FR2770371A1 - Bale wrapping machine for agricultural products - Google Patents

Abstract

The wrapping carrier stores the plastic wrapping film, with bale carried by a handling equipment and which is slidingly pushed on the carrier base plate (10) by a pusher-ejector (25). The machine's (1) chassis (10) is supported by front wheels (21) and rear skids (22), setting its chassis rails (11) at 5-7 deg. angle (S) to the ground. The tubular elastic film (19) lies in folds stretched round the guide funnel (20). Each bale (2) is transfixed by tines (12) projecting from a carrier (6) mounted (7) on the tractor's (3) 3-point linkage (4) - opt., on its front loader - placed on the rails and forced off the tines, against its predecessors (2'), by the carrier's thrust-plate (25). The sequentially deposited bales, progressing through the funnel, are enveloped by the unfolding tube of film. The thrust-plate action is effected by a hydraulic actuator, through links pivoted within the carrier. A spring-loaded catch plate (26), depressed as the bale passes, rises to trap a crossbar (27) behind the carrier, and transmits the reaction, as the bale is ejected, which moves the machine towards the tractor and completes the envelopment of the bale.

Description

METHOD FOR GEARING BALES OF PLANTS AND MATERIALS
FOR THE COVERING OF THE PROCESS
The present invention relates to a method of sheathing bales of plants, fodder or the like, and it also relates to the materials for implementing the method.

 This material can consist, as described in the document GB-2 227 220, in a simple carriage which comprises means for storing a sheath and introducing into this sheath which escapes and unwinds progressively, bales of fodder or others.

 The carriage is moved as the bales are introduced, a step which corresponds to the length of these bales, directly by the machine which handles the bales, that is to say a tractor fitted with a loader arm.

 The handling of these bales in the fields does not make it possible to position the bales on the trolley with great precision, and to place them in the sheath in complete safety; this operation requires a certain dexterity on the part of the operator.

 The present invention proposes means which make it possible to simplify this sheathing operation and above all to obtain a great speed of execution of this operation.

 In addition, the method according to the invention makes it possible to improve the compaction of the bales relative to each other in the sheath. Preferably, this sheath is made of elastic plastic material; it is previously stretched to allow the introduction of bales and then after its escape from the drawing bench, it returns to its normal position by compressing the periphery of the bales.

 The sheathing method according to the invention by means of a portaine carriage which moves as the sheath is filled, consists of: - handling a bale by means of a machine provided with a loading arm which is equipped with a pair of pins for example, - to deposit the bale on the trolley, upstream of the storage supports for the tubular plastic film, - to push the bale into the sheath against the previous bale, to move the trolley d a step corresponding to the length of the bale, by means of the loader, which operation which consists in pushing the bale is carried out by means of an ejector push device arranged on the loader arm, the movement of which causes, by reaction, the retraction of said machine by means of its loader arm, which arm is arranged to simultaneously drive the sheathing carriage.

 The invention relates to the loader arm mounted on a machine of the agricultural tractor type or the like, for implementing the method, which loader arm comprises an ejector pusher device incorporated in the pin holder frame, behind said pins, which frame comprises means for 'hooking on the end of said loader arm.

 According to a preferred arrangement of the invention, the ejector pusher device consists of a sort of compass which is deployed under the effect of a hydraulic cylinder, for example maneuvered from the tractor by the operator, which compass is deployed on a stroke which is at least equal to the length of the bale, so as to eject said bale from the pins of the loader arm, and to move the sheathing carriage by a step which corresponds to the length of the ejected bale.

 Still according to the invention, the compass consists of - a first branch, the length of which corresponds substantially to the width of the bale, which branch is articulated at one of its ends on an axis integral with the pin holder frame, and , - a second branch articulated at the other end of the first branch, and which is provided at its free end, with a pusher centered substantially on the vertical median plane of the two pins, which first branch is movable under the effect of a jack which is mounted on the pin holder frame and this first branch causes, during its displacement, the deployment of the second branch so that the pusher remains substantially centered on the vertical median plane of said pins, throughout its course.

 Still according to the invention, the second branch is deployed by means of a chain or cable which is wound on a pulley sector which is centered on its articulation axis, at the end of the first branch, which cable is integral with one of its ends, of said sector of the second branch and at its other end of the pin holder frame at a point chosen to allow movement of the pusher along a line arranged substantially in the median vertical plane of the pins.

 Still according to the invention, the pin holder frame has at its lower part, a heel or shoe which, on the one hand, serves as a benchmark for the operator for racking in a ball, in order to position in a precise manner. and regular the latter relative to the spindle holder frame and, on the other hand, serves as a traction member of the sheathing carriage, by reaction during the ejection of the ball threaded on the spindles, which member cooperates in this effect with a stop integral with said carriage.

 The invention also relates to the sheathing carriage for implementing the method, which carriage cooperates with the loader and comprises a kind of sole made up of at least two rails which extend over a length at least equal to twice the length of a bale, which rails are cantilevered at their downstream end, that is to say on the sheathing side, they are fixed to the frame of the carriage and have a crosspiece at their upstream end which cooperates directly or by means of a retractable stop for example with the heel or shoe of the loader to move said carriage by reaction during the ejection of the bale relative to the pin holder frame.

 According to another arrangement of the invention, the cross member mounted upstream of the rails is adjustable so as to be able to be adapted to the length of the bales in particular and these rails may also include a downstream stop, preferably retractable to allow the sheathing of the last ball for example.

 This process allows the use of relatively simple equipment. The sheathing cart does not require a permanent energy source. It has a static role during the entire sheathing operation.

 The invention will be further detailed with the aid of the following description and of the attached drawings, given for information only, and in which - FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a sheathing carriage and a loader arm mounted on a handling machine; - Figure 2 shows schematically the carriage and the pin holder frame, according to 2-2 of Figure 1; - Figure 3 schematically shows an embodiment of the elements of the sheathing carriage which allow its movement step by step; - Figure 4 shows schematically, seen from above, the arrangements of the pin holder frame; - Figure 5 is a side view showing the elements of the pin holder frame in the active position, fully deployed.

 FIG. 1 schematically shows a carriage 1 which allows sheathing of bales 2 of the fodder bale type, which bales are handled by means of a handling machine 3 of the agricultural tractor or other type provided with a loader arm 4 .

 The carriage 1 comprises a frame 5 which can be provided with a drawing bench 6.

This drawing bench comprises supports 7 on which the sheath 8 is stored in the form of sheets 9 stacked one on the other and this drawing bench makes it possible to use a sheath made of plastic material of the polyethylene type with shape memory c 'That is to say that after drawing, this sheath returns to its initial perimeter which is significantly smaller than that of bales 2. This drawing bench is not part of the invention.

 The frame 5 comprises means for receiving upstream of the drawing bench 6, a bale 2 brought by the tractor 3. The bales 2 are placed on a sole 10 consisting for example of a pair of rails spaced apart laterally, integral with the frame 5 in the upstream part of the carriage, that is to say in the part which precedes the drawing bench 6.

 These rails 11 are fixed by one or more lugs 12 on the frame 5. They are arranged in cantilever downstream of the drawing bench and can, by means of an appropriate support, in the form of wedge 13, rest on the ends of the supports 7.

 The downstream end 14 of the rails 11 is bent downwards to accompany the bales which, at the outlet of the drawing bench 6, rest on the ground.

 Thus, the operator is content to bring the bale 2 with the tractor 3, and to deposit it on the floor 10. The bale 2 is gripped by the loader arm by means, for example, of a pair of pins 15 which are integral a frame 16, which frame is fixed by any suitable means to the end plate 17 of the loader arm 4.

 As soon as the ball 2 is placed on the floor 10 and in particular in abutment on the rails 11, the operator triggers from the tractor, a pusher device 19 interposed between the frame 16 and the face 20 of the ball 2 that is the face visible to the operator. The other face of the ball 2 is in contact with the ball previously introduced into the sheath. The pusher device 19, as detailed below, ejects the bale caught in the pins 15 and, by reaction, causes the loading arm 4 to move back by moving the carriage from which the sheath is placed automatically around the bale.

 FIG. 2 shows the sheathing carriage 1 comprising the frame 5 on which the drawing bench 6 is installed as well as the rails 11 which support a bale 2. At the upstream end of the rails 11, that is to say say on the side of the introduction of the balls, there is a cross member 21 which is fixed by means of flanges 22 for example so as to be able to adjust the position of this cross member on the rails to take account for example of the length of the balls 2.

 Note, still in Figure 2, the periphery of the pin holder frame 16, the two pins 15 integral with said frame and the pusher device 19 which is centered on the vertical median plane of the carriage.

 FIG. 3 shows, seen from above, part of the rails II which are integral with the frame 5 of the carriage, which rails are spaced apart to support the balls 2 and they comprise at their upstream end, the cross member 21 which is fixed by the flanges 22 .

 The pusher device 19 is also shown and there is between this pusher device and the cross member 21, a part 23. This part 23 also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is integral with the pin holder 16 and it extends in the form of a shoe 24 to the lower end of the ball 20 when the latter is plugged in. This shoe 24 in fact serves as a benchmark for the operator at the time of placing said ball 2 in a field or the like, in order to position the frame 16 always in the same way with respect to the ball.

 When the pusher 19 is implemented, that is to say when it moves relative to the pin holder frame 16, the shoe 24 which is integral with the pin holder frame moves just like the pin holder frame by reaction due to the contact between the pusher 19 and the surface 20 of the bale 2. The use of the pusher 19 causes the tractor 3 to recoil through its loader arm 4, and, at the same time, under the effect of the shoe 24, a backward movement of the carriage 1 when the shoe 24 comes into contact with the cross member 21 which is clamped on the rails 11.

At the same time, the action of the pusher 19 causes the bales 2 to settle against each other.

 The cross member 21 can be replaced by a cleat system for example. This variant embodiment, which appears in FIG. 1, will be detailed below.

 The stroke C of the pusher 19 is at least equal to the length of a ball 20, preferably greater to facilitate the positioning of the ball 2 on the rails 11 while retaining a reasonable clearance between the shoe 24 and the cross member 21.

 The movement of the pusher 19 is obtained for example by means of a device of the compass type housed in the pin holder frame 16. This compass consists of a first branch 25 whose length is close to the width of the bale 2. This branch 25 is articulated on an axis 26 integral with the frame 16.

This first branch is horizontal and comprises at its free end a second branch 27 articulated around an axis 29 disposed at the end of said first, which second branch 27 comprises at its other end, the pusher 19 mounted on an axis 30.

 The first branch 25 is movable under the effect of a jack 31 which is fixed on an axis 32 integral with the frame. This cylinder is operated from the tractor by the operator. The deployment of the first branch 25 around its articulation axis 26, causes the second branch 27 to pivot around the axis 29 common with the first branch 25.

 This pivoting is carried out so as to maintain the pusher 19 and in particular its axis 30 in the median vertical plane of the pins 15 of the loader, which also corresponds to the median vertical plane of the carriage when the loader has deposited a bale on the latter.

 The pusher 19 is floating held by a spring 33 of low tension which tends to bring it back to its starting point.

 The coordinated movement of the second branch is achieved by means of a cable or chain 34, which is wound on a circular sector 35 in the form of a pulley portion for example; this sector 35 is centered on the axis 29, integral with said second branch. The cable or chain is fixed at its end 36 on an extension of the sector 35, in an adjustable manner and at its other end 37 on a fixed point 39 integral with the frame 16, which point 39 is chosen so as to obtain an almost rectilinear displacement of the pusher 19, along a line situated in the vertical plane of the pins 15.

 Note that the cable 34 is located between the first branch 25 and the jack 31.

 A return spring 40 is interposed between the first and the second branch to keep the cable 34 in tension and allow the second branch to be returned.

 FIG. 4 also shows the pins 15 which are integral with the frame 16, locked in orifices 41. The pusher 19 extends between the two pins 15 below the level of the latter for example.

 Note in Figure 4, the stroke C of the pusher 19 between its inactive position where it is located in the plane of the mounting face of the pins 15 and its active position when the branch 25 is fully deployed under the effect of the jack 31 and that the second pin 27 extends horizontally, positioned in the median vertical plane of the pins 15 of the charger.

 This stroke C is first of all clearly greater than the length of the pins 15 to allow the ejection of the bale, and, as mentioned previously, it is preferably greater than the length of the bales 2.

 FIG. 5 shows, seen from the side, the arrangement of the mechanism for moving the pusher 19. The first branch 25 is found in the deployed position and the second branch 27 interposed between the first branch and the pusher 19.

 The first branch 25 is articulated on the axis 26 which is integral with the pin holder frame 16. We find the anchoring point 39 of the chain or cable 34 and we also find the axis 32 on which the cylinder is articulated 31 which is used to operate the first branch 25.

 The frame 16 comprises, above the branch 25, the pins 15 and, below, the support 23 of the shoe 24. At the rear part of the frame there are hooks 42 disposed at the upper part and at the lower part laterally, which hooks cooperate with pins 43 integral with the front plate 17 of the charger 4.

 The cross member 21 can be replaced, as shown in FIG. 1, by a cleat 45 which automatically retracts when a ball is introduced on the rails 11. This cleat 45 is integral with a cross member 46 fixed under the rails 11 , by means of an axis 47 which is perpendicular to the rails 11. A return spring 49 tends to keep the cleat 47 in the active position to cooperate with the heel 24 and allow the carriage to move in due time.

 A cleat 47 can be installed in the same way at the entrance to the drawing bench 6 to allow movement of the carriage after the introduction of the last bale into the sheath. As with the cross member 21, the cross member 46 is preferably adjustable relative to the rails 11.

Claims (10)

- CLAIMS  1.- Method of sheathing bales of plants in a tubular plastic film by means of a carriage which moves as the sheath is filled, consisting of: - handling a bale by means of a machine provided a loading arm which is equipped with a pair of pins (15) for example, - depositing said bale on said carriage upstream of the storage supports for the tubular plastic film, in pushing said bale into the sheath, in support against the previous bale, - to move said carriage by a step corresponding to the length of said bale, by means of the loader, characterized in that it consists in pushing said bale by means of a push-ejector device disposed on said arm loader (4), to cause the machine to move by reaction by said loader arm and simultaneously, to drive said carriage (1) over a distance which corresponds at least to the length of the bale (2) last deposited on said carriage .  2.- loader arm for implementing the method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an ejector pusher device incorporated in the pin holder frame (16), behind said pins (15), which frame has hooking means (42) on the end of the loader arm (4).  3.- loader arm according to claim 2, characterized in that the ejector pusher device comprises a sort of compass which is deployed under the effect of a hydraulic cylinder (31) for example, displacing a pusher (19) proper, on a stroke C which is at least equal to the length of the bale (2), so as to eject said bale from the pins (15) of the pin holder frame and to move the sheathing carriage by a pitch which corresponds to the less to the length of the ejected bale.  4.- loader arm according to claim 3, characterized in that the compass consists of a first branch (25) whose length corresponds substantially to the width of the bale (2), which branch is articulated to one of its ends on an axis (26) integral with the pin holder frame and, with a second branch (27) articulated at the other end of the first branch, and which is provided at its free end, with the pusher (19) centered relative to the median vertical plane of the two pins (15), which first branch (25) is movable under the effect of the jack (31) causing, during its pivoting, the deployment of the second branch (27) so that the pusher (19) remains substantially centered on said median vertical plane, throughout its travel.  5.- loader arm according to claim 4, characterized in that the second branch (27) is deployed around its axis of articulation (29) located at the end of the arm (25), by means of a chain or cable (34) which is wound on a circular sector of a pulley (35), which cable is integral with the second branch (35) and in particular at one of its ends, of the circular sector, The other end (39) being integral with the frame (16) at a point chosen to allow movement of the pusher (19) along a line which is substantially in the vertical median plane of the pins (15).  6.- loader arm according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the pin holder frame (16) has a heel or shoe (24) which, on the one hand, serves as a benchmark for positioning said frame at the time of the racking-in operation of a ball in order to always position the same ball in said manner with respect to said frame, and on the other hand, serves as a traction and drive member for the carriage (1) ejection of the ball, in cooperation with a crosspiece (21) disposed on said carriage.  7.- sheathing trolley for implementing the method according to claim 1, cooperating with the loader arm (4) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a sole (10) consisting of two rails (11 ) at least, which extend over a length at least equal to twice the length of a bale (2) and the downstream end of which is arranged in a cantilever in the inlet of the sheath, which rails are integral with the frame (5) of the carriage and comprise a crosspiece (21) disposed at their upstream part, at a distance from the supports (7) on which the sheath is stored, which is at least equal to the length of a bale ( 2).  8.- Sheathing trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that the cross-member (21), disposed on the upstream part of the rails (11), is fixed to said rails by means of flanges (22) which make it possible to adjust the position of said cross member to adapt the size of the sole (10) to that of the balls capable of being deposited there.  9.- sheathing trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that the rails (11) extend overhang in the sheath located downstream of said trolley and are supported and guided on the ends of the supports (7 ) on which said sheath is stored.  10.- Sheathing trolley according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one crosspiece (46) fixed under the rails, provided with a cleat (45) which retracts under the balls, cooperating with the heel (24) of the loader arm (4) for moving the carriage during the sheathing of the bales and the last bale.