DE29603020U1 - Processing device - Google Patents

Description

8548 Machining device

The invention relates to a processing device, in particular a separating or splitting device, preferably for pieces of wood, with a frame, with a processing unit, in particular a splitting unit, preferably a splitting wedge, which can be moved on the frame and completes a working stroke, with a support, in particular a splitting table, and with triggering or switching devices for the drive unit of the processing unit, wherein the processing device has two adjustable or movable, in particular horizontally and vertically pivotable handles for the operator to clamp the part of the material to be processed, in particular the piece of wood to be shredded, which are simultaneously designed as triggering devices for the lifting movement, in particular splitting movement, of the processing unit, in particular the splitting unit.

Such a device is known, for example, from EP-B1-438.997. In this known device, the part of the material or the piece of wood to be processed is grasped or held by the operator using the handles. The operator must hold one handle with each hand. The movement of the splitting unit is then triggered by actuating the two handles accordingly. When both handles have reached a certain position at the same time, which can only happen if one handle is held with each hand, the splitting process can take place, which eliminates the risk of reaching the adjustment range of the splitting unit with one hand.

A major problem with processing devices of the type mentioned above with two handles is that in many cases the usual procedure cannot be followed; it is not always possible to place the piece of material to be processed on the support and to grasp and hold it with the two handles. In particular, if pieces of wood are to be split that were not previously cut parallel to their longitudinal axis, but have crooked cuts, it is sometimes not possible to place these pieces of wood in the correct position for splitting. Pieces of wood like this fall over as soon as they are placed on the support. It is not possible to hold the piece of wood with one hand, since both hands must be placed on the handles to trigger the splitting stroke in order to operate the triggering devices for the splitting stroke attached to the handles.

The aim of the invention is to create a processing device, in particular a splitting device, of the type mentioned above, the operability and

User-friendliness is increased and the problem mentioned is solved. The processing device should be both reliable and simple to construct.

This aim is achieved in the processing device of the type mentioned at the beginning according to the invention in that for at least one, preferably each handle, a separate locking or locking device is provided, with which the respective handle, in particular for supporting a material part leaning against it, can be locked or secured at at least one point of its pivoting path, in particular in a plane running essentially perpendicular to the working stroke.

It is therefore provided that at least one of the two handles can be locked in a position that is located at a selectable point in the pivoting path of this handle. In principle, this point could also be located at the end of the pivoting path, in particular at the end of the pivoting path that the handle travels in the direction of the splitting area. By locking the handles, the piece of wood to be worked on can now be leaned against the locked handle with one or both hands and the second handle can then be brought closer to the piece of wood. It is possible to hold the piece of wood leaning against the locked handle with one hand and to bring the second handle closer with the other hand and clamp the piece of wood. There is no risk of the splitting unit being triggered, since each hand must be placed on one handle. Once the piece of wood is clamped between the locked handle and the handle that is brought closer, the hand that is holding the piece of wood is freed and can be placed on the locked handle. By moving one or both handles accordingly or by activating an actuating or triggering device for the locking device of the locked handle, the lock can be released and the two handles can pivot the piece of wood into a corresponding position under the splitting unit while simultaneously clamping the piece of wood. As soon as the piece of wood has reached the correct position, the splitting process can be initiated by activating the drive unit accordingly.

The locking of the handles by corresponding actuation of the locking elements of the locking devices or the release of the handles by corresponding release of the locking devices can be carried out by actuation and release devices for the locking device, whereby these actuation and release devices for adjusting the locking elements can be, for example, electromechanical, mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or similar devices that can be actuated by actuation elements, e.g. hand switches, foot switches or similar.

It is useful if the switch-on device for the splitting unit can be triggered at the lower end of the swivel range of the handles. In this lower end position, the piece of wood should rest on the support table in the desired position and the device is put into operation. There are various ways in which the handles can switch on the splitting unit in this position. For example, end contacts or

-switches can be used that close an electrical circuit that switches on the splitting unit drive or hydraulic valves that can be operated from the handles that close the hydraulic fluid circuit for the splitting area or other switching devices.

According to claim 3, differently constructed actuating and releasing devices can be used for the locking devices; releasing or actuating a locking device can also be done, for example, by pivoting the handles, in particular in a plane parallel to the gap stroke.

A very simple way of holding a handle in one position is described in patent claim 5. With such a locking device, the ease of movement of the handles can also be adjusted; the spring as a locking element is particularly suitable in the event that a handle should not be locked too often; if frequent locking is required, it is easier if the locking is released or achieved by operating actuating devices on the handles or by operating the handles themselves.

According to claim 2, the shape and type of locking devices can be selected to a large extent; simple locking devices comprise recesses as locking elements and bolts or pawls that can be inserted into them, the bolts and pawls being formed, in particular, on the handles and the recesses in the gap support or on supports fixed to the device.

The locking elements carried by the handles can interact with locking elements assigned to them, which are arranged either above or below the pivoting path of the handles; depending on the arrangement of the locking elements, the locking device can be triggered or locked by raising or lowering the handles.

It is useful if the handles in the locked position form an angle of 5 to 40°, preferably 10 to 30°, with the central or symmetry plane of the processing device. In this way, the handle is locked in such a way that the piece of wood to be processed is already close to the splitting area. Only a short distance is then necessary to transport the piece of wood placed on the locked handle to the splitting area with the two handles after the second handle has been placed.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides that each handle has a holding bar which is mounted on the frame so that it can pivot about a substantially vertical pivot axis, preferably carrying holding devices for the material part, e.g. rows of teeth, projections or the like, and which has a handle which is pivotably articulated on this holding bar in a plane substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the holding bar relative to it. Such a handle consists of two parts, namely a holding bar

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V &Iacgr;&Lgr; is

and a hinged handle, has proven itself in practice. The piece of wood to be split is gripped with the holding bar, which is pivoted on the frame; at the same time, however, it is possible to carry out the corresponding switching operations with the handle, which is pivoted on the holding bar. The handle can be locked by lifting the handle; the lock can be released by lowering the handle to a middle position, and the switching process can be triggered by lowering the handle to a lower position.

According to claim 12, mechanical, electrical, electromechanical or hydraulic devices can be provided as actuating or releasing devices, which release or cause the locking of the handle by means of corresponding hand and/or foot switches.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the following description, the drawings and the patent claims.

Fig.1 shows schematically the structure of a processing device according to the invention. Fig.2 shows schematically a top view of the arrangement according to Fig.1. Figs.3 and 4 show the structure of an alternative embodiment. Figs.5 to 12 and 14 show different embodiments of locking devices. Fig.13 shows schematically different locking positions.

According to Fig. 1, an embodiment of a processing device ⁴ according to the invention comprises a splitting unit, in particular a splitting wedge 12, guided in a guide or frame 14', which executes a splitting stroke F and is adjustable on a support 13. The guide or frame 14' is arranged on a base frame 14, which can be moved if necessary, and which also carries the drive motor or drive unit 15 for the splitting unit 12 or the support 13. The drive unit can be, for example, a motor, a hydraulic pump or of another type. Advantageously, a hydraulic device is provided which adjusts the height of the splitting unit 12, 13 by means of corresponding adjusting pistons in the frame or in the guide 14'.

With two handles 1,1', the pieces of wood to be split can be grasped and positioned on the support 16, if necessary by means of plates 22 that are carried by the handles 1,1'. An indicated spring device 6 ensures that the handles 1,1' are pressed into the open position if they are not grasped by the hands. As can be seen from Fig.1, a further spring device 6' ensures that the handles 1,1' are returned to a certain predetermined raised position if they are not held. The spring devices 6,6' are expedient but not necessarily provided.

In operation, the piece of wood 20 to be split is positioned on the support 16 and then a handle 1,1' is grasped with one hand, after which the handles 1,1' are placed on the piece of wood 20 and this is

by holding it with the handles 1,1' in a certain end position. Finally, by lowering the handles 1,1' in the direction of arrow A, the splitting unit 12 is switched on or moved (along arrow F).

The switching on can be accomplished in the manner described in the aforementioned EP-B1-438.997. A rocker 10 or a switching rod 4 is used to actuate a switching pin T, which can be used to operate a corresponding switching device 7 for the drive motor 15 or for switching a valve of the hydraulic device (not shown in detail).

The corresponding storage of the handles -1,1' can take place on corresponding frame-fixed supports 19 or on corresponding frame-fixed flanges 26.

Fig. 1 shows schematically how a bolt 29 carried by a handle is locked in a recess 28 fixed to the frame by lifting the handle 1 or its grip 21. The lock can be released by lowering the handle 1.

Fig.2 shows a locked handle 1, as can be locked, for example, according to Fig.1 with a pin 29 inserted into a recess 28. A piece of wood 20 is shown in contact with this handle 1 or with the plate 22 carried by the handle 1, which can now be grasped with the two handles 1, 1' by moving the second handle 1' along the pivoting path indicated by the arrow K'. The piece of wood 20 can then be positioned under the splitting device 12 on the support 16 using the two handles 1, 1'. To do this, the handle 1 is lowered so that the locking pin 29 can be released from the holder 28. The splitting process is initiated by lowering the handles 1, 1' further.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 3. The handles 1, 1' comprise a pressure or holding bar which is pivotably mounted about a vertical pivot axis 25, which is fastened, for example, with corresponding nuts to a support 35 fixed to the frame or directly to the frame 14'. The holding bar 8 can carry plates 22 for gripping the piece of wood 20. The handles 1, 1' or the two holding bars 8 can be pivoted about their respective pivot axes 25 in a substantially horizontal plane. The holding bars 8 also each carry a pivot axis 30 for a handle 21. The handle 21 can be pivoted about this pivot axis 30 in a plane perpendicular to the first-mentioned plane, the latter plane running substantially parallel to the working stroke F of the processing device. In the end of the handle 21 remote from the operator, a recess 32 is provided in which the end 42 of a rocker 31 is movably mounted. The rocker 31 is pivotably connected to the rod 4 via a joint 36, so that a height movement of the rod 4 can only occur when the two handles 21 are adjusted to the same height position. For example, switching on the drive unit is only possible when the two handles 21 have been adjusted to their lowered position, in

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in which case the rocker 31 or both ends thereof were raised so that the switch rod 4 was adjusted upwards. (see EP-B1-438.997).

Furthermore, a locking pawl 29 is pivotally mounted about the pivot axis 30, which, as can be seen in Fig. 4, can be lowered into a recess 28 in the support 16. When the handle 21 is raised, the locking pawl 29 is lowered, which follows the adjustment movement of the handle 21. If the handle 21 is lowered from its upper position, into a middle position in particular, the arm of the handle 21 that is furthest from the operator lifts the locking pawl 29 out of the recess 28 and the locking of the handle is released.

Fig.5 shows an embodiment in which a pin 29' is carried by the pawl 29, which can be inserted into a hole 28 in the support 16 when the pawl 29 moves up and down, or can be removed again when the handle 21 moves accordingly.

Fig. 10 shows how the locking pawl 29 can be lifted using the handle 21 itself. A projection 37 of the locking pawl 29 can be lifted using the end region of the handle 21 that is remote from the operator when the end of the handle 21 that is closest to the operator is lowered, and the locking pawl 29 can thus be removed from the recess 28 of the support 16.

Fig.6 shows a view of a handle 1 that can be pivoted about the pivot axis 25 of the bearing 26, in which the locking pawl 29 can be inserted and/or removed by means of a Bowden cable 49 into the recess 28 in the receptacle 16 and/or a device-fixed support 27. The Bowden cable can lead to an actuating device or to a switch that is located in the end of the handle 21 closest to the operator. Fig.11 shows an embodiment in which an actuating device 34 is provided that can be adjusted or operated with a switch or a device 39 at the end of the handle and which actuating device 34 causes bolts 29 to be inserted or removed from recesses 28 in device-fixed supports 27. The type of actuating device 34 or the actuating element 39 or the signal or force transmission can be mechanical, electrical, electromechanical, pneumatic or in another way, e.g. radio-controlled. It is important that when the actuating element 39 is actuated, the locking or actuating device 34 is activated accordingly, so that the handle 1 is locked or released by the locking elements 28, 29.

Fig.7 shows schematically a handle 1 with a fixing bolt 29, which can be inserted into a recess 28 in the support 16 and can be raised or lowered with a Bowden cable 40 in the direction of the arrow 41.

Fig.8 shows schematically a handle 1 in which a fixing bolt 29 can be inserted into a recess 28 in the support 16 as a locking element by first turning the handle in the direction of arrow 42 and then adjusting it in the direction of arrow 43,

so that the fixing bolt 29 and thus the handle 1 are locked. The final locking is carried out by adjusting and turning the handle 21 in the opposite direction, which functions as an actuating element and actuating device at the same time.

Fig.9 shows an arrangement in which the pivoting movement of the handle 1 can be inhibited by means of a spring device 45 and can be locked by tightening it sufficiently. The spring 45, which is formed by a disc spring, for example, either presses the flanges of the bearing 26 together and thus hinders the pivoting movement of the handle 1; in fact, it is also possible to let the spring act directly on the handle 1 and to vary the spring effect accordingly with the nut 24.

Fig. 12 shows schematically an arrangement in which a locking element 28 having a recess 28 can be placed on a pin-shaped locking element 29 that can be inserted into the recess 28 by means of an electrical, hydraulic or magnetic actuating device 33 by appropriately rotating or adjusting the handle 21 acting as the actuating element, whereby the handle 1 is locked.

Fig. 14 shows an arrangement similar to Fig. 11, in which, by actuating a push button 34 on the handle 21, an electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic locking or actuating device 33 adjusts a locking bolt 29 or introduces it into or removes it from a locking element fixed to the device or device carrier (not shown).

Fig. 13 shows a number of locking recesses 28 formed in the receptacle 16 or on supports 27 fixed to the frame, which in the present case are circular or slot-shaped. It is entirely possible to provide several locking recesses 28 or, alternatively, locking elements on the support 16 or supports 27 fixed to the frame, so that the handles can be locked in various desired positions over their pivoting path K ₁ K'.

The surfaces of the plates 22 are usually smooth or only slightly grooved in order to be able to carry out a downward movement of the handles 1, 1' while simultaneously holding the piece of wood 20.

It is noted that the processing device according to the invention can also be used to process, in particular to chop up, materials other than pieces of wood. For example, plastic or metal parts can be cut or split. However, it is also possible to provide a cutting, embossing, pressing or punching die or another tool that works by applying pressure instead of the splitting wedge 12 and to carry out the corresponding processing steps. In all cases, advantages are achieved in terms of operability and operating safety. The processing device described using a splitting device for pieces of wood is constructed and functionally the same as processing devices for pieces of material made of other materials, even if other processing tools or units 12 are used.

It is also possible to arrange tools that interact with the processing unit, e.g. molds, on the support or, if necessary, to hold or place these tools with the handles at the same time as the pieces of material.

The actuating device for the locking elements can also be formed by a foot switch, which causes the adjustment of the locking elements via a Bowden cable.

Claims (18)

Expectations: 1. Processing device, in particular a separating or splitting device, preferably for pieces of wood, with a frame, with a processing unit, in particular a splitting unit (12), preferably a splitting wedge, which can be moved on the frame and performs a working stroke, with a support (16), in particular a splitting table, and with triggering or switching devices for the drive unit (15) of the processing unit, wherein the processing device has two adjustable or movable, in particular horizontally and vertically pivotable handles (1,V) for the operator to clamp the material part (20) to be processed, in particular the piece of wood to be shredded, which are simultaneously designed as triggering devices for the lifting movement, in particular the splitting movement, of the processing unit, in particular the splitting unit (12), characterized in that for at least one, preferably each handle (1,V), a separate locking or locking device is provided, with which the respective handle (1,V), in particular for supporting a the material part (20) leaning against it can be locked or secured at at least one point of its pivoting path (K ₁ K'), which extends in particular in a plane lying substantially perpendicular to the working stroke. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking device comprises locking elements carried by the handle (1, V) and/or by the frame (14') and/or by supports fixed to the frame (27) and/or by the support (16), e.g. with recesses, grooves, depressions (28) or the like and cooperating therewith lugs, projections, pins, latches (29) or the like located on the respective other component. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking elements of the locking device can be actuated or released (unlocked) by means of an actuating or releasing device and/or by an actuating or releasing movement, e.g. a pivoting movement that is essentially vertical or parallel to the working stroke and/or a rotary movement, of an actuating or releasing element or a handle (1, V). 4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking elements (28, 29) carried by the handle (1, V) interact with adapted locking elements arranged or formed above and/or below the handle (1, V) on supports (27) fixed to the frame or in or on the support (16). 5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the locking device is arranged by a spring (45) which is arranged around or in the region of the essentially vertical pivot axis (25) with which the handle (1,V) is mounted horizontally pivotably on the frame (14'), in particular can be loaded with a (wing) nut (24). e.g. disc or helical compression spring, with which the handle (1,1') can be inhibited in its pivoting movement. 6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one locking element formed on a support (27) fixed to the frame and/or in or on the support (16) is arranged over the pivoting path (K ₁ K') of a handle (1,1'). 7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the handle (1,1') in the locked position encloses an angle! -> of 5 to 40°, preferably of 10 to 30°, with the center or symmetry plane (S) of the processing device. 8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the actuating and releasing device for the locking device is driven or actuable mechanically, electrically and/or electromagnetically. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each handle (1, 1') has a holding bar (8) which is mounted on the frame (14') so as to be pivotable about a substantially vertical pivot axis (25), preferably carrying holding devices (22) for the material part (20), e.g. rows of teeth, projections or the like, and which carries a handle (21) which is pivotably articulated relative to the holding bar (8) in a plane substantially parallel to the pivot axis (25) of the holding bar (8). 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that a locking pawl (pin) (29) is pivotably mounted on the articulation axis (30) of the handle (21), which can be lowered into a recess (28) in the support (16) when the handle (21) is raised and can be removed from the recess (28) when the handle (21) is lowered. 11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a projection (37) is formed on the locking pawl (29) on the part of the handle (21) remote from the operator, which projection can be raised with the end of the handle (21) remote from the operator with respect to the articulation axis (30) when the end of the handle (21) closest to the operator is lowered. 12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the two handles (21) are each connected in their end regions remote from the operator to one of the end regions of a rocker (31) or coupled via the rocker (31), in particular the ends of the rocker (31) are each movably mounted in a recess (32) of the end regions of the handles (21), that the middle region of the rocker (31) is pivotally connected to a switching tube (4) and that the rocker (31) and the switching tube (4) can only be lowered when the end regions of the handles (21) remote from the operator are lowered at the same time and the drive unit (15) is switched on via the switching tube (4). 13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that as the actuating or releasing device a preferably double-acting device is used which removes a locking element from the locking element assigned to it, e.g. a Bowden cable that can be adjusted against spring action, a lifting magnet that can be adjusted between two end positions, a traction cable or similar is provided. 14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the handle (1, 1') carries a locking bolt that can be adjusted by an electromagnet (33) from a release to a locking position and vice versa, interacting with a recess or a projection in or on the support (16) or in a carrier (27) fixed to the frame, or a receiving unit, e.g. a component provided with a recess, wherein the switching or control device (34) for the electromagnet (33) is optionally arranged in the end region of the handle (1, 1') near the operator. 15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the handle (1, 1') carries an electromagnet as a locking element, which can be switched on and off with a switching device (34) carried in particular in the end region of the handle (1, 1') near the operator and can be fixed in the switched-on position to the support (16) or a carrier (27) fixed to the frame by magnetic force. 16. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that preferably in the end region of the handle (21) or the handle (1,1') remote from the operator, a fixing bolt (29) extends downwards or upwards, which can be inserted into or pulled out of a recess (28) formed in the support (16) or in a support fixed to the frame (27) by raising or lowering the handle (21). 17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that by lowering the end of one handle (21) closest to the operator via the rocker (31), the end of the other handle (1, 1') closest to the operator can be raised. 18. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the handle (1, 1') or the handle (21) carries actuating elements, e.g. switches, buttons or the like, for the actuating devices that adjust the locking elements, e.g. lifting devices, adjusting devices or the like.