EP3326770B1 - Device for splitting wood - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a device for splitting wood, according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a device is from the US 2004/0250895 A1 known.

From the DE 298 12 091 U1 A device for splitting wood is known with two splitting tools arranged at a fixed distance from one another, between which a plunger is driven so as to be movable with an adjusting device. For this purpose, a drive spindle is provided which controls a movement of the pressure stamp. This drive spindle is driven by a motor. For splitting wood the pressure stamp assumes an end position adjacent to the one fixed splitting tool, in order to subsequently insert a wooden gap into the gap chamber formed between the two splitting tools. Then a movement of the pressure stamp on the opposite splitting tool is triggered and the wood is split. As soon as the pressure stamp is positioned on the splitting tool on the opposite side, another piece of wood can be inserted into the splitting chamber for splitting, and the pressure stamp is moved in the opposite direction.

From the DE 20 2006 014 485 U1 a log splitter is also known. This comprises two splitting tools arranged at a fixed distance from one another, between which a splitting chamber is formed. A pressure ram can be moved within the gap chamber and is guided in rails by means of a sliding block. To control the movement of the plunger, two hydraulic cylinders are provided, which are aligned in mirror image to the plunger, one hydraulic cylinder each being permanently assigned to the splitting tool, so that the piston rod engages the plunger and the extension movement of the piston rod takes place on the opposite splitting tool. The movement of the pressure plate can be controlled by the respective successive activation of the hydraulic lifting cylinders.

The US 2004/0250895 A1 discloses a log splitter with two spaced-apart splitting tools, between which a plunger is provided so that it can move. This plunger is moved by two opposing pressure cylinders, a piston rod being provided in each of the pressure cylinders, which are connected to the plunger and each trigger an opposite direction of adjustment of the plunger.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for splitting wood, which has a structurally simple structure.

This object is achieved by a device for splitting wood, in which an actuating device for controlling a movement of the pressure ram between two fixed and spaced-apart splitting tools has an actuator which has at least two opposing pressure cylinders, each associated with a fixed splitting tool, and in one end of a single plunger rod is guided in each of the opposing pressure cylinders and the pressure plunger is fastened to the plunger rod and can be moved within the gap chamber. This actuator represents a structurally simple structure, in which a plunger rod is guided into two opposing pressure cylinders and is actuated by these for a movement. This can reduce the number of components.

Furthermore, a pressure chamber of the pressure cylinder can preferably be acted upon with a control medium. In addition, only one pressure cylinder is required to control the movement. The opposite pressure cylinder can be depressurized.

Furthermore, the actuating device comprises a servomotor that actuates the actuator. This servomotor preferably acts alternately with a control pressure on the opposing pressure cylinders. This allows simple force relationships to be formed in order to control the pressure ram within the gap chamber for the subsequent splitting process.

The plunger rod is designed as a pressure tube, which has an end-side pressure surface at each end, and each pressure surface is provided in one of the opposing pressure cylinders. A single plunger rod actuates two opposing pressure cylinders. This represents a structurally simple and inexpensive embodiment that has high compressive rigidity. In addition, this configuration saves weight.

The plunger rod preferably has a length which comprises at least the length of one of the two pressure cylinders and the distance between the two stationary splitting tools forming the splitting chamber. As a result, a maximum utilization of a stroke path with a predetermined length can be given for the pressure cylinder and the gap chamber.

The pressure cylinder and the splitting tool are preferably provided on a housing section and in particular form an assembly module. As a result, two identical units can be provided for the device for splitting wood, and a cost reduction can be achieved.

One end of the plunger rod is preferably guided and supported in an assembly module. This allows increased splitting forces to be absorbed. There is also a simple construction.

The pressure cylinder and the splitting tool are preferably formed in one piece. This allows a further reduction in assembly time and assembly costs. The pressure cylinder and the splitting tool are preferably produced as a cast component. This enables further cost savings.

The assembly module preferably comprises at least one flange section provided on the housing section, to which the frame, in particular a support profile of the frame, can be fastened. Two support profiles are advantageously provided, which are arranged opposite one another on the flange sections, so that an O-shaped frame is formed. As a result, a closed frame can be formed which can absorb high splitting forces.

The two mutually opposite flange sections on the housing section of the assembly module preferably have at least one form-locking element which engages in a complementary element on the carrier profile. This allows plug or screw connections between the flange section of the mounting module and the support profile, the forces occurring during the gripping process are absorbed via the form-locking elements. These form-locking elements are used for power transmission, so that the fastening means or connecting means between the carrier profile and the flange section only assume the fastening function and can be designed free of a splitting force transmission.

A sealing arrangement is preferably provided between the pressure cylinder and the plunger rod. This sealing arrangement can be integrated in the housing section of the assembly module. This configuration has the advantage that only one sealing arrangement is provided in each pressure cylinder, which seals the pressure chambers of the pressure cylinders. In this way, the number of seals and thus the leakage rate can be reduced compared to the use of two hydraulic lifting cylinders located opposite one another.

The sealing arrangement comprises at least one plunger seal, in particular a shaft seal or an O-ring seal, and a wiper element arranged towards the free end of the housing section of the assembly module. This scraper element can be used to create a robust embodiment, since any chips, dust and / or dirt adhering to the plunger rod are kept away from the internal shaft or plunger seal.

Furthermore, a guide for the plunger rod is preferably provided between the sealing arrangement and the pressure chamber. This guidance can be made possible by an annular bushing or an annular bearing element, which guides the inward and outward movement of the plunger rod. By arranging the guide behind the plunger seal and the wiper element, this guide is protected against contamination entering the pressure cylinder and thus against damage. Characterized in that a guide is provided in each of the opposing pressure cylinders and the plunger rod in each of the opposing pressure cylinders in the pressure chambers is movably received, only one guide element on each pressure cylinder is sufficient to guide the plunger rod for the movement. In addition, an increased absorption of the splitting forces is given by the plunger rod being supported on both sides.

Another advantageous embodiment of the actuator provides that an outside of the plunger rod is coated. This creates, for example, corrosion protection. An inside of the pressure chamber of the pressure cylinder is advantageously coated in order to provide corrosion protection and / or protection from the control medium. Air, water, oil or any other slightly compressible or incompressible liquid can be used as the control medium.

A further advantageous embodiment of the assembly module provides that two or more pressure cylinders are each assigned to a fixed splitting tool, which can be controlled simultaneously. As a result, multiple loading of the force can be made possible with the same overall length, depending on the number of pressure cylinders. The pressure stamp acts on each plunger rod, which is guided and driven in a pair of opposing pressure cylinders.

A guide arrangement is preferably provided between each support profile of the frame and the pressure stamp arranged movably therebetween. This guide arrangement preferably comprises at least one guide element which is arranged on each support profile. This guide element engages in a guide groove on the pressure ram, the guide element preferably being guided in the guide groove at least on two sides, in particular on three sides. Such an arrangement not only makes it possible for the pressure stamp to be moved back and forth in a straight line within the gap chamber, but also for the splitting forces acting on the pressure stamp during the splitting process to be absorbed at the same time. In addition, this guide arrangement enables the absorption of transverse forces during the movement of the pressure stamp within the working chamber.

A further preferred embodiment of the device for splitting wood provides that the movement of the plunger rod can be controlled by a two-hand control with two operating levers and that an end of the movement can be monitored by a limit switch. Such a two-hand control has the advantage that the user actuates the operating levers during a splitting process in order to avoid the risk of injury. The operator can end the movement of the plunger rod by releasing the two-hand control. However, if the operator does not release the control lever in time, a limit switch is activated, by means of which the travel movement is switched off or the user is made aware that the pressure stamp is close to the end of the working chamber. For example, the limit switch can be designed in such a way that it generates a vibrating or shaking signal or a counterforce on the operating lever, which is directed against the direction of actuation for controlling the travel movement.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Ausführungsform einer Vorrichtung zum Spalten von Holz,

Figur 2

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 3

eine schematische Ansicht von oben auf die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 4

einen schematischen Schnitt entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 2,

Figur 5

einen schematischen Längsschnitt der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 6

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Montagemoduls für die Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1,

Figur 7

eine schematische Detailansicht des Details "X" in Figur 5,

Figur 8

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zu Figur 1,

Figur 9

eine schematische Seitenansicht der alternativen Ausführungsform in Figur 8,

Figur 10

eine schematisch vergrößerte Schnittansicht des Details "X" in Figur 10,

Figur 11

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 8 in einer eingefahrenen Position und

Figur 12

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer mechanischen Endabschaltung für einen Stellantrieb der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1, und

Figur 13

eine schematische Ansicht von oben auf die mechanische Endabschaltung gemäß Figur 12.

The invention and further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features that can be gathered from the description and the drawings can be used according to the invention individually or in groups in any combination. Show it:

Figure 1

1 shows a perspective embodiment of a device for splitting wood,

Figure 2

is a schematic side view of the device Figure 1 ,

Figure 3

a schematic view from above of the device according to Figure 1 ,

Figure 4

a schematic section along the line AA in Figure 2 ,

Figure 5

a schematic longitudinal section of the device according to Figure 1 ,

Figure 6

a perspective view of a mounting module for the device according to Figure 1 ,

Figure 7

2 shows a schematic detailed view of the detail "X" in FIG. 5,

Figure 8

a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device Figure 1 ,

Figure 9

is a schematic side view of the alternative embodiment in Figure 8 ,

Figure 10

a schematic enlarged sectional view of the detail "X" in Figure 10 ,

Figure 11

is a schematic side view of the device Figure 8 in a retracted position and

Figure 12

is a schematic side view of a mechanical limit switch for an actuator of the device according to Figure 1 , and

Figure 13

a schematic view from above of the mechanical limit switch according to Figure 12 .

In Figure 1 a device 11 for splitting wood is shown in perspective. This device 11 for splitting wood is in a schematic side view in Figure 2 and in a top view in Figure 3 shown. This device 11 comprises a frame 12 that passes through two support profiles 14 is formed. These support profiles 14 can be U-shaped or C-shaped, for example. The carrier profiles 14 are preferably S-shaped, as in the sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 2 emerges. The frame 12 accommodates two splitting tools 16 which are arranged at a distance from one another and are firmly connected to the frame 12. Fastening means 17 are provided for this purpose, for example. These can be screw connections, plug connections or the like. A movable plunger 19 is provided between the two splitting tools 16 which are arranged fixed to one another. Two support surfaces 21 are provided adjacent to the travel path of the pressure stamp 19, which are preferably inclined to the pressure stamp 19. These can be aligned in a flat V-shape with respect to one another, so that a wood 15 placed thereon, which is to be split, is centered on the splitting tools 16. These two support surfaces 21 form a support 22 which is attached to the frame 12. A gap chamber 24 is formed by the stationary splitting tools 16 and the support surfaces 21. Outside of the splitting chamber 24, a further contact surface 26 can be assigned to the splitting tool 16 in order to receive the split pieces of wood after a splitting process.

To control a movement of the pressure ram 19 towards the opposing splitting tool 16, the operator can insert a piece of wood 15 into the splitting chamber 24 ( Figure 2 ) operate the control lever 28. The splitting process is carried out only when both control levers 28 are operated. The plunger 19 moves from the in the Figures 1 and 2nd illustrated end position towards the opposing splitting tool 16 and splits the wood 15 in between.

The splitting tool 16 has a vertically oriented cutting wedge 31 or a cutting knife. This cutting wedge 31 is preferably inclined at its upper free end at an angle α in the direction of the gap chamber 24 ( Figure 5 ). Characterized the piece of wood 15 is held down in the direction of the support surface 21 during the splitting process.

The cutting wedge 31 can be oriented inclined at the angle α over its entire height. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the inclination of the cutting wedge 31, as seen from the free upper end of the cutting tool 16, extends at least over a third of the lengths of the cutting wedges 31 and the remaining distance is oriented, for example, perpendicular to the movement of the pressure stamp 19. The fixed splitting tool 16 can furthermore have fin-shaped cutting wedges 32. With such an arrangement of the splitting tool 16, a piece of wood 15 can be divided into four smaller pieces of wood.

This device 11 has a fastening section 34 on an underside of the frame 12, so that this device 11 can be fastened to an attachment part 36. In Figure 2 the attachment 36 is shown schematically and in dashed lines. The attachment 12 can be a fixed device provided in a room, such as a table or a workbench. The attachment 36 can also be a portable support frame. The attachment part 36 can also be designed as a chassis, which can be transferred to the respective place of use by hand. The attachment part 36 can furthermore be fastened to a trailer or a loading space of a vehicle, in particular a forestry vehicle.

This device 11 comprises an actuating device 38, which comprises an actuator 39, which is based on the Figures 4 to 7 is described in more detail, and an actuator 41, which is shown schematically in Figure 2 is shown. Depending on the selected drive type for the actuator 39, the servomotor 41 is selected. Both pneumatic and hydraulic control can be provided for the actuator 39, and the actuator 41 is accordingly designed as a pneumatic or hydraulic drive. The power supply to the servomotor 41 can be provided by a public electricity network, an on-board network of vehicles or by accumulators. The servomotor can also be designed. The control lines 42 between the servomotor 41 and the actuator 39 of the device 11 are only shown schematically.

The actuator 39 comprises at least two opposing pressure cylinders 44, 45, in which a single plunger rod 46 is guided. One end of the plunger rod 46 is guided in the pressure cylinder 44, 45. The plunger 19 is releasably attached to this plunger rod 46. For example, the pressure stamp 19 can be clamped or tensioned, for example by a clamp 63, with a screw connection, as shown in FIG Figure 4 is shown to be fixed to the plunger rod 46. This allows a structurally simple structure to be created. A guide arrangement 64 is provided to ensure radial rotation relative to the longitudinal axis of the plunger rod 18 and for guidance along the longitudinal axis of the plunger rod 46. This guide arrangement 64 has guide elements 65, which are preferably arranged opposite one another and are each fastened to a carrier profile 14. The guide elements 65 extend at least along the length of the gap chamber 24. On the pressure ram 19, guide grooves 66 are provided, in which the guide elements 65 engage. The guide grooves 66 are preferably arranged opposite one another. The guide elements 65 engage at least on two sides, preferably on three sides, in the guide groove 66. This guide arrangement 64 not only guides a movement of the pressure plunger 19 within the gap chamber 24, but also prevents rotation in the radial direction - that is, at right angles to the direction of travel.

In Figure 5 12 is a schematic longitudinal section of the device 11 according to FIG Figure 1 shown. A single plunger rod 46 is guided in two opposing pressure cylinders 44, 45. A sequential action on the pressure cylinders 44, 45 controls a movement to the left or to the right of the pressure ram 19 within the gap chamber 24. Both control levers 28 are to be actuated. To control the two pressure cylinders 44 and the two pressure cylinders 45 lead to each pressure cylinder a control line which can be controlled by a valve 77. Alternatively, a multi-way valve can also be provided for controlling the two control lines 42, which leads to the pressure cylinders 44 and 45, respectively. As a result, a first operating mode can be controlled in such a way that the valves 47 of the two pressure cylinders 44 are open, so that both pressure cylinders 44 are acted upon by the pressure medium and control a movement of the pressure stamp 19. For an opposite movement, the servomotor 41 is switched over in such a way that the opposite pressure cylinders 45 are supplied with the control medium, which then enables the other pressure cylinders 44 to be emptied.

For a further operating mode, one of the two pressure cylinders 44 can be closed with the valve 77. As a result, the volume flow generated by the servomotor 41 is only supplied to one of the two pressure cylinders 44. This means that either twice the speed or twice the force can be generated. The control of the valves 77 or of a reusable valve for the two pressure cylinders 44 or 45 can preferably be carried out mechanically. Alternatively, an electrical control can also be provided.

The pressure cylinder 44, 45 comprises a housing section 48, as shown in FIG Figure 6 is shown, on which the splitting tool 16 is provided. The pressure cylinder 44, the housing section 48 and the splitting tool 16 are advantageously connected to form an assembly module 51, so that this forms a manageable unit.

The assembly module 51 is advantageously formed in one piece. In particular, this is made as a casting. Two of these in Figure 6 The mounting modules 51 shown are positioned opposite one another, so that the plunger rod 46 is accommodated in a respective pressure cylinder 44, 45 of the mounting modules 51 lying opposite one another. Lateral flange sections are on the housing section 48 53 provided on which the carrier profiles 14 engage. These carrier profiles 14 are spaced parallel to one another and form a closed O-shaped frame with the respective mounting module 51 arranged therebetween. The plunger rod 46 is provided such that it can be moved within the frame.

Parts of the fastening means 17 are provided on the lateral flange sections 53 of the housing section 48. For example, bores or threaded bores can be provided in order to connect the carrier profile 14 thereto by means of a plug or screw connection. Form-fit elements 55 are preferably provided on the surface sections 53, which form into complementary elements 56 (see Figure 2 ) intervene. For example, the interlocking elements 55 are designed as elevations which engage in openings as complementary interlocking elements 56 in the carrier profile 14. As a result, the force flow during the application of a splitting force can be transferred from the splitting tool 16 via the housing section 48 and the form-fitting elements 55, 56 into the carrier profile 14.

The pressure cylinder 44 is preferably designed as a closed pressure chamber 58, into which one end of the plunger rod 46 is immersed and is driven in a movable manner. The pressure chamber 58 of the pressure cylinder 44 is filled with a control medium via a connection 59. The connection 59 can be provided on the housing section 48 or adjacent thereto. Likewise, the connection 59 can be arranged on an end section of the pressure cylinder 44, 45. In addition, a further connection can be provided as an inlet and / or outlet opening. However, preferably only one connection 59 per printing cylinder 44, 45 is sufficient.

The plunger rod 46 is preferably designed as a cylindrical tube, which in each case has a closed end pressure surface 61.

The pressure stamp 19 advantageously has two stamp surfaces 68 aligned parallel to one another, which are oriented perpendicular to the cutting edge of the cutting wedges 31, 32.

In Figure 6 is provided on an open end of the pressure cylinder 44 on the housing section 48, a sealing arrangement 71, which according to the detail "X" in Figure 6 and in Figure 7 is shown schematically enlarged. This sealing arrangement 71 is advantageously integrated on the housing section 48. This comprises a shaft seal or O-ring seal 72, which is positioned in a groove in the housing section 48. A wiper element 73 is provided facing an end face of the housing section 48 and prevents the penetration of dirt or other particles when the plunger rod 46 moves into the pressure chamber 58 of the pressure cylinder 44.

The plunger rod 46 is guided by a guide 75 in the housing section 48. This guide 75 is arranged on the inside, that is to say, viewed from an end face of the housing section 48, behind the scraper element 73 and the shaft seal 72. This guide 75 can be designed as a bearing shell, sliding element or another bearing element which leads to an axial movement of the plunger rod 46 .

The plunger rod 46 has at least a length which is formed by the length of the pressure cylinder 44 and the distance between the splitting tools 16 in the splitting chamber 44. At one in Figure 4 illustrated end position of the plunger rod 46 ensures that the plunger rod 46 is guided both on the guide 75 of the right and left housing section 48. With this arrangement, the plunger rod 46 is supported on both sides. As a result, the splitting forces can be transmitted to the guide 75 in the mounting modules 51 via the pressure ram 19 and the plunger rod 46.

In Figure 8 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of FIG Figure 1 shown. This embodiment of the device 11 differs in that an actuating movement or a traversing movement of the pressure stamp 19 is carried out by two pressure cylinders 44 or two pressure cylinders 45, which each act together in the same direction. As a result, with the same overall length, twice the actuating force as in the embodiment according to Figure 8 are generated for the pressure stamp 19 than in the embodiment according to Figure 1 . The structure is otherwise analogous to the embodiment according to FIGS Figures 1 to 7 .

The Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of the device 11 according to FIG Figure 8 . The carrier profile 14 is made wider in order to fix the two pressure cylinders 44, 45 thereon.

In Figure 10 12 is a schematic sectional view of the device 11 according to FIG Figure 9 shown. The detail "X" in Figure 10 is enlarged in Figure 11 shown. It can be seen from this that a further fastening section 81 is provided on an underside of a housing section 48, which is merely designed as a housing section 48 without a splitting tool 16 in order to be fixed to the housing section 48 lying above it. The structure is otherwise analogous.

To reduce the transport volume of such a device 11, fastening means 17 can be loosened on one of the two mutually opposite mounting modules 51, so that this mounting module 51, with fastening means 17 detached therefrom, can be moved towards the opposite mounting module 51, which is firmly connected to the carrier profile 14. The movement of the released assembly module 51 is limited by the free immersion depth of the plunger rod 46 in the pressure cylinder 44. This means that the device 11 can be shortened by this length for transport. A force storage element 83, in particular a tension spring, can additionally act to support the retraction movement of the one assembly module 51 to the one which is fixedly provided on the carrier profiles 14.

In Figure 11 10 is a schematic side view of the device 11 according to FIG Figure 8 shown for transportation. In order to reduce the total length of the device 11 for transport, the at least one pressure cylinder 44, 45 assigned to one end of the frame 12 can be provided so as to be movable relative to the carrier profile 14, so that the length of the overall device for transport can be reduced. For this purpose, the fastening elements for fixing the housing section 48, in particular the mounting module 51, can be loosened, so that this housing section 48 with the pressure cylinder 44 arranged thereon or the mounting module 51 can be pushed onto the plunger rod 46 until it engages the pressure stamp 19. Such a movement can be supported by the energy storage element 83 after loosening the attachment. As a result, for example, one of the two pressure cylinders 44, 45 can be arranged completely within the carrier profiles 14 and the device 11 can be shortened for transport.

The device 11 according to the Figures 1 to 7 can be shortened in length in an analogous manner for transport.

In Figure 12 a schematic view of a limit switch 85 for stopping the movement of the plunger rod 46 is provided. Figure 13 shows a schematic view from above of the limit switch 85 according to FIG Figure 12 . The limit switch 65 according to the Figures 12 and 13 is mechanically trained. Alternatively, this can also be done by other sensor elements. This mechanical limit switch 85 has the advantage that no additional power supply or other media supply is required. To control the movement of the plunger 19, the operating levers 28 are either moved towards or away from each other. Depending on this direction of movement, a pivoting movement of a control rocker 86 is controlled via control rods 87. The control rods 87 act on the one hand on the control rocker 86 and on the other hand on the operating lever 28. This is coupled with the control rocker 86 Fluid valve 89 controlled, whereby the control pressure is either transferred to outlet 91 or outlet 92. The outlet 91 is connected to the at least one impression cylinder 44 and the outlet 92 is connected to the at least one impression cylinder 45. Accordingly, the movement of the plunger 19 to the left or right.

The limit switch 85 also has a right and left control element 94, 95, which are oriented opposite to one another and have a bevel 96 at the respective end, which is oriented in the direction of the plunger rod 46. The control elements 94, 95 are each connected to the control rocker 86 under a spring bearing.

As soon as the pressure stamp 19 is moved into an end position, as shown in Figure 13 is shown and the operator does not independently stop the actuation of the travel movement, the pressure stamp 19 actuates the control element 94, as a result of which a pressure signal is transmitted via the control rocker 86 to the operating lever 28. Alternatively, this pressure signal can also be transmitted directly to the control lever 28 by the control element 94, 95. In this way, the operator is made aware of the fact that the actuation of the traversing movement is terminated via the operating lever 28.

Claims (14)

1. A device for splitting wood (15) having a frame (12) which supports at least one rest (22) for a log of wood (15) to be split, the device having two splitting tools (16) which are fixedly arranged on said frame (12) and are disposed at a given distance from each other so as to form a splitting chamber (24) and between which a plunger piston (19) is provided which is displaceably driven between the splitting tools (16) by means of an actuating device (38), said actuating device (38) having an actuating drive (39) which has at least two opposing pressure cylinders (44, 45) associated each with one splitting tool (16) and each of the opposing pressure cylinders (44, 45) having one end of a plunger shaft (46) guided therein and said plunger piston (19) being fastened to said plunger shaft (46), characterised in that the plunger shaft (46) is realised in the form of a pressure pipe which has a pressure surface (61) formed on the end face of each end thereof and in that each pressure surface (61) is provided within one of the opposing pressure cylinders (44, 45).
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a pressure chamber (58) of the pressure cylinder (44, 45) may be pressurized by a control medium for activating a movement of travel of the plunger shaft (46).
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the actuating device (38) comprises a servomotor (41) which activates the pressure cylinders (44, 45), preferably alternately, by supplying them with control pressure.
4. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plunger shaft (46) has at least a given length which comprises at least the length of one of the two pressure cylinders (44, 45) plus the distance between two fixedly arranged splitting tools (16) which form the splitting chamber (24).
5. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the pressure cylinder (44, 45) and the splitting tool (16) are provided on a common housing portion (48) and are preferably realised as an assembly module (51).
6. The device as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that the plunger shaft (46) is supported and guided on either end by a respective assembly module (51).
7. The device as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the pressure cylinder (44, 45) and the splitting tool (16) are fixedly connected to each other by being realised in one piece in the form of the housing portion (48) and are preferably fabricated as a cast component.
8. The device as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the assembly module (51) has a flange portion (53) on which the frame (12) may be fastened, said frame being preferably formed by two support profiles (14) and the assembly module (51) preferably having two opposing flange portions (53), and in that each of the flange portions (53) has at least one form-fit element (55) provided thereon that engages with a complementary form-fit element (56) provided on the support profile (14).
9. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that between the pressure cylinder (44, 45) and the plunger shaft (46) a seal assembly (71) is provided which is preferably integrated into the housing portion (48) and in that preferably the seal assembly (71) has at least one shaft seal (72) and a wiper element (73) disposed with respect to the free end of the housing portion (48) .
10. The device as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that between a seal assembly (71) and a pressure chamber (58) of the pressure cylinder (44, 45) a guide (75) for the plunger shaft (46) is provided.
11. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that an outer surface of the plunger shaft (46) and/or an inner surface of the pressure chamber (58) of the pressure cylinder (44, 45) has/have a coating provided thereon.
12. The device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that each assembly module (51) has two or more pressure cylinders (44, 45) which may be activated simultaneously.
13. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that between each support profile (14) and the plunger piston (19), a guide assembly (64) is provided which preferably has at least one guide element (65) that is arranged on said support profile (14) and is guided on at least two sides, in particular on three sides, within a guiding groove (66) provided on the plunger piston (19) .
14. The device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the movement of travel of the plunger shaft (46) may be activated by means of a two-hand control having two operating levers (28) and in that one end of said movement of travel may be monitored by a limit stop device (85).

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