Work machinery

Abstract

To control a revolving speed of a motor corresponding to an outer diameter of a tree when cutting off the tree by using a cutter.SOLUTION: A harvester 11 provided for a front device 5 has a chain saw 31 driven by pressure oil from a hydraulic pump driven by an engine 8, and cuts off a tree W by the chain saw 31. The harvester 11 comprises: an angle sensor 35 which detects an outer diameter of the tree W; and a controller 37 which controls a revolving speed of the engine 8 corresponding to the outer diameter of the tree W detected by the angle sensor 35. Therefore, when a plurality of raw woods is cut off from a single tree W by using the chain saw 31, a revolving speed of the engine 8 can be automatically increased from a standard revolving speed when the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut off is large, and a revolving speed of the engine 8 can be automatically decreased from the standard revolving speed when the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut off is small.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a work machine that is used, for example, in forestry work sites and is equipped with a timber processing device that performs work of cutting logs from trees (timber processing). [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a hydraulic excavator, a typical example of construction machinery, comprises a self-propelled undercarriage and an upper rotating body mounted on the undercarriage so as to be able to rotate. A front device for work is provided at the front of the upper rotating body, and various tasks can be performed by changing the attachments attached to the tip of the front device. A hydraulic excavator is equipped with a hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover such as an engine, and hydraulic actuators equipped on the hydraulic excavator are operated by pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump.

[0003] When a hydraulic excavator is used in forestry work, a timber processing device such as a harvester or a processor is attached to the front equipment. Generally, a timber processing device called a harvester performs timber processing work such as felling trees (standing trees) and delimbing and cutting (bucking) the felled trees, while a timber processing device called a processor performs timber processing work such as delimbing and cutting the felled trees. For this reason, the timber processing device is usually equipped with a hydraulic chainsaw, which is driven by pressurized oil from a hydraulic pump to fell and cut the trees.

[0004] The hydraulic pump installed in a hydraulic excavator adjusts the operating speed of the hydraulic actuator by increasing or decreasing the discharge flow rate according to the engine speed and the amount of operation of the control lever.The hydraulic pump also prevents the engine output from becoming excessive by increasing or decreasing the discharge flow rate according to the load on the hydraulic actuator.

[0005] If the rotation speed of the chainsaw is insufficient when cutting trees, the cut surface will be rough and cracks will occur during cutting, which can lead to problems such as a decrease in the quality of the logs shipped as products. In particular, if the tree has a large (thick) outer diameter or is very hard (hard) depending on the type of tree, the rotation speed of the chainsaw will decrease, which will make the cut surface rough and cracks will occur during cutting.

[0006] In response to this, a lumber processing machine has been proposed that increases the engine rotation speed and the discharge flow rate of the hydraulic pump when cutting trees with a chainsaw. With this lumber processing machine, the increased rotation speed of the chainsaw when cutting trees prevents the logs from becoming rough on the cut surface and cracking during cutting, thereby maintaining the high quality of the logs that are shipped (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-62355 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in forestry work sites where timber processing is carried out, the hardness of trees varies depending on the type, and hard trees and soft trees are mixed together. For this reason, for example, when cutting soft trees that are less likely to cause roughness on the cut surface of the log, there is no need to increase the engine speed. Also, when cutting trees that require lower quality, such as thinned trees or tapered tree tips, there is no need to increase the engine speed.

[0009] Thus, with conventional technology, the engine speed increases when cutting low-quality logs using a chainsaw, such as low-hardness (soft) trees, trees with small diameters, or thinned trees. As a result, conventional lumber processing machines waste a lot of fuel, which not only increases the cost of producing logs but also has a negative impact on the environment.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a work machine that, when cutting trees using a cutting machine, is capable of controlling the rotation speed of the motor in accordance with the outer diameter of the tree. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention relates to a working machine comprising a self-propelled vehicle body equipped with a prime mover that drives a hydraulic pump, a front device provided on the vehicle body, and a log processing device provided on the front device for processing trees, the log processing device having a cutting machine that is driven by pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump and cuts the trees, the log processing device comprising: a feeding device that grips the tree and feeds it toward the cutting machine; an outer diameter detector that detects the outer diameter of the tree; and a controller that controls the rotation speed of the motor in accordance with the outer diameter of the tree detected by the outer diameter detector. When the tree is cut by the cutting machine, the controller increases the rotation speed of the motor from the standard rotation speed as the outer diameter of the tree detected by the outer diameter detector increases, and when the tree is fed by the feeding device, the controller returns the rotation speed of the motor to the standard rotation speed. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when cutting trees using a cutting machine of a timber processing machine, the controller controls the rotation speed of the motor according to the outer diameter of the tree detected by the outer diameter detector. As a result, the rotation speed of the motor and the rotation speed of the cutting machine increase only when cutting trees with a large outer diameter (thick). Therefore, thick trees can be cut smoothly, and the rotation speed of the cutting machine can be prevented from becoming excessive when cutting trees with a small outer diameter (thin). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]1 is a left side view showing a hydraulic excavator equipped with a material processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an explanatory view of the gripping device as seen from the direction of arrows III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an explanatory view of the feed device as seen from the direction of arrows IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is an explanatory view of the cutting device as seen from the direction of arrow VV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing an angle sensor and the like in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged view of the angle sensor and the like as viewed from the direction of arrows VII-VII in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the gripping device grips a large-diameter tree. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the gripping device grips a small-diameter tree. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a block diagram including an angle sensor, a controller, an input device, and an engine controller according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of engine rotation speeds that are set according to the outer diameter of trees in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an increase or decrease in engine rotation speed in response to a change in the outer diameter of a tree in the lumber manufacturing process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram including an angle sensor, a controller, an input device, and an engine controller according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of engine rotation speeds that are set according to the outer diameter and hardness of trees in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an increase or decrease in engine speed in response to a change in the outer diameter of a cedar tree in a lumber manufacturing process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an increase or decrease in engine speed in response to a change in the outer diameter of a larch tree in a lumber manufacturing process according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An embodiment of a work machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 16, taking as an example a case where the work machine is applied to a hydraulic excavator. In the embodiment, the traveling direction of the hydraulic excavator will be described as the front-rear direction, and the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction will be described as the left-right direction.

[0015] Figures 1 to 12 show a first embodiment. The hydraulic excavator 1 shown in Figure 1 is deployed to a forestry site and performs timber processing work such as delimbing and cutting felled trees using a timber processing device 11 called a processor, which will be described later. The hydraulic excavator 1 comprises a self-propelled crawler-type lower traveling body 2 and an upper rotating body 4 that is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 2 via a slewing device 3, and the lower traveling body 2 and the upper rotating body 4 form a vehicle body. A front device 5 is provided in front of the upper rotating body 4, and a timber processing device 11 is attached to the tip of the front device 5.

[0016] The lower traveling body 2 has a track frame 2A serving as a base, and left and right side frames 2B (only the left side is shown) extending in the fore-and-aft direction are provided on the track frame 2A. A traveling device (drive wheel) 2C is provided at one end of the left and right side frames 2B in the fore-and-aft direction, respectively, and an idler wheel 2D is provided at the other end in the fore-and-aft direction, respectively. An endless track (crawler) 2E is wound around the traveling device 2C and the idler wheel 2D, and by rotating the track 2E using the traveling device 2C, the hydraulic excavator 1 can travel stably on slopes, uneven ground, etc.

[0017] The front device 5 includes a boom 5A, an arm 5B, links 5C and 5D, an adapter 5E for attaching the material-making device 11, a boom cylinder 5F, an arm cylinder 5G, and a work tool cylinder 5H. The base end of the boom 5A is rotatably attached to the front side of a swivel frame 6 (described later), and an arm 5B is rotatably attached to the tip of the boom 5A. One end of a link 5C and the adapter 5E are rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 5B. Furthermore, one end of a link 5D is rotatably attached to the adapter 5E.

[0018] The boom cylinder 5F is provided between the revolving frame 6 and the boom 5A and rotates the boom 5A up and down relative to the revolving frame 6. The arm cylinder 5G is provided between the boom 5A and the arm 5B and rotates the arm 5B up and down relative to the boom 5A. The implement cylinder 5H is connected to the arm 5B and the adapter 5E via links 5C and 5D. Specifically, the bottom side of the implement cylinder 5H is rotatably attached to the arm 5B, and the rod side of the implement cylinder 5H is rotatably attached to the other ends of the links 5C and 5D. Therefore, the extension and retraction movement of the implement cylinder 5H is transmitted to the adapter 5E via the links 5C and 5D, and the adapter 5E rotates up and down relative to the arm 5B.

[0019] The upper rotating body 4 is rotatably mounted on the lower traveling body 2 via a rotating device 3. The upper rotating body 4 includes a rotating frame 6, a counterweight 7, an engine 8, an exterior cover 9, a cab 10, etc.

[0020] The rotating frame 6 forms the base of the upper rotating body 4 and is mounted on the lower traveling body 2 via the rotating device 3 so as to be able to rotate. The rotating frame 6 has a bottom plate (not shown) and left and right vertical plates (not shown) that are erected on the bottom plate, face each other in the left-right direction, and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The base ends of the boom 5A and the boom cylinder 5F are rotatably attached to the front ends of the left and right vertical plates of the rotating frame 6. A counterweight 7 is attached to the rear ends of the left and right vertical plates of the rotating frame 6. The counterweight 7 maintains weight balance with the front device 5.

[0021] An engine 8 serving as a prime mover is mounted on the revolving frame 6, positioned in front of the counterweight 7. The engine 8 drives a hydraulic pump (not shown) serving as a power source, and the hydraulic pump discharges pressurized oil when driven by the engine 8. The pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump is supplied to various hydraulic actuators mounted on the hydraulic excavator 1 via control valves (not shown). An exterior cover 9 is disposed in front of the counterweight 7, and the on-board equipment such as the engine 8, hydraulic pump, and control valves mounted on the revolving frame 6 are housed within the exterior cover 9.

[0022] The cab 10 is provided at the left front of the revolving frame 6. The cab 10 is formed in a box shape that defines the driver's compartment, and a driver's seat (not shown) where the operator sits is provided inside the cab 10. A travel lever and pedal device (not shown) that controls the travel operation of the hydraulic excavator 1 is provided in front of the driver's seat, and operation lever devices (not shown) that control the revolving operation of the upper revolving body 4 and the operation of the front device 5 are provided on both left and right sides of the driver's seat. Furthermore, a controller 37 (described below) that controls the rotation speed of the engine 8, various log-making operation buttons (not shown) for operating the log-making device 11, an input device 38, etc. are provided inside the cab 10.

[0023] Next, the timber processing device used in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 9, taking as an example a timber processing device 11, which is generally called a processor and performs timber processing work such as pruning and cutting of felled trees.

[0024] The timber processing device 11 is attached to the adapter 5E of the front device 5 and performs timber processing work such as delimbing and cutting of felled trees W. The timber processing device 11 is composed of a support member 12, a timber processing frame 13, a gripping device 18, a feeding device 22, and a cutting device 30, which will be described later.

[0025] The support member 12 is attached to the tip of the adapter 5E and supports the lumber frame 13. The support member 12 has a mounting portion 12A attached to the tip of the adapter 5E so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and an arm portion 12B extending downward from the mounting portion 12A, with the lower side of the arm portion 12B branching into two parts. A rotation mechanism (not shown) including, for example, a hydraulic motor is provided between the mounting portion 12A and the arm portion 12B, and the arm portion 12B is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction relative to the mounting portion 12A. In addition, a frame-shaped guide 12C is fixed to the outer surface of the arm portion 12B.

[0026] The lumber-making frame 13 is attached to the arm portion 12B of the support member 12. The lumber-making frame 13 forms the base of the lumber-making device 11 and has a base 14, a gripping device mounting portion 15, a feeding device mounting portion 16, and a cutting device mounting portion 17. The middle portion of the base 14 in the longitudinal direction is attached to the lower end of the arm portion 12B that forms the support member 12 via a shaft 14A, and the base 14 is rotatable around the shaft 14A.

[0027] The gripping device mounting portion 15 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the base 14. The gripping device mounting portion 15 is composed of a pair of plates facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the base 14, and has a pair of protruding portions 15A, 15B that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base 14 (see FIG. 3). The gripping device 18 and the like are attached to the pair of protruding portions 15A, 15B.

[0028] The feeder attachment portion 16 is provided adjacent to the gripper attachment portion 15 at the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the base 14. The feeder attachment portion 16 is composed of a pair of plates facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the base 14, and has a pair of protrusions 16A, 16B that protrude in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base 14 (see FIG. 4). A feeder 22 is attached to the pair of protrusions 16A, 16B.

[0029] The cutting device mounting portion 17 is provided adjacent to the feeder mounting portion 16 at the other end in the longitudinal direction of the base 14. The cutting device mounting portion 17 has a bracket 17A that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base 14 (see FIG. 5). The cutting device 30 is attached to the bracket 17A.

[0030] The gripping device 18 is attached to the gripping device mounting portion 15 of the timber processing frame 13 and grips felled trees W. The gripping device 18 includes a pair of tongs 19, 20 that are openably and closably attached to the gripping device mounting portion 15, and a tong cylinder 21 that opens and closes the tongs 19, 20. The tongs 19, 20 have an overall J-shaped curved shape, and a blade (not shown) for delimbing the tree W is attached to their outer surfaces. The tongs 19 are rotatably supported on one extension portion 15A of the gripping device mounting portion 15 using a tong connecting pin 19A. The tongs 20 are rotatably supported on the other extension portion 15B of the gripping device mounting portion 15 using a tong connecting pin 20A.

[0031] The tongs cylinder 21 is formed of a hydraulic cylinder and is provided between the pair of tongs 19, 20. Specifically, one end (bottom side) of the tongs cylinder 21 is connected to the base end side of the tongs 20 using a cylinder connecting pin 21A, and the other end (rod side) of the tongs cylinder 21 is connected to the base end side of the tongs 19 using a cylinder connecting pin 21B. As shown in Fig. 7, a cylindrical shaft 21C protrudes concentrically from the tip of the cylinder connecting pin 21B, and one end 36A of an angle sensor lever 36, which will be described later, is engaged with the shaft 21C.

[0032] The tong cylinder 21 is supplied with pressurized oil from a hydraulic pump by operating a timber processing operation button (not shown) for the gripping device 18, which is located in the cab 10, for example. This changes the opening degree of the tongs 19, 20 in response to the extension and retraction of the tong cylinder 21, and the tongs 19, 20 rotate about the tong connecting pins 19A, 20A to grip the tree W by embracing it from the radially outer side.

[0033] The feeder 22 is attached to the feeder attachment portion 16 of the timber frame 13 and grips and feeds the felled tree W toward the cutting device 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the feeder 22 is composed of a pair of feeder arms 23, 24, a link 25, feeder cylinders 26, 27, and feeder tracks 28, 29. One end of the feeder arm 23 is rotatably supported by the protrusion 16A of the feeder attachment portion 16 via an arm connecting pin 23A. One end of the feeder arm 24 is rotatably supported by the protrusion 16B of the feeder attachment portion 16 via an arm connecting pin 24A. A feeder track 28 is attached to the other end of the feeder arm 23, and a feeder track 29 is attached to the other end of the feeder arm 24.

[0034] Link 25 is a rod-like body extending linearly, and connects one end of feeder arms 23, 24. Specifically, one end of feeder arm 23 is provided with protrusion 23B that protrudes in a direction away from arm connecting pin 23A, and one end of feeder arm 24 is provided with protrusion 24B that protrudes in a direction away from arm connecting pin 24A. One end of link 25 is connected to protrusion 23B of feeder arm 23 via link pin 25A, and the other end of link 25 is connected to protrusion 24B of feeder arm 24 via link pin 25B.

[0035] The feeder cylinder 26 is a hydraulic cylinder and is provided between one protrusion 16A of the feeder mounting portion 16 and the feeder arm 23. The feeder cylinder 27 is a hydraulic cylinder and is provided between the other protrusion 16B of the feeder mounting portion 16 and the feeder arm 24. Specifically, one end (bottom side) of the feeder cylinder 26 is connected to the other end of the feeder arm 23 via a cylinder connecting pin 26A, and the other end (rod side) of the feeder cylinder 26 is connected to one protrusion 16A via a cylinder connecting pin 26B. One end (bottom side) of the feeder cylinder 27 is connected to the other end of the feeder arm 24 via a cylinder connecting pin 27A, and the other end (rod side) of the feeder cylinder 27 is connected to the other protrusion 16B via a cylinder connecting pin 27B.

[0036] The feeder track 28 is attached to the other end of the feeder arm 23, and the feeder track 29 is attached to the other end of the feeder arm 24. The feeder track 28 is an endless strip extending along the base 14 of the timber frame 13, and is rotated by a feeder motor 28A consisting of a hydraulic motor. The outer surface of the feeder track 28 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 28B that dig into the surface of the tree W. Like the feeder track 28, the feeder track 29 is also an endless strip extending along the base 14 of the timber frame 13, and is rotated by a feeder motor 29A consisting of a hydraulic motor. The outer surface of the feeder track 29 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 29B that dig into the surface of the tree W.

[0037] The feeder cylinders 26, 27 are supplied with pressurized oil from a hydraulic pump by operating a log-making operation button (not shown) for the feeder 22 located inside the cab 10. When the feeder cylinders 26, 27 are retracted, the feeder tracks 28, 29 move away from each other via the feeder arms 23, 24. On the other hand, when the feeder cylinders 26, 27 are extended, the feeder tracks 28, 29 move toward each other via the feeder arms 23, 24, and radially sandwich and grip the tree W. Because one end of the feeder arms 23, 24 is connected via a link 25, the movements of the feeder arms 23, 24 are always synchronized. Therefore, when the feeder cylinders 26, 27 are extended and the feeder tracks 28, 29 are gripping the tree W, the tree W is located in the center of the log-making machine 11. Then, with the feeder tracks 28, 29 gripping the tree W, pressure oil is supplied from the hydraulic pump to the feeder motors 28A, 29A, which causes the feeder tracks 28, 29 to perform a circulating motion, and the tree W is fed toward the cutting device 30.

[0038] The cutting device 30 is attached to the cutting device mounting portion 17 of the lumber frame 13 and cuts the trees W fed by the feeder 22 to an appropriate length (the length of the logs to be used as products). The cutting device 30 includes a chainsaw 31 as a cutting machine swingably attached to the bracket 17A of the cutting device mounting portion 17, a chainsaw motor 32 consisting of a hydraulic motor that drives the chainsaw 31, and a swing cylinder 33 that swings the chainsaw 31 relative to the bracket 17A. The chainsaw 31 has a saw chain that runs around the outer periphery of the guide bar 31A, and the saw chain is engaged with a sprocket (not shown) attached to the chainsaw motor 32. The chainsaw motor 32 is driven by operating a lumber operation button for the cutting device 30 located inside the cab 10, and the torque of the chainsaw motor 32 is transmitted to the chainsaw 31 via the sprocket.

[0039] A guide bar 31A of the chainsaw 31 is swingably supported on the bracket 17A via a swing shaft 31B. A swing link 31C is provided on the guide bar 31A, protruding in a direction away from the swing shaft 31B. A swing cylinder 33 is provided between the bracket 17A and the swing link 31C. Specifically, one end (bottom side) of the swing cylinder 33 is connected to the bracket 17A via a cylinder connecting pin 33A, and the other end (rod side) of the swing cylinder 33 is connected to the swing link 31C via a cylinder connecting pin 33B. Therefore, the chainsaw 31 driven by the chainsaw motor 32 swings about the swing shaft 31B as the swing cylinder 33 extends and retracts, enabling the chainsaw 31 to cut trees W.

[0040] The tong cylinder 21, feeder cylinders 26, 27, feeder motors 28A, 29A, and chainsaw motor 32 provided on the log processing device 11 are each connected via hydraulic hoses to a control valve (not shown) mounted on the upper rotating body 4. These multiple hydraulic hoses are housed, for example, in a single flexible protective pipe 34 and extend to the log processing device 11 via the front device 5. An intermediate portion of the protective pipe 34 is held by a guide 12C provided on the support member 12.

[0041] The timber processing device 11 grips the root W1 side of the felled tree W with the tongs 19, 20, and then cuts the root W1 with the chainsaw 31. Next, while the tree W is fed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2 by the feeder tracks 28, 29, the tree W is delimbed with blades (not shown) attached to the tongs 19, 20. The tree W is then cut into fixed length intervals (e.g., 3 m) by the chainsaw 31. In this manner, by repeating the feeding by the feeder tracks 28, 29, delimbing by the tongs 19, 20, and cutting by the chainsaw 31, multiple logs are produced from one tree W. In this manner, by starting the timber processing operation from the root W1 of the tree W, the outer diameter of the tree W cut by the chainsaw 31 gradually becomes smaller (thinner).

[0042] Next, the angle sensor 35 used in this embodiment as an outer diameter detector for detecting the outer diameter of the tree W to be processed will be described.

[0043] An angle sensor 35, which serves as an outer diameter detector, is provided on the tong connecting pin 19A, which connects the gripping device mounting portion 15 of the log-making frame 13 and the tongs 19. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the angle sensor 35 is attached to the tip of the tong connecting pin 19A and has a rotation shaft 35A that is rotatably arranged concentrically with the tong connecting pin 19A. As shown in Figure 10, the angle sensor 35 is connected to a controller 37 (described later) via a cable 35B and outputs a signal corresponding to the opening degree of the tongs 19, 20 to the controller 37. The cable 35B extends from the controller 37 to the log-making device 11 via the front device 5, and a midpoint of the cable 35B is held by a guide 12C provided on the support member 12 (see Figure 2).

[0044] The angle sensor lever 36 is provided between the cylinder connecting pin 21B, which connects the tongs cylinder 21 and the tongs 19, and the rotation shaft 35A of the angle sensor 35. The angle sensor lever 36 has a bent crank shape, and one end 36A of the angle sensor lever 36 is engaged with the shaft 21C of the cylinder connecting pin 21B. The other end 36B of the angle sensor lever 36 is fixed to the rotation shaft 35A of the angle sensor 35 using a fixing pin 36C.

[0045] 8 and 9, when the tongs 19, 20 open or close in response to differences in the outer diameter of the tree W, the cylinder connecting pin 21B rotates around the tong connecting pin 19A, and the angle sensor lever 36 rotates together. The rotation of the angle sensor lever 36 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 35A of the angle sensor 35, and the angle sensor 35 outputs a signal to the controller 37 via the cable 35B, where the electrical resistance changes within a range of 0 V to 5 V in proportion to the rotation amount of the rotation shaft 35A (the opening degree of the tongs 19). As shown in FIG. 8, when the outer diameter of the tree W is large and the opening degree of the tongs 19, 20 is large, a signal of, for example, 1 V is output to the controller 37. However, as shown in FIG. 9, when the outer diameter of the tree W is small and the opening degree of the tongs 19, 20 is small, the signal output to the controller 37 changes to 2 V.

[0046] The controller 37 is disposed, for example, in the cab 10. The angle sensor 35, an input device 38 (described later), and the like are connected to the input side of the controller 37. The engine controller 39 and the like are connected to the output side of the controller 37. The controller 37 has an outer diameter calculation unit 37A that calculates the outer diameter of the tree W and a rotation speed determination unit 37B that determines the rotation speed of the engine 8. The outer diameter calculation unit 37A calculates the outer diameter of the tree W based on the detection signal from the angle sensor 35 and outputs the outer diameter of the tree W to the rotation speed determination unit 37B. A plurality of set rotation speeds of the engine 8 set according to the outer diameter of the tree W are input in advance to the rotation speed determination unit 37B from the input device 38. As a result, the rotation speed determination unit 37B determines the rotation speed of the engine 8 corresponding to the outer diameter of the tree W calculated by the outer diameter calculation unit 37A and outputs this rotation speed to the engine controller 39.

[0047] The input device 38 is attached to an operation monitor (not shown) provided in the cab 10, for example, and is operated by an operator. The input device 38 sets multiple rotation speeds for the engine 8, which drives the hydraulic pump that powers the chainsaw 31 (chainsaw motor 32), depending on the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut, and inputs these multiple set rotation speeds into the controller 37 in advance. For example, as shown in the table in FIG. 11 , multiple set rotation speeds are input, which are increased or decreased from a standard rotation speed (standard rotation speed) of the engine 8 depending on the change in the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut. In this embodiment, when the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 25 cm to 45 cm, the set rotation speed of the engine 8 is the standard rotation speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 0 to 25 cm, the set rotation speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm lower than the standard rotation speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 45 cm to 55 cm, the set rotation speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm higher than the standard rotation speed.

[0048] The rotation speed determination unit 37B of the controller 37 is connected to an engine controller 39 that controls the rotation speed of the engine 8. The rotation speed determination unit 37B determines whether to increase or decrease the rotation speed of the engine 8 relative to the standard rotation speed, based on the outer diameter of the tree W calculated by the outer diameter calculation unit 37A and multiple set rotation speeds of the engine 8 (see FIG. 11 ) corresponding to the outer diameter of the tree W input using the input device 38. The rotation speed of the engine 8 determined by the rotation speed determination unit 37B is then output to the engine controller 39, whereby the engine 8 is controlled by the engine controller 39, and the rotation speed of the engine 8 is increased or decreased as appropriate according to the outer diameter of the tree W.

[0049] The lumber processing device 11 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and the operation of processing felled trees W into logs using the lumber processing device 11 will be described below.

[0050] First, the operator gets into the cab 10 and operates the travel lever and pedal device (not shown) located in front of the driver's seat to move the hydraulic excavator 1 to the work site, and then operates the operating lever devices (not shown) located on both the left and right sides of the driver's seat to bring the timber processing device 11 attached to the tip of the front device 5 close to the felled tree W.

[0051] Next, the operator operates an input device 38 attached to an operation monitor (not shown) in the cab 10. As a result, the engine speed when cutting the tree W with the chainsaw 31 is input in advance to the controller 37 as a set speed that is increased or decreased from the standard speed depending on the outer diameter of the tree W. As shown in FIG. 11 , in this embodiment, when the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 25 cm to 45 cm, the increase or decrease in the engine speed is 0, and the set speed of the engine 8 is the standard speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 0 to 25 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm lower than the standard speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 45 cm to 55 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm higher than the standard speed.

[0052] Next, the operator operates a timber-making operation button (not shown) located inside the cab 10 to start timber-making work. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2, the timber-making device 11 extends and retracts the tong cylinder 21, and grips the root W1 side of the tree W with the tongs 19, 20. At this time, a signal corresponding to the opening degree of the tongs 20 is output from the angle sensor 35 to the controller 37. The outer diameter calculation unit 37A of the controller 37 calculates the outer diameter dimension of the tree W gripped by the tongs 19, 20 based on the voltage of the signal output from the angle sensor 35, and outputs the calculated outer diameter dimension to the rotation speed determination unit 37B.

[0053] 12, if the outer diameter of the root W1 side of the tree W held by the tongs 19, 20 is in the range of 35 to 40 cm, the increase or decrease in engine speed input from the input device 38 to the speed determination unit 37B of the controller 37 will be 0. Therefore, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the engine 8 maintaining the standard speed, and the root W1 of the tree W is cut.

[0054] After cutting the root W1 of the tree W in the first step, the process moves to the second step. In the second step, the feeder cylinders 26, 27 of the feeder 22 are extended, and the feeder motors 28A, 29A are operated while the feeder tracks 28, 29 grip the tree W. As a result, the feeder tracks 28, 29 feed the tree W by a certain length toward the cutting device 30 (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2), at which time the tree W is delimbing performed by blades (not shown) attached to the tongs 19, 20. When the tree W is fed by the feeder 22, the engine speed does not increase or decrease, and the standard speed of the engine 8 is maintained.

[0055] After the tree W is sent out by the feeding device 22 to the cutting device 30 by a certain length, the tree W is cut by the chainsaw 31. At this time, if the outer diameter of the tree W detected by the angle sensor 35 is in the range of 30 to 35 cm, the increase or decrease in the engine rotation speed input from the input device 38 to the rotation speed determination unit 37B of the controller 37 will be 0. Therefore, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the engine 8 maintaining the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut (bucked) into logs of a certain length.

[0056] After cutting the tree W in the second step, the process moves to the third step. In the third step, as in the second step, the tree W is fed by the feeding device 22 to the cutting device 30 by a certain length, and the branches are de-branched by the blades of the tongs 19, 20. When the tree W is fed by the feeding device 22, the engine 8 maintains the standard rotation speed. Next, the tree W is cut by the chainsaw 31. At this time, the outer diameter of the tree W detected by the angle sensor 35 is in the range of 20 to 25 cm, and the increase or decrease in the engine rotation speed input from the input device 38 to the rotation speed determination unit 37B of the controller 37 is -100 min ―1 Therefore, a control signal is output from the controller 37 to the engine controller 39 to reduce the rotation speed of the engine 8 by 100 rpm from the standard rotation speed. In this way, the rotation speed of the engine 8 is automatically controlled by the engine controller 39. As a result, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the rotation speed of the engine 8 reduced by 100 rpm from the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut into logs of a certain length.

[0057] After the tree W is cut in the third step, the process moves to the fourth step. In the fourth step, the tree W is fed by the feeding device 22 to the cutting device 30 by a certain length, and the branches are removed by the blades of the tongs 19, 20. When the tree W is fed by the feeding device 22, the engine 8 maintains the standard rotation speed. Next, when the tree W is cut by the chainsaw 31, the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 5 to 10 cm, and the increase or decrease value of the engine rotation speed input from the input device 38 to the rotation speed determination unit 37B of the controller 37 is -100 min ―1 As a result, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the rotation speed of the engine 8 reduced by 100 rpm from the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut into logs of a certain length.

[0058] In this way, the timber processing device 11 according to this embodiment can control the rotation speed of the engine 8 in accordance with the outer diameter of the tree W when using the chainsaw 31 to cut multiple logs from a single tree W. Therefore, when the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut is large, the rotation speed of the engine 8 can be increased above the standard rotation speed, and when the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut is small, the rotation speed of the engine 8 can be decreased below the standard rotation speed. This makes it possible to automatically reduce the rotation speed of the engine 8 when cutting a portion of a single tree W with a small outer diameter or when cutting a log of low quality, such as the tip of the tree W.

[0059] As a result, when cutting trees W using the chainsaw 31, the operator does not need to perform the cumbersome task of increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the engine 8 according to the outer diameter of the tree W, thereby improving workability during cutting. Moreover, because the timber processing device 11 can control the rotation speed of the engine 8 according to the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut, when cutting multiple logs from a single tree W, the chainsaw 31 can always be driven at an appropriate engine rotation speed according to changes in the outer diameter of the tree W. As a result, the quality of the cut logs can be maintained at a good level, and by reducing the amount of fuel supplied to the engine 8, the cost of producing logs can be reduced and the environment at forestry sites can be maintained in a good condition.

[0060] 13 to 16 show a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is characterized in that the controller increases or decreases the engine speed based on the outer diameter of the tree detected by the diameter detector and multiple engine speed settings input from an input device that take into account the outer diameter and the hardness of the tree. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0061] 13, the input device 41 used in this embodiment is connected to the input side of the controller 37, similar to the input device 38 in the first embodiment. The input device 41 is operated by an operator to set multiple rotation speeds of the engine 8 that drives the hydraulic pump that serves as the power source for the chainsaw 31, taking into account the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut and the hardness of the tree W, and inputs these multiple set rotation speeds into the controller 37 in advance. The controller 37 increases or decreases the rotation speed of the engine 8 based on the outer diameter of the tree W detected by the angle sensor 35 and the multiple set rotation speeds input from the input device 41, taking into account the outer diameter of the tree W and the hardness of the tree W.

[0062] For example, as shown in the table in FIG. 14, multiple set rotation speeds are input for the engine 8, which are increased or decreased from the standard rotation speed (standard rotation speed) in accordance with changes in the outer diameter of three types of wood with different hardness, such as larch (hard), cypress (slightly hard), and cedar (soft). In the case of hard larch, when the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 10 cm to 25 cm, the set rotation speed of the engine 8 is the standard rotation speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 0 to 10 cm, the set rotation speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm lower than the standard rotation speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 25 cm to 35 cm, the set rotation speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm higher than the standard rotation speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 35 cm to 55 cm, the set rotation speed of the engine 8 is 200 rpm higher than the standard rotation speed.

[0063] In the case of slightly hard cypress, when the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 20 cm to 35 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is the standard speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 0 to 20 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm less than the standard speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 35 cm to 45 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm more than the standard speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 45 cm to 55 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is 200 rpm more than the standard speed.

[0064] In the case of soft cedar, when the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 25 cm to 45 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is the standard speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 0 to 25 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm less than the standard speed. When the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 45 cm to 55 cm, the set speed of the engine 8 is 100 rpm more than the standard speed.

[0065] The timber processing machine 11 according to this embodiment is equipped with the input device 41 as described above, and before using the timber processing machine 11 to convert felled trees W into logs, the operator operates the input device 41 attached to the operation monitor (not shown) inside the cab 10. As a result, as shown in Figure 14, the engine speed when cutting the trees W with the chainsaw 31 is input in advance to the controller 37 as a set speed that is increased or decreased from the standard speed depending on the outer diameter and hardness of the trees W.

[0066] Here, a case where the tree W is a cedar will be described. In the first step of the lumber production process shown in Figure 15, if the outer diameter of the root W1 side of the tree W held by the tongs 19, 20 is in the range of 35 to 40 cm, and in the second step, if the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 30 to 35 cm, the increase or decrease in engine speed input from the input device 41 to the controller 37 will be 0. Therefore, in the first and second steps, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the engine 8 maintaining the standard speed, and the tree W is cut.

[0067] In the subsequent third step, when the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 20 to 25 cm, and in the fourth step, when the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 5 to 10 cm, the increase or decrease value of the engine rotation speed input from the input device 41 to the controller 37 is -100 min ―1 As a result, in the third and fourth steps, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the rotation speed of the engine 8 reduced by 100 rpm from the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut.

[0068] Next, a case where the tree species of the tree W is larch will be described. In the first step of the lumbering process shown in Fig. 16, when the outer diameter of the root W1 side of the tree W held by the tongs 19, 20 is in the range of 35 to 40 cm, the increase / decrease value of the engine rotation speed input from the input device 41 to the controller 37 is 200 min ―1 Therefore, in the first step, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the rotation speed of the engine 8 increased by 200 rpm from the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut.

[0069] In the subsequent second step, the tree W is fed by the feeding device 22 to the cutting device 30 by a certain length, and then the tree W is cut by the chainsaw 31. When the tree W is fed by the feeding device 22, the engine 8 maintains the standard rotation speed. On the other hand, when cutting the tree W with the chainsaw 31, if the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 30 to 35 cm, the increase or decrease value of the engine rotation speed input from the input device 41 to the controller 37 is 100 min ―1Therefore, in the second step, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the rotation speed of the engine 8 increased by 100 rpm from the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut.

[0070] In the subsequent third step, the tree W is fed by the feeder 22 while the engine 8 maintains the standard rotation speed, and then the tree W is cut by the chainsaw 31. At this time, if the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 20 to 25 cm, the increase or decrease in the engine rotation speed input to the controller 37 from the input device 41 is 0. Therefore, in the third step, the chainsaw 31 is driven while the engine 8 maintains the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut.

[0071] In the subsequent fourth step, the tree W is fed by the feed device 22 while the engine 8 maintains the standard rotation speed, and then the tree W is cut by the chainsaw 31. At this time, if the outer diameter of the tree W is in the range of 5 to 10 cm, the increase or decrease value of the engine rotation speed input from the input device 41 to the controller 37 is -100 min ―1 Therefore, in the fourth step, the chainsaw 31 is driven with the rotation speed of the engine 8 reduced by 100 rpm from the standard rotation speed, and the tree W is cut.

[0072] In this way, in the timber processing machine 11 according to this embodiment, the input device 41 inputs to the controller 37 a plurality of set rotation speeds for the engine 8, taking into account not only the outer diameter of the tree W but also the hardness that varies depending on the tree species. This makes it possible to control the rotation speed of the engine 8 that drives the chainsaw 31, taking into account not only the outer diameter of the tree W but also the hardness of the tree W that varies depending on the tree species. As a result, when cutting the tree W using the chainsaw 31, the rotation speed of the engine 8 can be accurately controlled in accordance with the outer diameter and hardness of the tree W, thereby improving the quality of the logs cut from the tree W.

[0073] Thus, in this embodiment, the hydraulic excavator 1 is equipped with a self-propelled lower running body 2 and upper rotating body 4 equipped with an engine 8 that drives a hydraulic pump, a front device 5 provided on the upper rotating body 4, and a log-cutting device 11 provided on the front device 5 for cutting trees W. The log-cutting device 11 is a hydraulic excavator 1 having a chainsaw 31 driven by pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump and cutting trees W, and the log-cutting device 11 is equipped with an angle sensor 35 that detects the outer diameter of the trees W, and a controller 37 that controls the rotation speed of the engine 8 in accordance with the outer diameter of the trees W detected by the angle sensor 35.

[0074] According to this configuration, when cutting multiple logs from a single tree W using the chainsaw 31, if the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut is large, the rotation speed of the engine 8 can be automatically increased above the standard rotation speed, and if the outer diameter of the tree W to be cut is small, the rotation speed of the engine 8 can be automatically decreased below the standard rotation speed. As a result, when cutting a tree W using the chainsaw 31, the operator does not need to perform the cumbersome task of increasing or decreasing the rotation speed of the engine 8 depending on the outer diameter of the tree W, and workability during cutting can be improved.

[0075] In this embodiment, an input device 38 (41) is connected to the controller 37, which inputs a plurality of set rotation speeds of the engine 8 that are set according to the outer diameter of the tree W, and the controller 37 increases or decreases the rotation speed of the engine 8 based on the outer diameter of the tree W detected by the angle sensor 35 and the set rotation speed of the engine 8 input by the input device 38 (41). With this configuration, by operating the input device 38 (41), the engine rotation speed when cutting the tree W with the chainsaw 31 can be input in advance to the controller 37 as a set rotation speed according to the outer diameter of the tree W.

[0076] In this embodiment, the controller 37 increases or decreases the rotation speed of the engine 8 based on the outer diameter of the tree W detected by the angle sensor 35 and multiple set rotation speeds of the engine 8 input from the input device 41, taking into account the outer diameter of the tree W and the hardness of the tree W. With this configuration, the rotation speed of the engine 8 can be controlled taking into account not only the outer diameter of the tree W but also the hardness of the tree W, which varies depending on the tree species, and this can improve the quality of the logs cut from the tree W.

[0077] In this embodiment, the timber processing device 11 has a gripping device 18 that grips the tree W from the outer periphery, and the angle sensor 35 is provided on the gripping device 18. With this configuration, when the tongs 19, 20 that make up the gripping device 18 grip the tree W, the angle sensor 35 detects the opening degree of the tongs 19, so that the outer diameter of the tree W can always be detected according to the opening degree of the tongs 19.

[0078] In the embodiment, a timber processing device 11, which is generally called a processor and performs timber processing work such as pruning and cutting of felled trees, is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a timber processing device called a harvester that performs timber processing work such as felling, pruning, and cutting of trees (standing trees).

[0079] In addition, in the embodiment, an example is shown in which the angle sensor 35 as an outer diameter detector is provided on the tong connecting pin 19A of the tongs 19 that constitute the gripping device 18, and the outer diameter of the tree W is detected based on the opening degree of the tongs 19. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an angle sensor may be provided on the arm connecting pin 23A of the feeder arm 23 that constitutes the feeder 22, and the outer diameter of the tree W may be detected based on the opening degree of the feeder arm 23. Furthermore, for example, the outer diameter of the tree W may be detected by capturing an image of a cross section of the tree W using a camera attached to the timber frame 13 or the like, and analyzing this image. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Hydraulic excavator 2 Undercarriage (car body) 4 Upper rotating body (car body) 5 Front device 8 Engine (prime mover) 11 Material building equipment 18 Gripping device 31 Chainsaw (Cutting Machine) 35 Angle sensor (outer diameter detector) 37 Controller 38,41 Input devices

Claims

1. The present invention comprises a self-propelled vehicle body equipped with a prime mover that drives a hydraulic pump, a front device provided on the vehicle body, and a timber processing device provided on the front device for processing trees, The lumber processing device is a work machine having a cutting machine that is driven by pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump and cuts the trees, The timber processing machine includes a feeding device that grips the tree and feeds it toward the cutting machine, an outer diameter detector that detects the outer diameter of the tree, and a controller that controls the rotation speed of the motor in accordance with the outer diameter of the tree detected by the outer diameter detector. a controller that, when cutting the tree with the cutting machine, increases the rotation speed of the prime mover from the standard rotation speed as the outer diameter of the tree detected by the outer diameter detector increases, and, when feeding the tree with the feeding device, returns the rotation speed of the prime mover to the standard rotation speed.

2. an input device is connected to the controller for inputting a plurality of set rotation speeds of the motor that are set according to the outer diameter of the tree; 2. The work machine according to claim 1, wherein the controller increases or decreases the rotation speed of the prime mover based on the outer diameter of the tree detected by the outer diameter detector and the set rotation speed of the prime mover input by the input device.

3. 2. The working machine according to claim 1, wherein the lumber processing machine has a gripping device that grips the tree from the outer periphery, and the outer diameter detector is provided on the gripping device.

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