EP1543928B1 - Device and process for aligning and cutting logs - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine has a cross-cut saw (9), and a cradle (7) for receiving a bundle of logs. A support plate (8) is provided at proximity of the cradle to align the logs. The cradle is moved by tilting around a horizontal axis, between an alignment position in which the length of the log is aligned by the support plate and a cutting position in which the cross-cut saw cuts the logs into billets. An independent claim is also included for a method of cutting billets of wood from a bundle of logs.

Description

The invention relates to a machine according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method according to the preamble of claim 10 for cutting wood logs using a cutting member such as a chainsaw. Such a device and such a method are known from US-A-3 688 818 which is considered to be the closest state of the art.

In the field of forestry, it is known to cut wood logs to a predetermined length, especially 50 cm or 33 cm, to form logs that can be used in a fireplace or wood stove. The length of the logs is, according to NF MQCERT 01 213, fixed with a tolerance of plus or minus 25 mm.

Currently, log cutting is usually done by a logger who wears a chainsaw, which is a painful and imprecise operation, since the length of the logs thus produced depends essentially on the appreciation of the woodcutter. There are also devices on wheels including a chainsaw whose blade pivots about a horizontal axis, which allows to cut the logs of a bundle at the same time. The implementation of such a device is relatively long insofar as the mobile chainsaw can have a relatively low power. In addition, the mobile device must be moved relative to the bales, which implies that the cuts are relatively inaccurate.

It is also known from US-A-3,688,818 to equip a motor vehicle with a circular saw provided for cutting logs supported by forks mounted at the front of the vehicle. A plate movable in translation is used to align the logs. This plate must be moved by a powerful hydraulic cylinder to overcome the friction forces between the logs that rest on each other. Such a cylinder is expensive and highly energy consuming.

US-A-3,254,686 and US-A-3,623,519 also teach using moving plates in horizontal translation to align logs, with the same disadvantages as the known device of US-A-3,688,818.

It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a new cutting machine that allows a rapid and precise processing of logs, gathered in bundles or not.

The invention relates to a wood log cutting machine according to claim 1

Thanks to the invention, the cradle makes it possible to align the logs under the effect of their weight, which facilitates their setting to length or "franking". Such a cradle also makes it possible to envisage using a cutting member such as a chainsaw having a greater power than that of the chainsaws known from the prior art, insofar as such a chainsaw must no longer be moved by a operator between each cut, the cradle itself can allow the relative positioning of logs relative to the blade of the chainsaw.

According to advantageous but not mandatory aspects, a log cutting machine may incorporate one or more of the features mentioned in claims 2 to 9, taken in any technically permissible combination.

The invention also relates to a method of cutting logs according to claim 10.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une machine conforme à l'invention dans une première configuration d'utilisation ;
• La figure 2 est une vue d'extrémité dans le sens de la flèche II à la figure 1, de la machine de la figure 1, les grumes étant omises pour la clarté du dessin ;
• La figure 3 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, alors que la machine est dans une seconde configuration d'utilisation ;
• La figure 3A est une vue partielle de la machine, dans le sens de la flèche III à la figure 3, sans les grumes ;
• La figure 4 est une vue analogue à la figure 1, alors que la machine est dans une troisième configuration d'utilisation ;
• La figure 4A est une vue de la même partie de la machine que celle représentée à la figure 3A, dans le sens de la flèche IV à la figure 4 ;
• La figure 5 est une représentation schématique de principe en vue de dessus du berceau, des chariots et du cadre qui les supporte dans une première configuration, les grumes étant omises pour la clarté du dessin ;
• La figure 6 est une vue analogue à la figure 5 dans une seconde configuration ;
• La figure 7 est une vue analogue à la figure 5 dans une troisième configuration et
• La figure 8 est une vue analogue à la figure 5 dans une quatrième configuration.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a machine according to its principle and its method of implementation, given only by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a machine according to the invention in a first use configuration;
• Figure 2 is an end view in the direction of the arrow II in Figure 1, the machine of Figure 1, the logs being omitted for clarity of the drawing;
• Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, while the machine is in a second configuration of use;
• Figure 3A is a partial view of the machine, in the direction of arrow III in Figure 3, without the logs;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 1, while the machine is in a third configuration of use;
• Figure 4A is a view of the same part of the machine as that shown in Figure 3A, in the direction of arrow IV in Figure 4;
• Figure 5 is a schematic representation of principle in top view of the cradle, trolleys and the frame which supports them in a first configuration, the logs being omitted for clarity of the drawing;
• Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 in a second configuration;
• FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 5 in a third configuration and
• Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 5 in a fourth configuration.

The machine 1 shown in the figures comprises a frame 2 made of metal beams welded together and having four legs, three of which are visible in the figures, with the references 21, 21 'and 22, and three horizontal crosspieces 23, 24 and 25.

A frame 4 mounted on the frame 2 is formed of four crosspieces 41, 42, 43 and 44 assembled together by welding. The frame 4 is movable, relative to the frame 2, pivotally about an axis AA 'generally horizontal when the frame 2 is placed on a horizontal floor. The double arrow F ₁ represents, in FIGS. 1 and 4, this possibility of pivoting which is controlled by means of a hydraulic cylinder 45 whose body is attached to the crossmember 24 and whose rod is attached to the crossmember 42. As a variant, a Another cylinder may be mounted on the machine side 1 which is not visible in Figure 1.

On the frame 4 is mounted, with the possibility of sliding in a direction XX 'perpendicular to the axis A-A ', a main carriage 5 formed of four metal crosspieces welded together 51, 52, 53 and 54. The position of the carriage 5 in the direction XX' is controlled by a hydraulic cylinder 55 of stroke equal to about 495 mm.

On the carriage 5 is mounted, with possibility of sliding parallel to the X-X 'direction, a secondary carriage 6 formed of three crosspieces 61, 62 and 63. The relative position of the carriages 5 and 6 is controlled by two hydraulic cylinders 65 a and 65 b mounted in opposition.

On the carriage 6 is installed a cradle 7 comprising two beams 71 a and 72 b extending parallel to the direction XX 'in the configuration of Figure 1 and connected by three supports 72 a, 72 b and 72 c each of which are mounted two clamps 73 a and 73 b.

72a and 72c supports are secured relative to the beams 71 a and 71 b. On the other hand, the support 72b is movable between the supports 72 a and 72 c.

As is more particularly visible in Figures 2, 3A and 4A each clamp 73 a and 73 b mounted on the support 72 is hinged about an axis _{X-X 'a} or X _b -X' _b parallel to direction X -X ', which allows a pivoting movement shown by the arrows F _2a and F _2b to an opening more or less pronounced for the pair of pincers 73 a, 73 b.

It is the same for the pairs of clamps 73 a and 73 b carried by the other media.

The clamp 73 a is controlled in its pivoting about the axis X _a -X _'has two hydraulic cylinders 75 a and 75' a which are mounted in opposition, the actuator 75 has having a relatively short stroke relative to the cylinder 75 a . Similarly, the clamp 73 b is controlled by two hydraulic cylinders 75 b and 75 'b, which are mounted in opposition and including the cylinder 75 ' b at a relatively low stroke compared to that of the cylinder 75' a .

The clamps 73 a and 73 b mounted on the other supports 72 b and 72 c are also controlled by hydraulic cylinders and are pivotable about the axes _{X-X 'a} and X _b -X' _b.

Each clamp 73 a or 73 b is provided at its free end, several fingers 74 designed to interlock with the fingers of the proposed gripper, which ensures effective maintenance of G logs with a bundle or bundle F up on the cradle 7, including when the clamps 73 a and 73 b are not fully tightened, as shown in figures 3 and 3A.

A plate 8 is provided near the carrier 72c and extends perpendicularly to the main directions of the beams 71 a and 71 b. The plate 8 is rigidly connected to the cradle 7 and forms therewith a subset hinged about an axis BB 'parallel to the axis AA' and perpendicular to the direction X-X '. Hinges 81 and 82 allow a reversible pivoting movement of the subassembly formed by the elements 7 and 8 between the position shown in Figure 1, where the plate 8 extends in a plane P ₈ perpendicular to the direction X-X ' , and that represented in FIG. 3. This movement is represented by the arrows F ₃ in FIGS. 1 and 3. A hydraulic jack 85, whose body is attached to the carriage 6 and whose rod attacks the plate 8, makes it possible to control the orientation of the aforementioned subset around the axis B-B '.

A chain saw 9 is mounted on the frame 2 by means of a support 91. This chain saw comprises an actuator assembly 92 and a device 93 for controlling the pivoting of an arm 94 about an axis CC 'perpendicular to the axes AA' and BB 'and parallel to the direction X-X '. On the arm 94 is mounted a blade 95 on which a cutting chain 96 runs.

A guide 10 is provided on the opposite side of the chain saw 9 with respect to the elements 4 to 8 and is provided with a slot 101 for receiving the end 95 of the blade 95, in order to avoid unwanted movements of this blade and chain 96 parallel to the direction X-X ', during the implementation of the chainsaw 9.

The guide 10 is pivotable about an axis D-D 'parallel to the axis C-C'.

Note F ₄ the pivoting movement of the arm 94 and F ₅ the pivoting movement of the guide 10.

These pivoting movements make it possible to move from the position shown in FIG. 1 where the elements 9 and 10 do not oppose the placing of a bundle F of logs G on the cradle 7, at the configuration of the Figure 4, where the guide 10 guiding the end of the blade 95 during a cutting operation itself. The reverse movement is possible to return to the configuration of Figure 1.

On the side of the support 72 a , and at the foot of the frame 2, there is provided a chute 110 for the recovery of sawdust and waste of relatively small dimensions. This chute empties into a recovery tank 112. In Figure 2, the S arrows represent the path of the sawdust.

Furthermore, a tray 120 for log recovery once they are cut is installed in front of and below the chute 110, this tray being shown only in Figure 2.

Above the chute 110, there is provided a grid 111 avoiding that log logs fall into the chute.

The position of the support 72 b between the support 72 a and 72 c can be adjusted by a hydraulic cylinder 76, which allows the support 72b to be passed from the configuration of FIG. 5 to that of FIG. 7, for example. When it is desired to cut logs of length equal to about 500 mm, the support 72b is pushed by the jack 76 against the support 72 a . When it is desired to cut logs of length equal to about 330 mm, the support 72 b is arranged thanks to the jack 76, in an intermediate position between the supports 72 a and 72 c . The movements of the support 72 has are done before the cradle 7 is loaded with logs.

In FIGS. 5 to 8, the straight line Δ in broken lines represents the trace of the cut made by the chain saw 9 when the arm 94 is lowered towards the frame 4, pivoting about the axis C-C '. The line Δ is perpendicular to the direction X-X 'and the axes C-C' and D-D '.

When the jacks 55, 65 a and 65 b are retracted, the distance X ₀ between the face 83 of the plate 8 facing towards the clamps 73 a and 73 b and Δ is equal to 990 mm. By lowering the blade 95 and rotating the chain saw, the logs G are franked.

From this configuration, if it is desired to cut logs of length equal to about 500 mm, simply activate the jack 55 to move the carriage 5 and reach the configuration of Figure 6 or the distance X ₀ and then reduced to about 495 mm.

If, however, provision is made in a bundle F length logs logs equal to about 330 mm, the cylinder 65 a is activated from the configuration of Figure 5, which achieves the configuration Figure 7 where the distance X ₀ is then equal to 660 mm, which allows to cut a first set of logs. Then the other cylinder 65 b is activated, which allows to reach the configuration of Figure 8 where the distance X ₀ is increased to 330 mm, which allows to cut another series of logs.

In any case, after the cutting of the logs in the configuration of Figure 6 where in the configurations of Figures 7 and 8, the clamps 73 a and 73 b are re-opened and then the cylinder 45 is activated to rock the carriage 4 around the axis AA 'and thus let the logs cut in the tray 120 fall.

• En fonction de la longueur des bûches que l'on souhaite réaliser, le support 72b est positionné dans la configuration de la figure 5 ou dans une zone médiane entre les supports 72a et 72b, cette seconde position étant préférée lorsqu'on souhaite réaliser des bûches de longueur égale à 330 mm environ.

In summary, the operation of the machine 1 is as follows:

• Depending on the length of logs that is desired, the support 72 b is positioned in the configuration of Figure 5 or in a middle region between the supports 72a and 72b, this second position being preferred when one wishes to achieve logs with a length of about 330 mm.

The support 72 b is correctly positioned, a bundle F is loaded on the cradle 7 by any appropriate means, including a crane not shown. In FIG. 1, the arrow F ₆ represents this loading operation of the cradle 7 with a bundle F. When the bundle F is loaded, the links L ₁ and L ₂ which hold the logs G together are sectioned then the jacks 75 a , 75 'a, 75 b and 75' b of different clip pairs 73 a and 73 b are actuated to close the pliers. The fingers 74 of the clamps are then strongly nested within each other.

The cylinder 85 is then activated to switch the assembly formed by the elements 7 and 8 and reach the configuration of Figure 3 where the jacks 75 'a and 75' b are retracted, so that the clamps 73 a and 73 b are slightly reopened, which allows the logs G to slide relative to each other to come to bear on the surface 83 of the plate 8 under the effect of their own weight.

To ensure effective support of each log G on the surface 83, the assembly 7-8 can be vibrated or driven back and forth over small strokes by any appropriate means.

Starting from the configuration of Figure 3, the actuators 75 'a and 75' b are reactivated to tighten G logs together, then the cylinder 85 is again activated to bring the cradle 7 in a substantially horizontal configuration. It is then in the configuration of Figure 5 where the arm 94 is lowered and where the chain saw 9 is actuated, the guide 10 is already folded towards the blade 95, which allows for a "postage" or a lengthening of the logs G, the sawdust and small pieces resulting from this franking operation fall into the chute 110 and the tank 112 by gravity.

The arm 94 and the guide 10 are raised, which makes it possible to pass the carriage 6 of the configuration of FIG. 5 to that of FIGS. 4 and 6, when it is desired to make logs of length at about 50 cm, then the arm 94 is lowered again and the chainsaw 9 is again activated to cut the logs in the plane of the line Δ in FIG. 6.

The clamps 73 a and 73 b are then reopened and the entire frame 4 and the elements which it supports is pivoted about the axis A-A ', thereby breaking down logs into the tray 120.

It is understood that if one wishes to make logs of length equal to 33 cm, it suffices to perform two successive cutting operations as indicated above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

To ensure efficient sliding of the movable elements relative to each other, including the carriage 5 relative to the frame 4 or the carriage 6 relative to the carriage 5, pads of synthetic material are interposed between these parts. By way of example, these pads may be made of PE-HMW (for example CESTILENE HD 500 from Bay Plastics)

The cylinders of the machine 1 are all hydraulic and are advantageously supplied with a biodegradable oil, for example oil marketed under the reference BIOHYDRAN VDMA 24568 TYP HEES grade 46 by the company TOTAL, which avoids any risk of lasting pollution in case leakage, it being understood that the machine 1 can be installed in nature. Alternatively, a non-biodegradable oil may be used.

Advantageously, each of the jacks of the machine 1 can be controlled in all or nothing, so that the different strokes can be obtained without sophisticated control device. The different cylinders operate in open loop, which greatly facilitates the construction of the machine and keeps a cost price quite attractive.

Alternatively, the various cylinders can be controlled by solenoid valves and / or radio systems, which provides a secure operation.

The machine 1 has been shown with a static chassis 2. However, it can be mounted on the bed of a truck or other transport device. Alternatively, the feet 21, 22 and equivalent of the frame 2 may be equipped with wheels, which allows the machine 1 to move around a pile of wood to be treated. These wheels can be motorized and directional, the machine 1 is then self-driving.

The machine 1 can be associated with a generator set or a heat engine for the supply different cylinders, or even the driving of the chainsaw.

The control of the tilting of the arm 94 around the axis C-C 'can be done manually by the operator. Alternatively, it can be achieved by a hydraulic or electrical device, in which case it is advantageously automated.

According to an unrepresented aspect of the invention, the chain saw 9 is movable parallel to the axis A-A ', which facilitates its release in view, on the one hand, of the placement of the logs and, on the other hand, on the other hand, of their dumping in the tank 120.

According to another variant not shown of the invention, the pairs of cylinders 75 a and 75 has, firstly, 75b and 75 'b, on the other hand, may each be replaced by a cylinder equipped with a valve depression rod side permits to slightly re-open the clamps 73 a and 73 b with a progressive movement upon reaching the configuration of Figure 3.

The invention has been represented with logs previously grouped into bales. It also applies in case the logs are arranged individually on the cradle.

The values mentioned in the description for the strokes of cylinders and moving parts are indicative and can be adjusted by the specialist, in particular according to the lengths of the logs to be cut. With modifications within the scope of the specialist, the length of the logs accepted by the cradle 7 can vary from about 1 meter to several meters, for example 6 meters.

Similarly, some or all of the cross members constituting the elements 4 to 6 may have their largest transverse dimensions arranged vertically in order to best withstand the weight of the logs and the efforts of sawing. In other words, the sections of the crosspieces visible in Figure 2 may have their largest vertical axis.

Claims (10)

1. Machine for the cutting of logs of wood, comprising a cutting member and a cradle (7) for the reception of trunks (G), the said cradle being movable between a cutting position, compatible with the use of the said member (9) for cutting the logs, and a position of alignment in length of the said trunks,
   characterized in that the said cradle (7) is movable between the said two positions by tilting (F₃) about a substantially horizontal axis (B-B').
2. Machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that a bearing plate (8) is contiguous to the said cradle (7) and supports the said trunks (G) when the said cradle is in the alignment position (Figure 3).
3. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the said cradle (7) is equipped with at least one set of grippers (73a, 73b) for gripping the said trunks (G), at least one (72b) of the said sets of grippers (73a, 73b) being movable in translational motion in a direction (X-X') substantially perpendicular to the cutting direction (Δ).
4. Machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that the or each set of grippers (73a, 73b) is adjustable between three configurations, namely an open first configuration compatible with the placing (F₆) of trunks (G) in the cradle (7), a closed second configuration for blocking the trunks in the cradle for a cutting operation, and an intermediate third configuration in which the grippers are capable of retaining the trunks in the cradle, while allowing movements of the said trunks in relation to one another parallel to their largest respective dimensions.
5. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the said cradle (7) is mounted on a carriage (6) movable in translational motion in a direction (X-X') substantially perpendicular to the cutting direction (Δ).
6. Machine according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said carriage (6) is movable between four positions corresponding respectively to the longitudinal placing of the trunks (G), to a first cut of logs of a length equal to approximately 330 mm, to a cut of logs of a length equal to approximately 500 mm and to a second cut of logs of a length equal to approximately 330 mm.
7. Machine according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said carriage (6) is mounted on a main carriage (5) with the possibility of translational displacement in a direction (X-X') perpendicular to the cutting direction (Δ), the said main carriage itself being movable in the said direction perpendicular to the said cutting direction, the said positions being reached as a result of the displacements of the said main carriage in relation to a base (4) and the relative displacements of the said carriages (5, 6).
8. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that the said cradle (7) is mounted on a tilting (F₁) structure (4) allowing the discharge of the cut logs.
9. Machine according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that it comprises a guide (10) mounted so as to face the said cutting member (9), on the side opposite the said member in relation to the said cradle (7), the said guide being capable of tilting between a freed position (Figure 1), in which it does not obstruct the placing (F₆) of the trunks (G) in the cradle, and an active position (Figure 4), in which it can guide the said member during a cut.
10. Method for the cutting of logs of wood by means of a cutting member from trunks, comprising the following steps:

    - depositing (F) the said trunks (G) on a reception cradle (7);

    - bringing (F₃) the said cradle towards a position of alignment of the trunks;

    - bringing the said cradle successively into a moved-away position, that is to say for the longitudinal placing of the trunks, and into at least one position for the cutting of logs, and

    - actuating the said cutting member (9) in order to cut the trunks in each of the said moved-away position or cutting position,

    characterized in that the said cradle is brought towards a position of alignment of the trunks by tilting (F₃) about a substantially horizontal axis (B-B').

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