Wrapping device

[0001] The present invention relates to a wrapping device for wrapping objects in film material (see, for example, EP 0 774 412 A1). In particular, the invention relates to a wrapping device for wrapping a bale of crop material after forming a bale in a bale forming device. The bale forming device and the wrapping device can be integrated to form a single agricultural unit or can be two separate agricultural systems.

[0002] An embodiment of the known wrapping device includes a frame, a wrapping table mounted on the frame and configured to support an object during wrapping, one or more movable roller support devices for supporting one or more rolls of film material to be rotated around the object during wrapping, supporting structure mounted on the frame and configured to carry one or more roller bearing devices, as well as a crimping and cutting device.

[0003] The clamping and cutting device is used to clamp the film material after wrapping the object to facilitate cutting of the film material, as well as to cut the clamped film material, so that the wrapped bale will no longer be connected to the rolls of film material. The clamping and cutting device generally includes a hook element for hooking the film to allow film clamping. This hook element can be placed on the film material track during wrapping to hook the film and clamp it at the cutting location. At this cutting location, the film is cut between the bale and the appropriate roll of film material, so that the wrapped bale will no longer be connected to the roll of film material.

[0004] The clamped end of the film strip connected to the roll of film material is held in the clamping and cutting device after cutting until the wrapping of a new bale begins. When the film is rotated at least once around the bale, the clamped end in the clamping and cutting device can be released because the first rolls of film can hold the end of the film strip.

[0005] Such a clamping and cutting device may be placed at the end of the wrapping process at least in part on the track to grip the film, while at the beginning of the process it must be placed off the track when one or more roller bearing devices must be rotated at least once around the bale before the clamped end of the film web can be released.

[0006] Pending German Patent Application DE 10 2007 051 491.5 shows an embodiment of a wrapping device for wrapping a bale of crop material, which includes a crimping and cutting device. The clamping and cutting device includes a hooking element that can be rotated between a horizontal rest position and a vertical hooked position. In the rest position, the hitch element is located outside the film roll track to wrap the bale in the film material. In the hooked position, the hooking element is placed in a vertical position on the track of rolls of film material, whereby the film strip can be gripped using the hooking element.

[0007] The catch element supports two clamp elements that can move relative to the catch element. When the foil is caught by the catch element, the clamp elements are placed at opposite ends of the element. Next

The clamping elements are moved towards each other to collect the foil and clamp it between two clamping elements. Then the hook element is rotated back to a horizontal position while the film is clamped between the clamping elements. During this rotation, the foil can be cut by the cutting element.

[0008] A disadvantage of this wrapping device is that its design is relatively complicated. It is necessary to make many displacements, rotations and translational movements to capture and clamp the film and requires the use of at least three hydraulic cylinders to perform these operations. In addition, the time required to carry out the grip and clamp is relatively long.

[0009] It can be seen that Patent Documents DE4404225 and EP 1 502 495 disclose alternative embodiments of crimping and cutting devices having similar disadvantages.

[0010] The object of the invention is to provide a wrapping device having a crimping and cutting device that has a compact structure, is reliable and is characterized by a relatively simple structure, or at least to provide a wrapping device including an alternative crimping and cutting device.

[0011] The invention provides a wrapping device for wrapping an object in film material, the wrapping device comprising at least one crimping and cutting device for crimping the film material after wrapping the object, as well as for cutting the crimped film material, the device being characterized in that the clamping and cutting device comprises an elongated hooking element having a curved shape which is guided in the supporting element, wherein the hook element can make a translational movement between the hook position to grip the foil material and the clamp position in which the foil material can be clamped to facilitate cutting of the foil material.

[0012] According to the invention, the elongate element is guided linearly in the support element, whereby the catch element can make a translational movement between the position of the clamp in which the catch element can clamp the foil and the attachment position in which the catch element can catch the foil. In the hook position, the hook element must be able to grip the full length of the foil tape, while in the clamp position the foil material can be clamped to facilitate cutting of the foil material.

[0013] Furthermore, the curved shape of the hook element, for example the arc of a circle, allows the hook element to be positioned in a different orientation as a result of translational movement. For example, the hook element may be arranged to position the hook element in a hook position substantially perpendicular or at least at a relatively large angle, e.g., 50 degrees to 90 degrees, relative to the film material strip, and in the clamp position in a substantially parallel position or at least under relatively small angle, e.g. 0 degrees to 40 degrees, relative to the film material strip. This allows a compact construction of the crimping and cutting device.

[0014] This is advantageous in that various possible settings can be used to place the catch element in the film gripping position and off-track position

One or more rolls of film material during wrapping, without having to rotate the hook element, as is the case with most of the crimping and cutting devices known in the art.

[0015] In one embodiment, the hook element includes a hook at the end to take with it the captured film material when the hook element performs a translational movement from the hook position to the clamp position. The hook can be implemented by placing an element that runs at least in part perpendicular to the hook surface of the hook element.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the hook element may have properties to facilitate taking the film with it during movement of the hook element from the hook position to the clamp position, such as friction material or small hooks or other extensions on the hook element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support element is made in the form of pairs of guide rollers arranged on opposite sides of the hook element. It has been shown that pairs of guide rollers, e.g. two pairs of guide rollers on opposite sides of the hook element, provide adequate linear support for the translational movement of the hook element relative to the housing or other structure in which the support structure is arranged.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the hook element is arranged to capture the film material on the convex side of the hook element.

[0019] In one embodiment, the clamping and cutting device includes a hydraulic cylinder to move the catch element between the hook position and the clamp position, the hydraulic cylinder being located on the concave side of the catch element.

[0020] By arranging the hydraulic cylinder on the concave side of the guide element, a relatively short cylinder can be used to move the catch element from the clamp position to the catch position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the clamping and cutting device includes a clamping element that can move toward the latching element in the clamping position to clamp the film between the latching element and the clamping element. By providing a separate movable clamping element that can move toward the catching element in the clamping position, releasing the film does not require an upward movement of the catching element.

[0022] This is advantageous in that the film can be released when wrapping the object. Since no upward movement of the hook element is required, the wrapping and cutting device can be positioned closer to the roller track of the carrier device, which makes the wrapping device more compact, and the required displacement of the hook element between the hook position and the clamp position.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, the clamping element can be positioned fixed relative to the support element and the clamping force can be provided by the actuator of the catching element.

[0024] In one embodiment, the crimping and cutting device includes a cutting element for cutting the film clamped between the hook element and the clamping element, the clamping element and the cutting element being actuated by a hydraulic cylinder supporting the clamping and cutting, wherein the clamping element and cutting element are joined together using a compressible element for obtaining clamping action and subsequent cutting.

In this embodiment, only one actuator, e.g. a hydraulic cylinder, is required to carry out both the clamping and cutting of the film. After moving the catch element to the clamp position, the film can be clamped by moving the cutting element towards the catch element. This movement is achieved by activating a hydraulic cylinder that is connected directly to the cutting element.

[0026] Since the clamping element is connected to the cutting element via a compressible element, for example a spring, also the clamping element will move towards the catching element. When the clamping element makes contact with the foil, the cutting element will be pushed further by the actuator, which results in compression of the compressible element. The force exerted by the compressible element on the clamping element is used as clamping force to clamp the film between the catch element and the clamping element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the wrapping device further includes a frame, a wrapping table mounted on the frame and configured to support the object during wrapping, one or more roller support devices for supporting one or more rolls of film material to be rotated around the object during wrapping, and a support structure mounted on the frame and configured to support one or more roller support devices. One or more roller support devices may be mounted on a ring or other structure that is pivotally mounted on the support structure to rotate one or more roller support devices around an object, or one or more roller support devices may be mounted movably on a stationary track or ring a support structure, which track or ring guides one or more roller support devices in a rotational movement around the object.

[0028] In such a wrapping device, an object can be wrapped by rotating the object about one axis of rotation and simultaneously rotating rolls of film material around the object in a plane substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. In an alternative device, the roller support devices can be stationary, and the wrapping table can be configured to rotate an object about at least two axes of rotation, e.g. a horizontal and vertical axis of rotation.

[0029] In one embodiment, the clamping and cutting device is mounted on the support structure, the support structure being able to rotate about a horizontal axis of rotation relative to the frame. This embodiment allows the wrapping and cutting device to be moved relative to the object supported on the wrapping table.

[0030] In this embodiment, a rotational movement of the support structure can be provided from the folding position to the cutting position prior to cutting the film material, in the cutting position

The cutting location of the crimping and cutting device is generally located in the imagined plane defined by the center of the height of one or more rolls of film material during wrapping.

[0031] By placing the cutting location of the crimping and cutting device substantially in the same plane as the plane defined by the center of the rolls of film material during wrapping, the film can be cut at a cutting location that is essentially at the center of the last film strip wrapped on the object. As a result, the clamping and cutting device can be located relatively close to the object, which is advantageous because the relatively short free end of the film material remains on the object, with more space available for attaching the clamping and cutting device to the wrapping device.

[0032] The movement of the support structure from the folding position to the cutting position and the movement of the catching element from the hooking position to the clamping position are preferably carried out simultaneously.

[0033] The invention also provides an agricultural unit, comprising:

- a bale forming device which comprises bale forming means comprising a rotatable tailgate for opening a bale preparation chamber in which the bale can be formed, and

- a wrapping device according to the invention for wrapping a bale formed in a bale forming device into film material.

[0034] The wrapping device according to the invention is in particular suitable for wrapping a bale of table material after it has been formed in a bale forming device. The bale forming device and the wrapping device preferably have a common frame. The wrapping device may be designed to wrap the bale in place of the bale forming chamber, but is preferably attached next to the bale forming chamber in such a way that the bale forming and wrapping of various bales can be carried out substantially simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, the wrapping device may have a separate frame.

The present invention also provides a method of wrapping an object in film material using a wrapping device according to the invention, which comprises the steps of:

- placing the object to be wrapped on the wrapping table;

- wrapping an object in film material by rotating one or more roller supports around the object while simultaneously rotating the object on the wrapping table;

- moving the catch element from the clamp position to the catch position to capture the foil material;

- moving the catch element back to the clamp position and clamping the foil material; and

- cutting foil material.

[0036] The present invention further provides a method of wrapping an object in film material using a wrapping device comprising a frame, a wrapping table mounted on the frame and configured to support the object during wrapping, one or more rollers.

EP 2 434 865 B1 support devices for supporting one or more rolls of film material to be rotated around the object during wrapping, a crimping and cutting device for crimping the film material after wrapping the object and for cutting the clamped film material at the cutting location, and also a support rotatably mounted on a frame and configured to support one or more roller support devices and a clamping and cutting device, which method includes the steps of:

- placing the object to be wrapped on the wrapping table;

- wrapping an object in film material by rotating one or more roller supports around the object while simultaneously rotating the object on the wrapping table;

- rotating the support structure from the folding position to the cutting position prior to cutting the film material, wherein in the cutting position the cutting location of the clamping and cutting device is generally located in the imagined plane defined by the center of height of one or more rolls of film material during wrapping, and

- cutting foil material.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the agricultural unit, comprising a combination of a bale forming device and a wrapping device according to the invention will be described in detail below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a top view of an agricultural unit according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the agricultural unit of Figure 1 during bale wrapping;

Figure 3 is a side view of the crimping and cutting device in the agricultural unit of figure 1 while the object is wrapped;

Figure 4 is a side view of the clamping and cutting device in the agricultural unit of Figure 1, the clamping element being shown in the hooked position;

Figure 5 is a side view of the clamping and cutting device in the agricultural unit of Figure 1, the film being clamped between the catch element and the clamp element;

Figure 6 is a side view of the crimping and cutting device in the agricultural unit of figure 1, immediately after cutting the film;

Figure 7 is a side view of the agricultural unit of Figure 1 while cutting the film in the clamping and cutting device.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a plan view of the agricultural unit according to the invention, which is generally indicated by the number 1. The agricultural unit 1 comprises a bale forming device 2 and a wrapping device 3, and configured for forming and wrapping a bale of crop material. Figure 2 shows a side view of the agricultural unit of figure 1 during bale wrapping, as will be described below.

The bale forming device 2 and the wrapping device 3 are mounted on a frame 4 which is supported by a pair of wheels 5. The front end 6 of the frame 4 is configured to connect to a tractor or other device configured to move the agricultural unit in the intended direction driving marked with arrow A.

[0040] The wrapping device 3 is in part arranged below the bale forming device 2 to obtain a compact structure.

[0041] The bale forming device 2 comprises a fixed part 8 and a rotatable tailgate 9. The rotatable tailgate can pivot around a pivot point located on the upper side of the fixed part 8 and rotatable tailgate 9. A hydraulic cylinder 10 is used to rotate the tailgate 9 between open and closed position. During the movement of the pivoting flap 9 between the closed and open positions, the pivoting rear flap moves on track 11.

[0042] The bale forming device 2 further comprises a locking arm 12 which is configured to hold the stationary part 8 and the rotatable rear arm 9 together when the rotatable tailgate 9 is in the closed position. A hydraulic cylinder 13 was used to move the locking arm 12 between the locked position in which the fixed part 8 and the rotatable tailgate 9 are held together and the non-locked position in which the rotational movement of the rotatable tailgate 9 is not counteracted to its open position.

[0043] The bale forming device 2 comprises a bale preparation chamber 14 in which the bale 50 can be formed using the bale forming means 2a, including rollers and bands for turning and pressing the crop material to form the bale 50. The bale preparation chamber 14 is a variable bale preparation chamber, configured to form round bales of different diameter, e.g. 80, 100, 130 and 160 cm in diameter. Further details regarding the embodiment of the bale forming apparatus with the variable bale forming chamber can be found in US Patent No. 3,722,197. Other types of bale forming equipment with a variable bale preparation chamber can also be used here. Alternatively, the bale preparation chamber 14 can be configured to form a constant diameter bale.

[0044] The wrapping device 3 is configured to wrap the bale 50 in wrapping material, usually a plastic film, supplied in rolls. Foil material is wrapped around the bale 50 to cover the outer surface of the bale 50.

The wrapping device 3 comprises a wrapping table 15 that supports the bale 50 during wrapping, and wrapping means 16. The wrapping table is configured to rotate the supported bale 50 about its cylindrical axis during wrapping.

[0046] The wrapping table 15 can rotate about a rotation axis 15a between different positions. A hydraulic cylinder 20 is used to rotate the folding table 15 between different positions.

[0047] The wrapping table 15 can be placed in the receiving position (not shown) for receiving the bale 50 from the bale preparation chamber 14. During wrapping, the wrapping table 15 is placed in the wrapping position as shown in figure 2.

[0048] In the wrapping position, the wrapping table is positioned at an angle of 0 degrees to the horizontal. In the receiving position, the wrapping table 15 is rotated 20 degrees towards the bale forming device 2, while in the delivery position the wrapping table 15 is rotated 20 degrees away from the bale forming device 2.

[0049] The wrapping means 16 include a ring 17 supporting two roller support devices 18, each of which is configured to support a roll of wrapping material 19. The ring 17 is pivotally supported by a plurality of rollers 21 mounted on the support structure 22 The ring 17 can rotate during wrapping to move the rolls of wrapping material 19 around the bale 50 supported on the wrapping table 15. The supporting structure 22 is mounted under the ring 17.

[0050] The wrapping means 16 further include two clamping and cutting devices 100 for cutting the wrapping material between the bale 50 and the rolls of wrapping material after wrapping the bale 50.

[0051] The clamping and cutting device 100 will be described in detail below. Figures 3 to 6 show a side view of the crimping and cutting device 100 during various stages of operation.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the clamping and cutting device 100 during wrapping of the bale on the wrapping device 3.

[0053] The clamping and cutting device 100 includes a housing 101 that is mounted on the support structure 22 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 7) as well as a hooking element 102 which is movably supported by the guide rollers 103 in the housing 101. Hooking element 102 it covers near one end a hook formed by the plate element 104. The hook element 102 is curved and has the shape of an arc of a circle, wherein it can make a translational movement between the position of the clamp (figure 3) and the position of the hook (figure 4). In an alternative embodiment, the hook element may include a curved guide element.

[0054] In the hook position, the hook element 102 is positioned substantially perpendicular or at least at a large angle, for example 50 degrees to 90 degrees, relative to the film material strip 105 (indicated by the dashed line in figure 4), which is the desired position for gripping the film. In the clamp position, the latch element 102 is disposed substantially parallel or at least at a small angle, e.g., 0 degrees to 40 degrees, relative to the film strip, which is the desired position due to the space available for attaching the clamping and cutting device to the wrapping device 3 .

[0055] A hydraulic cylinder 106 was used to propel the latching member 102 between the clamp position and the engaging position. The hydraulic cylinder 106 is located on the concave side of the catch element 102, it is pivotally connected to the housing 101 and the catch element 102. This is advantageous in that the displacement of the piston of the hydraulic cylinder 106 is much smaller than the displacement of the hook element 102 from the clamp position to the hook position. Thus, a relatively small hydraulic cylinder 106 can be used to significantly displace the latch element 102.

[0056] The wrapping and cutting device 100 further includes a clamping element 107 that can rotate about a rotation axis 108 from a non-clamping position (figure 3) to a clamping position (figure 5) in which the film 105 is gripped and collected by the catching element 102 can be clamped

Between the catch element 102 and the clamp element 103. The position in which the catch element 102 and the clamp element 107 clamp the film 105 is also referred to as the cutting location 120.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment, the clamping element 103 may be a fixed element mounted on the housing 101, the film 105 being clamped by the force exerted by the hydraulic cylinder 106 on the latching element 102. However, the embodiment shown in figures 3-6 is preferred. because releasing the film at the beginning of the wrapping of the new bale does not require the upward movement of the catch element 102, but only the downward movement of the clamping element 107.

[0058] Since the release of the film 105 is carried out during wrapping, upward movement of the hook element 102 is undesirable because it would result in the risk of the hook element 102 overlapping the roll material track 19 and / or the lower location of the wrapping and cutting device 100 relative to the material rolls. 19, which would mean a lower hook position of the hook element 102 and a larger space required to integrate the wrapping and cutting device 100.

[0059] A cutting element 109 is used to cut the foil clamped between the catch element 102 and the clamping element 107. The cutting element 109 is pivotally mounted on the axis of rotation 108, the arm 109a being located on the opposite side of the housing 101 relative to the rotational arm 107a of the clamping element 107. A hydraulic cylinder 110 was used to move the cutting element 109 towards the catch element 102 in the position of the clamp for cutting the film clamped between the catch element 102 and the clamp element 107.

[0060] The clamping element 107 and the cutting element 109 are movably connected to each other by means of a torsion spring 111. Any other suitable compressible element can also be used between the clamping element 107 and the cutting element 109, for example a spring located directly between the clamping element 107 and the cutting element. 109.

[0061] When the hydraulic cylinder 110 is actuated to move the cutting element 109 towards the cutting location 120, also the clamping element 107 is moved towards that location. When the clamping element 107 reaches the foil 105 collected by the catching element 102, the clamping element 107 is retained by the foil 105 and only the cutting element 109 is moved further towards the cutting location 120 while the spring 111 is compressed. The compression of the spring 111 causes the clamping element 107 to exert a clamping force on the foil and the catching element 102, as a result of which the foil 105 is clamped between the catching element 102 and the clamping element 107 as shown in figure 5.

[0062] The further movement of the cutting element 109 caused by the hydraulic cylinder 110 will move the cutting element 107 to the cutting location 120, as shown in figure 6, where the film is cut. The cutting element 109 is located on the side of the bale 50, whereby the end of the film 105, which is still clamped after cutting, is connected to a corresponding roll of film material 19, while the wrapped bale 50 is no longer connected to the roll of film material 19.

[0063] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, it can be seen that the wrapping means 16 are disposed at an angle to the horizontal plane, whereby the part below the bale forming device 2 is located closest to the ground. As a result, the path of the moving parts of the wrapping device 3, such as the rotatable ring 17 and the roller support devices 18, is also inclined at an angle α to the horizontal plane.

[0064] During curling, the angle α is in the range of 5 to 45 degrees, preferably between 10 and 30 degrees.

[0065] The wrapping means 16 can be rotated relative to the frame 4 because the support structure 22 is pivotally mounted on a rotation axis 23 that is arranged parallel to the rotation axis 15a. A hydraulic cylinder 24 was used to rotate the support structure 22 between different positions. The support structure 22 can pivot at least between the folding position in which the folding means 16 are arranged to wrap the bale 50 supported on the folding table 15, as shown in figure 2, the position in which the bale 50 can be passed through the ring 17 to release it from the wrapping device 3 and the transport position in which the wrapping means are placed in a position suitable for transporting the agricultural unit.

[0066] In the delivery and transport positions, the angle may be 40 to 90 degrees to the horizontal, preferably 50 to 70 degrees.

[0067] The upper part of the track of the wrapping means, in particular the parts of the upper roller bearing devices 18 is indicated by the dotted line in figure 2. This roller track of the roller bearing means 18 does not overlap the track 11 of the rear flap 9 of the bale forming device 2 during wrapping. As a result, the process the wrapping can start regardless of the position of the tailgate 9 of the bale forming device 2, i.e. the wrapping can start before the bale is formed. Similarly, the tailgate 9 can be moved to the closed position to start forming a new bale 50 regardless of the wrapping process.

[0068] The way in which the bale 50 can be formed and wrapped in the agricultural unit 1 according to the invention will be discussed below.

[0069] In order to form the bale 50 from the crop material, the bale forming device 2 includes a pick-up (not shown) for collecting the crop material from the ground over which the agricultural unit 1 is moved. The crop material is fed into the bale preparation chamber 14 for forming bale 50 from the crop material by pressing and turning the table material to obtain a cylindrical form until a bale 50 of the desired diameter is formed.

[0070] Because considerable forces are used to form the bale 50 in the bale preparation chamber 14, the locking arm 12 is held in a locked position to hold the stationary part 8 and the rotating tailgate 9 together.

[0071] After forming the bale 50 with the desired diameter, the bale forming process is stopped and the rotary tailgate 9 is opened to release the bale 50 from the bale preparation chamber 14.

EP 2 434 865 B1

To open the bale preparation chamber, the locking arm 13 is moved to the unlocked position.

[0072] As a result of gravity, the bale 50 will roll from the bale preparation chamber 14 towards the wrapping table 15, which is in the receiving position for receiving the bale 50.

[0073] It should be noted that the bearing surface of the wrapping table is placed at a lower level than the bottom side of the bale preparation chamber 14, whereby the bale 50 can roll from the bale preparation chamber 14 to the wrapping table 15 due to gravity. A guide ramp or other conveyor means may be used to guide the bale 50 from the chamber for preparing the bale 14 to the wrapping table 15.

[0074] Under certain conditions, for example in hilly terrain, the gravity may be too low to transfer the bale 50 correctly from the bale preparation chamber 14 to the wrapping table 15. W takim wypadku mo an actuator may be used to generate or stimulate the movement of the bale 50 towards the wrapping table 15. On the other hand, if the gravity is too great to transfer the bale 50 correctly from the bale preparation chamber 14 to the wrapping table 15, then a stop can be used or a guide element to limit or slow the movement of the bale 50 to ensure proper bale transfer 50 from the bale preparation chamber 14 to the wrapping table 14.

[0075] When the bale 50 is supported on the wrapping table 15, the wrapping table can be rotated to the wrapping position and the wrapping process can begin.

[0076] To wrap the bale 50 of crop material, the bale 50 is supported on the wrapping table 15, while the ring 17 together with the roller support devices 18 is rotated around the bale 50 to wrap the wrapping material around the bale 50. At the same time the bale 50 is rotated around its cylindrical axis, whereby different parts of the bale 50 are aligned with the rolls of wrapping material to wrap the entire surface of the bale 50 in wrapping material.

[0077] At the beginning of the wrapping process, the ends of the film are clamped in suitable clamping and cutting devices 100, the clamping and cutting devices 100 being outside the film winding path around the bale 50. After rotating the film rolls at least once around the bale 50, the clamped end can be released by moving the clamping element 107 to the no clamping position.

[0078] By further simultaneous rotation of the rolls of film material 19 around the bale and rotation of the bale 50 on the wrapping table, the bale is completely wrapped in the film material.

[0079] At the end of the wrapping phase, the rotation of the roller support devices 18 and the rotation of the bale 50 about its longitudinal axis are stopped.

[0080] During the last rotation of the roller support devices 18 around the bale 50, the latch members 102 of the two clamping and cutting devices 100 are moved in a translational motion to the hook position to grip the film between the respective roll of film material 19 and the bale 50. Then the film is removed using the latch element 102 by moving the latch element 102 back to the clamp position.

[0081] When the catch element 102 is in the clamping position, the clamping and cutting actuator 110 can be actuated for subsequent clamping of the foil using the clamping element 107 and its cutting using the cutting element 109. The position in which the film is crimped and cut, referred to as the cutting location 120.

[0082] During the forward movement of the hooking element 102 to the clamp position, the support structure 22 is rotated to the position shown in figure 7. In this position, the cutting location 120 is substantially at the same height as the plane 121 defined by the center of the film roll when wrapping the bale 50. As a result, the cutting location 120 is in the middle of the last roll of foil film on bale 50. Due to this cutting location 120, the stress in the film material is relatively small, and the film can be cut relatively close to the bale 50. This results in a relatively small loose end of the film. In addition, the clamping and cutting device 100 can be located relatively close to the bale 50.

[0083] After cutting the film, the end of the film strip connected to the roll of film material is clamped between the catch element 102 and the clamping element 107. This end of the film strip remains clamped until the wrapping of the new bale 50.

[0084] The wrapped bale 50 is ready to be released onto the ground. To release the bale 50, the wrapping table 15 and wrapping means 16 can be rotated to the delivery position. In the folding position of the wrapping table 15, the bale 50 may roll off the wrapping table onto the ground. The bale 50 can pass through the ring 17 of the wrapping device 3 because the ring 17 has been rotated together with the wrapping means 16 to the delivery position.

[0085] Since the support structure 22 has already been rotated to the position shown in figure 7, only a short rotational movement needs to be carried out to place the wrapping means 16 in the release position. In one embodiment, the position of the support structure and wrapping means shown in figure 7 also corresponds to the delivery position.

[0086] Wrapping means 16 above, comprising a rotatable ring 17 and roller support devices 18. In an alternative embodiment, the wrapping means may include a stationary guide ring that is configured to guide roller support devices around the bale 50. Any other type can also be used. wrapping agents. Preferably, wrapping means are used in which the devices supporting the wrapping material, e.g. roller bearing devices, form the upper side of the wrapping device, i.e. the supporting structure of these devices is located below these devices.

[0087] The above describes an agricultural unit 1, in which the bale forming device 2 and the wrapping device 3 are placed on a single frame 4. In an alternative embodiment, the wrapping device 3 can be placed on an independently supported frame that can be connected to the device for bale forming to form an agricultural system or it can be used independently of a bale forming machine.

[0088] The wrapping device 3 described above can also be used in relation to any other object to be wrapped in foil material.

[0089] Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art based upon considerations regarding the practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the description and examples be considered as examples only, the actual scope of the invention being determined by the claims below.

EP2 434 865 B1