JP7751476B2 - Harvester Equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a harvester device, and more particularly to a harvester device that can feed wood and delimb it.

Conventionally, a harvester device that can feed wood and delimb it is known, as shown in Patent Document 1.

JP 2019-88223 A

However, in these harvester devices, the relatively heavy pieces of wood are usually tightly gripped while being fed, so the feed roller, which is made entirely of rigid iron, is provided with numerous cutting edges (tooth tips) that protrude outward from the outer periphery. These numerous cutting edges dig into the wood grain, ensuring that the wood is fed back and forth reliably.

In recent years, wood has come to be seen as a valuable resource and commodity, and improving the commercial value of wood has become important. The inventors of the present invention have recently noticed a problem that occurs when wood is fed through such harvester devices: the blades and spikes of conventional feed rollers leave marks and scratches, such as tooth marks, on the surface of the wood, reducing the commercial value of the wood. Marks and scratches on wood not only reduce its commercial value, but also create problems such as the effort required to remove the scratches during processing, and the loss of unusable wood due to processing. To solve this new problem, they conducted research into harvester devices that can prevent the commercial value of wood from being reduced.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a harvester device that can prevent scratches and marks such as tooth marks from being left on the wood surface by conventional spikes, teeth, etc., and prevent a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention is a harvester device that can feed and delimb wood, and includes a harvester body that extends along the wood to be fed, a first hydraulic cylinder that extends to one side, left or right, from the harvester body, a first bracket that is connected to the first hydraulic cylinder and can be rotated inward or outward by the first hydraulic cylinder, a first drive unit that is attached to the first bracket, a first feed mechanism that is rotated around a first rotation axis of the first drive unit, a second hydraulic cylinder that extends to the other side, left or right, from the harvester body, and a first bracket that is connected to the second hydraulic cylinder and can be rotated inward or outward by the second hydraulic cylinder. The saw blade comprises a second bracket that can rotate outward, a second drive unit attached to the second bracket, a second feed mechanism that rotates around a second rotation axis of the second drive unit, and a control unit that controls the first hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylinder, the first drive unit, and the second drive unit, and the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism have deformable elastic outer peripheries so that when wood is clamped and fed between the first feed mechanism, which is moved inward by operation of the first hydraulic cylinder, and the second feed mechanism, which is moved inward by operation of the second hydraulic cylinder, the wood is less likely to be marked or scratched even by the gripping force due to hydraulic pressure.
In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism have elastic outer peripheries that are deformable so as to prevent marks or scratches on the surface of the wood, even with a hydraulic gripping force, when the wood is clamped and fed between the first feed mechanism, which is moved inward by operation of the first hydraulic cylinder, and the second feed mechanism, which is moved inward by operation of the second hydraulic cylinder. This makes it possible to prevent marks or scratches on the surface of the wood, such as tooth marks or scratches caused by conventional spikes or teeth, when the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism clamp and feed the wood with relatively strong hydraulic force for branching, cutting, etc., and to prevent a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.
Furthermore, when attempting to perform processing such as delimbing without damaging the wood without using the harvester device of the present invention, it has conventionally been necessary for workers to use chainsaws, requiring approximately 20 workers to perform tasks such as delimbing, cutting, and transporting the wood. With the harvester device of one embodiment of the present invention, such labor costs can be reduced to, for example, just one worker to operate the harvester device, allowing work to be performed more efficiently and safely.
Furthermore, for example, by automatically changing the gripping force of the first and second feed mechanisms according to the diameter (size) of the timber, it is possible to prevent the timber from slipping when the first and second feed mechanisms feed the timber, or the first and second feed mechanisms from coming off the timber.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the elastic outer peripheral portions of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism form a relatively flat upper surface and form corner portions with curved corners between the upper surface and the outer peripheral surfaces on the lateral sides.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic outer peripheral portions of the first and second feed mechanisms have relatively flat upper surfaces and curved corners between the upper surfaces and the lateral outer peripheral surfaces, which prevents the unevenness of the upper surfaces and the sharp corners from leaving marks or scratches on the surface of the wood when the first and second feed mechanisms clamp and feed the wood relatively strongly using hydraulic pressure for branching, cutting, etc., thereby preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, grooves having a height within a range of 1 mm to 20 mm are formed in the elastic outer peripheral portions of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism.
In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the elastic outer periphery of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism has grooves formed therein with a height ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm. Even if the elastic outer periphery has grooves with unevenness formed therein, the grooves remain within a relatively small height range, and the elasticity of, for example, rubber makes it difficult to leave marks or scratches on the wood surface, thereby further preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are preferably configured so that the force acting on the wood from each of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism when the wood is clamped between the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism is within the range of 800 kgf to 4000 kgf.
In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are configured so that the force acting on the wood from each of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism when the wood is clamped between the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism is within a range of 800 kgf to 4000 kgf. This allows the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism to clamp the wood even when performing branching, cutting, etc., and prevents marks or scratches from being left on the wood surface even when the wood is clamped with such a relatively large force when being fed, thereby preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

In one embodiment of the present invention, preferably, the saw further includes a cutter that is positioned around the wood clamped by the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism, and that removes branches from the wood as the wood is fed.
In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism can de-branch the wood while feeding it in a way that is less likely to leave marks or scratches on the surface of the wood, making it possible to efficiently de-branch the wood while preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

In one embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to further include a cutting device capable of cutting wood.
In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism can cut the wood at any position while feeding the wood in a way that is less likely to leave marks or scratches on the wood surface, and can efficiently cut and transport the wood while preventing the wood's commercial value from decreasing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic outer peripheral portions of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism preferably include spikes.
In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the elastic outer peripheries of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism are provided with spikes, which allow the spikes to follow the unevenness of the wood due to the elasticity of the elastic outer peripheries, making it less likely to leave marks or scratches on the wood surface, while also preventing slippage when feeding the wood, allowing the wood to be fed efficiently.

The harvester device of the present invention can prevent marks and scratches from being left on the bark of the tree, thereby preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

1 is a perspective view of a harvester device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a front view of a harvester device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the timber feed unit of the harvester device of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the rear portion of the harvester device of FIG. 1; 2 is a diagram showing how a timber piece with a relatively large diameter is clamped and fed by the timber feeding unit of the harvester device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how a timber piece having a relatively small diameter is clamped and fed by the timber feeding unit of the harvester device of FIG. 1 . FIG. FIG. 10 is a front view of a timber feeding unit of a harvester device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a modified example of the first feed mechanism or the second feed mechanism of the harvester device. FIG. 10 is a top view showing a modified example of the first feeding mechanism or the second feeding mechanism of the harvester device.

A harvester device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a harvester device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a harvester device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view of a wood feeding unit of the harvester device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the rear portion of the harvester device of FIG. 1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a harvester apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a harvester timber feed unit 2 and a delimbing unit 4. The harvester apparatus 1 is a forestry harvester apparatus that can feed timber with branches and delimb the timber while feeding it. The harvester apparatus 1 can also cut timber (trunks) at any position. The harvester apparatus 1 includes a harvester main body 6 that extends along the timber being fed while holding the timber inside as if embracing it.
In the following description of the first embodiment of the present invention, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 1 , the direction of the front side of the harvester body 6 along the longitudinal direction of the harvester body 6 is referred to as the front side, the direction of the back side of the harvester body 6 along the longitudinal direction is referred to as the rear side, the right-hand side when viewed from the front side of the harvester body 6 is referred to as the right side, and the left-hand side thereof is referred to as the left side, the side of the harvester body 6 that clamps the wood as if embracing it is referred to as the lower side, and the opposite side is referred to as the upper side.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the timber feeding unit 2 includes a first hydraulic cylinder 8 extending to either the left or right from the harvester main body 6; a first bracket 10 connected to the first hydraulic cylinder 8 and rotatable inward or outward by the first hydraulic cylinder 8; a first drive unit 12 attached to the first bracket 10 and configured to rotate a first feed mechanism 14 about a rotation axis; the first feed mechanism 14 rotated about a first rotation axis 13 of the first drive unit 12; a second hydraulic cylinder 16 extending to the other left or right from the harvester main body 6; a second bracket 18 connected to the second hydraulic cylinder 16 and rotatable inward or outward by the second hydraulic cylinder 16; a second drive unit 20 attached to the second bracket 18 and configured to rotate a second feed mechanism 22 about a rotation axis; and the second feed mechanism 22 rotated about a second rotation axis 21 of the second drive unit 20.

The lumber feed unit 2 is controlled by the operation of the first hydraulic cylinder 8 and the second hydraulic cylinder 16 so that the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 open and close between an outwardly open state and an inwardly closed state.

The harvester body 6 extends longitudinally so as to follow the timber. The harvester body 6 is attached to the arm of a construction machine such as a power shovel or crane, for example, a forestry machine, via an attachment arm or the like.

The first hydraulic cylinder 8 extends laterally to the right from the harvester body 6. The base of the first hydraulic cylinder 8 is pivotally connected to the harvester body 6, and the tip of the first hydraulic cylinder 8 is pivotally connected to the upper part of the first bracket 10 via a pivot pin 9. Thus, when the first hydraulic cylinder 8 extends, the lower part of the first bracket 10 moves inward and assumes a closed state.
The first hydraulic cylinder 8 is formed by a cylinder with a relatively large cross-sectional area that generates a relatively large hydraulic pressure so that the force acting on the wood from the first feed mechanism 14 when the wood is clamped between the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 is preferably in the range of 800 kgf to 4000 kgf, more preferably in the range of 800 kgf to 3000 kgf.

The first bracket 10 is pivotally connected to a pivot pin 11. A first drive unit 12 is fixed to the lower part of the first bracket 10, and the first drive unit 12 and first feed mechanism 14 can move together with the first bracket 10 from an outwardly open state to an inwardly closed state.

The first drive unit 12 is composed of a reversible hydraulic motor 60. The first rotating shaft 13 of the first drive unit 12 extends downward. A first feed mechanism 14 is attached to the lower end of the first rotating shaft 13. The underside of the first rotating shaft 13 of the first drive unit 12 is formed in a disk shape, and multiple screw holes are formed in an annular pattern on the underside.

The first feed mechanism 14 is cylindrical, with its top, outer circumferential surface, and bottom surface each forming a substantially flat surface. The first feed mechanism 14 constitutes a timber feed roller that feeds timber. The first feed mechanism 14 is attached to the first rotating shaft 13 and is configured to be able to rotate forward and backward together with the first rotating shaft 13. The first feed mechanism 14 forms a rotating body that rotates horizontally on the right side when viewed from the front. The first feed mechanism 14 has multiple screw holes formed in its inner circular mounting portion, and is fixed to the first rotating shaft 13 with multiple bolts 15 that pass through the screw holes in the first drive unit 12 and the screw holes in the first feed mechanism 14.

The second hydraulic cylinder 16 extends laterally to the left from the harvester body 6. The base of the second hydraulic cylinder 16 is pivotally connected to the harvester body 6, and the tip of the second hydraulic cylinder 16 is pivotally connected to the upper part of the second bracket 18 via a pivot pin 17. Therefore, when the second hydraulic cylinder 16 extends, the lower part of the second bracket 18 moves inward and assumes a closed state.
The second hydraulic cylinder 16 is formed by a cylinder with a relatively large cross-sectional area that generates a relatively large hydraulic pressure so that the force acting on the wood from the second feed mechanism 22 when the wood is clamped between the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 is preferably in the range of 800 kgf to 4000 kgf, more preferably in the range of 800 kgf to 3000 kgf.

The second bracket 18 is pivotally connected to a pivot pin 19. A second drive unit 20 is fixed to the lower part of the second bracket 18, and together with the second bracket 18, the second drive unit 20 and second feed mechanism 22 can move between an outwardly open position and an inwardly closed position.

The second drive unit 20 is composed of a reversible hydraulic motor 62. The second rotating shaft 21 of the second drive unit 20 extends downward. A second feed mechanism 22 is attached to the lower end of the second rotating shaft 21. The lower surface of the second rotating shaft 21 of the second drive unit 20 is formed in a disk shape, and multiple screw holes are formed in an annular pattern on the lower surface.

The second feed mechanism 22 is cylindrical, with its top, outer circumferential surface, and bottom surface each forming a substantially flat surface. The second feed mechanism 22 constitutes a timber feed roller that feeds timber. The second feed mechanism 22 is attached to the second rotating shaft 21 and is rotatable forward and reverse together with the second rotating shaft 21. The second feed mechanism 22 forms a rotating body that rotates horizontally on the left side when viewed from the front. The second feed mechanism 22 has multiple screw holes formed in its inner circular mounting portion, and is fixed to the first rotating shaft 13 with multiple bolts 15 that pass through the screw holes in the second drive unit 20 and the screw holes in the second feed mechanism 22.

The harvester body 6 further includes a clamp arm 24 attached to the harvester body 6 and operable to rotate inward or outward, a power chainsaw 26 as a cutting device that swings during cutting operations, and a middle roller 30 located in the center of the harvester body 6 in the left-right direction.

The clamp arms 24 comprise a first clamp arm 24a extending from the top of the harvester body 6 to the right side, and a second clamp arm 24b extending to the left side. The clamp arms 24 are formed like claws extending downward from the left and right sides. When the left and right clamp arms are closed, the clamp arms 24 are able to hold and grasp wood by embracing it inside. The clamp arms 24 are opened and closed hydraulically.

The power chainsaw 26 can cut timber T to any length by moving the chainsaw, which is driven by the hydraulic motor 64, vertically relative to the timber T clamped by the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 (or held by the left and right clamp arms 24). The power chainsaw 26 can cut down standing trees when the harvester device 1 is holding the tree before felling. The hydraulic motor that drives the power chainsaw 26 is electrically connected to and controlled by the control unit 50. The power chainsaw 26 is located within the case 28. The power chainsaw 26 may be replaced with another cutting device, such as a cutter blade, that can cut timber T to any length.

The middle roller 30 is positioned on the longitudinal axis of the harvester main body 6 when viewed from above. When viewed from the front, the middle roller 30 is formed in a hand drum shape. The middle roller 30 is configured to cooperate with the left and right first feed mechanism 14 and second feed mechanism 22, which are opened and closed, to enable smoother feeding of wood. The middle roller 30 is driven to rotate by a third drive unit 32 and a fourth drive unit 33. The third drive unit 32 and the fourth drive unit 33 are configured by reversible hydraulic motors. The rotation axes of the third drive unit 32 and the fourth drive unit 33 each extend to the inside of the middle roller 30, rotating the middle roller 30, which is a single rotating body. The third drive unit 32 and the fourth drive unit 33 are hydraulically synchronized with each other and rotate at the same rotation speed. Additionally, the third drive unit 32 on the right side is mounted in series on the same first hydraulic circuit as the first drive unit 12, and the fourth drive unit 33 on the left side is mounted in series on the same second hydraulic circuit as the second drive unit 20. The first hydraulic circuit and the second hydraulic circuit are configured as parallel hydraulic circuits branching off from a single hydraulic circuit. Therefore, the third drive unit 32 and the fourth drive unit 33 are hydraulically synchronized with each other and rotate at the same rotation speed. This makes it difficult for the left and right feed rollers and the central middle roller to spin freely relative to the lumber, allowing these rotations to feed the lumber efficiently and reliably.

The delimbing unit 4 includes a fixed upper cutter 40 attached to the unit body, and cutter arms 42, 44 that can be opened and closed to the left and right and have side cutters 42a, 44a, respectively. The fixed upper cutter 40 and side cutters 42a, 44a are positioned around the lumber T held by the first feed mechanism 14 and second feed mechanism 22, and are designed to remove branches from the lumber T as it is fed.

The harvester device 1 further includes a control unit 50 that controls the first hydraulic cylinder 8, the second hydraulic cylinder 16, the first drive unit 12, the second drive unit 20, the clamp arm 24, the power chainsaw 26, etc. The control unit 50 controls each of the first hydraulic cylinder 8 and the second hydraulic cylinder 16 via a hydraulic pump (not shown). The control unit 50 also controls each of the first drive unit 12, the second drive unit 20, and the middle roller 30 via a hydraulic pump (not shown) and a switching valve (not shown).
The control unit 50 has a built-in CPU, memory, etc., and controls connected devices so that the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 clamp and feed the timber, etc., based on a predetermined control program recorded in the memory, etc. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the hydraulic pump, power chainsaw 26, etc., as described above. Although the control unit 50 is illustrated in the harvester main body 6 as shown in Figure 1 by way of example, it may be located anywhere on the construction machine, etc., to which the harvester main body 6 is connected.

The control unit 50 may be configured to control the first hydraulic cylinder 8 and the second hydraulic cylinder 16 via a hydraulic pump so that the force acting on the wood from each of the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 when the wood is clamped between the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 is within the range of 800 kgf to 4000 kgf.
Furthermore, for example, the control unit 50 may be configured to automatically change the gripping force of the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 within the above-mentioned range, for example, 800 kgf to 4000 kgf, in accordance with the diameter (size) of the lumber. In such a case, slippage of the lumber or separation of the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 from the lumber when the lumber is fed by the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 can be prevented.

Next, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
The first feed mechanism 14 includes an elastic outer peripheral portion 52 provided on the outer periphery, a base portion 53 inside the elastic outer peripheral portion 52, and a cylindrical support structure 58 further inside the base portion 53. The first feed mechanism 14 forms an elastic structure as a soft body by the base portion 53 and the elastic outer peripheral portion 52.

The elastic outer periphery 52 is formed as a relatively thick elastic layer made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is deformable. Because the elastic outer periphery 52 is made of an elastic material such as rubber that is softer than wood, it is less likely to scratch the wood. The elastic outer periphery 52 has a relatively flat upper surface 52a, a relatively flat outer periphery 52b, and a relatively flat bottom surface 52c. The elastic outer periphery 52 forms the outermost surfaces of the upper surface 52a, outer periphery 52b, and bottom surface 52c, and forms the outermost edge of the first feed mechanism 14. Therefore, even if any part of the upper surface 52a, outer periphery 52b, or bottom surface 52c of the elastic outer periphery 52 comes into contact with the wood, it is less likely to leave teeth marks or scratches on the wood surface. The elastic outer periphery 52 also forms corner portions 52d with curved corners between the upper surface 52a and outer periphery 52b and between the outer periphery 52b and bottom surface 52c. The corner portions 52d are annular in top view. The corners 52d of the elastic outer periphery 52 are unlikely to form sharp protrusions even on the shoulders of the cylinder, so even if they come into contact with wood, they are unlikely to leave marks or scratches such as tooth marks on the wood surface.

The base portion 53 is a base layer formed inside the elastic periphery portion 52 and supports the elastic periphery portion 52. The base portion 53 is solid and forms an elastic material layer with properties different from those of the elastic material of the elastic periphery portion 52. The base portion 53 is deformable in response to pressure applied to the elastic periphery portion 52. The base portion 53 is made of an elastic material harder than the elastic periphery portion 52 to reinforce the elastic periphery portion 52. As a modified example, the base portion 53 may be formed by combining an elastic material layer, such as rubber, that is softer than the elastic periphery portion 52 with an elastic material layer, such as rubber, that is harder than the elastic periphery portion 52. As a further modified example, the base portion 53 may be formed by a support structure, such as a metal base band, that is harder than the elastic periphery portion 52. Returning to this embodiment, the support structure 58 is formed cylindrically and has a circular mounting portion on the inside. The support structure 58 is made of metal. A base portion 53 is attached to the support structure 58, and the support structure 58, base portion 53, and elastic outer peripheral portion 52 rotate as a single unit. Because the base portion 53 supports the elastic outer peripheral portion 52, the base portion 53 is relatively rigid and easily transmits force, making it easier to increase the force acting on the wood from the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 while still allowing the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 to deform. This makes it easier to further increase the force with which the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 clamps the wood.

The height from the top surface 52a to the bottom surface 52c of the first feed mechanism 14 is within the range of 50 mm to 400 mm. The diameter of the first feed mechanism 14 is within the range of 300 mm to 800 mm.

The second feed mechanism 22 also includes an elastic outer peripheral portion 54 provided on the outer periphery, and a base portion 55 inside the elastic outer peripheral portion 54. The second feed mechanism 22 forms an elastic structure as a soft body by the base portion 55 and the elastic outer peripheral portion 54.
The elastic outer peripheral portion 54 is formed as a relatively thick elastic layer made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is deformable. Because the elastic outer peripheral portion 54 is made of an elastic material such as rubber that is softer than wood, it is less likely to scratch the wood. The elastic outer peripheral portion 54 has a relatively flat upper surface 54a, a relatively flat outer peripheral surface 54b, and a relatively flat bottom surface 54c. The elastic outer peripheral portion 54 forms the outermost surfaces of the upper surface 54a, the outer peripheral surface 54b, and the bottom surface 54c, and forms the outermost edge of the second feed mechanism 22. Therefore, even if any of the upper surface 54a, the outer peripheral surface 54b, or the bottom surface 54c of the elastic outer peripheral portion 54 comes into contact with the wood, it is less likely to leave teeth marks or scratches on the wood surface. The elastic outer peripheral portion 54 further has curved corner portions 54d between the upper surface 54a and the outer peripheral surface 54b, and between the outer peripheral surface 54b and the bottom surface 54c. The corner portions 54d are annular in top view. The corner portions 54d of the elastic outer peripheral portion 54 are unlikely to form sharp-angled protrusions even at the shoulder portion of the cylinder, so that even if they come into contact with wood, they are unlikely to leave marks such as teeth marks, grooves, scratches, etc. on the wood surface.

The base portion 55 is formed inside the elastic periphery 54 and is a base layer that supports the elastic periphery 52. The base portion 55 is solid and forms an elastic material layer with properties different from those of the elastic material of the elastic periphery 54. The base portion 55 is deformable in response to pressure applied to the elastic periphery 54. The base portion 55 is made of an elastic material that is harder than the elastic periphery 54 and reinforces the elastic periphery 54. As a modified example, the base portion 55 may be formed by combining an elastic material layer, such as rubber, that is softer than the elastic periphery 54 with an elastic material layer, such as rubber, that is harder than the elastic periphery 54. As a further modified example, the base portion 55 may be formed by a support structure, such as a metal base band, that is harder than the elastic periphery 54. Returning to this embodiment, the support structure 59 is formed cylindrically and has a circular mounting portion on the inside. The support structure 59 is made of metal. A base portion 55 is attached to the support structure 59, and the support structure 59, base portion 55, and elastic outer peripheral portion 54 rotate as a single unit. The first feed mechanism 14 and second feed mechanism 22 may be formed using, for example, a solid tire. By supporting the elastic outer peripheral portion 52, the base portion 55 is relatively rigid and easily transmits force, making it easier to increase the force acting on the wood from the elastic outer peripheral portion 54 while still allowing the elastic outer peripheral portion 54 to deform. This makes it easier to further increase the force with which the elastic outer peripheral portion 54 clamps the wood.

The height from the top surface 54a to the bottom surface 54c of the second feed mechanism 22 is within the range of 50 mm to 400 mm. The diameter of the second feed mechanism 22 is within the range of 300 mm to 800 mm. The second feed mechanism 22 is formed to be the same size as the first feed mechanism 14 and is positioned symmetrically with respect to the harvester body 6.

The top surface 52a, outer surface 52b, and bottom surface 52c of the elastic outer periphery 52 each have grooves 52e with a height ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm. The elastic outer periphery 52 does not necessarily have to have grooves 52e. The top surface 54a, outer surface 54b, and bottom surface 54c of the elastic outer periphery 54 each have grooves 54e with a height ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm. The elastic outer periphery 54 does not necessarily have to have grooves 54e. Therefore, even if the elastic outer periphery 52 and the elastic outer periphery 54 have grooves with irregularities, they remain relatively small in height, and most of the outer surface (e.g., more than half) forms an approximately flat surface. This makes it less likely that marks, grooves, or scratches will be left on the surface of the wood due to irregularities, even if the elastic outer periphery 52 and the elastic outer periphery 54 are pressed against the wood with a relatively large force.

Next, the operation of the harvester device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The harvester body 6 attached to the arm of the forestry machine is positioned along the timber. At this time, the first hydraulic cylinder 8 and the second hydraulic cylinder 16 are not driven, the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 18 are in an open state, and the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 are each positioned in an open state on the lateral side of the harvester body 6.
Next, the control unit 50 drives the first hydraulic cylinder 8 and the second hydraulic cylinder 16, causing the lower portions of the first bracket 10 and the second bracket 18 to rotate inward, and the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 to close and face inward. As a result, the wood piece positioned between the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 is clamped (gripped) by the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22. The upper portion of the wood piece is supported by the middle roller 30 in addition to the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22, providing more stable support. In this way, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 can clamp wood pieces with diameters ranging from 50 mm to 700 mm, for example.

As shown in Figure 5, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 can clamp relatively large pieces of wood with a large diameter. The first feed mechanism 14 includes an elastic outer periphery 52, and the second feed mechanism 22 also includes an elastic outer periphery 54. Therefore, the wood T is clamped relatively strongly between the first feed mechanism 14, which is moved inward by the operation of the first hydraulic cylinder 8, and the second feed mechanism 22, which is moved inward by the operation of the second hydraulic cylinder 16. When the wood T is fed, even with a relatively large gripping force due to hydraulic pressure, marks such as tooth marks, grooves, scratches, etc. are less likely to be left on the bare wood Ta. Furthermore, when the elastic outer periphery 52 (or the elastic outer periphery 54) is pressed against the wood T, the elastic outer periphery 52 (or the elastic outer periphery 54) is deformed to conform to the surface shape of the bare wood Ta of the wood T, forming a curved surface that conforms to the surface, making it less likely to leave marks such as tooth marks, grooves, scratches, etc. that dig into the interior of the bare wood Ta of the wood T.
Furthermore, when the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 (or elastic outer peripheral portion 54) is pressed against the wooden piece T, the shape of the air layer inside the air chamber 53 (or air chamber 55) inside the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 (or elastic outer peripheral portion 54) can also be deformed, so that the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 (or elastic outer peripheral portion 54) changes to a flexible shape, making it less likely to damage the wooden piece T. Furthermore, when the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 (or elastic outer peripheral portion 54) is pressed against the wooden piece T, the contact surface is increased so that the elastic outer peripheral portion 52 (or elastic outer peripheral portion 54) slightly widens, so that the wooden piece T can be more stably clamped and fed back and forth.

With the harvester device 1 according to this embodiment, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 can clamp and feed relatively heavy pieces of wood (e.g., one ton) back and forth. The ratio of the frictional force between the wood and the first feed mechanism 14 or the second feed mechanism 22 to the force applied to the wood from the first feed mechanism 14 or the second feed mechanism 22 can be expressed as the coefficient of friction μ. When water on the wood surface freezes, μ is approximately 0.3; when the wood surface is wet, μ is approximately 0.4 to 0.6; and when the wood surface is dry, μ is approximately 0.8. Therefore, by dividing the weight of the wood by μ and then subtracting the weight of the wood itself, the force acting on the wood from the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 to generate frictional force can be calculated. Assuming that the weight of a piece of wood is 1 ton, 1 ton of weight/μ = 0.3 = approximately 3.3 tons, approximately 3.3 tons - 1 ton of weight (the weight of the wood) = 2.3 tons, and 2.3 tons / 2 = 1.15 tons. Therefore, the force applied to the wood from the first feed mechanism 14 or the second feed mechanism 22 is calculated to be 1,150 kgf. When the force applied to the wood from the first feed mechanism 14 or the second feed mechanism 22 by the first hydraulic cylinder 8 or the second hydraulic cylinder 16 is 1,150 kgf, the wood can be properly fed by friction. Because the force acting on the wood from the first feed mechanism 144 or the second feed mechanism 22 is set within a predetermined range, the wood can be properly fed by the first feed mechanism 14 or the second feed mechanism 22 even if the ambient temperature changes. Furthermore, when μ is greater than approximately 0.3 (e.g., μ = 0.5), the force acting on the lumber from the first feed mechanism 144 or the second feed mechanism 22 is 1 ton of weight/μ, which is 0.5 = approximately 2.0 tons, approximately 2.0 tons - 1 ton of weight = 1.0 ton, and 1.0 tons/2 = 0.5 tons. Therefore, if a smaller force of 500 kgf is applied from each feed mechanism, the lumber can be properly fed by friction. Even in summer, when the bark of the lumber is easily peeled off and the surface of the lumber is relatively slippery, the lumber can be properly fed by the first feed mechanism 144 or the second feed mechanism 22. Even when such a relatively large force is acting on the lumber, the first feed mechanism 144 and the second feed mechanism 22 can prevent marks such as tooth marks, grooves, and scratches from being left on the surface of the lumber.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 can clamp even relatively small pieces of wood with a small diameter. The wood T is clamped relatively strongly between the first feed mechanism 14, which is moved inward by the operation of the first hydraulic cylinder 8, and the second feed mechanism 22, which is moved inward by the operation of the second hydraulic cylinder 16. When the wood T is fed, even with the relatively large gripping force generated by the hydraulic pressure, marks such as tooth marks, grooves, scratches, etc. are less likely to be left on the wood surface Ta. Furthermore, when the elastic outer periphery 52 (or the elastic outer periphery 54) is pressed against the wood T, the elastic outer periphery 52 (or the elastic outer periphery 54) deforms to conform to the surface shape of the wood surface Ta of the wood T, forming a curved surface that conforms to the surface. This makes it less likely that teeth marks, grooves, scratches, etc. will be left behind when the wood T digs into the wood surface Ta. In particular, even when the wooden piece T has a relatively small outer diameter, the elastic outer periphery 52 (or elastic outer periphery 54) can flexibly deform to conform to the surface shape of the bare wood Ta of the small-diameter wooden piece T, making it less likely to leave marks, grooves, or scratches such as tooth marks that dig into the interior of the bare wood Ta of the wooden piece T. Furthermore, when the elastic outer periphery 52 (or elastic outer periphery 54) is pressed against the wooden piece T, the shape of the air layer inside the air chamber 53 (or air chamber 55) inside the elastic outer periphery 52 (or elastic outer periphery 54) can also deform, allowing the elastic outer periphery 52 (or elastic outer periphery 54) to change to a flexible shape, making it less likely to damage the wooden piece T. Furthermore, when the elastic outer periphery 52 (or elastic outer periphery 54) is pressed against the wooden piece T, the contact surface is increased so that the elastic outer periphery 52 (or elastic outer periphery 54) slightly expands, allowing the wooden piece T to be more stably clamped and fed back and forth.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the lumber T is fed to the front or rear of the harvester body 6 by the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22, the branches of the lumber T hit the fixed upper cutter 40, side cutters 42a, 44a, etc., and are delimbed by these cutters. The elastic outer periphery 52 and the elastic outer periphery 54 can sufficiently and relatively strongly grip the lumber T, even when delimbing the lumber T.

Next, the effects of the configuration of this embodiment will be described.
In one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 are provided with deformable elastic outer peripheral portions 52, 54 that are less likely to mark or scratch the surface of the wood even with hydraulic gripping force when clamping and feeding the wood between the first feed mechanism 14, which is moved inward by the operation of the first hydraulic cylinder 8, and the second feed mechanism 22, which is moved inward by the operation of the second hydraulic cylinder 16. This prevents the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 from leaving marks or scratches on the surface of the wood, such as tooth marks or scratches caused by conventional spikes or teeth, when clamping and feeding the wood relatively strongly using hydraulic pressure for delimbing, cutting, etc., thereby preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood. Furthermore, when attempting to delimb or process the wood without using the harvester device of the present invention without damaging it, it has traditionally been necessary to use a chainsaw by hand, requiring approximately 20 workers to perform tasks such as delimbing, cutting, and transporting the wood. According to the harvester device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the labor costs for such personnel can be reduced to, for example, about one worker to operate the harvester device, and work can be carried out more efficiently and safely.

In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the elastic outer peripheries 52, 54 of the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 form relatively flat upper surfaces 52a, 54a, and form corner portions 52d, 54d with curved corners between the upper surfaces 52a, 54a and the lateral outer surfaces. This prevents marks or scratches on the wood surface caused by unevenness on the upper surfaces 52a, 54a and the sharp edges of the corner portions 52d, 54d when the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 relatively strongly clamp and feed the wood using hydraulic pressure for delimbing, cutting, etc., thereby preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, grooves 52e, 54e with heights ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm are formed in the elastic outer peripheries 52, 54 of the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22. Even if the grooves 52e, 54e are formed in the elastic outer peripheries 52, 54 in this way, they remain within a relatively small height range, making it less likely that marks or scratches will be left on the wood surface, and further preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the wood.

In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the first hydraulic cylinder 8 and the second hydraulic cylinder 16 are configured so that the force acting on the lumber from each of the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 when the lumber is clamped between them is within the range of 800 kgf to 4000 kgf. This allows the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 to clamp the lumber even when performing branching or cutting, and prevents marks or scratches on the surface of the wood even when clamping the lumber with such a relatively large force when feeding the lumber, thereby preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the lumber.

In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 can delimb the wood while feeding it in a way that minimizes marks or scratches on the surface of the wood, allowing for efficient delimbing while minimizing the loss of the wood's commercial value.

In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 can cut the wood at any position while feeding it in a way that minimizes marks or scratches on the wood surface, allowing the wood to be cut and transported efficiently while preventing the wood's commercial value from being reduced.

In one embodiment of the present invention configured in this manner, the elastic outer peripheries 52, 54 of the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 are equipped with spikes 56. By providing the spikes 56 on the elastic outer peripheries 52, 54, the elasticity of the spikes 56 allows them to follow the unevenness of the wood, making it less likely to leave marks or scratches on the wood surface, while also preventing slippage when feeding the wood, allowing the wood to be fed efficiently.

Next, a harvester according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The second embodiment is an example in which the internal structure of the first feed mechanism or the second feed mechanism of the harvester according to the present invention is modified. Fig. 7 is a front view of the harvester according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
Since the harvester device 101 according to the second embodiment has almost the same structure as the harvester device according to the first embodiment described above, only the differences between the second embodiment of the present invention and the first embodiment will be described, and similar parts will be given the same reference symbols in the drawings and will not be described again.

As shown in Figure 7, the first feed mechanism 114 and the second feed mechanism 122 will be described. The first feed mechanism 114 includes an elastic outer peripheral portion 152 provided on the outer periphery and an air chamber 153 inside the elastic outer peripheral portion 152. The first feed mechanism 114 forms an elastic structure as a soft body with the air chamber 153 and the elastic outer peripheral portion 52. The elastic outer peripheral portion 152 is formed as a relatively thin elastic layer made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is deformable. The elastic outer peripheral portion 152 forms a relatively flat upper surface 52a, a relatively flat outer peripheral surface 52b, and a relatively flat bottom surface 52c. The elastic outer peripheral portion 152 forms the outermost surfaces of the upper surface 52a, the outer peripheral surface 52b, and the bottom surface 52c, and forms the outermost edge of the first feed mechanism 114. Therefore, no matter which part of the upper surface 52a, the outer peripheral surface 52b, or the bottom surface 52c of the elastic outer peripheral portion 152 comes into contact with wood, it is unlikely to leave teeth marks or scratches on the wood surface. The elastic outer periphery 152 further forms corner portions 52d with curved corners between the top surface 52a and the outer periphery 52b, and between the outer periphery 52b and the bottom surface 52c. The corner portions 52d are annular in top view. The corner portions 52d of the elastic outer periphery 152 are unlikely to form sharp protrusions even on the shoulder portions of the cylinder, so are unlikely to leave marks or scratches on the wood surface even when they come into contact with it. A structural member such as a belt is provided inside the elastic outer periphery 152 to reinforce the structure of the elastic outer periphery 152. The air chamber 153 forms an annular air space inside. A cylindrical support structure 58 is provided further inside the air chamber 153.

The second feed mechanism 122 also has an elastic outer periphery 154 provided on the outer periphery and an air chamber 155 inside the elastic outer periphery 154. The second feed mechanism 122 forms an elastic structure as a soft body by the air chamber 155 and the elastic outer periphery 154. The elastic outer periphery 154 is formed as a relatively thin elastic layer made of an elastic material such as rubber, and is formed to be deformable. The elastic outer periphery 154 forms a relatively flat upper surface 54a, a relatively flat outer periphery 54b, and a relatively flat bottom surface 54c. The elastic outer periphery 154 forms the outermost surfaces of the upper surface 54a, the outer periphery 54b, and the bottom surface 54c, and forms the outermost edge of the second feed mechanism 122. Therefore, no matter which part of the upper surface 54a, the outer periphery 54b, or the bottom surface 54c of the elastic outer periphery 154 comes into contact with the wood, it is unlikely to leave teeth marks or scratches on the wood surface. The elastic outer periphery 154 further forms corner portions 54d with curved corners between the top surface 54a and the outer periphery 54b, and between the outer periphery 54b and the bottom surface 54c. The corner portions 54d are annular in top view. The corner portions 54d of the elastic outer periphery 154 are unlikely to form sharp protrusions even on the shoulder portions of the cylinder, so are unlikely to leave marks such as tooth marks, grooves, or scratches on the wood surface even when they come into contact with it. A structural member such as a belt is provided inside the elastic outer periphery 154 to reinforce the structure of the elastic outer periphery 154. The air chamber 155 forms an annular air space inside. The air chamber 155 forms an annular air space inside. A cylindrical support structure 59 is provided further inside the air chamber 155.

Air chamber 153 is filled with air and maintains the shape of elastic outer periphery 152 due to air pressure. Air chamber 153 is deformable in response to the pressure applied to elastic outer periphery 152. Air chamber 155 is filled with air and maintains the shape of elastic outer periphery 154 due to air pressure. Air chamber 155 is deformable in response to the pressure applied to elastic outer periphery 154. By providing air chamber 153 and air chamber 155, respectively, first feed mechanism 114 and second feed mechanism 122 can increase the area in contact with the wood surface, making it easier to feed wood of various shapes and conditions. First feed mechanism 114 and second feed mechanism 122 may be formed using, for example, pneumatic tires. The operation of harvester device 101 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially similar to that of harvester device 1 according to the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and other modified examples may also be applied. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, spikes 56 may be further provided on the elastic outer periphery 52 and/or the elastic outer periphery 54 of the first feed mechanism 14 and/or the second feed mechanism 22. Because the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 have substantially the same shape, the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 are shown in a common diagram in Figures 8 and 9. Note that while an example in which spikes 56 are applied to the first feed mechanism 14 and the second feed mechanism 22 of the first embodiment is shown, spikes 56 may also be applied to the first feed mechanism 114 and the second feed mechanism 122 of the second embodiment.

The spikes 56 are made of metal and have a small-diameter cylindrical shape. Multiple spikes 56 are provided on the outer surface 52b of the elastic outer periphery 52. The spikes 56 form protrusions that protrude outward from the elastic outer periphery 52. The bases of the spikes 56 are attached inside the rubber elastic outer periphery 52. The spikes 56 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the entire circumference. The spikes are made of metal and form blades that protrude outward. The spikes are not formed to form convex portions that are so wide that they would easily leave marks or scratches on the wood surface, for example, continuous protrusions from the top surface 52a through the outer periphery 52b to the bottom surface 52c. More than half of the outer periphery 52b, and more preferably more than two-thirds, are formed by the elastic outer periphery 52. Even when metal spikes are arranged in this manner, the bases of the spikes 56 and the surrounding elastic outer periphery 52 are deformable, which prevents marks or scratches on the wood surface and reduces the commercial value of the wood.

Multiple spikes 56 are also provided on the outer surface 54b of the elastic outer periphery 54. The spikes 56 are made of metal and are cylindrical with a small diameter. The spikes 56 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the entire circumference. The spikes are not formed to form continuous convex portions from the top surface 54a through the outer surface 54b to the bottom surface 54c over such a wide area that they would easily leave marks or scratches on the wood surface. More than half of the outer surface 54b, and more preferably more than two-thirds, are formed by the surface of the elastic outer periphery 54. Even when metal spikes 56 are arranged in this manner, the bases of the spikes 56 and the surrounding elastic outer periphery 54 are deformable, which prevents marks or scratches on the wood surface and reduces the commercial value of the wood. The top surfaces of the spikes 56 are generally flat, but may be tapered to a pointed point.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Harvester device 6: Harvester body 8: First hydraulic cylinder 10: First bracket 12: First drive unit 13: First rotating shaft 14: First feed mechanism 16: Second hydraulic cylinder 18: Second bracket 20: Second drive unit 21: Second rotating shaft 22: Second feed mechanism 24: Clamp arm 50: Control unit 52: Elastic outer peripheral portion 52a: Upper surface 52b: Outer peripheral surface 52d: Corner portion 52e: Groove portion 54: Elastic outer peripheral portion 54a: Upper surface 54b: Outer peripheral surface 54d: Corner portion 54e: Groove portion 56: Spike T: Wood Ta: Wood surface

Claims (6)

A harvester device capable of feeding and delimbing wood, comprising:
a harvester body extending along the wood to be fed;
a first hydraulic cylinder extending to one of the left and right sides from the harvester body;
a first bracket connected to the first hydraulic cylinder and rotatable inward or outward by the first hydraulic cylinder;
a first drive unit attached to the first bracket;
a first feed mechanism that is rotated around a first rotation axis of the first drive unit;
a second hydraulic cylinder extending from the harvester body to the other of the left and right sides;
a second bracket connected to the second hydraulic cylinder and capable of rotating inward or outward by the second hydraulic cylinder;
a second drive unit attached to the second bracket;
a second feed mechanism that is rotated around a second rotation axis of the second drive unit;
a control unit that controls the first hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylinder, the first drive unit, and the second drive unit,
The first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism have elastic outer peripheries that are deformable so as to prevent marks or scratches on the surface of the wood even when a gripping force is applied by hydraulic pressure when clamping and feeding the wood between the first feed mechanism, which is moved inward by the operation of the first hydraulic cylinder, and the second feed mechanism, which is moved inward by the operation of the second hydraulic cylinder,
The resilient outer periphery of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism includes spikes . The harvester device described in claim 1, wherein the elastic outer peripheral portions of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism form a relatively flat upper surface and form curved corner portions between the upper surface and the outer peripheral surface on the side. The harvester device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the elastic outer periphery of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism has grooves formed therein with a height ranging from 1 mm to 20 mm. The harvester device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first hydraulic cylinder and the second hydraulic cylinder are configured so that when the wood is clamped between the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism, the force acting on the wood from each of the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism is within the range of 800 kgf to 4000 kgf. The harvester device of any one of claims 1 to 4 further comprises a cutter disposed around the timber clamped by the first feed mechanism and the second feed mechanism, the cutter removing branches from the timber as it is fed. The harvester device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a cutting device capable of cutting wood.