Patent Description:
It is known to provide balers of the kind that gather harvested crop from a windrow formed on the ground and then compact the harvested crop into bales. In a known kind of apparatus, the harvested crop is lifted from a formed windrow by a pick up mechanism and transferred to a stuffer chute before being introduced into a first end of a baling chamber. A reciprocating plunger is provided to compress the crop material into a flake and by advancing consecutive flakes within the baling chamber under the action of the plunger to form a bale. Such parallelepiped bales are generally elongate and known as square bales. Once a bale of a certain size has been formed a knotter mechanism is actuated to tie the formed bale. The formed bale will then be driven from a second end of the baling chamber to an ejection chute or platform from where the formed bale will be deposited to the ground. Collection of the deposited formed bales then follows as a separate operation.

Nevertheless, it is not ideal that formed bales are dropped from the end of an ejection platform. In particular there can be a lack of control as to how the bales are ejected and their subsequent orientation on the ground, the orientation of the bales affecting the ease of collection of such bales. Accordingly, there is a desire to more closely control the depositing of formed bales from such a baler.

It is known from <CIT> to provide an agricultural baler in accordance with the precharacterising portion of claim <NUM>. This agricultural baler produces bales from left-side and right-side baling chambers. However there remains a lack of control as to how the bales are ejected from the respective baling chambers and their subsequent orientation on the ground.

It is an advantage of the present invention that this problem is addressed.

According to a first aspect of the present invention an agricultural baler comprises a baling mechanism including a first baling chamber for the sequential production of square bales, and a first ejection chute, a second baling chamber for the sequential production of square bales, the second baling chamber producing bales concurrently with the first baling chamber, and a second ejection chute, in which each ejection chute comprises a channel having a base wall and first and second side walls extending upwards from either side of the base wall, characterised in that a region of the base wall is provided with a first window, and a deposit mechanism for controlling movement of a formed bale through the first window in which the deposit mechanism of each ejection chute comprises at least a first selectively displaceable panel at a first side of the first window, the first panel being selectively displaceable between a first position in which travel of the formed bale through the first window is prevented and a second position in which deposit of the formed bale through the first window is permitted, and in that the first selectively displaceable panel of the first ejection chute is located adjacent to the first selectively displaceable panel of the second ejection chute.

Preferably, the first side wall of the ejection chute is provided with a laterally extending support for the first selectively displaceable panel.

Preferably, the first side wall of the ejection chute is provided with a second window extending alongside the first window in the base wall.

Preferably, the deposit mechanism further comprises a second selectively displaceable panel located along a second side of the first window, the second selectively displaceable panel being selectively displaceable between a first position in which travel of the formed bale through the first window is prevented and a second position in which deposit of the formed bale through the first window is permitted.

Preferably, the second selectively displaceable panel includes a second portion formed at an angle to a first portion.

Preferably, the ejection chute further comprises a deflector suspended from the second selectively displaceable panel.

Preferably the ejection chute further comprises a first actuator associated with the first selectively displaceable panel, whereby the first actuator controls the displacement of the first selectively displaceable panel. More preferably, the first actuator is in communication with a controller configured to control actuation of the first actuator.

Preferably, the ejection chute also comprises a second actuator associated with the second selectively displaceable panel, whereby the second actuator controls the displacement of the second selectively displaceable panel. More preferably, the second actuator is in communication with a controller configured also to control actuation of the first actuator.

Alternatively, a mechanical apparatus is provided to control displacement of the first selectively displaceable panel.

Preferably, a first mechanical apparatus controls operation of the first and second selectively displaceable panels.

Alternatively, a first mechanical apparatus controls operation of the first selectively displaceable panel and a second mechanical apparatus controls operation of the second selectively displaceable panel.

Preferably, the actuator(s) of the second ejection chute is in communication with the controller configured also to control actuation of the actuator(s) of the first ejection chute.

Although the invention is described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is defined in the appended claims and is not limited to these preferred embodiments.

With reference to <FIG>, an exemplary agricultural baler <NUM> is shown. The baler <NUM> has a wheeled chassis or frame including an axle <NUM> and a pair of laterally spaced wheels <NUM> that support the chassis above the ground. The baler <NUM> is provided with a forwardly extending tongue <NUM> for connecting the baler <NUM> to a towing vehicle, such as a tractor.

The baler <NUM> additionally comprises a baling chamber <NUM>, extending generally in a fore-and-aft direction and which are supported on the chassis. The baler <NUM> is provided with a pick up apparatus <NUM> by which harvested crop material arranged in a windrow on a ground surface may be lifted and directed towards the baling chamber <NUM>. The harvested crop material is directed to a stuffer chute at a forward end of the baling chamber <NUM>. The harvested crop material there forms a flake of harvested crop material. The baler <NUM> is further provided with a reciprocating plunger that compresses the flake of harvested crop and pushes it rearwards into the baling chamber <NUM> to generate a forming bale within the baling chamber. Movement of the plunger is enabled by a drive connection <NUM> adapted to be connected to a Power Take Off (PTO) of the towing vehicle.

The baler <NUM> additionally comprises a plurality of knotter units <NUM> immediately downstream of the baling chamber <NUM> for tying one or more strands of binding material (such as twine, wire, cord or the like) around the bales of crop material being formed in the baling chambers.

Once the forming bale has been formed, the formed bale is directed to a discharge or ejection chute <NUM>. In practice the baling chamber <NUM> and the discharge chute <NUM> may be formed as a single channel. Alternatively, the discharge chute <NUM> may be coupled to the baling chamber <NUM> in any suitable manner. The preference is to form the ejection chute as part of the channel forming the baling chamber to avoid lengthening this channel. However, certain advantages may still be obtained by forming the ejection chute as a "bolt-on" component to existing ejection chutes.

Turning to <FIG>, a section of an ejection chute <NUM> according to a first embodiment which is usable in the context of the invention is shown. The ejection chute <NUM> comprises a channel having a base wall <NUM> and first and second side walls <NUM>,<NUM> extending upwards from either side of the base wall <NUM>. The base wall <NUM> conveniently includes an outwardly extending flange <NUM> extending to one side of the ejection chute <NUM>. The ejection chute <NUM> may optionally include an upper wall extending between the first and second side walls <NUM>,<NUM>.

A region of the base wall is provided with an opening or window <NUM>. The window <NUM> is suitable shaped and sized to allow a formed bale B to pass though the window <NUM>. A first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> is adapted to pivot about a longitudinal axis <NUM> located to a first side of the window <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> extends along a distal end of the flange <NUM>. A second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> is adapted to pivot about a longitudinal axis <NUM> located at a second side of the window. In the illustrated embodiment the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> extends along a base of the second wall <NUM>.

The first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM> are operable between a first position in which travel of a formed bale through the window <NUM> is prevented by the first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM> and a second position in which controlled egress of the formed bale through the window is permitted (as described below). As such, operation of the first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM> provides a deposit mechanism for controlled deposit of the formed bales through the window <NUM>.

It is not necessary for the first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM> to extend across the window <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM> only extend part way across the window <NUM> and are sufficient to retain the formed bale B within the ejection chute <NUM>.

The first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM> are each provided with suitable actuators <NUM>,<NUM>, for example hydraulic actuators. A controller <NUM> is provided to control movement of the actuators <NUM>,<NUM> and so movement of the first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM>. A sensor <NUM> in communication with the controller <NUM> may optionally be provided to determine when the formed bale B is in position above the window <NUM>.

In a first embodiment, the first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>,<NUM> are actuated together.

As seen in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> allows a relatively small angular movement of the first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> allows a relatively large angular movement of the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM>. The formed bale B is allowed to descend a short distance though the window <NUM>.

Once the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> is arranged to depend substantially vertically the actuator <NUM> ceases to move the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM>.

The actuator <NUM> continues to control movement of the first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> about the longitudinal axis <NUM> so as allow the formed bale B to descend from the ejection chute <NUM> in a controlled manner (<FIG>).

Continued movement of the first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> about the longitudinal axis <NUM> under the action of the actuator <NUM> then removes the first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> from the path of the formed bale B (<FIG>) allowing the formed bale B to drop out of the ejection chute <NUM> (<FIG>) toward the ground (<FIG>) before the formed bale B lands on the ground beneath the ejection chute <NUM> of the baler <NUM> (<FIG>).

In this way the bale the formed bale B is falling freely for a shorter distance than when ejected from the rear of the ejection chute. As a result, the formed bale B is deposited to the ground in a far more controlled manner.

A second embodiment of an ejection chute which is usable in the context of the invention is shown in <FIG>. The ejection chute <NUM> is of substantially the same construction as that of the previous embodiment (and like reference numerals will be used for like parts) save that a second window <NUM> is provided in the second side wall <NUM>. The second window <NUM> is again sized and shaped to allow passage of a formed bale B. A lower edge of the second window <NUM> is contiguous with the first window <NUM> to form a single large opening.

In this embodiment the actuators <NUM>, <NUM> are operated only to permit movement of the first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> about the longitudinal axis <NUM>, with the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> being held in position extending horizontally beneath the window <NUM>. In this embodiment the formed bale B will topple over the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> and as it passes through the first and second windows <NUM>,<NUM> perform a quarter turn. The substantially vertically depending first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> will act as a guide such that the formed bale B is directed to be deposited on the ground G on a shorter side (<FIG>).

Other arrangements or constructions of the second selectively displaceable panel may be considered. For example, the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM>' may be formed as an angled plate comprising a first portion extending from the longitudinal axis <NUM> and a second portion extending downward at an angle to the first portion (<FIG>). It will be understood that in this third embodiment of an ejection chute which is usable in the context of the invention greater control of the quarter turn of the formed bale B is provided for as the second portion of the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM>' and the substantially vertically depending first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> together provide greater guidance for the movement of the formed bale as it is deposited from the ejection chute <NUM> to the ground.

A fourth embodiment of an ejection chute which is usable in the context of the invention is shown in <FIG>. While the first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> takes the form of the first two embodiments, the ejection chute <NUM> is further provided with a deflector element <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflector element <NUM> is substantially L-shaped. A first limb of the deflector <NUM> extends substantially vertically from the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> and the second limb extends substantially horizontally inward beneath the ejection chute <NUM>. The second limb extends further than the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM>. In practice movement of the lower end of the toppling formed bale B is further guided or constrained between a distal end of the second limb and the substantially vertically depending first selectively displaceable panel <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that in these embodiments both the first and second selectively displaceable panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be operated as in the first embodiment so to allow the formed bale B to drop and be deposited on a longer side. The operator may select which of the drop methods is to be utilised by way of a Human Machine Interface <NUM> in electronic communication with the controller <NUM>. The Human Machine Interface <NUM> may be provided on the baler <NUM> such that a selection may be made prior to baling or incorporated into the towing vehicle, for example by being located within the driver's cab, allowing the operator to select the chosen deposit method while baling.

The electronic controller <NUM> may communicate with the other elements by way of a suitable communications network <NUM>.

Alternatively, in those embodiments incorporating the second window <NUM>, the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> may be replaced by a fixed panel. In such an arrangement the deposit mechanism will only be able to function in a quarter turn deposit mode.

A first embodiment of an arrangement of ejection chutes according to the invention is shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment a second ejection chute <NUM> is shown alongside the first. The second ejection chute <NUM> is provided with a first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> and a second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> to selectively obstruct a window <NUM> in a base wall of the second ejection chute <NUM>. Additional actuators <NUM>,<NUM> are provided in electronic communication with the controller <NUM>. An additional sensor <NUM> in communication with the controller <NUM> may optionally be provided to determine when the formed bale B' is in position above the window <NUM>.

It will be understood that the second ejection chute <NUM> is of similar construction to the first and second embodiments save that the constructions are reversed such that the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> of the first ejection chute <NUM> is located adjacent the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> of the second ejection chute <NUM>. It will be understood that the controller <NUM> operates so that formed bales B, B1 may be ejected vertically or adopt a quarter turn as desired.

A second embodiment of an arrangement of ejection chutes according to the invention is shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment a second ejection chute <NUM> is shown alongside the first ejection chute <NUM>. The second ejection chute <NUM> is provided with a first selectively displaceable panel <NUM> and a second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> to selectively obstruct a window <NUM> in a base wall of the second ejection chute <NUM>. Additional actuators <NUM>,<NUM> are provided in communication with the controller <NUM>. An additional sensor <NUM> in communication with the controller <NUM> may optionally be provided to determine when the formed bale B' is in position above the window <NUM>.

It will be understood that the second ejection chute <NUM> is of similar construction to that of the fourth embodiment of the ejection chute save that the constructions are reversed such that the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> of the first ejection chute <NUM> is located adjacent the second selectively displaceable panel <NUM> of the second ejection chute <NUM>. It will be understood that the controller can be operated so that formed bales B,B1 may be ejected by the quarter turn deposit method only.

It will be understood that should the actuators <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> fail to operate for any reason the formed bales B,B' will remain supported within the ejection chute <NUM> or chutes <NUM>,<NUM> such that continued operation of the reciprocating plunger to form further bales will simply lead to the ejection of the formed bale B or bales B,B' from the rear of the ejection chute <NUM> or chutes <NUM>,<NUM> as is currently known.

In further embodiments of the ejection chutes, the actuators may be omitted and operation of the first and second displaceable panels is triggered by operation of a mechanical apparatus and not by an electronic controller. By way of example with reference to <FIG>, progress of the formed bale B within the ejection chute <NUM> can be monitored by a star wheel in a known manner. Alternatively, a flap pivotable about an axis may be provided in the ejection chute such that once the formed bale has advanced to a position to be dropped through the opening <NUM>, the flap has pivoted to trip a mechanical switch to allow release of the first and second displaceable panels, for example by releasing mechanical latches either by way of a mechanical linkage or by way of a release cable. The relative speed of rotation of the first and second displaceable panels about their axes can be moderated by providing spring elements of appropriate relative strength. In this way, mechanical mechanisms can replace the actuators of previous embodiments. Once the formed bale has passed the respective displaceable panels, the spring elements return the displaceable panels to their first positions re-engaging the mechanical latches.

In the embodiments of ejection chutes according to <FIG> and <FIG> a single mechanical apparatus may be provided for controlling operation of both displaceable panels, for example to ensure linear dropping of the formed bale. Alternatively, a first mechanical apparatus may be provided to control operation of the first displaceable panel and second mechanical apparatus may be provided to control operation of the second displaceable panel. In either case a mechanical interlock operable by an operator may be provided to determine whether the ejection chute is set to deposit a bale by way of a linear drop (both displaceable panels being allowed to be released) or by way of a quarter turn drop (in which only the first displaceable panel <NUM> is allowed to be released) during operation of the baler.

Claim 1:
An agricultural baler (<NUM>) comprising a baling mechanism including a first baling chamber for the sequential production of square bales, and a first ejection chute (<NUM>), a second baling chamber for the sequential production of square bales, the second baling chamber producing bales concurrently with the first baling chamber, and a second ejection chute (<NUM>), in which each ejection chute (<NUM>,<NUM>) comprises a channel having a base wall (<NUM>) and first and second side walls (<NUM>,<NUM>) extending upwards from either side of the base wall (<NUM>), characterised in that a region of the base wall (<NUM>) is provided with a first window (<NUM>), each ejection chute (<NUM>,<NUM>) further comprising a deposit mechanism for controlling movement of a formed bale (B) through the first window (<NUM>) in which the deposit mechanism of each ejection chute (<NUM>,<NUM>) comprises at least a first selectively displaceable panel (<NUM>,<NUM>) at a first side of the first window (<NUM>), the first panel (<NUM>,<NUM>) being selectively displaceable between a first position in which travel of the formed bale (B) through the first window (<NUM>) is prevented and a second position in which deposit of the formed bale (B) through the first window (<NUM>) is permitted, and in that the first selectively displaceable panel (<NUM>) of the first ejection chute (<NUM>) is located adjacent to the first selectively displaceable panel (<NUM>) of the second ejection chute (<NUM>).