KR20230071774A - Bale wrapping machines and unloading equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapper, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and circular sidewalls, the machine configured to: (i) wrap the bale and rotate the bale around a substantially horizontal axis. Support means for supporting; (ii) at least one wrapping arm that supplies a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale rotates around its horizontal axis; and (iii) a loading arm for loading the bale to the support means, wherein the loading arm also functions as an end tip to tip the bale to one of the flat ends of the bale during unloading. packer.

Description

Bale wrapping machines and unloading equipment

The present invention relates to bale wrapping machines and offload mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wrapping machines for wrapping bales of materials are well known. The present invention relates to a wrapping machine, in particular a bale-wrapping machine for wrapping bales with plastic wrapping film, suitable for direct mounting before or after a tractor. The present invention is particularly directed to the production of heaps of agricultural silage, grain, hay, straw, maize, beet pulp, beet tops, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "feed"). , preferably to a packaging machine for packaging with an airtight and water tight plastic film. The device of the present invention is also suitable for miniaturization and packaging of common farm and agricultural waste, such as waste plastic and others, and other coarse materials and objects such as peat moss, sawdust, wood shavings, wood chippings ), brewery waste, bricks, blocks, cartons and others.

It has become a typical method in agriculture to make harvested fodder into cylindrical bales, commonly referred to as "round bales" and having two flat ends and circular sidewalls, and square or rectangular bales, then wrapped with plastic film. . This is a method that is particularly suitable for production of candles, since each candle is airtight in a wrapped bale, which is typically wrapped in 6-ply plastic film. Machines for wrapping cylindrical bales with plastic film are described, for example, in GB 2191984 A, GB 2228246A and EP 0208034A (GB 2159489B).

The bale wrapping machine described in that patent consists of a wheeled chassis pulled by a tractor. The chassis is equipped with a tipping platform that supports the turntable. The turntable rotates around a vertical axis. The turntable is equipped with a pair of spaced apart rollers, each rotating about a horizontal axis. An endless belt is pulled between the rollers and rotated with the rollers. In order to wrap a large round bale of feed material in a plastic film, the round bale is lifted onto a turntable by means of a lift arm. The Veil is placed on top of the Infinity Belt. The free end of a roll of plastic film is attached to the bale and the turntable is then rotated around a generally vertical axis to wrap the film sheet around the bale. If there is no movement of the bale around the longitudinal axis of the bale, the bale will only be wrapped in a single band with a thickness equal to the width of the plastic film. However, each rotation of the turntable moves the endless belt a certain distance, whereby the bale rolls around its surface, i.e. around its horizontal axis. This rolling of the bale on the belt wraps a new area of the bale with film each time the turntable rotates, ultimately completely covering the bale with a large overlap of plastic films.

In the bale-wrapping machine, the bale to be wrapped is placed on a turntable which rotates around a vertical axis, and an arm/dispenser for a plastic film roll is fixed. By rotating the bale around a vertical axis, the film is unwound from the feeder. However, it is also known from the prior art, for example EP2348809, EP0110110, DE 3642513, and GB2193683, that the bale is mounted on rollers which rotate the bale only around a horizontal axis. In this arrangement, a rotational support arm for the film feeder is provided to rotate the film feeder around the bale, around the vertical axis, while the bale turns around the horizontal axis.

The present invention relates to all types of machines mentioned above.

A problem associated with cylindrical bales is that the bales may roll when being unloaded from the packaging machine onto the circular sidewalls of the bales. Considering the weight of the bale, this can be a significant risk as the bale may roll and cause damage or damage. This problem is aggravated when the bale is unloaded on a slope.

One solution to this problem is to use so-called end tips. An end tip in the context of the present invention is a mechanism that tips over the bale to the top of the bale. Generally, the end tip is in the form of a bumper/buffer or arm, which leans against at least a portion of the bale to be unloaded during unloading, causing the bale to fall to one of the flats. Typically when the bale is unloaded the bale is lowered to the ground, one end being supported by the end tips but not the other end. This causes the bale to rotate, since the unsupported tiers fall toward the ground but the supported tiers do not. Therefore, it is converted from the position placed on the side of the veil circular to the position placed on the flat platform.

Also, the wrapped bales have more plastic cover on the flat end, so they are better protected from damage, eg puncture when placed on the bottom, eg stones and stumps. Also, when the bale is erected in stages in this way, it retains its shape well, because the bale is prevented from swelling due to the string or netting that integrally ties the bale materials together. When placed with a circular aspect, the bale changes over time or becomes compressed.

WO2015185732 by the present applicant illustrates such an end-tip mechanism. For example, in Fig. 17, reference numeral 701 is a fixed arm used to erect a cylindrical bale as a bale flat after packaging. During unloading, the bale is moved from the machine, dropped to the ground and supported by a fixed arm, and the bale is rotated to stand upright on a flat platform.

As the bale comes off the machine higher than the ground, one end of the bale is temporarily supported and the bale is rotated with one end.

As the bale rolls off the machine with off-centre end tips, the bale rotates sideways as it is unloaded and falls to the ground to stand flat. This process is sometimes poorly controlled. For example, when the machine is operating uphill, the bale drops off the machine relatively quickly and it is difficult to control this movement. Some machines are equipped with rollers to prevent the bales from rolling off the machine without interfering with the end tips for flat bed erection. The impact with these rollers may cause damage to the bale packaging.

There is a need to provide and/or improve alternative end-tip mechanisms for unloading bales from packaging machines.

The present invention provides a bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapper, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and circular sidewalls, the machine comprising:

(i) support means for supporting the bale for wrapping and rotating the bale around a substantially horizontal axis;

(ii) at least one wrapping arm that supplies a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale rotates around its horizontal axis; and

(iii) A loading arm for loading the bale onto the support means;

The machine characterized in that the loading arm also functions as an end tip to tip the bale to one of the flat ends of the bale during unloading.

One arm thus serves two functions and thus provides a simple but efficient machine. During the loading process, the arm acts as a loading arm. During the unloading process, the arm sets the bale down, allowing the tip to recline. Since the end tip mechanism is a modification of the loading mechanism, the machine weight is reduced compared to when they exist as separate mechanisms.

The loading arms typically support only a portion of the bale during unloading and thus the bale is tipped from horizontal to vertical.

This is a simple but effective bale unloading method in which the bale is erected in flat tiers.

The loading arm has a loading configuration, wherein the arm supports the bale from below and raises it as a support means, while having an unloading configuration. At this time, the arm is smaller than the length of the bale and supports only a part of the bale from below. Therefore, in the loading process, The veil has the effect of rotating from horizontal to vertical.

For example, the loading arm is articulated, and in the unloading configuration, the arm is shorter than the length of the bale and supports only a part of the bale from below, so that during the unloading process, the bale is inverted from horizontal to vertical.

Again, this is a simple construction but allows for dual functionality.

Preferably, the support means are tiltable in a downward direction or can be tilted to accommodate the loading of bales. Suitably the loading arm is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means during bale loading. By mounting the end tip to the support means, the loading arm functions as an end tip and also functions as a loading arm separately from the end tip.

Another advantage of a loading arm that functions as an end tip of the present invention is that when attached to the support means/cradle, it can come close to the bale before the support means begins to tilt.

When the support means tilts downward to accommodate the unloading of the bale, the loading arm moves with the cradle as it tilts/tilts. This means that the movement of the veil can always be controlled. As the cradle is tilted/tilted, the bale weight gradually moves from the cradle to the loading arm/end tip and when the end tip reaches the set height, the cradle (and thus the loading arm/end tip) stops and the bale turns sideways to lay the bale flat on the ground. fall to

The loading arm may be mounted to the support means by means of a pivot moving with the support means. This pivot enables one or more of the following:

(i) in the loading configuration of the machine, the loading arm is in line with the support means;

(ii) during the packaging process, the loading arm deviate to one side of the support means;

(iii) In the unloading configuration of the machine, the loading arm is lined up with the support means.

The loading arm moves only in a plane relative to the support means, which plane is at a fixed angle to a horizontal plane passing through the support means. This means that the only movement of the loading arm is a tandem movement for loading, an offset movement for packaging, and then a tandem movement for unloading. This is achieved with a single uniaxial pivot limiting the loading arm to reciprocating motion in a single plane.

In-line means in-line with the support means and typically behind the support means. The rear of the support means is a part of the support means further away from the vehicle to which the bale wrapping machine is coupled, for example a tractor. By offset is meant a displacement relative to the support means, typically to the left or right of the support means.

The lowering and raising of the loading arm to the ground to lift the bale is achieved through a tilting motion of the supporting means, wherein the loading arm is attached to the supporting means. (In this case, the tilting motion of the support means is sufficient to move the loading arm to the desired extent)

The fixed angle may be an obtuse angle between the loading arm and the support means, the obtuse angle being for example between 95 and 120 degrees, for example between 100 and 115 degrees. This makes it possible (in the end-tip configuration) to bring the loading arm close to the bale, in particular during the initial unloading process when the bale is moved from the support means to the loading arm.

For loading the bale on the support means, the bale is supported between the loading arm and the support means, optionally the support means has a bumper on which the bale is leaned and loaded. This means that the loading arm is simple to manufacture as it only touches one side of the bale, since the other side is touched by the support means/bumpers.

The loading arm is preferably L-shaped and has a first arm attached to the bale wrapping machine, eg a support means, and a second arm projecting from the first arm. It has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture.

Preferably the loading arm, eg the second arm, touches at least 50%, eg at least 60%, such as at least 70% of the bale length during loading and less than 50%, eg at least 50% of the bale length during unloading. Less than 40% touch.

A simple way to reduce the length of the bale touched by the second arm during unloading is to reduce the length of the second arm extending along the length of the bale.

The length of the bale encountered by the second arm during unloading can be reduced by, for example, converting an L-shape into a U-shape with the end of the second arm folding back towards the first arm.

From a loading point of view smaller diameter bales can be loaded. For example, poorly made ones. For example, if the end of the loading arm is placed in an intermediate position between the loading position and the end tip position, the width at which the bale is accommodated is reduced and a smaller bale can be loaded.

The loading arm of the present invention temporarily supports one end of the bale and rotates the bale to stand upright with one end during the unloading process.

Preferably, the loading arm is foldable/articulated, with a configuration that is not folded during loading and is folded during unloading.

In the unfolded configuration, the loading arms touch most of the length of the bale. In the folded configuration, the loading arms touch part of the length of the bale, which is less than half the length of the bale, thereby rotating the bale during unloading.

The bale-wrapping machine of the present invention includes attachment points for mounting to the vehicle's three-point connection. It can therefore be transported by machine, for example a tractor, but can also be towed.

The present invention also provides a bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapper, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and circular sidewalls, the machine comprising:

(i) support means for supporting the bale for wrapping and rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis, wherein the bale can be tilted downward to receive a load;

(ii) at least one wrapping arm that supplies a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale rotates around its horizontal axis; and

(iii) includes an end tip for inverting the bale into one of the flats of the bale during unloading;

The machine characterized in that the end tip is mounted on the support means and moves together with the support means when the support means is tilted downward during the bale loading process.

There are two major differences from the present invention described above. First, there may be a loading arm separate from the end tip. For example, a separate endtip arm may be provided on the loading arm. Second, since there is no dual functionality of load and end tip, there is no need to have a separate load and end tip configuration (although of course it is possible to have both configurations if desired - ie the loading arm described above can be used if desired). Thus, the end tip may be rigid (eg not having a mobile/tubular end). For example, it may be an arm formed from continuous parts of tubular material. For example, the end tip may be an end tip arm of the same shape as shown in Figs. 8 to 11, such as a rigid arm.

However, all other features described for the loading/endtip arm above also apply to the present invention.

For example preferably the end tip is mounted to a support means similar to that shown in all figures 1 to 11 by means of a swivel means which is moved with the support means, for example in the form of an end tip arm.

Also preferably, the end tip moves only in a plane relative to the support means, and the plane is at a fixed angle to a horizontal plane passing through the support means.

This means that, like the dual function arm, the end tip is also positioned close to the bale for unloading.

Suitably the fixed angle is an obtuse angle between the loading arm and the support means, the obtuse angle being for example between 95 and 120 degrees, for example between 100 and 115 degrees.

Otherwise, functioning on the same principle of the dual function arm, the bale falls flat and stands upright.

Like the dual function arm, the end tip is preferably moved out of path for packaging. For example, in the stacked configuration of the machine, the end tips are lined up with the support means. However, in order to avoid fouling of the packaging arm or the packaging film during the packaging process, the end tip is preferably deviated, for example to one side of the support means, during the packaging process.

In order to function as an end tip, in the unloading configuration of the machine, the end tip is arranged in line with the supporting means.

In aspects of the present invention, the end tip may be a rigid arm, for example a U-shaped arm.

The bale packing machine according to this aspect may further include a loading arm for loading the bale on the support means, and optionally, the loading arm may be at the front or side of the machine and the end tip at the rear of the machine.

The specific invention will be exemplarily described with reference to the attached document:
1 is a front view of a packaging machine of the present invention;
2 is a side view;
3 to 11 show loading and unloading of bales according to the present invention.

The following description of embodiments of the present invention is not limited. Any features shown and/or described in particular in the drawings may be applied in relation to any embodiment of the present invention, including embodiments set forth in the claims.

The present invention relates to a bale-wrapping machine (1) for wrapping cylindrical bales (2) of material into packages. Bale 2 is illustrated as a large circular bale of feed material, but the bales may be of any material and of various sizes. The cylindrical bale (2) has flat ends (3) and circular side walls (4). It has a central axis 5 passing through the midpoint of the cylindrical bale along the length of the bale (eg see FIG. 4 ). This midpoint is at the center of curvature of the circular sidewall. After packing the bale 2 as described above, it is preferable to drop the bale on the ground in an upright posture with one of the flat ends of the bale 3. When the platform is upright, the central axis (5) of the bale (2) is vertical.

For ease of illustration, the packaging film is omitted.

The packaging machine (1) includes a chassis or frame (10). It has two tubular members 11, 12 which together form a stand bottom 13, 14 (best shown in Figs. 2 and 3) on which it stands upright when the packaging machine is lowered to the ground. Together they also form an upright mast and are connected together to form a pavement arm support 15 . The support 15 forms a mounting portion for the driving mechanism 16 to which a pair of packing arms 7, 8 are attached to the frame. The pavement arms 7, 8 rotate in a known manner so that the pavement is applied. The packaging arms 7 and 8 are driven by a driving mechanism 16 . Typically this is a hydraulic oil driven mechanism.

Although the machine shown in the drawing applies the wrapping material by rotating the arm, the end tip of the present invention can be used in any machine. This means that the arm(s) carrying the wrapping material do not rotate, instead the supporting means comprises a machine equipped with a rotary turntable.

The chassis/frame 10 has cross members 17 and 18 and is mounted to an upper uppermost connecting bracket 20 and a pair of opposite lower arm brackets 19, respectively, to a three-point connection of a vehicle such as a tractor. connection is possible.

A machine attached to a three-point connection is shown, but the packaging machine could also be a towed machine.

Each of the wrapping arms 7 and 8 includes a roll holder 21 holding a roll of the supplied packaging material; When the safety bar (23) collides with an obstacle with a tensioner (22) and a safety bar/stop (23) that pulls the supplied packaging film, the safety bar stops the packaging operation and collides with the packaging arms (7, 8) prevent damage and/or damage caused by

Also part of the chassis/frame 10 forms two support arms 24 extending horizontally and rearwardly. Mounted on the arm 24 is a support means 25 which supports the bale 2 for rotating and wrapping the bale 2 about a substantially horizontal axis. For wrapping purposes, the support means 25 are horizontal and thus the bales 2 are oriented such that the bale central axis 5 is also horizontal. Any suitable means of support may be applied, such as a cradle type as shown. Alternatively, a rotary turntable may actually be used.

The support means 25 has a cradle frame 27 in the shape of a cradle 26 and equipped with a pair of spaced apart rollers 28, each of which rotates around a horizontal axis. An endless belt (not shown) is pulled across the rollers 28 and rotates with the rollers 28 . As the bale (2) pivots around a horizontal axis coinciding with the central axis (5), respectively, the wrapping arms (7, 8) feed the bale with a strip of wrapping material.

A cutting and starting device 30 is provided on one side of the machine 1 . The cutting and initiating device 30 may be of any suitable type, including extending beyond a closed length, for example as described in WO2015185732.

Each cutting and initiating device 30 cuts and retains its own strip of wrapping material supplied from arms 7 and 8 midway through each bale wrapping process.

The machine 1 further comprises a loading arm 40 for loading the bale 2 onto the support means 25 . The loading arm 40 also functions as an end tip to invert the bale 2 to stand upright on one of the flat ends 3 of the bale during unloading. It is detailed below.

The support means 25, in particular the mount 26, can be tilted. For example, the support means 25, in particular the holder 26, can be tilted downward so that the bale can be loaded. This tilting function also allows bales to be unloaded as described below.

The loading arm 40 is mounted on the support means 25 and the loading arm engages with the support means when the support means is tilted.

As shown (eg FIG. 1 ), the loading arm 40 is attached to the support means 25 by means of a fixing bracket 41 . Pivoting movement of the loading arm 40 relative to the support means 25 is possible by the pivot pin/point 42 .

The support means 25 has a fixed bumper 29 on which the bale 2 rests when loaded. The bumper 29 extends transversely across the packaging machine 1 .

The loading arm 40 has a first arm 43 attached to the bale wrapping machine 1 via support means 25 in an L-shape, and a second arm 44 protruding from the first arm 43. ) has The second arm has an end 45, which is pivotally mounted to the rest of the loading arm 40 by means of a pivot mount 46, thereby extending the length of the second arm 44 along the length of the bale 2. As is reduced, the length of the bale (2) touched by the second arm (44) in the unloading process is reduced. Accordingly, the loading arm 40 engages only a part of the bale 2 during the loading process, so that the bale is inverted from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction.

Loading and unloading steps are described below.

The machine is disclosed in the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2 . In this configuration the support means 25 and in particular the mount 26 are arranged in the plane indicated by broken line H in FIG. 2 . At the pavement position, the dashed line H remains horizontal. The plane on which the arm 40 rests is indicated by broken line A in FIG. 2 .

Angle B (see FIG. 2 ) is the angle between the loading arm 40 and the support means 25 as an obtuse angle and is measured from plane H to plane A. Angle B is for example between 95 and 120 degrees, for example between 100 and 115 degrees.

Angle B remains unchanged. Since the loading arm is mounted with a bracket 41 and a pivoting pin 42, the arm 40 can only pivot and maintain a constant angle. The movement of the arm 40 in the direction of the arrow C is only when the support means 25 and especially the holder 26 are tilted.

Preferably in all embodiments of the present invention, for example from FIG. 2B, the loading arm 40 extends upward but is at an angle of 5 to 30 degrees from vertical so that the bale is placed on the support means ( 25) and in particular away from the cradle (26).

In all embodiments, the loading arm 40 is preferably placed proximally to the bale before the support means begin to tip. For example, it may be less than 60 cm, such as less than 50 cm, such as less than 40 cm, suitably less than 30 cm from the bale at the closest point.

In order to wrap the bale 2 with a plastic film, the bale is lifted to the cradle 26 by the lift arm 40. In the mount 26 the bale 2 is oriented so that the circular side wall 4 rests on the endless belt.

The machine proceeds from the configuration of FIGS. 1 and 2 to the loading configuration of FIG. 3 . In FIG. 3 , the support means 25 and particularly the holder 26 are inclined downward to facilitate the loading of the bales 2 . The bale (2) is laid with a cylindrical side wall (4). Tilting may be achieved by any desired method including hydraulic/electrical actuators. Arm 40 pivots around pivot point 42 while maintaining plane A. It is pivoted (by any desired method including hydraulic/electrical actuators) to extend out the side of the packaging machine (1) and thus provide a path for the machine to approach the bale (2). This places the arm in an offset position relative to the bale wrapping machine (1).

The support means 25 is tilted sufficiently so that the arm 40 can contact the ground and lift the bale. Relative movement of the arm 40 and the support means 25 to bring the arm 40 into contact with the ground is not necessary.

In FIG. 4 the machine is brought close to the bale and in particular the bumpers 29 and rollers 28 of the support means 25 are brought close to the bale 2 .

The next step is to rotate the arm 40 90 degrees to its original position in FIGS. 1 and 2 , indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 4 .

As a result, the arm 40 veil 2 is wrapped in the configuration of FIG. 5 . In this loading configuration of the machine, the loading arm 40 is in-line with the machine 1 eg the support means 25 . The loading arm 40 is L-shaped and the first arm 43 is disposed along the flat end 3 of the bale 2. A second arm 44 projecting from the first arm 43 is disposed along the length of the bale 2 . The bale is sandwiched to be raised between the bumper 29 and the loading arm 40.

In all figures, packing arms 7 and 8 are arranged on the side of machine 1 to facilitate loading and unloading.

Then, as indicated by the arrow T in FIG. 5, the support means 25 is tilted in reverse. This action does two things. First, the support means is returned to a position where the plane H is horizontal. Second, since the loading arm 40 and the bumper 29 support the bale 2 together and move in the direction of the arrow T, the bale 2 is raised. As a result, the bale 2 is placed in a loading position on top of the supporting means and is ready for packaging. This location is shown in FIG. 6 .

Before packaging can begin, the arm 40 must be removed from its path. Otherwise, it interferes with the packaging by the packaging arms 7 and 8.

Thus, during the packaging process, the loading arm 40 deviates to one side of the support means 25 and to one side of the machine 1 as shown in FIG. 7 . Packaging proceeds in the usual manner.

For unloading of the bale (2), the loading arm is rotated around the pivot point (42) and moved back to the position shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6. In this machine unloading configuration, therefore, the loading arm 40 is arranged in line with the support means 25 and the machine 1 .

However, the loading arm 40 is reorganized into a loading structure different from the conventional loading structure. The arm now functions as an end tip to lower the bale (2) onto a platform (3).

As shown in particular in FIG. 8 , loading arm 40 is rotated to return to the lined position, as well as end 45 of second arm 44 pivoted about pivot point 46 . (This action can be accomplished by any suitable means, including hydraulic/electrical actuators.) Thus, the length of the bale 2 touched by the second arm 44 during unloading is reduced because the length of the bale 2 This is because the length of the second arm 44 extending along is reduced by this folding operation. Thus, the reach of the bale 2 along its length is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the end 45 of the second arm 44 is bent toward the first arm 43 . This converts the arm 40 from the L-shape of Figs. 1 to 7 to the U-shape shown in Figs. 8 to 11.

The length of the veil (2) in contact with the second arm (44) is reduced by the length of the end (45).

The loading arm 40 (particularly the second arm 44 of the loading arm 40) contacts at least 50%, for example at least 60%, for example at least 70% of the bale length during loading and during unloading the bale length. Less than 50% of, for example less than 40%.

In FIG. 9, unloading of the bale 2 is started while the supporting means 25, in particular, the holder 26 tilts. The bale (2) rests against a loading arm (40) which functions as an end-tip device in a roll-down configuration. Only the end (L) of the bale (2) is supported by the loading arm (40). The other end (M) is unsupported. Also, the configuration of the loading arm 40 now prevents bales from getting caught between the loading arm 40 and the bumper 29 . This causes the weight of the unsupported bale (2) to be off-centre and exceed the weight supported by the loading arm configuration. When the loading arm 40 reaches the set height, the movement of the arm 40 is stopped according to the support means 25, and the bale turns sideways and falls flat on the ground. This operation generates a rotational moment indicated by an arrow D in FIG. 9 . As a result, rotation of the veil 2 from the horizontal orientation shown in FIGS. 3 to 9 to the vertical direction shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is achieved, respectively. In particular, as shown in FIG. 10, which is a step after FIG. 9, the bale (2) stands upright on the ground as a flat end (3). Subsequently, the bale packing machine moves leaving the bale 2 as shown in FIG. 11 .

The sequence is repeated for the next veil. For example, after the bale falls to the ground, the packaging machine returns to the configuration of FIG. 3 and prepares for the next bale. This is done by moving the end 45 of the second arm 44 away from the first arm 43 . This converts the arm 40 from the U-shape of FIGS. 8 to 11 to the L-shape shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 . In addition, the supporting means 25 is further tilted so that the arm 40 comes close to the ground.

Also, the arm 40 can be pivoted back into an out-of-position position so that the next bale can lean against the bumper 29.

Using a control system, one or more of the following actions may be automated to be performed automatically:

(i) loading of bales;

(ii) packing of bales;

(iii) offloading of bales;

(iv) return of machine to bale loading configuration.

For example, after the bale wrapping machine 1 is moved to a position close to the bale, an automated sequence that completes all of the above steps can be initiated.

When fitted with a rear three-point connection, the machine (1) is retracted to the bale for loading. When mounted on the front 3-point connection, the machine is driven (forward) for bale loading.

The loading arm of the present invention is mounted on the support means 25 and moves together with the support means 25 during bale loading and unloading. In particular, the arm is moved according to the tilting motion of the supporting means.

It will be appreciated that the loading arms of the present invention are articulable and smaller than the length of the bale in the unloading configuration so that only a portion of the bale touches underneath and the bale can be rotated from horizontal to vertical during unloading.

The loading arm 40 has a loading configuration, wherein the arm supports the bale 2 from below and raises it to the support means 25, while having a loading configuration, wherein the arm is smaller than the length of the bale 2 and the bale ( 2), and therefore, during the unloading process, the bale has the effect of being rotated from horizontal to vertical.

The plane on which the loading arm 40 lies is unchanged relative to the support means 25 . The arm pivots in this plane, but the angle of said plane to the horizontal plane of the support means does not change. The angle B is constant in all configurations of the machine 1 and therefore the angle is the same in all figures 1 to 11 although the support means is inclined with the loading arm. The loading arm 40 is moved only in a plane relative to the support means, which plane is at a fixed angle to a horizontal plane passing through the support means.

The length of a cylindrical bale in the context of the present invention is the length between the flat ends of the bale.

As mentioned above, the present invention also provides a bale-packing machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapper, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and circular sidewalls, the machine comprising:

(i) support means for supporting the bale for wrapping and rotating the bale around a substantially horizontal axis, the support means being capable of tilting downward to allow the bale to be unloaded;

(ii) at least one wrapping arm that supplies a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale rotates around its horizontal axis; and

(iii) end tips for tipping the bale to one of the flats of the bale during unloading.

At this time, the end tip is mounted on the supporting means and moves together with the supporting means when the supporting means is inclined downward during the bale unloading process.

There are two major differences from the present invention shown in this arrangement. First, there may be a loading arm separate from the end tip. For example, a separate endtip arm may be provided on the loading arm. Second, there is no dual functionality of load and end tip, so there is no need to have a separate load and end tip configuration. Thus, the end tip may be rigid (eg not having a mobile/tubular end). For example, it may be an arm formed from continuous parts of tubular material.

However, all other features described for the loading/endtip arm above also apply to the present invention. Like the mechanism above, since the end tip touches only a part of the bale 2 below, the bale can be rotated from horizontal to vertical during the unloading process.

For example preferably the end tip is mounted to the support means by means of a pivoting means which is moved together with the support means, for example in the form of an end tip arm.

Also preferably, the end tip moves only in a plane relative to the support means, and the plane is at a fixed angle to a horizontal plane passing through the support means.

This means that, like the dual function arm, the end tip is also positioned close to the bale for unloading.

Suitably the fixed angle is an obtuse angle between the loading arm and the support means, the obtuse angle being for example between 95 and 120 degrees, for example between 100 and 115 degrees.

Otherwise, functioning on the same principle of the dual function arm, the bale falls flat and stands upright.

Like the dual function arm, the end tip is preferably moved out of path for packaging. For example, in the stacked configuration of the machine, the end tips are lined up with the support means. However, in order to avoid fouling of the packaging arm or the packaging film during the packaging process, the end tip is preferably deviated, for example to one side of the support means, during the packaging process.

In order to function as an end tip, in the unloading configuration of the machine, the end tip is arranged in line with the supporting means.

In aspects of the present invention, the end tip may be a rigid arm, for example a U-shaped arm.

The bale packing machine according to this aspect may further include a loading arm for loading the bale on the support means, and optionally, the loading arm may be at the front or side of the machine and the end tip at the rear of the machine.

The words "comprise/comprising" and "having/consisting of" when used in connection with the present invention specify the presence of recited features, integers, steps or parts, as well as one or more other features, integers. It does not exclude the presence or addition of parts, steps, parts or groups thereof.

Although certain features of the present invention are described in separate embodiments for clarity, it is understood that they may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the various features of the present invention, although described in a single embodiment for brevity, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims (29)

A bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapper, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and circular sidewalls, the machine comprising:
(i) support means for supporting the bale for wrapping and rotating the bale around a substantially horizontal axis;
(ii) at least one wrapping arm that supplies a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale rotates around its horizontal axis; and
(iii) a loading arm for loading the bale to the support means;
The bale-packing machine according to claim 1, wherein the loading arm also functions as an end tip to tip the bale to one of the flat ends of the bale during unloading. 2. A bale-packing machine according to claim 1, wherein the loading arm supports only a portion of the bale during unloading and the bale is overturned from horizontal to vertical. Since the loading arm supports the bale from below and raises it as a support means, and is shorter than the length of the bale and supports only a part of the bale from below, the bale is inverted from horizontal to vertical during the loading process. Eggplant, bale-packing machine. The bale- according to any preceding claim, wherein the loading arm is articulated and shorter than the length of the bale in the unloading configuration to support only a portion of the bale underneath, so that during unloading the bale is inverted from horizontal to vertical. packer. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means tilts downward to accommodate a stack of bales. 6. A bale-packing machine according to claim 5, wherein the loading arm is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means during bale loading. A bale-packing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means tilts downward to accommodate the unloading of bales. 8. A bale-packing machine according to claim 7, wherein the loading arm is mounted on the support means and moves with the support means during bale unloading. 9. A bale-packing machine according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the loading arm is mounted to the support means by a pivot moving with the support means. A bale-packing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein in the loading configuration of the machine, the loading arm is in line with the support means. A bale-packing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein in the wrapping process, the loading arm disengages to one side of the support means. A bale-packing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein in the unloading configuration of the machine, the loading arm is in line with the support means. A bale-packing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the loading arm moves only in a plane relative to the support means, which plane is at a fixed angle to a horizontal plane passing through the support means. 14. A bale-packing machine according to claim 13, wherein the fixed angle is an obtuse angle between the loading arm and the support means, the obtuse angle being for example 95 to 120 degrees, for example 100 to 115 degrees. A bale according to any preceding claim, wherein for bale loading on the support means the bale is supported between the loading arm and the support means, optionally the support means has a bumper and the bale is loaded against the bumper. packer. A bale-packing machine according to any preceding claim, wherein the loading arm is L-shaped and has a first arm attached to the support means, and a second arm projecting from the first arm. . 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second arm touches more than 50%, such as more than 60%, such as more than 70% of the bale length during loading and less than 50%, such as 40% of the bale length during unloading. Under and tethered, bale-wrapping machine. 18. A bale-packing machine according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the length of the bale touched by the second arm in the unloading process is shortened by reducing the length of the second arm extending along the length of the bale. 19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the length of the bale touched by the second arm during unloading is, for example, L- Bale-wrapping machine, shortened by converting the shape into a U-shape. A bale-wrapping machine according to any preceding claim, comprising attachment points for mounting to a three-point connection of a vehicle. A bale-wrapping machine for wrapping a cylindrical bale of material into a wrapper, the cylindrical bale having flat ends and circular sidewalls, the machine comprising:
(i) support means for supporting the bale for wrapping and rotating the bale around a substantially horizontal axis, wherein the bale can be tilted downward to receive the load;
(ii) at least one wrapping arm that supplies a strip of wrapping material to the bale as the bale rotates around its horizontal axis; and
(iii) includes an end tip for inverting the bale into one of the flats of the bale during unloading;
The bale-packing machine, characterized in that the end tip is mounted on the support means and moves together with the support means when the support means is inclined downward in the bale unloading process. 22. A bale-packing machine according to claim 21, wherein the endtip is mounted by a pivot that moves with the support means. 23. A bale-packing machine according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the endtip moves only in a plane relative to the support means, the plane being at a fixed angle to a horizontal plane passing through the support means. 24. A bale-packing machine according to claim 23, wherein the fixed angle is an obtuse angle between the loading arm and the support means, the obtuse angle being for example 95 to 120 degrees, for example 100 to 115 degrees. 25. A bale-packing machine according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein in the stacking configuration of the machine, the endtips are lined up with the support means. 26. A bale-packing machine according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein during the wrapping process, the endtips deviate to one side of the supporting means. 27. A bale-packing machine according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein in the unloading configuration of the machine, the endtip is lined up with the support means. 28. A bale-wrapping machine according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the endtip is a rigid arm, for example an L-shaped or U-shaped arm. 29. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, further comprising a loading arm for loading the bale on the support means, optionally, the loading arm is disposed on the front or side of the machine, and the end tip A bale-wrapping machine, arranged at the rear of the machine.

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