A WOOD SPLITTER WITH AN ADJUSTABLE PATH OF A HYDRAULIC CYLINDER FOR OPTIMIZING THE SPLITTING CYCLE

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of wood splitters. The invention relates to a wood splitter according to the preamble of claim 1, and to the use of such a wood splitter. Such a wood splitter is known from the document DE 199 40 812 A1.

Background of the invention and the technical problem

[0002] Wood splitters are mechanical devices for splitting wood, which are used for splitting logs or log parts into firewood suitable for use. Logs can be separately split into shorter cylindrical parts using a saw or in the splitter itself. The splitting blade may be movable or fixed, wherein in case of the latter the log or its part must be pushed towards the blade with a pushing plate or a similar element. Usually, movement of the blade or the pushing plate is achieved with a hydraulic cylinder, its path from the origin (start point, initial position) towards the end point (for example, the fixed blade) and back defines the length of the splitting cycle. The problem occurring during work is that the logs for splitting into firewood have different lengths, while the path of the hydraulic cylinder is always the same regardless of the log length. Thus, in case of shorter logs the hydraulic cylinder performs significantly longer splitting cycle than needed, which prolongs the work and decreases productivity.

[0003] The technical problem, which is solved by the present invention, is thus design of a log splitter having an improved path of the hydraulic cylinder that will allow selection of the desired path with respect to the log length, thus leading to shorter splitting cycles and increasing productivity of the wood splitter.

Prior art

[0004] Patent SI25686 describes a log splitter with optimization of the splitting cycle, wherein the splitter has a fixed splitting knife in the splitting channel, said knife being at a distance from a hydraulic pushing device, wherein said distance is the length of longest log and an additional length L. In the basic position the path of the hydraulic pushing device is limited to the length L and consequently the controller performs movement of the hydraulic pushing device for the value L, which represents a reference point. Once the reference point is achieved, the pushing device is moved into the initial position. This solution includes use of a measuring rod for measuring movement of the pushing plate with regards to the reference point. This solution functions so that in the splitting channel at least two logs are placed, wherein the first log may be in contact with the splitting knife, the second log being pushed by the pushing plate, so that the first is moved through the splitting knife and consequently splits into firewood.

[0005] The same principle is also shown for a wood splitter of the company Posch, available at the address: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg5Tj0uOrzA.

[0006] Measuring rods are generally an expensive solution, whereas they are also sensitive for dirt, impacts, and deformations. Operation of the measuring rod in the solution described in SI25686 may be disrupted by several impurities. In addition, their precise operation is not needed, as adjustment to one hundred of a millimetre is not needed nor used.

[0007] Splitters S360 Turbo produced by company Posch have a mechanism for shortening the splitting movement. The mechanism comprises a handle, which can be set into two different positions using pins, wherein one position enables the usual length of the splitting cycle, while the second position allows shortened splitting cycle. A disadvantage of this solution is that only two lengths of the splitting cycle are possible, hence the splitter cannot be adjusted to any other, intermediate size of logs or firewood, respectively. Mechanical setting for changing the length of the hydraulic cylinder path is not optimal, because the user must interfere with the device and mechanical damage to the device may occur.

Description of the solution to the technical problem

[0008] The essence of the wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder for setting splitting cycle length is in that it allows the hydraulic cylinder to be stopped in a certain point followed by its return into the initial position. The hydraulic cylinder is equipped with a suitable sensor or a switch, which sends to a controller information about the position of the cylinder. The controller then with an electromagnetic hydraulic valve adjusts the path of the hydraulic cylinder based on the user's selection of the cylinder movement path, which depends on the length of the logs or resulting firewood, respectively. The electromagnetic valve then changes oil flow and thus changes the direction of movement of the cylinder. The suitable sensor is selected in the group comprising inductive sensors, end switches, a Hall sensor, optical sensor, encoder, or any other suitable electric element. The preferred choice is the inductive sensor. Said sensor or switch is arranged to detect reference points provided on a sheath attached to the hydraulic cylinder and moves forwards and backwards with the cylinder. The sensor itself is mounted on a suitable holder in a fixed manner, so that the sensor is not moved when the sheath moves. Reference points on the sheath may be holes, cat eyes, detections on steel and similar elements. It is important that the reference points can be detected with the chosen sensor or switch. Preferably, the sheath is provided with holes as reference points, as this option has the lowest price. The shape of said holes is arbitrary, usually circular or oval.

[0009] The wood splitter comprises:

• a splitting channel arranged to accept at least one log or a log part and is provided with:

  ∘ a splitting blade on one end of the channel, wherein said splitting blade is in the horizontal direction, i.e., the direction of movement of the log for splitting, preferably installed in a fixed manner, and

  ∘ a linearly movable pushing plate on the opposite end of the channel, wherein the pushing plate is movable with a hydraulic cylinder,

• a controller for controlling operation of the hydraulic cylinder,
• an electromagnetic hydraulic valve arranged to control the hydraulic cylinder based on information from the controller,
  wherein
• the hydraulic cylinder is provided with a protective sheath and said sheath is equipped with at least two reference points, and
• the wood splitter is provided with at least two non-movably installed sensors or switches mounted on a common holder one next to another, preferably on the part of the sheath closer to the pushing plate, wherein said holder is mounted on a framework of the wood splitter, and the sensors or switches are connected to the controller so as to send detected reference points to the controller, on the basis of which the controller manipulates with said electromagnetic valve and consequently the hydraulic cylinder.

Sensors may be installed on one holder or each sensor has its own holder, wherein in case of the latter the holders are installed one next to the other or close to each other.

[0010] The material for the sheath of the cylinder is metal, suitably steel. In the preferred embodiment the sheath is an open hexagon, whereas also open circle (tube) or only sheet metal (tin plate) in the shape of letter V on top could be used, but the latter options are not preferred.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment two sensors and three reference points are used and the description of operation will be made based on this preferred embodiment. Operation has the same principle for all variants and embodiments of reference points. In the basic (closed) position of the hydraulic cylinder the first sensor is active and the second sensor is inactive, which means that under one of them a reference point, preferably hole, is located, and under the second the material of the sheath is located. The first sensor sends the position that the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is in the null (basic, initial, closed) position, wherein preferably an additional hole is provided nearby to allow smooth stopping of the cylinder. Namely, when the cylinder is returning with a high speed, every splitting movement could impact the cylinder and the sheath. This is prevented by activating sensor a bit earlier to partly close the valve and thus decreases the speed of the cylinder's return movement.

[0012] Activity of the second sensor, which is provided for the shortened splitting cycle (movement path of the cylinder), is detected at the hole in the sheath. The sensor is removed from the sheath for approximately 3 to 5 mm, while the threshold value for its inactivity is 10 mm. When it reaches the hole, the distance to the sensor is increased above the threshold and thus the sensor gains information about the position of the cylinder, which is sent to the controller, which then sends a signal to the electromagnetic valve, which switches the hydraulic flow and thus changes the direction of movement of the hydraulic cylinder. During movement towards the splitting blade, the second sensor obtains a signal at each hole at lengths from L1 to L3. Lengths L1, L2, L3 are lengths, where the cylinder can stop in agreement with user's settings stored in the controller. The number of required lengths is arbitrary, wherein the number of reference points is accordingly adjusted. Usually, said reference points are chosen with regards to standard lengths of firewood, which are 25, 33, 40 and 50 cm. Stopping the cylinder and its return to the initial position is thus activated with a suitably programmed controller.

[0013] The process of use of the wood splitter is performed in the following manner. The switch on a control panel is used to select the required length of movement path of the hydraulic cylinder. At selection of length L1 software of the controller waits for one signal from the second sensor. After detection of the signal, the cylinder is returned to its initial position. In case of selection of length L2 software of the controller waits for two signals from the second sensor, wherein the first signal is read as a first reference point and counted as 1, after detection of the second reference point, the cylinder is returned to its initial position. In case the longest length L3 is selected, software of the controller waits for three signals from the second sensor 3b. The first signal is read as a first reference point and counted as 1, the second signal is read as a second reference point and counted as 2, and after detection of the third reference point, the cylinder is returned to its initial position.

[0014] Required lengths may be detected with more sensors. For example, each movement may have its own sensor and the controlled does not have to be programmed for counting signals during several different movements. Accordingly, the reference points on the sheath have to be adjusted.

[0015] The invention enables choice of shortened movement path based on the selected log length. This shortens the splitting cycle and increases productivity of the wood splitter. The process of use of the described splitter is economical and practical, as already installed equipment, i.e., sensors and controller, are used, which means that no further materials have to be installed. Thus, there is no additional costs for the material. The solution is also practical, because the sheath surrounding the cylinder is used to determine the movement path of the cylinder, wherein the sheath is a standard component of wood splitters used for protection of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder. Therefore, the invention solves the technical problem in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0016] The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder for optimizing the splitting cycle will be described in further detail based on exemplary embodiments and figures, which show:

Figure 1

Sheath of the hydraulic cylinder with sensors and reference holes

Figure 2

Possible distances L1, L2 and L3

[0017] Figure 1 shows a possible embodiment of an assembly of the hydraulic cylinder 1 and the sheath 2 of the cylinder 1 for a wood splitter according to the invention. The sheath 2 surrounds the cylinder 1, wherein the sheath 2 is provided with three holes 4a, 4b, 4c, which function as reference points and are on the sheath 2 provided away from sensors 3a, 3b. On the holder 3, installed on the framework of the wood splitter, two sensors 3a, 3b are non-movably mounted, wherein said sensors are preferably inductive sensors and are arranged one next to the other on the part of the sheath which is close to the pushing plate 5. As shown in figure 2, the distance L1 represents the length of the path from the sensor 2b to the first hole 4a, the distance L2 is the length of the path from the sensor 2b to the second hole 4b, and the distance L3 is the length of the path from the sensor 2b to the third hole 4c.

[0018] In the basic (initial, closed) position of the hydraulic cylinder the first sensor 3a is active and the second sensor 3b is inactive, which means that under it a reference point, preferably hole, is located, while material of the sheath is located under the first sensor. The first sensor 3a sends position that the piston of the hydraulic cylinder is in the null (initial) position. Further, an additional hole 4d is provided nearby, which is provided for soft stopping of the cylinder 1. Namely, when the cylinder is returning with a high speed, every movement could impact the cylinder and the sheath. This is prevented by activating sensor a bit earlier to partly close the valve and thus decreases the speed of the cylinder's return movement.

[0019] The process of use in shorter logs is performed in the following manner. The switch on a control panel is used to select the required length of movement path of the hydraulic cylinder 1, for example L1. At selection of length L1 software of the controller waits for one signal from the second sensor 3b. After detection of the signal, the cylinder 1 is returned to its initial position so that a suitable signal is sent to the electromagnetic valve 5, which changes oil flow and returns the cylinder 1 into its initial position.

[0020] In case the longest length L3 is selected, software of the controller waits for three signals from the second sensor 3b. The first signal is read as a first reference point and counted as 1, the second signal is read as a second reference point and counted as 2, and after detection of the third reference point, the cylinder is returned to its initial position.

[0021] In case of selection of length L2 software of the controller waits for two signals from the second sensor 3b, wherein the first signal is read as a first reference point and counted as 1, after detection of the second reference point, the cylinder is returned to its initial position. Thus, the user can simply define which length of the movement path the cylinder 1 has to perform, these settings are used by the controller to check detection of reference points on the sheath of the cylinder with the sensor.

Claims

1. A wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle, said wood splitter comprising:

- a splitting channel arranged to accept at least one log and is provided with:

∘ a splitting blade on one end of the channel, and

∘ a linearly movable pushing plate on the opposite end of the channel, wherein the pushing plate is movable with a hydraulic cylinder (1),

- a controller for controlling operation of the hydraulic cylinder (1),

- an electromagnetic hydraulic valve arranged to control the hydraulic cylinder (1) based on information from the controller,
characterized in that

- the hydraulic cylinder (1) is provided with a protective sheath (2), which surrounds the cylinder (1) and said sheath (2) is equipped with at least two reference points (4a, 4b, 4c), and

- the wood splitter is provided with at least two non-movably installed sensors (3a, 3b) or switches mounted on a common holder (3) one next to another, wherein said sensors (3a, 3b) or switches are arranged to detect reference points (4a, 4b, 4c) on the sheath (2) and are connected to the controller so as to send detected reference points to the controller, on the basis of which the controller manipulates with said electromagnetic valve and consequently the hydraulic cylinder (1),

- in the basic position of the hydraulic cylinder (1) the first sensor (3a) is active and the second sensor (3b) is inactive, which means that below the first sensor (3a) the reference point, preferably a hole (4a), is located, while below the second sensor (3b) material of the sheath (2) is present,

- the reference points (4a, 4b, 4c) are arranged to define at least distances L1 and L2, preferably three lengths L1, L2, and L3, wherein the distance L1 represents the length of the path from the sensor (3b) to the first hole (4a), the distance L2 is the length of the path from the sensor (3b) to the second hole (4b), and the optional distance L3 is the length of the path from the sensor (3b) to the third hole (4c), and

- wherein based on programmed and set movement of the hydraulic cylinder (1) defined with the reference points (4a, 4b, 4c), the cylinder (1) is arranged to return to its initial position with the aid of the controller and the electromagnetic valve after detection of the suitable reference point (4a, 4b, 4c) with the sensor (3a, 3b).

2. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheath (2) is an open hexagon, a tube or a sheet metal with a top part shaped as letter V.

3. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lengths (L1, L2, L3) are chosen in the group consisting of lengths 25, 33, 40 and 50 cm.

4. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that lengths (L1, L2, L3) are sensed with several sensors, wherein each length has its own sensor and the controller is not programmed for counting signals during several different movements.

5. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (3a, 3b) are installed in the part of the sheath (2) in the vicinity of the movable plate.

6. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said splitting blade is mounted in a fixed manner in the horizontal direction, i.e., the direction in which the log is moved for splitting.

7. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (3a, 3b) is selected in a group comprising inductive sensors, an end switch, a halo sensor, an optical sensor, encoder, or any other element.

8. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sensor (3a, 3b) is an inductive sensor.

9. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reference points (4a, 4b, 4c) on the sheath (2) are holes, cat eyes, detections on steel or similar, preferably the reference points are holes of any shape, usually circular or oval.

10. The wood splitter with an adjustable path of a hydraulic cylinder (1) for optimizing the splitting cycle according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that two sensors (3a, 3b) and three reference points (4a, 4b, 4c) are provided.

11. A use process of the wood splitter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the process comprises the following steps:

- the switch on a control panel is used to select the required length of movement path of the hydraulic cylinder (1), wherein:

∘ at selection of length L1 software of the controller waits for one signal from the sensor (3a, 3b), wherein after detection of a reference point (4a) with the sensor the cylinder (1) is returned to its initial position with the aid of the controller and the electromagnetic valve, or

∘ at selection of length L2 software of the controller waits for two signals from the sensor (3a, 3b), wherein the first signal is read as a first reference point (4a) and counted as 1, after detection of the second reference point (4b), the cylinder (1) is returned to its initial position with the aid of the controller and the electromagnetic valve, or

∘ at selection of length L3 software of the controller waits for three signals from the sensor (3a, 3b), wherein the first signal is read as a first reference point (4a) and counted as 1, the second signal is read as a second reference point (4b) and counted as 2, and after detection of the third reference point (4c), the cylinder (1) is returned to its initial position with the aid of the controller and the electromagnetic valve.

Ansprüche

1. Ein Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus, wobei der Holzspalter umfasst:

- einen Spaltkanal, der zur Aufnahme von mindestens einem Stamm angeordnet ist und vorgesehen ist mit:

∘ einem Spaltmesser auf einem Ende des Kanals und

∘ einer linear beweglichen Schubplatte am gegenüberliegenden Ende des Kanals, wobei die Schubplatte mit einem Hydraulikzylinder (1) beweglich ist,

- einer Steuerung zum Steuern des Hydraulikzylinders (1),

- einem elektromagnetischen Hydraulikventil, das angeordnet ist, um den Hydraulikzylinder (1) basierend auf Informationen von der Steuerung zu steuern,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass

- der Hydraulikzylinder (1) mit einer Schutzumhüllung (2) versehen ist, die den Zylinder (1) umgibt, und die Umhüllung (2) mit mindestens zwei Referenzpunkten (4a, 4b, 4c) ausgestattet ist, und

- der Holzspalter mit mindestens zwei unbeweglich installierten Sensoren (3a, 3b) oder Schaltern ausgestattet ist, die nebeneinander auf einem gemeinsamen Halter (3) montiert sind, wobei die Sensoren (3a, 3b) oder Schalter angeordnet sind, um Referenzpunkte (4a, 4b, 4c) auf der Umhüllung (2) zu erkennen und mit der Steuerung so verbunden sind, um erkannte Referenzpunkte an die Steuerung zu senden, auf deren Grundlage die Steuerung das elektromagnetische Ventil und folglich den Hydraulikzylinder (1) manipuliert,

- in der Basisposition des Hydraulikzylinders (1) der erste Sensor (3a) aktiv und der zweite Sensor (3b) inaktiv ist, was bedeutet, dass sich unterhalb des ersten Sensors (3a) der Referenzpunkt befindet, vorzugsweise eine Bohrung (4a), während unterhalb des zweiten Sensors (3b) Material der Umhüllung (2) vorhanden ist,

- die Referenzpunkte (4a, 4b, 4c) angeordnet sind, um mindestens die Abstände L1 und L2, vorzugsweise drei Längen L1, L2 und L3, zu definieren, wobei der Abstand L1 die Länge des Weges vom Sensor (3b) zur ersten Bohrung (4a), der Abstand L2 die Länge des Weges vom Sensor (3b) zur zweiten Bohrung (4b) und der optionale Abstand L3 die Länge des Weges vom Sensor (3b) zur dritten Bohrung (4c) darstellt, und

- wobei basierend auf der programmierten und eingestellten Bewegung des Hydraulikzylinders (1), die mit den Referenzpunkten (4a, 4b, 4c) definiert ist, der Zylinder (1) angeordnet ist, um mithilfe der Steuerung und des elektromagnetischen Ventils in seine Ausgangsposition zurückzukehren, nachdem der geeignete Referenzpunkt (4a, 4b, 4c) mit dem Sensor (3a, 3b) erkannt wurde.

2. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Umhüllung (2) ein offenes Sechseck, ein Rohr oder ein Blech mit einem als Buchstabe V geformten Oberteil ist.

3. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus gemäß einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Längen (L1, L2, L3) aus der Gruppe bestehend aus den Längen 25, 33, 40 und 50 cm ausgewählt sind.

4. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Längen (L1, L2, L3) mit mehreren Sensoren erfasst werden, wobei jede Länge ihren eigenen Sensor aufweist und die Steuerung nicht auf das Zählen von Signalen während mehrerer unterschiedlicher Bewegungen programmiert ist.

5. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sensoren (3a, 3b) in einem Teil der Umhüllung (2) in der Nähe der beweglichen Platte installiert sind.

6. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Spaltmesser auf feste Weise in der horizontalen Richtung, d. h. der Richtung, in der das Holz zum Spalten bewegt wird, montiert ist.

7. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Sensor (3a, 3b) in einer Gruppe umfassend induktive Sensoren, einen Endschalter, einen HALO-Sensor, einen optischen Sensor, einen Encoder oder ein anderes Element ausgewählt ist.

8. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Sensor (3a, 3b) ein induktiver Sensor ist.

9. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Referenzpunkte (4a, 4b, 4c) auf der Umhüllung (2) Löcher, Katzenaugen, Erkennungen auf Stahl oder dergleichen sind; vorzugsweise sind die Referenzpunkte Bohrungen beliebiger Form, üblicherweise kreisförmig oder oval.

10. Der Holzspalter mit einem verstellbaren Weg eines Hydraulikzylinders (1) zur Optimierung des Spaltzyklus nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwei Sensoren (3a, 3b) und drei Referenzpunkte (4a, 4b, 4c) vorgesehen sind.

11. Ein Verwendungsprozess des Holzspalters nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Prozess die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

- Der Schalter auf einem Bedienfeld wird verwendet, um die erforderliche Bewegungslänge des Hydraulikzylinders (1) auszuwählen, wobei:

∘ bei Auswahl der Länge L1 die Software der Steuerung auf ein Signal vom Sensor (3a, 3b) wartet, wobei nach Erkennung eines Referenzpunkts (4a) mit dem Sensor der Zylinder (1) mithilfe der Steuerung und des elektromagnetischen Ventils in seine Ausgangsposition zurückgeführt wird, oder

∘ bei Auswahl der Länge L2 die Software der Steuerung auf zwei Signale vom Sensor (3a, 3b) wartet, wobei das erste Signal als ein erster Referenzpunkt (4a) gelesen wird und als 1 gezählt wird, nach Erkennung des zweiten Referenzpunktes (4b), der Zylinder (1) mithilfe der Steuerung und des elektromagnetischen Ventils in seine Ausgangsposition zurückgeführt wird, oder

∘ bei Auswahl der Länge L3 die Software der Steuerung auf zwei Signale vom Sensor (3a, 3b) wartet, wobei das erste Signal als ein erster Referenzpunkt (4a) gelesen wird und als 1 gezählt wird, das zweite Signal als ein zweiter Referenzpunkt (4b) gelesen wird und als 2 gezählt wird, und, nach Erkennung des dritten Referenzpunktes (4c), der Zylinder (1) mithilfe der Steuerung und des elektromagnetischen Ventils in seine Ausgangsposition zurückgeführt wird.

Revendications

1. Un fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage, ledit fendeur de bois comprenant :

- un canal de fendage conçu pour accepter au moins une bûche et pourvu de :

∘ une lame de fendage à une extrémité du canal, et

∘ une plaque de poussée se déplaçant de façon linéaire à l'extrémité opposée du canal, ladite plaque de poussée se déplaçant au moyen d'un cylindre hydraulique (1),

- un contrôleur destiné à contrôler le fonctionnement du cylindre hydraulique (1),

- une vanne hydraulique électromagnétique conçue pour actionner le cylindre hydraulique (1) en fonction des données provenant du contrôleur,
caractérisé par le fait que

- le cylindre hydraulique (1) est pourvu d'un fourreau de protection (2) qui entoure le cylindre (1), ledit fourreau (2) étant doté d'au moins deux points de référence (4a, 4b, 4c), et

- le fendeur de bois est pourvu d'au moins deux capteurs ou commutateurs à montage fixe (3a, 3b), montés sur un support commun (3) l'un à côté de l'autre, lesdits capteurs (3a, 3b) ou commutateurs étant conçus pour détecter les points de référence (4a, 4b, 4c) présents sur le fourreau (2) et étant raccordés au contrôleur de façon à signaler les points de référence détectés au contrôleur, en fonction de quoi le contrôleur agit sur ladite vanne électromagnétique et par conséquent sur le cylindre hydraulique (1),

- dans la position de base du cylindre hydraulique (1), le premier capteur (3a) est actif et le second capteur (3b) est inactif, ce qui signifie que sous le premier capteur (3a) se trouve le point de référence, de préférence un trou (4a), tandis que sous le second capteur (3b) se trouve le matériau du fourreau (2),

- les points de référence (4a, 4b, 4c) sont disposés de façon à définir au moins les distances L1 et L2, de préférence trois longueurs L1, L2 et L3, la distance L1 représentant la longueur de la trajectoire entre le capteur (3b) et le premier trou (4a), la distance L2 étant la longueur de la trajectoire entre le capteur (3b) et le second trou (4b), et la distance facultative L3 étant la longueur de la trajectoire entre le capteur (3b) et le troisième trou (4c), et

- où en fonction du mouvement programmé et réglé du cylindre hydraulique (1) défini par les points de référence (4a, 4b, 4c), le cylindre (1) est conçu pour retourner à sa position initiale à l'aide du contrôleur et de la vanne électromagnétique après détection du point de référence approprié (4a, 4b, 4c) par le capteur (3a, 3b).

2. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait que le fourreau (2) est un hexagone ouvert, un tube ou une tôle dont la partie supérieure a la forme de la lettre V.

3. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que lesdites longueurs (L1, L2, L3) sont choisies dans un groupe comprenant les longueurs 25, 33, 40 et 50 cm.

4. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les longueurs (L1, L2, L3) sont détectées par plusieurs capteurs, où chaque longueur possède son propre capteur et le contrôleur n'est pas programmé pour compter les signaux pendant plusieurs mouvements différents.

5. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les capteurs (3a, 3b) sont montés sur la partie du fourreau (2) se trouvant à proximité de la plaque mobile.

6. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que ladite lame de fendage est montée de façon fixe dans la direction horizontale, c.-à-d. la direction dans laquelle la bûche est déplacée pour le fendage.

7. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les capteurs (3a, 3b) sont sélectionnés dans un groupe comprenant des capteurs inductifs, des commutateurs de fin de course, des capteurs HALO, des capteurs optique, des codeurs de position, ou tout autre élément.

8. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé par le fait que les capteurs (3a, 3b) sont des capteurs inductifs.

9. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que les points de référence (4a, 4b, 4c) sur le fourreau (2) sont des trous, des catadioptres, des détections sur l'acier ou similaire, de préférence les points de référence sont des trous de forme quelconque, habituellement circulaire ou ovale.

10. Le fendeur de bois avec une trajectoire réglable d'un cylindre hydraulique (1) pour optimiser le cycle de fendage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par la présence de deux capteurs (3a, 3b) et trois points de référence (4a, 4b, 4c).

11. Un procédé d'utilisation du fendeur de bois selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes :

- le commutateur présent sur un panneau de contrôle est utilisé pour sélectionner la longueur requise de la trajectoire de mouvement du cylindre hydraulique (1), où :

∘ lors de la sélection de la longueur L1, le logiciel du contrôleur attend un signal provenant du capteur (3a, 3b), et après détection d'un point de référence (4a) par le capteur, le cylindre (1) retourne à sa position initiale à l'aide du contrôleur et de la vanne électromagnétique, ou

∘ lors de la sélection de la longueur L2, le logiciel du contrôleur attend deux signaux provenant des capteurs (3a, 3b), le premier signal étant interprété comme premier point de référence (4a) et compté comme 1, et après détection du second point de référence (4b), le cylindre (1) retourne à sa position initiale à l'aide du contrôleur et de la vanne électromagnétique, ou

∘ lors de la sélection de la longueur L3, le logiciel du contrôleur attend trois signaux provenant des capteurs (3a, 3b), le premier signal étant interprété comme premier point de référence (4a) et compté comme 1, le second signal étant interprété comme second point de référence (4b) et compté comme 2, et après détection du troisième point de référence (4c), le cylindre (1) retourne à sa position initiale à l'aide du contrôleur et de la vanne électromagnétique.

Drawing