of this other cutter support part 41 is attached to the upper end of the delimbing unit-side arm part 212B so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-to-rear direction. The pair of open-close cutters 43, 43 are attached to the tip ends of the pair of cutter support parts 41, 41, respectively.

[0048] The pair of biasing members 45 bias the pair of cutter support parts 41 so as to press the opening and closing cutters 43 against the surface of the tree W. The pair of cutter support parts 41 open and close in accordance with the opening and closing of the first tongs 21A and the second tongs 21B of the gripping part 20. The movable cutter 44 is provided so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the device main body 10.

[0049] 6(b), when the first tongs 21A and second tongs 21B of the gripping unit 20 are closed, the pair of open-close cutters 43, 43 and the movable cutter 44 are positioned to surround the outer circumferential surface of the tree W gripped by the first tongs 21A and second tongs 21B. The pair of open-close cutters 43, 43 and the movable cutter 44 come into sliding contact with the surface of the tree W fed by the feeding unit 30 to cut the branches of the tree W.

[0050] The cutting unit 50 is a section that cuts and bucks the tree W delivered to a predetermined length by the log feeding unit 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the cutting unit 50 is provided at the end of the log feeding unit 30 on the opposite side (rear side) from the limbing unit 40. As shown in FIG. 4, the cutting unit 50 has a sawbar 51, a saw chain 52, a storage unit 53, a sawbar hydraulic cylinder 54 (see FIG. 7), and a sawchain hydraulic motor 55 (see FIG. 7). The sawbar 51 is a plate-shaped member that guides the saw chain 52. The sawbar 51 is supported by a support shaft 56 so as to be rotatable in the vertical direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4). The sawbar 51 is rotated by the sawbar hydraulic cylinder 54 (see FIG. 7). When the cutting unit 50 is not in use, the sawbar 51 is rotated upward and stored inside the storage unit 53.

[0051] The saw chain 52 is wound around the saw bar 51 and a sprocket (not shown). A saw chain hydraulic motor 55 (see FIG. 7) is connected to the sprocket. When the saw chain hydraulic motor 55 rotates, the saw chain 52 is driven to rotate and a cutting operation is performed. By rotating the saw chain 52 and rotating the saw bar 51 from above to below, the tree W gripped by the gripping portion 20 can be cut.

[0052] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a hydraulic circuit 70 and its control system of the tree processing device 1. As shown in Figure 7, the hydraulic circuit 70 includes a hydraulic oil tank 71, a hydraulic pump 72, and a control valve unit 73. The control valve unit 73 and the hydraulic oil tank 71 are connected by a hydraulic oil flow path 74a and a hydraulic oil flow path 74b. A hydraulic pump 72 is provided in the middle of the hydraulic oil flow path 74a. When the hydraulic pump 72 is driven, hydraulic oil is supplied from the hydraulic oil tank 71 through the hydraulic oil flow path 74a to the control valve unit 73.

[0053] The control valve unit 73 is connected to the rotator hydraulic motor 111 of the rotator 11 by a hydraulic oil flow path 74c. Similarly, the control valve section 73 is connected to the gripper opening / closing hydraulic cylinder 22 of the gripper 20 by a hydraulic oil flow path 74e. The control valve section 73 is connected to each of the pairs of stud roller hydraulic motors 32, 32 in the two material feeding sections 30, 30 by hydraulic oil flow paths 74f, 74g. The control valve section 73 is connected to the sawbar hydraulic cylinder 54 of the cutting section 50 by a hydraulic oil flow path 74h. The control valve unit 73 is connected to the saw chain hydraulic motor 55 of the cutting unit 50 by a hydraulic oil flow path 74i.

[0054] The control valve unit 73 controls the supply and discharge of hydraulic oil to the drive actuators 111, 22, 32, 54, and 55, which are composed of the hydraulic cylinders or hydraulic motors described above. The hydraulic oil discharged from the drive actuators 111, 22, 32, 54, and 55 is returned to the hydraulic oil tank 71 through a hydraulic oil flow path 74b. The opening and closing of the control valve unit 73 is controlled by a control unit 60. The control unit 60 is electrically connected to a length measuring unit 61 and a status detection sensor 62. The length measuring unit 61 is provided to measure the amount of tree W sent out.

[0055] The length measuring unit 61 detects the amount of rotation of the sprocket 611, for example, by an encoder (not shown). The output signal of the length measuring unit 61 is input to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 converts the amount of rotation of the sprocket 611 into the amount of tree W sent out. The status detection sensor 62 detects the status of each drive actuator 22, 54. The output signal from the status detection sensor 62 is input to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls the switching of the control valve unit 73 based on the output signals input from the length measuring unit 61 and the status detection sensor 62.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the state of lumber processing performed by the tree processing system S. (a) shows a tree W fed to a predetermined length L, and (b) shows the tree W fed to the predetermined length L being cut to form a log WL. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the control unit 60 measures the length from the kerf WP to the cutting unit 50 while feeding the tree W toward the cutting unit 50 (feeding direction) of the tree processing device 1 using the stud roller 31 of the feeding unit 30. The tree W has a kerf WP formed by being previously cut by the cutting unit 50. When the length of the tree W reaches the preset length L, the control unit 60 stops the feeding unit 30. In the state shown in FIG. 8(a), the tree W is cut by the cutting unit 50 to form a log WL ​​of the desired length, as shown in FIG. 8(b). The position of the newly formed kerf WP coincides with the position of the saw bar 51 of the cutting unit 50. When subsequently forming a log WL ​​from the same tree W, the newly formed cut end WP is used as a reference point, and the log length L is similarly measured and cut into logs, allowing the continuous formation of logs WL.

[0057] [Stud roller] Next, the structure of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment will be described in detail. Fig. 9 is a front view showing the stud roller 31 of this embodiment. Fig. 10 is a plan view showing the stud roller 31 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the stud roller 31 is made of metal and has a circular plate-shaped center disk portion 311 and a cylindrical portion 312 that surrounds the outer periphery of the center disk portion 311. The center disk portion 311 has multiple lightening holes 311a, a rotating shaft mounting hole 311b, and multiple fastener mounting holes 311c. A flange (not shown) of the rotating shaft of the stud roller hydraulic motor 32 is inserted into the rotating shaft mounting hole 311b. The fastener mounting hole 311c is provided to connect the rotating shaft flange (not shown) and the stud roller 31 with a fastener.

[0058] The stud roller 31 has a circular outer peripheral surface 312a. This circular outer peripheral surface 312a is formed by a cylindrical portion 312. As shown in FIG. 10, the circular outer peripheral surface 312a is curved overall so that its diameter becomes slightly smaller toward the end on the mounting member 33 side. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the circular outer peripheral surface 312a is provided with a plurality of band plate portions 313 extending in the width direction of the circular outer peripheral surface 312a at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction of the circular outer peripheral surface 312a. The band plate portions 313 correspond to the feed-out member elements of the present invention. Note that the circular outer peripheral surface 312a may be cylindrical with a constant diameter. Furthermore, although the stud roller 31 is described as being composed of the center disk portion 311, the circular outer peripheral surface 312, and the band plate portion 313, these may also be integrally formed from a metal member.

[0059] The strip portion 313 is formed by connecting a plurality of small plate portions 313a, 313b, and 313c, each having a flat outer surface, in the width direction of the circular outer peripheral surface 312a. Adjacent small plate portions 313a and 313b, and adjacent small plate portions 313b and 313c, are connected so as to bend in the radial direction of the circular outer peripheral surface 312a. The strip portion 313 is formed separately from the cylindrical portion 312 that forms the circular outer peripheral surface 312a and then joined to the circular outer peripheral surface 312a by welding. The strip portion 313 may be formed from a single metal member, or the small plate portions 313a, 313b, and 313c may be formed individually and joined together by welding or the like. Alternatively, the small plate portions 313a, 313b, and 313c may be directly joined to the circular outer peripheral surface 312a without being connected.

[0060] [spike] Fig. 11 is an enlarged side view of a main portion showing the spikes 314 of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment. As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the stud roller 31 has a plurality of spikes 314 that protrude outward from the circular outer peripheral surface 312a, centered on a central axis C extending radially from the circular outer peripheral surface 312a. The plurality of spikes 314 are members that transmit driving force when the tree W is fed by the two feeding units 30. The pair of stud rollers 31, 31 are driven to rotate in the same direction while gripping the tree W with their circular outer peripheral surfaces 312a, 312a, thereby feeding the tree W in the feeding direction, which is the direction of the tree length, while the plurality of spikes 314 dig into the tree W.

[0061] A plurality of spikes 314 are provided on the outer surface of each band plate portion 313. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, four spikes 314 are provided on each of small plate portions 313a, 313b, and 313c. On each of small plate portions 313a, 313b, and 313c, the four spikes 314 are arranged at intervals, two in the width direction and two in the circumferential direction of circular outer peripheral surface 312a.

[0062] The four spikes 314 are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the circumferential direction (feeding direction) of the circular outer peripheral surface 312a. In other words, the four spikes 314 are arranged in a staggered pattern with respect to the circumferential direction (feeding direction) of the circular outer peripheral surface 312a.

[0063] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the spikes 314 on each of the small plate portions 313a, 313b, and 313c are arranged at intervals d in the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. Therefore, the spikes 314 are arranged so as not to overlap one another when viewed from the feeding direction (a staggered arrangement). Arranging the spikes 314 so as not to overlap in the feeding direction facilitates the transmission of driving force and reduces slippage when the pair of stud rollers 31 grip and feed the tree W. Even if the spikes 314 temporarily slip relative to the tree W, the dispersed arrangement of the spikes 314 makes it easier for each spike 314 to come into contact with a wide area of ​​the surface of the tree W, making it easier to prevent slippage and transmit driving force to the tree W. The widthwise intervals (d) between the spikes 314 do not have to be the same.

[0064] 11, each spike 314 has a distal region h1 that includes the distal end 314a and a proximal region h2 that is located proximal to the distal end of the distal region h1. The distal region h1 is formed in a generally conical shape. The proximal region h2 has a first proximal end 314b that is frustum-shaped and a second proximal end 314c that has a curved outer periphery that gradually widens toward the proximal end of the spike 314. In other words, the spike 314 has a generally conical shape centered on the central axis C, with the generatrix being the leading edge hf1 of the distal region h1 in the delivery direction and the generatrix being the leading edge hf2 of the proximal region h2 in the delivery direction.

[0065] If the angle between the leading edge hf1 and the central axis C is defined as a first angle θ1 and the angle between the leading edge hf2 and the central axis C is defined as a second angle θ2, the spike 314 is formed so that the first angle θ1 is greater than the second angle θ2. In this embodiment, the second angle θ2 is based on the angle of the outer circumferential surface of the truncated cone-shaped first base end 314b.

[0066] Fig. 12 is an enlarged side view of the essential parts of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment, showing the spikes 314 in a state where they are vertically biting into the tree W. Fig. 13 is an enlarged side view of the essential parts of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment, showing the spikes 314 in the middle of being released from the vertically biting into the tree W. Fig. 14 is an enlarged side view of the essential parts of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment, showing the spikes 314 just before they are released from the biting holes H.

[0067] As shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, multiple spikes 314 are arranged on the circular outer peripheral surface 312a of the stud roller 31, and each spike 314 transmits the driving force of the stud roller 31 to the tree W while tracing an arc-shaped trajectory as the stud roller 31 rotates.

[0068] Specifically, when the stud roller 31 is rotated while being pressed against the tree W, the spikes 314 approach the surface of the tree W while tracing an arc-shaped trajectory, and begin to dig into the tree W, thereby starting to transmit a driving force to the tree W. Figure 12 shows the state in which the spikes 314 have dug perpendicularly into the surface of the tree W. After this state, the spikes 314 gradually begin to separate from the tree W while transmitting the driving force (Figure 13), and the tips 314a of the spikes 314 are positioned on the surface of the tree W (Figure 14), and they continue to separate from the surface of the tree W while tracing an arc-shaped trajectory.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 12, the state in which the spike 314 is embedded in the tree W so that the central axis C of the spike 314 is perpendicular to the length direction (feeding direction) of the tree W is referred to as the vertical embedding position. Furthermore, the hole formed in the tree W at the vertical penetration position is referred to as a penetration hole H. At the vertical penetration position, the spike 314 is penetrated deepest into the tree W, and the penetration hole H is formed so as to follow the shape of the spike 314. The position of the front edge hf2 (or hf1) of the spike 314 in the feeding direction, which is opposite to the tree surface position HS of the bite hole H, is defined as a bite front edge P2. The leading edge of the tip 314a of the spike 314 in the delivery direction is defined as a leading edge P1.

[0070] As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the spike 314 is formed so that, from the state in which the central axis C of the spike 314 is embedded so as to be perpendicular to the length direction (feeding direction) of the tree W when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the stud roller 31 (vertical embedding position in Figure 12), until it leaves the embedding hole H (Figure 14), the tip front edge P1 is positioned rearward of or at least at the same position as the embedding front edge P2 in the feeding direction.

[0071] Specifically, in Fig. 12, the spike 314 is in a state (vertical penetration position) where the central axis C of the spike 314 is perpendicular to the length direction (feeding direction) of the tree W. In this state, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the stud roller 31 (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Fig. 12), the tip leading edge P1 is located rearward of the penetrating leading edge P2 in the feeding direction.

[0072] 13 shows the state in which the stud roller 31 is further rotated from the state in FIG. 12 to send out the tree W in the sending direction. The spike 314 gradually leaves the bite hole H, tracing an arc-shaped trajectory from the vertical bite position.

[0073] In the state of Figure 13, the spike 314 is gradually disengaging from the bite hole H, so the bite front edge P2 (the position of the front edge hf2 (or hf1) of the spike 314 in the feeding direction, which faces the tree surface position HS) has moved closer to the tip 314a of the spike 314 than in the state of Figure 12. Even in this state, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the stud roller 31 (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 13), the tip front edge P1 is located rearward of the bite front edge P2 in the feeding direction.

[0074] When the stud roller 31 is further driven to rotate from the state shown in Figure 13 and the tree W is sent out in the sending direction, the spike 314 further disengages from the biting hole H, and the tip 314a of the spike 314 is positioned on the surface of the tree W, as shown in Figure 14.

[0075] In the state shown in Figure 14, the tip 314a of the spike 314 is positioned on the surface of the tree W. Therefore, the digging-in front edge P2 has moved further toward the tip 314a of the spike 314 than in the state shown in Figure 13, and the digging-in front edge P2 and the tip front edge P1 are in the same position.

[0076] In this manner, in this embodiment, the spike 314 is formed so that, from the state in which the central axis C of the spike 314 is embedded so as to be perpendicular to the length direction (feeding direction) of the tree W when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the stud roller 31 (Figure 12), until it leaves the embedding hole H (Figure 14), the tip front edge P1 is positioned rearward of or at least at the same position as the embedding front edge P2 in the feeding direction.

[0077] In other words, the tip of the spike 314 (tip leading edge P1) is located behind or at least at the same position as the biting leading edge P2, so when the spike 314 that has bitten into the tree W gradually moves out of the biting hole H as the stud roller 31 rotates and the tree W is fed out, the tip of the spike 314 (tip leading edge P1) does not move ahead of the tree surface position HS (biting leading edge P2) in the direction of feeding the tree W.

[0078] Therefore, the spike 314 is less likely to press the biting hole H in the delivery direction from the vertical biting position until it is released from the biting hole H, making it less likely to widen the biting hole H.

[0079] Furthermore, the front edges hf2, hf1 of the spikes 314 from the tree surface position HS (biting front edge P2) to the tip of the spike 314 (tip front edge P1) face downward in the direction of delivery of the tree W, making it difficult to scoop up the bark. This makes it difficult for the tips of the spikes 314 to catch and peel off the bark.

[0080] [Spike 1 angle] Next, we will explain the first angle θ1, which is the angle between the front edge hf1 of the spike 314 and the central axis C of the spike 314. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first angle θ1 of the spike 314 and the virtual tree surface position. Each spike 314 in Figure 15 (a), (b), and (c) shows the state of the spike 314 moving while tracing an arc-shaped trajectory as the stud roller 31 rotates.

[0081] The state of (a) is a virtual state in which the central axis C of the spike 314 is perpendicular to the sending direction of the tree W, and the spike 314 is embedded in the tree W (vertical embedding position). A virtual line extending the surface position of the virtual tree W in the sending direction is defined as the tree surface extension line HSL.

[0082] The state shown in (b) is the state shown in (a) where the stud roller 31 is further rotated and the tree W is fed in the feeding direction. The spike 314 gradually separates from the tree W, tracing an arc-shaped trajectory from the vertically embedded position.

[0083] In the state (c), the stud roller 31 is further rotated from the state (b) to send out the tree W in the sending direction. The spike 314 further leaves the tree W, and the tip 314a of the spike 314 reaches the surface of the tree W (the tree surface extension line HSL).

[0084] 15(a), (b), and (c), the angles formed by the leading edge hf1 of the tip region h1 in the feed direction and the tree surface extension line HSL are defined as angles θa, θb, and θc, respectively. The magnitudes of angles θa, θb, and θc are related to the magnitude of the first angle θ1, which is the angle formed by the leading edge hf1 and the central axis C. Specifically, the larger the first angle θ1, the smaller the angles θa, θb, and θc become; conversely, the smaller the first angle θ1, the larger the angles θa, θb, and θc become.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first angle θ1 is set so that the angle (θa, θb, θc) formed between the front edge hf1 in the sending direction of the tip region h1 and the tree surface extension line HSL is less than a right angle from the state in which the central axis C of the spike 314 is perpendicular to the sending direction of the tree W (Figure 15a) when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the sending member, until the tip of the spike 314 (tip front edge P1) passes beyond the tree surface extension line HSL.

[0086] 12 to 14, by setting the first angle θ1 in this manner, the tip (tip leading edge P1) of the spike 314 is positioned behind or at least at the same position as the biting leading edge P2. Therefore, when the spike 314 that has bitten into the tree W gradually leaves the biting hole H as the stud roller 31 rotates and the tree W is fed out, the tip (tip leading edge P1) of the spike 314 does not precede the tree surface position HS (biting leading edge P2) in the feeding direction of the tree W.

[0087] This makes it difficult for the spike 314 to press the biting hole H in the delivery direction from the vertical biting position until it is released from the biting hole H, making it difficult for the spike 314 to push the biting hole H wide.

[0088] Furthermore, the front edges hf2, hf1 of the spikes 314 from the tree surface position HS (biting front edge P2) to the tip of the spike 314 (tip front edge P1) face downward in the direction of delivery of the tree W, making it difficult to scoop up the bark. This makes it difficult for the tips of the spikes 314 to catch and peel off the bark.

[0089] [Compared to conventional spikes] Fig. 16 is an enlarged side view of a main portion of a conventional stud roller 31' when the spikes 314' are in a position where they are vertically biting into the tree W'. Fig. 17 is an enlarged side view of a main portion of a conventional stud roller 31' when the spikes 314' are in the process of being released from the position where they are vertically biting into the tree W'. Fig. 18 is an enlarged side view of a main portion of a conventional stud roller 31' when the spikes 314' are about to be released from the surface of the tree W.

[0090] 16 to 18, the conventional stud roller 31' has a circular outer peripheral surface 312a' and a band plate portion 313', similar to the circular outer peripheral surface 312a and band plate portion 313 of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment. However, the stud roller 31' has spikes 314' that have a different shape from the spikes 314 of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment. Specifically, unlike the spikes 314 of this embodiment, the spikes 314' do not have a distinguished tip region h1 and base region h2 (see FIG. 11), and are formed in a conical shape with a constant angle of the front edge in the delivery direction.

[0091] Like the spikes 314 of the stud roller 31 of this embodiment, each spike 314' transmits the driving force of the stud roller 31' to the tree W' while tracing an arc-shaped trajectory as the stud roller 31' rotates.

[0092] In the state of Figure 17, the spike 314' is gradually disengaging from the bite hole H', so that the bite front edge P2' (the position of the front edge of the spike 314' in the feeding direction, facing the tree surface position HS') has moved closer to the tip of the spike 314' than in the state of Figure 16. In this state, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the stud roller 31' (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 17), the tip front edge P1' is already positioned almost vertically below the bite front edge P2' in the feeding direction.

[0093] If the stud roller 31' is further driven to rotate from the state shown in Figure 17 and the tree W' is sent out in the sending direction, as shown in Figure 18, the position of the tip front edge P1' of the spike 314' will always be ahead of the biting front edge P2' until the spike 314' leaves the biting hole H'.

[0094] As a result, the spikes 314' press the bite hole H' in the delivery direction, widening the bite hole H'. The area widened by the spikes 314' becomes the expanded passage area S surrounded by the two-dot chain line.

[0095] Furthermore, when the front edge of the spike 314' from the tree surface position HS' (biting front edge P2') to the tip of the spike 314' (tip front edge P1') faces upward relative to the direction of delivery of the tree W' (FIGS. 17 and 18), the bark tends to be scooped up upward. As a result, the tip of the spike 314' catches and peels off the bark.

[0096] As described above, the spike 314 of this embodiment and the conventional spike 314' have significantly different effects on the trees W, W' from the vertical penetration position until they leave the surface of the trees W, W'.

[0097] As described above, according to the tree processing device 1 of the above embodiment, the spike 314 is formed so that, from the state in which the central axis C is embedded so as to be perpendicular to the length direction of the tree W when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the stud roller 31, until it leaves the embedding hole H, the tip front edge P1 is positioned rearward of or at least at the same position as the embedding front edge P2 in the feed direction. This prevents the tip of the spike 314 (tip leading edge P1) from moving ahead of the tree surface position HS (biting leading edge P2) in the direction of tree W delivery when the spike 314 that has penetrated into the tree W gradually leaves the penetration hole H as the stud roller 31 rotates and the tree W is delivered. Therefore, when the spike 314 gradually leaves the biting hole H, the moving speed of the tip of the spike 314 is unlikely to become greater than the sending-out speed of the tree W. Therefore, it becomes difficult to press the biting hole H in the sending-out direction, and it is possible to make it difficult to push the biting hole H wide. Furthermore, the front edges hf2, hf1 of the spikes 314 from the tree surface position HS (biting front edge P2) to the tip of the spike 314 (tip front edge P1) face downward in the direction of delivery of the tree W, making it difficult to scoop up the bark. This makes it difficult for the tips of the spikes 314 to catch and peel off the bark. Therefore, damage to the tree W caused by the spikes 314 can be suppressed, and deterioration in the quality of the tree W can be suppressed.

[0098] The spike 314 is formed so that a first angle θ1 formed between a front edge hf1 of the distal end region h1 and the central axis C is larger than a second angle θ2 formed between a front edge hf2 of the proximal end region h2 and the central axis C. This allows the spike 314 to be shaped in a way that is easy to form, and also prevents the tip of the spike 314 (tip leading edge P1) from moving ahead of the tree surface position HS (biting leading edge P2) in the direction of tree W delivery when the spike 314 that has penetrated the tree W gradually leaves the penetration hole H as the stud roller 31 rotates and the tree W is delivered.

[0099] The spike 314 has a first angle θ1 set so that, when viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the stud roller 31, from the state in which the central axis C is perpendicular to the feeding direction of the tree W until the tip front edge P1 passes the tree surface extension line HSL, the angles θa, θb, θc formed by the front edge hf1 in the feeding direction of the tip region h1 and the tree surface extension line HSL are less than a right angle. This prevents the tip of the spike 314 (tip leading edge P1) from moving ahead of the tree surface position HS (biting leading edge P2) in the direction of tree W delivery when the spike 314 that has penetrated into the tree W gradually leaves the penetration hole H as the stud roller 31 rotates and the tree W is delivered.

[0100] The spike 314 has a generally conical shape whose generatrix is ​​the shape of the front edge portions hf2, hf1 in the delivery direction of the distal end region h1 and the proximal end region h2. As a result, the shape of the spike 314 can be made easy to form, and since the tree W is sent out from the front of the spike 314 in the sending direction, the force applied to the tree W can be dispersed, thereby reducing damage to the tree W. Furthermore, spike 314 has a tip region h1 and a base region h2, and an outer circumferential surface with two angles (first angle θ1, second angle θ2), which increases the volume of each spike. Increasing the volume of each spike improves wear resistance and extends the lifespan (wear life) of the spike before it wears out.

[0101] The spikes 314 are arranged so as not to overlap in the feeding direction, which makes it easier to transmit the driving force when the tree W is gripped and fed by the stud roller 31. Furthermore, even if some of the spikes 314 slip relative to the tree W, the spikes 314 are arranged in a dispersed manner, which makes it easier for the spikes 314 to dig into the surface of the tree W, preventing slippage relative to the tree W and making it easier to transmit the driving force to the tree W.

[0102] The stud roller 31 has a circular outer circumferential surface 312a and a plurality of spikes 314 that protrude outward from the circular outer circumferential surface 312a. This prevents the tip (tip leading edge P1) of the spike 314 of the stud roller 31 that has dug into the tree W from gradually leaving the biting hole H as the stud roller 31 rotates and the tree W is sent out, from moving ahead of the tree surface position HS (biting leading edge P2) in the direction of sending out the tree W. Therefore, damage to the tree W caused by the spikes 314 can be suppressed, and deterioration in the quality of the tree W can be suppressed.

[0103] [Variations] The tree processing device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the stud roller 31 is used as the feed member of the feed section 30, but this is not limiting. For example, the feed member may be an endless crawler chain.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the spike 314 has a distal region h1 and a proximal region h2, and an outer circumferential surface with two angles (first angle θ1, second angle θ2), but is not limited to this. The shape of the spike outer circumferential surface may be such that the angle changes in stages or gradually.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the spike 314 has a generally conical shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the spike may have a shape other than a conical shape. For example, the spike may have an asymmetric shape between the front side and the rear side in the delivery direction.

[0106] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the above-described embodiments can be appropriately modified and carried out without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Tree treatment equipment 10 Device main body 20 Gripping part 21A, 21B Tongs 30 Material transport section 31 Stud roller (feed-out member) 312a Circular outer surface 313 Strip plate part (delivery member element) 314 Spike 314a Tip 900 base machine 901 Working Arm h1 tip area h2 proximal region hf1 leading edge hf2 leading edge C center axis H Biting hole HS Tree surface position P1 Leading edge P2 Leading edge of bite W Tree θ1 1st angle θ2 2nd angle

Claims

1. A tree processing device equipped with a feeding unit that feeds a gripped tree in the tree length direction, The feeding unit has a feeding member that has a plurality of spikes on its surface and that, when driven and rotated while gripping a tree, feeds the tree in a feeding direction, which is the length direction of the tree, while causing the spikes to dig into the tree. When the spike is inserted into the tree so that the central axis of the spike is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tree, a hole formed in the tree is defined as an insertion hole; The position of the leading edge of the spike in the feeding direction opposite to the position of the biting hole on the tree surface is defined as a biting leading edge, The leading edge of the tip of the spike in the sending direction is defined as a leading edge, The spikes are When viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the feeding member, from a state in which the feeding member is bitten into the tree so that the central axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tree, to the state in which the feeding member is released from the biting hole, the tip front edge portion is formed to be in a position behind or at least in the same position as the biting front edge portion in the feeding direction. Tree treatment equipment.

2. The spikes are a distal end region that is a region including the distal end portion, and a proximal end region that is a region closer to the proximal end than the distal end region, an angle formed by a front edge portion of the tip region in the feeding direction and a central axis of the spike is defined as a first angle; The angle formed by the front edge portion of the base end region in the delivery direction and the central axis of the spike is defined as a second angle, The first angle is formed to be larger than the second angle. The tree treatment device of claim 1 .

3. In a virtual state where the central axis of the spike is perpendicular to the sending direction of the tree and the spike is embedded in the tree, A virtual line extending the virtual tree surface position in the sending direction is defined as a tree surface extension line, The spikes are The first angle is set so that the angle formed by the front edge of the tip region in the feeding direction and the tree surface extension line is equal to or smaller than a right angle from a state in which the central axis is perpendicular to the feeding direction of the tree as viewed from the rotation axis direction of the feeding member until the tip front edge passes the tree surface extension line. The tree treatment device according to claim 2 .

4. The spikes are The distal end region and the proximal end region each have a substantially conical shape, the shape of a front edge portion of each of the distal end region and the proximal end region in the delivery direction being a generatrix. The tree treatment device according to claim 2 .

5. the delivery member having a plurality of delivery member elements; Each of the plurality of delivery member elements has a plurality of spikes arranged in a staggered pattern in the delivery direction. The tree treatment device of claim 1 .

6. The delivery member is a stud roller having a circular outer peripheral surface and a plurality of the spikes protruding outward from the circular outer peripheral surface, The tree processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The delivery member is An endless crawler chain having a plurality of the spikes protruding outward and wound around a drive sprocket and a driven sprocket provided in the material feeding section. The tree processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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