GB2254824A - Baler - Google Patents

Abstract

Baling apparatus 1 for forming a round bale comprises a main framework 4 carrying an upstream end plate 5 and a downstream end plate 6. Baling rollers 15 rotate in the end plates 5 and 6 and define a baling chamber 16. The baling rollers rotate the material in the baling chamber 14 to form a bale. Material is fed into the chamber 16 through an inlet 28 between a pair of rollers 15a, 15b. A formed bale is discharged through an outlet opening 13 in the end plate 6. A cutter 38 movable tranversely in the direction of arrow C cuts and parts the swath of material being fed into the baling chamber from the material being baled in the baling chamber. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to apparatus for baling material, and in particular, though not limited, to apparatus for baling hay, straw and other fibre like material into a substantially round bale.

Balers for forming hay, straw and other fibre materials into round bales are known. In general, such balers form a bale of substantially solid cylindrical shape of diameter from 1 Meter to 4 Meters and of length from 1 Meter to 4 Meters. In general, such balers comprise a baling chamber within which the material to be baled is formed into an elongated bale.

As the baled material issues from the baling chamber, the baled material is parted with a knife from the material being baled to form a round bale. One problem with such devices is that in general, it is difficult to part the baled material. Another problem of such round balers is that it is generally relatively difficult to maintain consistent density, and indeed, to control the density of the baled material.

There is therefore a need for apparatus for baling material, and in particular, apparatus for forming a round bale which overcomes the problems of known balers.

According to the invention there is provided apparatus for forming a round bale, the apparatus comprising a framework, a plurality of baling rollers rotatably mounted in the framework and extending in a generally longitudinal direction and being arranged relative to each other to define a longitudinally extending hollow baling chamber, the baling chamber defining a central longitudinal axis and having an upstream end and a downstream end, the downstream end of the baling rollers defining an outlet extending transversely of the baling chamber through which baled material is discharged from the baling chamber, a longitudinally extending inlet being formed between a pair of spaced apart baling rollers through which material to be baled is fed into the baling chamber, means for rotating at least some of the baling rollers for rotating the material to be baled around the central longitudinal axis in the baling chamber, parting means for parting a swath of material being fed into the baling chamber for forming a parting in the material being baled for subsequently parting off a bale, the parting means being mounted for parting the swath transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the baling chamber, and being movable in a generally downstream direction relative to the baling chamber for forming the parting to part off a formed bale as the bale is being formed, and means for moving the parting means in the generally downstream direction being provided.

Preferably, the baling chamber is of substantially circular cross-section.

Advantageously, the inlet extends substantially the length of the baling chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention the baling rollers define a baling chamber which tapers inwardly in a generally upstream direction.

In another embodiment of the invention monitoring means for monitoring the longitudinal movement of the material in the baling chamber is provided, the means for moving the parting means being responsive to the monitoring means.

Preferably, the monitoring means comprises a central spindle co-axially mounted in the baling chamber, and engagement means being mounted on the central spindle, the engagement means being movable by the material being baled in a generally longitudinal downstream direction. Advantageously, the central spindle is rotatably mounted for rotation by the action of the material being baled, and first comparing means is provided for comparing the movement of the engagement means and the rotation of the central spindle, the means for moving the parting means being responsive to the first comparing means.

In one embodiment of the invention the longitudinal movement of the engagement means is converted into rotational movement, the rotational movement of the respective central spindle and the engagement means being fed into respective half shaft inputs of a differential gear unit and an output from the differential gear unit being taken from a main output shaft of the differential gear unit.

In a further embodiment of the invention second comparing means is provided for comparing the output on the main output shaft of the differential gear unit with the movement of the parting means, the means for moving the parting means being responsive to the second comparing means.

Advantageously, the second comparing means comprises a potentiometer.

In one embodiment of the invention tensioning means is provided for varying the density of the formed bale, the tensioning means being provided on the main output shaft of the differential gear unit.

Advantageously, the tensioning means comprises a friction brake.

In a further embodiment of the invention means for counting the number of revolutions of the main output shaft of the differential gear unit is provided.

Advantageously, a plurality of engaging means are provided, each engaging means comprising an elongated engaging member extending radial outwardly of the spindle and being movable longitudinally relative to the spindle in a generally downstream direction under the action of the material being baled.

Preferably, a plurality of pairs of rotatable discs are provided in the central spindle, the respective axes of the discs of each pair of discs being offset, the engaging members being connected to respective pairs of discs, so that movement of each engaging member in a generally longitudinal direction causes rotation of the respective discs. Preferably, transmission means are provided for connecting the rotational movement of the discs to one of the half shaft inputs of the differential gear unit.

In another embodiment of the invention return means is provided for returning the parting means in a generally upstream direction.

Advantageously, the parting means comprises a cutting blade. Preferably, the cutting blade is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the centre longitudinal axis of the baling chamber.

Advantageously, the parting means is provided outside the inlet.

In one embodiment of the invention the means for rotating at least some of the baling rollers comprises drive transmission means. Preferably, the drive transmission means for driving at least some of the baling rollers is responsive to the main output shaft of the differential gear unit. Advantageously, the drive transmission means is adapted for connecting to a power take-off shaft of a tractor.

In one embodiment of the invention the means for moving the parting means comprises a motor.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention for forming a round bale, Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 of the apparatus of Fig. 1 with portion of the apparatus removed, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a sectional end elevational view of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of a detail of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of portion of the detail of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a plan view of the portion of Fig. 7, Fig. 9 is a sectional side view of another detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of portion of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 11 is a cut-away perspective view of a detail of the apparatus of Fig. 1, Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the detail of Fig. 11, Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of portion of the detail of Fig. 11, Fig. 14 is a plan view of the portion of Fig. 13, and Figs. 15 to 17 are circuit diagrams of electrical circuitry for controlling the operation of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for forming a round bale of hay, straw or any other fibre type material, for convenience hereinafter referred to as material. The apparatus 1 comprises a main framework 4 which comprises a pair of spaced apart end plates, namely, an upstream end plate 5 and a downstream end plate 6. Tie members 8 retain the upstream and downstream end plates 5 and 6 together. Side members 10 and 11 extend from the end plates 5 and 6, respectively, and are joined by a cross member 12 and form a conveyor 14 as will be described below. A subframework 130 extends from the cross member 12 and carries a toe hitch 131 for connecting the apparatus 1 to a tractor (not shown) for towing.A pair of ground engaging wheels 2 are rotatable on a shaft 3 mounted to and extending between the side members 10 and 11.

A plurality of baling rollers 15 are rigidly mounted on shafts 17 which are in turn rotatable in bearings (not shown) in the end plates 5 and 6. The baling rollers 15 extend in a generally longitudinal direction between the end plates 5 and 6 and are arranged to define a longitudinally extending hollow baling chamber 16 of substantially circular crosssection, within which the material is formed into a round bale. The baling chamber 16 defines a central longitudinally extending axis, and extends between the upstream end plate 5 and the downstream end plate 6.

Means for rotating the baling rollers 15, described below, rotates the baling rollers 15 in the direction of the arrow A. The rotational action of the baling rollers 15 on the material in the baling chamber 16 causes the material to rotate in the baling chamber 16 in the direction of the arrow B around the central axis. The baling rollers 15 at their downstream end define an outlet 18 extending transversely of the baling chamber 16 through which baled material is discharged from the baling chamber 16 and through an outlet opening 13 in the downstream end plate 6. The baling chamber 16 tapers inwardly in a generally upstream direction for urging the baled material in a generally downstream direction through the outlet opening 13. The baling rollers 15 also taper in a generally upstream direction for accommodating the taper of the baling chamber 16.

A longitudinally extending inlet 28 to the baling chamber 16 through which material is fed into the baling chamber 16 is formed between a pair of spaced apart baling rollers 15, namely, between the baling rollers 15a and 15b on one side of the baling chamber 16. The baling rollers 15a and 15b are spaced apart along their entire length to form the inlet 28, and accordingly, the inlet 28 extends longitudinally along and substantially the length of the baling chamber 16.

Closure means, namely, a closure plate 112, see Figs. 1 and 2, is pivotally mounted on the downstream end plate 6 by a hinge 113 for closing the outlet opening 13. An hydraulic ram 116 connected between the closure plate 112 and a bracket 117 on the framework 4 pivots the closure plate from a closed position illustrated in Fig. 1 to an open position illustrated in Fig. 2 extending outwardly and raised well clear of the outlet 13. The closure plate 112 is provided to cause back pressure when the apparatus is in a start up state. Once the baling chamber 16 is filled with the material to be baled, the closure plate 112 is opened and remains open while the apparatus is in operation.

A plurality of support rollers 19 are rotatably mounted in the downstream end plate 6 and extend outwardly of the outlet opening 13 for supporting the baled material until a parted off bale has fully exited from the baling chamber 16 through the outlet opening 13. In practice, the support rollers 19 extend from the downstream end plate 6 at least half the overall length of a round bale. The support rollers 19 are driven in the direction of the arrow A by a drive transmission means (not shown) from the baling rollers 15 so that the support rollers 19 rotate at a substantially similar speed to the baling rollers 15 for rotating a bale supported thereon at a speed substantially similar to that of the baled material issuing through the outlet opening 13.

The means for rotating the baling rollers 15 comprises drive transmission means, which comprises a ring gear 20 rotatably mounted on the upstream end plate 5. The ring gear 20 is provided with inner gear teeth 21 and outer gear teeth 22. The inner gear teeth 21 engage a plurality of gears 23 fast on the shafts 17 of respective baling rollers 15 for driving the baling rollers 15 in the direction of the arrows A. The drive transmission means also comprises a gear 24 rotatably mounted on the upstream end plate 5 which engages the outer gear teeth 22 for driving the ring gear 20. The gear 24 is driven by a power take-off shaft of the tractor to which the apparatus 1 is hitched. A drive shaft 152 transmits drive from the power take-off shaft of the tractor to a gear box 46 mounted on the end member 12.A shaft 145 carrying a sprocket 146 is rotatably mounted on the end member 12 in bearings (not shown), and is driven through the gear box 46. A chain 147 around the sprocket 146 and a sprocket 148 drives the gear 24 through a variable speed drive 25. A chain 141 around sprockets 142 and 143 transmits drive from the variable speed drive 25 to the gear 24. The gear 24 and sprocket 143 are fast on a shaft 140 to which drive is transmitted to the gear 24. A servo-motor 150 controls the output speed of the variable speed drive 25 under the control of control circuitry which is described below for varying the rotational speed of the baling rollers 15.

The conveyor 14 comprises a conveying platform 30 which delivers the material to be baled into the baling chamber 16 through the inlet 28. The platform 30 is formed by a plurality of lathes 31 extending from the inlet 28 and supported on support members (not shown) extending between the side members 10 and 11 of the conveyor 14. A pick up drum 33 fast on a shaft 34 which is rotatable in bearings (not shown) in the side members 10 and 11 picks up material, for example, hay from a field or the like and delivers it onto the platform 30, and in turn urges the material in swaths on the platform 30 in through the inlet 28.

A plurality of radial extending pick up spikes 35 extend from the drum 33 between the lathes 31 for picking up the material. A drive transmission (not shown) from the gear box 46 drives the drum 33 in the direction of the arrow H for picking up and delivering the material onto the lathes 31. A conveying roller 49 fast on a shaft 50 which is rotatable in the side members 10 and 11 delivers the material from the conveying platform 30 through the inlet 28 into the baling chamber 16. Gears 52 and 59 transmit drive from the ring gear 20 to the conveying roller 49 which is driven in the direction of the arrow J for feeding the material through the inlet 28.

Parting means for parting the swath of material as it enters the inlet 28 for parting the material being baled in the baling chamber 16, for subsequently parting a bale from the material being baled, comprises a cutter 38 rotatably mounted on and driven through a gear box 39. The cutter 38 is mounted adjacent the inlet 28 outside the baling chamber 16.

The cutter 38 is movable in the direction of the arrows C and D and in a generally longitudinal direction relative to the baling chamber 16 along the inlet 28. When the cutter 38 is moving in a downstream direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow C, the cutter 38 cuts and parts a swath of material being fed into the baling chamber 16 for subsequently parting a bale as will be described below. The cutter 38 is returned in an upstream direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow D, for commencing parting of a swath of material for parting the next bale to be formed.

Referring in particular to Figs. 6 to 8, the cutter 38 comprises four arcuate cutting blades 40 which cooperate with a stationary blade 42 extending from the gear box 39 for cutting the swath of material. The blades 40 are formed from a disc 43 which is fast on a shaft 36 extending from the gear box 39. A guide bar 44 extends from the shaft. 36 for preventing roping of the material, in other words, for preventing the action of the cutting blades 40 winding the material into a rope formation. A support bar 54 extending from the cross member 12 supports the gear box 39 so that the cutter 38 is substantially adjacent the inlet 28. The support bar 54 is pivotally connected to a mounting member 37 extending from the gear box 39 and also is pivotally connected to a bracket 58 mounted on the cross member 12.A drive shaft 45 extends between the gear box 39 and the gear box 46 for driving the blades 40. Universal joints 47 connect the drive shaft 45 to the gear boxes 39 and 46. A linkage member 55 is pivotally connected to the gear box 39 by a mounting member 56 extending rigidly from the gear box 39 and to a bracket 57 extending from the cross member 12. The linkage member 55 and the support bar 54 are thus connected to move with a parallelogram action, which in turn causes the cutter 38 to move longitudinally along the inlet 28. A lead screw 51 extending between and rotatably mounted in the side members 10 and 11 engages a nut 48 mounted on the linkage member 55 for moving the cutter 38 in the direction of the arrows C and D. The lead screw is driven by a drive motor 53 mounted on the side member 10 of the conveyor 14.The control circuitry described below controls operation of the drive motor 53. Sensing means comprising a pair of limit switches 99 and 100 illustrated only in Figs. 3 and 15 are mounted along the lead screw 51 for sensing the position of the cutter 38 and for changing the direction of longitudinal movement of the cutter 38.

The limit switches 99 and 100 are positioned to be tripped by the nut 48 when the cutter 38 reaches the end of a longitudinal stroke in the relevant direction.

Monitoring means for monitoring the material being baled in the baling chamber 16 and in particular, the movement of the material in the downstream longitudinal direction as the bale is being formed comprises a central spindle 60 rotatably mounted in the upstream end plate 5 in bearings 61, see Fig. 10 for the bearings 61. The spindle 60 extends coaxially with and through the baling chamber 16. The spindle 60 is rotatable in the baling chamber 16 by the action of the material being baled in the baling chamber -16. Engaging means provided by a plurality of engaging members 62 are mounted in the spindle 60 as will be described below and extend radially from the spindle 60 through longitudinally extending slots 63 for engaging the material being baled.The engaging members 62 are movable longitudinally in a downstream direction relative to the baling chamber 16 by the action of the material being baled moving in a downstream direction through the baling chamber 16.

Accordingly the rate of movement of the engaging members 62 is directly proportional to the rate of movement of the material being baled in the downstream longitudinal direction.

First comparing means for comparing the movement of the engaging members 62 and the rotation of the spindle 60 comprises a differential gear unit 64 which is illustrated schematically in Fig. 10. The differential gear unit 64 is mounted on the outer side of the upstream end plate 5, but for convenience the differential gear unit is only illustrated in Fig. 10.

The engaging members 62 are arranged in sets of four and are mounted in between pairs of discs 65 which are rotatably mounted within the spindle 60, see Figs. 11 to 14. In this embodiment of the invention, four sets of four engaging members 62 are provided, two of which pairs extend upwardly through the spindle 60 into the baling chamber 16 and two of which extend downwardly through the spindle 60 into the baling chamber 16. In Fig. 11 two sets of four engaging members 62 are illustrated. The sets of engaging members 62a extend upwardly from the spindle 60 while the engaging members 62b extend downwardly from the spindle 60.

The rotational axes of the discs 65 are offset as can be seen in Figs. 11 and 14 and connecting members 66 extending rigidly from the engaging members 62 are pivotally connected at opposite ends 67 to respective discs 65 to maintain the orientation of the engaging members 62 constant, in other words, extending in a radial direction from the spindle 60. A sprocket 68 is provided on one disc 65 of each of the pairs of discs 65 and a chain 69 passes over the sprockets 68 which, in turn, drives a sprocket 70, see Fig. 10.

Thus, movement of the engaging members 62 longitudinally relative to the spindle 60 cause rotation of the sprocket 70.

A pair of intermeshing bevel gears 71 transfer drive from the sprocket 70 into a half-shaft input of the differential gear unit 64. One of the bevel gears 71 is driven by the sprockets 70, while the other bevel gear 71 is fast on a shaft 78 which extends through the spindle 60 and is connected fast to a pinion 72 of one of the half-shaft inputs of the differential gear unit 64. A bevel gear 73 fast on the spindle 60 transmits drive from the spindle 60 through bevel gears 74 and 75 and in turn through a shaft 76 into the other half shaft input of the differential gear unit 74. The shaft 76 rigidly engages a pinion 77 in the differential unit 64. The bevel gears 73, 74 and 75 reverse the direction of rotation of drive onto the shaft 76 from the spindle. 60.An opening (not shown) is provided through the bevel gear 73 for accommodating the shaft 78 between the bevel gear 71 and the pinion 72. A main output shaft 80 from the differential unit 64 rotates at a speed which is dependent upon the difference of rotational speeds of the spindle 60 and the sprocket 70. Accordingly, the differential gear unit 64 essentially acts as a first comparing means for comparing the movement of the engagement members 62 and the rotational speed of the spindle 60. This enables the density of the bale being formed to be monitored, in other words, whether the bale is tightly or loosely formed, and also the rate of longitudinal movement of the bale in the baling chamber 16.

Tensioning means for varying the density of the bale being formed comprises a friction brake 82 which comprises a brake disc 83 mounted fast on the output shaft 80 of the differential gear unit 64. Brake pads 84 on a brake mechanism 85 are engagable with the brake disc 83. The mechanism 85 comprises a fixed member 86 and a pivotal member 87 pivotally connected to the fixed member 86 by a pivot pin 88. An adjusting screw 89 co-operating with the fixed member 86 and the pivot member 87 provides for adjusting the friction force between the pads 84 and the brake disc 83. On increasing the friction force between the pads 84 and the brake disc 83, the density of a bale is increased, and on reducing the friction force, the bale density reduced.

Second comparing means for comparing the output of the output shaft 80 of the differential gear unit 64 with the movement of the cutter 38, in this case, the rate of longitudinal movement in the downstream direction, namely, the direction of the arrow C of the cutter 38, comprises a potentiometer 90 mounted on a shaft 91 which compares the relative difference of movement between the shaft 91 and the output shaft 80. The shafts 80 and 91 are co-axial and both engage the potentiometer 90. The shaft 91 is driven through a bevelled gear drive 92 by the lead screw 51 through a ratchet sprocket 93 and chain 94. A sprocket 95 on a shaft 96 of the lead screw 51 drives the chain 94.

The ratchet sprocket 93 is arranged so that drive is only transmitted to the shaft 91 when the cutter 38 is moving in the direction of the arrow C. An electrical output from the potentiometer 90 is provided on three commutator brushes 98 which, through control circuitry as will be described below, controls the speed of the drive motor 53 and in turn the lead screw 51. This enables the rate of movement of the cutter 38 in the direction of the arrow C to be substantially synchronised with the rate of movement in the downstream direction of the material being baled in the baling chamber.

A generator 114, see Fig. 10, is driven by the main output shaft 80 from the differential gear unit 64 by a chain drive 115. An electrical output from the generator 114 is delivered to a control circuit described below for controlling the speed of the servo-motor 150 of the variable speed drive 25 which drives the baling rollers 15 for varying the speed of the baling rollers 15 for in turn varying the density of the bale.

A bobbin 105 for carrying twine for tying the bales as they are delivered through the outlet opening 13 is rotatably mounted on a shaft 106 mounted on the downstream end plate 6. Twine is dispensed from the bobbin 105 and is wrapped around the formed bale as it is being delivered through the outlet opening 13. A cutter 155 for cutting the twine is mounted on the downstream end plate 6 which cuts the twine adjacent the parting between the bale and the material being formed into a bale as the end of the bale passes through the outlet opening 13. The cutter 155 is illustrated in detail in Fig. 9 and comprises a cutter blade 156 pivotally carried on an arm 157 extending from a solenoid 158 which is mounted on the downstream end plate 6.A spring returned plunger 160 in the solenoid 158 operates the blade 156 in the direction of the arrow G so that a cutting edge 162 of the blade 156 engages and cuts the twine. The operation of the cutter 155 is controlled by a pair of counters 108 (see Fig. 17) which count the number of rotations of the spindle 60 prior to activating the solenoid 158 of the cutter 155 after the limit switch 100 is tripped by the cutter 38 on reaching the end of its stroke in the downstream direction. This permits passage of the portion of the bale still in the baling chamber 16 after the cutter 38 has tripped the limit switch 100 to exit through the outlet 18. A terminal F of the limit switch 100 is connected to a set pin of one of the counters 108 for activating the counters 108.The cutter 155 is pivoted into the cutting position in the direction of the arrow G for cutting the twine and remains in the cutting position for a predetermined number of revolutions of the spindle 60 to ensure that the twine has been cut.

Proximity detectors 110 and 111, see Figs. 10 and 17, count the number of revolutions of the spindle 60 and the output shaft 80 of the differential gear unit 64, respectively. The output of the proximity detectors 110 and 111 are fed to counters 108 (see Fig. 17) for determining when the solenoid 158 of the cutter 155 is to be activated for cutting the twine. The proximity detector 110 by counting the number of revolutions of the spindle 60 effectively counts the number of rotations of the bale in the baling chamber 16, since the number of rotations of the bale is directly proportional to the number of revolutions of the spindle 60. The proximity detector 111 gives an indication of the longitudinal movement of the bale through the baling chamber 16.

Referring now to Figs. 15 to 17, control circuits for controlling the operation of the apparatus 1 are illustrated. A control circuit 119, see Fig. 16, controls the servo-motor 150 for regulating the variable speed drive 25. The variable speed drive 25 is a variable speed drive unit and the servo-motor 150 is powered through a twelve volt DC supply through a Darlington pair of transistors indicated generally by the reference numeral 120. The voltage applied to the servo-motor 150 is determined by the output voltage from the generator 114 and the minimum speed is set by a potentiometer P1, see Fig. 16.Accordingly, as the output from the generator 114 increases as a result of the output shaft 80 from the differential gear unit 64 speeding up, the voltage applied to the servo-motor 150 is increased, thereby increasing the output speed of the variable speed drive 25 to speed up the baling rollers 15, thereby compensating for the increase in the rate of movement of the material being baled longitudinally through the baling chamber 16. This provides an even wrap of twine on the bales. Slowing down of the shaft 80 reduces the speed of the variable speed drive 25 to the preset minimum speed set by the potentiometers P1 and P2.

A control circuit 124 controls the speed of the drive motor 53 which drives the lead screw 51. The motor 53 is a permanent magnet motor. The control circuit 124 is powered by a twelve volt DC supply from a battery 125. A relay 126 having contacts A, B, C, D, and E delivers power to the drive motor 53. The operation of the relay 126 is controlled by the limit switches 99 and 100, which are tripped as the cutter 38 reaches the end of its respective strokes. When the contacts A and B are closed, power is delivered directly to the motor 53 from the twelve volt supply of the battery 125 for.returning the cutter 38 in an upstream direction relative to the baling chamber 16. When the contacts D and E are closed, power is delivered to the motor 53 through the potentiometer 90 and a power regulating circuit 127.Contact C holds in the relay contacts until the limit switch 99 is tripped.

In use, the apparatus 1 is connected to a tractor or other suitable apparatus for towing and is trailed behind the tractor. The pick-up drum 33 collects hay, straw or the like from a field as the apparatus 1 is being towed and the swath of hay is delivered over the conveying platform 30 through the inlet 28 and into the baling chamber 16. With the baling rollers 15 rotating in the direction of the arrow A, the hay is rotated in the direction of the arrow B around the spindle 60 by the baling rollers 15 in the baling chamber 16. As the hay is being fed in through the inlet 28, the cutter 38 cuts and parts the swath of hay which subsequently forms a parting between a formed bale and the material being baled in the baling chamber 16.The rotation of the hay being baled round the spindle 60 and the longitudinal movement of the hay through the baling chamber 16 is monitored and controlled by the spindle 60 and the engaging members 62. The rate at which the cutter 38 moves in the direction of the arrow C is controlled by the motor which in turn is responsive to the monitoring means, namely, the movement of the engaging members 62 under the action of the longitudinal movement of the hay in the baling chamber 16. As the hay being baled progresses along the baling chamber 16, the cutter 38 under the control of the lead screw 51 moves longitudinally in the direction of the arrow C between the limit switches 99 and 100, thereby continuously forming the parting for parting off a bale when it is formed from the material being baled.Should it be desired to increase or decrease the density of the bale, the pressure of the brake pads 84 on the brake disc 83 of the brake 82 is increased or decreased as the case may be.

As the bale is formed, it is discharged through the outlet opening 13 still rotating and twine dispensed from the bobbin 105 is wound around the bale for tying thereof. On the bale having exited completely through the outlet openings 13, the cutter 155 cuts the twine at the parting between the bale and the material being baled as the end of a bale passes through the outlet opening 13.

On start up of the apparatus and until the baling chamber 16 is filled with material being baled, the closure plate 112 is retained closed as illustrated in Fig. 1 thereby closing the outlet opening 13 for forming back pressure in the baling chamber 16.

Thereafter, the closure plate 112 is opened.

While a particular shape and construction of baling rollers have been described, any other shape and construction of baling rollers may be used.

Needless to say, any other suitable drive means for driving the baling rollers may be provided.

Needless to say, any other suitable parting means besides a cutter may be used. It will also be appreciated that any other suitable means for moving the cutter may be provided other than that described, and while it is preferable, it is not essential that the longitudinal movement of the cutter in the downstream direction should be responsive to a monitoring means. While it is preferable to monitor the baling of the material in the baling chamber, it is not essential. It is envisaged in certain cases that the monitoring means may only monitor the rate of movement in the downstream direction of the material being baled in the baling chamber, in which case, the rate of movement of the cutter or other parting means would be responsive only to such monitoring means.

For example, the monitoring means may comprise movable engaging members on a rigidly mounted central spindle in the baling chamber. The engaging means would be movable by the material being baled in the baling chamber, and the cutter would be responsive to the movement of the engaging members only.

Any other suitable conveyor or any other suitable means may be provided for delivering material to be baled into the baling chamber.

Needless to say, other suitable control circuitry may be used besides the control circuits described and illustrated.

It is envisaged in certain cases that a pressure monitoring arrangement may be provided on one or more of the baling rollers to determine the pressure of the material being baled in the baling chamber. This pressure monitoring arrangement would be connected to the control circuitry for varying the rotational speed or longitudinal speed of the bale in the baling chamber. The pressure monitoring mechanism may also be used for opening the closure plate 112.

Other suitable monitoring means may be provided in the spindle for monitoring movement of the bale through the baling chamber. Needless to say, if desired, other suitable conveying arrangements may be provided for conveying the material to be baled into the baling chamber. For example, in certain cases, it is envisaged that lathes may be provided over the lathes 31 for maintaining the material relatively flat on the conveyor. Further, any number of cutting blades may be provided on the cutter .38 and any number of arms 44 may be provided to stop the roping effect which may be caused by the cutter. Furthermore, any number of engaging members 62 may be provided on the discs, for example, two, three or four may be provided. Needless to say, any number of sets of engaging members may be provided.

While the central spindle in the baling chamber has been described as being rotatably mounted, in certain embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that the central spindle may be fixedly mounted on the upstream end plate 5, or may be rotatably or fixedly mounted to any other suitable part of the apparatus.

Claims (25)

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for forming a round bale, the apparatus comprising a framework, a plurality of baling rollers rotatably mounted in the framework and extending in a generally longitudinal direction and being arranged relative to each other to define a longitudinally extending hollow baling chamber, the baling chamber defining a central longitudinal axis and having an upstream end and a downstream end, the downstream end of the baling rollers defining an outlet extending transversely of the baling chamber through which baled material is discharged from the baling chamber, a longitudinally extending inlet being formed between a pair of spaced apart baling rollers through which material to be baled is fed into the baling chamber, means for rotating at least some of the baling rollers for rotating the material to be baled around the central longitudinal axis in the baling chamber, parting means for parting a swath of material being fed into the baling chamber for forming a parting in the material being baled for subsequently parting off a bale, the parting means being mounted for parting the swath transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the baling chamber, and being movable in a generally downstream direction relative to the baling chamber for forming the parting to part off a formed bale as the bale is being formed, and means for moving the parting means in the generally downstream direction being provided.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the baling chamber is of substantially circular crosssection.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the inlet extends substantially the length of the baling chamber.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the baling rollers define a baling chamber which tapers inwardly in a generally upstream direction.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which monitoring means for monitoring the longitudinal movement of the material in the baling chamber is provided, the means for moving the parting means being responsive to the monitoring means.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 in which the monitoring means comprises a central spindle coaxially mounted in the baling chamber, and engagement means being mounted on the central spindle, the engagement means being movable by the material being baled in a generally longitudinal downstream direction.

7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 6 in which the central spindle is rotatably mounted for rotation by the action of the material being baled, and first comparing means is provided for comparing the movement of the engagement means and the rotation of the central spindle, the means for moving the parting means being responsive to the first comparing means.

8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 in which the longitudinal movement of the engagement means is converted into rotational movement, the rotational movement of the respective central spindle and the engagement means being fed into respective half shaft inputs of a differential gear unit and an output from the differential gear unit being taken from a main output shaft of the differential gear unit.

9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 in which second comparing means is provided for comparing the output bn the main output shaft of the differential gear unit with the movement of the parting means, the means for moving the parting means being responsive to the second comparing means.

10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which the second comparing means comprises a potentiometer.

11. Apparatus as claimed.in any of Claims 8 to 10 in which tensioning means is provided for varying the density of the formed bale, the tensioning means being provided on the main output shaft of the differential gear unit.

12. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 11 in which the tensioning means comprises a friction brake.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 12 in which means for counting the number of revolutions of the main output shaft of the differential gear unit is provided.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 13 in which a plurality of engaging means are provided, each engaging means comprising an elongated engaging member extending radial outwardly of the spindle and being movable longitudinally relative to the spindle in a generally downstream direction under the action of the material being baled.

15. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 in which a plurality of pairs of rotatable discs are provided in the central spindle, the respective axes of the discs of each pair of discs being offset, the engaging members being connected to respective pairs of discs, so that movement of each engaging member in a generally longitudinal direction causes rotation of the respective discs.

16. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 in which transmission means are provided for connecting the rotational movement of the discs to one of the half shaft inputs of the differential gear unit.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which return means is provided for returning the parting means in a generally upstream direction.

18. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the parting means comprises a cutting blade.

19. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 18 in which the cutting blade is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the centre longitudinal axis of the baling chamber.

20. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the parting means is provided outside the inlet.

21. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the means for rotating at least some of the baling rollers comprises drive transmission means.

22. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 in which the drive transmission means for driving at least some of the baling rollers is responsive to the main output shaft of the differential gear unit.

23. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 or 22 in which the drive transmission means is adapted for connecting to a power take-off shaft of a tractor.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the means for moving the parting means comprises a motor.

25. Apparatus for forming a round bale, the apparatus being substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.