AU2016369661A1 - A log splitter - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a log splitter for splitting wood in log form or otherwise. In one aspect, the log splitter comprises a guide for a log, a means for making a blind transverse cut in the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade to the position of the transverse cut. Also disclosed is a method for operating the log splitter to perform a log splitting process, where this method comprises a series of passes of the length of the log, where each pass is comprised of a series of splitting cycles, and where each splitting cycle comprises the steps of making a transverse cut in the log, and then driving the log against the splitting blade at the depth of the cut, and to the position of the cut.

Description

A LOG SPLITTER

PRIORITY DOCUMENTS 10001 ] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2015905250 titled “A LOG SPLITTER” and filed on 17 December 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a log splitter for splitting wood in log form or otherwise. BACKGROUND

[0003 ] Known log splitters are generally simple devices suitable for splitting a single piece of wood into two pieces. These two pieces are generally quite large, yet in many cases they are not large enough that the log splitter can split them further.

[0004] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

[0005] Certain objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a log splitter comprising a guide for a log, a means for making a blind transverse cut in the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade to the position of the transverse cut.

[0007] In one form, the blade splits to the depth of the blind transverse cut.

[0008] In one form, the log moves with the guide. In an alternative, the guide is stationary, and the log is moved with respect to the guide.

[0009] In one form, the means for making transverse cuts in the log comprises a circular saw.

[0010] In one form, in an alternative, the means for making transverse cuts in the log comprises a reciprocating saw.

[0011 ] In one form, the means for making transverse cuts in the log is movable between at least a first cutting position, and a second, retracted, non-cutting position.

[0012] In one form, the means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction through the blade comprises a linear actuator.

[0013] In one form, the linear actuator also returns the log in preparation for another pass through the blade.

[0014] In one form, a further means returns the log, and not the linear actuator. In this way, the linear actuator only requires a stroke sufficient to effect a pass through the blade, and not a stroke sufficient to effect a return of the log, this being at least the length of the log.

[0015] In one form, the means for returning the log comprises a winch. In an alternative, the means for returning the log comprises a power screw, or a conveyor.

[0016] In one form, in an alternative, the means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction through the blade comprises a power screw, or a conveyor.

[0017] According to a further aspect, there is provided a log splitter comprising a guide for a log, a saw for making a blind transverse cut in the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a linear actuator for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade to the position of the transverse cut.

[0018] In one form, the blade for splitting comprises a first portion for effecting a first cut that splits a first portion of the log from the remainder thereof.

[0019] In one form, the blade for splitting further comprises at least one further portion for effecting a further cut that splits the first portion of the log into at least two pieces. 100201 In one form, the blade for splitting further comprises at least two further portions for effecting a further two cuts that split the first portion of the log into at least three pieces.

[0021] In one form, the guide comprises a bottomless elongate box.

[0022] In one form, the log splitter comprises a hopper which depends from the guide, and feeds logs into the guide.

[0023] In one form, the log splitter further comprises a linear track, and the guide runs on the track.

[0024] In one form, the driving means drives the log in a reciprocating motion into the blade in a first direction, and over the blade in a second direction.

[0025] In one form, the driving means drives the guide, the hopper and each of the logs along with the guide, in a reciprocating motion over the blade.

[0026] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for operating the above described log splitter to perform a log splitting process, where this log splitting process is comprised of a series of passes of the length of the log, and each pass is comprised of a series of splitting cycles.

[0027] In one form, each splitting cycle comprises the steps of making a transverse cut in the log, and then driving the log against the splitting blade at the depth of the cut, and to the position of the cut.

[0028] In one form, each pass is comprised of as many splitting cycles as is necessary to trav el the length of the log.

[0029] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method for operating the above described log splitter to perform a splitting cycle, the method comprising the steps of making a transverse cut in the log, and then driving the log against the splitting blade at the depth of the cut, and to the position of the cut.

[0030 ] According to a further aspect, there is provided a log splitter comprising a guide for the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade, where the blade comprises a first blade portion for effecting a first cut that splits a first portion of the log from the remainder thereof, and at least one further blade portion for effecting a further cut that splits the first portion of the log into at least two pieces.

[ 0031] According to a further aspect, there is provided a splitting blade for a log splitter, the splitting blade comprising a first blade portion for effecting a first cut that splits a first portion of the log from the remainder thereof, and at least one further blade portion for effecting a further cut that splits the first portion of the log into at least two pieces. 10032] For ease of description, the log splitter is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings, and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the log splitter may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0034] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a log splitter according to an embodiment, illustrating a guide and a hopper thereof in a first position; [0035] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in a second position; [0036] Figure 3 is a plan view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in the first position; [0037 ] Figure 4 is a plan view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in the second position; [0038] Figure 5 is a side view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in the first position; [0039] Figure 6 is a side view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in the second position; [0040] Figure 7 is a side view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in the first position; [0041] Figure 8 is a side view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in the second position; [0042] Figure 9 is a lower isometric view of the log splitter illustrating the guide and the hopper in the second position; [0043] Figure 10 is a front end view of the log splitter; [0044] Figure 11 is a rear end view of the log splitter; [0045 ] Figures 12 and 13 are isometric views of the log splitter from which some components have been omitted to permit visibility of the splitting blade; and [0046] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view through the guide, the hopper and the splitting blade; [0047] Figures 15 and 16 are views of the splitting blade in isolation; [0048] Figure 17 is a schematic of a hydraulic circuit for the log splitter; [0049] Figures 18 and 20 are isometric views of a log splitter according to a further embodiment; and [0050] Figures 19 and 21 are side views of the log splitter of Figure 18.

[00511 In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0052] Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a log splitter 1 according to an embodiment. While referred to as a log splitter, this apparatus splits wood, irrespective of whether the wood is in log form or not.

[0053] The log splitter 1 is mounted upon a trailer 100 for portability, but could be removed from the trailer 100 and used as a stationary arrangement.

[0054] In the case of this trailer mounting, the trailer 100 comprises a trailer frame 102 riding on a wheel and axle assembly 104, an A-frame draw bar 106, a trailer hitch 108, a jockey wheel 110, and a plurality of adjustable legs 112 for stabilising the log splitter 1 before it is to be put into use.

[0055 ] The log splitter 1 is generally elongate, and extends along a central axis of the trailer 100 between a front and a rear thereof.

[0056] The log splitter 1 comprises a base 2, which is mounted on the frame 102 of the trailer 100. The base 2 comprises a frame 4, and supports a power plant 6, a hydraulic reservoir 8, and a floor channel 10 for the log splitter 1. This floor channel 10 extends along the trailer.

[0057] With reference to Figure 12, it can be seen that the floor channel 10 is divided into two portions separated by a transverse slot 12, a splitting blade 20, and an outlet chute 14 located between the transverse slot 12 and the splitting blade 20. A second floor channel portion 10b is set at a lower level (70mm lower in the case of this embodiment) to both a first floor channel portionlOa, and a leading edge of the splitting blade 20.

[0058] With reference to Figures 15 and 16, it can be seen that the splitting blade 20 comprises a first blade portion 22 for effecting a first cut that splits a first portion of the log from the remainder thereof, and at least one further blade portion 24 for effecting a further cut that splits the first split portion into at least two pieces.

[0059 ] In this embodiment, the first blade portion 22 has a wedge shaped cross-section and comprises a leading edge 22a, an upper side 23a, and an underside 23b, and it effects a horizontal cut in the log.

[0060] The splitting blade 20 further comprises five (5) of the further blade portions 24, for effecting five vertical cuts which split the first split portion of the log (as split by the first blade portion 22) into six (6) pieces. Each of the further blade portions 24 depends from the underside 23b of the first blade portion 22.

[0061] The splitting blade 20 may be either integrally formed, or the further blade portions 24 can be removably secured (such as by way of fasteners) with respect to the first blade portion 22 for replacement of any of these.

[0062] The log splitter 1 comprises a guide 30, and a hopper 40 which depends from the guide 30, and feeds logs into the guide 30.

[0063] The guide 30 comprises a bottomless elongate box comprising a pair of lengthwise extending side walls 32, a pair of end walls, a first of which (i.e. a drive wall 34) is deeper than the other (as best shown in Figure 14), and an uppennost opening for receiving a log from the hopper 40.

[0064] Similar to the guide, the hopper 40 comprises a rectilinear planform, an uppermost opening, and side and end walls which taper down to the dimensions of the guide 30. The hopper 40 also features a partial side opening 42.

[0065] The guide 30 is slidably mounted with respect to a track 50.

[0066] The track 50 comprises a pair of rails 52, where each rail 52 comprises a length of parallel flange channel, and where one of these rails 52 depends from each side of the floor channel 10.

[0067] The guide 30 is so mounted with respect to the track 50 by way of comprising a pair of outwardly projecting ribs extending along the sides thereof, where each of these ribs slidably engages in one of the channels defined by the rails 52 (as best shown in Figures 10 and 11). 10068] The log splitter further comprises a means 60 for driving the log in a lengthwise direction through the splitting blade 20. In this embodiment, this means comprises a linear actuator in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 60 comprising a barrel 62, a piston, and a piston rod 64. This hydraulic cylinder 60 extends parallel to the guide track 50, and thus does not extend the overall length of the log splitter 1.

[0069] The barrel 62 of the hydraulic cylinder 60 is mounted with respect to the base 2 of the log splitter at one end, and the piston rod 64 is mounted with respect to the drive wall 34 of the guide 30 at its other end. In use, this hydraulic cylinder 60 drives the guide 30, the hopper 40 and each of the logs in the hopper 40 along with the guide 30, in a reciprocating motion.

[0070] The log splitter 1 further comprises a means for making transverse cuts 70 in the log. In this embodiment, this means comprises a circular saw 70 mounted below the floor channel 10 so that a portion of the saw blade 72 extends through the transverse slot 12 in the floor channel 10. The extent to which this portion of the saw blade 72 extends into the floor channel 10 will determine how deep the ‘blind’ cuts created in the underside of the log are.

[00711 The circular saw 70 is driven by a further, smaller linear actuator 74, in this embodiment, this means comprises a smaller hydraulic cylinder 74. The cylinder 74 will reciprocate between a position in which the saw blade 72 extends within the floor channel 10, along the transverse slot 12, and a first position entirely outside of the floor channel 10, so as not to impede the log's progress.

[0072 ] In this embodiment, the saw blade 72 is powered by a hydraulic motor (not shown), however in alternative embodiments, it may be powered by an electric or combustion motor. 100731 The log splitter 1 further comprises a transversely extending conveyor 80 for receiving material from the outlet chute 14, and conveying this to a position clear of, and to one side of the log splitter 1 and trailer 100 (as best shown in Figure 9).

[0074] In this embodiment, the conveyor 80 is powered by a hydraulic motor (not shown), however in alternative embodiments, it may be powered by an electric or combustion motor.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 17, where there is shown a schematic of a hydraulic circuit 100 for the log splitter 1, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder 60 and smaller hydraulic cylinder 74, are operatively connected to a hydraulic pump 7 (driven by the power plant 6) via individual solenoid valves 61,71. Additionally, the circular saw blade 72 and the conveyor 80 are driven by hydraulic motors 73, 81 which are operatively connected to the hydraulic pump 7 via individual solenoid valves. The hydraulic circuit also features the hydraulic reservoir 8 which is in connection with the return lines of the solenoid valves, and the hydraulic pump 7.

[0076] In use, logs are loaded one at a time into the hopper 40. The first log loaded will be channelled by the hopper 40 into the guide 30 and come to rest on the first floor channel portion 10a. In this embodiment, the log splitter 1 is adapted to accept logs which are up to 2.5 metres long, and up to 700 mm in diameter. Logs of this size can be loaded using a tractor equipped with forks or a wood grapple attachment.

[0077] The weight of logs above should help stabilize the log being processed. However, in alternative embodiments, the log splitter 1 may also feature grab arms (not illustrated) that hold the log in a fixed position while being processed.

[0078] A user can then initiate operation of the log splitter 1 via a control panel or pendant (not illustrated). An automatic sequential control system will trigger the actuators 60, 74 and the circular saw 70 in the correct sequence to perform a log splitting process, where this log splitting process is comprised of a series of passes, and each pass is comprised of a series of splitting cycles.

[0079] The guide cylinder 60 will extend, driving the guide 30, the hopper 40 and the logs therein from a first, home position (as illustrated in Figure 1), to a second position (as illustrated in Figure 2). In doing so, the log lowest in the guide 30 will drop from the first floor channel portion 10a onto the second floor channel portion 10b.

[0080] Having reached its second position, the guide cylinder 60 will begin to retract, driving the guide 30, the hopper 40 and the logs therein from the second position, back toward the first position until a leading end of the first log (the log being processed) meets the leading edge 22a of the splitting blade 20, at which point a first splitting cycle commences, and the guide cylinder 60 pauses momentarily.

[0081] Detection of the leading edge of the log meeting the leading edge 22a of the splitting blade 20, may be performed using a number of sensing means. In this embodiment, the detection means is by way of a hydraulic pressure sensor (not illustrated) which is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic circuit of the cylinder 60. In use, the drive wall 34 of the guide 30 will push the log being processed up until it reaches the leading edge 22a of the splitting blade, at which point, an increase in hydraulic pressure will then be detected by the sensor, which will communicate with the control system, which will then pause the cylinder 60 momentarily.

[0082 ] In alternative embodiments, the detection means could be by way of an optical sensor or a physical switch sensor located at the leading edge of the splitting blade.

[0083] While the guide cylinder 60 is paused, the circular saw 70 will be activated to effect a first lateral cut in the underside of the first log. In this embodiment, this lateral cut is 100 mm deep in the underside of the log, and 300 mm from the leading edge of the splitting blade 20.

[0084] The saw cut could be 70 mm deep, but a 100mm cut will help with wood which has crooked grain.

[0085] The guide cylinder 60 will then recommence retraction toward the first position, thereby driving the log over and through the splitting blade 20 until a first shoulder created by the first lateral cut meets the leading edge 22a of the splitting blade 20 (a distance of 300mm in this embodiment). This first blade portion 22 splits a chunk of wood 300 mm long by 70 mm high off the main log. This chunk of wood then gets pushed through the second blade portions (i.e. the further blade portions) 24 to further split this chunk into lumps 300mm x 70mm x 140mm (if the further blade portions 24 are 140 mm apart).

[0086] The split material (lumps) will fall through the outlet chute 14 and onto the conveyor 80, which will deposit the split material in a pile at the side of the log splitter 1 and trailer 100.

[0087] Once the first shoulder created by the first lateral cut meets the splitting blade 20 this concludes the first splitting cycle, and initiates a second splitting cycle. At this point, the guide cylinder 60 will pause again momentarily while the circular saw 70 effects a second lateral cut in the underside of the first log.

[0088] In this embodiment the lateral cutting operation will see the circular saw 72 commencing at the position entirely outside of the floor channel 10 and then being driven within the floor channel 10, along the transverse slot 12, and through the log being processed, and then returning to the position entirely outside of the floor channel 10. In an alternative embodiment, the log splitter 1 will accommodate the circular saw 72 in a second position entirely outside of the floor channel 10 on the opposite side to its first position. This would result in a more efficient log splitting process, as the circular saw 72 would have to make a single pass through the log, from one side of the floor channel 10 to the other, rather than making a return pass as described above.

[0089] The guide cylinder 60 will then recommence drive toward the first position, thereby driving the log over and through the splitting blade 20 until a second shoulder created by the second lateral cut meets the splitting blade 20. This concludes the second splitting cycle, and initiates a third splitting cycle, and so this splitting cycle is repeated for the length of the log (i.e. for one pass), until the guide 30, the hopper 40 and the logs therein reach the first, home position once again. The log splitter 1 will then commence a second pass with this first log, by repeating the process described above for the first pass.

[0090] The log splitter 1 will continue making passes of the first log until the first log is consumed. At this point, the log splitter 1 will repeat the above described log splitting process for a second log, and each subsequent log, until all of the logs in the hopper 40 are consumed. When no logs are detected in the hopper 40, the log splitter 1 will switch off.

[0091] It is envisaged that the guide 30 could hold several logs of differing diameter and length and the log splitter 1 should still work satisfactorily, and small logs of less than 70 mm diameter should still be processed without difficulty.

[0092] Referring now to Figures 18 and 19, where there is illustrated a log splitter 200 according to a further embodiment. Those parts of the log splitter 200 which are identical (or near- identical) to corresponding parts shown in the log splitter 1 of Figures 1 through 17, will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again in detail. Moreover, log splitter 200 operates in a manner which differs only in the respects described below, from the manner of operation of log splitter 1.

[0093 ] While it rides on a tandem trailer comprising a pair of wheel and axle assemblies 104, the log splitter 200 differs from log splitter 1 principally in that it comprises a vertical feed mechanism 220 for momentarily bearing down on logs in the hopper 40 and the guide 30 in turn, to ensure that the lowermost log is in position for splitting.

[0094 ] This vertical feed mechanism 220 comprises a hydraulic cylinder 222, which is pivotably mounted in an elevated position which is both laterally central, and near a lengthwise midpoint of the base 2. The hydraulic cylinder 222 is pivotably mounted so that it can be rotated between a vertical, in-use orientation (as illustrated in Figures 20 and 21), and a horizontal orientation (as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19) for transport.

[0095] The hydraulic cylinder 222 is mounted on a structural framework which comprises a cross member 224 that is supported at its ends by a pair of uprights 226, so that in use, the guide 30 passes beneath the cross member 224, and between the uprights 226, as the log splitter 200 cycles.

[0096] A piston rod 228 of the hydraulic cylinder 222 carries a drive bar 230, which extends laterally to either side of the hydraulic cylinder 222, but which is sized to fit between the side walls 32 of the hopper 40 and the guide 30, when in the in use orientation.

[0097] In use, as the hydraulic cylinder 60 retracts to return the guide 30 to its home position, the hydraulic cylinder 222 will cycle, forcing the drive bar 230 against a top of the log pile in the hopper 40 and guide 30, thereby driving the log lowest in the guide 30 down into position for splitting. The hydraulic cylinder 222 will then withdraw the drive bar 230 from the guide 30 and the hopper 40. The log splitter 200 will then commence ‘a pass’, where each pass is comprised of a series of splitting cycles, as described above.

[0098] It will be apparent from all of the above, that the log splitter described herein very usefully accepts large logs, and outputs small pieces of wood, which are small enough to use in a fireplace.

[0099] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[00100] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[00101] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. A log splitter comprising a guide for a log, a means for making a blind transverse cut in the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade to the position of the transverse cut.

2. The log splitter of claim 1, wherein the blade splits to the depth of the blind transverse cut.

3. The log splitter as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the guide comprises a bottomless elongate box.

4. The log splitter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the log splitter further comprises a hopper which depends from the guide, and feeds logs into the guide.

5. The log splitter as in either of the preceding claims, wherein the log moves with the guide.

6. The log splitter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the log splitter further comprises a linear track, and the guide runs on the track.

7. The log splitter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving means drives the log in a reciprocating motion into the blade in a first direction, and over the blade in a second direction.

8. The log splitter of claim 7, wherein the driving means drives the guide, the hopper and each of the logs along with the guide, in a reciprocating motion.

9. The log splitter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for making transverse cuts in the log is movable between at least a first cutting position, and a second position clear of the log.

10. The log splitter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for making transverse cuts in the log comprises a circular saw.

11. The log splitter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction through the blade comprises a linear actuator.

12. The log splitter as in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blade for splitting comprises a first portion for effecting a first cut that splits the strip from the log.

13. The log splitter of claim 12, wherein the blade for splitting further comprises at least one further portion for effecting a further cut that splits the strip into at least two pieces.

14. The log splitter as in either of claims 12 or 13, wherein the blade for splitting further comprises two further portions for effecting a further two cuts that split the strip into at least three pieces.

15. A method for operating a log splitter to perform a log splitting process, where the log splitter comprises a guide for the log, a means for making a transverse cut in the log, a blade for splitting ships off of the log, and a means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade to the position of the trans verse cut, and where this log splitting process is comprised of a series of passes of the length of the log, and each pass is comprised of a series of splitting cycles.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein each splitting cycle comprises the steps of making a transverse cut in the log, and then driving the log against the splitting blade at the depth of the cut, and to the position of the cut.

17. A method for operating a log splitter to perform a splitting cycle, where the log splitter comprises a guide for the log, a means for making a transverse cut in the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade to the position of the transverse cut, the method comprising the steps of making a transverse cut in the log, and then driving the log against the splitting blade at the depth of the cut, and to the position of the cut.

18. A log splitter comprising a guide for a log, a saw for making a blind transverse cut in the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a linear actuator for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade to the position of the transverse cut.

19. A log splitter comprising a guide for the log, a blade for splitting strips off of the log, and a means for driving the log in a lengthwise direction into the blade, where the blade comprises a first blade portion for effecting a first cut that splits a first portion of the log from the remainder thereof, and at least one further blade portion for effecting a further cut that splits the first portion of the log into at least two pieces.

20. A splitting blade for a log splitter, the splitting blade comprising a first blade portion for effecting a first cut that splits a strip of the log from the remainder thereof, and at least one further blade portion for effecting a further cut that splits strip into at least two pieces.