Hydraulic alternating system for agricultural baler

A hydraulic circuit includes a control valve, a first hydraulic actuator, and a second hydraulic. The hydraulic circuit is configured such that in a first step, the first hydraulic actuator opens a product barrier in response to movement of the control valve into a first position, in a second step, the second hydraulic actuator moves a product engagement member in a first direction and the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier in response to movement of the control valve into a second position, in a third step, the first hydraulic actuator opens the product barrier in response to movement of the control valve into the first position, and in a fourth step, the second hydraulic actuator moves the product engagement member in a second direction and the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier in response to movement of the control valve into the second position.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic alternating system for an agricultural baler.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a hydraulic circuit including a selective control valve actuatable between a first position and a second position, a first hydraulic actuator operable to open and close a product barrier, and a second hydraulic actuator operable to move a product engagement member. The hydraulic circuit is configured such that in a first step, the first hydraulic actuator opens the product barrier and the second hydraulic actuator moves the product engagement member in a first direction in response to movement of the selective control valve into the first position, in a second step, the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier and the product engagement member remains in place in response to movement of the selective control valve into the second position, in a third step, the first hydraulic actuator opens the product barrier and the second hydraulic actuator moves the product engagement member in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to movement of the selective control valve into the first position, and in a fourth step, the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier and the product engagement member remains in place in response to movement of the selective control valve into the second position.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a hydraulic circuit including a selective control valve actuatable between a first position and a second position, a first hydraulic actuator operable to open and close a product barrier, and a second hydraulic actuator operable to move a product engagement member. The hydraulic circuit is configured such that in a first step, the first hydraulic actuator opens the product barrier and the product engagement member remains in place in response to movement of the selective control valve into the first position, in a second step, the second hydraulic actuator moves the product engagement member in a first direction and the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier in response to movement of the selective control valve into the second position, in a third step, the first hydraulic actuator opens the product barrier and the product engagement member remains in place in response to movement of the selective control valve into the first position, and in a fourth step, the second hydraulic actuator moves the product engagement member in a second direction opposite the first direction and the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier in response to movement of the selective control valve into the second position.

In yet another aspect, the disclosure provides a hydraulic circuit including a first selective control valve actuatable between a first position and a second position, a second selective control valve actuatable in a first position, a first hydraulic actuator operable to open and close a product barrier, and a second hydraulic actuator operable to move a product engagement member. The hydraulic circuit is configured such that in a first step, the first hydraulic actuator opens the product barrier in response to movement of the first selective control valve into the first position, in a second step, the second hydraulic actuator moves the product engagement member in a first direction in response to movement of the second selective control valve into the first position, in a third step, the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier in response to movement of the first selective control valve into the second position, in a fourth step, the first hydraulic actuator opens the product barrier in response to movement of the first selective control valve into the first position, in a fifth step, the second hydraulic actuator moves the product engagement member in a second direction opposite the first direction in response to movement of the second selective control valve into the first position, and in a sixth step, the first hydraulic actuator closes the product barrier in response to movement of the first selective control valve into the second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1illustrates certain agricultural equipment10including a tractor14, a baler18, and a crop package accumulator22. The baler18(e.g., a crop packaging system) and the accumulator22(e.g., a crop package handling system) are both coupled to the tractor14to move the baler18and the accumulator22during an agricultural process (e.g., through an agricultural field). The tractor14also supplies operational power in the form of hydraulic, electrical, and/or mechanical power to the baler18and the accumulator22. For example, a portion of a hydraulic control system is located within a cab30of the tractor14to actuate and operate components of the baler18and the accumulator22, as discussed in detail below.

The illustrated baler18is configured to produce cylindrical crop packages, e.g., round bales, from an agricultural field. For example, the baler18may produce crop packages from hay, corn stalks, and the like. In other embodiments, the baler18may produce cuboid crop packages, e.g., square bales. In the illustrated embodiment, the baler18includes a baler frame38to which a baler gate or a crop product barrier42is pivotally coupled about a first axis46. The illustrated gate42is positionable between a closed position (FIG. 1) and an open position (FIG. 6) by gate hydraulic actuators50, e.g., hydraulic cylinders. In other embodiments, the gate42may translate or slide between the closed position and the open position.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated accumulator22is coupled to the baler frame38such that the baler18and the accumulator22are supported by common axles and related structure, e.g., wheels54, although the accumulator can have its own dedicated axles, wheels, and other supporting structure. An accumulator frame58is pivotably coupled relative to the baler frame38about a second axis62and includes a middle frame portion66, a first side frame portion70, and a second side frame portion74. The illustrated portions66,70,74define a bale carriage area76configured to support the crop packages (not shown inFIGS. 1 and 2). The middle frame portion66is positioned between the side frame portions70,74with the side frame portions70,74slidably extendable relative to the middle frame portion66parallel to a first direction arrow78and a second direction arrow82. In other embodiments, the side frame portions70,74may pivot relative to the middle frame portion66about an axis generally perpendicular to the second axis62, e.g., the side frame portions70,74fold into the middle frame portion66, to achieve lateral movement of the side frame portions70,74.

With reference toFIGS. 2 and 3, a bale moving member86(e.g., a crop package or product engagement member) is illustrated as a plate member oriented substantially perpendicular to the second axis62, is slidably coupled to the middle frame portion66, and is slidable in the directions78,82. In other words, the bale moving member86is movable in two opposing directions (e.g., left and right or up and down). The illustrated bale moving member86includes a base90that extends below a platform94(shown inFIG. 1but not shown inFIG. 2for clarity of other components associated with the accumulator22) of the middle frame portion66, and is fixedly coupled to a linkage98, e.g., a roller chain. In other embodiments, the linkage98may be another flexible linkage, e.g., a cable, rope, or the like. Both ends102(FIG. 3) of the linkage98are fixed relative to a crop package hydraulic actuator106, e.g., hydraulic actuators or cylinders106a,106b,each including a sprocket110that engages the linkage98. For example, the first crop package hydraulic actuator106ais coupled to a first sprocket110a,and the second crop package hydraulic actuator106bis coupled to a second sprocket110b.In the illustrated embodiment, the sprockets110a,110buniformly move together in either direction78,82via engagement between the linkage98and the sprockets110a,110b.Accordingly, extension of the first hydraulic actuator106amoves the first sprocket110ain the first direction78, which pulls the linkage98and therefore the base90and bale moving member86in the first direction, and extension of the second hydraulic actuator106bmoves the second sprocket110bin the second direction82, which pulls the linkage98and therefore the base90and bale moving member86in the second direction82. In other embodiments, the crop package hydraulic actuators106a,106bmay be one hydraulic actuator that is able to move the sprockets110a,110bin either direction78,82(FIGS. 13-21).

With reference toFIG. 4, a hydraulic control system or hydraulic circuit26is illustrated as a closed loop system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic control system26is operable by hydraulic fluid; however, in other embodiments, the control system26may be pneumatically operable. A hydraulic pump114and a hydraulic reservoir118, which are associated with the tractor14, are fluidly coupled to a first selective control valve122. The first selective control valve122is positionable in three positions such that the pump114and the reservoir118are coupled to the control valve122in a first position122a(FIG. 4), a second position122b(FIG. 5), and a third position122c(FIG. 8). The control valve122is operable by a user located within the tractor cab30. In other embodiments, the control valve122may be automatically actuated (e.g., by electric sensors). In addition, the control valve122is fluidly coupled to the gate hydraulic actuators50by a first hydraulic line126, fluidly coupled to the first crop package hydraulic actuator106a(second line130), and fluidly coupled to the second crop package hydraulic actuator106b(third line134), further described below.

The first selective control valve122is directly coupled to a second selective control valve138by a fourth hydraulic line142including a check valve146and a fifth hydraulic line150including a first relief check valve154. The fifth hydraulic line150is in fluid communication with the first hydraulic line126and is in selective communication with the second hydraulic line130and the third hydraulic line134. The first relief check valve154functions as a conventional check valve (e.g., allowing fluid to flow in only one direction) until a predetermined fluidic pressure acts against the first relief check valve154causing fluid to bypass the first relief check valve154utilizing a first hydraulic relief line158. In particular, the first relief check valve154is spring biased to a predetermined fluidic pressure threshold. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined fluidic pressure is adjustable dependent upon specific applications of the hydraulic control system26.

The second selective control valve138is fluidly coupled to the fourth and the fifth hydraulic lines142,150in a first position138a(FIG. 5) and a second position138b(FIG. 9). In particular, the second selective control valve138is operable between the two positions138a,138bby hydraulic switching actuators162a,162b,e.g., pilot-operated valves or cam spool valves.

An override mechanism164is located fluidly between the second selective control valve138and the crop package hydraulic actuators106. The illustrated override mechanism164includes a first control valve168having a relief line172and a second control valve176having a relief line180. The first and the second control valves168,176allow hydraulic fluid to flow in only one direction after a predetermined fluidic pressure is reached. In the illustrated embodiment, the first control valve168is operable to allow fluid to flow from the second hydraulic line130to the third hydraulic line134via the relief line172, and the second control valve176is operable to allow fluid to flow from the third hydraulic line134to the second hydraulic line130via the relief line180. In other embodiments, the override mechanism164may be omitted thereby fluidly decoupling the second and the third hydraulic lines130,134between the second selective control valve138and the hydraulic actuators106a,106b.

The illustrated hydraulic control system26also includes a switching valve166, which is similar to a switching valve disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,476, incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the switching valve166includes a first aperture170a,a second aperture170b,a third aperture174a,and a fourth aperture174bwith a mechanically actuated check valve148associated with the third and the fourth apertures174a,174b.A translating switching member178is operable to selectively block fluid communication between one of the apertures174a,174band the first aperture170a.In addition, the translating switching member178selectively engages one of the mechanically actuated check valves148to allow for opposite fluid flow through the check valve148. The third aperture174ais directly coupled to the first hydraulic switching actuator162aby a sixth hydraulic line182, and the fourth aperture174bis directly coupled to the second hydraulic switching actuator162bby a seventh hydraulic line186.

In addition, the first aperture170ais directly coupled to the fifth hydraulic line150by an eighth hydraulic line190. The second aperture170bis in fluid communication with the sixth hydraulic line182via a ninth hydraulic line194and is in fluid communication with the seventh hydraulic line186via a tenth hydraulic line198. The ninth and the tenth hydraulic lines194,198both include a check valve146and an orifice valve202, with the orifice valve202located fluidly between the check valve146and the second aperture170b.In other embodiments, the orifice valves202may be located on the other side of the check valve146. Furthermore, an eleventh hydraulic line206including a second relief check valve210having a second hydraulic relief line214fluidly couples the gate hydraulic actuators50and the switching valve166. The illustrated second relief check valve210is similar to the first relief check valve154. The eleventh hydraulic line206is also in fluid communication with fourth hydraulic line142, the ninth hydraulic line194, and the tenth hydraulic line198.

In operation, as the tractor14pulls the baler18and the accumulator22through the agricultural field, a first crop package begins to form within the baler18. As the first crop package is forming, the first selective control valve122is coupled to the hydraulic pump114and the hydraulic reservoir118in the first position122a(FIG. 4). As such, the pump114and the reservoir118are decoupled from the first hydraulic line126and the fourth hydraulic line142. Once the baler18completes the formation of the first crop package, the baler electrically conveys a signal to the cab30indicating to the operator of the tractor14to actuate the gate42to the open position.

With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the operator accordingly actuates from the cab30the first selective control valve122into the second position122b(e.g., a first step of operation of the hydraulic control system26), which fluidly couples the pump114to the gate hydraulic actuators50by the first hydraulic line126, providing hydraulic pressure to the gate hydraulic actuators50to raise the gate42to the open position. For reference, hydraulic fluidic pressure provided by the pump114is illustrated in solid lines and indicated as “high pressure” withinFIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 12. Hydraulic fluid that is pushed out of the gate hydraulic actuators50travels to the reservoir118through the eleventh and the fourth hydraulic lines206,142. For reference, hydraulic fluid traveling into the reservoir118is illustrated in dashed lines and indicated as “low pressure” withinFIGS. 5, 8, 9, and 12. Concurrently, hydraulic fluid travels through the fifth hydraulic line150until the hydraulic fluid reaches the first relief check valve154. As the gate42raises, hydraulic pressure within the fifth hydraulic line150is less than the predetermined pressure threshold of the first relief check valve154. When the gate42is in the fully open position, e.g., gate hydraulic actuators50are fully extended, the first crop package or product34aexits the baler18and moves to the middle frame portion66.

When the gate hydraulic actuators50are fully extended, hydraulic pressure within the fifth hydraulic line150increases such that the pressure therein exceeds the predetermined pressure threshold of the first relief check valve154. Referring again toFIG. 5, hydraulic fluid travels through the first hydraulic relief line158to the second selective control valve138via the fifth hydraulic line150and to the switching valve166via the eighth hydraulic line190and into inlet170a.From the switching valve166, the hydraulic fluid travels through the apertures174a,174bto equally pressurize the hydraulic switching actuators162a,162bsuch that the second selective control valve138remains in the first position138a.In the first position138a,hydraulic fluid travels through the second hydraulic line130to the first crop package hydraulic actuator106ato fully extend and move the sprocket110ain the direction78. Accordingly, the bale moving member86also moves in the direction78to move the first crop package34ato the first side portion70of the bale carriage area76(FIG. 7). The second crop package hydraulic actuator106balso moves in the direction78during extension of the first crop package hydraulic actuator106aby the first sprocket110apushing the second sprocket110bin the direction78via the linkage98. Consequently, hydraulic fluid is pushed through the third and the fourth hydraulic lines134,142to the reservoir118. In other embodiments, the first crop package hydraulic actuator106amay not fully extend in the direction78, but rather, the first crop package hydraulic actuator106a,and ultimately the bale moving member86, may stop at one or more positions in the direction78that are before the fully extended position of the first crop package hydraulic actuator106a.

Should hydraulic pressure within the first crop package hydraulic actuator106abecome too great, e.g., if a force is obstructing movement of the bale moving member86, the override mechanism164enables hydraulic fluid within the second hydraulic line130to release excess pressure to the third hydraulic line134via the first control valve168. As such, hydraulic pressure within the first crop package hydraulic actuator106adoes not exceed a maximum hydraulic pressure.

The operator then actuates the first selective control valve122into the third position122cto index the hydraulic control system26into the configuration illustrated inFIG. 8(e.g., a second step of operation of the hydraulic control system26). As such, the pump114is directly coupled to the eleventh hydraulic line206to convey hydraulic fluid to the gate hydraulic actuators50to close the gate42(FIG. 1). Once the gate42fully closes, the hydraulic pressure within the eleventh hydraulic line206increases until it exceeds the predetermined hydraulic pressure of the second relief check valve210to convey hydraulic fluid through the second hydraulic relief line214to the switching valve166. The hydraulic fluid pushes the switching member178towards the first aperture170asuch that the seventh hydraulic line186is not in fluid communication with the eighth hydraulic line190, but the sixth hydraulic line182is in fluid communication with the eighth hydraulic line190. Specifically, as the switching member178translates towards the first aperture170a,the switching member178engages the check valve148, associated with the third aperture174a,to allow hydraulic fluid to flow opposite of the allowed flow direction of the check valve148.

Hydraulic fluid travels through the check valve146and the orifice valve202, e.g., the tenth hydraulic line198, to the second hydraulic switching actuator162bto move the second selective control valve138into the second position138b.In turn, hydraulic fluid is pushed out of the first hydraulic switching actuator162a.The orifice valve202, associated with the ninth hydraulic line194, provides enough back pressure within the hydraulic lines182,194such that hydraulic fluid pressurized from the pump114does not move past the check valve146, and the hydraulic fluid pushed out of the first hydraulic switching actuator162ais allowed to flow through the switching valve166and into the reservoir118.

The operator again actuates the first selective control valve122back into the first position122a,as shown inFIG. 4(e.g., a third step of operation of the hydraulic control system26). The baler18is now operable to form a second crop package34b.Once the baler18completes the formation of the second crop package34b,the baler electrically conveys a signal to the cab30indicating to the operator of the tractor14to again actuate the gate42to the open position (FIG. 10).

The operator again actuates the first selective control valve122back into the second position122bto index the hydraulic control system26into the configuration as illustrated inFIG. 9(e.g., a fourth step in operation of the hydraulic control system26). The hydraulic control system26operates in a similar manner to what has been previously described in view ofFIG. 5and the first step of operation. In particular, the pump114fully opens the gate hydraulic actuators50, the second crop package34bexits the baler18and onto the middle frame portion66, and hydraulic pressure travels through the switching valve166to equalize the pressure of the hydraulic switching actuators162. However, because the second selective control valve138is in the second position138b,hydraulic fluid now travels to the second crop package hydraulic actuator106b.As such, the second sprocket110b,the bale moving member86, and the first sprocket110amove in the direction82to push the second crop package34bto the second side portion74(FIG. 11).

Should hydraulic pressure within the second crop package hydraulic actuator106bbecome too great, e.g., if a force is obstructing movement of the bale moving member86, the override mechanism164enables hydraulic fluid within the third hydraulic line134to release excess pressure to the second hydraulic line130via the second control valve176. As such, hydraulic pressure within the second crop package hydraulic actuator106bdoes not exceed a maximum hydraulic pressure.

The operator then actuates the first selective control valve122into the third position122cto index the hydraulic control system26into the configuration as illustrated inFIG. 12(e.g., a fifth step of operation of the hydraulic control system26). The configuration of the hydraulic control system26illustrated inFIG. 12is similar to the configuration of the hydraulic control system26illustrated inFIG. 8(e.g., the second step of operation) with the gate42in the closed position. However, as hydraulic fluid moves the switching member178towards the first aperture170a,the switching valve166indexes to provide fluid communication between the first aperture170aand the fourth aperture174b,but does not provide fluid communication between the first aperture170aand the third aperture174a.In particular, the switching member178engages the check valve148, associated with the fourth aperture174b,to allow hydraulic fluid to flow opposite of the allowed flow direction of the check valve148.

Hydraulic fluid travels through the check valve146and the orifice valve202, e.g., the ninth hydraulic line194, to the first hydraulic switching actuator162ato move the second selective control valve138into the first position138a.In turn, hydraulic fluid is pushed out of the second hydraulic switching actuator162b.The orifice valve202, associated with the tenth hydraulic line198, provides enough back pressure within the hydraulic lines186,198such that hydraulic fluid pressurized from the pump114does not move past the check valve146, and the hydraulic fluid pushed out of the second hydraulic switching actuator162bis allowed to flow through the switching valve166and into the reservoir118.

The operator of the tractor14can optionally remove the first and the second crop packages34a,34bfrom the accumulator22by pivoting the baler frame38about the second axis62to allow the crop packages34a,34bto roll out of the bale carriage area76. In other embodiments, the baler18may formulate a third crop package that can be located within the middle frame portion66before the operator decides to remove the crop packages34from the accumulator22.

In general, the hydraulic control system26couples the movement of the crop package hydraulic actuators106—and ultimately the movement of the crop packages—with the opening movement of the baler gate42during a first actuation of the first selective control valve122and couples the switching of the second selective control valve138with the closing movement of the baler gate42during a second actuation of the first selective control valve122.

Although a particular accumulator is disclosed in this application, some embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to other accumulators that operate in similar or different manners. For example, the present disclosure can be utilized in any accumulator that moves crop packages of any shape in at least two different directions during accumulation of the crop packages. Also, the present disclosure can be utilized with any baler having an actuator (e.g., hydraulic actuator) for operating the gate or other mechanism of the baler. The control system26is, moreover, operable with other agricultural equipment such as planting equipment, tillage equipment, etc. to move agricultural product in a similar manner.

Additionally, the illustrated hydraulic control system26is not limited to agricultural systems or equipment and can be utilized with other applications. For example, the hydraulic control system26may be combined with, coupled to, or otherwise operable with construction equipment, forestry equipment, packaging and sorting systems, assembly line operations, automotive systems, aerospace systems, etc. In such applications, the crop product barrier may be termed a product barrier and the crop package engagement member may be termed a product engagement member. The product barrier and the product engagement member may move relative to each other in a similar way or sequence as discussed above to move product, e.g., construction materials, lumber, packages, assembled parts, etc.

FIGS. 13-16illustrate a hydraulic control system326coupled to the agricultural equipment10according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The hydraulic control system326is similar to the hydraulic control system26with similar components including similar reference numbers incremented by300. Only the differences between the systems26,326will be described in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein.

The hydraulic control system326includes a first selective control valve422positionable in three positions, a first position422a,a second position422b(FIG. 14), and a third position422c(FIG. 13) and is coupled to the hydraulic pump114and the hydraulic reservoir118of the tractor14. The first control valve422is fluidly coupled to the gate hydraulic actuators50by a first hydraulic line426including a fluidly actuated check valve427that selectively operates between a conventional check valve (e.g., inhibiting flow from the gate actuators50to the first control valve422via the first hydraulic line426) and no check valve (e.g., allowing flow from the gate actuators50to the first control valve422via the first hydraulic line426). The fluidly actuated check valve427is biased into the conventional check valve configuration.

The first selective control valve422is directly coupled to a second selective control valve438by a fourth hydraulic line442including a check valve446and a fifth hydraulic line450. The hydraulic lines442,450are selectively coupled to the crop package hydraulic actuator106via a second line430and a third line434. The second selective control valve438is positionable in a first position438a(FIG. 13) and in a second position438b(FIG. 15) by hydraulic switching actuators462a,462b.A hydraulic line451fluidly couples the fifth hydraulic line450to the fluidly actuated check valve427of the first hydraulic line426and includes a third relief check valve453(operating similar to the first relief check valve154) having a relief line455.

The illustrated hydraulic control system326also includes a switching valve466having a translating switching member478, a first aperture470a,a second aperture470b,a third aperture474a,a fourth aperture474b,and mechanically actuated check valves448. The third aperture474ais directly coupled to the first hydraulic switching actuator462aby a sixth hydraulic line482, and the fourth aperture474bis directly coupled to the second hydraulic switching actuator462bby a seventh hydraulic line486. The first aperture470ais directly coupled to the fifth hydraulic line450by an eighth hydraulic line490, and the second aperture470bis in fluid communication with the sixth hydraulic line482via a ninth hydraulic line494and is in fluid communication with the seventh hydraulic line486via a tenth hydraulic line498. The ninth and the tenth hydraulic lines494,498both include a check valve446and an orifice valve502. An eleventh hydraulic line506fluidly couples the gate hydraulic actuators50and the switching valve466via the first hydraulic line426.

With reference toFIG. 13, the operator actuates the first selective control valve422into the third position422c(e.g., a first step of operation of the hydraulic control system326), providing hydraulic fluid to the gate hydraulic actuators50to raise the gate42into the open position. The hydraulic fluid also actuates the second switching actuator462bthrough the switching valve466(via the hydraulic lines506,498,486) to move or switch the control valve438into the first position438a.When the gate42is in the fully open position, e.g., gate hydraulic actuators50are fully extended, the first crop package34aexits the baler18and moves onto the accumulator22(FIG. 6).

With reference toFIG. 14, the operator then actuates the first selective control valve422into the second position422b(e.g., a second step of operation of the hydraulic control system326), providing hydraulic fluid through the switching valve466to actuate both switching actuators462a,462b(via the hydraulic lines450,490,482,486) to maintain the second control valve438in the first position438a.The hydraulic fluid also travels to the crop package hydraulic actuator106through the second selective control valve438(via the hydraulic lines450,430) to move the bale moving member86and the first crop package34ain the first direction78(FIG. 7). While the bale moving member86is moving in the first direction78, the baler gate42is maintained in the open position because the check valve724inhibits hydraulic fluid to flow into the reservoir118, thereby holding the hydraulic actuators50stationary. After the hydraulic actuator106is fully extended in the first position78, hydraulic pressure increases within the hydraulic line451until the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure of the third relief check valve453, and the hydraulic fluid bypasses the third relief check valve453via the relief line455. The hydraulic fluid then interacts with the fluidly actuated check valve427to open the fluidly actuated check valve427to allow fluid to move from the gate hydraulic actuators50into the reservoir118enabling the baler gate42to close. The first selective control valve422is then positioned in the first position422aand the baler18forms the second crop package34b.

With reference toFIG. 15, the operator actuates the first selective control valve422back into the third position422c(e.g., a third step of operation of the hydraulic control system326), providing hydraulic fluid to the gate hydraulic actuators50to again raise the gate42into the open position. The hydraulic fluid also actuates the first switching actuator462a(via the hydraulic lines506,494,482) to switch the control valve438into the second position438b.When the gate42is in the fully open position, the second crop package34bexits the baler18and moves onto the accumulator22(FIG. 10).

With reference toFIG. 16, the operator then actuates the first selective control valve422back into the second position422b(e.g., a fourth step of operation of the hydraulic control system326), providing hydraulic fluid through the switching valve466to actuate both switching actuators462a,462b(via the hydraulic lines450,490,482,486) to maintain the second control valve438in the second position438b.The hydraulic fluid also travels to the crop package hydraulic actuator106through the second selective control valve438(via the hydraulic lines450,434) to move the bale moving member86and the second crop package34bin the second direction82(FIG. 11). While the bale moving member86is moving in the second direction82, the baler gate42is maintained in the open position because the check valve724inhibits hydraulic fluid to flow into the reservoir118, thereby holding the hydraulic actuators50stationary. After the hydraulic actuator106is fully extended in the second position82, hydraulic pressure again increases within the hydraulic line451until the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure of the third relief check valve453, and the hydraulic fluid bypasses the third relief check valve453via the relief line455. The hydraulic fluid then interacts with the fluidly actuated check valve427to open the fluidly actuated check valve427to allow fluid to move from the gate hydraulic actuators50into the reservoir118enabling the baler gate42to close again.

In other embodiments, the hydraulic line451and the fluidly actuated check valve427may be omitted and replaced with the third relief check valve453coupled to the eighth hydraulic line490fluidly between the gate actuators50and the fifth hydraulic line450. In this embodiment, the third relief check valve453allows fluid to freely flow from the gate actuators50to the switching valve466, but allows the hydraulic fluid to increase in pressure within the eighth hydraulic line490until the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure of the third relief check valve453. Once the predetermined pressure is exceeded, the hydraulic pressure is able to bypass the third relief check valve453via the relief line455to travel to the gate actuators50to close the baler gate42(FIGS. 14 and 16). In this embodiment, the third relief check valve453continues to ensure that the crop package hydraulic actuator106is fully extended in either direction78,82before the baler gate42begins to close.

In further embodiments, the hydraulic line451and the fluidly actuated check valve427may be omitted and replaced with the third relief check valve453coupled to the first hydraulic line426fluidly between the gate actuators50and the fourth hydraulic line442(e.g., in the position where the fluidly actuated check valve427was removed). In this embodiment, the third relief check valve453allows hydraulic fluid to freely flow from the first selective control valve422to the gate actuators50, but allows the hydraulic fluid to increase in pressure within the first hydraulic line426until the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure of the third relief check valve453. Once the predetermined pressure is exceeded, the hydraulic pressure is able to bypass the third relief check valve453via the relief line455to travel to the first selective control valve422allowing the baler gate42to close (FIGS. 14 and 16). In this embodiment, the third relief check valve453continues to ensure that the crop package hydraulic actuator106is fully extended in either direction78,82before the baler gate42begins to close.

In general, the hydraulic control system326couples the switching of the second selective control valve438with the opening movement of the baler gate42during a first actuation of the first selective control valve422and couples the movement of the bale moving member86and the crop packages34a,34bwith the closing movement of the baler gate42during a second actuation of the first selective control valve422.

FIGS. 17-21illustrate a hydraulic control system526coupled to the agricultural equipment10according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The hydraulic control system526is similar to the hydraulic control system326with similar components including similar reference numbers incremented by200. Only the differences between the systems326,526will be described in detail. In addition, components or features described with respect to only one or some of the embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiments described herein.

The hydraulic control system526includes a first selective control valve622positionable in three positions, a first position622a,a second position622b(FIG. 17), and a third position622c(FIG. 19) and is coupled to the hydraulic pump114and the hydraulic reservoir118of the tractor14. The first control valve622is fluidly coupled to the gate hydraulic actuators50by a first hydraulic line626and a second hydraulic line639but does not actuate the crop package hydraulic actuator106in contrast to the hydraulic control system326.

The first selective control valve622is fluidly coupled to a second selective control valve638by a switching valve666with the first hydraulic line626and the second hydraulic line639fluidly coupling the first selective control valve622to the switching valve666. The first hydraulic line626includes a relief check valve653having a relief line655. The second selective control valve638is positionable in a first position638a(FIG. 17) and in a second position638b(FIG. 20) by hydraulic switching actuators662a,662b.

The illustrated switching valve666includes a translating switching member678, a first aperture670a,a second aperture670b,a third aperture674a,a fourth aperture674b,and mechanically actuated check valves648. The first aperture670ais directly coupled to the second hydraulic line639, the second aperture670bis directly coupled to the first hydraulic line626, the third aperture674ais directly coupled to the first hydraulic switching actuator662aby a hydraulic line682, and the fourth aperture674bis directly coupled to the second hydraulic switching actuator662bby a hydraulic line686. The hydraulic lines682,686are in fluid communication with the second aperture670bvia a hydraulic line694and a hydraulic line698. The hydraulic lines694,698both include a check valve646and an orifice valve702.

In the illustrated embodiment, a third selective control valve720is in fluid communication with the pump114, the reservoir118, and the hydraulic actuator106via hydraulic lines724,728and is positionable in a first position720a(FIG. 17) and a second position720b(FIG. 18). The third selective control valve720is also in fluid communication with the second selective control valve638via the hydraulic lines724,728with the hydraulic line724including a check valve646positioned between the selective control valves638,720.

With reference toFIG. 17, the operator actuates the first selective control valve622into the second position622b(e.g., a first step of operation of the hydraulic control system526), providing hydraulic fluid to the gate hydraulic actuators50to raise the gate42into the open position via the hydraulic line626. When the gate42is in the fully open position, e.g., gate hydraulic actuators50are fully extended, the first crop package34aexits the baler18and moves onto the accumulator22(FIG. 6). The hydraulic pressure increases in the first hydraulic line626until the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure of the check relief valve653. After the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure, the hydraulic fluid passes through the check relief valve653via the relief line655to actuate the second switching actuator662b(via the hydraulic lines698,686) to move the control valve638into the first position638a.

With reference toFIG. 18, the operator then actuates the third selective control valve720into the second position720b(e.g., a second step of operation of the hydraulic control system526), providing hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator106(via hydraulic lines728,724) to move the bale moving member86and the first crop package34ain the first direction78(FIG. 7).

With reference toFIG. 19, the operator actuates the third selective control valve720into the first position720aand also actuates the first selective control valve622into the third position622c(e.g., a third step of operation of the hydraulic control system526). Hydraulic fluid then flows to the gate hydraulic actuators50to close the baler gate42(via the hydraulic line639) and flows into the switching valve666to switch the orientation of the switching member678(via the hydraulic line639). During this step of operation, the hydraulic fluid actuates both hydraulic switching actuators662a,662b(via the hydraulic lines639,682,686) to maintain the second selective control valve638in the first position638a.The first selective control valve622is then positioned in the first position622aand the baler18forms the second crop package34b.

With reference toFIG. 20, the operator actuates the first selective control valve622back into the second position622b(e.g., a fourth step of operation of the hydraulic control system526), providing hydraulic fluid to the gate hydraulic actuators50to again raise the gate42into the open position (via the hydraulic line626). When the gate42is in the fully open position, the second crop package34bexits the baler18and moves onto the accumulator22(FIG. 10). The hydraulic pressure increases in the first hydraulic line626until the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure of the check relief valve653. After the pressure exceeds the predetermined pressure, the hydraulic fluid passes through the check relief valve653via the relief line655to actuate the first switching actuator662a(via the hydraulic lines694,682) to switch the control valve638into the second position638b.

With reference toFIG. 21, the operator then actuates the third selective control valve720back into the second position720b(e.g., a fifth step of operation of the hydraulic control system526), providing hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator106(via the hydraulic line728) to move the bale moving member86and the second crop package34bin the second direction82(FIG. 11). Subsequently, the operator repeats the third step of operation (e.g., a sixth step of operation of the hydraulic control system526) to close the baler gate42(e.g., actuating the third selective control valve720into the first position720aand also actuating the first selective control valve622into the third position622c) for the baler18to produce another crop package.

In general, the hydraulic control system526provides independent control of moving the bale gate42into the open or closed position and moving the crop packages34a,34bon the accumulator22. In particular, the control system526couples the switching of the second selective control valve638with the opening movement of the baler gate42during a first actuation of the first selective control valve622and couples the movement of the crop package hydraulic actuators106with actuation of the third selective control valve720.