GB1600276A

GB1600276A - Device for splitting logs

Info

Publication number: GB1600276A
Application number: GB18996/77A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-12-10
Filing date: 1978-05-05
Publication date: 1981-10-14
Also published as: DE2457995A1

Description

(54) DEVICE FOR SPLITTING LOGS (71) I, ARCHIBALD WATSON KIDD of Seend Close, Seend, Melksham, Wiltshire, a British subject do hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to a log splitting machine which may be supplied either as a free standing unit or as an attachment for use with a mobile sawbench.

Instead of using a double acting ram as the actuating part I propose to use a fairly short stroke single acting ram which operates the splitter through a linkage which multiplies the effective length of stroke of the ram. This linkage is also arranged to allow the splitter shaft or rod to travel in a straight line motion and furthermore may provide a convenient point on which to apply a return spring or springs to raise the splitter rod after use quickly and with sufficient force to push the oil back out of the ram into the tractor.

When used with a sawbench such as the one forming the subject of my Patent No.

1,483,898 the splitter can readily be attached either by solidly bolting or preferably by simple clip-on brackets so that as the logs are cut they can easily be slid along the platform of the splitter with the operator's right hand to a second person who operates the splitter.

One form of log splitting device made according to this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein: Figures 1 and 2 are diagrammatic plan and side views of the device and Figure 3 is a front view of the device.

Referring to the drawing. the splitter shaft 2 is mounted for vertical movement in bearings 4 fixed to a supporting frame 6.

The lower end of the shaft 2 carries a removable head or wedge 8 a convenient distance from a platform 10 fixed to the frame 6.

A single acting thrust ram 14 of comparatively short stroke operates the splitter shaft 2 through a linkage which multiplies the length of the stroke of ram 14. This linkage comprises a top beam in the form of two spaced apart parallel plates 16 and two tie rods 18. The lower ends of the tie rods 18 are pivoted to the frame 6 at 20 and the upper ends 22 of the tie rods are pivoted to the top beam each at a point centrally thereof. The shaft 2 is mounted between the plates 16 by an axle 26 and the ram 14 is also mounted between the two plates 16 by an axle 28, the lower end of the ram cylinder 30 being mounted on the frame 6. The shaft 2 is further from the axle 28 than is upper end of the ram 14. Two pairs of tension springs 32 are provided between the frame 6 and a bar 34 projecting from the end of the top beam to return the ram 14 after the end of the stroke of the splitter.

In the case illustrated the ram is actuated by a hand lever 36 conveniently situated on a bracket 38 fixed to the frame 6.

In use, the ram pushes the beam about the axle 28 causing the end 26 to move the shaft 2 into the position shown in chain dotted lines. As the shaft 2 is constrained to move in a vertical direction the tie rods 18 swing outwards and back about the pivots 20 during the strokes of the shaft 2. When the downward stroke of the splitter is complete the springs 32 return the ram to its original position.

The design has the advantage that the hydraulic pipe from the tractor to the splitter ram is of the shortest convenient length possible which apart from the question of cost leads to the advantage of low return hydraulic friction.

When the device is used as a free standing unit it is simply necessary to provide legs to the platform.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. Device for splitting logs comprising a splitter mounted for straight line motion and operated by a single acting ram through a linkage which multiplies the effective length of the stroke of the ram.

2. Device for splitting logs according to claim 1 wherein the said linkage includes a beam pivoted through a link to a support, the splitter shaft and ram both being pivoted to said beam with the ram nearer to said pivot than is the splitter shaft.

3. Device for splitting logs according to claim 1 wherein the said linkage comprises a top beam linked by one or more tie rods at a point intermediate of its ends to a fixed support, the splitter shaft being pivoted to one side of said point and the said ram being pivoted to the other side of said point but nearer thereto than the splitter shaft.

4. Device for splitting logs according to claim 3 wherein the top beam comprises twin plates fixed in spaced relation one to the other each plate being linked to the fixed support by a tie rod, the splitter shaft and ram being pivotally mounted between the said plates.

5. Device for splitting logs according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein a return spring or springs are provided between the beam and a support to raise the splitter after use.

6. Device for splitting logs substantially as described with reference to the drawings filed herewith.