EP2279838B1 - Wood splitter - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for splitting logs, with a displaceable in approximately horizontal direction against a fixed gap cross support area for a splitting stem portion predetermined maximum length according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a device is known from US 446 1 331 known.

Such wood splitters are known in numerous variants. For smaller trunk sections there are smaller wood splitters with trunk sections which can be pressed vertically against a fixed blade or split cross. For longer trunk sections with lengths of one meter or more, larger wood splitters are used, in which the trunk sections are displaced in the horizontal direction and pressed against a blade or a slot cross. Such wood splitters can also be mobile and, for example, be mounted on an agricultural trailer.

If trunk sections are split horizontally by a splitting cross, they come to rest in previous versions of wood splitters on an underlying, fixed table and must be removed from there (rear side of the splitter). Too large stem segments, which are to be split again, either have to be carried back or pulled back with a hand tool (Sapie) over inclined planes in the gap area.

In view of the wood splitter known from the prior art, a first object of the present invention is to achieve an automatic return transport of the split trunk segments to the starting position.

This first object of the invention is achieved with the subject-matter of the independent claim. With the achievement of the stated goal, it is possible to repeatedly split large stem segments without great effort. In addition, this results in an economical one-man operation, since the finished logs can also be removed from the operating position. Features of advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims. The invention proposes to achieve the first object of Invention an apparatus for splitting logs with the features of independent claim 1 before.

An advantageous variant of the invention can provide that at least one of the two support areas is equipped with an integrated log lifter. Furthermore, this variant of the wood splitter may have a flat support surface and sloping surfaces towards the center. The oblique surfaces of the two bearing areas point to each other and thus form a prism for the centering of the stem sections.

For trunk diameters which are smaller than the forming prism of the two bearing areas, two elongated, bevelled knobs or centering aids are mounted in parallel alignment shortly before the splitting knife on the fixed central region. At the beginning of the cleavage process, the stem portion is forcibly pushed over the mentioned nubs by means of plunger and thus aligned approximately centrally before striking the splitting blade.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the integrated log lifter can be lowered in the retracted position of the plunger, so that a trunk portion can be rolled up on this with little effort. The pivoting of the log lifter can be done in an advantageous manner by means of a hydraulically acting lifting cylinder. The splitting stem section can thus conveniently deposited from one side of the log lifter and this then be pivoted upwards to its original position, after which the splitting operation can begin. After the splitting process, the plunger can be retracted together with the support areas back to its original position.

A further advantageous embodiment variant of the device according to the invention can provide that the bearing area is formed opposite the operating side by a pivotable unloading flap which limits the removal area to the outside during the splitting operation and which can be pivoted to remove unloaded trunk sections into an unloading position lying below the support surface. This unloading flap can in particular be coupled to the log lifter in such a way that an approximately simultaneous pivoting down into the unloading position or upwards into the operating position of the log splitter takes place. The removal of the split stem sections takes place in this embodiment, not at the end, behind the splitting cross or splitting wedge, but on the operator opposite longitudinal side of the log splitter. For this purpose, the table has been given a hydraulically or otherwise actuated unloading flap which is coupled to the hydraulics of the positioner fork. If the loading fork is lowered to accommodate a new trunk, the unloading flap also lowers, allowing the split wood to be removed. If the loading fork is raised again, due to the significantly lower weight, the unloading flap first lifts, thus no longer allowing access to the gap area.

Furthermore, the collecting areas are preferably provided on the edge side each with vertically standing fenders, which are each firmly anchored to the support area. As a result, the occupational safety is significantly increased, since both the operator and other people who perform, for example. Wood trunk sections and / or unloaded split trunk sections, do not interfere with the gap area and can be endangered. The possible squeezing points for fingers and hands are with this Execution variant circumferentially covered with mudguards, except in the area of the operator. However, this is expediently secured by a two-hand control.

The splitting cross has at least two intersecting blades, wherein a horizontal blade is slightly inclined in the splitting direction of movement of the plunger against the support area upwards. Optionally, the splitting cross can be designed to be displaceable in the vertical direction. For this purpose, it may be advantageous if a lifting mechanism for the splitting cross is arranged below the level of the support surfaces and / or centrally below the central portion. This splitting cross lifting mechanism may in particular comprise a hydraulic cylinder which cooperates with a lever articulated on the frame of the device for raising and lowering the splitting cross.

Since the mechanically, hydraulically or electromotively displaceable against the splitting cross plunger is coupled to the two bearing areas such that they are movable synchronously to the plunger along the feed direction, is provided for an optimized splitting operation. The traveling with the plunger table or support area ensures a smooth and smooth splitting process, since the cleaved stem portion rests at any time of the splitting process on the table and is guided by this, so that no sliding or slipping of the trunk is required, what Disturbances in the splitting operation could contribute.

Preferably, the device according to the invention further comprises a control panel, which is designed for a two-hand control. This control panel can, for example, be arranged on a longitudinal side of the log splitter, on which the log lift is also located. The splitting process can be triggered only by the operator by means of the two-hand control, while all other areas are protected on the other side with mudguards. Since the split wooden segments are repeatedly transported back to their original position due to the moving table, it is also possible to split logs that are too large several times. When all the logs have been sized, the operator lowers the log lifter in the starting position, which at the same time lowers the unloading hatch. While now the operator can roll a new trunk on the position fork, can from another person on the opposite side of the log splitter simultaneously split logs are safely removed. Although previously used wood splitters, the operation of only one person was required. In practice, however, it can hardly be prevented that at least one other person works supportively on the wood splitter, in particular for removing the split trunk sections. However, this entails the risk of accidents, since the splitting process is not prevented during the removal despite the two-handed control, so that a clear safety improvement is given by the two-handed control in conjunction with the all-round Schutzverblechung.

In addition, another object of the invention is to provide a relatively simple structure and reliable functioning wood splitter available, which has good ergonomics and ease of use as high security against accidents and against accidental interference with the gap area. To achieve this further object of the invention, a device for splitting logs is proposed, in which the mechanically, hydraulically or electromotively displaceable against the splitting cross plunger is coupled to the two bearing areas such that they are movable with the plunger along the feed direction. The two bearing areas are movable synchronously to the plunger along the feed direction. In addition, the goal is achieved by a movable, the gap area against intrusion from the outside largely shielding housing.

The housing according to the invention may be formed in at least two parts and have at least two housing halves pivotable in opposite directions about horizontal pivot axes. Optionally, the enclosure may be formed in one or more parts and have a raised and lowered shield. Furthermore, it makes sense if the enclosure is formed substantially flat and mesh grid, perforated grid or the like has close-meshed walls. In the variant of the housing halves, which are movable by approximately horizontal pivot axes, they can preferably describe synchronous opposing pivoting paths by means of linkage coupling. Thus, one of the two pivotable housing halves can be pivoted by means of a hydraulically actuated linear drive.

The movable enclosure, which may possibly be designed in several parts, is preferably with a partially or fully automatic control of the log splitter coupled, so that any accidental or intentional interference with the gap area during a splitting operation is reliably excluded.

The log splitter may include a control panel designed for two-hand control and / or for automated or semi-automated control. The device according to the invention can advantageously be arranged on a trailer chassis. In this case, the middle section, the plunger and the splitting cross can be arranged approximately in alignment with a trailer drawbar. In addition, at least at one rear end of the trailer two carrying wheels can be located, so that the device according to the invention is part of an attachable to a towing vehicle Einachsanhängers.

Worth mentioning is still the particular advantage of the wood splitter according to the invention, which pulls the split trunk sections all together with the moving splitting back to the back to unload them there. The removal of the finished trunk segments or logs can also be done by the operator without having to leave his place. Thus, an economic one-man operation is possible. However, this configuration has the additional advantage that split trunk sections can easily be split again and thereby further reduced. Since the splitting cross can be adjusted almost arbitrarily in height, it is easily possible after a first splitting operation to perform a further splitting operation by lowering the splitting cross 22, possibly even several times.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer ersten Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Holzspalters mit einseitig nach unten geschwenktem Stammheber für einen zu spaltenden Stammabschnitt.
• Fig. 2 zeigt den Holzspalter gemäß Fig. 1 mit nach oben geschwenktem Stammheber.
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 2.
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht des Holzspalters mit gegen ein Spaltkreuz verschobenem Druckstempel.
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 4.
• Fig. 6 zeigt eine perspektivische Rückansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 4.
• Fig. 7 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 2 von schräg unten.
• Fig. 8 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsvariante eines Holzspalters mit nach oben geschwenktem Aufnahmebereich und umseitiger Schutzverblechung.
• Fig. 9. zeigt den Holzspalter gemäß Fig. 8 mit einseitig nach unten geschwenktem Aufnahmebereich für einen zu spaltenden Stammabschnitt und gleichzeitig abgesenkter Entladeklappe.
• Fig. 10 zeigt den Holzspalter gemäß Fig. 8 mit gegen das Spaltkreuz verschobenem Druckstempel.
• Fig. 11 zeigt eine perspektivische Rückansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 8.
• Fig. 12 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Holzspalters mit geschlossener Einhausung und damit vollständig abgeschirmtem Spaltbereich.
• Fig. 13 zeigt eine perspektivische Rückansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 12.
• Fig. 14 zeigt eine weitere perspektivische Rückansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 12 mit einseitig nach unten geschwenktem Stammheber für einen zu spaltenden Stammabschnitt und mit geöffneter Einhausung.
• Fig. 15 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 14 von schräg vorne.
• Fig. 16 zeigt eine schematische Perspektivansicht des Holzspalters gemäß Fig. 4 mit gegen ein Spaltkreuz verschobenen Druckstempel und geschlossener Einhausung.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same parts in the drawings are in this case provided with the same reference numerals and are therefore partially not explained several times. In principle, the present exemplary embodiment is intended to illustrate the invention, but is by no means to be understood as limiting.

• Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a log splitter according to the invention with one side downwardly pivoted trunk lifter for a splitting stem section.
• Fig. 2 shows the wood splitter according to Fig. 1 with upwardly pivoted trunk lifter.
• Fig. 3 shows a side view of the log splitter according to Fig. 2 ,
• Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the log splitter with against a splitting cross shifted plunger.
• Fig. 5 shows a side view of the log splitter according to Fig. 4 ,
• Fig. 6 shows a rear perspective view of the log splitter according to Fig. 4 ,
• Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the log splitter according to Fig. 2 from diagonally below.
• Fig. 8 shows a further embodiment of a wood splitter with upwardly pivoted receiving area and protective cover on the other side.
• Fig. 9 , shows the wood splitter according to Fig. 8 with a receiving area swung down on one side for a trunk section to be split and at the same time a lowered unloading flap.
• Fig. 10 shows the wood splitter according to Fig. 8 with a ram moved against the crevice cross.
• Fig. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the log splitter according to Fig. 8 ,
• Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a wood splitter according to the invention with closed housing and thus completely shielded gap area.
• Fig. 13 shows a rear perspective view of the log splitter according to Fig. 12 ,
• Fig. 14 shows a further perspective rear view of the log splitter according to Fig. 12 with one side downwards pivoted trunk lifter for a split trunk section and with open housing.
• Fig. 15 shows a perspective view of the log splitter according to Fig. 14 from diagonally forward.
• Fig. 16 shows a schematic perspective view of the log splitter according to Fig. 4 with a ram displaced against a splitting cross and enclosed housing.

The schematic representations of FIGS. 1 to 11 show various views and operating conditions of a first embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention for splitting logs, which is also referred to as wood splitter 12 in the following context. The log splitter 12 is in the embodiment shown part of a trailer chassis 14 and mounted on this. The log splitter 12 includes a support portion 16 for a stem portion (not shown) to be split, with a central portion 18 of this support portion 16, a plunger 20 for horizontal displacement of the stem portion and a slot cross 22 for dividing it into four equally sized stem segments approximately in alignment are arranged in extension of a trailer drawbar 24 with a coupling eye 26. At a rear end of the trailer 14 are two carrying wheels 28, so that the device 10 according to the invention is part of a to a tractor (not shown) attachable Einachsanhängers 14.

As mentioned above, the inventive device 10 for splitting logs or the wood splitter 12 comprises the bearing area 16, which can be displaced in an approximately horizontal direction against the slot cross 22, for a maximum length to be split for a trunk section to be split. The support region 16 has a narrow central fixed section 18 and on both sides of this central section 18 two support regions 30 for the stem segments formed by cleavage.

The mechanically, hydraulically or electromotively displaceable against the splitting cross 22 plunger 20 is coupled to the two bearing portions 30 such that they are synchronously movable to the plunger 20 along the feed direction (see. Fig. 4 ). The bearing areas 16, which ride along with the plunger 20, ensure a smooth and smooth splitting operation, since the stem section to be split rests on the table at all times during the splitting process and is guided by the latter.

One of the two bearing areas 30 is pivotable about a horizontal axis 32, as shown in FIG Fig. 1 is recognizable. The two collecting regions 30 each have planar bearing surfaces 34 and the bearing surfaces 34 limiting angled, grid-like contact areas 36. At least the in Fig. 1 At the front, the flat support surface 34 of the log lifter 30 can be pivoted downwards starting from the middle section 18 about the horizontal axis 32, so that the angled abutment region 36 arranged thereon rests approximately horizontally on the ground. This lowering process can preferably take place in a first end position of the plunger 20, in which this is withdrawn from the splitting cross 22 (see. FIGS. 1 . 2 . 3 and 7 ), since in this case the split trunk section does not collide with the slot cross 22. In addition, in this lowered position, a new, still to be split trunk section are placed on the trunk lifter 30, so that the stem portion after the pivoting of the trunk lifter 30 rolls on the central portion 18 and is centered there relative to the slot cross. Subsequently, the splitting process can begin. After the splitting operation, the plunger 20 can be withdrawn together with the support areas 30 and 36 back to its original position. The pivoting of the collecting areas 30 takes place in the illustrated embodiment by means of hydraulic cylinders 38, as shown in the Figures 3 . 5 and 7 are recognizable.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the splitting cross 22 can be moved mechanically upwards and downwards by means of a lifting mechanism and thus adjusted to the size of the stem section to be split. This vertical displacement takes place in the illustrated embodiment via a coupling lever 40 which is articulated approximately centrally on a frame boom 42, as also in the Figures 3 . 5 and 7 is clarified. One end of the triangular coupling lever 40 is articulated to a lower free end 44 of the splitting cross 22, while the other end of the coupling lever 40 via a controllable hydraulic cylinder 46 in the longitudinal direction parallel to the feed direction of the plunger 20 is movable. In an extension movement of the hydraulic cylinder 46, the splitting cross 22 is lowered, while it is raised at a retraction movement of the hydraulic cylinder 46. The control of the hydraulic cylinder 46 for vertical movement of the splitting cross 22 is preferably carried out by means of a suitable adjusting lever or control block o.

The splitting cross 22 has two blades crossing at right angles. As in particular on the basis of Fig. 3 illustrates, the horizontal blade 48 is slightly inclined against the support portion 30 downwards, ie, it rises slightly towards the rear to the top to achieve a slight push of the splitting stem section.

Furthermore, it is provided that the displaceable collecting area 30 can be displaced obliquely downwards by a small angle relative to the slot cross 22 which can be raised in the vertical direction. These slightly downwardly inclined guide can additionally prevent jamming, since the collecting area 30 is thus shifted relative to the horizontal blade 48 of the splitting cross 22 downwards. A slightly inclined towards the splitting cross 22 guide rod 50 for guiding rollers 52 which are arranged on the undersides of the collecting areas 30, ensures the mentioned lowering of the collecting areas 30 during displacement of the plunger 20th

Finally, the two bearing areas 30 are equipped with an integrated log lifter. Furthermore, the support areas 30 have a flat support surface and towards the center an oblique surface. The oblique surfaces of the two bearing areas 30 point to each other and thus form a prism for the centering of the stem sections.

Based on the following FIGS. 8 to 11 a further embodiment of the wood splitter 12 is explained in more detail, compared to the first embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 7 has a number of modifications that improve in particular the occupational and operational safety. Thus, the wood splitter 12 has an over-protective protection with a series of vertically arranged fenders 56, which are intended to prevent manual intervention in the gap region. The vertically standing fenders 56 are each firmly anchored to the movable table or supporting area 16. As a result, the occupational safety is significantly increased, since both the operator and other people who perform, for example. Wood trunk sections and / or unloaded split trunk sections, do not interfere with the gap area and can be endangered. The possible squeezing points for fingers and hands are covered in this embodiment circumferentially with the fenders 56, except in Area of the operator. However, this is expediently secured by a two-hand control.

As in the FIGS. 8 and 9 Recognizable, the support area is provided on the operating opposite side with a pivotable unloading flap 54 which limits the removal area during the splitting operation to the outside and which can be pivoted to remove split trunk sections in an unloading position lying below the support surface 34. This unloading flap 54 may in particular be coupled to the pivotable collecting region 30 in such a way that an approximately simultaneous pivoting downward into the unloading position (cf. Fig. 9 ) or upwards into the operating position (cf. Fig. 8 ) of the wood splitter 12 takes place. The removal of the split trunk sections takes place in this embodiment, not at the end, behind the splitting cross 22, but on the operator opposite longitudinal side of the log splitter 12. The unloading flap 54 may, for example, be hydraulically actuated and coupled to the hydraulics of the position fork. If the loading fork 30 is lowered to accommodate a new trunk, the unloading flap 54 also lowers, whereby the split wood can be removed. If the loading fork 30 is raised again, due to the significantly lower weight, the unloading flap 54 first lifts, thus no longer allowing access to the gap area.

The presentation of the Fig. 10 shows the log splitter 12 according to Fig. 8 Here is also clarified that the fenders 56 are attached to the support area 16 or table and move with this when the trunk is split and the table is then withdrawn again. The perspective view of Fig. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the log splitter according to Fig. 8 ,

The log splitter 12 also has a control panel 58 designed for two-hand control. This control panel 58 is disposed on a longitudinal side of the log splitter 12, on which also the log lifter 30 is located. The splitting process can only be triggered by the operator by means of the two-hand control, while all other areas are protected on the sides with mudguards 56. For this purpose, the control console 58 has at least two actuating levers 60 which each have to be actuated simultaneously in order to be able to trigger and control a splitting process. In this way it prevents the operator with One hand can control the splitting process and, if necessary, intervene in the gap area with the other hand.

The schematic representations of FIGS. 12 to 16 show various views and operating conditions of an alternative embodiment of an inventive device 10 for splitting logs, which is also referred to in the present context as a wood splitter 12, which is part of a trailer chassis 14 and can be mounted on this. The log splitter 12 includes a support portion 16 for a stem portion (not shown) to be split, with a central portion 18 of this support portion 16, a plunger 20 for horizontal displacement of the stem portion and a slot cross 22 for dividing it into four equally sized stem segments approximately in alignment are arranged in extension of a trailer drawbar 24 with a coupling eye 26. At a rear end of the trailer 14 are two carrying wheels 28, so that the device 10 according to the invention is part of a to a tractor (not shown) attachable Einachsanhängers 14.

As already mentioned above, the inventive device 10 for splitting logs or the wood splitter 12 comprises the bearing area 16, which can be displaced in an approximately horizontal direction against the splitting cross 22, for a maximum length to be split for a trunk section to be split. The support region 16 has a narrow central fixed section 18 and on both sides of this central section 18 two support regions for the stem segments formed by cleavage.

The mechanically, hydraulically or electromotively displaceable against the slot cross 22 plunger 20 is coupled to the two bearing areas such that they are synchronously movable to the plunger 20 along the feed direction (see. Fig. 16 ). The traveling with the plunger 20 table or support area 16 ensures a smooth and smooth splitting process, since the cleaved stem portion rests on each time of the splitting operation on the table and is guided by this.

One of the two support areas is equipped with an integrated trunk lifter. Furthermore, in each case a flat bearing surface and towards the center an oblique surface are provided. The oblique surfaces of the two support areas show to each other and thus form a prism for the centering of the trunk sections. The lowering of the log lifter 30 can preferably be done only in the front end position of the plunger 20, in which this is withdrawn from the splitting cross 22. In addition, in this lowered position, a new, still to be split trunk section are placed on the trunk lifters 30 and 36, so that the stem section after the pivoting of the trunk lifter 30 rolls on the central portion 18 and is centered in front of the slot cross. The removal of the finished log segments (logs) can also be done by the operator without having to leave his place. Thus, an economic one-man operation is possible.

After the splitting operation, the plunger 20 can be withdrawn together with the support areas 36 back to its original position. The pivoting of the collecting areas 30 takes place in the illustrated embodiment by means of hydraulic cylinders.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the splitting cross 22 can be moved mechanically upwards and downwards by means of a lifting mechanism and thus adjusted to the size of the stem section to be split. This vertical displacement takes place in the illustrated embodiment via a suitable coupling lever which is articulated approximately centrally on a frame boom, as for example. In the Fig. 16 is clarified. One end of the triangular coupling lever is hinged to a lower free end of the splitting cross 22, while the other end of the coupling lever via a controllable hydraulic cylinder in the longitudinal direction parallel to the feed direction of the plunger 20 is movable. During an extension movement of the hydraulic cylinder, the splitting cross 22 is lowered, while it is raised at a retraction movement of the hydraulic cylinder. The control of the hydraulic cylinder for vertical movement of the splitting cross 22 is preferably carried out by means of a suitable adjusting lever or control block o.

The splitting cross 22 has two blades crossing at right angles. As in particular on the basis of Fig. 14 illustrates, the horizontal blade is slightly inclined to the support area downwards, ie it rises slightly upwards to the rear.

It is further provided that the displaceable collecting area or the support table relative to the gap cross 22 which can be raised in the vertical direction by a small angle is slid down obliquely. Also, this slightly downwardly inclined guide can additionally prevent jamming, since the collecting area is thus shifted relative to the horizontal blade of the splitting cross 22 down. A slightly inclined in the direction of the splitting cross 22 guide rod for guiding rollers, which are arranged on the undersides of the collecting areas, provides for the mentioned lowering of the collecting areas when moving the plunger 20th

The wood splitter 12 according to the invention has an enclosure 62 in the form of two wing flaps 64 which are movable about horizontal pivot axes and which are in an upwardly pivoted position (FIG. Fig. 14 . Fig. 15 ) allow access to the nip area and loading and unloading, while providing manual access during the splitting operation while simultaneously pivoting abutment area 36 by extensive shielding in a downwardly pivoted operating position (FIG. Figures 12 . 13 and 16 ) reliably prevent. The two covers 64 form the housing halves which can be pivoted symmetrically and wing-like relative to one another, which are coupled, for example, by means of coupling rods or the like, in their pivotal movements such that a synchronous opening and closing movement can be ensured when actuated with only one actuating cylinder.

The two lids or wing flaps 64 may preferably each have a frame with perforated grids, grids or the like arranged therein, thereby providing a lightweight yet stable construction protected from external interference.

Also in the FIGS. 12 to 16 shown variant of the log splitter 12 has a control panel 58, which is designed for a two-handed control, but preferably for an automatic or semi-automatic mode. The control panel 58 is disposed on a longitudinal side of the log splitter 12, on which also the lowerable collecting area is located. The splitting process can only be triggered when the enclosure 62 is closed. For this purpose, the control console 58 actuating lever 60, upon actuation of a splitting operation can be triggered and controlled.

In a preferred embodiment, on the control panel, for example, a selector switch (hand - 0 - automatic), two joysticks or operating lever 60 and a

Emergency stop button (not recognizable) may be present. A sensible control option for a manual control (selector switch: position "hand") provide the following operating options: trunk lift up - down; Splitting knife up - down; Open wing flaps 64 - close; Plunger back.

In an "automatic" position, the start can be actuated beforehand, after which the wing flaps close, the pressure ram moves forward, the splitting blade is pushed upwards, then the pressure ram retracts, the flaps 62 open and the cycle is at its end. In addition, the trunk lifters 30 and 36 can be swung up and down. The splitting knife can also be moved up and down.

• Flügelklappen geöffnet;
• Flügelklappen geschlossen
• Druckstempel hinten
• Druckstempel vorne
• Hubeinrichtung oben

Preferably, several, in particular the following positions are queried with suitable sensors:

• Wing flaps opened;
• Wing flaps closed
• Pressure stamp on the back
• Pressure stamp on the front
• Lifting device above

In the manner described prevents the operator with one hand to control the splitting process and possibly intervene with the other hand in the gap area.

In the Figures 13 . 14 and 15 In addition, a pyramid-shaped component is recognizable, which is also referred to below as prism 66. This prism 66 projects vertically upwards at the rear portion of the middle, flat and fixed support region and has the shape of a four-sided pyramid with the tip pointing upwards. This prism 66, which is located slightly spaced behind the splitting cross 22, serves primarily to push apart the split trunk sections and thereby prevent them from remaining on the central section. The prism 66 may in principle also have other shapes, for example a conical or frusto-conical shape or the like. It is important in principle its upwardly tapering, the logs repellent and outwardly urgent function.

Also worth mentioning is the particular advantage of the wood splitter according to the invention, which pulls the split trunk sections all back with the moving splitting table back to unload them there. However, this configuration has the additional advantage that split trunk sections can easily be split again and thereby further reduced. Since the splitting cross 22 can be adjusted almost arbitrarily in height, it is easily possible after a first splitting operation to perform a further splitting operation by lowering the splitting cross 22, possibly even several times.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Device for splitting logs

12

wood splitter

14

Trailer, single-axle trailer, trailer chassis

16

support area

18

middle section

20

plunger

22

splitting cross

24

drawbar

26

coupling eye

28

idlers

30

Support area, log lifter, collection area

32

horizontal axis

34

bearing surface

36

Investment area, trunk lifter

38

hydraulic cylinders

40

coupling lever

42

outrigger

44

lower free end

46

hydraulic cylinders

48

horizontal blade

50

guide rod

52

role

54

unloading

56

mudguard

58

controller

60

actuating lever

62

housing

64

Cover, wing flap

66

prism

68

Nubs, centering

Claims (8)

1. Device (10) for splitting wood logs, having a support area (16) for holding a log section which is intended for splitting and has a defined maximum length, with said support area (16) being movable in an approximately horizontal direction toward a splitting wedge (22), whereby the support area (16) comprises a stationary, narrow middle section (18) and on both sides of this middle section (18) two support areas (30) for depositing the split log segments, whereby a plunger (20), which is slidable mechanically, hydraulically, or electrically-driven toward the splitting wedge (22), is coupled with the two support areas (30) in such a manner that the said support areas (30) move together with the plunger (20) along a feed direction, characterized in that the movable support area (16) can be moved at a small angle diagonally downward in relation to the middle section (18) and/or the splitting wedge (22) along the moving direction of the plunger (20) approaching the splitting wedge (22).
2. Device according to claim 1, in which one of the two level support areas (30) is combined with a log lifter.
3. Device according to 1 or 2, in which one of the rims of the non-pivotable support area (30) is formed by a pivotable unloading flap (54), which can be brought into an unloading position underneath the support surface (34), with said position being suitable for removing the split log segments, whereby the unloading flap (54) is coupled with the pivotable depositing area (30) in such a manner that the pivoting movement downward into the unloading position or upward into the operating position for the wood splitter (12) is effectuated approximately simultaneously.
4. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 3, in which the depositing areas (30) are each provided with upright, vertical guard plates (56) at the edges, with said guard plates being each fixedly attached to the support area (16).
5. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 4, in which the splitting wedge (22) is designed to be slidable in a vertical direction, whereby a lifting mechanism (40, 42, 44, 46) for the splitting wedge (22) is arranged beneath the level of the support surfaces (34) and/or centered beneath the middle section (18), and whereby the lifting mechanism (40, 42, 44, 46) for the splitting wedge (22) comprises a hydraulic cylinder (46), which operates together with a lever for lifting and lowering the splitting wedge (22).
6. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 5, which comprises a control panel (58) designed for two-hand manual control and/or for automated or partially automated control operation, whereby the control panel (58) is arranged at the same long side of the wood splitter (12), at which a log lifter is deposited as well.
7. Device according to claim 5, in which the lifting mechanism for adjusting the splitting wedge (22) is designed in such a manner as to allow the splitting wedge (22) to be freely raised by a definable distance in order to prevent the logs from getting jammed during the return transport.
8. Device according to one of the claims 1 to 7, which is arranged on a trailer chassis (14).

Images