CA2410774A1 - Self-contained automatic compensating outfeed rotary debarker - Google Patents
Self-contained automatic compensating outfeed rotary debarker Download PDFInfo
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- CA2410774A1 CA2410774A1 CA 2410774 CA2410774A CA2410774A1 CA 2410774 A1 CA2410774 A1 CA 2410774A1 CA 2410774 CA2410774 CA 2410774 CA 2410774 A CA2410774 A CA 2410774A CA 2410774 A1 CA2410774 A1 CA 2410774A1
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- Prior art keywords
- ring
- rotary debarker
- debarker
- scrapers
- rotary
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B27—WORKING OR PRESERVING WOOD OR SIMILAR MATERIAL; NAILING OR STAPLING MACHINES IN GENERAL
- B27L—REMOVING BARK OR VESTIGES OF BRANCHES; SPLITTING WOOD; MANUFACTURE OF VENEER, WOODEN STICKS, WOOD SHAVINGS, WOOD FIBRES OR WOOD POWDER
- B27L1/00—Debarking or removing vestiges of branches from trees or logs; Machines therefor
- B27L1/08—Debarking or removing vestiges of branches from trees or logs; Machines therefor using rotating rings
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Forests & Forestry (AREA)
- Filling Or Emptying Of Bunkers, Hoppers, And Tanks (AREA)
Abstract
A rotary debarker ring which applies a variable force to the surface of a log.
A
mechanism in the debarker ring which enables the production and adjustment of the automatically compensated variable force. A plurality of pivoting scrapers each of which possess a scraping edge and a pivotal axis. A dynamic and geometrical relationship between the rotational direction of the rotary debarker ring, the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring, the scraping edges of the pivoting scrapers and the pivotal axis of the pivoting scrapers, allowing the pivoting scrapers to contact the log in a trailing manner relative to the rotational direction of the rotary debarker ring and the log feed direction, as the log exits the rotary debarker ring from the back.
A
mechanism in the debarker ring which enables the production and adjustment of the automatically compensated variable force. A plurality of pivoting scrapers each of which possess a scraping edge and a pivotal axis. A dynamic and geometrical relationship between the rotational direction of the rotary debarker ring, the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring, the scraping edges of the pivoting scrapers and the pivotal axis of the pivoting scrapers, allowing the pivoting scrapers to contact the log in a trailing manner relative to the rotational direction of the rotary debarker ring and the log feed direction, as the log exits the rotary debarker ring from the back.
Description
INTRODUCTION
This invention relates to a rotary debarker ring which applies an adjustable force to the surface of a log, and more particularly, a rotary debarker ring which has a self contained remotely controllable and programmable mechanism for producing and automatically compensating the force with which bark is removed from a log in an out feed manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The operational function of this invention is the same as is known in the art, in that logs are feed through the central bore of the rotary debarker ring as the rotary debarker ring is rotated causing pivoting scrapers to remove the bark as the pivoting scrapers contact the log. Rotary debarker rings typically employ a number of pivoting scrapers each of which possess a pivotal axis and a scraping edge being parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring, ranging from as few as three (3) to as many as six (6) pivoting scrapers. The pivoting scrapers contact a log in a trailing manner relative to the rotary debarker rings rotational direction, however the pivoting scrapers do not contact a log in a trailing manner relative to the log feed direction. The pivoting scrapers are forced to pivot inwardly so as to close or reduce the size of the opening produced by the pivotal position of the pivoting scraper's scraping edge, by means of the air pressure. A log being feed into a rotary debarker ring contacts the scrapers forcing the pivoting scrapers to pivot outwardly so as to open or increase the size of the opening produced by the pivotal position of the pivoting scraper's scraping edge. The contacting of the log by each scraping edge produces spiral-scraping paths due to the log feed direction and the rotary debarker rings rotational direction. To ensure that the bark is removed an overlapping of the scraping paths is produced by limiting the feed rate of the log proportionality to the rotational speed of the rotary debarker ring. The feed rate of the log is to be equal or less than the number of scraping edges multiplied by the contact Length of the scraping edge, multiplied by the number of revolutions of a rotary debarker ring in a given amount of time, for example, a rotary debarker ring consisting of six (fi) pivoting scrapers each of which possess scraping edges being three (3) inches in length, enable a feed rate of eighteen (18) inches per revolution of the rotary debarker ring, thus being rotated at a speed of two hundred revolutions per minute (200 R P M), would provide for a the maximum log feed rate of three hundred (300) feet per minute. A
typical rotary debarker ring removes the bark from a log utilizing an in feed debarking process, which removes the bark from a log before the log passes through the rotary debarker ring. This has been the method of choice due to the limitations of the geometrical configuration being reduced or more favorable as applied to the in feed debarking process with regards to the accumulation of bark in the central bore as well as between the pivoting scrapers and the rotary debarker ring. A log entering a rotary debarker ring forces the pivoting scrapers to pivot such that an opening of the pivoting scrapers is produced relative to the scraping edges, when the leading end of a log is tapered enabling a much more smooth transitional movement relative to the pivoting scrapers pivotal, from a closed position to a open position, so as to enable the debarking of a log. However if the log end is large and virtually flat, as is commonly produced by a saw, the pivoting scrapers do not have the ability to open in a smooth transitional manner but are required to pivot very quickly as contact is made in a more abrupt manner occasionally resulting in damage to both the log and rotary debarker ring. The ability to compensate for the restrictive aspects of the geometrical limitations of the configuration of a rotary debarker ring as is known in the art is provided by various means however the required speed and accuracy relative to timing of this pivotal movement is often the cause of extensive damage. This geometrical configuration as is known in the art is restricted in several ways, ~ The limited maximum number of pivotal scrapers containable within a single rotational path due to the intersecting pivotal paths and the economy of size.
This restrictive aspect being, that as the pivoting scrapers axis is positioned farther away from the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring in order to provide the additional space required for additional scrapers, a proportional decrease in the leverage aspect of the application of force to the surface to the log results, requiring a proportional increase in the strength and space requirements of the components which provide the supporting aspects of the scraping edge, thus the restrictive aspect of the maximum number of pivoting scrapers potentially containable within a single rotary debarker ring while being rotated in a single rotational path.
~ The inability to ensure that the scrapers will not contact with each other under normal operating conditions resulting in damage. This restrictive aspect being that the geometrical configuration limits the movement of the pivoting scrapers dynamically, under normal operating conditions, allowing a potential for the pivoting scrapers to contact each other due to the intersecting pivotal paths.
The scrapers are required to be moved in such a manner that all the scrapers are pivoted in a range of unison. Each pivoting scraper is unable to be pivoted quickly throughout the range of pivotal movement independently of the other scrapers so as to prevent damage.
The restrictive aspect being the dynamic inadequacy of the geometrical configuration relative to the responsiveness of the pivoting scrapers.
Limiting aspects of the pivoting scrapers responsiveness, due to the fact that the scrapers do not contact a log in a trailing manner relative to the log feed direction, resulting in damage to the rotary debarker ring components of the rotary debarker ring and to the log in the form of damaged fiber, reducing the quality of the product thus potential profits are lost in a wastefully manner. Typically a rotary debarker ring as is known in the art is unable to provide an adequate response time with respect to the opening and closing of the pivoting scrapers so as to prevent damage.
The structural requirements of a pivoting scraper able to endure the forces produced when contact is made with the end of the log due to this perpendicular relationship between the log feed direction and the pivotal paths of the pivoting scrapers are significant. During the initial contact between the leading end of a log entering a rotary debarker ring, the scrapers are required to pivot quickly so as to prevent damaged, enabling the scrapers to be forced opened by the end of a log upon contact while the scrapers are pivoted as well as rotated on the in feed side of the rotary debarker ring. In order to prevent the scrapers from being damaged stronger and more rigid scrapers are produced, resulting in a proportional increase in the amount of fiber damage additional the opening as well as the closing of the scrapers effects the debarking process in a detrimental manner due to the detrimental aspects of the inertia being proportionally to the mass of the pivoting scrapers which results in the scraping edge of the pivoting scrapers either abruptly impacting a log upon contact or the scrapers scraping edge being out of contact with the surface of a log in the form of a dwell, resulting in bark remaining on the log, thus lowering the quality of product.
The restrictive aspect being the functional application and service performance of the rotary debarker ring and specific components, with regards to the wearing of the rotary debarker ring as a result of debarking process, additionally the requirement for the scrapers to be repaired in order to salvage the remaining substantial investment.
The bark is removed by mean of force which is produced by air pressure and applied to the surface of a log by means of pivoting scrapers. A rotary debarker ring which is required to be stationary or stopped from rotating, so as to enable the adjustment of the air pressure is generally less expensive however specific drawbacks or detrimental aspects exist, due to this limited ability to control the air pressure during operation. 'The ability to adjust the force applied to the surface of the log during operation is accomplished by means of an air seal system. The air pressure being externally produced, contained, supplied, monitored, analyzed and controlled. The air seal system is not only costly to produce but requires frequent maintenance as well as costly replacement due to the wearing of the seal which is lubricated with oil which accumulates in the air bags limiting the performance and life of components.
The air bags which are affixed at both ends, one end of an air bag being affixed to a gussets within the rotary debarker ring which is stationary relative to the pivoting movement of the pivoting scrapers, the other end of the air bag being affixed to a lever.
The air bags and the levers are protected from damage to the extent that they are positioned on the out feed side of the rotary debarker ring. Shafts are affixed between the levers and the scrapers. The pivoting axis of the scrapers, levers and shafts is parallel to the axis of the rotary debarker ring. When force is applied to the levers a torque is transmitted through the shafts to the scrapers. The position of a scrapers relative to a leaver is required to be maintained in order to enable the optimum operational performance and prevent damage, thus the shafts are required to be affixed to the scrapers and leavers utilizing securing means such as keys or splines. During operation the limiting aspects of the geometrical configuration of a rotary debarker rings as is known in the art, which are detrimental to the performance of a rotary debarker ring as is known in the art, are compensated for in order to minimize the detrimental effects of the negative aspects of the geometrical relationship between the rotational axis of a rotary debarker ring and the pivotal axis of the pivoting scrapers, as is known in the art, a variety of solutions are employed and applied to the operational procedures requiring specific compensation.
Such as the dumping of the air pressure from within the air bags enabling centrifugal force to open the pivoting scrapers prior to a log entering the rotary debarker ring, accordingly a large volume of air is required to replenish the air pressure within the air bags to enable the debarking process to continue.
The sorting and feeding of logs accarding to diametric size and orientating the logs direction so that the smaller end of a log is the leading end relative to the feed direction of a log. Feeding the logs in such a manner that one end of a log being debarked is contacting the end of the next log to be debarked, as in the feeding of the logs one after another without a space between the logs ends, in order to minimize the responsiveness requirements by decreasing the range of pivotal movement required of the pivoting scrapers so as to aid in the reducing of the amount of damage caused by the debarking process.
The in feed end of a rotary debarker ring including the scrapers, hubs and shafts sustain damage from logs as a log enters and passes through, as well as from the bark as it is removed and expelled outwardly. Operational downtime as a result of damaged components is unpredictable and inevitable with the rotary debarker ring designs as is known in the art causing both an inconvenience and additional expense to the operators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring comprising a rotary debarker ring, a plurality of pivoting scrapers possessing, a scraping edge and a pivoting axis, being other than parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring, furthermore the pivoting scrapers being positioned so as to contact the log in a trailing manner relative to the rotational direction of the rotary debarker ring and the log feed direction, as the log exits out of the back of the rotary debarker ring and an air system comprising an air compressor which supplies the force applied through the pivoting scrapers to the surface of a log so as to cause the bark to be removed from the log in a conical spray outwardly and away from the log and the rotary debarker ring as the log exits and controlling means which enable the force applied to the surface of a log to be increased or decreased automatically while being able to be manually adjusted and programmed to the desired automatic compensations of the force, by means of a remote control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE
DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with the use of drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention, shown from three different perspectives, from left to right, an isometric front or in feed end view, a side view, and an isometric back or out feed end view, respectively.
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic isometric sectional back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic isometric exploded sectional back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic isometric view of the "X, Y, Z" coordinate system in which the geometric relationship between the pivoting scrapers axis and the rotational axis of ring 10, representational of viewing the rotary debarker from the back or out feed end is shown.
FIG. 4 A is a diagrammatic front view of the "X, Y" coordinate as described within the description of FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 B is a diagrammatic side view of the "Y, Z" coordinate as described within the description of FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 C is a diagrammatic top view of the "X, Z" coordinate as described within the description of FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic isometric back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention, showing a cylindrical shape representative of a relatively small log exiting the rotary debarker ring.
FIG. 5 A is a diagrammatic isometric back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention, showing a cylindrical shape representative of a relatively large log exiting the rotary debaxker ring.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
The description of a rotary debarker ring, which is capable of being made so as to be operable in ether a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction with respect to a given view, however the description of a rotary debarker ring which operates while being rotated in a clock wise direction as viewed from the back of the rotary debarker ring and thus being operable while being rotated in a counter clockwise direction as viewed from the front of the rotary debarker ring, further more the front end being the in feed end, thus the back end being the out feed end, is as follows:
Referring to FIG. 1, a rotary debarker ring assembly is generally illustrated at 10.
Refernng to FIGS. 2 and 3, a rotary debarker ring 10 supported by a support 11 and enabled to rotate on a ring bearing. 'The ring bearing (not shown) being fitted centrally between the rotary debarker ring 10 and the support 11, as is known in the art. The support 11 is positioned in front of the rotary debarker ring 10 relative to the longitudinal feed direction of the log and is conical in shape, with a short cylindrical bore 12 in the center portion of the support 11, sufficient in size to enable a log to pass through the bore 12 forming a funnel like entrance for the log on the in feed front end while creating the required clearance for the ring 10 on the other side, thus providing protection to ring 10.
The ring 10 is also conical in shape and provides the required space within the ring 10 enabling the containment of the various components required to produce, contain, monitor and automatically or manually control the variable force applied to the surface of the log during operation. The force being provided by means of air pressure which is, produced, contained, and automatically controlled within the primary air system and furthermore being, contained and automatically controlled within the secondary air system. The two separate air systems being connected so as to produce a single air system, each of which, while being connected, are independently automatically controlled and furthermore being able to be manually over ridden and programmed by means of remote control during operation. The air tank generally illustrated at 13 comprising two circular bands generally illustrated at 14. The circular bands positioned such that the theoretical centers relative to the circular aspects of the bands 14 exist on the rotational axis of the ring 10. The circular bands 14 while being contained within the outer most diameter of the ring 10 are comprised so as the width of the bands and the distance between them adequately provides for an air tank 13 to be sufficient in size while providing the required space within the ring 10 enabling the housing of all the components contained within ring 10. The two bands 14 form the air tank utilizing a portion of the conical ring 10 and a covering end cap ring 15. The air tank 13 comprising an air port 16 and a drainage port 17. The air port 16 is connected to the compressor 18 which is equipped with an adjustable air pressure switch 19 being operable to automatically control the operation of the air compressor while additionally controlling the air pressure within the air tank, thus controlling the air pressure within the primary air system. The air port 16 furthermore being connected to the adjustable over pressure relief valve 20. The pressure setting of the pressure switch 19 being limited so as not to exceed the pressure setting of the over pressure relief valve 20. The air port furthermore being connected to the electrically controllable air valve 21, being connected so as to supply the secondary air system by means of the releasing of air pressure from the primary air system into the secondary air system. The electrically controllable air valve 21 operable to control the containment of the air pressure within the primary air system while the electrically controllable valve 21 furthermore being operable to control the supply of air pressure to the secondary air system by means of the release of air pressure from within the primary air system being in the form of the supply of air pressure through the connection between the two systems into the secondary air system.
Thus completing the description of the primary air system. The ring 10 comprising eight equidistant supports ZZ radially positioned on the ring 10 near the bore 12.
The support of each of the pivoting scrapers 24 pivotal axis being provided by the supports 22 which are positioned in a compound angle relative to the rotary debarker ring's rotational axis.
The relationship between the pivoting scrapers pivotal axis and the rotary debarker ring's rotational axis is expressed more specifically utilizing the "X, Y, Z"
coordinate system in which a horizontal plane, is represented by the "X" axis, a vertical plain is represented by the "Y" axis, and the depth is represented by the "Z" axis, all three intersect each other at a central point positioned at the three o'clock position relative to ring 10 as viewed from the back, while all references with regards to the rotational axis of ring 10 will be made with the understanding that the longitudinal feed of the log and the rotational axis of ring are both parallel to the "Z" axis while the direction of rotation of ring 10 is clock wise as viewed from the back, while the ring 10 is positioned so as to alien a single pivoting scrapers axis so as to intersect the "X" axis at the "Y" and "Z" axis.
Referring to FIG. 4, which illustrates this geometrical relationship within the "X, Y, Z"
coordinate system as described, in an isometric manner, while the rotational plane of the ring 10 is represented by the "X, Y" plane, the rotational axis of the ring 10 represented by line 35 being parallel to the "Z" axis, while intersecting the "X" axis.
The vertical center line of the rotational axis of ring 10 represented by line 35-A, which intersects the "X" axis, while being parallel to the "Y" axis. A single pivoting scraper's pivotal axis represented by line 36 positioned so as to intersect the "X" axis at the "Y"
and "Z" axis.
The rotational path of a pivoting scraper's pivotal axis within the "X, Y"
plain, being represented by the circle 36-A, positioned so as to intersect the "X" axis at the "Y" and "Z" axis.
Refernng to FIG. 4-A which details the vertical center line 35-A, a pivoting scraper's pivotal axis 36 as well as the rotational path of the pivoting scrapers axis 36-A, as described in FIG, 4.
Referring to FIG. 4-B, illustrates the pivoting scraper's pivotal axis represented by line 36, being at an angle of 22.5 degrees in the "Y, Z" plane relative to the "Z, X" plane.
Refernng to FIG, 4-C furthermore illustrates the pivoting scraper's pivotal axis 36 being at an angle of 22.5 degrees in the "Z, X" plane relative to the "Y, Z" plane.
This geometrical relationship between the axis of ring 10 and the axis of the pivoting scrapers 24 enable the scrapers 24 to move out of the way more readily, preventing damage to the scrapers and other components as well as to the wood fiber, while enabling the requirements of operation to be diminished such as the eliminating of the requirement to dump the air pressure so as to enable the scrapers to open in such a manner so as to preventing damaged, this geometrical relationship enables the ability to supply the air volume, and air pressure requirements with an air compressor 18 housed within the ring 10. This geometrical relationship also provides for a more efficient use of space by enabling the components to be positioned in an overlapping manner with in the ring 10, enabling the containment of eight scrapers as well as the components contained with in the ring 10. The variable force is applied to the surface of the log by means of the pivoting scrapers 24 being biased by means of the air pressure within air bags 27. The air bags 27 are affixed directly to the scrapers 24 at the scrapers air bag mounting tabs 26 on one end of the air bag, while the other end of the air bags are affixed to the gussets 23 which are stationary relative to the pivoting movement of the pivoting scrapers 24. The air bags 27 comprising a centrally located air port on the end of the air bags which are affixed to the internal gusset 23 so as to enable the supply of air pressure from the air manifold 28 being contained within the ring 10. The air manifold 28 comprised of appropriately sized, hoses, fittings, and clamps, furthermore being comprised so as to enable the adjustment of air pressure contained within the air bags and the manifold 28 by means of an electrically controllable air pressure regulator 29 which enables the adjustment of air pressure ether in the form of an increasing or decreeing of the air pressure as supplied by the primary air system, additionally an electrically controllable valve 30 enabling the release of excessive air pressure from within the secondary air system, thus completing the description of the secondary air system.
The combination of the primary and secondary air systems enables the production and control of the internally supplied force applied to the surface of a log so as to remove the bark from the log utilizing the out feed debarking method. Furthermore the control of the force applied to the surface of a log is enabled so as to automatically compensate the air pressure proportionally to the logs diametrical size, additionally the automatic compensation being adjustable and programmable so as to adjust the pressure relative to the conditions, such as temperature and species of the log being debarked by means of censors with which the position of the pivoting scrapers and the amount of force applied to the surface of the log through the pivoting scrapers is able to be determined, monitored, analyzed and controlled, being automatically compensated as desired. The bore 12 is equipped with a bore cleaner 32 affixed to the ring 10 so as to enable the clearing of the potential accumulation of bark with each revolution of the ring 10. The supply of electrical power with which the components contained within the ring 10 are enabled to function is provided by means of rechargeable batteries 31 contained within the ring 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATION OF THE SPECIFIC
EMBODIMENT
In operation, it will be assumed that the air tank 13 has first been drained of any water which has accumulated, due to condensation within the air tank 13 by means of utilizing the drainage port 17 and that the air compressor 18 has filled the air tank 13 with adequate air pressure and has been turned off automatically by the air pressure switch 19, and that the rotary debarker ring 10 is rotating in a direction and at a speed sufficiently proportional to the direction and rate of feed of the log to be debarked. As the log passes through the bore of the support 11 and contacts the pivoting scrapers 24 which are forced open by the log sufficiently so as to remove the bark from the log with out damaging the scrapers or the wood fiber to the extent that is typically expected from the m feed debarking process as is known in the art. Due to the smoother operating condition produced when the pivoting scrapers 24, each of which posses a pivotal axis being other than parallel to axis of the ring 10, the air pressure is not required to be diminished so as to allow the opening of the pivoting scrapers in order to reduce the amount of damage caused by a log impacting the scrapers in a much more abrupt manner as is common to the in feed debarking process of the rotary debarker rings as is known in the art. The force applied to the log's surface is adjustable while being automatically controlled by means of a programmable automatic compensator enabling the automatic compensation of the variable force applied to the surface of a log while being able to be manually overridden remotely. If there is a need to adjust the variable force applied to the surface of the log, being ether to increase or to decrees the variable force being applied to the surface of the log manually, the operator, by means of remote control is able to increase the air pressure by adjusting the air pressure regulator 29 and while in the case of decreasing the air pressure manually, the operator, by means of remote control, is able to decrease the air pressure by adjusting the air pressure regulator 29 appropriately while the valve 30 is opened enabling the releasing of the excessive air pressure from within the secondary air system and then closed in order to maintain the desired air pressure, thus manually adjusting the force produced and applied to the surface of the log during operation.
IMPROVEMENTS
The invention provides for a more cost effective design relative to the production, operation, and maintenance of a rotary debarker ring due to, an increase in the number of pivoting scrapers, a reduction in the number of individual parts as well as a reduction in the and structural requirements of the a rotary debarker ring, furthermore the designed usage of individual parts, for example, the support 11 is conical in shape resulting in an increase in the proportional strength while, providing not only the supportive aspects of the ring 10, but also the protection aspects of the ring 10 as well. The support 11 while being less expensive to produce than a ring 10, is considered to be disposable and is sacrificial in that it is eventually worn out and replaced while the ring 10 remains virtually unchanged as a result of operation. Additionally the disposable aspect of the scrapers, other wise unable, due to the required expense of production of scrapers as presently used in the state of the art.
The efficiency of a rotary debarker ring as a result of the invention is increased due to the additional scrapers providing several beneficial aspects, for example:
~ The potential to increase the quality of product.
~ The potential to produce a higher volume of product.
~ The potential to provide a substantial increase in the effective service life of the rotational ring bearing.
~ The option of a variable combination of these benefits.
The maintenance of a rotary debarker ring as a result of the invention is significantly reduced due to the fact that there are fewer parts as well as a reduction in the amount of damage sustained during operation.
~ No air seal system ~ No levers ~ No shafts ~ The rotary debarker ring is not subject to wear to the extent that is commonly associated with rotary debarker rings which utilize the in feed debarking process.
~ The beneficial wearing aspects of the pivoting scrapers being that the scrapers are sharpened by the wearing away of the material over time through the debarking process ultimately wearing to the point that replacement is required.
~ This wearing sharp aspect is due to the angle of the scraping edge during normal operating conditions, being sufficient to provide a substantially more effective service life relative to the investment requirements while eliminating the continual repairing of old worn scrapers as well as the related out of service time.
The aligning of the forces with respect to the dynamics of the operational function significantly reduces the stresses which are produced during the operation of a rotary debarker ring and thus diminishing the structural requirements of a rotary debarker ring and components of a rotary debarker ring, effecting the materials, the volume of the materials used, the mass and the resultant relative inertia.
The scrapers in accordance with the teachings of this invention are constructed utilizing much lighter materials resulting in a lower production cost additionally contributing to the ability to control the pivoting scrapers in favorable manner due to the detrimental aspects of inertia. The scraper for this reason is designed to be disposable and thus is designed such that it is continually sharpened through the wearing process of the pivoting scraper due to the debarking process, thus used until it becomes worn to the point that replacement is required.
The effect of the scrapers pivotal movement relative to the air pressure within the air bags and the air manifold is that as the scrapers are forced opened by the log the air bags are compressed, resulting in an increase in the air pressure within the air bags as well as in the air manifold, thus the force applied to the surface of the log is also increased proportionally. This results in a variation in the air pressure and thus also in the related force applied to the surface of a log proportionally to the size of the opening produced by the log. This proportional variation however is detrimental to the debarking process and thus is diminished due to the additional volume of compressible and expandable air provided within the air manifold. Furthermore an additional diminishing of the proportional variation by means of an automatic adjustment of the air pressure within the air bags as well as within the air manifold enabling the automatic compensation of the air pressure proportionally to the size of the opening produced by the log.
In the efforts of obtaining the optimal debarking conditions at all times in order to increase the productivity while also increasing the quality of product, the air pressure is adjusted automatically in order to maintain a more constant force by compensating for the proportional variations in the air pressure within the air bags and the air manifold relative to the movement of the scrapers proportionally to the size of a log being debarked. The automatic compensator contained within the ring 10 utilizes the information obtained through censors to determine the most favorable operating pressure relative to log size as well as other quality and performance factors such as the debarking temperature and log species while also being adjustable and programmable during operation by means of remote control.
Fiber damage is reduced as a result of the geometrical relationship between the rotary debarker rings, rotational axis and the pivoting scrapers, pivotal axis. The ability for the scrapers to be forced to an open position over a longer period of time relative to the movement of the log, enabled by positioning the pivotal path of the pivoting scraper to be aliened closer to the feed direction of the log.
The ability to use lighter materials as well as the allowance of the scrapers to flex, all contribute to the reduction of the amount of damage to the wood fiber as compared to the amount of fiber damage produced by a rotary debarker ring which employ scrapers having a pivotal plane that is 90 degrees to the log feed direction.
It will be understood that while the term "air pressure" has been used to determine the force applied to the scrapers it is clear that any force applied to the scrapers by means of compressed gas of any kind or any liquid under pressure or electrical or electromagnetic or centrifugal force or any means of force applied to the scrapers could also be used in accordance with the teachings of the invention and the term "air pressure" is intended to cover all such elements.
It will be understood that the term "electrical power" has been used to express the means with which the components are enabled. It is clear that stored electricity, generated electricity or induced electricity or any form of energy such as the centrifugal force present in an operating rotary debarker ring or any other form of energy capable of enabling the various components could also be used in accordance with the teachings of the invention, and the term "electrical power" s intended to cover all such elements.
It will be understood that the term "self contained" has been used to express that all the required components are contained within the rotary debarker ring enabling the production, containment, monitoring, analyzing and automatic control of the force required to enable the removal of bark from the log, however a portion of each of the eight scrapers extends outside of the physical boundaries of the rotary debarker ring. It is to be understood that all the scrapers are to be considered as being contained within the rotary debarker ring.
Many modifications to the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art and the specific embodiment described should be taken as illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting its scope as define in accordance with the accompanying claims.
This invention relates to a rotary debarker ring which applies an adjustable force to the surface of a log, and more particularly, a rotary debarker ring which has a self contained remotely controllable and programmable mechanism for producing and automatically compensating the force with which bark is removed from a log in an out feed manner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The operational function of this invention is the same as is known in the art, in that logs are feed through the central bore of the rotary debarker ring as the rotary debarker ring is rotated causing pivoting scrapers to remove the bark as the pivoting scrapers contact the log. Rotary debarker rings typically employ a number of pivoting scrapers each of which possess a pivotal axis and a scraping edge being parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring, ranging from as few as three (3) to as many as six (6) pivoting scrapers. The pivoting scrapers contact a log in a trailing manner relative to the rotary debarker rings rotational direction, however the pivoting scrapers do not contact a log in a trailing manner relative to the log feed direction. The pivoting scrapers are forced to pivot inwardly so as to close or reduce the size of the opening produced by the pivotal position of the pivoting scraper's scraping edge, by means of the air pressure. A log being feed into a rotary debarker ring contacts the scrapers forcing the pivoting scrapers to pivot outwardly so as to open or increase the size of the opening produced by the pivotal position of the pivoting scraper's scraping edge. The contacting of the log by each scraping edge produces spiral-scraping paths due to the log feed direction and the rotary debarker rings rotational direction. To ensure that the bark is removed an overlapping of the scraping paths is produced by limiting the feed rate of the log proportionality to the rotational speed of the rotary debarker ring. The feed rate of the log is to be equal or less than the number of scraping edges multiplied by the contact Length of the scraping edge, multiplied by the number of revolutions of a rotary debarker ring in a given amount of time, for example, a rotary debarker ring consisting of six (fi) pivoting scrapers each of which possess scraping edges being three (3) inches in length, enable a feed rate of eighteen (18) inches per revolution of the rotary debarker ring, thus being rotated at a speed of two hundred revolutions per minute (200 R P M), would provide for a the maximum log feed rate of three hundred (300) feet per minute. A
typical rotary debarker ring removes the bark from a log utilizing an in feed debarking process, which removes the bark from a log before the log passes through the rotary debarker ring. This has been the method of choice due to the limitations of the geometrical configuration being reduced or more favorable as applied to the in feed debarking process with regards to the accumulation of bark in the central bore as well as between the pivoting scrapers and the rotary debarker ring. A log entering a rotary debarker ring forces the pivoting scrapers to pivot such that an opening of the pivoting scrapers is produced relative to the scraping edges, when the leading end of a log is tapered enabling a much more smooth transitional movement relative to the pivoting scrapers pivotal, from a closed position to a open position, so as to enable the debarking of a log. However if the log end is large and virtually flat, as is commonly produced by a saw, the pivoting scrapers do not have the ability to open in a smooth transitional manner but are required to pivot very quickly as contact is made in a more abrupt manner occasionally resulting in damage to both the log and rotary debarker ring. The ability to compensate for the restrictive aspects of the geometrical limitations of the configuration of a rotary debarker ring as is known in the art is provided by various means however the required speed and accuracy relative to timing of this pivotal movement is often the cause of extensive damage. This geometrical configuration as is known in the art is restricted in several ways, ~ The limited maximum number of pivotal scrapers containable within a single rotational path due to the intersecting pivotal paths and the economy of size.
This restrictive aspect being, that as the pivoting scrapers axis is positioned farther away from the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring in order to provide the additional space required for additional scrapers, a proportional decrease in the leverage aspect of the application of force to the surface to the log results, requiring a proportional increase in the strength and space requirements of the components which provide the supporting aspects of the scraping edge, thus the restrictive aspect of the maximum number of pivoting scrapers potentially containable within a single rotary debarker ring while being rotated in a single rotational path.
~ The inability to ensure that the scrapers will not contact with each other under normal operating conditions resulting in damage. This restrictive aspect being that the geometrical configuration limits the movement of the pivoting scrapers dynamically, under normal operating conditions, allowing a potential for the pivoting scrapers to contact each other due to the intersecting pivotal paths.
The scrapers are required to be moved in such a manner that all the scrapers are pivoted in a range of unison. Each pivoting scraper is unable to be pivoted quickly throughout the range of pivotal movement independently of the other scrapers so as to prevent damage.
The restrictive aspect being the dynamic inadequacy of the geometrical configuration relative to the responsiveness of the pivoting scrapers.
Limiting aspects of the pivoting scrapers responsiveness, due to the fact that the scrapers do not contact a log in a trailing manner relative to the log feed direction, resulting in damage to the rotary debarker ring components of the rotary debarker ring and to the log in the form of damaged fiber, reducing the quality of the product thus potential profits are lost in a wastefully manner. Typically a rotary debarker ring as is known in the art is unable to provide an adequate response time with respect to the opening and closing of the pivoting scrapers so as to prevent damage.
The structural requirements of a pivoting scraper able to endure the forces produced when contact is made with the end of the log due to this perpendicular relationship between the log feed direction and the pivotal paths of the pivoting scrapers are significant. During the initial contact between the leading end of a log entering a rotary debarker ring, the scrapers are required to pivot quickly so as to prevent damaged, enabling the scrapers to be forced opened by the end of a log upon contact while the scrapers are pivoted as well as rotated on the in feed side of the rotary debarker ring. In order to prevent the scrapers from being damaged stronger and more rigid scrapers are produced, resulting in a proportional increase in the amount of fiber damage additional the opening as well as the closing of the scrapers effects the debarking process in a detrimental manner due to the detrimental aspects of the inertia being proportionally to the mass of the pivoting scrapers which results in the scraping edge of the pivoting scrapers either abruptly impacting a log upon contact or the scrapers scraping edge being out of contact with the surface of a log in the form of a dwell, resulting in bark remaining on the log, thus lowering the quality of product.
The restrictive aspect being the functional application and service performance of the rotary debarker ring and specific components, with regards to the wearing of the rotary debarker ring as a result of debarking process, additionally the requirement for the scrapers to be repaired in order to salvage the remaining substantial investment.
The bark is removed by mean of force which is produced by air pressure and applied to the surface of a log by means of pivoting scrapers. A rotary debarker ring which is required to be stationary or stopped from rotating, so as to enable the adjustment of the air pressure is generally less expensive however specific drawbacks or detrimental aspects exist, due to this limited ability to control the air pressure during operation. 'The ability to adjust the force applied to the surface of the log during operation is accomplished by means of an air seal system. The air pressure being externally produced, contained, supplied, monitored, analyzed and controlled. The air seal system is not only costly to produce but requires frequent maintenance as well as costly replacement due to the wearing of the seal which is lubricated with oil which accumulates in the air bags limiting the performance and life of components.
The air bags which are affixed at both ends, one end of an air bag being affixed to a gussets within the rotary debarker ring which is stationary relative to the pivoting movement of the pivoting scrapers, the other end of the air bag being affixed to a lever.
The air bags and the levers are protected from damage to the extent that they are positioned on the out feed side of the rotary debarker ring. Shafts are affixed between the levers and the scrapers. The pivoting axis of the scrapers, levers and shafts is parallel to the axis of the rotary debarker ring. When force is applied to the levers a torque is transmitted through the shafts to the scrapers. The position of a scrapers relative to a leaver is required to be maintained in order to enable the optimum operational performance and prevent damage, thus the shafts are required to be affixed to the scrapers and leavers utilizing securing means such as keys or splines. During operation the limiting aspects of the geometrical configuration of a rotary debarker rings as is known in the art, which are detrimental to the performance of a rotary debarker ring as is known in the art, are compensated for in order to minimize the detrimental effects of the negative aspects of the geometrical relationship between the rotational axis of a rotary debarker ring and the pivotal axis of the pivoting scrapers, as is known in the art, a variety of solutions are employed and applied to the operational procedures requiring specific compensation.
Such as the dumping of the air pressure from within the air bags enabling centrifugal force to open the pivoting scrapers prior to a log entering the rotary debarker ring, accordingly a large volume of air is required to replenish the air pressure within the air bags to enable the debarking process to continue.
The sorting and feeding of logs accarding to diametric size and orientating the logs direction so that the smaller end of a log is the leading end relative to the feed direction of a log. Feeding the logs in such a manner that one end of a log being debarked is contacting the end of the next log to be debarked, as in the feeding of the logs one after another without a space between the logs ends, in order to minimize the responsiveness requirements by decreasing the range of pivotal movement required of the pivoting scrapers so as to aid in the reducing of the amount of damage caused by the debarking process.
The in feed end of a rotary debarker ring including the scrapers, hubs and shafts sustain damage from logs as a log enters and passes through, as well as from the bark as it is removed and expelled outwardly. Operational downtime as a result of damaged components is unpredictable and inevitable with the rotary debarker ring designs as is known in the art causing both an inconvenience and additional expense to the operators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an adjustable self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring comprising a rotary debarker ring, a plurality of pivoting scrapers possessing, a scraping edge and a pivoting axis, being other than parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring, furthermore the pivoting scrapers being positioned so as to contact the log in a trailing manner relative to the rotational direction of the rotary debarker ring and the log feed direction, as the log exits out of the back of the rotary debarker ring and an air system comprising an air compressor which supplies the force applied through the pivoting scrapers to the surface of a log so as to cause the bark to be removed from the log in a conical spray outwardly and away from the log and the rotary debarker ring as the log exits and controlling means which enable the force applied to the surface of a log to be increased or decreased automatically while being able to be manually adjusted and programmed to the desired automatic compensations of the force, by means of a remote control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE
DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with the use of drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention, shown from three different perspectives, from left to right, an isometric front or in feed end view, a side view, and an isometric back or out feed end view, respectively.
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic isometric sectional back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic isometric exploded sectional back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic isometric view of the "X, Y, Z" coordinate system in which the geometric relationship between the pivoting scrapers axis and the rotational axis of ring 10, representational of viewing the rotary debarker from the back or out feed end is shown.
FIG. 4 A is a diagrammatic front view of the "X, Y" coordinate as described within the description of FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 B is a diagrammatic side view of the "Y, Z" coordinate as described within the description of FIG. 4.
FIG. 4 C is a diagrammatic top view of the "X, Z" coordinate as described within the description of FIG. 4.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic isometric back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention, showing a cylindrical shape representative of a relatively small log exiting the rotary debarker ring.
FIG. 5 A is a diagrammatic isometric back or out feed end view of the rotary debarker ring assembly and the support frame according to the invention, showing a cylindrical shape representative of a relatively large log exiting the rotary debaxker ring.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
The description of a rotary debarker ring, which is capable of being made so as to be operable in ether a clockwise or a counter clockwise direction with respect to a given view, however the description of a rotary debarker ring which operates while being rotated in a clock wise direction as viewed from the back of the rotary debarker ring and thus being operable while being rotated in a counter clockwise direction as viewed from the front of the rotary debarker ring, further more the front end being the in feed end, thus the back end being the out feed end, is as follows:
Referring to FIG. 1, a rotary debarker ring assembly is generally illustrated at 10.
Refernng to FIGS. 2 and 3, a rotary debarker ring 10 supported by a support 11 and enabled to rotate on a ring bearing. 'The ring bearing (not shown) being fitted centrally between the rotary debarker ring 10 and the support 11, as is known in the art. The support 11 is positioned in front of the rotary debarker ring 10 relative to the longitudinal feed direction of the log and is conical in shape, with a short cylindrical bore 12 in the center portion of the support 11, sufficient in size to enable a log to pass through the bore 12 forming a funnel like entrance for the log on the in feed front end while creating the required clearance for the ring 10 on the other side, thus providing protection to ring 10.
The ring 10 is also conical in shape and provides the required space within the ring 10 enabling the containment of the various components required to produce, contain, monitor and automatically or manually control the variable force applied to the surface of the log during operation. The force being provided by means of air pressure which is, produced, contained, and automatically controlled within the primary air system and furthermore being, contained and automatically controlled within the secondary air system. The two separate air systems being connected so as to produce a single air system, each of which, while being connected, are independently automatically controlled and furthermore being able to be manually over ridden and programmed by means of remote control during operation. The air tank generally illustrated at 13 comprising two circular bands generally illustrated at 14. The circular bands positioned such that the theoretical centers relative to the circular aspects of the bands 14 exist on the rotational axis of the ring 10. The circular bands 14 while being contained within the outer most diameter of the ring 10 are comprised so as the width of the bands and the distance between them adequately provides for an air tank 13 to be sufficient in size while providing the required space within the ring 10 enabling the housing of all the components contained within ring 10. The two bands 14 form the air tank utilizing a portion of the conical ring 10 and a covering end cap ring 15. The air tank 13 comprising an air port 16 and a drainage port 17. The air port 16 is connected to the compressor 18 which is equipped with an adjustable air pressure switch 19 being operable to automatically control the operation of the air compressor while additionally controlling the air pressure within the air tank, thus controlling the air pressure within the primary air system. The air port 16 furthermore being connected to the adjustable over pressure relief valve 20. The pressure setting of the pressure switch 19 being limited so as not to exceed the pressure setting of the over pressure relief valve 20. The air port furthermore being connected to the electrically controllable air valve 21, being connected so as to supply the secondary air system by means of the releasing of air pressure from the primary air system into the secondary air system. The electrically controllable air valve 21 operable to control the containment of the air pressure within the primary air system while the electrically controllable valve 21 furthermore being operable to control the supply of air pressure to the secondary air system by means of the release of air pressure from within the primary air system being in the form of the supply of air pressure through the connection between the two systems into the secondary air system.
Thus completing the description of the primary air system. The ring 10 comprising eight equidistant supports ZZ radially positioned on the ring 10 near the bore 12.
The support of each of the pivoting scrapers 24 pivotal axis being provided by the supports 22 which are positioned in a compound angle relative to the rotary debarker ring's rotational axis.
The relationship between the pivoting scrapers pivotal axis and the rotary debarker ring's rotational axis is expressed more specifically utilizing the "X, Y, Z"
coordinate system in which a horizontal plane, is represented by the "X" axis, a vertical plain is represented by the "Y" axis, and the depth is represented by the "Z" axis, all three intersect each other at a central point positioned at the three o'clock position relative to ring 10 as viewed from the back, while all references with regards to the rotational axis of ring 10 will be made with the understanding that the longitudinal feed of the log and the rotational axis of ring are both parallel to the "Z" axis while the direction of rotation of ring 10 is clock wise as viewed from the back, while the ring 10 is positioned so as to alien a single pivoting scrapers axis so as to intersect the "X" axis at the "Y" and "Z" axis.
Referring to FIG. 4, which illustrates this geometrical relationship within the "X, Y, Z"
coordinate system as described, in an isometric manner, while the rotational plane of the ring 10 is represented by the "X, Y" plane, the rotational axis of the ring 10 represented by line 35 being parallel to the "Z" axis, while intersecting the "X" axis.
The vertical center line of the rotational axis of ring 10 represented by line 35-A, which intersects the "X" axis, while being parallel to the "Y" axis. A single pivoting scraper's pivotal axis represented by line 36 positioned so as to intersect the "X" axis at the "Y"
and "Z" axis.
The rotational path of a pivoting scraper's pivotal axis within the "X, Y"
plain, being represented by the circle 36-A, positioned so as to intersect the "X" axis at the "Y" and "Z" axis.
Refernng to FIG. 4-A which details the vertical center line 35-A, a pivoting scraper's pivotal axis 36 as well as the rotational path of the pivoting scrapers axis 36-A, as described in FIG, 4.
Referring to FIG. 4-B, illustrates the pivoting scraper's pivotal axis represented by line 36, being at an angle of 22.5 degrees in the "Y, Z" plane relative to the "Z, X" plane.
Refernng to FIG, 4-C furthermore illustrates the pivoting scraper's pivotal axis 36 being at an angle of 22.5 degrees in the "Z, X" plane relative to the "Y, Z" plane.
This geometrical relationship between the axis of ring 10 and the axis of the pivoting scrapers 24 enable the scrapers 24 to move out of the way more readily, preventing damage to the scrapers and other components as well as to the wood fiber, while enabling the requirements of operation to be diminished such as the eliminating of the requirement to dump the air pressure so as to enable the scrapers to open in such a manner so as to preventing damaged, this geometrical relationship enables the ability to supply the air volume, and air pressure requirements with an air compressor 18 housed within the ring 10. This geometrical relationship also provides for a more efficient use of space by enabling the components to be positioned in an overlapping manner with in the ring 10, enabling the containment of eight scrapers as well as the components contained with in the ring 10. The variable force is applied to the surface of the log by means of the pivoting scrapers 24 being biased by means of the air pressure within air bags 27. The air bags 27 are affixed directly to the scrapers 24 at the scrapers air bag mounting tabs 26 on one end of the air bag, while the other end of the air bags are affixed to the gussets 23 which are stationary relative to the pivoting movement of the pivoting scrapers 24. The air bags 27 comprising a centrally located air port on the end of the air bags which are affixed to the internal gusset 23 so as to enable the supply of air pressure from the air manifold 28 being contained within the ring 10. The air manifold 28 comprised of appropriately sized, hoses, fittings, and clamps, furthermore being comprised so as to enable the adjustment of air pressure contained within the air bags and the manifold 28 by means of an electrically controllable air pressure regulator 29 which enables the adjustment of air pressure ether in the form of an increasing or decreeing of the air pressure as supplied by the primary air system, additionally an electrically controllable valve 30 enabling the release of excessive air pressure from within the secondary air system, thus completing the description of the secondary air system.
The combination of the primary and secondary air systems enables the production and control of the internally supplied force applied to the surface of a log so as to remove the bark from the log utilizing the out feed debarking method. Furthermore the control of the force applied to the surface of a log is enabled so as to automatically compensate the air pressure proportionally to the logs diametrical size, additionally the automatic compensation being adjustable and programmable so as to adjust the pressure relative to the conditions, such as temperature and species of the log being debarked by means of censors with which the position of the pivoting scrapers and the amount of force applied to the surface of the log through the pivoting scrapers is able to be determined, monitored, analyzed and controlled, being automatically compensated as desired. The bore 12 is equipped with a bore cleaner 32 affixed to the ring 10 so as to enable the clearing of the potential accumulation of bark with each revolution of the ring 10. The supply of electrical power with which the components contained within the ring 10 are enabled to function is provided by means of rechargeable batteries 31 contained within the ring 10.
DESCRIPTION OF THE OPERATION OF THE SPECIFIC
EMBODIMENT
In operation, it will be assumed that the air tank 13 has first been drained of any water which has accumulated, due to condensation within the air tank 13 by means of utilizing the drainage port 17 and that the air compressor 18 has filled the air tank 13 with adequate air pressure and has been turned off automatically by the air pressure switch 19, and that the rotary debarker ring 10 is rotating in a direction and at a speed sufficiently proportional to the direction and rate of feed of the log to be debarked. As the log passes through the bore of the support 11 and contacts the pivoting scrapers 24 which are forced open by the log sufficiently so as to remove the bark from the log with out damaging the scrapers or the wood fiber to the extent that is typically expected from the m feed debarking process as is known in the art. Due to the smoother operating condition produced when the pivoting scrapers 24, each of which posses a pivotal axis being other than parallel to axis of the ring 10, the air pressure is not required to be diminished so as to allow the opening of the pivoting scrapers in order to reduce the amount of damage caused by a log impacting the scrapers in a much more abrupt manner as is common to the in feed debarking process of the rotary debarker rings as is known in the art. The force applied to the log's surface is adjustable while being automatically controlled by means of a programmable automatic compensator enabling the automatic compensation of the variable force applied to the surface of a log while being able to be manually overridden remotely. If there is a need to adjust the variable force applied to the surface of the log, being ether to increase or to decrees the variable force being applied to the surface of the log manually, the operator, by means of remote control is able to increase the air pressure by adjusting the air pressure regulator 29 and while in the case of decreasing the air pressure manually, the operator, by means of remote control, is able to decrease the air pressure by adjusting the air pressure regulator 29 appropriately while the valve 30 is opened enabling the releasing of the excessive air pressure from within the secondary air system and then closed in order to maintain the desired air pressure, thus manually adjusting the force produced and applied to the surface of the log during operation.
IMPROVEMENTS
The invention provides for a more cost effective design relative to the production, operation, and maintenance of a rotary debarker ring due to, an increase in the number of pivoting scrapers, a reduction in the number of individual parts as well as a reduction in the and structural requirements of the a rotary debarker ring, furthermore the designed usage of individual parts, for example, the support 11 is conical in shape resulting in an increase in the proportional strength while, providing not only the supportive aspects of the ring 10, but also the protection aspects of the ring 10 as well. The support 11 while being less expensive to produce than a ring 10, is considered to be disposable and is sacrificial in that it is eventually worn out and replaced while the ring 10 remains virtually unchanged as a result of operation. Additionally the disposable aspect of the scrapers, other wise unable, due to the required expense of production of scrapers as presently used in the state of the art.
The efficiency of a rotary debarker ring as a result of the invention is increased due to the additional scrapers providing several beneficial aspects, for example:
~ The potential to increase the quality of product.
~ The potential to produce a higher volume of product.
~ The potential to provide a substantial increase in the effective service life of the rotational ring bearing.
~ The option of a variable combination of these benefits.
The maintenance of a rotary debarker ring as a result of the invention is significantly reduced due to the fact that there are fewer parts as well as a reduction in the amount of damage sustained during operation.
~ No air seal system ~ No levers ~ No shafts ~ The rotary debarker ring is not subject to wear to the extent that is commonly associated with rotary debarker rings which utilize the in feed debarking process.
~ The beneficial wearing aspects of the pivoting scrapers being that the scrapers are sharpened by the wearing away of the material over time through the debarking process ultimately wearing to the point that replacement is required.
~ This wearing sharp aspect is due to the angle of the scraping edge during normal operating conditions, being sufficient to provide a substantially more effective service life relative to the investment requirements while eliminating the continual repairing of old worn scrapers as well as the related out of service time.
The aligning of the forces with respect to the dynamics of the operational function significantly reduces the stresses which are produced during the operation of a rotary debarker ring and thus diminishing the structural requirements of a rotary debarker ring and components of a rotary debarker ring, effecting the materials, the volume of the materials used, the mass and the resultant relative inertia.
The scrapers in accordance with the teachings of this invention are constructed utilizing much lighter materials resulting in a lower production cost additionally contributing to the ability to control the pivoting scrapers in favorable manner due to the detrimental aspects of inertia. The scraper for this reason is designed to be disposable and thus is designed such that it is continually sharpened through the wearing process of the pivoting scraper due to the debarking process, thus used until it becomes worn to the point that replacement is required.
The effect of the scrapers pivotal movement relative to the air pressure within the air bags and the air manifold is that as the scrapers are forced opened by the log the air bags are compressed, resulting in an increase in the air pressure within the air bags as well as in the air manifold, thus the force applied to the surface of the log is also increased proportionally. This results in a variation in the air pressure and thus also in the related force applied to the surface of a log proportionally to the size of the opening produced by the log. This proportional variation however is detrimental to the debarking process and thus is diminished due to the additional volume of compressible and expandable air provided within the air manifold. Furthermore an additional diminishing of the proportional variation by means of an automatic adjustment of the air pressure within the air bags as well as within the air manifold enabling the automatic compensation of the air pressure proportionally to the size of the opening produced by the log.
In the efforts of obtaining the optimal debarking conditions at all times in order to increase the productivity while also increasing the quality of product, the air pressure is adjusted automatically in order to maintain a more constant force by compensating for the proportional variations in the air pressure within the air bags and the air manifold relative to the movement of the scrapers proportionally to the size of a log being debarked. The automatic compensator contained within the ring 10 utilizes the information obtained through censors to determine the most favorable operating pressure relative to log size as well as other quality and performance factors such as the debarking temperature and log species while also being adjustable and programmable during operation by means of remote control.
Fiber damage is reduced as a result of the geometrical relationship between the rotary debarker rings, rotational axis and the pivoting scrapers, pivotal axis. The ability for the scrapers to be forced to an open position over a longer period of time relative to the movement of the log, enabled by positioning the pivotal path of the pivoting scraper to be aliened closer to the feed direction of the log.
The ability to use lighter materials as well as the allowance of the scrapers to flex, all contribute to the reduction of the amount of damage to the wood fiber as compared to the amount of fiber damage produced by a rotary debarker ring which employ scrapers having a pivotal plane that is 90 degrees to the log feed direction.
It will be understood that while the term "air pressure" has been used to determine the force applied to the scrapers it is clear that any force applied to the scrapers by means of compressed gas of any kind or any liquid under pressure or electrical or electromagnetic or centrifugal force or any means of force applied to the scrapers could also be used in accordance with the teachings of the invention and the term "air pressure" is intended to cover all such elements.
It will be understood that the term "electrical power" has been used to express the means with which the components are enabled. It is clear that stored electricity, generated electricity or induced electricity or any form of energy such as the centrifugal force present in an operating rotary debarker ring or any other form of energy capable of enabling the various components could also be used in accordance with the teachings of the invention, and the term "electrical power" s intended to cover all such elements.
It will be understood that the term "self contained" has been used to express that all the required components are contained within the rotary debarker ring enabling the production, containment, monitoring, analyzing and automatic control of the force required to enable the removal of bark from the log, however a portion of each of the eight scrapers extends outside of the physical boundaries of the rotary debarker ring. It is to be understood that all the scrapers are to be considered as being contained within the rotary debarker ring.
Many modifications to the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art and the specific embodiment described should be taken as illustrative of the invention only and not as limiting its scope as define in accordance with the accompanying claims.
Claims (20)
1 A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring comprising a rotary debarker ring, a plurality of pivoting scrapers, being operable to apply a variable force to the surface of the log, said force being produced, contained, monitored, analyzed and controlled within said rotary debarker ring, said force being adjustable and controlled automatically or manually overridden remotely, and further comprising the supporting means for said rotary debarked ring.
2. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 1, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a plurality of supports for said pivoting scrapers which provide support relative to said pivoting scrapers pivotal axis and said pivoting scrapers, said pivoting scrapers pivotal axis being other than parallel to the rotational axis of the rotary debarker ring.
3. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 2, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a air compressor contained within said rotary debarker ring which is operable to supply said force which is applied to the surface of the log.
4. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 3, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising an adjustable air pressure control switch which is operable to control said air compressor.
5. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 4, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising an air tank operable to contain and release said air pressure.
6. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 5, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising an adjustable over pressure relief valve operable to relieve excessive air pressure.
7. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 6, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a relationship limiting the pressure setting of the adjustable air pressure control switch so as not to exceed the pressure setting of the over pressure relief valve.
8. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 7, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a remotely controllable air valve operable to control the containment or release of said air pressure
9. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 8, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising an adjustable air pressure regulator being operable to control the air pressure.
10. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 9, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a valve operable to contain or release said air pressure within the secondary air system.
11. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 10, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a power source operable to enable the operation of the components contained within the rotary debarker ring.
12. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim11, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising monitoring, analyzing and remote control components operable to enable the monitoring and remote control of said air pressure.
13. As in claim 1, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a support for the rotary debarker ring which is conical in shape and enables the rotation of the said rotary debarker ring.
14. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 13, wherein said rotary debarker ring comprising a conical shape.
15. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 2, wherein said scrapers comprising a scraping edge which contacts the outer surface of the log in a trailing manner relative to the rotation of the rotary debarker ring and the feed direction of the log.
16. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 15, wherein said scrapers comprising a mount being operable to be attach to an air bag.
17. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 16, wherein said scrapers comprising a bumper contact surface which contacts a rubber bumper when said scraper is in a fully closed position.
18. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 17, wherein said scrapers comprising a usage limitation being when said scrapers are worn past the point of usefulness said scrapers are to be disposable.
19. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 10, wherein said rotary debarker ring able to apply a variable force to the surface of a log utilizing an air system contained within the rotary debarker ring without the use of a lubricated air seal system.
20. A self contained automatic compensating out feed rotary debarker ring as in claim 2, wherein said rotary debarker ring able to apply a variable force to the surface of a log utilizing a programmable mechanism capable of automatically compensating the air pressure proportionally to the size of a log, said programmable mechanism being contained within the rotary debarker ring.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2410774 CA2410774A1 (en) | 2002-12-05 | 2002-12-05 | Self-contained automatic compensating outfeed rotary debarker |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2410774 CA2410774A1 (en) | 2002-12-05 | 2002-12-05 | Self-contained automatic compensating outfeed rotary debarker |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2410774A1 true CA2410774A1 (en) | 2004-06-05 |
Family
ID=32476891
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2410774 Abandoned CA2410774A1 (en) | 2002-12-05 | 2002-12-05 | Self-contained automatic compensating outfeed rotary debarker |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2410774A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115464735A (en) * | 2022-08-22 | 2022-12-13 | 安徽省华鑫木业股份有限公司 | A peeler for wood working |
-
2002
- 2002-12-05 CA CA 2410774 patent/CA2410774A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN115464735A (en) * | 2022-08-22 | 2022-12-13 | 安徽省华鑫木业股份有限公司 | A peeler for wood working |
| CN115464735B (en) * | 2022-08-22 | 2023-05-16 | 安徽省华鑫木业股份有限公司 | A peeler for wood working |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |