Abstract:
A method and apparatus for discharging a bale from a baler including a bale ramp that is capable of moving a formed cylindrical bale away from the bale-forming machine. The bale ramp is capable of supporting the formed bale, and utilizing power from a linkage to the bale discharge gate to provide initial horizontal travel of the bale prior to the bale losing significant potential energy. The linkage between the bale discharge gate and the bale ramp includes a lost motion device including a spring that allows energy to be stored from the hydraulic system that powers the bale discharge gate open. That stored energy is applied to the bale, at the appropriate time, as it is able to move. A second stage is provided, which utilizes a traditional spring-loaded ramp. As the bale drops a portion of its potential energy is translated into horizontal momentum and the bale will be caused to move away from the baler.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The invention pertains to a machine for forming cylindrical bales of crop materials and more particularly to a mechanism for moving a finished bale a distance away from the machine. 
     Machines pulled by a tractor for forming cylindrical bales of crop material are well known, including two basic types. A first utilizes side frames, a left side and a right side, and bale-forming belts routed around belt rollers, positioned between the side frames, to define a variable diameter cylinder. The belts work in conjunction with a pickup and feed rollers to pickup crop from a windrow and form it into the cylindrical bale. A second type utilizes side frames and a series of stationary elements, typically rollers or belts supported on rollers, in predetermined positions defining a cylindrical bale-forming chamber. In this case the crop is fed into the bale-forming chamber by a pickup. 
     The bale-forming chamber is typically a substantial distance from the ground to provide clearance necessary for several reasons. A first reason is related to the need for a substantial structural member, an axle assembly. The weight of the finished bales for these machines is typically substantial, ranging from 500 pounds to up to 3000 pounds, depending on the type of crop material and moisture content. This axle assembly is typically a substantial structural component positioned such that the axle assembly carries the majority of the bale&#39;s weight. 
     A second reason is to provide clearance for the components that directly support the bale, defining the bale-forming chamber, including primarily rollers. These components, attached to the side frames, define the basic structure of the bale-forming machine. 
     The side frames are typically divided into a front and a rear portion. The rear portions of the side frames are typically pivotally attached to the front portions. The two rear portions, left side and right side, along with the associated rollers, form a bale discharge gate. The discharge gate can be pivoted to an open position to allow a formed bale to drop out of the machine. Once a formed bale is discharged, the discharge gate needs to be closed in order to begin forming the next bale. In order for it to close, the machine needs to be moved away from the discharged bale, or the discharged bale needs to move away from the machine. Moving the machine is undesirable, thus moving the bale is preferred. 
     Many mechanisms have been developed to assist in moving the bale away from the machine as it is discharged. One form is known as a bale ramp which includes a ramp that functions to convert a portion of the bale&#39;s vertical momentum, from dropping out of the bale forming chamber, into horizontal momentum. The result is that the bale may roll away from the machine. Many types of spring assists and other types of apparatus have been developed to improve the effectiveness of bale ramps. This type of mechanism is cost effective. However, function is dependent on the ground conditions and ability of a bale to roll, and thus the performance will vary and can be limited. 
     Another type includes a bale push bar that is attached to the machine and is capable of pushing the bale. These mechanisms are known in a variety of forms and have been powered by separate hydraulic systems, or alternatively from connections to the bale discharge gate, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,527. The bale push bars offer the most reliable performance, however are also the most costly to produce. 
     The need for a cost-effective component that is capable of consistently moving a bale away from a baling machine still exists. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to the present invention a bale ramp that is capable of moving a formed cylindrical bale away from the bale-forming machine. The bale ramp is capable of supporting the formed bale, and utilizing power from a linkage to the bale discharge gate to provide initial horizontal travel of the bale prior to the bale losing significant potential energy. 
     According to another aspect the linkage between the bale discharge gate and the bale ramp includes a lost motion device including a spring that allows energy to be stored from the hydraulic system that powers the bale discharge gate open. That stored energy is applied to the bale, at the appropriate time, as it is able to move. 
     According to another aspect there is provided a second stage, which utilizes a traditional spring-loaded ramp. As the bale drops a portion of its potential energy is translated into horizontal momentum and the bale will move away from the bale-forming machine. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an outline of the right side of a conventional variable chamber round baler showing locations of the side frames, the axle, bale-forming belts, some of the belt rollers, a partially formed round bale in the front section of the baler, the bale discharge gate in its closed position, and the bale ramp of the present invention in its normal condition. 
     FIG. 2 is a view from the right side of the bale ramp assembly of the present invention in its normal condition. 
     FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing the location of a formed round bale in the bale-forming chamber. 
     FIG. 4 is a view from the right side of the bale ramp assembly of the present invention in its condition wherein the free motion linkage has preloaded the spring. 
     FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing the location of a formed round bale as it begins to exit the bale-forming chamber, the bale discharge gate in a partially open position, and the bale ramp of the present invention the condition illustrated in FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is a view from the right side of the bale ramp assembly of the present invention in its condition wherein the free motion linkage has preloaded the spring, and has raised the first section of the ramp. 
     FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing the location of a formed round bale as it begins to exit the bale-forming chamber, the bale discharge gate in a fully open position, and the bale ramp of the present invention the condition illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 8 is a view from the right side of the bale ramp assembly of the present invention in its condition wherein the spring has fully raised the first section of the ramp and the bale&#39;s weight has compressed the spring of the second section of the ramp. 
     FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing the location of a formed round bale as it begins to exit the bale-forming chamber, the bale discharge gate in a fully open position, and the bale ramp of the present invention the condition illustrated in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a view from the right side of the bale ramp assembly of the present invention in its condition wherein the first section of the ramp is fully raised and the second section is also raised. 
     FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing the location of a formed round bale after it has exited the baling machine and been propelled backwards by the ramp, the bale discharge gate in a fully open position, and the bale ramp of the present invention the condition illustrated in FIG.  10 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the various figures in which identical elements are numbered identically throughout, a description of various exemplary aspects of the present invention will now be provided. The preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and described with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments disclosed. 
     FIG. 1 is an outline from the right side of a round baler  100  constructed to form cylindrical bales of crop material. It is illustrated as a single side view. One skilled in the art will recognize the fact that there are two opposing sides, left and right, spaced apart a distance equal to the length of the cylindrical bale. 
     The crop material enters the round baler at the pickup  10  where it is lifted and positioned in contact with a drum roller  12  that supports the forming bale at the bottom. The crop material is formed into the cylindrical shape by the cooperative action of the drum roller  12 , and the bale forming belts  14 . 
     The pickup  10 , and drum roller  12  are supported in the front portion of the baler frame  50 . This front portion  50  also includes belt rollers  16 , over which the bale-forming belts  14  travel, draft tongue  18  and axle assembly  20 . 
     Axle assembly  20  includes a cross tube  22  and end plates  24  that form the main structure of the axle assembly  20 . The end plates allow a hub and spindle assembly  26 , onto which the wheel assembly  28  mounts, to be positioned independent of the position of the cross tube  22 . This allows flexibility to locate the cross tube  22  furthest forward, to enhance the ability to eject a bale, while positioning the wheel assembly  28  to most appropriately balance the machine in all its operational configurations. 
     The round baler  100  also includes a rear portion, the bale discharge gate  80 . This discharge gate  80  includes belt rollers  16  which guide the bale forming belts  14 . It is pivotally connected to the front section  50  at bale discharge gate pivot  70 . Discharge gate lift cylinders  72  are provided to propel the discharge gate  80  from a closed position to an open position, gravity typically propels the discharge gate  80  from the open position to the closed position; in FIG. 1 it is shown in the closed position. 
     As described thus far the round baler is conventional. 
     The bale ramp  200  of the present invention is also illustrated in FIG.  1 . It includes an activation link  210 , a frame  220 , a first ramp section  230 , and a second ramp section  240 . The frame  220  pivotally supports both ramp sections. The activation link  210  is pivotally attached at the top to the discharge gate  80  at bracket  74  and is also pivotally connected to the first ramp section  230  at a pivot pin  232 . The frame  220  is attached to the cross tube  22  of the axle assembly  20 . 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the bale ramp  200  in more detail. The ramp is illustrated in this single side view. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are two opposing sides, so that the ramp has a width sufficient to provide support to the bale. The width is not important to the aspects here-in described, and may be adjusted to match the length of the cylindrical bale. Frame  220  includes a pair of front adapters  222  which are configured to attach to the axle cross-tube  22  of the axle assembly  20 . Only one is illustrated in the side view. This adapter can be configured to adapt to any variation of cross-tube utilized for the axle. It further includes a pair of side arms  226 , each one attached to a front adapter  222 . The side arms  226  are attached, at the opposite end, to a cross-tube  228  that, as properly installed, is generally parallel to the axle cross-tube  22 . Cross tube  228  defines the width of the Frame  220 . The frame  220  is sufficiently rigid to support the full weight of a formed bale setting on the cross-tube  228 . 
     Frame  220  further defines a pivot axis  224  for first ramp section  230 . It also provides a pivot axis  225  for second ramp section  240 . 
     First ramp section  230  is pivotally attached to frame  220  at pivot axis  224 . It further includes a pair of pivot pins  232  attached to a cross-tube  236 , a bale support frame  234 , and a pivot tube  238 . Bale support frame  234  attaches to pivot tube  238  at its reward end, and is adapted to rest against the front adapter  222  or axle cross-tube  22  at the front end. The cross-tube  236  is attached to the bale support frame  234  near the center and is of sufficient length to position the pivot pins  232  outside the width of the baler&#39;s discharge gate  80 , and in alignment with the activation link brackets  74 . This provides for convenient connection to the activation link  210 , the activation link  210  being substantially vertical, as illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     The activation link  210  is a strap that includes a pivot feature  212  at its top end that is adapted to cooperate with the activation link bracket  74 . In the preferred embodiment, this pivot feature  212  is a through hole sized to accept a shaft that is a part of the activation link bracket  74 . Some form of retainer is employed to hold the activation link  210  engaged with the activation link bracket  74 . 
     The opposite, bottom, end of the activation link  210  includes slot  214  with a top end that is closest to the top and a bottom end that is closest to the bottom. Slot  214  is sized to accept pin  232 . A type of retainer (not shown) is employed to hold activation link  210  in engagement with pin  232  such that the activation link  210  can move through the range of travel defined by the length of slot  214  without moving the first ramp section  230 . This linkage between the activation link  210  and the first ramp section  230  is a lost-motion linkage. 
     The lost-motion linkage is constrained by a pair of tension springs  250  such that the pin  232  is held against the top of slot  214 , when there is no significant load carried by the first ramp section. This results from installation of the springs  250 , one on each side, attached to a spring pin  216  which is fixedly attached to activation link  210 . The opposite end of each spring  250  is attached to a pin  232 . In this position each of the springs will be slightly preloaded such that each pin  232  is forced against the top of slot  214 . Thus, the position of the top of slot  214  and the position of pivot  224 , defined by the frame  220 , determines the position of the first ramp section  230  in an unloaded condition. 
     In addition to providing support for the first ramp section  230 , frame  220  also supports the second ramp section  240 . The two side arms  226  define a pivot axis  225 . Second ramp section  240  includes a pair of ramp arms  244 , each pivoting at pivot axis  225  on pivot tubes  242 . The ramp arms  244  are spaced a distance apart, approximately equal to the spacing of the side arms  226 . In the preferred embodiment the side arms  244  are connected by an end tube  246 . 
     The second ramp section  240  is held in position by a pair of compression springs  260 , each acting between a ramp side arm  244  and a frame side arm  226 . In its non loaded condition the springs  260  are located to hold the second ramp section  240  in the position as illustrated in FIG. 1, holding it off the ground and raised to avoid inadvertent contact with the ground. 
     The function of the ramp is illustrated in FIGS. 3-11. FIG. 3 illustrates the bale forming machine  100  holding a formed bale, with the discharge gate  80  closed and in condition to begin bale discharge. The first step of discharging a bale is to begin extending lift cylinders  72  to raise the discharge gate  80 , as illustrated in FIG.  5 . This initial motion will allow the formed bale to begin moving out of the bale forming chamber, where it will be supported by the first ramp section  230 . Movement of the bale discharge gate  80  will also cause the activation link  210  to be raised. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the resulting condition of the ramp  200 . The formed bale is resting on the first ramp section  230  such that it cannot move upwards. Activation link  210  has been raised until the pivot pin  232  has contacted to bottom of slot  214  (FIG.  2 ). This motion has resulted in stretching spring  250  an additional amount equal to the length of the slot, distance  215  (FIG.  4 ). 
     The lift cylinders  72  will continue raising the discharge gate  80  to its fully open position as illustrated in FIG.  7 . This will result in additional travel of the activation link  210  causing the first ramp section  230  to pivot into a second position as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this position, the pivot pins  232  are still in contact with the bottom of slots  214 , and spring  250  is still stretched. First ramp section  230  is pivoted into a raised position sufficient to force the formed bale to slide or roll backwards. As the bale begins to slide or roll, the energy stored in springs  250  will be used to raise the first ramp section  230  and to accelerate the formed-bale. 
     FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the position of the bale and the condition of the bale ramp  200  in this next position. Springs  250  have retracted and pivot pins  232  are again contacting the top of slots  214 . The first ramp section  230  is in its highest position. The bale has thus begun to travel out of the baler  100  and contacted second ramp section  240  and forcing it to pivot down until contacting the ground and compressing springs  260 . At this point the top of the formed-bale may still be slightly in contact with the bale-forming belts  14 . This contact was more significant in the earlier positions of the bale, and may have restricted its ability to roll. However, from the position of bale as shown in FIG.  9  and as it continues to move down the second ramp section  240 , it will be freed from this contact and will begin to roll. As it rolls down second ramp section  240  it will gain speed and thus will continue to roll beyond the end of second ramp section  240 . As it continues to roll along the ground, the springs  260  will lift second ramp section  240  into contact with the bale tending to continue propelling it along the ground. 
     FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the position of the bale, baling machine  100  and ramp  200  after the formed-bale has exited. The second ramp section  240  has been raised by springs  260  and the bale has been propelled away from the baling machine  100 . It is now possible to close the discharge gate  80  without interfering with the formed-bale, back into the position illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     The embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in a variety of applications. For example, the two-stage bale ramp as detailed in the preferred embodiment is adapted to variable chamber baler, however it could likewise be adapted to a fixed chamber baler. In addition, it is obvious that many other modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.