A combined baler / bale wrapper

The present invention relates to a combined baler / bale wrapper for forming and wrapping a cylindrical bale of material in a wrapping material.

The pressing of hay, straw, silage and other fibrous animal feeds is well known. Such crops can be formed into parallelepiped or cylindrical bales. The parallelepiped bales can be relatively small bales, which are typically called rectangular bales, or relatively large bales, which are commonly called large square bales. Cylindrical bales are commonly called round bales and typically have a diameter of about 1.25 meters and an axial length of about 1.25 meters. Once the grass has been pressed into a bale to produce silage, the bale must be wrapped in order to seal the pressed silage against air in order to allow the normal chemical fermentation of the silage to proceed. Typically, the packaging material is a plastic film having on one side an adhesive coating, typically opaque, to protect the silage from light, and most often having a black, white or green color.

Generally, in making round bales, a baling press is used to form the round bales, and then the formed round bale is laid on the ground, typically in a field from which the grass has been harvested. Then, the bale wrapper lifts the formed bale and wraps the bale in foil. Thus, two devices are required, the first being a baler and the second being a bale wrapper. Due to the fact that two devices are required, also two vehicles are required for towing and driving the respective devices, so generally two tractors are required, one for towing and driving the baler and the other for towing and driving the bale wrapper.

Attempts have been made to provide integral balers / bale wrappers and combined balers / bale wrappers. For integral balers / bale wrappers, the baler is equipped with a bale forming chamber inside which the bale is formed. The bale forming chamber is typically defined by the bottom segment and the upward moving top segment. When a bale is formed in the bale forming chamber, the top section is raised to expose approximately half of the bale and the bale wrapping mechanism cooperates with the bottom section of the bale forming chamber to facilitate wrapping the bale. Such balers / bale wrappers are disclosed in PCT applications WO 97/18 699, WO 00/36 903, both filed by Kvemeland, WO 96/08 957 filed by Oiestad, WO 00/15 023 filed by Bertrand. and German Patent Application No. 38 05 224 to Schenke.

In the case of combined balers / bale wrappers, the baler and bale wrapper are typically placed on a common platform or on respective interconnected platforms, and the formed bale is transferred from the baler to the bale wrapper for wrapping. Such balers / bale wrappers are disclosed in European Patent Application No. 0 983 720 to Grundero and PCT Application No. WO 99/04 613 to Comtor.

In general, both the integral balers / bale wrappers and the combined balers / bale wrappers known to date have had many disadvantages. Generally, integral balers / bale wrappers are slow and inefficient. The bale is formed and wrapped in the same chamber. Thus, bale forming and bale wrapping must be performed simultaneously in the bale forming chamber. Accordingly, when a bale is wrapped, the second bale cannot be formed until the wrapped bale has been expelled from the bale forming chamber and the bale forming chamber is reformed. Additionally, due to the fact that the bale forming chamber must be separable to allow the bale to be wrapped therein, the upper segment of the bale forming chamber is raised to a relatively large height relative to the lower segment where the bale rotates during wrapping, and hence the overall height of the bale. balers would be unacceptably high and such integral balers / bale wrappers would be relatively inconvenient.

For combined balers / bale wrappers, an additional transfer mechanism is generally required to transfer the formed bale from the baler to the bale wrapper. Such a transmission mechanism would be cumbersome and inefficient. Generally, due to the arrangement of the baler and bale transfer mechanism as well as the arrangement of the bale transfer mechanism and wrapper, no other operations may take place during the transfer of the bale. In other words, the baling press cannot start forming the next bale and furthermore the bale wrapping means must be fixed. For this reason, a considerable amount of time is lost during the transfer of the bale from the baler to the bale wrapper. Generally, the bale is discharged downwards from the baler, and during the downward discharge of the bale from the baler, the tailgate of the baler is pivoted backwards and upwards to facilitate the expulsion of the bale from the baler. Due to the fact that the bale is discharged from the baler at a low level, the bale transfer mechanism must then lift the bale from the lower level upwards onto the bale wrapper. This requires that the tailgate remains in the open position until the bale is transferred. Only after the bale has been transferred can the tailgate be moved downwards to the closed position. Thus, the baler must remain idle from a bale formation point of view for the entire period the bale is discharged from the baler and also for the entire period during which the bale transfer mechanism carries the bale up onto the bale wrapper. In addition, in general, the tailgate of the baler must remain in the open position until the transfer mechanism returns to the down position ready to receive the next bale. Otherwise, in many cases it is not possible to return the transfer mechanism to the lower position with the tailgate of the baler in the closed position. This fact therefore significantly slows down the operation of such combined balers / bale wrappers.

A further disadvantage of combining balers / bale wrappers is that due to the fact that a separate transfer mechanism is required for transferring the bale from the baler to the bale wrapper, space is required between the baler and the bale wrapper to receive such transfer mechanism. and this in turn increases the overall length of the combined balers / bale wrappers.

A further disadvantage of combined balers / bale wrappers is that it is generally difficult to match the wrapping speed of the bale wrapper with the forming speed of the baler, and generally the speed at which the bales are formed is much greater than the speed at which the bales are wrapped. This in turn leads to a loss of productivity as either the baler must run at a slower speed than its capacity or, alternatively, it must be idling while each bale is being formed in order to allow time for the formed bale to wrap.

A still further disadvantage of the combined balers / bale wrappers known heretofore is that the conveying means for transferring the formed bale from the baler to the bale wrapper are in many cases unable to transfer the formed bale to the bale wrapper during the descent operation of the baler / bale wrapper . Thus, in practice, such prior art balers / bale wrappers are in many cases unsuitable for use in mountainous areas.

Another type of baler / bale wrapper is disclosed in US Patent Application No. 5,822,967 to Vermeer. The baler / bale wrapper disclosed in this US application includes a baler in which a bale is formed and a separate bale wrapping area in which the formed bale is wrapped. The bale is transferred from the baler to the wrapping area of ​​the bale by a portion of the baling press that rotates back and forth and carries the bale from the baler in a generally downward direction to the bale wrapping area. However, a part of the baler that carries the bale to the bale wrapping area is required in order to rotate the bale in the bale wrapping area during bale wrapping. Accordingly, this baler / bale wrapper is relatively inefficient as the bale cannot be formed by the baler / bale wrapper while another bale is wrapped. The baler / bale wrapper sequentially forms the bale and then wraps the bale before the next bale can be started. Thus, this baler / bale wrapper is inefficient.

Another type of combined baler / bale wrapper comprises a baler and a bale wrapper located on a common platform. The bale is formed on the baler and discharged from the baler from a generally downward direction. The baler tailgate opens in a generally rearward and upward direction to facilitate the expulsion of the bale from the baler. The bale is discharged from the baler onto the wrapping table of the bale wrapper, and when the bale is placed on the wrapping table of the bale wrapper, the table is moved generally upwards and backwards to the bale forming area where the bale is turned on the bale wrapper table. wrapping to wrap the bale in the wrapping area of ​​the bale. This baler / bale wrapper will be relatively complex and due to the fact that the wrapping table of the bale wrapper has to be moved back and forth between the baler and the bale wrapper, it will be susceptible to damage and will require a relatively high level of maintenance. In addition, the baler / bale wrapper will be relatively inefficient.

A further type of baler / bale wrapper comprises a baler and a bale wrapper arranged on a common platform. The bale is formed on the baling press, and once formed, the press

The bale is moved generally backwards and upwards to expel the bale downwards from the baler onto the bale wrapper. When the bale has been discharged onto the bale wrapper, the baler is moved forward and down to the bale forming position. Due to the fact that the baler has to be moved back and forth on the platform, this baler / bale wrapper would be relatively complex and would require a considerable amount of maintenance. Additionally, this type of baler / bale wrapper would be relatively inefficient.

There is therefore a need for a baler / bale wrapper that overcomes the above problems.

A combined baler / bale wrapper forming and wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapping material, wherein the baler / bale wrapper comprises a press and a bale coiler, the wrapping machine including a bale support for rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis coinciding with the central geometric axis of the bale, a wrapping material dispenser rotatable about a second wrapping axis at an angle greater than zero to the first wrapping axis and a support ring supporting a wrapping material dispenser and defining a travel path arranged around a second wrapping axis along which the wrapping material dispenser is rotated according to the invention, characterized in that the ring is the load bearing lies in a vertical or close to vertical plane.

Preferably, a pair of packaging material dispensers are supported on the support ring at positions spaced apart about the travel path formed by the support ring.

Preferably, the packaging material dispensers are positioned at 180 ° centrically about the travel path formed by the support ring.

Preferably, the support ring is rotatable about a second curl axis to rotate the wrapping material dispenser about the second curl axis along the path of travel.

Preferably, the support ring defines a second wrapping axis.

Preferably, the second wrapping axis is perpendicular to the first wrapping axis.

Preferably, the support ring is supported on at least two support rollers, at least one of which is a drive roll rotating the support ring.

Preferably, a pair of spaced apart rollers are used to position the support ring.

Preferably, respective alignment rollers are placed above the support rollers.

Preferably, the bale support comprises a first bale support roller and a second bale support roller parallel and spaced from the first bale support roller.

Preferably, first drive means are provided to rotate at least one of the first and second bale support rollers, and second drive means are provided to move each wrapping material dispenser along a path of movement about a second wrapping axis, the first and second drive means having synchronized speeds.

Preferably, the baling press comprises a bale forming chamber defining a major central axis and the first and second support rolls are rotatable about their respective central geometry axes, the central geometric axes of the support rollers being parallel to the major central axis defined by the bale forming chamber.

Preferably, means for transferring the bale from the baler to the bale coiler are provided.

According to the invention there is provided a combined baler / bale wrapper for forming and wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapping material, the baling press / bale wrapper comprising a baling press for forming a bale, the baling press having a bale forming chamber. inside which the bale is formed, bale wrapping means for receiving the bale from the baler, for wrapping it; and a transmission means for transferring the bale from the baler to the bale wrapping means, the conveying means transferring the bale in a generally upward and outward direction from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means.

Preferably, the conveying means transfers the bale upwards and outwards from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means.

Preferably, the conveying means transports the bale from the bale forming chamber along a conveying path extending in a direction generally between a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

Preferably, the conveying path along which the conveying means carries the bale from the bale forming chamber extends in a generally radial direction. Ideally, the conveying path along which the conveying means carries the bale out of the bale forming chamber is a generally curved path.

PL 218 337 B1

In one embodiment of the invention the baling press is a fixed chamber baler.

In another embodiment of the invention, the conveying means comprises a baling press portion, said baling press portion forming the conveying means moving relative to the baler to move the bale out of the bale forming chamber.

Preferably, the moving part of the baler that defines the conveying means is moved from a bale forming position cooperating with the baler to form the bale forming chamber to an output position for transferring the bale to the bale wrapping means.

Preferably, the moving part of the baler that forms the conveying means is an integral part of the baling press. Ideally, the movable part of the baling press that forms the conveying means is the movable lower part of the baling press.

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable lower portion of the baler that defines the conveying means is rotatably mounted about the first pivot axis and pivots between a bale forming position and an output position about the first pivot axis to eject the bale from the bale forming chamber onto the means for wrapping the bale.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bale forming chamber is substantially cylindrical forming an inner circumferential rim and a major central geometry axis.

In another embodiment of the invention, the major central axis defined by the bale forming chamber extends substantially horizontally.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the movable lower part of the baler that forms the conveying means extends around the circumferential periphery of the bale forming chamber over an angular distance in the range of 50 ° to 160 °. It is preferred that the movable lower part of the baler that forms the transfer means extends around the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber by an angular distance in the range of 60 ° and 115 °.

Preferably, the movable lower part of the baler that forms the conveying means extends around the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber over an angular distance in the range of 70 ° to 90 °.

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable lower part of the baler is moved into the bale forming chamber from the bale forming position to the discharge position.

Preferably, the movable lower part of the baler is moved through the bale forming chamber from the bale forming position to the discharge position. Preferably, the movable lower part of the baler moves through the major center axis of the bale forming chamber from the bale forming position to the discharge position.

In one embodiment of the invention, an inlet to the bale forming chamber is provided through which the material to be baled is supplied to the bale forming chamber, the inlet being at a level such that the bale is discharged from the bale forming chamber at a level above it. inlet level. It is preferred that the inlet to the bale forming chamber defines the bottom edge and that the inlet is located relative to the first pivot axis such that the bottom edge of the inlet is level below the horizontal plane containing the first pivot axis.

Preferably, the inlet to the bale forming chamber is at a level which is completely below the horizontal plane containing the first axis of rotation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the top of the baler is moved from a bale forming position cooperating with the baler to form the bale chamber to an expulsion position forming an open outlet from the bale chamber with the baler, facilitating the transfer of the bale from the chamber. forming a bale into the bale wrapping means.

Preferably, the movable upper part of the baler, which is moved from the bale forming position to the discharge position, extends around the circumferential periphery of the bale forming chamber by an angular distance of up to 180 °. Preferably, the movable upper portion of the baler is moved in a generally upward direction from the bale forming position to the discharge position.

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable upper part of the baler is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis and pivots about a second pivot axis between a bale forming position and a discharge position.

Preferably, the first and second axis of rotation are parallel to each other.

Preferably, the first pivot axis is parallel to the major center axis defined by the bale forming chamber.

PL 218 337 B1

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable upper and lower portions of the baler are sequentially switched between a bale forming position and a discharge position. It is preferable that the movement of the movable upper part from the bale forming position to the discharge position begins before movement of the movable lower part from the bale forming position to the discharge position.

Preferably, the movement of the movable lower part of the baler from the ejection position to the bale forming position begins prior to the movement of the movable upper part of the baler from the ejection position to the bale forming position.

Preferably, the respective first and second pivot axes are adjacent the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber, and preferably the respective first and second pivot axes are spaced from each other by at least 180 ° about a major central geometric axis of the bale forming chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first axis of rotation is within an arc extending not more than 30 ° above and not more than 60 ° below the horizontal plane containing the major centerline of the bale forming chamber. It is preferred that the first axis of rotation is within an arc extending downward from a horizontal plane containing the major center axis of the bale forming chamber of no more than 60 °.

Preferably, the first axis of rotation is within an arc extending downward from a horizontal plane containing the major center axis at an angular distance from said horizontal plane ranging from 30 ° to 40 °.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second axis of rotation is within an arc extending not more than 60 ° above and not less than 30 ° below the horizontal plane containing the major center axis of the bale forming chamber. It is preferred that the second axis of rotation is within an arc extending not more than 30 ° above and not more than 15 ° below the horizontal plane containing the major centerline of the bale forming chamber.

Preferably, the second axis of rotation is on an arc extending above the horizontal plane containing the major center axis of the bale forming chamber by an angular distance ranging from 10 ° to 15 ° from said horizontal plane.

In one embodiment of the invention the first pivot axis is closer to the bale wrapping means than the second pivot axis. Preferably, the first pivot axis is relatively close to the bale wrapping means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable lower portion of the baler that forms the conveying means comprises a lower arcuate segment that forms part of the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber.

In another embodiment of the invention, the upper portion of the baler comprises an upper arcuate segment that forms another portion of the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the baling press comprises a stationary arcuate segment forming part of the bale forming chamber, the stationary arcuate segment extending along the circumferential rim between the respective upper and lower portions of the bale forming chamber. It is preferred that the stationary arcuate segment extends circumferentially from the second pivot axis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the respective movable upper and lower parts of the baler end relatively close to each other, adjacent the first pivot axis. It is preferred that the respective movable upper and lower portions of the baler be substantially adjacent to each other adjacent the first pivot axis.

In one embodiment of the invention, first displacement means are provided for moving the movable lower portion of the baler between a bale forming position and an discharge position. It is preferred that the first displacement means act between the movable lower part of the baler and the baler.

Preferably, the first displacement means comprises a first actuator.

In another embodiment of the invention, second displacement means are provided for moving the movable upper part of the baler between a bale forming position and an discharge position. It is preferred that the second displacement means act between the movable upper part and the movable lower part of the baler.

Preferably, the second displacement means comprises a second actuator.

In another embodiment of the invention, the baling press comprises a bale forming means for forming the material into a bale.

PL 218 337 B1

In a further embodiment of the invention, the bale forming means comprises a plurality of bale forming rolls rotatably supported on the baler and disposed about a major central axis to form a circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, the bale rollers form respective second geometry axes which extend parallel to the major central axis defined by the bale forming chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention, a power transmission means is provided for rotating the bale forming rollers to form a bale in the bale forming chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower movable portions of the baler each support respective bale-forming rolls. Preferably, the stationary arch segment supports the respective bale-forming rolls.

In one embodiment of the invention, the transferring means is moved to the bale forming chamber to move the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means. It is preferred that the transfer means pass through the bale forming chamber in order to move the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means.

Preferably, the transfer means extends through a major central axis defined by the bale forming chamber for moving the bale out of the bale forming chamber.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the bale press / bale wrapper comprises a running gear. The baler is preferably mounted on the chassis.

Preferably, the bale wrapping means are mounted on the undercarriage.

In one embodiment of the invention, the undercarriage forms a major longitudinal center axis extending along the undercarriage in the overall forward direction of the undercarriage. Preferably, the major central axis defined by the bale forming chamber extends transversely to the major central longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the major longitudinal central axis extends substantially horizontally.

In one embodiment of the invention, the bale wrapping means are biaxial bale wrapping means comprising packaging material dispensing means for feeding the wrapping material onto the bale for wrapping, whereby the bale is rotated about a first wrapping axis, and one of the bale is the dosing means is rotated about a second wrapping axis at an angle to the first wrapping axis to feed the wrapping material to the bale for wrapping.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bale wrapping means comprises bale support means for receiving the formed bale from the baler and for rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis which substantially overlaps the central geometry of the bale, one of the bale support means being and the dosing means is pivoted about a second wrapping axis simultaneously with rotating the bale about the first wrapping axis, to cause the wrapping material to be pulled out of the dosing means and wound onto the bale.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the bale support means are arranged to receive the bale from the baler, with the bale center axis parallel to the major center axis defined by the bale forming chamber. It is preferred that the bale support means rotate the bale about a first wrapping axis parallel to the major central axis defined by the bale forming chamber.

Preferably, the first wrapping means extends substantially horizontally. Ideally, the first wrap axis extends transversely to the major median longitudinal axis defined by the undercarriage.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bale support means comprises a first bale support roller and a second bale support roller parallel and spaced from the first bale support roller for receiving and supporting the bale thereon and for rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis. It is preferred that the respective first and second bale support rollers rotate about o the respective geometry axes to rotate the bale about a first wrapping axis.

Preferably, the geometry of the respective bale support rollers extend parallel to the major central axis defined by the bale forming chamber. Ideally, the first bale support roller is closer to the first pivot axis of the movable lower part of the baler than the second bale support roller. The first bale support roller is preferably adjacent to the baler.

PL 218 337 B1

In one embodiment of the invention, the first bale support roller is adjacent to the first pivot axis of the lower movable segment of the baler.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is an intermediate transfer roller between the first bale supporting roller and the baler for supporting the bale during transfer from the baler to the bale wrapping means. Preferably, the intermediate transfer roller is adjacent to the first bale support roller.

Preferably, the intermediate transfer roller is located adjacent the first axis of rotation. Ideally, the intermediate transfer roller extends parallel to the first axis of rotation.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first bale support roller is moved in a generally downward direction from the bale wrapping position cooperating with the second bale support roller to support and rotate the bale during wrapping to a bale receiving position for receiving a bale transferred from the baler to the baler. baling on the bale support means. Preferably, the first bale support roller is moved from the bale receiving position to the bale wrapping position as the bale is moved from the baler to the bale support means.

Preferably, the first bale supporting roller cooperates with the movable lower part of the baler such that when the movable lower part of the baler is moved from the bale forming position to the discharge position, the first bale supporting roller is moved from the bale wrapping position to the bale receiving position. Ideally, the first bale support roller cooperates with the movable lower part of the baler such that when the movable lower part of the baler is moved from the discharge position to the bale forming position, the first bale supporting roller is moved from the bale receiving position to the bale wrapping position.

In one embodiment of the invention the first bale supporting roller is operatively connected to the movable lower part of the baler by connecting means for moving the first bale supporting roller between the bale wrapping position and the bale receiving position when the movable lower part of the baler is moved between positions respectively. bale formation and discharge location. Preferably, the first roller supporting the bale in the bale receiving position is at a level below the level of the first pivot axis of the movable lower part of the baler, in order to facilitate the transfer of the bale from the baler to the bale wrapping means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the geometry of the first and second bale rollers form a common plane when the first and second bale rollers are in the bale wrapping position.

In another embodiment of the invention, the common plane defined by the respective geometry of the first and second bale rollers when the first and second bale support rollers are in the bale wrapping position is a substantially horizontal plane.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the common plane formed by the geometry of the first and second bale rollers when the first and second bale support rollers are in the bale wrapping position is at a level just above or just below the horizontal plane containing the first axis of rotation of the movable lower portion baling presses.

In another embodiment of the invention, the dispensing means comprises at least one wrapping material dispenser from which the wrapping material is fed to the bale on the bale support means, and support means for supporting each wrapping material dispenser, the supporting means defining a travel path extending around the second wrapping axis. and each wrapping material dispenser moves along a travel path about a second wrapping axis, for feeding the wrapping material onto the bale, for wrapping it. Preferably, the travel path defined by the support means lies in a vertical plane that extends generally in an upward and downward direction.

Preferably, the travel path defined by the support means lies in a vertical plane. Ideally, the travel path defined by the support means lies in a plane that extends transversely to the major longitudinal median axis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the travel path defined by the supporting means defines a second wrapping axis about which each wrapping material dispenser pivots to deliver the wrapping material to the bale.

PL 218 337 B1

In another embodiment of the invention, the second wrapping axis extends substantially horizontally. Preferably, the second wrap axis extends substantially parallel to a major central longitudinal axis defined by the undercarriage.

In one embodiment of the invention, a pair of packaging material dispensers are supported on the support means, spaced apart about a travel path defined by the support means. Preferably, the packaging material dispensers are positioned at their centers 180 ° about a travel path defined by the support means.

In another embodiment of the invention the support means pivots about a second wrapping axis to rotate each wrapping material dispenser about a second wrapping axis along the path of travel. It is preferred that the support means define a second wrapping axis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second wrapping axis extends perpendicular to the first wrapping axis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the support means comprises a support ring. It is preferred that the support ring rotates about the second wrap axis.

Preferably, the support ring is supported on at least two support rolls, at least one of which is a drive roller for rotating the support ring.

Alternatively, a pair of spaced-apart alignment rollers is provided to align the support ring. It is preferred that the respective alignment rollers are above the support rollers.

Preferably, the support ring extends in a substantially vertical plane.

Preferably, first drive means are provided for rotating at least one of the first and second bale support rollers.

Preferably, second drive means are provided to move the or each of the wrapping material dispensers along a path of movement about the second wrapping axis.

Preferably, the first and second driving means are synchronized such that the rotational speeds of the bale supporting rollers and of each wrapping material dispenser are synchronized to wrap the bale.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second bale support roller is moved downward from the bale wrapping position to facilitate release of the wrapped bale from the bale support means. Preferably, the second bale support roller is supported on the second bale support means which rotate from the first position, with the second bale support roller in the bale wrapping position, to a second position for moving the second bale support roller from the bale support position to the bale support position. to release the wrapped roller from the bale support means.

In one embodiment of the invention, the bale press and the bale wrapper are positioned relative to each other such that the horizontal distance between the vertical plane containing the major center axis of the bale forming chamber and the vertical plane containing the first wrapping axis is within the distance corresponding to the bale diameter plus 300 mm and the distance. corresponding to the bale diameter plus 800 mm.

In addition, the invention provides a combined baler / bale wrapper for forming and wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapping material, the baling press / bale wrapper comprising a baling press to form a bale, the baling press having a bale forming chamber inside which the bale is formed, bale wrapping means arranged in the bale wrapping area to receive the bale from the baler for wrapping and transmission means for transferring the bale from the baler to the bale wrapping means, the conveying means carrying the bale directly from the bale forming chamber to the area wrapping the bale in order to wrap it. Preferably, the conveying means conveys the bale in a generally upward and outward direction from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping area.

Preferably, the conveying means transports the bale upwards and outwards from the bale forming chamber to the wrapping area of ​​the bale.

Further, the invention provides a combined baler / bale wrapper for forming and wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapping material, the baling press / bale wrapper comprising a baling press to form a bale, the baling press having a bale forming chamber inside which the bale is formed, a bale wrapping means for receiving the bale from the bale forming chamber to wrap it, and a conveying means for conveying the bale from the bale chamber.

The bale forming machines are provided by the bale wrapping means, the operating transfer means passing through the bale forming chamber to move the bale out of the bale forming chamber.

The invention also provides a combined baler / bale wrapper for forming and wrapping a cylindrical bale of material in a wrapping material, the bale press / bale wrapper comprising a baling press to form a bale, and bale wrapping means for receiving a bale from the baler for the purpose of its wraps, the bale wrapping means comprising bale support means for receiving a bale from the baler and for rotating the bale about a first wrapping axis superimposed on the central geometric axis of the bale and wrapping material metering means for dispensing wrapping material onto the bale, wherein one of the bale support and dosing means pivots about a second wrapping axis at an angle with respect to the first wrapping axis, simultaneously with rotating the bale about the first wrapping axis to cause the wrapping material to be pulled out of the dosing means and to wind it onto the bale.

In addition, the invention provides a combined baler / bale wrapper for forming and wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapping material, the baling press / bale wrapper comprising a baling press to form a bale, the baling press having a bale forming chamber inside which the bale is formed, bale wrapping means for receiving the bale from the bale press to wrap it and transmission means for transferring the bale from the baler to the bale wrapping means, wherein the transfer means transfer the bale directly from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means for wrapping them.

The advantages of the baler / bale wrapper according to the invention are numerous. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that it provides an efficient baler / bale wrapper. In particular, the baling press / bale wrapper of the invention is a relatively compact baler / bale wrapper, and specifically, the overall front-to-back length of the baler / bale wrapper is minimized. Due to the fact that the transfer means for transferring the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means moves the bale up and out of the bale forming chamber, it is possible to transfer the bale directly from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means. This therefore minimizes the time required to transfer the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means, and in particular minimizes downtime of the baler and the bale wrapping means. In other words, the time during which the baler is not operating from a bale forming point of view and the time during which the bale wrapping means is not operating from the bale wrapping point of view are minimized.

In addition, the fact that the bale is carried up and out of the bale forming chamber and is directly transferred from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means enables the bale wrapping means to be positioned relatively close to the baler and hence minimizes the overall length of the connected baler. / bale wrappers according to the invention.

Additionally, due to the fact that the conveying means transports the bale up and out of the bale forming chamber, the bale is discharged from the bale forming chamber at a relatively high level, at a much higher level than is possible with hitherto known balers from interconnected presses. for baling / bale wrappers. This thus enables the bale wrapping means to be placed on the chassis at a relatively higher level than would otherwise be possible. This further facilitates the direct transfer of the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means and hence further facilitates the positioning of the bale wrapping means relatively close to the baler.

Moreover, due to the fact that the conveying means transports the bale up and out of the bale forming chamber, the bale is discharged from the bale forming chamber at a level which is higher than the inlet through which the material to be baled is delivered to the baler. baling. This enables the baler and the bale wrapping means to be mounted on the chassis with respect to each other such that the bale wrapping means and the baler are relatively close to each other and, moreover, at such levels relative to each other that are ideally suited for the direct handling of the bale. from the bale forming chamber onto the bale wrapping means. In addition, this enables the baler to be placed on the chassis with the inlet to the bale forming chamber positioned at a level suitable for lifting the material to be baled from the ground, while also facilitating the positioning of the bale wrapping means on the chassis to receive the bale directly from the bale forming chamber. on the bale wrapping means.

By moving the bale out of the bale forming chamber in a generally upward direction that is between a generally vertical and a generally horizontal direction, a particularly efficient baler / bale wrapper structure is provided. By moving the bale

From the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means in this direction, the bale can be transferred smoothly and smoothly to the bale wrapping means. By moving the bale radially outward from the bale forming chamber, the smooth smooth bale transfer is further improved. By moving the bale in an arc in a generally upward direction between a generally vertical and a generally horizontal direction from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means, a particularly efficient baler structure is provided and hence a particularly efficient construction of the combined baler / bale wrapper .

The fact that the conveying means for transferring the bale from the baler to the bale wrapping means is adapted to move inwardly into the bale forming chamber and pass through the bale forming chamber, provides a further advantage of the invention, namely that the bale can be moved in the bale direction. a generally upward, between a generally vertical and a generally horizontal direction, from the bale forming chamber directly onto the bale wrapping means. This further facilitates the positioning of the bale wrapping means close to the baler and hence the minimization of the overall length of the combined baler / bale wrapper. A particularly important advantage of the invention is achieved when the conveying means for transferring the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means is provided by the movable part of the baler, in particular the movable lower part of the baler. By rotating the movable lower part of the baler so that the movable lower part of the baler rotates about the first pivot axis between the bale forming position and the discharge position, a particularly efficient baler / bale wrapper design is provided, which further improves the efficiency and compactness of the press for baling / bale wrapping machine.

By using the upper part of the baler moving between the bale forming position and the discharge position such that when the upper part is in the discharge position an open outlet is created to the bale forming chamber through which the bale is transferred from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means , a particularly efficient design of the combined baler / bale wrapper is provided. By having the upper part of the baler moving upwards from the bale forming position to the discharge position, the upper part of the baler, when in the discharge position, does not in any way interfere with the bale on the bale wrapping means, as would otherwise be the case. in known combined balers / bale wrappers, where a part of the baler is rotated backwards in order to facilitate the expulsion of the bale from the bale forming chamber, if the means for wrapping the bale would not be at a distance from the baler. Due to the fact that the upper part of the baler is moved upwards between the bale forming position and the discharge position, the bale wrapping means can be placed much closer to the baler than in previously known balers / bale wrappers, thus facilitating direct handling bale from the bale forming chamber onto the bale wrapping means.

In addition, providing a movable upper portion of the baler to be moved in a generally upward direction facilitates the evacuation of the bale from the bale forming chamber in a generally upward and outward direction, and particularly facilitates the discharge of the bale in a generally upward direction between a generally vertical position and a generally horizontal position. especially in a curve in that direction.

By pivotally mounting the movable upper part of the baler so that it pivots about the second pivot axis, a particularly efficient structure is provided which minimizes the time required to move the movable upper part and the movable lower part between the bale forming position and the discharge position for expulsion. bale from the bale forming chamber onto the bale wrapping means.

Additionally, the time required to return the movable upper and lower parts of the baler from the discharge position to the bale forming position is likewise minimized, thus ensuring a relatively fast, efficient transfer of the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means, thus maximizing the time, during which the baler is operated to form bales.

The positioning of the bale wrapping means close to the baler is further facilitated when the movable upper part is pivotally mounted about the second pivot axis and is pivoted up from the bale forming position to the discharge position and the second pivot axis is adjacent to the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber and in within an arc extending upwards from a horizontal plane containing the major centreline of the bale forming chamber by not more than 60 °, preferably not more than 30 °, in particular when the second axis of rotation is angularly spaced

From said horizontal plane containing the major central axis of the bale forming chamber ranging from 10 ° to 15 °.

The advantages achieved by conveying the bale in a generally upward direction which is between a generally vertical and a generally horizontal direction from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means may be achieved by other suitable conveying means which would send the bale in such a direction from the forming chamber bale. It is generally believed that such transfer means would move into the bale forming chamber to convey the bale, and would generally pass through at least a portion of the bale forming chamber to transfer the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means, and in particular to transfer the bale in a generally directional direction. upwards between a generally vertical direction and a generally horizontal direction from the bale forming chamber. While the use of the conveying means as an integral part of the baler is a preferred form of the conveying means, it is nevertheless believed that the conveying means may be provided by conveying means which need not necessarily form part of the bale forming chamber. Such conveying means may be located outside or inside the bale forming chamber and would typically move to the bale forming chamber to pass through at least a portion of the bale forming chamber to transfer the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means.

The provision of the conveying means as an integral part of the baler provides an important advantage over prior art balers / bale wrappers, and in particular prior art balers / bale wrappers wherein the lower portion of the bale forming chamber is pivoted downwards to allowing a bale to be expelled in a generally downward and outward direction from the bale forming chamber. In such balers / bale wrappers the bale was discharged from the baler at a relatively low level and hence separate conveying means were required to transfer the bale from the lower level upwards to the bale wrapper. This therefore required a significant amount of additional space left between the bale belt and the bale wrapper, added to the overall length of the baler / bale wrapper. By providing the conveying means as an integral part of the baler, or as a separate part that moves the bale in a generally upward direction between a generally vertical and a generally horizontal direction from the bale forming chamber, the bale is transferred directly from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping means. and hence the operating speed of the baler / bale wrapper is much faster than the balers / bale wrappers of the prior art.

A further advantage of the invention is achieved by the arrangement of the bale wrapping means, and in particular the arrangement of the bale wrapping means, whereby the packaging material dispenser is supported on the supporting means that define a travel path along which each wrapping material dispenser moves around a horizontal second wrapping axis which extends. parallel to the major longitudinal axis formed by the undercarriage. This helps to minimize the spacing required between the baler and the bale wrapping means. If the packaging material dispensing means would comprise one or more wrapping material dispensers pivoting about a vertical second wrapping axis, a considerable space would be required between the baler and the bale wrapping means to allow each of the wrapping material dispensers to pass between the baler and the bale wrapping means.

By moving the bale in a generally upward direction between a generally vertical and a generally horizontal direction from the bale forming chamber, the baling press and the bale wrapping means can be placed at such heights relative to each other to facilitate lifting of the material to be baled from the bale forming chamber. soil for the baler, and to facilitate the wrapping of the formed bale, especially to facilitate the use of the system, thanks to which the packaging material dispensers can be rotated around the bale in the vertical plane. This further facilitates the positioning of the bale wrapping means close to the baler. Due to the fact that the packaging material dispensers are rotated vertically around the bale when the bale is rotated on the bale supporting rollers, there is neither a need to rotate the bale supporting rollers about the vertical axis and neither the need to rotate the wrapping material dispensers about the vertical axis, both systems , both the rollers supporting the bale and the packaging material dispensers, would require that the bale wrapping means be spaced from the baler by a distance much greater than can be achieved with the baler / bale wrapper of the present invention. In order to achieve this, the movable lower part passes into the bale forming chamber, this is possible due to the fact that the movable upper part pivots upwards from the bale forming position to the discharge position to create an open outlet allowing the bale to be discharged from the bale. bale forming chambers.

Moreover, due to the fact that the bale is transferred directly from the bale forming chamber of the baler to the bale wrapping area on the bale wrapping means by the conveying means, the drawbacks of the bale presses / bale wrappers of the prior art are generally overcome. The baling press / bale wrapper according to the invention is efficient, enables simultaneous wrapping and forming of individual bales, the speed of transfer of the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapper is maximized, thus minimizing the delay time between forming individual bales and wrapping individual bales, and additionally a particularly compact baling press / bale wrapper is provided, wherein the overall length of the baler / bale wrapper is minimized. The baling press / bale wrapper of the invention is also relatively simple, less complex than the bale wrappers of the prior art, with a minimum of moving parts.

A further advantage of the baler / bale wrapper of the invention is that the bale is moved out of the bale forming chamber by application of force, rather than being expelled by gravity, as is the case with many baling presses previously known. This is a particularly important advantage in combined balers / bale wrappers because if the bale would get stuck or jammed in the bale forming chamber, which has occurred in balers known before, especially when the bale was expelled from the bale forming chamber by gravity, serious damage to the baler / bale wrapper could occur.

The subject of the invention is presented in the drawing examples, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a combined baler / bale wrapper according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective side view of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 1 in use;

Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 1, also in use, seen from a side other than that shown in Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 - another side perspective view of the baler / bale wrapper in use;

Figure 6 is a partially cut perspective view of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a partial schematic side elevation view of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 1; figures 8a to 8d show schematic side elevation views of the baler / bale wrapper of figure 1 in use;

Figure 9 is a schematic side elevational view of a combined baler / bale wrapper in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9 showing parts of the baler / bale wrapper in a different position;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 9 of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9 showing part of the baler / bale wrapper in a different position;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 9 of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9 showing another part of the baler / bale wrapper in a different position;

Figure 13 is a rear view of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9;

Figure 14 is a plan view of a detail of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9;

Figure 15 is a plan view of another detail of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9;

Figure 16 is a partially schematic side elevation view of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9;

Figures 17a to 17d are schematic side views of the baler / bale wrapper of Figure 9 in use; and Figures 18a and 18b show schematic side elevation views of a detail of a combined baler / bale wrapper in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.

According to the drawing, and initially Figures 1 to 8, there is shown a combined baler / bale wrapper according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, for forming and wrapping a cylindrical forage bale, typically silage, the bale being of a type called typically a round bale. In this embodiment of the invention, the formed log has a diameter of approximately 1.25 meters and an axial length of approximately 1.25 meters. A bale 2 is shown schematically in Fig. 3 to 6 during wrapping, as will be described below. Baling press / bale wrapper 1 is detailed 14

It is particularly suitable for being towed behind a towing vehicle, such as a tractor, for example, and is driven by a tractor, although the baler / bale wrapper may be self-propelled and self-powered. The baler / bale wrapper 1 comprises a chassis 5 which is supported on a pair of pivotally mounted ground engaging wheels 6. The skeleton 7 extending forward from the chassis 5 terminates in a hitch (not shown) for attaching the baler / bale wrapper 1 to a tractor (not shown). The undercarriage 5 forms a major central longitudinal axis 8 which extends centrally, horizontally and longitudinally in the general direction of forward movement of the undercarriage 5.

A baling press generally designated 10, for sequentially forming round silage bales 2 therein, is mounted on the chassis 5 at its front end. A bale wrapping means, namely a bale wrapper generally designated 11 for wrapping each bale formed by the baler 10, is located in the wrapping area 12 of the bale on the undercarriage 5 at the rear and adjacent to the baler 10 and in line with it. so that the bales 2 formed on the baler 10 can be easily transferred directly from the baler 10 to the bale wrapper 11, as will be described below.

The baling press 10 is a fixed chamber baler and forms a cylindrical bale forming chamber 15 inside which bales are sequentially formed 2. The bale forming 15 bale forms the main central geometry 16, and the baling press 10 is placed on the undercarriage 5 with the main bale. a central axis 16 extending horizontally and transversely to the major central longitudinal axis 8 when viewed from above. The baler 10 is formed in three parts, namely a stationary arch segment 18, a movable lower portion provided by a lower arch segment 19, and a movable upper portion provided by an upper arch segment 20, the three portions cooperating in a bale forming position. to form a bale forming chamber 15, see figs. 3 to 6. Each of the respective arc segments 18, 19 and 20 supports a bale forming means, namely a plurality of bale rollers 25 for rotating the material about a major central axis 16 for forming a bale in the bale forming chamber 15. The baling rollers 25 define the inner circumferential periphery of the bale forming chamber and form respective second axes 26 that extend parallel to the major central axis 16. The bale forming rollers 25 rotate about their respective second axes 26 to rotate the material in the bale forming chamber 15 to form a bale. A drive gear (not shown) is provided to transmit power from the tractor power take-off shaft to the bale rollers to rotate the bale rollers.

A pair of spaced-apart side walls 28 extend upwardly from undercarriage 5 to form the stationary segment 18. Three of the bale-forming rollers 25 extend between and are rotatably supported on the side walls 28 in bearings (not shown). Bottom segment 19 includes a pair of spaced side walls 30 which rotatably support six of the bale forming rollers in bearings (not shown). The lower segment 19 forms the conveying means and is rotatably supported on the first pivot shaft 32, which in turn is supported on the respective side members 33 of the undercarriage 5, to transfer the bale 2 directly from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale wrapping area 12 to the bale wrapper 11. . The first pivot shaft 32 forms the first pivot axis 35, and the bottom segment 19 pivots about the first pivot axis 35 on an arc extending generally upward in the direction of arrow A from the bale forming position to the discharge position to move the formed bale 2 generally upwards. rearward from the bale forming chamber 15, directly to the bale forming area 12 for the 11 bale wrapper. In other words, the bale is moved in an arcuate discharge path in a generally upward direction that is between a generally vertical and a generally horizontal direction from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale wrapper 11. The first axis of rotation 35 extends parallel to the principal central axis 16. The lower side walls 30 are rotatably supported on the first rotating shaft 32 and the first rotating shaft 32 rotatably supporting one of the bale forming rollers 25 of the lower segment 19, namely the bale forming roller 25a.

The top segment 20 includes a pair of top side walls 38 between which eight bale rollers (not shown) are supported in bearings (not shown). The top segment 20 is rotatably supported on a second rotating shaft 39 which extends between and is supported on the side walls 28 of the stationary segment 18 and which forms a second axis of rotation 40 extending parallel to the main central axis 16. The upper segment 20 rotates in a generally upward and forward direction from the bale forming position in the direction of arrow B to the discharge position shown in Figures 1 and 2, whereby the upper arcuate segment 20 forms an open outlet.

PL 218 337 B1 with a bottom segment 19 to facilitate the transfer of the formed bale from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale wrapper 11.

Accordingly, when the lower segment 19 and the upper segment 20 are in the bale forming position defining the bale forming chamber 15 with the stationary segment 18, the respective stationary lower and upper segments 18, 19 and 20 define the bale forming chamber 15, which has a fixed, fixed bale formation. fixed size.

The bale forming rollers 25 of the top segment 20 extend along an angle α of about 180 ° about the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber 15, while the bale forming rollers 25 of the stationary segment 18 extend along an angle θ of about 25 ° about the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber 15. see Fig. 7. The bale rollers 25 of the lower arc segment 19 extend along an angle φ of about 30 ° about the circumferential periphery of the bale forming chamber 15, see Fig. 7. When the lower section 19 is in the bale forming position, one of the bale forming rollers 25b of the lower section 19 forms with one of the stationary section 18 bale forming rollers 25c an inlet opening 42 to the bale forming chamber 15 through which the forage to be baled is supplied to the bale forming chamber 15 as will be described below, see in particular Figs. 6 and 7. The side walls 28 of the stationary segment 18, the bottom side walls 30 of the bottom segment 19, and the top side walls 38 of the top segment 20 form the opposite end walls of the bale forming chamber 15 when the bottom and top segments 19 and 20 are in the bale forming position to hold a bale. in the bale forming chamber 15 during bale formation.

The first and second rotating shafts 32 and 39 are adjacent the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber with their respective rotation axes 35 and 40 spaced from each other by approximately 180 ° about the major central axis 16. The respective first and second rotation axes 35 and 40 of the first and second rotating shafts 32 and 39, respectively, lie in a common plane 44 with the major center axis 16 which is at an angle γ of about 15 ° to the horizontal plane 46 containing the major center axis 16, see Fig. 7. Accordingly, the first axis of rotation 35 is below the horizontal plane 46 at an angular distance about the major center axis 16 of about 15 °, and the second axis of rotation 40 is above the horizontal plane 46 at an angular distance about the major axis 16 of about 15 °. , see Fig. 7. In other words, the first and second rotating shafts 32 and 39 are located on substantially diagonally opposite sides of the bale forming chamber 15. Accordingly, due to the fact that the second pivot 40 is angularly only 15 ° above the horizontal plane 46 containing the major center axis 16, the top segment 18, when rotating between the bale forming position and the discharge position, pivots in a generally directional direction. upwards and forwards, thus minimally interfering with the bale wrapper 11 when pivoting between the bale forming and discharge positions. Additionally, due to the fact that the first pivot axis 35 is angularly spaced about 15 ° below the horizontal plane 46 containing the major center axis 15, the bottom segment 19 pivots in a generally upward direction from the bale forming position to the discharge position, thereby advance the bale from the bale forming chamber 15 along a generally upward and backward arc.

First displacement means provided by a pair of first hydraulic cylinders 41 on opposite sides of the chassis 5, see Fig. 8, act between the chassis 5 and the lower section 19 to rotate the lower section 19 in the direction of arrows A and C between the bale forming position and the discharge position . Second displacement means provided by a pair of second hydraulic cylinders 43 on opposite sides of the baler 10, acting between the lower segment 19 and the upper segment 20, rotate the upper segment 20 about the second rotary shaft 39 in the direction of arrows B and D, between the bale forming positions and excretion, see Fig. 8. The first and second cylinders 41 and 43 are driven by a driving hydraulic circuit and a control hydraulic circuit (not shown) either by the tractor's hydraulic power source or by the on-board hydraulic power source. Such hydraulic circuits are well known to those skilled in the art.

A lifting rake mechanism 45 (see Fig. 6) is positioned in front of the inlet 42 underneath the chassis 5 for lifting the feed from the ground and delivering the feed through the inlet 42 into the bale forming chamber 15, such lifting mechanisms will be well known to those skilled in the art. topic. The bale forming rollers 25b and 25c that define the inlet 42 define the respective lower and upper edges 47 and 48 of the inlet 42, respectively. Both the lower and upper edges 47 and 48 of inlet port 42 are at respective levels, which are

The plots are below the horizontal plane 49 which includes the first pivot axis 35, see Fig. 7. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the entire inlet port 42 is below the first pivot axis and hence below the horizontal. at which the bale is discharged from the bale forming chamber 15 which is located at a level above the first rotating shaft 32. This thus facilitates the location of the baler 10 on the chassis 5 at a level suitable for lifting the forage from the ground, while simultaneously expelling the bale 2 from the bale forming chamber 15 at a level that allows direct transfer via the bottom segment 19 from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale wrapper 11 on the bale wrapper. a level that is suitable for wrapping the bale 2, without the need to further lift the bale lifting mechanisms onto the bale wrapper 11.

There is a gap 58 between one of the bale forming rollers 25d from the stationary segment 18 and one of the bale forming rollers 25e in the upper segment 20, see Fig. 6 and 7 for receiving a netting (not shown) from a roll (also not shown) mounted on the top segment 20 for wrapping around the periphery of the formed bale in bale forming chamber 15 prior to transferring the formed bale from the baler 10 to holding the material of the formed bale in one piece before it is wrapped in foil by a bale wrapper. The provision and use of such a netting fabric in forming a round bale will be well known to those skilled in the art. Instead of netting, twine or a plastic film may be fed through the gap 58 between the forming rollers 25d and 25e to pull or wrap around the circumference of the bale formed in the bale forming chamber 15 to hold the bale material in one part until it is wrapped by 11 bales wrapping machine.

The bale wrapper 11 is a biaxial bale wrapper and comprises bale support means, in the present embodiment provided by a pair of spaced first and second bale support rollers 50a and 50b, respectively, which support and rotate the bale 2 during wrapping. The first and second support rollers 50 are rotatably supported on a support skeleton 51 which is rotatably supported on the chassis 5, as will be described below. The bale supporting rollers 50 form central geometry axes 52 that extend horizontally and parallel to each other and parallel to the major central axis 16 of the bale forming chamber 15. The bale supporting rollers 50 receive the formed bale directly from the baler 10, with the bale center axis parallel to the axis 52 of the bale supporting rollers 50. First drive means provided by a first drive motor (not shown) are provided to drive one or both of the bale supporting rollers 50 about their respective geometry axes 52 to rotate the bale 2 about a horizontal first wrapping axis 53 that coincides with a central axis. geometric bale while wrapping the bale 2. The first wrapping axis 53 extends parallel to the major central axis 16 defined by the bale forming chamber 15 and transversely to the major central longitudinal axis 8 defined by the undercarriage 5.

The packaging material dispensing means for dispensing a sheet of wrapping material 2 on the bale supporting rollers 50 comprises a pair of wrapping material dispensers 54 which are supported on a support means, namely a support ring 55. The support ring 55 is rotatably supported on a pair of vertical stretching supports 57. upwardly from the chassis 5 and extends completely around the bale 2 supported on the rollers supporting the bale 50. The carrier ring 55 forms a central axis which in turn forms a second wrapping axis 56 about which the carrier ring 55 is rotated to rotate the respective packaging material dispensers 54 along a circular path defined by the carrier ring 55 such that the packaging material dispensers 54 rotate about of the bale 2 and about the second wrapping axis 56, simultaneously with the rotation of the bale 2 about the first wrapping axis 53 by the support rollers 50. The second wrapping axis 56 extends horizontally and parallel to the main longitudinal central axis 8 of the chassis 5 and hence perpendicular to the first wrapping axis 53 about which the bale 2 is rotated on the bale support rollers 50.

Bearings (not shown), which are supported on vertical supports 57, rotatably support the support ring 55. Support rollers (not shown) mounted on the side members 60 of the chassis 5 rollingly engage with the support ring 55. Second drive means, namely the second a drive motor (not shown), driving the support rollers (not shown) to in turn rotate the support ring 55 and then the wrapping material dispensers 54 about the second wrapping axis 56.

The first and second drive motors (not shown) are hydraulically driven motors, and are synchronized so that the respective rotational speeds of the bale supporting rollers 50 and the support ring 55 are synchronized to wrap the bale.

PL 218 337 B1

Wrapping material dispensers 54 are traditional wrapping sheet dispensers that support respective rolls 62 of plastic film and are provided with stretch rollers 63 for stretching the film as it is pulled from the respective roll 62 to wrap the bale.

The axes 52 of the first and second bale supporting rollers 50 are included on a horizontal plane 61 which is at a level just below the horizontal plane 49 containing the first pivot axis 35 to facilitate the transfer of the bale 2 from the lower segment 19 of the baler to the bale supporting rollers 50. , see Fig. 7. It is contemplated that the horizontal plane 61 including the axes 52 of the bale supporting rollers 50 may overlap the horizontal plane 49 including the first axis of rotation 35, or may in fact in some cases be slightly above the horizontal plane 49 including the first axis of rotation. However, in the present embodiment of the invention it is preferred that the horizontal plane 61 containing the center axes 52 of the rollers 50 supporting the bale is below or just below the horizontal plane 49 containing the first axis of rotation 35.

In addition, the baler 10 and the bale wrapper 11 are placed on the chassis 5 relatively close to each other such that the first bale supporting roller 50a is relatively close to the first rotating shaft 32 or, in other words, the bale forming roller 25a of the baling press 10. However, this is required. there is a relatively small horizontal distance S (see Fig. 7) between the first axis of rotation 35 and the center axis 52 of the first bale supporting roller 50a to accommodate a certain protrusion of the bale 2 when it is supported on the bale supporting rollers 50 to avoid a collision of the bale supported on the bale supporting rollers 50 with the baling press 10. By keeping the horizontal distance S short between the first pivot axis 35 and the center axis 52 of the first bale supporting roller 50a, the transfer of the bale from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale supporting rollers 50 is facilitated and, in addition, the overall length of the baler / bale wrapper 1 is minimized.

Turning now to the support frame 51, the support frame 51 comprises a pair of L-shaped elements 64 on respective opposite sides of the undercarriage 5 which are pivotally connected to the side piece 60 of the undercarriage 5 by respective pivoting shafts 65. The first bale support roll 50 is rotatably supported on the respective L-shaped members 64, while the second bale support roll 50 is rotatably supported on the vertical supports 66 which extend upwards from the L-shaped members 64. The bolts 67 secure the rigidly vertical supports. 66 to the L-shaped members 64. The roller connected to the ground 68 is also rotatably supported between the L-shaped members 64.

Seating means provided by a pair of seating arms (not shown) mounted between the side members 60 of the chassis 5 and the corresponding L-shaped members 64 are used to rotate the support skeleton 51 about the rotating shafts 65 in the direction of arrow E to seat the wrapped bale of the first and the second rollers supporting the bale 50 on the ground. The embedding arms (not shown) rotate the support frame 51 in the direction of arrow E until the roller 68 engaging the ground is in contact with the ground. After the wrapped bale has been released from the first and second bale support rollers 50, the support frame 51 is returned by the setting arms to the position shown in Figure 1, with the first and second bale support rollers 50 ready to receive the next bale 2 from the bale forming chamber 15.

In use, the baler / bale wrapper 1 is attached to the tractor and the hydraulic and mechanical power sources from the tractor are suitably connected to the baler / bale wrapper for powering it. Rolls 62 of clear plastic film are loaded into dispensers 54 for wrapping material. The stationary lower and upper arcuate segments 18, 19 and 20 are moved to the bale forming position shown in Figures 3, 4, 7 and 8a. When the baler / bale wrapper 1 is pulled forward by the tractor, the grass, hay, straw or other fibrous feed materials to be baled are lifted from the ground by the lifting rake mechanism 45 and delivered to the bale forming chamber 15 through the opening inlet 42. As the feed material is moved into the bale forming chamber 15, the rotating bale forming rollers 25 rotate the feed material about a major central axis 16 to in turn rotate the bale 2. After bale formation, netting of a roll of netting (not shown) mounted on the top section 20 is drawn into the bale forming chamber and wrapped around the formed bale in the bale forming chamber 15 to hold the baled bale material in one piece. This operation will be well known to those who know the subject.

PL 218 337 B1

Then, the upper arcuate segment 20 is initially rotated generally upward in the direction of arrow B by the second arms 43, see Fig. 8b, to form an open mouth with the lower arcuate segment 19. After the upper segment 20 has been rotated from the bale forming position to a position substantially similar to that shown in Fig. 8b, the first cylinders 41 are activated to start rotation of the lower segment 19 from the bale forming position in the direction of arrow A, see Fig. 8c. The upper and lower segments 20 and 19, respectively, are simultaneously rotated by the second and first cylinders 42 and 41 in the directions of the arrows B and A, respectively, until both the upper segment 20 and the lower segment 19 are in their respective positions. corresponding expulsion positions, see Fig. 8d.

As the bottom segment 19 rotates from the bale forming position to the discharge position, the bottom segment 19 scoops material from the bale forming chamber 15 to move the formed bale 2 in generally upward, rearward and outward directions out of the bale forming chamber 15 and ejects effectively. bale 2 from the bale forming chamber 15 to the first bale support roller 50, see Fig. 8d. Once the lower segment 19 is in the discharge position, the center of gravity of the formed bale 2 is located with respect to the first bale supporting roll 50a to rotate the bale 2 about the first bale supporting roller 50a in the direction of arrow F to continue to transfer the formed bale 2 to the appropriate position. first and second bale supporting rollers 50, see Fig. 8d.

After the bale 2 is ejected from the bottom segment 19 onto the first and second bale support rollers 50, the first cylinders 41 are actuated to rotate the bottom segment 19 in the direction of arrow C to return the bottom segment 19 to the bale forming position. After starting to rotate the lower segment 19 from the evacuation position, the second cylinders 43 are actuated to rotate the upper segment 20 from the evacuation position to the bale forming position. The first and second actuators 41 and 43 are controlled so that the lower segment 19 returns to the bale forming position just before the upper segment 20 returns to the bale forming position. The rotation of the upper and lower segments 20 and 19 by the first and second cylinders 43 and 41 is synchronized so that when the lower segment 19 rotates in the direction of arrow A with the formed bale thereon, the upper segment 20 rotates by an angle sufficient to provide clearance. for the bale as it is transferred from the bale forming chamber 15.

When the already formed bale 2 has been ejected by the lower segment 19 onto the bale supporting rollers 50, the bale supporting rollers begin to rotate the bale about the first wrapping axis, namely the horizontal geometric axis of the bale 2. At the same time, the rotation of the support ring 55 about the second wrapping axis 56 begins. and the film from the wrapping material dispenser 54 is attached to the bale 2 rotated on the first and second bale support rollers 50. The mechanisms for attaching the film from the wrapping material dispensers 54 to the bale 2 as the dispensers 54 rotate about the second wrapping axis 56 will be well known to those skilled in the art. As the support ring 55 rotates about the second wrapping axis 56, the film from the wrapping material dispensers 54 is wound onto the bale 2. The simultaneous rotation of the bale 2 about the first wrapping axis 53 and the rotation of the wrapping material dispensers 54 about the second wrapping axis 56 causes the wrapping film material to be pulled out of the dispensers 54 and wound onto the bale 2 in overlapping layers.

After wrapping the bale 2, a severing mechanism (not shown) associated with each of the wrapping material dispensers 54 cuts the film, thereby separating the wrapped bale from the wrapping material dispensers 54. Such a shut-off mechanism will be well known to those familiar with the subject. Then, setting cylinders (not shown) are actuated to rotate the support frame 51 about the rotating shafts 65 in the direction of arrow E to seat the wrapped bale from the first and second bale support rollers 50 on the ground. Then, the setting cylinders are driven in the opposite direction to return the support frame 51 to receive the next formed bale from the baler 10.

While each bale is wrapped on the bale wrapper 11, the next bale is simultaneously formed in the bale forming chamber 15, and as soon as the next bale 2 is formed, a transfer of the formed bale from the bale forming chamber 15 to the first and second bale support rollers 50 is performed, as already described and this is how the operation of the combined baler / bale wrapper 1 works.

Referring to Figs. 9 to 17, there is shown a baler / bale wrapper in accordance with another embodiment of the invention which is designated generally by the reference numeral 70. The baler / bale wrapper 70 is substantially similar to a baler / bale wrapper 1. and like components have the same reference numbers. However, to facilitate understanding

In view of the operating principles of the invention, only those components which are essential to the operating principle of the invention are clearly shown. The remaining ingredients are adopted as they have been so far.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the baler 10 is substantially similar to the baler 10 of the baler / bale wrapper 1, although in this case the bottom segment 19 includes only five bale rollers and the bale rollers extend at an angle. φ of about 75 ° around the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber in the present embodiment. A pair of mounting brackets 73 extending upwards from the chassis 5 on respective opposite sides of the baler 10 pivotally and pivotally supports the first rotating shaft 32 about which the lower segment 19 pivots from the bale forming position to the discharge position to eject the formed bale onto the wrapper 11 bales.

First and second displacement means are provided by respective pairs of first and second actuators 71 and 72 to move the bottom segment 19 and the top segment 20, respectively, between a bale forming position and their respective evacuation positions. The first cylinders 71 are located on respective opposite sides of the baler 10 and extend between respective pivot anchors 74 on respective opposite sides of the undercarriage 5 and corresponding pivot anchors 75 on the respective lower side walls 30 of the bottom segment 19. Second cylinders 72 are located on respective opposite sides of the baler 10 and are connected between respective pivot anchors 76 on the lower sidewalls 30 of the bottom section 19 and corresponding pivot anchors 77 on the upper sidewalls 38 of the top section 20.

A hydraulic control circuit (not shown), which includes a plurality of hydraulic valves (also not shown), controls the operation of the respective first and second cylinders 71 and 72 such that when the lower and upper segments 19 and 20 are in the bale forming position and the bale has been formed in the bale forming chamber 15, the second cylinders 72 are initially driven to rotate the top segment 20 about the second axis of rotation 40 upward relative to the baler 10. to create an open outlet with the lower segment 19 to facilitate the transfer of the formed bale from the baler 10. After the second cylinders have rotated the upper segment 20 by an angle sufficient to provide clearance for the bale to pass through the bale forming chamber 15, the first cylinders 71 are driven to turn bottom segment 19 about the first pivot axis 35 upwards to eject the formed bale from the bottom segment 19 onto the bale wrapper 11.

Turning now attention to the 11-bale wrapper, the 11-bale wrapper includes a support frame 79 extending rearward from the undercarriage 5. The first and second support rolls 80 and 81 respectively, the bales are supported on the support frame 79 to receive the formed bale from the baler. in order to wrap it. The first and second support rollers 80 and 81 respectively are bale spaced apart on the support frame 79 and extend parallel to each other and parallel to the main center axis 16, such as a bale wrapper 11 from a baler / bale wrapper 1 . However, in the present embodiment, the first bale support roll 80 is supported on the first roll support means, namely the first support frame 83, which is slidably mounted on respective inclined guide tracks 84 provided on support frame 79 on respective opposite sides of the undercarriage 5. The first support frame 83 is moved up and down to move the first bale support roll 80 between the upper bale wrapping position as shown in Figures 9 and 17a and the lower bale receiving position as shown in Figures 10 and 17d to facilitating the transfer of the formed bale from the lower segment 19 of the baler 10 to the bale wrapper 11.

Linking means comprising a pair of linkage 85 on respective opposite sides of the baler 10 connect the first support 83 to the lower section 19 such that when the lower section 19 rotates from the bale forming position to the expulsion position, the first support 83 is moved downwards from a bale forming position to the lower bale receiving position to facilitate the transfer of the formed bale from the lower segment 19 to the bale wrapper 11.

Each linkage 85 includes a pivot element 87 which is rotatably supported in a chassis 5 on a pivot shaft 86. A link bar 89 extending from the respective pivot element 87 connects the respective pivot element 87 to the first support frame 83 on the appropriate side thereof. The connecting rods 89 are pivotally connected to the first support frame 83 and to the respective pivot elements 87. The telescopic connecting rod 90 connects the respective pivot elements 87 to the respective lower side wall 30 of the lower section 19 to facilitate the limited free movement between the lower section 19 and the pivot elements 87, and in turn.

And a first support frame 83. The telescopic connecting rods 90 are connected to respective pivot elements 87 by pivot connections 91, and to respective lower side walls 30 of the bottom segment 19 by pivot anchors 92. During the pivoting movement of the lower segment 19 from the bale forming position to the discharge position, the pivot path 92 is greater than the required path of the first support frame 83 between the bale wrap position and the lower bale receiving position, hence the greater pivot path 92 relative to the pivot connections 91 is taken up by telescopic connecting rods 90.

In addition, the support frame 79 comprises a second cylindrical support means, namely a second support frame 94 which supports the second bale support roller 81. The second support frame 94 is pivotally connected to the support frame 79 via pivot pins 95 and pivots between a first position, with the second bale support roll 81 in the bale wrapping position, see Fig. 9, and a second position, with the second bale support roll 81 in the lower. bale setting position, see fig. 12 to facilitate the deposition of the wrapped bale from the bale wrapper 11 on the ground. A pair of mounting hydraulic cylinders (not shown) connected between the support 79 and the second support 94 rotate the second support 94 between the first and second positions, and the second bale support roller 81 in turn between the bale wrapping position and the lower bale setting position, respectively.

A hydraulic motor (not shown) is disposed on the first support frame 83 to rotate the first bale support roller 80. A hydraulic motor 82 is mounted on the second support frame 94 to rotate the second bale support roll 81. The first and second bale support rollers 80 and 81 are turned in the directions of the X and Y arrows to rotate the formed bale 2 about the first wrapping axis 53 in the direction of the Z arrow.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the packaging material dispensers 54 are shown in block fashion as mounted on a support ring 55. The support ring 55 is supported on a pair of support rollers 96 which are in turn rotatably supported on a support frame 79. Hydraulic motors (not shown) mounted on support skeleton 79 drive support rollers 76 in the directions of arrows J and K to rotate support ring 55 in turn about a second wrap axis 56 in the direction of arrow L, see Figure 13. supported on vertical supports 57 supports the support ring 55 in a vertical plane. The support rollers 96 and the guide rollers 97 are flange rollers, see Fig. 15 to engage and hold support ring 55 in a vertical plane.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the first and second pivot axes 35 and 40 are not in common plane with the center pivot 16 of the bale forming chamber 15, see Fig. 16. Instead, the first pivot axis 35 is included flush 44a with the main axis. center 16, while the second pivot axis 40 is contained flush 44b with the major center axis 16. The plane 44a that includes the first axis of rotation 35 and the major central axis 16 forms the angle γ! with a horizontal axis 46 passing through the major center axis 16 of approximately 40 °. Plane 44b, which includes a second pivot 40 and a major central axis 16, forms an angle [gamma] with the horizontal axis 46 of approximately 13 [deg.]. Accordingly, the first and second pivot axes 35 and 40 are spaced apart by an angle α about the major center axis 16 of approximately 207 ° on the upper side of the bale forming chamber 15. The bale forming rollers 25 of the stationary segment 18 extend around the circumferential periphery of the bale forming chamber by an angular distance około of approximately 30 °.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the first axis of rotation is provided at the peripheral rim of the bale forming chamber at an angular distance below the horizontal axis 46, where the angular distance γ! is about 40 °. The second axis of rotation 40 is located on the circumferential rim of the bale forming chamber 15 above the horizontal plane 46 at an angular distance γ_ of about 13 °. In the present embodiment, the first rotation axis 35 is above the lower edge 47 of inlet 42 but below the upper edge 48 of inlet 42. In fact, the first rotation axis 35 is below the horizontal axis 46, which substantially coincides with the position in halfway between the lower edge 47 and the upper edge 48 of the inlet 42. However, as can be seen in Fig. 16, the bale forming roller 25a, which rotates about the first rotation axis 35, has a diameter such that the upper level of the bale forming roller 25a is above the level of the inlet 42 to the bale forming chamber 15, and hence the bale is discharged from the bale forming chamber onto the a level that is completely above inlet 42. The center axes 52 of the first and second supporting rollers 80 and 81 bales, when in the bale wrapping position, are included in the horizontal plane 61. Here, however,

In one embodiment of the invention, the horizontal plane 61 when the first and second bale support rollers 80 and 81 are in the bale wrapping position is at a level above the horizontal plane 49 of the first pivot axis 35. However, when the first bale support roller 80 is in the bale receiving position, the first bale support roller 80 is at a level below the horizontal plane 49 of the first pivot axis 35, thereby facilitating the direct transfer of the bale from the bale forming chamber to the first and second bale. rollers supporting the bale 80 and 81.

Besides, the baler / bale wrapper 70 is substantially similar to the baler / bale wrapper 1 and its operation is substantially similar.

In use, the material to be baled, for example grass, hay, straw or the like, is lifted by the lifting mechanism 45 and delivered to the bale forming chamber 15 where it is pivoted about a major central axis 16 and formed into a bale. After bale formation, netting of a roll of netting (not shown) mounted on the top section 20 is drawn into the bale forming chamber and wrapped around the formed bale in the bale forming chamber 15 to hold the baled material in the bale in one piece. Thereafter, the first and second hydraulic cylinders 71 and 72 are actuated sequentially to initially pivot the top segment 20 from the bale forming position towards the discharge position to form an open outlet with the bottom segment 19, see Fig. 17b. As the top segment 20 pivots towards the discharge position, the bottom segment 19 starts pivoting up from the bale forming position to the discharge position to eject the bale upwards and backwards directly from the bale forming chamber 15 onto the bale wrapper 11, see Fig. 17c.

When the lower segment 19 is pivoted upwards by the second cylinders 72, the first bale supporting rollers 80 are moved downwards in the direction of arrow G from the bale wrapping position to the bale receiving position to facilitate the transfer of the bale from the lower segment 19 to the bale wrapper 11, see Figures 17c and 17d. When the lower segment 19 has rotated to the bale delivery position, the first bale support roller 80 is in the bale receiving position, see Fig. 16d, thus facilitating the transfer of the bale from the lower segment 19 to the first and second bale support rollers 80 and 81.

The first and second actuators 71 and 72 are then actuated in reverse sequence to initially initiate the return of the bottom segment 19 to the bale forming position, and as the bottom segment 19 returns to the bale forming position, the return of the top segment 20 to the bale forming position begins. The lower segment 19 and the upper segment 20 return to the bale forming position with the lower segment 19 reaching the bale forming position just before the upper segment reaches the bale forming position. When the lower segment 19 returns to the bale forming position, the first bale support roller 80 is raised to the bale wrapping position and the bale wrapper 11 is ready to wrap the bale.

The first and second bale support rollers 80 and 81 are turned in the direction of the X and Y arrows to rotate the bale about the first wrapping axis 53. At the same time, the support ring 55 is rotated about the second wrapping axis 56 in the direction of arrow L by the support rolls 96 to rotate the bale about the first wrapping axis 53. in turn, simultaneously rotating the wrapping material dispensers 54 about the bale 2. When the bale 2 is rotated about the first wrapping axis 53 and the wrapping material dispensers 54 are rotated about the second wrapping axis 56, the film is fed to the formed bale 2 for wrapping.

Once the bale 2 is wrapped, the second supporting frame 94 is rotated from the first position to the second position to in turn pivot the second bale supporting roller 81 to the lower bale seating position to seat the wrapped bale 2 from the wrapping machine 11 on the ground.

While the bale 2 is wrapped on the bale wrapper 11, the next bale is simultaneously formed in the bale forming chamber 15 and thus the operation of the combined baler / bale wrapper 70 continues.

In both balers / bale wrappers 1 and 70 according to the invention, the main central longitudinal axis 8 formed by the baler / bale wrapper 1 extends substantially horizontally and along the baler / bale wrapper 1. The main central axis 16 formed by the forming chamber 15 the bale extends transversely to the main central longitudinal axis 8 as well as horizontally. Accordingly, the first and second pivot axes 35 and 40 respectively also extend transversely to the main central longitudinal axis 8 and also horizontally. The roll axes of the respective first and second bale support rolls 50 of the baler / bale wrapper 1 and the roll axes of the respective first and second bale support rolls 80 and 81 of the baler / bale wrapper 70 also extend transversely to the main central longitudinal axis 8 and horizontally. In fact, the axles

The rolls of the first and second support rolls and the first and second pivot axes 35 and 40 all extend parallel to a major central axis 16 defined by the bale forming chamber 15. The first wrapping axis 53 of the bale during wrapping in the bale wrapper 11 also extends horizontally and parallel to the main central axis 16 formed by the bale forming chamber 15, while the second wrapping axis 56 about which the wrapping material dispensers 54 are rotated extends parallel to the main the longitudinal central axis 8. Additionally, the first and second wrapping axes extend horizontally, and in many cases may lie on a common horizontal plane. It is the arrangement of the baler 10 and the bale wrapper 11 on the undercarriage 5 that provides the combined balers / bale wrappers 1 and 70 according to the invention with the many advantages described above over the combined balers / bale wrappers previously known.

As described above, the first bale support roller is positioned as close as possible to the first pivot axis 35 such that the distance S between the pivot axis of the first bale support roll and the first pivot axis is as small as possible. However, in order to receive bale protrusions on the bale supporting rollers of the bale wrapper between the first bale supporting roller and the baler, it is desirable that the pivot axis of the first supporting roll be spaced apart from the first pivot axis. Generally it has been found that by arranging the baler and the bale wrapper relative to each other on the undercarriage such that the horizontal distance between the vertical plane passing through the major center axis of the bale forming chamber and the vertical plane passing through the first wrapping axis is within the distance corresponding to the bale diameter. plus 300 mm and a distance corresponding to the bale diameter plus 800 mm, the desired positioning of the baler and the bale wrapper is achieved with respect to each other.

Referring to Figures 18a and 18b, there is shown a portion 100 of a combined baler / bale wrapper in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention. The baler / bale wrapper 100 is substantially identical to the baler / bale wrapper 70 and similar components are designated with the same reference numerals. The only part of the baler / bale wrapper 100 that differs from the baler / bale wrapper 70 is in the part that is schematically shown in Fig. 18a and 18b.

In the present embodiment of the invention an intermediate roller 101 is arranged between the baler 10 and the bale wrapper 11 to support each bale 2 as it is transferred from the bale forming chamber 15 of the baler 10 to the first and second bale support rolls 80 and 81. 11 bale wrappers. The intermediate roll 101 is rotatably supported in a stationary position on the undercarriage 5 and extends parallel to the major central axis 16 defined by the bale forming chamber 15. Thus, the intermediate roll 101 is parallel to the first pivot axis 35 of the lower segment 19 of the baler 10 and also extends parallel to the first and second support rolls 80 and 81 of the bale of the bale wrapper 11. The intermediate roll 101 is located between the first pivot axis 35 and hence the bale roll 25a of the bottom section 19 and the first bale support roll 80, and is relatively close to the respective bale forming roll 25a and the first bale support roll 80.

In the present embodiment of the invention, the roll axes 52 of the first and second support rolls 80 and 81 and the first pivot axis 35 of the lower segment 19 lie on a common horizontal plane 102 when the first and second support rollers 80 and 81 are in the bale wrapping position. When the first and second bale support rollers 80 and 81 and the first pivot axis 35 lie on a common horizontal plane 102, the intermediate roll 101 is at a level below the common horizontal plane 102. However, when the first bale support roller 80 takes the bale receiving position, the intermediate roller 101 lies on an inclined plane 103 with the first pivot axis 35 and the roller axis 52 of the first bale support roller 80 to facilitate the transfer of the bale 5 directly from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale. the first and second bale support rollers 80 and 81 when the first bale support roller 80 is in the bale receiving position.

Besides, the baler / bale wrapper 100 is similar to the baler / bale wrapper 70 described with reference to Figs. 9 to 17, and its use and operation are also similar. The use of an intermediate roller 101, which is stationary with respect to the baler 1 and the bale wrapper 11, helps to smoothly transfer the bale from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale wrapper 11 and supports the bale as it is transferred from the bale forming chamber 15 to the bale wrapper 11 bel. Although, in the described embodiment, the intermediate roll 101 is a loose roll, the intermediate roll 101 may be a driven roll to assist in transferring the bale from the bale forming chamber to the first and second bale support rollers 80 and 81.

It is contemplated that other suitable connection means may be used to connect the first bale support roller to the lower segment of the baler, in addition to the bonding bond described with reference to Figures 9 to 17. For example, in some cases, it is believed that the first bale support roller could be supported on a support rigidly extending from the bottom segment that would extend rearward from the bottom segment beyond the first axis of rotation such that if the bottom segment were rotated upward from bale forming positions, the support member and the first bale support roller would rotate downwards to the bale receiving position.

While a wrapping material dispensing means has been described as comprising a support ring that carries a pair of wrapping material dispensers for dispensing a sheet of wrapping material, it is contemplated that one wrapping material dispenser may be supported on the support ring, or in fact three or three may be supported on the support ring. more packaging material dispensers.

It is also contemplated that where a pair of packaging material dispensers is used, they need not necessarily be 180 ° apart around the support ring. They can be in other relative positions. It will also be appreciated that while it is preferred for the support ring to be in a vertical plane, the support ring may be on a plane inclined with respect to the vertical, but would generally be on a plane that extends in a direction extending generally upwards / downwards. .

It is also contemplated that instead of providing the transmission means through the lower arcuate segment of the baler, it may be formed by any lower portion of the baler, e.g. it is contemplated that one or more bale forming rollers may be mounted on a pivotally mounted support arm which would be rotatably mounted with respect to the baler, for moving one or more bale rollers inwardly into the bale forming chamber in a generally upward direction to move the bale up and out towards the bale wrapping area on the bale wrapper from the bale forming chamber.

It is also believed that the side portions of e.g. the bottom segment could work to clamp the bale therebetween and to move the bale up and out of the bale forming chamber. It is also believed that the conveying means could be provided by a displacement element which would not form part of the bale forming chamber and which would be moved into the bale forming chamber to in turn move the bale up and out of the bale forming chamber. Such conveying means could be outside the bale forming chamber and operatively extend and pass through the bale forming chamber to expel the bale therefrom.

Moreover, it is believed that the conveying means could be provided by means for rotating the rolls in the lower segment and indeed possibly in the stationary segment when the upper segment is rotated to the discharge position in order to move the bale out of the bale forming chamber.

While the baling press of the baling presses / bale wrappers of the invention has been described as a fixed chamber baler whereby the bale forming chamber is formed by the bale forming rolls, it is contemplated that the baling press may be of the fixed chamber type in the bale forming chamber of which, instead of being formed by the bale forming rollers, is formed by the bale forming belt or belts whereby the belt or belts form the bale forming chamber. Such a baling press is disclosed in US Patent Application No. 4,176,596 to Welger.

Alternatively, the bale forming chamber may be defined by a plurality of slats supported on one or more chains or pairs of chains which form the bale forming chamber. The baling press may also be of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 4,651,512 to Texas Industries, which is considered a stationary chamber baler, although a portion of the rim of the bale forming chamber moves inwardly into the bale forming chamber to be used. material is initially compressed in the bale forming chamber when bale formation begins, until the bale diameter increases.

A baling press may also be of the type disclosed in US Patent Application No.

566 379. In all such cases, however, the baler would be equipped with conveying means for moving the bale in a generally upward and outward direction from the bale forming chamber, and more particularly in the direction by which the bale is moved along a conveying path extending in a generally upward direction. up, between vertical and direction24

A horizontal taper to facilitate the direct transfer of the bale from the bale forming chamber to the bale wrapping area on the bale wrapper.

It is also contemplated that the baler may be a variable volume chamber baler whereby the volume of the bale forming chamber changes from a relatively small volume when the bale begins to form progressively to a large volume when the bale is complete. Such variable volume balers are commonly referred to as belt presses.

It is also contemplated that, instead of the rotating support ring of the bale wrapper, the support ring may be stationary and may form a path along which a packing material dispenser or dispensers could move about a second wrapping axis. In such cases, it is believed that the support ring may not be an O-ring, but may be of any suitable or desired shape, and particularly may have a shape that would minimize the amount of space required below the rollers supporting the bale and the ground.

It is contemplated that while different motors for driving the different components of the baler and bale wrappers have been described as hydraulic motors, any other suitable electric, pneumatic or other driven motors may be used.

It is also believed that the first and second displacement means for moving the lower and upper segments of the baler between the bale forming position and the discharge position may be provided by any suitable displacement means, and where actuators are present, pneumatic actuators may be used.