Patent ID: 12250909

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral1denotes a baler, according to the present disclosure.

The baler1includes a tongue10connectable to a tractor. The tongue10is configured to allow the tractor to tow the baler1.

The baler1comprises a drive shaft. The drive shaft, in an embodiment, is a cardan shaft. The baler1includes a gearbox101. The drive shaft is configured to transmit mechanical rotation from a motor of the tractor to the baler1, through the gearbox101.

The baler1comprises a frame100including a baling chamber2. The frame100surrounds the baling chamber2. The baling chamber includes a first part21and a second part22. The baling chamber2is configured for receiving crops to form a bale B.

The baler1comprises a wheel axle23; the frame100is supported on the wheel axle23.

The baler1comprises a conveying assembly3. The conveying assembly3includes a belt300.

The conveying assembly3includes a tensioner301and a plurality of tensioner rollers302mounted on the tensioner301. The tensioner rollers302are configured to support the belt300. The belt300is wrapped around the tensioner rollers302. In an embodiment, the tensioner rollers302are idle. Hence, the movement of belt300makes the tensioner rollers302rotate. The conveying assembly3includes a tensioner actuator3011. In an embodiment, the tensioner actuator3011is a cylinder-piston actuator. The tensioner actuator3011as a first end (pivotably) connected to the frame100and a second end (pivotably) connected the tensioner301. Hence, the tensioner301, actuated by the tensioner actuator3011, is configured to manipulate the belt300.

The conveying assembly3includes a plurality of driven rollers303. In an embodiment, the driven rollers303are mounted on the frame100. The belt300is wrapped around said driven rollers303. The driven rollers303transmit mechanical movement to the belt300.

The baler1comprises a tailgate7. The tailgate7is connected to the frame100. The tailgate7is movable between a closed position and an open position. The tailgate7in the open position is configured for discharging a formed and bound bale.

The baler1comprises a tailgate actuator701. The tailgate actuator401in an embodiment is a cylinder-piston actuator. The tailgate actuator401has a first end connected to the frame100and a second end connected to the tailgate7.

The tailgate actuator701is configured to move the tailgate7between the closed position and the open position.

The conveying assembly3includes a rotating arm304. The rotating arm304is rotatable about a pivot702. In an embodiment, said pivot702is provided on the tailgate7; said pivot702is movable integrally with the tailgate7. The conveying assembly3includes a rotating arm actuator3041. The rotating arm actuator3041, in an embodiment, is a cylinder-piston actuator. The rotating arm actuator3041has a first end (pivotably) connected to the tailgate7and a second end (pivotably) connected to the rotating arm304. The rotating arm is rotatable about the pivot702between a rest position and a working position. The rotating arm actuator3041is configured to move the rotating arm304between the rest position and the working position. The conveying assembly3includes a rotating arm roller305. The rotating arm roller305is mounted on the rotating arm304, preferably at an extremity thereof. In an embodiment, the rotating arm roller305is idle. When the rotating arm304is in the rest position, the rotating arm roller305is positioned along a back wall of the tailgate7and does not interfere with the belt300; when the rotating arm304is in the working position, the rotating arm roller305contacts and stretches the belt300.

The conveying assembly3includes a plurality of tailgate rollers306,306′,306″, connected to (or mounted on) the tailgate7. Said tailgate rollers306,306′,306″ are idle. The belt300is wrapped around said tailgate rollers306,306′,306″ and is stretched by them.

The conveying assembly3includes a guide arm309. The conveying assembly3includes a guide arm roller310. The guide arm roller310is connected to the guide arm309, preferably at an extremity thereof. The guide arm309is movable between a raised position, in which the guide arm roller310is spaced apart from the belt300, and a lowered position, in which the guide arm roller310contacts the belt300(to stretch it).

The conveying assembly3includes a plurality of frame100rollers307connected to the frame100and configured to stretch and manipulate the belt300.

The conveying assembly3includes a further roller308configured to stretch and manipulate the belt300.

Said tensioner rollers302, driven rollers303, rotating arm roller305, tailgate rollers306,306′,306″, guide arm roller310, roller308attached to the feeding structure form a plurality of belt rollers, configured to support, stretch and manipulate the belt300.

The baler1comprises a pick-up device5. The pick-up device is configured for picking up the crops from a field. The pick-up device5includes a pick-up roll51.

The baler1comprises a feeding system4. The feeding system4is configured to guide the crops from the pick-up device5to the baling chamber2. The feeding system4includes a pushing rotor401, rotatable about a rotation axis401A. The feeding system4includes a feeding channel402. The feeding channel402extends between an inlet402A and an outlet402B. The inlet402A faces the pick-up device5. The outlet402B defines an opening in the baling chamber2. The pushing rotor401is positioned along the feeding channel402, downstream of the inlet402A and upstream of the outlet402B. The inlet402A is at a lower level with respect to the outlet402B, the pushing rotor401, by rotating about its axis401A, pushes the crops up from the inlet402A to the outlet402B.

The feeding system4includes a drop floor device403, defining a (portion of) bottom side of the feeding channel402. The drop floor device403is positioned between the inlet402A and the outlet402B of the feeding channel402. The pushing rotor401is positioned above said drop floor device403.

The feeding system4includes a plurality of starter rollers404,404′,404″.

The starter rollers404,404′,404″ are driven rollers. Said plurality of starter rollers includes at least a starter roller404positioned at a bottom side of the feeding channel402and at least a starter roller404′,404″ positioned at a top side of the feeding channel402.

In an embodiment, a (or at least one) starter roller404″ of said plurality is configured to rotate the bale B when the feeding system4is in its second configuration and to drive the belt300when the feeding system4is in its first second configuration.

The plurality of starter rollers404,404′,404″ is mounted on a starter roller structure4043. The starter roller structure4043is rotatable about an axis which preferably coincides with the axis401A of rotation of the pushing rotor401.

The frame100defines a starter roller guide4041along which a periphery of the starter roller structure4043moves.

The feeding system4includes a starter roller actuator4042configured to actuate the rotation of the starter roller structure4043. In an embodiment, the starter roller actuator4042is a cylinder piston actuator; the starter roller actuator4042has a first end (pivotably) connected to the frame100and a second end (pivotably) connected to the starter roller structure4043.

The roller308configured to manipulate the belt is mounted (attached) to the starter roller actuator4042.

The feeding system4includes a rotatable wall405. The rotatable wall405is rotatable about a respective axis between a working position, in which it defines a portion of the bottom side of the feeding channel402, and a rest position, in which it is spaced apart from the feeding channel402.

The feeding system4is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration.

In the first configuration of the feeding system4, the feeding channel402has a first orientation, so that the outlet402B is opened towards the first part21of the baling chamber2.

In the first configuration of the feeding system4, the starter rollers404,404′,404″ delimit the first part21of the baling chamber2, to rotate crops housed therein.

In the second configuration of the feeding system4, the feeding channel402has a second orientation, so that the outlet402B is opened towards the second part22of the baling chamber2.

In the second configuration of the feeding system4, the starter rollers404,404′,404″ delimit the second part22of the baling chamber2, to rotate crops housed therein.

The feeding system4is movable from the first configuration to the second configuration (and vice versa) upon rotation of the starter roller structure4043about its rotation axis and, preferably, upon rotation of the rotatable wall405from its working position to its rest position (and vice versa).

FIGS.3,4,5,6and7provides examples of the feeding system4being in the first configuration.FIGS.1,2and9provides examples of the feeding system4being in the second configuration.FIG.8provides an example of the feeding system4moving from the first configuration to the second configuration.

The conveying assembly3is movable together (in synchronized fashion) with the feeding system4.

In particular, when the feeding system4is in its first configuration, the guide arm309is in its lowered position; in this position, the guide arm roller310stretches the belt300around the crops contained in the first part21. When the feeding system4is in its second configuration, the guide arm309is in its raised position.

When the feeding system4is in its first configuration, or in its second configuration, the rotating arm304is in its rest position. When the feeding system4is moving from the first configuration to the second configuration, the rotating arm304is activated (thus is in its working position), to allow a guided transfer of the crops from the first part to the second part.

The baler1comprises a binder6. The binder6is configured to bind a formed bale B with a fastening element60. The fastening element60may be, for example, a net or a plastic film.

The binder6includes a fastening element reservoir600. The fastening element reservoir600includes a roll61and an amount of fastening element60, wrapped on the roll61.

The binder6(and/or the fastening element reservoir600) is positioned under the baling chamber2; in particular, the binder6is positioned under the second part22of the baling chamber2.

The baler1lays on a ground surface G. The ground surface G is defined by the field from which the crops are picked up.

The binder6is positioned between the ground surface G and the baling chamber2(in particular, the second part22of the baling chamber2).

The binder6is configured for guiding the fastening element60into the baling chamber2along an upwardly trajectory. The upwardly trajectory is substantially elongated along a vertical direction V, or has at least a vertical component.

The binder6is located between the feeding system4and the wheel axle23, along a horizontal direction H parallel to the ground surface G.

The binder6, in one example, is separated from the tailgate7; hence, the binder6remains stationary, during the movement of the tailgate7. The tailgate7is movable from a closed position (to delimit the bailing chamber) and an open position, to allow a discharging of the bale. The tailgate7has a first end, hinged to the frame, and a second, free end; the binder6, in one example, is located at a first distance from the second end of the tailgate7, in the closed position of the tailgate7, and is located at a second distance from the second end of the tailgate7, in the open position of the tailgate7, the second distance being larger than the first distance.

The baler1includes a bottom roll609connected to the frame100.

The bottom roll609is preferably driven. The bottom roll609is configured to receive the fastening element60from the binder6and to guide it towards the bale B. The bottom roll609has a rough surface, in order to grasp the fastening element60. Preferably, the bottom roll609is larger than the bale B, in order to guide the fastening element60over the edges of the bale B.

The binder6is configured to insert the fastening element into the (second part22of) baling chamber2through a passage defined between the bottom roll609and one of the starter rollers (in particular, the starter roller404, positioned on a bottom side of the feeding channel402).

The binder6includes a binding structure601. The binding structure601includes a tube surrounding the fastening element reservoir600.

The binding structure601has (or defines) an aperture601B for releasing the fastening element60when it is unrolled from the reservoir600.

The binder6includes a duckbill602, configured to pull the fastening element60out of the aperture601B and feed it to the baling chamber2.

The binder6includes a linkage bar604. The linkage bar604is pivotable about a pivoting axis604A. The duckbill602is connected to the linkage bar604. Hence, the linkage bar604, by pivoting (or rotating) about the pivoting axis604A, guides the duckbill602along a predetermined path towards the baling chamber2(or the second part22thereof, or towards the bottom roller609). Said predetermined path of the duckbill602towards the baling chamber2is directed upwards.

In an embodiment, the linkage bar604is arc-shaped. The linkage bar604has a first end and a second end, opposite to the first end. The pivoting axis604A is at the first end of the linkage bar604. The duckbill602is attached to the second end of the linkage bar604.

Preferably, the binder includes two linkage bars604, one at a first side of the baler1and one at a second side of the baler1.

The linkage bar604includes a linkage bar roller605positioned between the first end and the second end. The linkage bar roller605is idle. The linkage bar roller605is configured to guide the fastening element60out of the aperture601B, towards the duckbill602.

The binding structure601includes a binder guide roller607. The binder guide roller607is idle. The binder guide roller607is positioned at the aperture601B of the binding structure601. The binder guide roller607is configured to guide the fastening element60from the reservoir600to the linkage bar roller605. The binding structure601is rotatable about a rotation axis601A. In an embodiment, the rotation axis601A is a central axis of the binding structure601. The rotation axis601A of the binding structure601is spaced apart from the rotation axis604A of the linkage bar604. The rotation axis601A of the binding structure601is parallel to the rotation axis604A of the linkage bar604. The binding structure601is rotatable between a rest position and a working position, in synchronized fashion with the linkage bar604.

When the binding structure601is in the rest position, the aperture601B is in a first position and the linkage bar604is in a lowered position. When the binding structure601is in the working position, the aperture601B is in a second position, different from the first position, and the linkage bar604is in a raised position. When the linkage bar604in the raised position, the duckbill602extends towards the baling chamber2.

The binder6includes a binder actuator608. The binder actuator608is configured to drive the linkage bar604to pivot from the lowered position to the raised position (and vice versa). The binding structure601is free to rotate, so that the fastening element60, pulled out of the aperture6041B by the duckbill602(upon pivoting the linkage bar604), makes the binding structure601rotate. Hence, the binding structure601is dragged from the rest position to the working position (and vice versa), by the linkage bar604pivoting. The binder actuator608is then configured to move both the linkage bar604and the binding structure601.

The binder6includes a knife603. The knife603is attached to an external surface of the binding structure601. The knife603is configured to intercept and cut the fastening element60in the working position of the binding structure601. The knife603, being attached to the binding structure601, is movable together with the binding structure601.

The binder6includes a braking mechanism606. The braking mechanism606is positioned within the binding structure601. The braking mechanism606includes a roll configured to keep in contact with the reservoir600(for example by means of a spring) to control and brake the unrolling of the fastening element60.

FIG.10illustrates an example of the binding structure601in the rest position.FIG.11illustrates an example of the binding structure601in the working position.

The present disclosure also concerns a method for providing round bales in a baler1. The method defines a method for operating the baler1.

The method comprises a step of starting to operate the baler. The step of starting to operate the baler comprises forming a former (first) bale B0; the former bale B0is entirely formed in the second part22of the baling chamber2of the baler1. The second part22is located on the rear of the baling chamber2. During all the period of formating of the former bale B0, the feeding system4is in its second configuration, with the feeding channel402in its second orientation, with its outlet402B opened to the second part22of the baling chamber2. Hence, the former bale B0is formed by feeding crops from the pick-up device5to the second part22of the baling chamber2.

During the formation of the former bale B0, the guide arm309of the conveying assembly3is in its raised position, in which it does not stretch the belt300. Also, the rotating arm304is in its rest position, extending along a rear wall of the tailgate7.

When the bale B0has reached its final dimension, the feeding system4is switched to its first configuration, in which the feeding channel402is in its first orientation, with its outlet402B opened to the first part21of the baling chamber2. The feeding system4is moved from the second configuration to the first configuration by rotating the starter rollers structure4043, by means of the actuator4042. Specifically, from a lateral point of view on a left-hand side of the baler (with the tongue10connectable to the tractor on the left and the tailgate7on the right), the starter rollers structure4043rotates in an anticlockwise direction.

Simultaneously with the rotation of the starter rollers structure4043, the guide arm309is moved to its lowered position, by means of the guide arm actuator3011. So, the guide arm roller310pushed against the belt300.

So, the method comprises a step of starting to form a (second) bale B in the first part21of the baling chamber2. In fact, the feeding system4in the first configuration feeds the crops to the first part21to the baling chamber2. The method includes a step of binding the former bale B0. The method includes a step of discharging the former bale B0.

While the bale B starts to be formed in the first part21of the baling chamber2, the former bale B0, housed in the second part22, is bound with the fastening element60. After the fastening element60has been applied, the bale B is discharged, by opening the tailgate7.

When the bale B has reached a predetermined dimension (smaller than its final dimension), the method comprises a step of transferring the bale B from the first part21to the second part22of the baling chamber2. Simultaneously with the transfer of the bale B, the feeding system4is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration. During the transferring, the feeding channel continuously varies its orientation from the first orientation to the second orientation.

The feeding system4is moved from the first configuration to the second configuration by rotating the starter rollers structure4043, by means of the actuator4042. Specifically, from a lateral point of view on a left-hand side of the baler (with the tongue10connectable to the tractor on the left and the tailgate7on the right), the starter rollers structure4043rotates in a clockwise direction. Hence, during the transfer of the bale B, the outlet402B of the feeding channel402and the starter rollers404,404′ remain in contact with the bale B. So, the crops are continuously fed to the bale B while it is moved to the second part22of the baling chamber2. During the transfer of the bale B, the rotating arm304is positioned (by means of the actuator3041) in its working position, to stretch the belt300around the bale B. Also, during the transfer of the bale B, the guide arm309is put in its raised position to allow the bale B passing to the second part22of the baler2.

Then, the method comprises a step of completing the formation of the bale B in the second part22of the baling chamber2.

After the bale B has reached its final dimension, the feeding system4is moved back to the second configuration, to start to form a new (third) bale in the first part21of the baling chamber2.

The method includes a step of binding the bale B. The method includes a step of discharging the bale B.

While forming the new (third) bale in the first part21of the baling chamber2, the bale B is bound with the fastening element60and, then, discharged.

The step of binding includes guiding a fastening element60into the baling chamber along an upwardly trajectory (having at least a vertical component).

The step of binding includes rotating a linkage bar604connected to a duckbill602along an upwardly trajectory, from a lowered position to a raised position. In the raised position, the duckbill602feeds the fastening element60to the baling chamber (or to the bottom roller609). The step of binding includes rotating a binding structure601from a rest position to a working position. The rotation of the linkage bar604is performed by an actuator608. The rotation of the binding structure601is synchronized with the rotation of the linkage bar604. In an embodiment, the duckbill602upon rotating the linkage bar604stretches the fastening element60so to unroll the fastening element60from the reservoir600and to make the binding structure601rotate.

In the step of binding (or at the start thereof), from a point of view on a left-hand side of the baler (with the tongue10connectable to the tractor on the left and the tailgate7on the right), the linkage bar604rotates in an anticlockwise direction, from the lowered position to the raised position. Also, the binding structure601rotates in an anticlockwise direction, from the rest position to the working position.

During the step of binding, the linkage bar604remains in its raised position and the binding structure601remains in its working position. During the step of binding, the rotation of the bottom roller609, combined with the rotation of the bale B which is being wrapped, makes the fastening element60unroll from the reservoir600.

After the binding of the bale has been completed, the method includes a step of return. In the step of return, the actuator608makes the linkage bar604return from the raised position to the lowered position. Simultaneously, the binding structure601returns from the working position to the rest position.

In the step of return, from a point of view on a left-hand side of the baler (with the tongue10connectable to the tractor on the left and the tailgate7on the right), the linkage bar604rotates in a clockwise direction, from the lowered position to the raised position. Also, the binding structure601rotates in a clockwise direction, from the rest position to the working position.