GB2370350A

GB2370350A - Timber product manufacturing process

Info

Publication number: GB2370350A
Application number: GB0031224A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Brady; Michael Lynn
Original assignee: NAT SAWMILLS Ltd
Current assignee: NAT SAWMILLS Ltd
Priority date: 2000-12-20
Filing date: 2000-12-20
Publication date: 2002-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2020-12-20
Also published as: GB0031224D0; GB2370350B

Abstract

Raw logs are delivered individually by a log scanning conveyor (16) through a scanner (26) which measures dimensions of the log which are recorded in a process controller. Downstream of the scanner (26), a log sorting conveyor (17) carries each log between rows of collection stations (50), each associated with a set of dimensions. The process controller is operatively connected to deflector arms on the log sorting conveyor (17) so that as a log is carried along the conveyor (17), the appropriate deflector arm is operated to discharge the log from the conveyor (17) into the corresponding collecting station (50). From each collecting station (50), batches of logs are delivered to a log processing line corresponding to the measured log dimensions to debark the logs and carry out machining operations for shaping the logs and cutting the logs into a plurality of timber product pieces of desired dimensions. Logs having tapers outside a desired range are sent to a butt end trimming station (30) and then re-measured.

Description

"Tinbef Product Manufactwno PMceM"

'"Auction This invention relates to a bomber product manufacturing process.

Statements of invention According to the invention. there is provided a timber product manufacturing process comprising the steps of : delivering logs to a step feeder. delivering each log individual by means of the step feeder to a lag scanner conveyor, feeding said log on the log scanner conveyor longitudinally through a scanner mounted about the log scanner conveyor, measuring selected dimensions of each log as it is being delivered through the scanner, said dimensional infbnnation being recorded in a controMer. downstream of the scanner detivenng the scanned log to a log sorting conveyor, the log sorting conveyor having a support frame, an endless log carrier chain mounted on the support frame, drive means for movement of the log carrier chain along the carrier support frame, the chain having a number of spaced-apart log cradle brackets for supporting a log between two or more of said log cradle brackets, a number of log collecbng stations defined along each side of the support frame extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the chain which extends in the direction of travel of the log carrier chain. a movable def ector ann being assodaiwith each log collecting station. said deflector arm being mounted substantiate parattel to the chain and

latotatty offset from the tongitudtna ! a) dsofthe cha) n. said deflector arm bwg movable behvem a kwored posdwn spoood bermo the chain bradeets sw for dunw a log canbd < ortttt < he tad) e brackets suffoontty fordd scha) rging a tog canied therebetween off an opposite side Of the support fnIme, F sbion, operating the batdw to actuate a salGctad defIecIDr arm comtSpOnding II) < 9MMmddMmMofthabgfaagtMt) iDWM < MMdabd log coNecdrV stafion, detenng a batch of logs ftom a setectad log cotteciing station to an Mat of a log pmoasOng 6ne, feeding each log from said batch individually to a . bafk8r, stnpp < ngthebafhthek) ganddischafgingtheh ! gtDantachin < ngBne. detiwnngthetoga ! ongthemachtning & te, and pho of Xer product pieons of d d dlmensions. whenMMdhdMnMXMhdMpMgehadnMmgekaa pkraidy of trrdw pnxkict pmw of dasnd dmwmmo.

tnoneenoMofaeMnMMhdMbraBtMdtt & apMt Zme by a parallel hnkage for sMnging Fe defur ann behren the bweled p frame by a parallel Nnkage fOr SWInging the deftedDr ann betwen the/cM8r8d position and the raised position, ram means being mounted between the de ! ! ector amt and the support frame for moving the deflector arm on the frame, said ram means being opW cofuncted so the controller for cpmat ! ng the ram tn response to sensing a log of a parbcular dwtmmon assocated with ta bg cokm : WV shmm into which said deflector arm dwects Ow log.

In another emboäment, the process includes sensing the taper between a top end of a log and a butt end of a log, comparing the taper with a desired taper range, defrvenng each log hawg dimenSIOns outside said desired taper range to a butt end tnmming station, trimming station, at the butt end bmmwv suem, cAM away maWW from ft butt end fbr reducing 1he taper of the log so that the log taper faDs within the pre-seledad range, and resuming the log through the scanner for measunng the aetedaddimonston and subsequently djschafgingsaid log into the aasocMadcottecttng station tr) response to said measured selected dimensions.

In a further embodiment, the butt end rimming station is mounted upstream of the scanner and the process includes : reversing the log scanner conveyor for delivering an outsized log to the butt end trimming station ; at the butt end trimming station mounting the log between a pair of spacedapart supports : lowenng a drive arm mounted between said supports to engage and : retain the log in engagement with said pair of supports ; driving an endless dnve chain on the dnve arm for rotating the tog about a central longitudinal axis of the log ; and I engaging the butt end of the log with a cutter and cutting away matenal from the butt end of the log.

in another embodiment. the process includes the steps :

delivering logs individually to a debarking apparatus and stripping the bark from each log in the debarking apparatus : conveying each log through a first chipper for cutting material ftmn opposite sides of the log to impart substantial paraMet ftat opposed side faces to the log ; delivering the log to a second chow for cutting away material from the remaining opposed rounded faces of the log to impart substantially parallel opposed flat side faces to the log which are substantially perpendicular to the previous pair of flat side faces :

delivering the log to a first router for cutting a rebate in each comer of the log so the log will have a generally cruciform section ; parting away scale boards from opposite sides of the log leaving flat side faces on the log delivering the log to a second router for cutting rebates along each comer of the log and parting scale boards from opposite sides of

the log ; delivering the log through a plurality of parallel spaced-apart cutter blades for dividing the tog longitudinally into a number of timber product pieces of a preset desired thickness.

Detailed Descrimion of the Invention

The invention will be more dearly understood from the following desaiption of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with fetetence ? the accompanying dfangs, tn which : Fig 1a ! MhMMcpMMcevbwpM & < apMMMi & MmMim the 1 is a schematic fact nna of portion of a proin ene used in the timber manufadunng pnxess of the invenbon ; shown in Fig. 1 ; shown in Fig. 1 ; conveyor used in the pfocess : conveyorused irw the pmss ; Fig. 4 is a view simNar to Fig. 3 showing the conveyor in anothef postion of use ; Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing the conveyor in a hither position of use ; Fig. 6 is another view similar to Fig. 3 showing the conwyor in another position of use ; Fig. 7 is a sectional elevational view of a conveyor shown in Fig. 3 ; Fig. 8 is a view similar to fig. 7 showing the conveyor In another position of use for discharging a log from the conveyor ; and Fig. 9 is a schematic plan view of portion of a production line for manufacturing timber products according to the process of the invention.

Refemng to the drawings. k) gs 10 are deNvered to an in-feed station 11 having an inlet hopper 12 for reception of the logs. Endless chains 13 at a bottom of the hopper 12

direct logS to an indined step feeder 14. The step feeder 14 feeds togs individually onto a two-part log carnage conveyor 15 comprising a log scanning conveyor 16 and a tog sorting conveyor 17 both of which are generaity of similar construction. r \ Each conveyor 16, 17 includes a gmund-engaging support frame 18. An endtess tog carrier chain 19 is mounted on the support frame 18. Drive mens (not shown) Is provided for movement of each chain 19 on the associated support frame 18.

Thechain 19nas a numberof spaced-apatogcadle bradkjets20 br stonh a log 10betef ttoormoM, and typkthree or mofB. logcrad) bfackets20. Each log oade eoe21 waV-shapedsuppQ 22fofn9ceptionof < hB log 10 QuWr ends of ft cross pom 21 sIKis Mong a pair of assockftd pamn spaced-apa (t support rals 23 on tw support from 18.

Mounted about the conveyor 16 N a scanner 26 and as each log is deBvemd thtough the scanner 26, seled8d dimensions of the tog 10 am measured. ThiS db information is fed to a pxcess conbEr (not shown).

One of the se ! ected dimensions measmed rotates to the amount of taper in the log between atopend ofthetogl10 and a butt end ofthetog 10. The contn) < ercompam the measurBd taperwtth a desifedtaper range. tf ameasmed 4g10 fallssouts < aethe desired taper range, the tog is delivered to a butt end thmming station 30 upsteam of the scanner 26.

To deliver an outsize log to the butt end trimming station 30 the scanning conveyor 16 is reversed to convey the log to an in-feed conveyor 31 (Fig. 2). This feeds the log over a pair of rotating conical feed rollers 32, 33. These conical rollers 32, 33 in turn feed the log onto a pair of spaced-apart V-supports 34, 35.

A first support 34 has a V-shaped dot 36 for reception of the log whh bwwft rotating wheels 37, 38 at each side of the slot 36 to centre and urge the log downwardly in to the slot 36. A second support 35 also has a V. shaped stot 39 with in this case endless chains 40. 41 which travel downwardly along each side of the slot 39 towards the bottom of the slot 39 to centre and urge the log

downwardly into the slot 39.

A log support roller 42 is rotatably mounted between the supports 34, 35 and provides a V. shaped support for the log, the rotter 42 tapering inwardly from each side to a narrowed central neck portion of the roller 42. Hingedty mounted above the roller 42 is a drive arm 44. The drive arm 44 is movable between a raised inoperative position to allow through-passage of a log and a lowered drive position urging the tog downwardly onto the roller 42 and into the supports 34. 35. An endless drive chain 46 is mounted on an underside of the dnve arm 44 to engage the log and rotate the log about a central longitudinal IS of the log.

A rotatable cutter head 47 Is engageable with a flared butt end of the log for inning away excess material as the log is rotated. When the butt end of the log has been reduced as required, the drive arm 44 is lifted into the raised inoperatiw position, the rollers 32, 33, 42 are reversed and the in-feed conveyor 31 and scanning conveyor 16 are also versed. The log 10 Is then again deW through the scanner 26 and the desired dimensional information is collected.

The log sorting conveyor 17 is of similar constnjction to the log scanning conveyor 18 and like pans are assigned the same reference numerals. A number of log cNecgM stations 50 are defined along each side of the support frame 18 of the top soling conveyor 17 extending perpendicutany relative to the Iongitudinat c s of the chain 19 which extends in the direction of travel of the log canim chain 19.

A movable defector arm 52 is assodatad with each log cotieeiing station 50. Each deflector arm 52 is mounted substantiaBy paraHet to the chain 19 and is laterally oIfsBt from the longitudinal axis of the chain 19. Thus, as shown in Figs. 1. 7 and 8 paD of the deflector arms 52 are mounted along the frame 18 and are operable to deflect logs from the chain 19 trsetectedoothd stations 50 at opposite sides of the conveyor 17.

Each deflector arm 52 is movable between a towomd position beneath the chain 19 as shown in rIgS 3 and 7 and a raised operative position, as shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6 engaging two or more aadte bracket 20 for ttMng the cradte bradoets 20 thus

discharging a log laterally off the chain 19 to an opposite side of the support frame 18.

The contmotter is operable to actuate a selected defector arm 52 to deliver the log 10 to the appropriate collecting station 50.

Each deflector ann 52 is mounted on the support frame 18 by a plan linkage comprising a pair of spaced-apart pivot arms 54. 55. each hooted at 56 and 57 to the frame 18 and defector arm 52 respecNvety. ArBm 58 isengagaMebetween he deflector ann 52 and the frame 18 and is operable at the command of tha oontn) < ! er to raise and lower the deflector arm 52 for deflecting logs 10 into the appropriate collecting station 50.

BesofkshomtMMtaMMnSjmapcMsadsqMna fnanner shown schematicafty in Fig. 9. A batch of togs fironft a setected cotteeiing manner 5hOWI schematically in F. 9, A batch of loss Xm a oolb station 50 IS delivered to an inlet of a log processing line 60. The log processing Ine 60 is set up in a manner which depends on the measured dimensions of the batch of logs to be processed to opttnf) ise the votun of wood useful BCovaf from as timber products in various sizes and dimensions. The batch of lop is dWuvgW tnto a hopper 61 at an intet of the pfocessmg ttne 60-From the hopper 61, logs are derpmmd individually by means of a sW feeder 62 orto a conveyor 63 for delivery to an inlet of a debarking apparatus 64. In passing through the debarkIng apparatus M. the balk. is stripped from the log. MrdMw. tgsdMMaba machining tine, indicated generally by the mference numeral 66.

Conveyors deliver the log alMg tnMmwM & 66thma number of sequentialty arranged wod (Mtons at which vanous machining operations an9 earned out on kis detMered through a dpper 68 for cutting matenatfrom opposite sides of the log to tmpart substantiality parallel flat opposed side faces to the log.

In a tumtabte 69 downstream of the first chipper 68, the tog is rotated thtough 90* so that it has flat top and bottom surfacwithcued sidesufz. The log is then delivered through a second chiper 70 for cutting away matenal from the temaMng opposed rounded sides of the log thus imparting substantial parallel opposed flat side faces to the log which are substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom flat

side faces.

Thetog isthen delivered thmugh a fmuter 72 orcuMranBbate in eachcomer of the log, thus remoVIng the rounded comers so that the tog wN have a gene < aty ouoform section.

Downstnam ofthe fitouter72. theisde ! ed thfough a scale boardcuttar73 which parts away scale boards of the comMponding to the width of the tebata ffom opposdo sides of ft log kwav flat side faces on the bg.

Downstream of the scale board cutler 73. a second tumtaMe 74 rotates the log ftv4h (y. The log is ow dewered thmugh a second muter 75 for cuNgtebatM along each comer of sw 4 prior to paiwv scale boards hmn opposft sww of the log With a second scab board cutter.

The log is then delivered through a log dMder 76 having a p ! mai ! of pafallel spacedapart atBrblades fordMdnthe )g ongttud!natoa number oftintbeces of a prades thickness.

TscdtMabandCbMjMesnMcMnMtMntbgamgt & nMdit eOadeedhhMmoMsgaMxpaa ttwttt be noted that as the boowMd < gtnMdww & M. atmd MMMetMgtMa & secao oneachtog. saMMadwwng It imll be noted gw as the log is wnvoyed a"to mactonkv km, a de$M sequence of macnning operafims is carried out on each k) a SM MaCtlkft operations bftv associated wdh ft measured ba dwmwmn for staping the log NW sw of machining operaEons is aXd out on each log saW mad cutdng te log intid a pknft of *nber piam of deskw dimensiom.

The invention is not ttmtted to the embodnents hereinbetbfe descnbed which may be varied in both constmction and detail within the scope of the appended daims.

Claims

1. A timber product manufacturina process compftsing the steps of :

delivenng togs to a step feeder, dettvenng each log indwduatty by means of the stop feeder to a log scanner conveyor. feeding said log on the log scanner conveyor longitudinally through e scanner mounted about the log scanner conveyor, measuring setecieddtmensions of each log as it is bemgdeNveted enough the scanner, said dimensionatinfbfmation being fecofdeda contmMef. downstream of the scaMnerdetenng the scanned log to a tog soning meyor, F*bg ng conveyorhaw a support flame, an endless log cafnef chain mounted on the support fume. drive means for movefnentoftho h) g canter chain a ! ong the earner suppott fname. tha chain having a number of spaced-apart log craft btadkeh for supporting a log betswean two or more of said log aadle btadoats, a number of log anacbng swdons defined Wang each side of the support MMppMdyehoMhtin which extends tn the difectmn of tfawat of the tog earner chain. anM < KtaMnbaMMdweNoedo < osadebMaMnbehgnMM8dsdMM) MntOWw chin and tatefatiy onset horn he tongituda ! axis of the chain.

: MdDr) MtMgnwMttMMiaMdpaMnqMM beneath the chain and a raiSed operative position engaging two or nnofeoadte aefwaQ < acMdtXMssuMMayt dischatging a tog eamad thetebetween off an oppoNtB side of the said deflector arm being ffxwable bomw a kmored posftn qmwod WmM the chain and a mred oWaM Msibon sMapV bo or more cradle brackets fbr bbV to cradle brackab suffoontly for dmcharging a ft caffled VxffebeWeen off an opposft side of Ow

support frame, opmawg ft conWW bD aduaw a selected defacbdr arm inbt o-f a log Ene, corresponding to the measured cfimenskms of the ft for dsduqft the tog htD the assodated log ooOeoing station. inlet of a log proce. ssing line, tn ! etofatogpfooesNng < ) ne. feeding each log from said batch irxduaBy to a de-baer. s) p < ng the ba ftom the tog and diachafBtng the tog to a tog machining line, degvwing ft log along the machining Bne, and cMrmg ta deMdsMaMn MMhMngopera & ons tlog aMdadhtMMNbgdMaQMShfw thousand cngtkina pMMy < tnr pmdu)pieces of dNMd dimensions.

2. A focess asda) med (m1, whemin each deftectDrarm is mountBdonthe support frame by a parattei tinkage for swinging the deflector ann bewean the lowered position and the raised position, tow med position and ih fatsed posMon, for rno% *v the deflector arm an ft han*.

< brmowde < < ecanTtonffa < rne. sdnMMthgqMM < xnMdheoMofyoMge ram in response to sens a tog of a paftcular d ! mension assodated with the ram in response to senft a log of a partctdar dhmnsion assodaw with em log collecting station into which said defector arm directs the log.

3. A process as darned In daim 1 or claim 2. inducting sensing the taper between a top end of a log and a butt end of a log,

compahng the taper with a desired taper range. dottvenng each tog having dimensions outside said desirad taper range to a butt end trimming station. at the butt end tnmming station. cutting away matenat hern the butt end for redudng the tapar of the log so that tha tog taper faBs within the pta-setectad range, and returning the log through the scanner for measuring the se ecSed inssons d the log and subsequently dischag said log into the associated eoBeeHng station in response to said measured seteciad dimensions.

4. A process as claimed in daim 3 wherein the butt end trimming station is mounted upstream of the scanner and the process indudes : reversing the log scanner conveyor for delivering an outsized tog to the butt end trimming station ; at the butt end trimming station mounting the log between a pair of spaced-apart supports ; lowering a drive arm mounted between said supports to engage and retain the log in engagement with said pair of supports : driving an endless drive chain on the drive arm for tctanng the tog about a central longitudinal axis of the log ; and engaging the butt end of the log with a cutter and cutting away excess material from the butt end of the log.

5. A process as claimed in any preceding daim. including the steps :

dehvenng logs individually to a debarking apparatus and stripping the bark from each log In the debarking apparatus ; conveying each log through a first chipper for cutting material from opposite sides of the log to impart substantially parallel flat opposed side faces to the log; delivering the tog to a second chipper for cutting away material from the remaining opposed rounded faces of the log to impart

substantially parallel opposed flat side faces to the log which are substantially perpendicular to the previous pair of flat side faces : delivering the log to a first router for cutting a rebate in each comer of the log so the log will have a generally aucifonn seetton ; parting away scale boanjs from opposite sides of the log leaving flat side faces on the log ; delivering the log to a second router for cutting rebates along each comer of the log and parting scale boards from opposite sides of the log ;

delivenng the log through a plurality of parallel spaced-apart cutter blades for dividing the log longitudinally Into a number of timber product pieces of a preset desired thickness.

6. A timber product manufacturing process substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7. Umber products whenever manufactured according to the process as claimed in any preceding daim.