Patent Description:
A binding apparatus for a baler has a cycle of operation in which the leading end of the binding material is presented to the outer surface of the bale when the bale has reached a desired size or pressure, the binding material is wrapped at least once around the bale, and the supply of binding material from the apparatus to the bale is severed when the required binding of the bale has been completed.

It is known to provide devices for applying binding material to the outer surface of the bale, which enter the binding material, such as film or netting, into the bale forming chamber in which the compressed bale is formed. The binding material is used to bind the compressed bale to prevent expansion of the compressed material after the bale is ejected from the bale chamber.

An apparatus for applying a binding material to the outer surface of an agricultural bale is described in <CIT>. This apparatus has a cycle of operation in which the leading end of the binding material is presented to the outer surface of the bale when the bale has reached a required size, the binding material is wrapped at least once around the bale (typically <NUM>-<NUM> times for netting or <NUM>-<NUM> times for film), and the supply of binding material from the apparatus to the bale is severed when the required binding of the bale has been completed. The apparatus comprises a support for a supply reel of binding material, such as netting, a pull-off device that draws binding material from the supply reel, and a feed mouth that feeds and guides the binding material to the outer surface of the bale. The feed mouth is moveable between an operative feeding position near to the outer surface of the bale where the binding material is presented by the feed mouth to the outer surface of the bale, and a retracted position which the feed mouth takes up when binding has been completed so that the supply of binding material can be severed.

This type of feeding system is generally reliable when netting material is used as the binding material. Once the bale has been bound, it can be ejected from the bale chamber and in the case of silage it may be subsequently wrapped with a stretch film material.

Lately, the demand for silage bales that are bound with film instead of net binding material has increased, owing to the fact that when such bales are subsequently wrapped with stretch film for full coverage only one type of material is used for both binding and wrapping of the bale. Then, when the bale is to be used as silage, the film binding material and the film wrapping can be peeled off in one operation and can be more easily disposed of or recycled.

Simply replacing the net binding material with film binding material on this kind of feeding device may however lead to reliability problems. Especially, the correct feeding of the film binding material cannot be reliably ensured owing to the fact that the film is more slippery than the net binding material and cannot be gripped so easily between the bale and the press roller at the start of the binding operation. As a result, the leading end of the film, called the tongue, that extends from the feed mouth can slip over the rollers and between the rollers and the bale, with the result that the film will not be pulled into the bale chamber. If the pull-off device continues to draw binding material from the supply reel, this binding material can become wrapped around the feed rollers or other parts of the binding system, requiring operation of the baler to be halted while the operator clears the excess film binding material from the machine. Similar problems can arise if the film breaks between the pull-off device and the bale chamber.

<CIT> describes a baler that determines whether the binding material is being fed correctly to the bale, allowing the binding process to be interrupted if incorrect feeding is detected.

<CIT> describes a binding apparatus for a baling machine in which at least two strips of film binding material are laid simultaneously side-by-side on the cylindrical surface of the bale to form a combined binding strip. The binding apparatus includes a pair of feed rollers that feed the strips of film binding material from the supply to the bale chamber. If one of the strips of film binding material is not fed correctly into the bale chamber so that it is not drawn into the bale chamber by rotation of the bale, continued feeding of the film binding material by the feed rollers can lead to a build-up of film binding material, potentially jamming the binding apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a round baler that mitigates at least some of the aforementioned problems.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a round baler as defined by the claims.

In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a round baler comprising a bale chamber having a crop mouth for introducing bale material into the bale chamber and a plurality of pressing elements configured to compress bale material in the bale chamber to form a round bale, a binding apparatus configured to apply at least one strip of binding material to a cylindrical surface of a bale formed in the bale chamber to bind the bale, wherein the binding apparatus includes a supply device comprising a support for a supply of binding material and a feed device that feeds binding material from the supply to a feed opening of the bale chamber, wherein the feed device includes a pull-off device that is configured to draw binding material from the supply and a feed mouth that receives binding material from the pull-off device; and a feed detector located between the pull-off device and the feed opening, which is configured to detect correct/incorrect feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber.

The feed detector can detect that the binding material is being drawn into the bale chamber by rotation of the bale. If the binding material is not being drawn into the bale chamber by rotation of the bale, for example because the tongue has not been grabbed by the bale, or if the binding material breaks between the pull-off device and the bale chamber, this can be detected by the feed detector, so that remedial action can be taken.

In addition, the feed detector can detect when a supply of binding material is exhausted, allowing the supply to be replenished.

According to the invention the binding apparatus is configured to apply a plurality of strips of binding material simultaneously to the cylindrical surface of a bale formed in the bale chamber to bind the bale, wherein the feed detector is configured to detect correct/incorrect feeding of each of the strips of binding material into the bale chamber.

These features enable the binding apparatus to detect a situation where, for example, one strip of binding material is fed correctly into the bale chamber and another strip of binding material is not fed correctly, potentially leading to a jam. By detecting this situation action can be taken immediately to prevent a build-up of binding material from the incorrectly fed strip, for example halting the feeding of binding material.

Optionally, the binding apparatus further comprises a cutter for cutting the strips of binding material between the feed mouth and the feed opening, wherein the cutter is configured to cut one or more of the strips of binding material, including optionally any correctly fed strips of binding material, when incorrect feeding of one or more strips of binding material is detected by the feed detector.

Typically, when two or more strips of binding material are fed simultaneously into the baling chamber they are drawn from the supply device by a pull-off device that engages both/all of the plurality of strips. If one strip of binding material is fed correctly into the bale chamber and another strip of binding material is not fed correctly, the correctly-fed strip can drive the pull-off device as the binding material is drawn into the bale chamber by rotation of the bale. As a result, the pull-off device can continue to draw binding material from the supply for the incorrectly-fed strip, and this binding material can accumulate within the feed device causing a jam. By cutting any correctly fed strips of binding material when incorrect feeding of one or more strips of binding material is detected by the feed detector, driving of the pull-off device can be halted so that no more binding material is drawn from the supply. The operator can then re-feed the strips of binding material correctly through the binding apparatus without having to clear a jam.

Optionally, the round baler further comprises a control device that is configured to alert an operator and/or to control operation of the pull-off device depending on whether correct/incorrect feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber is detected by the feed detector.

Optionally, the control device is configured to halt operation of the pull-off device when incorrect feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber is detected by the feed detector.

Optionally, the control device is configured to enable operation of the pull-off device when correct feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber is detected by the feed detector.

Optionally, the feed detector is configured to contact the binding material and to detect relative movement between the feed detector and the binding material.

Optionally, the feed detector comprises a detection roller that contacts the binding material and rotates in response to feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber.

Optionally, the feed detector comprises a rotation detector that senses rotation of the detection roller.

Optionally, the feed detector comprises a plurality of detection rollers that contact separate strips of binding material and rotate in response to feeding of the strips of binding material into the bale chamber.

Optionally, the feed detector is located between the pull-off device and the feed mouth.

Optionally, the feed mouth is configured for movement between a plurality of operational positions, said plurality of operational positions including (i) a feed position adjacent a feed opening of the bale chamber, which the feed mouth adopts when feeding binding material into the bale chamber, and (ii) a retracted position spaced from the feed opening.

Optionally, the feed detector is attached to the feed mouth and is configured for movement with the feed mouth between the feeding position and the retracted position.

Optionally, the round baler further comprises a cutter for cutting the binding material, wherein the binding apparatus configured to bring the feed mouth to the retracted position and cut the binding material when feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber is not detected by the feed detector.

Optionally, the supply device includes a pre-stretcher device located before the pull-off device, for pre-stretching the binding material.

Optionally, the binding material is film binding material.

Optionally, the binding apparatus includes a bundling device that is configured to bundle the binding material.

Optionally, the bundling device is configured to bundle the binding material by rotating the plane of the binding material upstream of the feed mouth, about an axis that extends in the feed direction of the binding material.

Optionally, the feed device is configured to feed a plurality of strips of binding material from the supply to the bale chamber, and the bundling device is configured to bundle the plurality of strips of binding material.

Optionally, the feed mouth is configured for pivoting movement between the plurality of operational positions.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a round baler comprising a bale chamber having a crop mouth for introducing bale material into the bale chamber and a plurality of pressing elements configured to compress bale material in the bale chamber to form a round bale. Optionally, the baler comprises a binding apparatus configured to apply a film binding material to a cylindrical surface of a bale formed in the bale chamber to bind the bale. Optionally, the baler comprises a cutter device configured to cut the film binding material after the bale has been bound. Optionally, the binding apparatus includes a supply device comprising a support for supporting a supply of film binding material. Optionally, the baler comprises a feed device that feeds film binding material from the supply to the bale chamber. Optionally, the feed device includes a pull-off device that is configured to draw binding material from the supply and a feed mouth that receives the film binding material from the pull-off device. Optionally, the feed device is configured for movement between a plurality of operational positions. Optionally, said plurality of operational positions include a feed position adjacent a feed opening of the bale chamber, which the feed mouth adopts when feeding film binding material into the bale chamber. Optionally, said plurality of operational positions include a retracted position spaced from the feed opening, which the feed mouth adopts during cutting of the film binding material after the bale has been bound. Optionally, the cutter device is configured to cut the film binding material between the feed opening and the feed mouth when the feed mouth is in the retracted position. Optionally, the binding apparatus includes a bundling device that is configured to bundle the film binding material before the film binding material is cut. Optionally, the feed device is configured so that after the film binding material is cut, a cut end of film binding material forms a tongue that extends from the feed mouth. Optionally, the film binding material is bundled and the tongue has a width less than the width of the unbundled film binding material. Optionally, the baler includes a feed detector located between the pull-off device and the feed opening, which is configured to detect feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber.

Optionally, if the film binding material is bundled, the tongue has a stiffness that is greater than the stiffness of the unbundled film binding material. This allows greater control over the position of the tongue when it is inserted into the bale chamber through the feed opening, thus ensuring greater reliability of feeding. It is also easier to cut the film when it is bundled into a narrow tongue than when it is unbundled.

Optionally, the film binding material is bundled and the tongue has a width less than <NUM>%, or less than <NUM>%, or less than <NUM>%, of the width of the unbundled film binding material. For example, an unbundled film with a width of <NUM> may typically be bundled to produce a tongue with a width of <NUM>-<NUM> (<NUM>-<NUM>%). Alternatively, the film binding material may be unbundled so that the tongue does not have a significantly reduced width.

Optionally, the pull-off device may consist of an actively driven roller, or some other driven element. The provision of a pull-off device can reduce the risk of the film binding material tearing, and it can help with feeding of the tongue into the bale chamber to ensure that it is captured by the rotating bale.

Optionally, the feed mouth receives film binding material from the pull-off device and is configured for movement relative to the pull-off device. For example, the pull-off device may be located in a fixed position relative to the frame of the baler and the feed mouth may be configured for movement relative to the frame. Optionally, the feed mouth may be configured for pivoting movement relative to the frame. This ensures precise positioning of the feed mouth when feeding the binding material into the bale chamber through the feed opening, and also provides a substantially vertical passage through the feed mouth in the retracted position, allowing a tongue or cut end of the binding material to fall freely through the feed mouth to the correct length.

Optionally, the bundling device is located before the pull-off device, in order to bundle the film before it arrives at the pull-off device. Alternatively, the bundling device may be located after the pull-off device.

Optionally, the bundling device is configured to bundle the film binding material by rotating the plane of the film binding material about an axis that extends in the feed direction of the film binding material. Optionally, the plane of the film binding material may be rotated before the pull-off device. Alternatively, the bundling device may be configured to bundle the film binding material by some other method, for example by providing a film guiding device that draws the edges of the film binding material inwards towards the centre.

Optionally, the bundling device is configured to bundle the film binding material by rotating the support for the supply of film binding material.

Optionally, the feed device is configured to feed a plurality of strips of film binding material from the supply to the bale chamber, wherein the feed detector is configured to detect correct/incorrect feeding of each of the strips of film binding material into the bale chamber.

Optionally, the binding apparatus comprises a cutter for cutting the strips of film binding material between the feed mouth and the feed opening, wherein the cutter is configured to cut one or more of the strips of film binding material, including optionally any correctly fed strips of film binding material, when incorrect feeding of one or more strips of film binding material is detected by the feed detector.

Optionally, the bundling device is configured to bundle the plurality of strips of film binding material. The plurality of strips of film binding material may comprise <NUM> strips, or more than <NUM> strips. For example, in one embodiment, <NUM> strips of film binding material may be provided, each having a width of <NUM>.

Optionally, the supply device includes a pre-stretcher device configured to stretch the film binding material before the film binding material is applied to the cylindrical surface of the bale.

Optionally, the pre-stretcher device is located before the feed device.

Optionally, the pre-stretcher device is configured to increase the length of the film binding material by a factor of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or about <NUM>.

Optionally, after the film binding material is cut, and optionally while the feed mouth is in the retracted position, the pull-off device is driven to increase the length of the tongue. The pull-off device may be driven actively, for example by a motor or a drive transmission system, or it may be driven by inertia if for example it comprises a roller that is already rotating.

Optionally, the pull-off device is controlled to adjust the increased length of the tongue.

Optionally, the pull-off device is controlled by adjustable braking. Alternatively, it may be controlled directly, for example through a drive motor.

Optionally, the pull-off device is driven actively to draw film binding material from the supply during movement of the feed mouth to the feed position, to prevent the film binding material from being pulled out of the feed mouth.

Optionally, during movement of the feed mouth to the feed position, the pull-off device is driven actively to draw a length of film binding material that is less than the length required to accommodate movement of the feed mouth to the feed position, for example from the retracted position or the holding position. As a result, the tongue may be partially drawn back into the feed mouth, causing it to stand up in a more erect position, thereby improving feeding of the tongue into the bale chamber.

Optionally, the pull-off device is adjustable to adjust the length of film binding material drawn from the supply during movement of the feed mouth to the feed position. This enables adjustment of the length of the tongue to different operating conditions (e.g. different atmospheric conditions and different types of film), as well as user preferences. All three adjustments (actively driving the pull-off device after severing the film binding material, braking the inertia-driven pull-off device and actively driving the pull-off device while moving the feed mouth to the feed position) can be used to control the length of the tongue or cut end of film binding material, thereby ensuring reliable feeding into the bale chamber.

Optionally, the pull-off device is actively driven during binding of the bale to draw film binding material from the supply. This can reduce the risk of the film tearing during binding of the bale.

Optionally, during binding of the bale the pull-off device is driven to draw the film binding material at a speed that is less than the circumferential speed of the bale in the bale chamber. For example, the pull-off device may be driven at approximately <NUM>% of the circumferential speed of the bale. Because the drive speed of the pull-off device is less than the speed at which the binding material is drawn by the bale, the binding material will be stretched between the pull-off device and the bale, ensuring a tight binding. This is in addition to any pre-stretching that may have been applied at the supply device.

Actively driving the pull-off device at a reduced speed so as to continue feeding the film binding material when a tear starts to form helps to prevent the tear spreading across the full width of the film.

Optionally, the pull-off device comprises at least one driven roller. It may also include a second roller, which may be either driven or undriven.

Optionally, the feed mouth includes first and second gripping elements that are configured to grip opposite sides of the film binding material.

Optionally, the first and second gripping elements comprise lips that are pressed together to grip the film binding material. Optionally the lips may be resilient. Alternatively the lips may be relatively inflexible.

Optionally, the first and second gripping elements are configured to be adjustable between a closed configuration in which they grip the film binding material and an open configuration in which they do not grip the film binding material.

Optionally, the first and second gripping elements are configured to adopt the open configuration when the feed mouth is in the retracted position, for example by pivoting of at least one of the lips.

Optionally, the first and second gripping elements are configured adopt the closed configuration when the feed mouth moves towards the feed position, to grip the film binding material.

Optionally, the first and second gripping elements are configured provide a substantially vertical free passageway between the first and second gripping elements in the open configuration, allowing a bundled tongue of film binding material to be fed easily through the feed mouth.

<FIG> illustrates the main components of a round baler <NUM> according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the baler <NUM> is a combined baler/wrapper machine, which includes a front section <NUM> where a bale is formed from bale material, and a rear section <NUM> where the bale is wrapped with a stretch film wrapping material. It should be noted that the invention is also applicable to balers that do not include an integrated wrapper section. In that case, bales formed by the baler <NUM> may optionally be wrapped subsequently using a separate wrapping machine as is well known in the art. It should also be noted that the wrapper comprising the rear section <NUM> may take alternative forms, as are known in the art. The wrapper illustrated is of a conventional orbital type and will not be further described.

The baler <NUM> in this embodiment is of the variable chamber type, although it could alternatively be of the fixed chamber type. The baler <NUM> includes a pick-up device <NUM> for picking up bale material, for example cut straw or grass, from the ground, a drawbar <NUM> for attaching the baler to a tractor, support wheels <NUM>, <NUM> and a plurality of press elements comprising elongate belts <NUM> that are guided around a set of rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and/or driven press rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The belts <NUM> together with a pair of end plates (not shown) create a cylindrical bale chamber <NUM> in which a round bale can be formed. The pick-up device <NUM> is configured to feed the bale material into the bale chamber <NUM> through a crop mouth <NUM>. The sides of the baler <NUM> are covered by covers <NUM>. The baler may be driven, for example, via the power take off (PTO) of the tractor. Again, these components are conventional and will not be further described.

The baler also includes a binding apparatus <NUM> that is configured to apply a binding material, in this example a film binding material, to a cylindrical surface of the bale formed in the bale chamber to bind the bale, and a cutter device <NUM> that is configured to cut the film binding material after the bale has been bound. Additional components of the baler are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, which show the internal mechanism of the baler with the covers <NUM> and belts <NUM> removed.

The binding apparatus <NUM> includes a supply device <NUM> for a supply <NUM> of film binding material. In this embodiment the supply <NUM> comprises two reels of film binding material, each reel being mounted on a separate support <NUM>. Optionally, the supports <NUM> are each mounted on a pivot <NUM> which allows the support and the associated reel to pivot through <NUM> degrees from a vertical bundling position shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> to a horizontal binding position shown in <FIG> (compare <FIG>). An actuator <NUM> is provided to drive rotation of the supports <NUM> and reels <NUM> between the vertical and horizontal positions. Alternatively, the supports <NUM> may be fixed in position so that they cannot be rotated to a bundling position.

The supply device <NUM> also includes a pre-stretcher device <NUM> for stretching the film binding material lengthwise as it is drawn from the reel <NUM>. The pre-stretcher device <NUM> is of a conventional kind, comprising two rollers that are driven at different circumferential speeds to stretch the film binding material lengthwise as it passes around the two rollers. A freely-rotating supply guide roller <NUM> located after the pre-stretcher device <NUM> also comprises part of the supply device <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the baler also includes a reel <NUM> of net binding material, which can be used instead of the film binding material if, for operational reasons, the use of net binding material is preferred. The provision of a net binding system is optional.

Further features of the binding apparatus <NUM> can be seen more clearly in <FIG>. Referring first to <FIG>, the binding apparatus <NUM> comprises a feed device <NUM> that supplies film binding material F from the supply <NUM> to the bale chamber <NUM>. The feed device <NUM> includes a pull-off device <NUM> comprising at least one driven roller <NUM>, which can be braked by an adjustable brake <NUM>. In this embodiment the pull-off device <NUM> also includes a freely rotating pinch roller <NUM> that cooperates with the driven roller <NUM> to grip the film F as it passes through the pinch between the rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the pinch roller <NUM> may be driven or it may be omitted. The film binding material F is guided from the supply device <NUM> to the feed device <NUM> by first and second freely-rotating feed guide rollers <NUM>, <NUM>'.

The feed device <NUM> also includes a feed mouth <NUM> located after the pull-off device <NUM>. Optionally, the feed mouth has an open configuration and a closed configuration. In this embodiment the feed mouth <NUM> comprises a pair of lips <NUM>, <NUM> that are pressed against one another when the feed mouth is in the closed configuration and define a narrow slot through which the film binding material F passes. Alternatively, the feed mouth <NUM> can adopt an open configuration in which the lips <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart. The feed mouth <NUM> is mounted on a pair of pivot arms <NUM> that can pivot about a pivot point <NUM> between a feed position as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> & <FIG> in which film binding material F is fed into the bale chamber <NUM> through a feed opening <NUM>, and a retracted position as shown for example in <FIG> and <FIG>. An actuator (not shown) is provided for driving pivoting movement of the pivot arms <NUM> and the feed mouth <NUM>.

As shown for example in <FIG> and <FIG>, a feed detector <NUM> is provided for detecting that the film binding material F is drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM> by rotation of the bale B, after the film binding material has been fed into the bale chamber <NUM> through the feed opening <NUM> by the feed mouth <NUM>. The feed detector <NUM> may be located anywhere in the feed path between the feed rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and the feed opening <NUM>, so that it can detect whether the binding material is being drawn into the bale chamber <NUM> by rotation of the bale B.

In this embodiment the feed detector <NUM> comprises a freely rotatable detection roller <NUM>, which is mounted on an axle <NUM> that extends across the width of the baler between the two pivot arms <NUM>. In this embodiment the detection roller <NUM> is located in the upper part of the feed mouth <NUM>, just behind the rear edge of the upper lip <NUM>. However, it may alternatively be mounted elsewhere, for example between the feed rollers <NUM>,<NUM> and the feed mouth <NUM>, or adjacent the feed opening <NUM>.

In this embodiment the detection roller <NUM> is located in the path of the film binding material F between the feed rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and the feed mouth <NUM> and it is positioned so that the film binding material F runs over the surface of the detection roller <NUM> when the feed mouth is in the feed position. Contact with the film binding material causes the detection roller to <NUM> rotate as the binding material is drawn into the bale chamber <NUM> by rotation of the bale B.

Rotation of the detection roller <NUM> is detected by at least one rotation sensor <NUM>, which is associated with the detection roller <NUM>, to detect rotation thereof. Various kinds of sensor can be used for the rotation sensor <NUM>. For example, the rotation sensor <NUM> may comprise an optical sensor that detects light reflected from a mark <NUM> provided on the surface of the detection roller <NUM>, or it may comprise a magnetic sensor that senses a magnetic marker on the roller, or a Hall-effect sensor, or a contact sensor, or numerous other kinds of sensor.

Instead of a detection roller, the feed detector <NUM> may comprise an alternative detector that contacts the film binding material. For example, the feed detector <NUM> may comprise a guide bar over which the film binding material runs, which is deflected by frictional contact with the film binding material as the binding material is drawn into the bale chamber. Movement of the guide bar as it is deflected may be sensed for example by a microswitch, a strain sensor or any other suitable detector.

Alternatively, the feed detector <NUM> may comprise a non-contact sensor that senses movement of the film binding material as the binding material is drawn into the bale chamber, without contacting the binding material. For example, a non-contact feed detector <NUM> may comprise an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a Doppler sensor or any other suitable sensor.

If the binding apparatus is designed to feed two or more strips of binding material F into the bale chamber <NUM>, the feed detector <NUM> may be configured sense each strip of binding material as it is drawn into the bale chamber <NUM>. For example, if the feed detector comprises a detection roller <NUM>, the roller may be divided lengthwise into an equivalent number of parts. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, if two strips of binding material F are fed into the bale chamber <NUM>, the detection roller <NUM> may be divided lengthwise into two parts 92a, 92b so that each of the roller parts contacts one of the strips of film binding material F. An equivalent number of rotation sensors (in this case two rotation sensors) may be associated with the detection roller <NUM> to detect the rotation of each part of the roller 92a, 92b. In this way, the feed detector <NUM> can detect that each strip of film binding material F is being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>.

Advantageously, the detection roller <NUM> may be divided lengthwise into two parts 92a, 92b that are preferably mounted on a single axle <NUM>, providing a simple and effective mounting mechanism.

In <FIG> the strips of film binding material F are illustrated as narrow bundled strips of film. Bundling the film in this way helps to guide the film as it is fed into the feed opening <NUM>. However, the invention is also applicable to balers in which the film binding material is not bundled into one or more narrow strips of film when feeding the film binding material into the bale chamber <NUM>.

The feed detector <NUM> may be configured to provide a control signal that indicates whether each strip of film binding material F is being drawn correctly or incorrectly into the bale chamber <NUM>. The feed detector <NUM> may be connected to a control device <NUM> that receives the control signal from the feed detector <NUM>. The feed detector <NUM> may be connected to the control device <NUM> by a hard connection or a wireless connection. For example, the feed detector <NUM> may be connected to the control device <NUM> by a control line <NUM>, for example a wire or optical fibre, or it may be connected wirelessly, for example by Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth™ connection, or by any other suitable connection means.

The control device <NUM>, which may for example be an electronic controller or any other suitable control device, may be configured to control operation of other components of the baler according to the control signal received from the feed detector <NUM>. For example, the control device <NUM> may be configured to control operation of the pull-off device <NUM> comprising feed rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the control device <NUM> may be configured to halt operation of the pull-off device <NUM> if the control signal indicates that the film binding material (or at least one strip of the film binding material) is not being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>, to prevent film binding material F from being drawn off the supply reel <NUM> if there is an interruption in feeding of binding material into the bale chamber <NUM>. If the control signal indicates that film binding material is being drawn correctly into the bale chamber, the control device <NUM> may be configured to initiate or continue operation of the pull-off device <NUM> to draw film binding material F from the supply reel as it is fed into the bale chamber <NUM>. The control device <NUM> may alternatively be configured to control operation of other components of the baler according to the control signal received from the feed detector <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> may also be configured to alert the operator of the baler, for example by means of an alarm or warning signal, when it senses that the film binding material is not being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>. This will provide the operator with an opportunity to investigate and rectify the problem.

Optionally, the control device <NUM> may also be configured to activate the cutter device <NUM> to cut one or more of the strips of binding material, including optionally any correctly fed strips of binding material, when incorrect feeding of one or more strips of binding material is detected by the feed detector.

When two or more strips of binding material are fed simultaneously into the baling chamber they are drawn from the supply device by the pull-off device <NUM>, which engages both/all of the plurality of strips. If one strip of binding material is fed correctly into the bale chamber and another strip of binding material is not fed correctly into the bale chamber, the correctly-fed strip can drive the pull-off device <NUM> as the binding material is drawn into the bale chamber by rotation of the bale. As a result, the pull-off device <NUM> can continue to draw binding material from the supply for the incorrectly-fed strip, and this binding material can accumulate within the feed device causing a jam.

By cutting any correctly fed strips of binding material when incorrect feeding of one or more strips of binding material is detected by the feed detector, driving of the pull-off device <NUM> can be halted so that no more binding material is drawn from the supply. The operator can then re-feed the strips of binding material correctly through the binding apparatus without having to clear a jam.

Operation of the binding apparatus is illustrated in <FIG>. Referring first to <FIG>, this shows the configuration of the binding apparatus <NUM> during binding of a round bale B in the bale chamber. The film binding material F is drawn from the supply (reel <NUM>) and passes around the pre-stretcher device <NUM>, which stretches the film lengthwise. As the film is elastic this ensures that when the film is applied to the cylindrical surface of the bale B it is in tension so that it binds the bale tightly.

The film binding material F then passes along a feed path from the pre-stretcher device <NUM> to the surface of the bale B via the feed opening <NUM> in the bale chamber <NUM>, which is located between a pair of adj acent press elements comprising, in this case, an idler roller <NUM> that supports the belts <NUM> and a driven press roller <NUM>. It should be noted that the feed opening <NUM> for the binding material is relatively narrow, having a width between the idler roller <NUM> and the press roller <NUM> of typically <NUM>-<NUM>.

The feed opening <NUM> is displaced from the crop mouth <NUM> through which bale materials are introduced into the bale chamber <NUM>, which is located between a second press roller <NUM> and a third press roller <NUM> below the feed opening <NUM>. The crop mouth <NUM> is also much wider than the feed opening <NUM>, typically having a width of <NUM>-<NUM>. The feed path along which the film binding material F is fed from the pre-stretcher device <NUM> to the surface of the bale B is defined by various components of the feed device <NUM> including the pull-off device <NUM>, the detecting roller <NUM> and the feed mouth <NUM>.

During binding of a bale, the bale B is rotated within the bale chamber <NUM> by the press elements, which may include belts and/or rollers. In the embodiment shown in <FIG> the bale B rotates in a clockwise direction indicated by arrow A and the press elements, which include both belts <NUM> and rollers (including the idler roller <NUM> and the driven press rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>) rotate anti-clockwise. The film binding material F is fed into the bale chamber <NUM> though the feed opening <NUM>, which is located between two adjacent press elements (idler roller <NUM> and press roller <NUM>).

During binding of a bale B the film binding material F is drawn from the reel <NUM> primarily by rotation of the bale B within the bale chamber <NUM>. The pull-off device <NUM> can also be driven during binding of the bale, for example from a drive pulley <NUM>, via a drive belt <NUM> (see <FIG>). Alternatively, the pull-off device <NUM> may be driven during binding of the bale by a separate drive means, for example an electric motor. In the illustrated example, the drive belt <NUM> passes around a driven pulley <NUM>, which may for example be connected to the driven roller <NUM> of the pull-off device <NUM> via a magnetic clutch <NUM>. The magnetic clutch <NUM> includes a freewheel (not shown), which allows the driven roller <NUM> to rotate slower, but not faster, than the pulley <NUM> in the feeding direction. Therefore, the active drive to the driven roller <NUM> limits the maximum speed of the driven roller. The pull-off device <NUM> can be braked by the adjustable brake <NUM> after the binding material has been severed, to limit or prevent further driving of the binding material by inertia.

During binding of the bale with film binding material, the magnetic clutch <NUM> is normally engaged and the pull-off device <NUM> is driven to draw film binding material at a speed that is less than the circumferential speed of the bale B in the bale chamber <NUM>. Typically, the pull-off device <NUM> may be driven at approximately <NUM>% of the speed of the bale B. Because the drive speed of the pull-off device <NUM> is less than the speed at which the binding material is drawn by the bale, the binding material will be stretched between the pull-off device and the bale, ensuring a tight binding. This stretching of the binding material is in addition to any pre-stretching that may have been applied by the pre-stretcher device <NUM>. If net is used to bind the bale, the net binding material is normally drawn from the supply entirely by rotation of the bale without activating the pull-off device. However, the pull-off device may optionally be braked (or driven) so that it runs at approximately <NUM>% of the circumferential speed of the bale B, so as to stretch the net binding material.

If the film starts to tear during binding, the actively-driven pull-off device <NUM> will continue to rotate, to reduce the risk that the film binding material F will tear across its full width. The pull-off device <NUM> is driven actively at this time by engaging the clutch <NUM>.

During binding the feed mouth <NUM> is located in a binding position, approximately midway between the pull-off device <NUM> and the feed opening <NUM>, where it serves to guide the film binding material F from the pull-off device to the feed opening <NUM>.

It will be noted that during binding of the bale B the reel <NUM> is in the horizontal binding position and the axis of the reel <NUM> is substantially parallel to the axes of the feed guide rollers <NUM>, <NUM>', the axis of the pull-off device <NUM>, the axes of the rollers <NUM>-<NUM> and longitudinal axis the cylindrical bale B. Therefore, there is no twisting of the plane of the film binding material F as it passes from the reel <NUM> to the surface of the bale B. This ensures that the film binding material F is spread to its full width as it is applied to the bale. Also, it should be noted that in this embodiment two strips of film binding material F are applied side by side to the cylindrical surface of the bale B to cover the width of the bale B.

Once binding of the bale has been completed, the feed mouth <NUM> is retracted and the film binding material F is cut, so that the bound bale B can be ejected from the bale chamber <NUM>. The configuration of the feed device <NUM> after the film binding material F has been cut is illustrated in <FIG>.

It should be noted that in this embodiment the reels <NUM> of film binding material F have been rotated through <NUM> degrees from the horizontal binding position shown in <FIG> to the vertical bundling position, in which the axis of the supply guide roller <NUM> is perpendicular to the axes of the feed guide rollers <NUM>, <NUM>'. As a result, the film binding material F is gathered together or bundled to form a narrow strip of bundled film binding material as it passes over the feed guide rollers <NUM>, <NUM>'. The bundled strip of film binding material typically has a width of only <NUM>-<NUM>, compared to a width of typically <NUM> for the unbundled film binding material. Bundling of the film is optional and may be omitted if not required.

The bundled strip of film binding material then passes through the pull-off device <NUM>, over the feed detector <NUM> and into the feed mouth <NUM>. When the feed mouth <NUM> is in the fully retracted position it adopts an open configuration as shown in <FIG>, where the two lips <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart to form a substantially vertical open passageway <NUM>.

The feed mouth <NUM> is opened when it reaches the retracted position by the engagement of a roller <NUM> with a fixed part <NUM> of the frame of the baler. This causes the lower lip <NUM> to pivot open about a pivot <NUM>. When the feed mouth <NUM> is in the open configuration, the pull-off device <NUM> can be driven to feed a length of film binding material F through the feed mouth <NUM> to increase the length of the cut end of the film binding material that extends from the front end of the feed mouth <NUM>. If the film has been bundled this cut end of bundled film binding material forms a relatively stiff tongue T of film binding material that extends from the end of the feed mouth <NUM>.

The length of the tongue T can be adjusted by controlling operation of the pull-off device <NUM>, for example by adjustable braking and/or by operation of the magnetic clutch <NUM>. Optionally, operation of the pull-off device <NUM> can be controlled automatically for example by an electronic control system or a computer, based on a number of factors including, for example, one or more of the following factors: a user setting for a long or short tongue, the PTO speed, the stretch setting of the pre-stretcher device <NUM>, and environmental conditions such as temperature.

<FIG> illustrates the feed device <NUM> in a holding configuration, which it adopts while a bale is being formed in the bale chamber <NUM>. The feed mouth <NUM> has moved forward from the retracted position shown in <FIG> and the upper and lower lips <NUM>, <NUM> have closed, gripping the tongue T of film binding material, which extends from the feed mouth. Because the feed mouth <NUM> is closed, the cut end of the film material is held securely and cannot blow around, for example in windy conditions. Also, because the feed mouth <NUM> is closed, dust and dirt from the baler cannot enter the feed mouth <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the feed device <NUM> in the feed position, in which the cut end of the film binding material (the tongue T) is fed by the feed mouth <NUM> into the bale chamber <NUM> through the feed opening <NUM>. The feed mouth <NUM> has pivoted forwards towards the bale chamber <NUM> so that the tongue T is caught between the rotating bale B and the press roller <NUM>, thus drawing the film binding material into the bale chamber <NUM>. It will be noted that the feed mouth <NUM> extends into the narrow feed opening <NUM> between the press elements (rollers) <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the position of the tongue T is closely controlled.

The tongue T is optionally formed from bundled film binding material, which has a much greater stiffness that the unbundled film binding material. This makes it easier to control. The length of the tongue T is also carefully controlled by operation of the pull-off device <NUM> as described above, to ensure that it passes correctly through the feed opening <NUM> and is caught by the bale.

The possible consequences of different tongue lengths are illustrated in <FIG>. In <FIG> the tongue length is correct and the tongue T extends forwards from the feed mouth <NUM> as it moves from the holding position to the feed position. Continued movement of the feed mouth <NUM> into the feed opening <NUM> will carry the tongue T through the gap between the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> where it will be presented to the cylindrical surface of the bale. The anticlockwise rotation of the press roller <NUM> assists with feeding the tongue into the bale chamber <NUM> through the feed opening <NUM>.

As the feed mouth <NUM> moves forwards from the holding position to the feed position, the pull-off device <NUM> is driven by the arc gear <NUM> to draw film binding material from the supply device <NUM>. However, the pull-off device <NUM> is configured to draw a length of film binding material that is less than the length required to accommodate movement of the feed mouth <NUM> from the holding position to the feed position. As a result, the tongue T is partially drawn back into the feed mouth <NUM>, which causes it to stand up in a more erect position. This allows it to be fed more accurately through the feed opening <NUM>. The length of the tongue T is however sufficient to allow it to be caught between the rotating bale B and the press roller <NUM>, so that the film binding material is drawn around the cylindrical surface of the bale B as it rotates.

<FIG> illustrates a situation in which the length of the tongue T is incorrectly controlled, with the result that the tongue is too short. In this case, the tongue T is not caught between the bale B and the press roller <NUM>, even though the feed mouth <NUM> has moved fully into the feed opening <NUM>. The result is that the film binding material is not drawn around the cylindrical surface of the bale and the bale is not bound.

<FIG> illustrate a situation in which the tongue T is too long. As a result of its increased weight, the tongue T hangs downwards from the feed mouth <NUM> as it moves forwards toward the feed opening <NUM> (<FIG>). The end of the tongue T is not then inserted correctly through the feed opening <NUM> when the feed mouth <NUM> reaches the feed position (<FIG>), but instead extends outward beyond the roller <NUM>. Again, the result is that the film binding material is not drawn around the cylindrical surface of the bale B and the bale is not bound.

As described above, when the tongue length is correct as illustrated in <FIG>, the tongue T will normally be carried through the feed opening <NUM> between the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and presented to the surface of the bale B. Normally, the tongue T will then be caught between the surface of the rotating bale and the press rollers <NUM>, <NUM> etc and drawn around the circumference of the bale B.

However, under certain circumstances, for example when the surface of the bale is wet and slippery, or if the tongue T of film material is too short or bent, it might not be caught between the surface of the rotating bale and the press rollers <NUM>, <NUM> etc and drawn correctly around the circumference of the bale B. If the pull-off device <NUM> continues to draw film binding material from the supply reel in this situation it can become tangled around the rollers and other components of the binding apparatus, interrupting operation of the baler and requiring a time-consuming cleaning operation.

To avoid this problem the control device <NUM> may be configured to halt operation of the pull-off device <NUM>, for example by disengaging the magnetic clutch <NUM>, if the feed detector <NUM> senses that the film binding material is not being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>. This prevents further film binding material being drawn from the supply reel <NUM>. If the feed detector <NUM> indicates that film binding material is being drawn correctly into the bale chamber, the control device <NUM> may be configured to initiate or continue operation of the pull-off device <NUM>, for example by engaging the magnetic clutch <NUM>, to draw film binding material F from the supply reel as it is fed into the bale chamber <NUM>.

Alternatively, the control device <NUM> may be configured to initiate operation of the pull-off device <NUM> only after the feed detector <NUM> senses that the film binding material is being drawn into the bale chamber <NUM>. The elasticity of the film will allow some limited movement of the film binding material over the feed detector <NUM> even if the pull-off device <NUM> is halted. When this movement is detected, indicating that the film binding material is being drawn into the bale chamber <NUM>, the pull-off device <NUM> may be activated, for example by engaging the magnetic clutch <NUM>, to draw film binding material F from the supply reel.

Alternatively, the control device <NUM> may be configured to alert the operator, for example by an alarm or warning signal, if the feed detector <NUM> senses that the film binding material is not being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>. The operator can then halt operation of the pull-off device <NUM>, for example by disengaging the magnetic clutch <NUM>. This prevents further film binding material being drawn from the supply reel <NUM>. If the feed detector <NUM> indicates that film binding material is being drawn correctly into the bale chamber, the control device <NUM> may again be configured to notify the operator so that the operator can resume operation of the pull-off device <NUM> to draw film binding material F from the supply reel as it is fed into the bale chamber <NUM>.

Operation of the feed device will now be described in more detail.

<FIG> illustrates the configuration of the feed device <NUM> during feeding of the film binding material F. At this stage, the bale B has been completely formed in the bale chamber <NUM> and the feed mouth <NUM> has been moved to the feed position within the feed opening <NUM>. The tongue T of film binding material is presented to the bale and is caught between the cylindrical surface of the rotating bale B and the press roller <NUM>. Film binding material is thus drawn into the bale chamber <NUM>. In this embodiment the reel <NUM> of film binding material is still in the vertical bundling position so that the film binding material is bundled to form a bundled tongue. In the case of film binding material, the pull-off device <NUM> is activated to draw film binding material from the reel <NUM>, preferably for the full feeding time. This is not needed with net binding material: the net will drive the pull-off device <NUM>, the speed of the pull-off device being limited by the freewheel.

Once the tongue T of film binding material has been caught by the bale B, binding of the bale can commence as illustrated in <FIG>. The feed mouth <NUM> is partially retracted from the feed opening <NUM> to the binding position and in this embodiment the reel <NUM> of film binding material is rotated to the horizontal binding position so that the film binding material F is not bundled as it is drawn off the reel. The film binding material F is stretched by the pre-stretching device <NUM>, to increase the length of the film binding material, for example by a factor of <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>, or typically about <NUM>.

The feed detector <NUM> senses that the film binding material is being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>, and the pull-off device <NUM> is activated to draw film from the supply. The pull-off device <NUM> is driven at a speed that is less that the circumferential speed of the bale in the bale chamber, so that the film is drawn into the bale chamber <NUM> primarily by rotation of the bale B. If the feed detector <NUM> senses that the film binding material is not being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>, the control device <NUM> halts operation of the pull-off device <NUM> by disengaging the magnetic clutch <NUM> to prevent further film binding material being drawn from the supply reel <NUM>.

Optionally, the binding apparatus may be configured to bring the feed mouth <NUM> to the retracted position and then activate the cutter device <NUM> to cut the binding material when feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber is not detected by the feed detector <NUM>. The binding process can then be restarted by bringing the feed mouth <NUM> back to the feed position to feed the binding material into the bale chamber. This is particularly helpful when two or more strips of binding material are used to bind the bale and the feed detector <NUM> senses that one of the strips of film binding material is not being drawn correctly into the bale chamber <NUM>. Re-starting the binding process ensures that the bale is bound correctly across its full width. These operations can be controlled automatically by the control device <NUM>, or by operator input.

In the event that the film binding material starts to tear, the pull-off device <NUM> continues to feed the film towards the bale chamber, to ensure that the tear does not spread across the entire width of the film.

If the supply of film binding material runs out during binding of a bale this will be detected by the feed detector <NUM>, as the film will no longer run over the feed detector <NUM>. The feed detector <NUM> may then be configured to send a control signal to the control unit <NUM>, which responds by halting operation of the baler and alerting the operator, for example by means of an alarm or warning signal, so that the operator can replace the reel of film before recommencing operation of the baler.

If two or more strips of binding material are used to bind the bale and one of the supplies of binding material runs out, this will be detected by the feed detector <NUM>. In this case, the binding apparatus may be configured to bring the feed mouth <NUM> to the retracted position and then activate the cutter device <NUM> to cut the remaining strip of binding material. After the exhausted supply has been replenished, the binding process can be restarted by bringing the feed mouth <NUM> back to the feed position to feed the binding material into the bale chamber. These operations can be controlled automatically by the control device <NUM>, or by operator input.

The film binding material F passes through the feed mouth <NUM> and is drawn over the edges of the upper lip <NUM>, which spreads the film so that the two strips of film cover the full width of the bale. Binding continues until an adequate thickness of film binding material has been applied to the cylindrical surface of the bale B. Typically, this may require three to five layers of film binding material.

Once binding of the bale has been completed, the reel <NUM> of film binding material F is optionally rotated back to the vertical bundling position shown in <FIG>, so that the film binding material is gathered together into a narrow bundled strip. The cutter device <NUM> is then activated to cut the film between the feed mouth <NUM> and the feed opening <NUM>, and the brake <NUM> is applied to halt rotation of the pull-off device <NUM>. The feed mouth <NUM> is then retracted fully, causing the feed mouth to open. The bound bale can then be ejected from the bale chamber <NUM>.

As the film binding material F has been stretched by the pre-stretcher device <NUM>, it is under tension. Therefore, when the film binding material is cut, the tongue T contracts into the feed mouth <NUM> towards the pull-off device <NUM>. After cutting, the pull-off device <NUM> is actuated to feed an additional length of film binding material towards the feed mouth <NUM>, to increase the length of the tongue T that extends from the end of the feed mouth <NUM>. As the feed mouth <NUM> is open, the film binding material falls freely through the passageway <NUM>. Once the correct length of the tongue T has been fed through the feed mouth <NUM>, the pull-off device <NUM> is deactivated, for example by disengaging the magnetic clutch <NUM>.

Optionally, the feed mouth <NUM> is then moved forward from the fully retracted position to the holding position shown in <FIG>. As it moves to this position, the feed mouth <NUM> closes, gripping the tongue T of film material between the lips <NUM>,<NUM>. The feed mouth <NUM> remains in the holding position until the next bale has been formed in the bale chamber <NUM>.

Upon completion of the bale, the feed mouth <NUM> moves to the feed position shown in <FIG> to repeat the binding process. During movement of the feed mouth <NUM> from the holding position shown in <FIG> to the feeding position shown in <FIG>, the pull-off device <NUM> is driven by an arc gear <NUM> to draw a length of film binding material that is less than the length required to accommodate movement of the feed mouth <NUM> from the holding position to the feed position, so that the tongue T is drawn partially back into the feed mouth <NUM>.

This causes the tongue T to adopt an erect position in which it can be inserted more easily into the feed opening <NUM>.

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the baler also includes a reel <NUM> of net binding material N, which can optionally be used instead of the film binding material if the use of net binding material is preferred. The configuration of the binding apparatus <NUM> when set up for net binding is illustrated in <FIG>, which shows the feed mouth <NUM> in the fully retracted position.

Net binding material N is drawn off from the reel <NUM> and passes around the second feed guide roller <NUM>' and an idler roller <NUM>. It is then engaged by the pull-off device <NUM> and fed to the feed mouth <NUM>, which is located after the pull-off device <NUM>.

When the feed mouth <NUM> is in the fully retracted position as shown in <FIG> it adopts an open configuration where the two lips <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart to provide a substantially vertical open passageway <NUM>. While the feed mouth <NUM> is open the pull-off device <NUM> can be driven to feed a length of net binding material N through the feed mouth <NUM> to increase the length of the cut end E of net binding material that extends from the end of the feed mouth <NUM>. As the feed mouth <NUM> is open, the cut end E of net binding material falls freely through the passageway <NUM>. Once the correct length of net binding material has been fed through the feed mouth <NUM>, the pull-off device <NUM> is deactivated and/or braked.

The length of the cut end E can be adjusted by controlling operation of the pull-off device <NUM>, for example by adjustable operation of the brake <NUM> or by operation of the magnetic clutch <NUM>. Optionally, operation of the pull-off device <NUM> can be controlled automatically for example by an electronic control system or a computer, based on a number of factors including, for example, a user setting for a long or short tongue, and/or the PTO speed.

The feed mouth <NUM> is then moved forward from the fully retracted position to the holding position, which is similar to the holding position shown in <FIG>. As it moves to the holding position, the feed mouth <NUM> closes, gripping the cut end E of net binding material between the lips <NUM>, <NUM>. The feed mouth <NUM> remains in the holding position until the next bale has been formed in the bale chamber <NUM>.

Upon completion of the bale, the feed mouth <NUM> moves to the feed position, which is similar to the feed position shown in <FIG>, to start the binding process. During movement of the feed mouth <NUM> to the feeding position, the pull-off device may optionally be driven by the arc gear <NUM> to draw a length of net binding material N from the reel <NUM>.

During movement of the feed mouth to the feed position, the cut end E of net binding material is drawn partially back into the feed mouth <NUM>, causing the cut end E to adopt a more erect position in which it can be inserted more easily into the feed opening <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A round baler comprising a bale chamber (<NUM>) having a crop mouth (<NUM>) for introducing bale material into the bale chamber (<NUM>) and a plurality of pressing elements (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) configured to compress bale material in the bale chamber (<NUM>) to form a round bale (B), a binding apparatus (<NUM>) configured to apply at least one strip of binding material to a cylindrical surface of a bale (B) formed in the bale chamber (<NUM>) to bind the bale, wherein the binding apparatus (<NUM>) includes a supply device (<NUM>) comprising a support (<NUM>) for a supply of binding material and a feed device (<NUM>) that feeds binding material from the supply to a feed opening (<NUM>) of the bale chamber, wherein the feed device (<NUM>) includes a pull-off device (<NUM>) that is configured to draw binding material from the supply and a feed mouth (<NUM>) that receives binding material from the pull-off device (<NUM>); a feed detector (<NUM>) located between the pull-off device (<NUM>) and the feed opening (<NUM>), which is configured to detect correct/incorrect feeding of the binding material into the bale chamber (<NUM>); characterised by the binding apparatus (<NUM>) is configured to apply a plurality of strips of binding material to the cylindrical surface of a bale (B) formed in the bale chamber (<NUM>) to bind the bale (B), and wherein the feed detector (<NUM>) is configured to detect correct/incorrect feeding of each of the strips of binding material into the bale chamber (<NUM>).