BALE WRAPPING SYSTEM

A bale wrapping system includes a bale chamber configured to receive agricultural product and a belt configured to be disposed within the bale chamber. The belt is configured to be positioned between a bale wrap and an interior surface of the bale chamber while the belt is disposed within the bale chamber. Additionally, the belt is configured to support the bale wrap and to move into the bale chamber due to a weight of the agricultural product on the bale wrap. Further, the belt is configured to compact the agricultural product within the bale wrap, such that a bale of the agricultural product at least partially surrounded by the bale wrap is formed within the bale chamber.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a bale wrapping system.

Generally, baling implements (e.g., agricultural balers or packagers) are driven or towed through a field. The baling implements are utilized to harvest an agricultural product from the field and to form the agricultural product into bales (e.g., round bales). Certain baling implements include a belt configured to drive agricultural product to rotate within a bale chamber. The bale is formed within the belt by adding the agricultural product. A density of the agricultural product within the bale may be limited due to a lack of pressure on the agricultural product during and after bale formation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In certain embodiments, a bale wrapping system includes a bale chamber configured to receive agricultural product and a belt configured to be disposed within the bale chamber. The belt is configured to be positioned between a bale wrap and an interior surface of the bale chamber while the belt is disposed within the bale chamber. Additionally, the belt is configured to support the bale wrap and to move into the bale chamber due to a weight of the agricultural product on the bale wrap. Further, the belt is configured to compact the agricultural product within the bale wrap, such that a bale of the agricultural product at least partially surrounded by the bale wrap is formed within the bale chamber.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an agricultural implement, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2is a schematic side view of an embodiment a bale wrapping system having an infeed system that may be employed in the agricultural implement ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 2, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a bale wrapping system that may be employed in the agricultural implement ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 7, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 7, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 7, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a bale wrapping system that may be employed in the agricultural implement ofFIG. 1, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12is schematic a side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 11, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system ofFIG. 11, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include a bale wrapping system of an agricultural implement. Certain agricultural implements (e.g., harvesters) are configured to harvest an agricultural product (e.g., cotton and other agricultural products) and to form the agricultural product into a bale (e.g., a round bale). The bale wrapping system is configured to wrap the bale with a bale wrap to secure the agricultural product within the bale and to generally maintain a shape of the bale. In some embodiments, the bale wrapping system includes a bale chamber configured to receive the agricultural product, a bale wrap configured to be disposed within the bale chamber between the agricultural product and an interior surface of the bale chamber (e.g., such that the bale wrap receives the agricultural product), and a belt configured to be disposed between the bale wrap and the interior surface of the bale chamber and to compact the agricultural product within the bale wrap.

In certain embodiments, the bale wrapping system includes a bale wrap locking mechanism configured to secure an end of the bale wrap to the bale chamber (e.g., baling chamber) as the bale of agricultural product is formed. For example, the bale wrap locking mechanism may include hook(s) and/or a clamp configured to secure the end of the bale wrap to the bale chamber. In some embodiments, the bale wrapping system may include a bale securing mechanism configured to secure the bale wrap around the bale. For example, the bale securing mechanism may include an adhesive application mechanism and/or a sewing mechanism configured to couple a first portion of the bale wrap to a second portion of the bale wrap, which overlaps the first portion, to secure the bale wrap around the bale of agricultural product.

With the foregoing in mind, the present embodiments relating to bale wrapping systems may be utilized within any suitable agricultural implement. For example,FIG. 1is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an agricultural implement10(e.g., a harvester). The agricultural implement10is configured to harvest agricultural product12(e.g., cotton and/or other suitable agricultural products) from a field14and to form the agricultural product12into bales and/or modules. In the illustrated embodiment, the agricultural implement10includes a header16(e.g., including drums, etc.) configured to harvest the agricultural product12from the field14. Additionally, the agricultural implement10includes an air-assisted product transport system18configured to move the agricultural product12from the header16to a bale wrapping system20via an airflow. The bale wrapping system20is supported and/or mounted within or on the agricultural implement10. The bale wrapping system20is configured to compress the agricultural product12into a bale. In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrapping system20includes a bale chamber22configured to house the agricultural product12during formation of the bale (e.g., a baling chamber). As illustrated, the bale chamber22is round and is configured to form round bales. In other embodiments, the bale chamber may be square/rectangular and configured to form square bales/modules. In some embodiments, the bale chamber may be triangular or another suitable shape to form bales of the agricultural product having a corresponding shape. As described in greater detail below, the bale wrapping system20is configured to secure a bale wrap around the bale of agricultural product12to secure the agricultural product12within the bale and to generally maintain a shape of the bale.

FIG. 2is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a bale wrapping system20having an infeed system40that may be employed in the agricultural implement ofFIG. 1. The infeed system40is configured to receive the agricultural product12from the air-assisted product transport system in an accumulation area42of the infeed system40. As illustrated, the infeed system40includes a conveyor belt44configured to rotate, as indicated by arrows45, to convey the agricultural product12from the accumulation area42to leveling augers46of the infeed system40. The conveyor belt44may remain stationary (e.g., not rotate) during an accumulation mode to enable the accumulation area42to accumulate the agricultural product12. The leveling augers46are configured to receive the agricultural product12from the conveyor belt44and to generally level the agricultural product12within the accumulation area42(e.g., by rotating). The conveyor belt44and/or the leveling augers46are configured to convey the agricultural product12to feeder rollers48of the infeed system40. The feeder rollers48are configured to convey the agricultural product12from the conveyor belt44and/or from the leveling augers46(e.g., the bottom leveling auger) toward/into a hopper50of the infeed system40disposed between the feeder rollers48and the bale chamber22of the bale wrapping system20. The hopper50is configured to transition between an open position that facilitates flow of the agricultural product12into the bale chamber22and a closed position that blocks flow of the agricultural product12into the bale chamber22. With the hopper50in the closed position, the rotation of the conveyor belt44, the leveling augers46, and the feeder rollers48are stopped, and the agricultural product12is stored in the accumulation area42for subsequent deposition into the bale chamber22. In certain embodiments, with the hopper50in the closed position, the hopper50may store some of the agricultural product12. With the hopper50in the open position, as illustrated, the conveyor belt44, the leveling augers46, and the feeder rollers48are driven to rotate, and the agricultural product12may flow through the hopper50and into the bale chamber22. In certain embodiments, the bale wrapping system20may include a portion or all components of the illustrated infeed system40. For example, the bale wrapping system20may include the accumulation area42, the conveyor belt44, the leveling augers46, the feeder rollers48, the hopper50, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the agricultural implement may include an entirely different infeed system configured to feed the agricultural product toward the bale wrap and the bale chamber.

The bale wrapping system20includes a bale wrap60configured to wrap around the bale of agricultural product12, bale wrap rollers62configured to feed/unroll the bale wrap60for subsequent wrapping around the bale, and a bale wrap locking mechanism64configured to secure an end66of the bale wrap60to the bale chamber22(e.g., the end66may be disposed within and secured by the bale wrap locking mechanism64). The bale wrap60may include cotton (e.g., may be 100 percent cotton, 90 percent cotton, 80 percent cotton, etc.) and may be formed as a canvas, cloth, fabric, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the bale wrapping system20includes a belt70configured to compact the agricultural product12within the bale wrap60, a belt locking mechanism72configured to secure an end74of the belt70to the bale chamber22, and a belt roller76configured to facilitate movement of the belt70. The belt70may be formed from rubber and/or other suitable materials. Initially, the bale wrap60is stored in a roll80. The bale wrap rollers62are configured to drive a portion82of the bale wrap60toward the bale wrap locking mechanism64. Additionally, the belt70is stored as a roll90, and a portion92of the belt70extends from the roll90to the belt locking mechanism72. In certain embodiments, the belt roller76may drive movement of the portion92of the belt70and rotation of the roll90such that the end74of the belt70moves toward the belt locking mechanism72, thereby enabling the belt locking mechanism72to engage/secure the end74. Additionally, the belt roller76may support the belt70. In some embodiments, the belt70may be configured to retract toward and to wrap around the roll90(e.g., biased toward a rolled position).

In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrap locking mechanism64includes one or more hooks94configured to secure the end66of the bale wrap60to the bale chamber22. For example, the hooks94may extend through the bale wrap60(e.g., through the material of the bale wrap60) to secure the end66of the bale wrap60to the bale chamber22. In certain embodiments, the hook94and/or the bale wrap locking mechanism64may include a clamping mechanism configured to secure the end66of the bale wrap60. Movement of the agricultural product12into the bale chamber22may drive the portion82of the bale wrap60downwardly into the bale chamber22, thereby unrolling the bale wrap60from the roll80. In other embodiments, the bale wrap locking mechanism may include a clamp, a clip, a hook and loop fastening system, another suitable mechanism configured to secure the bale wrap to the bale chamber, or a combination thereof, in addition to or in place of the hooks of the illustrated bale wrap locking mechanism.

During operation, the infeed system40is configured to flow/move the agricultural product12from the accumulation area42into the bale chamber22. As the agricultural product12moves downwardly through the hopper50, the agricultural product12engages the bale wrap60(e.g., the portion82of the bale wrap60) and drives the bale wrap60downwardly toward the portion92of the belt70and the bale chamber22. As the bale wrap60is driven downwardly, the end66of the bale wrap60remains connected to the bale wrap locking mechanism64. As the bale wrap60is driven downwardly by the agricultural product12, the bale wrap60contacts the belt70(e.g., the portion92of the belt70) and drives the belt70downwardly into the bale chamber22. As the belt70is driven downwardly, the end74of the belt70remains connected to the belt locking mechanism72. Accordingly, flow/movement of the agricultural product12into the bale wrapping system20drives the bale wrap60and the belt70downwardly into the bale chamber22. The infeed system40is configured to continue feeding the agricultural product12into the bale chamber22, such that the bale wrap60is forced between the agricultural product12and the belt70, and the belt70is forced between the bale wrap60and an interior surface96of the bale chamber22.

A controller100of the bale wrapping system20is configured to control operation of the bale wrapping system20. For example, the controller100may control a rate of rotation of the conveyor belt44to control an infeed rate of the agricultural product12into the leveling augers46and/or into the feeder rollers48. To control the rate of rotation of the conveyor belt44, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly102coupled to one or both wheels104, which are engaged with the conveyor belt44. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the belt speed of the conveyor belt44. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly102via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly102may adjust the rotation rate of one or both wheels104to adjust the belt speed of the conveyor belt44. For example, the actuation assembly102may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive rotation of the wheel(s)104, thereby driving rotation of the conveyor belt44.

Additionally, the controller100may control a rate of rotation of one or both leveling augers46to control an infeed rate of the agricultural product12into the feeder rollers48. To control the rate of rotation of the leveling auger(s)46, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly110coupled to the leveling auger(s)46. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the rate of rotation of the leveling auger(s)46. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly110via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly110may adjust the rotation rate of the leveling auger(s)46. For example, the actuation assembly110may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive rotation of the leveling auger(s)46.

Additionally, the controller100may control a rate of rotation of one or both feeder rollers48to control an infeed rate of the agricultural product12into the hopper50. To control the rate of rotation of the feeder roller(s)48, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly120coupled to the feeder roller(s)48. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the rate of rotation of the feeder roller(s)48. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly120via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly120may adjust the rotation rate of the feeder roller(s)48. For example, the actuation assembly120may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive rotation of the feeder roller(s)48.

The controller100may control a position/orientation of one or both panels122of the hopper50to control the flow of the agricultural product12through the hopper50. To control the position of the panel(s)122, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly130coupled to the panel(s)122of the hopper50. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the position of the panel(s)122. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly130via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly130may adjust the position of one or both panels122(e.g., between the open position ofFIG. 2and a closed position). For example, the actuation assembly130may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the panel(s)122between the open position and the closed position. In the illustrated open position, the agricultural product12may flow through the hopper50toward the bale chamber22. As described in greater detail below, in a closed position, the agricultural product12may accumulate within the accumulation area42. In certain embodiments, the controller of the bale wrapping system may not control the wheels coupled to the conveyor belt, the leveling augers, the feeder rollers, the panels of the hopper, or a combination thereof.

The controller100may control a rate of rotation of one or both bale wrap rollers62to control movement of the end66of the bale wrap60toward the bale wrap locking mechanism64. To control the rate of rotation of the bale wrap roller(s)62, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly140coupled to the bale wrap roller(s)62. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the rate of rotation of the bale wrap roller(s)62. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly140via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly140may adjust the rotation rate of the bale wrap roller(s)62. For example, the actuation assembly140may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive rotation of the bale wrap roller(s)62. Once the bale wrap locking mechanism64engages the end66of the bale wrap60, the controller100may output an output signal to the actuation assembly140indicative of instructions to stop driving rotation of the bale wrap rollers62. In certain embodiments, the controller100may control the feed rate of the bale wrap60(e.g., via the bale wrap roller(s)62) based on a tension of the belt70(e.g., based on a torque on the roll90of the belt70).

The controller100may control a state of the bale wrap locking mechanism64between a locked state and the illustrated unlocked state. To control the state of the bale wrap locking mechanism64, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly150coupled to the bale wrap locking mechanism64. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the position of the hook(s)94. For example, the controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly150via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly150may adjust the state of the bale wrap locking mechanism64between the illustrated unlocked state and the closed position (e.g., the locked state). For example, the actuation assembly150may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the hook(s)94downwardly from the illustrated unlocked state to the locked state, in which the hook(s)94are engaged with the bale wrap60. As described in greater detail below, in the locked state, the bale wrap locking mechanism64is configured to secure the end66of the bale wrap60to the bale chamber22, thereby enabling the agricultural product12to drive the bale wrap60downwardly into the bale chamber22(e.g., drive the portion82of the bale wrap60into the bale chamber22).

As illustrated, the controller100of the bale wrapping system20includes a processor160and a memory162. The processor160(e.g., a microprocessor) may be used to execute software, such as software stored in the memory162for controlling certain component(s) of the bale wrapping system20(e.g., for controlling a rotation rate of the conveyor belt44, a position of the hopper50, etc.). Moreover, the processor160may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or some combination thereof. For example, the processor160may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) or complex instruction set (CISC) processors.

The memory162may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory162may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes. For example, the memory162may store processor-executable instructions (e.g., firmware or software) for the processor160to execute, such as instructions for controlling certain component(s) of the bale wrapping system20. In certain embodiments, the controller100may also include one or more storage devices and/or other suitable components. The storage device(s) (e.g., nonvolatile storage) may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The storage device(s) may store data, instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling certain component(s) of the bale wrapping system20), and any other suitable data. The processor160and/or the memory162, and/or an additional processor and/or memory device, may be located in any suitable portion of the system. For example, a memory device for storing instructions (e.g., software or firmware for controlling component(s) of the bale wrapping system20) may be located in or associated with the bale wrapping system20.

Additionally, the bale wrapping system20includes a user interface164communicatively coupled to the controller100. The user interface164may be configured to inform an operator of the rotation rate of the wheels104, the rotation rate of the leveling augers46, the rotation rate of the feeder rollers48, the rotation rate of the bale wrap rollers62, the position of the panel(s)122of the hopper50(e.g., open or closed), the state of the bale wrap locking mechanism64(e.g., locked or unlocked), or a combination thereof. Additionally, the user interface164may be configured to enable operator interactions with the bale wrapping system20, such as control of the conveyor belt44, the leveling augers46, the feeder rollers48, the hopper50, the bale wrap rollers62, the bale wrap locking mechanism64, or a combination thereof. For example, the user interface164may include a display and/or other user interaction devices (e.g., buttons) configured to enable operator interactions.

FIG. 3is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system20ofFIG. 2. As illustrated, the panels122of the hopper50are in the open position, such that the agricultural product12may flow from/through the hopper50. Additionally, the bale wrap locking mechanism64is in a locked state with the end66of the bale wrap60secured by the hooks94of the bale wrap locking mechanism64to the bale chamber22. As illustrated, the agricultural product12is disposed within the bale chamber22, and the agricultural product12forces the bale wrap60and the belt70outwardly toward the interior surface96of the bale chamber22. The bale wrap60is disposed between and in contact with the agricultural product12and the belt70, and the belt70is disposed between and in contact with the bale wrap60and the interior surface96of the bale chamber22. In certain embodiments, the controller100may determine that a new bale is ready for formation (e.g., in response to receiving a signal indicative of ejection of a previously formed bale, etc.) and/or may receive an input signal indicative of instructions (e.g., from a main implement controller, from the user interface, etc.) to form a new bale of the agricultural product12. In response, the controller100may output an output signal to the actuation assembly150indicative of instructions transition the locking mechanism64to the locked state, thereby securing the end66of the bale wrap60to the bale chamber22. In addition, the controller100may output an output signal to the actuation assembly130indicative of instructions to open the panels122of the hopper50, thereby enabling the agricultural product12to flow into the bale chamber22. As the agricultural product12fills the bale wrap60, the belt70remains generally taught around the bale wrap60, thereby compressing the agricultural product12within the bale wrap60(e.g., due to the belt70being biased toward the rolled position).

FIG. 4is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system20ofFIG. 2. As illustrated, the panels122of the hopper50are in a closed position, such that the agricultural product12is blocked from flowing through the hopper50. In certain embodiments, the controller100may determine that a bale180of the agricultural product12is fully formed and/or may receive an input signal (e.g., from a sensor, from another controller, etc.) indicating that the bale180is fully formed. In response, the controller100may output an output signal to the actuation assembly130indicative of instructions to close the panels122of the hopper50(e.g., to move to the illustrated closed position), thereby preventing the agricultural product12from flowing into the bale chamber22. In certain embodiments, the controller100may control the state of the hopper50(e.g., close or open the hopper50) based on a tension of the belt70(e.g., based on a torque on the roll90of the belt70).

In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrapping system20includes a bale securing mechanism200configured to apply an adhesive (e.g., glue) to the bale wrap60(e.g., via an adhesive application mechanism) to secure the bale wrap60around the bale180. For example, the bale securing mechanism200includes an adhesive applicator201configured to flow (e.g., spray) an adhesive onto a first portion202of the bale wrap60. Additionally, the bale securing mechanism200includes a folding mechanism203configured to fold the first portion202of the bale wrap60downwardly to contact a second portion204of the bale wrap60(e.g., that does not have the adhesive), thereby bonding the first portion202to the second portion204. The controller100may control application of the adhesive and folding of the bale wrap60by the bale securing mechanism200. For example, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly210of the bale securing mechanism200indicative of instructions to apply the adhesive to the bale wrap60via the adhesive applicator201(e.g., the controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly210via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s)). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly210may cause the adhesive applicator201of the bale securing mechanism200to apply the adhesive to the bale wrap60. In certain embodiments, the controller100may be directly communicatively coupled to the adhesive applicator201. Additionally, the controller may output an output signal to the actuation assembly210indicative of instructions to fold the portion202of the bale wrap60over onto the bale180. In response, the actuation assembly210may cause the folding mechanism203to fold the portion202of the bale wrap60. For example, the actuation assembly210may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the bale securing mechanism200toward the portion202of the bale wrap60, such that the bale securing mechanism200applies the adhesive to and folds the portion202of the bale wrap60.

FIG. 5is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system20ofFIG. 2. In certain embodiments, the controller100may determine that the adhesive220is applied to the first portion202of the bale wrap60and/or receives an input signal indicating that the adhesive220is applied to the first portion202of the bale wrap60. In response, the controller100may output an output signal to the actuation assembly150indicative of instructions to transition the locking mechanism64to the unlocked state, thereby releasing the end66of the bale wrap60. As illustrated, the end66of the bale wrap60is released from the locking mechanism64, such that the portion202of the bale wrap60having the adhesive220is disposed on top of the bale180. The portion202of the bale wrap60disposed between the bale180and the adhesive220, such that the adhesive220does not contact the bale180.

FIG. 6is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system20ofFIG. 2. The bale wrapping system20includes a cutting mechanism230configured to cut the bale wrap60. The bale wrapping system20also includes a folding mechanism240configured to fold the second portion204of the bale wrap60over the first portion202, thereby securing the bale wrap60around the bale180. The cutting mechanism230is configured to cut the bale wrap60after the first portion202of the bale wrap60, which has the adhesive220, is folded over onto the bale180. For example, the cutting mechanism230may include a blade, a saw, and/or other suitable mechanism(s) configured to cut the bale wrap60. The controller100may control cutting of the bale wrap60by controlling the cutting mechanism230. For example, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly232coupled to the cutting mechanism230indicative of instructions to cut the bale wrap60. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly232via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly232may drive the cutting mechanism230to cut the bale wrap60. For example, the actuation assembly232may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the cutting mechanism230.

The folding mechanism240is configured to fold the second portion204of the bale wrap60onto the adhesive220after the cutting mechanism230cuts the bale wrap60, such that the second portion204overlaps the first portion202. For example, an actuation assembly244of the bale wrapping system20may drive rotation of the folding mechanism240. The controller100may control folding of the bale wrap60by controlling the actuation assembly244coupled to the folding mechanism240. For example, the controller100may output an output signal to the actuation assembly244, which is coupled to the folding mechanism240, indicative of instructions to fold the second portion204of the bale wrap60onto the first portion202of the bale wrap60. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly244via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly244may drive the folding mechanism240to rotate, thereby causing the second portion204of the bale wrap60to fold onto the adhesive220on the first portion202of the bale wrap60. As a result, the portions202and204of the bale wrap60may be bonded to one another by the adhesive220, thereby securing the bale wrap60around the bale180. For example, the actuation assembly244may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the folding mechanism240. In certain embodiments, the folding mechanism240may continue to press the second portion204toward the first portion202for an extended period of time (e.g., one second, two seconds, five seconds, thirty seconds, one minute, two minutes, etc.) to facilitate bonding of the portions202and204to one another via the adhesive220. The controller100may control the amount of time that the folding mechanism240pushes the second portion204onto the first portion202. After the portions202and204of the bale wrap60are bonded to one another, the folding mechanism240may return to an initial position to facilitate formation of a subsequent bale (e.g., the controller100may output an output signal to the actuation assembly244indicative of instructions to rotate the folding mechanism240to the initial position). In certain embodiments, the folding mechanism may be biased against the bale wrap such that the folding mechanism folds the portion of the bale wrap onto the adhesive as soon as the bale wrap is cut (e.g., without instructions/control from the controller). After folding the bale wrap, the controller may return the folding mechanism back to the original, biased position via the actuation assembly.

FIG. 7is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a bale wrapping system260that may be employed in the agricultural implement ofFIG. 1. The bale wrapping system260includes the bale chamber22, the conveyor belt44, the leveling augers46, the feeder rollers48, the hopper50, the bale wrap60, the bale wrap locking mechanism64, and the belt70, among other components. As illustrated, only a portion of the bale chamber22is filled with the agricultural product12. As the bale wrap60within the bale chamber22is filled with the agricultural product12, the belt70resists expansion of the bale wrap60, thereby compressing the agricultural product12within the bale wrap60. During formation of the bale, the bale wrap60is generally taught against the agricultural product12, and the belt70is generally taught against the bale wrap60.

As illustrated, the bale wrapping system260includes a belt arm262configured to pivot about a first end264of the belt arm262. Additionally, the belt arm262is coupled to the belt locking mechanism72at a second end266of the belt arm262opposite the first end264. During filling of the bale wrap60with the agricultural product12, the belt arm262and the belt locking mechanism72are configured to remain in the illustrated positions. After formation of the bale within the bale chamber22, the belt arm262is configured to rotate about the end264, such that the belt locking mechanism72moves downwardly and the belt70is no longer in tension, thereby releasing the bale from the bale chamber22. The controller100may control a position of the belt arm262. To control the belt arm262, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly268coupled to the belt arm262and configured to drive rotation of the belt arm262. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to rotate and/or adjust a position of the belt arm262. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly268via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly268may adjust the position of the belt arm262. For example, the actuation assembly268may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive rotation of the belt arm262.

FIG. 8is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system260ofFIG. 7. As illustrated, the bale wrap60within the bale chamber22is filled with the agricultural product12, and the bale180of the agricultural product12is fully formed within the bale chamber22. The bale wrap60is disposed between the bale180and the belt70, and the belt70is disposed between the bale wrap60and the interior surface96of the bale chamber22. After filling the bale chamber22with the agricultural product12, the infeed system40may stop feeding the agricultural product12into the bale chamber22, such as by stopping rotation of the conveyor belt44and/or closing the hopper50. In certain embodiments, the controller100may control the belt locking mechanism72based on the torque on the belt roller76. For example, as the bale wrap60is filled with the agricultural product12within the bale chamber22, the tension on the belt70increases and the torque on the belt roller76increases.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bale wrapping system260includes a bale securing mechanism270configured to sew portions of the bale wrap60to one another to secure the bale wrap60around the bale180(e.g., a bale sewing assembly). For example, the bale securing mechanism270includes a movement mechanism271configured to pull a first portion272of the bale wrap60a second portion274of the bale wrap60toward one another. For example, the bale securing mechanism270includes a sewing mechanism276(e.g., needle(s)) and a perforated plate278. The movement mechanism271may move the perforated plate276to pull the portions272and274toward one another. Additionally, the movement mechanism271may move the sewing mechanism276through the perforated plate276and through the portions272and274to sew the portions272and274to one another. Further, the controller100may control sewing of the bale wrap60by the bale securing mechanism270. For example, the controller100may output a first output signal to an actuation assembly280coupled to the bale securing mechanism270indicative of instructions to pull the portions272and274of the bale wrap60toward one another and may output a second output signal to the actuation assembly280indicative of instructions to sew the portions272and274to one another. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly280via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the first output signal, the actuation assembly280may drive the movement mechanism271to pull the portions272and274of the bale wrap60against one another (e.g., by moving the perforated plate276). In response to receiving the second output signal, the actuation assembly280may drive the movement mechanism271to move the sewing mechanism276through the perforated plate278to sew the portions272and274to one another (e.g., with a thread running through the sewing mechanism276). For example, the actuation assembly280may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive/actuate the movement mechanism271and the sewing mechanism276.

FIG. 9is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system260ofFIG. 7. As illustrated, the portions272and274of the bale wrap60are sewn to one another by the bale securing mechanism270, thereby securing the bale wrap60around the bale180of the agricultural product12. While the bale wrap60is being sewn by the bale securing mechanism270of the bale wrapping system260, the agricultural product12accumulates in the accumulation area42, as illustrated. As previously discussed, the controller100may stop the flow of the agricultural product12from the infeed system40(e.g., such as by stopping operation of the conveyor belt44). As such, the agricultural implement may continue harvesting the agricultural product12for subsequent baling while the bale wrap60is secured around the bale180.

FIG. 10is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system260ofFIG. 7. As illustrated, the bale chamber22of the bale wrapping system260includes a first portion286(e.g., main body) and a second portion288(e.g., door), which are configured to selectively enclose the bale180. After securing the bale wrap60around the bale180, the controller100may control ejection of the bale180from the bale chamber22. For example, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly292coupled to the second portion288of the bale chamber22. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to move the second portion288away (e.g., upwardly) from the first portion286. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly292via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly292may move (e.g., lift) the second portion288(e.g., upwardly) away from the first portion286. For example, the actuation assembly292may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the second portion288.

The bale wrapping system260may rotate the belt arm262, as indicated by arrow284, such that the belt70is no longer wrapped around the bale180. The controller100may control the belt arm262based on the torque on the belt roller76(e.g., by comparing the torque to a threshold value). For example, as the second portion288moves away from the first portion286, the controller100may output the output signal to the actuation assembly268coupled to the belt arm262and configured to drive rotation of the belt arm262. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to rotate and/or adjust a position of the belt arm262. After the second portion288rotates upwardly and the belt arm262rotates downwardly, the bale180is ejected from the bale chamber22. As the bale180is ejected, the agricultural product12accumulates in the accumulation area42. As such, the agricultural implement may continue harvesting the agricultural product12for subsequent baling while the bale180is ejected from the bale chamber22. After the bale180is ejected, the second portion288may rotate back and be coupled to the first portion286. Additionally, the belt arm262may return to the illustrated position, and the belt70may extend between the roll90and the belt locking mechanism72(e.g., the belt70may be taught between the roll90and the belt locking mechanism72). The bale wrap60may extend across to the bale wrap locking mechanism64, thereby enabling the bale wrapping system260to form the next bale180.

FIG. 11is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a bale wrapping system300that may be employed in the agricultural implement ofFIG. 1. The bale wrapping system300includes an infeed system302configured to flow/move the agricultural product12toward a bale chamber304configured to receive the agricultural product12. As illustrated, the bale chamber304has a generally rectangular cross-section and is configured to form square bales and/or modules of the agricultural product12. For example, the bale chamber304includes a first portion306and a second portion308slidably coupled to one another. Additionally, the bale wrapping system300includes an evening plate309configured to slidably support the second portion308of the bale chamber304. In other embodiments, the bale chamber304may have other suitable cross-sectional shapes and be configured to form bales/modules of corresponding shapes, such as round bales/modules. The infeed system302includes conveyor belts310disposed opposite one another along the infeed system302. The conveyor belts310are configured to rotate to drive movement of the agricultural product12toward the bale chamber304, as indicated by arrow312.

As illustrated, the bale wrapping system300includes the bale wrap60. The bale wrap60extends from the roll80and includes a portion320disposed within the bale chamber304. Additionally, the bale wrap60extends to a bale wrap locking mechanism322configured to secure the end66of the bale wrap60to the bale chamber304. For example, the bale wrap locking mechanism322may include hook(s), clamp(s), other suitable mechanism(s), or a combination thereof, configured to secure the end66of the bale wrap60to the bale chamber304. In certain embodiments, the portion320of the bale wrap60may initially extend across an inlet324of the bale chamber304. The infeed system302may drive the agricultural product12onto the portion320at and/or adjacent to the inlet324to drive the portion320into the bale chamber304.

The bale wrapping system300includes a packing mechanism330configured to drive the agricultural product12above the bale chamber304downwardly into the bale chamber304and to compact the agricultural product12within the bale chamber304. For example, the packing mechanism330may include a packing plate configured to be driven toward and away from the bale chamber304, as indicated by arrows332, by an actuator assembly.

As the agricultural product12flows onto/into the portion320of the bale wrap60within the bale chamber304(e.g., due to the weight of the agricultural product12and/or movement of the packing mechanism330), the agricultural product12may cause the bale wrap60to expand to contact an inner perimeter340of the bale chamber304(e.g., the inner perimeter340formed by the first portion306and the second portion308of the bale chamber304).

In other embodiments, the bale wrapping system may include a track system configured to run the bale wrap along the inner perimeter of the bale chamber for subsequent filling with the agricultural product. For example, the track system may feed/run the bale wrap from the bale wrap roll, through a track along the inner perimeter of the bale chamber, and to the bale wrap locking mechanism. Thereafter, the bale wrap within the bale chamber may be filled with the agricultural product. In certain embodiments, the controller of the bale wrapping system may control the track system (e.g., may the movement/feeding of the bale wrap along the inner perimeter of the bale chamber).

After filling the portion320of the bale wrap60disposed within the bale chamber304with the agricultural product12, the bale wrap60is cut at a portion342of the bale wrap60, such as via the cutting mechanism described above. Additionally, the bale wrapping system300may be configured to secure the ends of the bale wrap60to one another, such as by one or more of the bale securing mechanisms described above.

The bale wrapping system300includes compression actuators350coupled to the second portion308of the bale chamber304. The compression actuators350are configured to drive the second portion308of the bale chamber304toward the first portion306of the bale chamber304(e.g., before or after the bale wrap60is secured around the agricultural product12), thereby compressing the agricultural product12within the bale chamber304into a bale. For example, the compression actuators350may include hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, or both. While the illustrated embodiment includes two compression actuators350, other embodiments may include more or fewer compression actuators (e.g., one compression actuator, three compression actuators, four compression actuators, etc.).

The controller100is configured to control operation of the bale wrapping system300. For example, the controller100may control a rate of rotation of the conveyor belts310to control an infeed rate of the agricultural product12into the bale chamber304. To control the rate of rotation of the conveyor belts310, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly360coupled to wheels362coupled to and configured to drive rotation of the conveyor belts310. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the belt speed of the conveyor belts310. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly360via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly360may adjust the rotation rate of the wheels362to adjust the belt speed of the conveyor belts310. For example, the actuation assembly360may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive rotation of the wheels362, thereby driving rotation of the conveyor belts310.

Additionally, the controller100may control a force applied by the packing mechanism330to the agricultural product12. To control the pressure applied by the packing mechanism330, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly370coupled to the packing mechanism330. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the pressure applied by the packing mechanism330. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly370via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly370may adjust the pressure applied by the packing mechanism330to the agricultural product12. For example, the actuation assembly370may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the packing mechanism330.

Additionally, the controller100may control a force applied by the compression actuators350to the second portion308of the bale chamber304. To control the pressure applied by the compression actuators350, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly380coupled to the compression actuators350. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to adjust the pressure applied by the compression actuators350. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly380via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly380may adjust the pressure applied by the compression actuators350to the second portion308of the bale chamber304. For example, the actuation assembly380may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to drive movement of the compression actuators350.

FIG. 12is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system300ofFIG. 11. In certain embodiments, the controller100may determine that the agricultural product12is ready to be compressed into the bale392. In response, the controller100may output the output signal to the actuation assembly380indicative of instructions to adjust the force applied by the compression actuators350. For example, as illustrated, the second portion308of the bale chamber304is moved toward the first portion306of the bale chamber304(e.g., as indicated by arrows390) by the compression actuators350, thereby compressing the agricultural product12into a bale392. Additionally, the portion320of the bale wrap60is wrapped around the bale392within the bale chamber304.

FIG. 13is a schematic side view of the bale wrapping system300ofFIG. 11. In certain embodiments, the controller100may output an output signal to the compression actuators coupled to the second portion308of the bale chamber304indicative of instructions to terminate the force applied to the second portion308. In response, the compression actuators may terminate the force applied to the second portion308of the bale chamber304. As illustrated, the bale chamber304is in an open configuration (e.g., the first portion306of the bale chamber304is separated and apart from the second portion308of the bale chamber304), thereby enabling the bale392of the agricultural product12to move out of the bale chamber304, as indicated by arrow394. In the illustrated embodiment, to separate the first portion306and the second portion308, the second portion308may pivot about a pivot point396. For example, the controller100may control the pivoting motion of the second portion308of the bale chamber304. To control the pivoting motion of the second portion308, the controller100may output an output signal to an actuation assembly398coupled to the second portion308of the bale chamber304and configured to rotate the second portion308upwardly about the pivot point396. The output signal may be indicative of instructions to rotate the second portion308of the bale chamber304upwardly away from the first portion306of the bale chamber304. The controller100may be communicatively coupled to the actuation assembly398via wired and/or wireless communication mechanism(s). In response to receiving the output signal, the actuation assembly398may rotate the second portion308of the bale chamber304upwardly away from the first portion306of the bale chamber304. For example, the actuation assembly398may include actuator(s) and/or motor(s) configured to rotate the second portion308of the bale chamber304. In other embodiments, the actuation assembly may move the first portion away from the second portion via linear movement.

The embodiments of a bale wrapping system described herein may facilitate wrapping of bales of agricultural product. The bale wrapping system is configured to wrap the bale with a bale wrap to secure the agricultural product within the bale and to generally maintain a shape of the bale. The bale wrap may be formed of natural materials, such as cotton. In some embodiments, the bale wrapping system includes a bale chamber configured to receive the agricultural product, the bale wrap configured to be disposed within the bale chamber between the agricultural product and an interior surface of the bale chamber (e.g., such that the bale wrap receives the agricultural product), and a belt configured to be disposed between the bale wrap and the interior surface of the bale chamber and to compact the agricultural product within the bale wrap. The ability to compact the bales of agricultural product may increase a storage capacity of the bales and/or may increase a shelf life of the bales in storage.

In certain embodiments, the bale wrapping system includes a bale wrap locking mechanism configured to secure an end of the bale wrap to the bale chamber (e.g., baling chamber) as the bale of agricultural product is formed. For example, the bale wrap locking mechanism may include hook(s) and/or a clamp configured to secure the end of the bale wrap to the bale chamber. In some embodiments, the bale wrapping system may include a bale securing mechanism configured to secure the bale wrap around the bale. For example, the bale securing mechanism may include an adhesive application mechanism and/or a sewing mechanism configured to couple a first portion of the bale wrap to a second portion of the bale wrap, which overlaps the first portion, to secure the bale wrap around the bale of agricultural product.