Horizontal splitter

Abstract

The invention relates to a horizontal splitter (10) for splitting wood parts, having a support frame (12), in which a fixedly positioned splitting tool (14) with a splitting edge (14a) is provided, a pusher (16), which is mounted movably in relation to the splitting edge (14a) of the splitting tool (14) and is provided for moving wood parts to be split towards the splitting tool (14) and back again and, for this purpose, interacts with a drive, a discharge surface (12b), which is located downstream of the splitting tool (14) on the side remote from the pusher (16), and an introduction surface (12a), which is mounted upstream of the splitting tool (14) and over which the pusher (16) moves. The invention is characterized in that the discharge surface (12b) comprises at least one conveyor belt (18), which conveys the split wood at least away from the splitting tool (14).

Description

[0001] Horizontal splitter

[0002] The invention relates to a horizontal splitter for splitting wooden parts according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

[0003] Horizontal splitters for splitting logs, mounted on a carriage, are generally well known. The carriage typically has a connection for a hydraulic rotary drive of a tractor. The hydraulic rotary drive drives both a pusher that moves horizontally across an insertion surface, which pushes the log to be split against a splitting tool, and a pivoting platform for inserting log parts to be split between the pusher and the splitting tool. The splitting tool is mounted in a support frame with a tray area, or the tray area is located downstream of the splitting tool.

[0004] With horizontal splitters, the log to be split is first sawn to a length of one meter. The log to be split is then placed in front of the splitting tool on a loading platform, for example, using a pivoting platform. The hydraulically operated pusher then moves the log to be split against the splitting tool. The splitting tool penetrates the log to be split and successively splits the log. The now-split log then lies behind a splitting edge of the splitting tool aligned with the pusher on the tray of the trolley, a loading platform.

[0005] If the split piece of wood needs to be split further, it is manually removed from the tray near the discharge area, guided back to the discharge area, and then placed between the pusher and the splitting tool so that it can be moved again via the pusher against the splitting tool for further splitting. If the piece of wood is not to be split further, it remains in the tray's discharge area. With subsequent splitting processes of additional pieces of wood, it is successively moved away from the splitting tool, but influences the guidance of the piece of wood to be split by the splitting tool. Alternatively, the finished piece of wood can be removed directly.

[0006] The use of the well-known horizontal splitter is therefore complex and involves manual or heavy manual work.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of further developing a horizontal splitter for splitting wooden parts in such a way that a high splitting quality is achieved while avoiding the disadvantages mentioned and that handling during splitting is simplified.

[0008] This problem is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1 in conjunction with its preamble features.

[0009] The further subclaims each form advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention.

[0010] In a known manner, a horizontal splitter for splitting wood has a support frame in which a fixed splitting tool with a splitting edge is provided. Furthermore, a pusher is provided, which is mounted so that it can be moved relative to the splitting edge of the splitting tool. This pusher is mounted so that it can move the wood to be split toward the splitting tool and back again, and interacts with a drive for this purpose. The horizontal splitter has a discharge surface located downstream of the splitting tool on the side remote from the pusher, and an insertion surface located upstream of the splitting tool, over which the pusher moves.

[0011] According to the invention, the discharge area comprises at least one conveyor belt, which conveys the split wood at least away from the splitting tool. By conveying the split wood away, the splitting tool is kept clear, so that the subsequent splitting process is not negatively affected by split wood pieces lying on the discharge area.

[0012] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the direction of movement of the pusher and the direction of movement of the at least one conveyor belt run parallel to each other. This creates a simple and space-saving arrangement of the pusher and conveyor belt.

[0013] The split pieces of wood are simply transported further in the direction of processing.

[0014] Preferably, several conveyor belts are provided, in particular two conveyor belts. By providing multiple conveyor belts, several split pieces of wood can be conveyed in parallel without negatively affecting each other. The two conveyor belts are also suitable because a vertically arranged splitting knife is usually also provided, which splits the wood into at least two split pieces, which are then transported directly away from the splitting tool by the two conveyor belts.

[0015] Preferably, the conveyor belts are arranged next to each other at a constant distance, in particular at a constant distance. Due to the spacing of the conveyor belts, the wood pieces arranged on the conveyor belts do not negatively influence each other during splitting and / or transport away from the splitting tool.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a cover is provided between the conveyor belts, which prevents wooden parts from getting between the conveyor belts and the splitting tool.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt consists of several identical plates aligned parallel to one another, which are provided with axle receptacles on their sides. The axle receptacles of two adjacent plates are arranged offset from one another. A rotary axis engages in each of the axle receptacles of the adjacent plates such that adjacent plates are connected to one another and pivotably mounted relative to one another. This enables a simple and space-saving connection of the adjacent plates, which at the same time ensures that the plates can be pivoted relative to one another. The at least one conveyor belt with the plates is therefore sufficiently flexible and can be driven like a chain drive. In this case, gears of a drive shaft can, for example, engage the inwardly projecting axle receptacles and thus drive the conveyor belt.

[0018] The plates are preferably made of sheet steel, in particular wear-resistant sheet steel such as Hardox®, or plastic. This ensures that the plates are resistant to external influences such as moisture and corrosion. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one conveyor belt can be driven in both the one direction of movement and the opposite direction, so that the split wood piece can also be conveyed toward the splitting tool, from the discharge area to the feed area. This makes it easier to move the split wood piece away from the splitting tool and also to easily return it for further splitting processes.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt is coupled to a drive motor, in particular a hydraulic drive motor. A hydraulic drive motor is characterized by high precision and speed combined with a high torque and speed range.

[0020] Preferably, the drive motor is connected to a drive shaft that drives the at least one conveyor belt. The drive torque is thus easily transferred to the conveyor belt.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one conveyor belt is mounted in a frame, which has the drive shaft on one side and a deflection shaft on the other. A guide is provided in the frame below the upper part of the conveyor belt, which prevents the at least one conveyor belt from sagging in this area.

[0022] Preferably, the frame is connected to the supporting frame via mounting feet. This ensures optimal load distribution across the supporting frame and a secure connection to it.

[0023] Preferably, the at least one conveyor belt interacts with tensioning means, in particular with tensioning rollers adjustable perpendicular to the conveyor belt, via which the tension of the at least one conveyor belt can be continuously adjusted in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one alignment element for the wood pieces to be split is provided in the area of ​​the insertion surface. This alignment element aligns the wood piece to be split between the pusher and the splitting tool for splitting. The alignment element always aligns the wood piece to be split in the splitting direction and thus in the direction of movement of the pusher. The wood piece is split lengthwise.

[0025] Preferably, an alignment element is provided on each side of the pusher and the splitting tool. These alignment elements ensure that the split piece of wood is aligned parallel to the direction of movement of the pusher. This prevents the split piece of wood from affecting other pieces of wood during transport.

[0026] Preferably, at least one alignment element is also designed to lift a piece of wood to be split, in particular from ground level. This allows for user-friendly movement of the piece of wood to be split.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the alignment element is designed as a pivotable flap, in particular, its pivot angle is greater than 30°, in particular greater than 45°, preferably greater than 180°. This enables vertical transport of a piece of wood to be split by simply pivoting the flap.

[0028] Preferably, the insertion surface is raised to the side of the pusher's movement area relative to the insertion surface within the pusher's movement area, forming a loading channel. The wood to be split will move automatically and reliably into the loading channel due to the raised insertion surface, its own weight, and the momentum of the alignment element, so that the splitting process can begin immediately.

[0029] Preferably, for easy alignment of the piece of wood to be split, the surfaces of the feeding surface next to the loading channel are inclined towards the loading channel.

[0030] Preferably, the support frame is part of a mobile trailer. This allows the horizontal splitter to be easily transported and used flexibly in different locations.

[0031] Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0032] In the description, claims, and drawings, the terms and associated reference symbols used in the list of reference symbols below are used. In the drawings, the following definitions apply:

[0033] Fig. 1 is a perspective view obliquely from above of the horizontal splitter; Fig. 2 is another perspective view obliquely from above of the horizontal splitter;

[0034] Fig. 3 is an exploded view from the rear of the horizontal splitter;

[0035] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a conveyor belt of the horizontal splitter, and

[0036] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a chain belt of the conveyor belt according to Fig. 4.

[0037] 1 to 3 each show a horizontal splitter 10 for splitting wooden parts (not shown here), comprising a support frame 12. Arranged in the support frame 12 is a splitting tool 14 extending substantially vertically upwards, said splitting tool 14 having a splitting edge 14a on one side. Furthermore, a pusher 16 is arranged in a front region of the support frame 12. The pusher 16 is mounted for displacement in certain regions along a longitudinal axis of the support frame 12. The splitting edge 14a is also arranged in the region of the longitudinal axis, oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and facing the pusher 16.

[0038] Conveyor belts 18 are arranged in a rear discharge area 12b of the support frame 12, which adjoins the front feed area 12a. The conveyor belts 18 are arranged parallel to one another at a constant distance and convey essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 12. The conveyor belts 18 are of identical design, with a first conveyor belt 18a being arranged on one side of the discharge area 12b and the conveyor belt 18b being arranged on the other side of the discharge area 12b. The conveyor belts 18a, 18b can each be driven by a drive motor 34 and convey in both directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. At the lateral ends of the support frame 12 in the area of ​​the conveyor belts 18a, 18b, an obliquely designed limiting element 19 is arranged, the height of the limiting element 19 increasing linearly towards the outside.

[0039] A pivoting flap 20 is arranged in the feed area 12a parallel to the longitudinal axis. Wood to be split can be transported vertically via the pivoting flap 20. The pivoting flap 20 has a drive that pivots about a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support frame 12. A lifting table 22 is formed on the side of the support frame 12 opposite the pivoting flap 20. The lifting table 22 has a drive that also pivots about a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support frame 12. The control unit 23 is arranged in the front feed area 12a of the support frame 12. The control unit 23 can control the pivoting flap 20, the lifting table 22, the pusher 16, the splitting tool 14, and the conveyor belts 18.

[0040] The support frame 12 is arranged on a mobile trailer 24 with a trailer coupling 24a. The trailer 24 can be connected to a vehicle via the trailer coupling 24a.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of the horizontal splitter 10.

[0042] The pusher 16 can be moved linearly from a shown rest position to an end position toward the splitting edge 14a of the splitting tool 14 and vice versa. In the rest position, a piece of wood to be split can be inserted between the splitting edge 14a and the pusher 16 in the loading channel 26 formed therebetween. The split pieces of wood are moved to one side of the splitting tool 14 by the movement of the pusher 16 and are then located on the conveyor belts 18a, 18b when the pusher 16 is in the end position near the splitting tool 14. The split pieces of wood can then be conveyed away from the splitting tool 14 into the discharge area 12b or back into the front feed area 12a of the housing 12, namely one split piece of wood into the lifting table 22 and the other split piece of wood into the pivoting flap 20.By pivoting the lifting table 22 and the pivoting flap 20, the split pieces of wood can be moved one after the other into the loading channel 26 so that they can be split again one after the other.

[0043] The pivoting flap 20 has a pivot angle between the end positions of approximately 120°.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view obliquely from above of the horizontal splitter 10 from the other side.

[0045] The pivoting flap 20 allows the wood to be split to be moved vertically and then over to the loading channel 26 by pivoting the flap 20. Thus, a wood to be split can be easily lifted from the ground or near the ground into the loading channel 26 by means of the drive of the pivoting flap 20. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view obliquely from the rear of the rear area 12b of the housing 12 of the horizontal splitter 10.

[0046] The housing 12 has a base frame 12c in the rear area 12b, which is connected to the axle 24b of the trailer 24. The conveyor belts 18a, 18b each rest on two tensioning rollers 28, which are connected to the base frame 12c. The tension of the conveyor belts 18a, 18b can be continuously adjusted, particularly perpendicular to the direction of movement, via the tensioning rollers 28.

[0047] A two-part protective cover 30 is arranged between the conveyor belts 18a, 18b. This prevents split pieces of wood from entering the area between the conveyor belts 18a, 18b.

[0048] Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of a conveyor belt 18a, 18b of the horizontal splitter 10.

[0049] The conveyor belt 18a, 18b has a drive shaft 32, a drive motor 34, and a chain belt 36. The chain belt 36 is designed as an endless loop. A base frame 38 is formed inside the loop and is connected to the base frame 12c of the support frame 12 via mounting feet. The base frame 38 prevents the upper section of the chain belt 36 from sagging. This section of the chain belt 36 is guided over the base frame 38.

[0050] The chain belt 36 is coupled at one end to the drive motor 34 via a drive shaft 32 and is driven by the drive motor 34. The drive motor 34 is designed as a hydraulic motor. The drive shaft 32 is connected to the drive motor 34 by bearings 33. At the other end, the chain belt 36 is guided via a deflection shaft 40. The deflection shaft 40 is mounted in bearings 40a in the base frame 38. The deflection shaft 40 and the drive shaft 32 are each rotatably mounted in the base frame 38 at one end of the base frame 38.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of the chain belt 36.

[0052] The chain belt 36 is formed from a plurality of parallel chain elements 36a. Adjacent chain elements 36a each have laterally offset, complementarily arranged receiving elements 36b. A connecting shaft 36c is inserted through the receiving elements 36b of adjacent chain elements 36a. The adjacent chain elements 36a are connected to one another via the connecting shaft 36c, pivotable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis of the connecting shaft 36c.

[0053] The chain elements 36a are each made of wear-resistant sheet steel.

[0054] The inventive design of the horizontal splitter 10 ensures, on the one hand, high splitting quality and low susceptibility to disruption during the splitting process. On the other hand, simple and automatic conveying of the wood part to be split or the split wood parts is flexibly possible via the conveyor belts 18a, 18b.

[0055] Reference symbol list

[0056] 10 horizontal splitters

[0057] 12 supporting frames

[0058] 12a front insertion area of ​​the support frame 12

[0059] 12b rear discharge area of ​​the support frame 12

[0060] 12c Base frame of the support frame 12

[0061] 14 splitting tool

[0062] 14a Splitting edge of the splitting tool 14

[0063] 16 handles

[0064] 18 Conveyor belt

[0065] 18a first conveyor belt

[0066] 18b second conveyor belt

[0067] 19 Boundary element

[0068] 20 pivoting flap

[0069] 22 lifting table

[0070] 23 Control

[0071] 24 followers

[0072] 24a Trailer coupling 24

[0073] 24b Axle of the trailer 24

[0074] 26 charging channels

[0075] 28 tension pulley

[0076] 30 Protective cover 32 Drive shaft

[0077] 33 Bearing element of the drive shaft 32

[0078] 34 Drive motor

[0079] 36 chain strap

[0080] 36a Chain element of the chain belt 36

[0081] 36b Receiving element of the chain element 36a

[0082] 36c Connecting shaft of the chain belt 36

[0083] 38 Base frame

[0084] 40 Deflection shaft

[0085] 40a Bearing element of the deflection pulley 40

Claims

Patent claims 1. Horizontal splitter (10) for splitting wooden parts, comprising a support frame (12) in which a fixed splitting tool (14) with a splitting edge (14a) is provided, a pusher (16) which is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the splitting edge (14a) of the splitting tool (14), which is mounted so as to be movable towards and back again from the splitting tool (14) for moving wooden parts to be split and which cooperates with a drive for this purpose, a discharge surface (12b) arranged downstream of the splitting tool (14) on the side remote from the pusher (16), and an introduction surface (12a) arranged upstream of the splitting tool (14), over which introduction surface the pusher (16) moves, characterized in that the discharge surface (12b) comprises at least one conveyor belt (18) which conveys the split wood at least away from the splitting tool (14).

2. Horizontal splitter according to claim 1, characterized in that the direction of movement of the pusher (16) and the direction of movement of the at least one conveyor belt (18) run parallel to each other.

3. Horizontal splitter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that several conveyor belts (18a, 18b) are provided, in particular two conveyor belts (18a, 18b).

4. Horizontal splitter according to claim 3, characterized in that the conveyor belts (18a, 18b) are arranged next to one another at a, in particular constant, distance.

5. Horizontal splitter according to claim 4, characterized in that a cover (30) is provided between the conveyor belts (18a, 18b) which prevents wood parts from getting between the conveyor belts (18a, 18b) and the splitting tool (14).

6. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) consists of several identical plates (36a) aligned parallel to one another, which are provided on their sides with axle receptacles (36b), wherein the axle receptacles (36b) of two adjacent plates (36a) are arranged offset from one another, and a rotary axis (36c) engages in the axle receptacles (36b) of the adjacent plates (36a) in such a way that adjacent plates (36a) are connected to one another and are mounted so as to be pivotable relative to one another.

7. Horizontal splitter according to claim 6, characterized in that the plates (36a) are made of sheet steel, in particular of wear-resistant sheet steel, or plastic.

8. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) can be driven both in one direction of movement and in the opposite direction, so that the split piece of wood can also be conveyed towards the splitting tool (14), from the discharge surface (12b) into the feed surface (12a).

9. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) is coupled to a drive motor (34), in particular a hydraulic drive motor.

10. Horizontal splitter according to claim 9, characterized in that the drive motor (34) is connected to a drive shaft (30) which drives the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b).

11. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) is mounted in a frame (38) which has the drive shaft (32) on one side and a deflection shaft (40) on the other side, wherein in the frame (38) below the upper part of the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) a guide is provided which prevents the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) from sagging in this area.

12. Horizontal splitter according to claim 11, characterized in that the frame (38) is connected to the support frame (12) via mounting feet.

13. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) cooperates with tensioning means, in particular with tensioning rollers (28) adjustable perpendicular to the conveyor belt, via which the tension of the at least one conveyor belt (18a, 18b) can be continuously adjusted in the longitudinal direction.

14. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the introduction surface (12a) at least one alignment element (20, 22) for wood parts to be split is provided, which aligns the wood part to be split between the pusher (16) and the splitting tool (14) for splitting.

15. Horizontal splitter according to claim 14, characterized in that an alignment element (20, 22) is provided on each side of the pusher (16) and the splitting tool (14).

16. Horizontal splitter according to one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that at least one alignment element (20) is also designed to lift a piece of wood to be split, in particular from near the ground.

17. Horizontal splitter according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the alignment element is designed as a pivotable flap (20), in particular its pivot angle is greater than 30°, in particular greater than 45°, preferably greater than 180°.

18. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the introduction surface (12a) laterally of the movement range of the pusher (16) is raised relative to the introduction surface (12a) in the movement range of the pusher (16), whereby a loading channel (26) is formed.

19. Horizontal splitter according to claim 18, characterized in that adjacent to the loading channel (26) surfaces of the introduction surface (12a) are inclined in the direction of the loading channel (26).

20. Horizontal splitter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support frame (12) is part of a mobile trailer (24).

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