NZ621032B2 - Bale wrapper - Google Patents
Bale wrapper Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ621032B2 NZ621032B2 NZ621032A NZ62103212A NZ621032B2 NZ 621032 B2 NZ621032 B2 NZ 621032B2 NZ 621032 A NZ621032 A NZ 621032A NZ 62103212 A NZ62103212 A NZ 62103212A NZ 621032 B2 NZ621032 B2 NZ 621032B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- bale
- loading device
- loading
- ready
- receive
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000037250 Clearance Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035512 clearance Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010410 layer Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001960 triggered Effects 0.000 description 3
- 206010022114 Injury Diseases 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004460 silage Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004642 transportation engineering Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002365 multiple layer Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F15/00—Baling presses for straw, hay or the like
- A01F15/07—Rotobalers, i.e. machines for forming cylindrical bales by winding and pressing
- A01F15/071—Wrapping devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F15/00—Baling presses for straw, hay or the like
- A01F15/07—Rotobalers, i.e. machines for forming cylindrical bales by winding and pressing
- A01F15/071—Wrapping devices
- A01F2015/076—Wrapping device incorporating sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01F—PROCESSING OF HARVESTED PRODUCE; HAY OR STRAW PRESSES; DEVICES FOR STORING AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL PRODUCE
- A01F21/00—Devices for protecting human beings for threshing machines or baling presses
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B11/00—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material
- B65B11/04—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material the articles being rotated
- B65B11/045—Wrapping, e.g. partially or wholly enclosing, articles or quantities of material, in strips, sheets or blanks, of flexible material the articles being rotated by rotating platforms supporting the articles
Abstract
bale wrapper apparatus includes a table for supporting a bale during a wrapping process, a loading device for loading a bale onto the table configured for movement between a pick-up position, carrying position and a loading position, and a control system that is configured to control operation of the loading device. The control system including a control unit, a bale sensor for sensing a bale on the loading device and a detector for detecting whether the table is ready to receive a bale. The control system configured such that when the bale sensor senses a bale on the loading device with the loading device in the pick-up position: a. if the table is not ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the carrying position, and b. if the table is ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the loading position. the loading device. The control system including a control unit, a bale sensor for sensing a bale on the loading device and a detector for detecting whether the table is ready to receive a bale. The control system configured such that when the bale sensor senses a bale on the loading device with the loading device in the pick-up position: a. if the table is not ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the carrying position, and b. if the table is ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the loading position.
Description
BALE WRAPPER
The present invention relates to a bale wrapper apparatus for applying stretch film
wrapping to the outer surface of an agricultural bale.
It is well known to apply stretch film wrapping to agricultural bales, in order to protect
the contents of the bale from the weather and, in the case of silage crops, to form a
substantially air and watertight enclosure within which the crop can mature or ferment
to form silage.
The bale can be either cylindrical (called a "round" bale) or it can be a parallelepiped
(called a "square" bale). In either case, the bale is generally wrapped by rotating the
bale around a horizontal axis while at the same time providing relative rotation about a
vertical axis between the bale and a dispenser of the wrapping film. This produces a
series of overlapping layers, which cover the entire outer surface of the bale to form an
air and watertight enclosure. Generally, multiple layers of film are applied to increase
the puncture-resistance of the wrapper and improve its airtight properties.
There are two main types of bale wrapper in common usage, which are illustrated in
Figures 5 and 6 of US 5,327,706. Figure 5 of US 5,327,706 illustrates a satellite-type
bale wrapper in which the bale is rotated about a horizontal axis while the film
dispenser rotates about a vertical axis around the bale. Figure 6 of US 5,327,706
illustrates a turntable-type bale wrapper apparatus in which the bale is located on a
turntable that rotates about a vertical axis while at the same time rotating the bale
about a horizontal axis, thereby applying film to the outer surface of the bale from a
stationary film dispenser.
The present invention is particularly advantageous in relation to turntable-type bale
wrappers, although it may also be applicable to satellite-type bale wrappers.
In a turntable-type bale wrapper the bale is placed on a turntable, which rotates
around a substantially vertical axis. The turntable includes at least two parallel
horizontally-placed rollers, of which at least one is driven. Usually, at least one
endless belt is placed over the rollers for supporting a bale and/or driving the other
roller. The bale wrapper also includes at least one stationary film dispenser.
In operation, a bale is placed on the turntable and the turntable is rotated about a
substantially vertical axis. At the same time, the rollers are driven causing the bale to
rotate at a slower rate about a substantially horizontal axis. As the bale rotates about
the two orthogonal axes, wrapping film is drawn from the film dispenser producing a
series of overlapping layers that cover the surface of the bale. At the end of the
wrapping cycle, the turntable is inclined to tip the wrapped bale onto the ground,
allowing a new bale to be wrapped.
The bale wrapper may include a pivotable loading arm that is operable to pick up an
unwrapped bale from the ground and load it onto the turntable for wrapping. Such a
device is described in GB 2159489A, wherein the arm pivots between a pickup
position and a loading position.
In some bale wrappers, the loading arm also has a third operating position for carrying
a bale prior to wrapping. The loading arm is therefore adjustable between three
operating positions:
1. a pick up position for picking up a bale from the ground;
2. a carrying position for carrying a bale prior to wrapping, and
3. a loading position for loading the bale onto the turntable for wrapping.
Movement of the loading arm between these three operating positions can be
controlled by a human operator using manually operable controls. However,
monitoring operation of the bale wrapper and operating the loading arm requires the
attention of the operator, who as a result cannot give full attention to other tasks, for
example driving a tractor to transport the bale wrapper to the location of the next bale.
This leads to operating inefficiencies.
It is also known to provide a bale wrapper in which the loading device includes a
sensor that senses when a bale is ready to be picked up and actuates a lifting
mechanism to lift the bale automatically onto the table for wrapping. This makes
operation of the machine easier and requires less attention from the operator, but it
does not allow for carrying a bale, for example while another bale is still being
wrapped.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a bale wrapper apparatus that
mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bale wrapper
apparatus including a table for supporting a bale during a wrapping process, a loading
device for loading a bale onto the table, the loading device being configured for
movement between a pick-up position, a carrying position and a loading position, and
a control system that is configured to control operation of the loading device, the
control system including a control unit, a bale sensor for sensing a bale on the loading
device and a detector for detecting whether the table is ready to receive a bale, the
control unit being configured such that when the bale sensor senses a bale on the
loading device with the loading device in the pick-up position (a) if the detector detects
that the table is not ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the
carrying position, and (b) if the detector detects that the table is ready to receive a
bale, the loading device is brought to the loading position.
The invention makes operation of the bale wrapper easier and requires less attention
from the operator. It also reduces the risk of damage being caused to the machine or
to the bale by incorrect commands being sent by the operator.
Advantageously, the bale wrapper apparatus is operable to wrap a bale supported on
the table while the loading device is carrying a bale in the carrying position. The
invention thus allows for carrying of one bale while another bale is still being wrapped,
thus permitting more efficient operation.
Advantageously, the control unit is configured such that when the bale sensor senses
a bale on the loading device with the loading device in the carrying position, and the
detector detects that the table is ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought
to the loading position. The bale is thus transferred automatically to the wrapping
table as soon as it is ready to receive another bale.
The detector may include at least one sensor that senses when the table is ready to
receive a bale. For example, the detector may include a sensor for detecting whether
there is a bale on the wrapping table and/or whether the wrapping table is in the
correct position to receive a bale. Alternatively or in addition, the detector may include
a data processing device, which deduces whether the table is ready to receive a bale
from control signals issued by the control unit.
Advantageously, the control unit is configured to halt movement of the loading device if
the bale sensor signal is interrupted. Advantageously, the control unit is configured to
prevent further movement of the loading device after halting movement thereof, until it
receives a reset signal. These are safety features that help to reduce the risk of injury
to a human operator if the bale sensor is triggered accidentally.
Advantageously, the bale wrapper apparatus includes a first rotation mechanism for
rotating the bale about a first axis that is substantially parallel to the ground, at least
one dispenser for dispensing wrapping film to form successive overlapping windings
on an outer surface of the bale, and a second rotation mechanism for applying relative
rotation between the bale and the dispenser about a second axis that is substantially
perpendicular to the first axis.
Advantageously, the first rotation mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for
supporting the bale and rotating the bale about the first axis. Preferably, the bale
wrapper apparatus includes at least one endless belt that extends around the rollers.
Advantageously, the table is configured to be tilted to discharge a wrapped bale from
the bale wrapper.
Advantageously, the second rotation mechanism comprises means for rotating the
table about the second axis. In this embodiment, the bale wrapper is of the turntable
type.
Alternatively, the second rotation mechanism comprises means for rotating the
dispenser about the second axis. In this embodiment, the bale wrapper is of the
satellite type.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of
wrapping a bale using a bale wrapper that includes a table for supporting a bale during
a wrapping process, a loading device for loading a bale onto the table, and a control
system that controls operation of the loading device, the method comprising sensing
for the presence of a bale on the loading device, detecting whether the table is ready
to receive a bale and, when a bale is sensed on the loading device with the loading
device in a pick-up position (a) if the table is not ready to receive a bale, bringing the
loading device to the carrying position, and (b) if the table is ready to receive a bale,
bringing the loading device to the loading position.
Advantageously, the method comprises wrapping a bale supported on the table while
the loading device is carrying a bale in the carrying position.
Advantageously, when a bale is sensed on the loading device with the loading device
in the carrying position, and the table is ready to receive a bale, the loading device is
brought to the loading position.
Advantageously, the method includes sensing when the table is ready to receive a
bale. Alternatively, the method includes deducing when the table is ready to receive a
bale.
Advantageously, the method includes halting movement of the loading device if the
bale sensor signal is interrupted.
Advantageously, the method includes preventing further movement of the loading
device after halting movement thereof, until a reset signal is received.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a rear isometric view of a bale wrapper with a loading arm in a pick up
position, in which it is about to pick up a bale;
Figure 2 is a front isometric view of the bale wrapper with the load arm in the pick
up position beneath a first bale, and with a second bale on the turntable
during a wrapping operation;
Figure 3 is a front isometric view of the bale wrapper with the load arm in a
carrying condition, in which it is carrying a bale;
Figure 4 is a front isometric view of the bale wrapper with the load arm in a
loading condition, in which it is loading a bale onto the turntable;
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the bale wrapper; and
Figure 6 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic steps of a control program for
controlling operation of the loading arm.
The bale wrapper 2 shown in the drawings is of the turntable type, having a rotatable
turntable 4 and a fixed film dispenser 6 for dispensing wrapping film onto the surface
of a bale 8. The turntable 4 and the film dispenser 6 are mounted on a chassis 10,
which is supported by two wheels 12 and has a drawbar 14 allowing it to be hitched
behind a tractor or other suitable vehicle. A pivotable loading arm 16 is attached to
one side of the chassis 10.
The bale wrapper 2 is arranged to pick up bales 8 from the ground and wrap the bales
individually in wrapping film. The wrapped bales are then deposited on the ground
either at a storage location (typically at the headland of a field), or at a location for later
collection and transportation to a place of storage.
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the bale wrapper 2 includes a turntable 4
for supporting a round bale 8. Although the bale 8 is generally referred to as a “round
bale”, it is actually cylindrical in shape. The turntable 4 is mounted for rotation about a
substantially vertical axis V. The turntable 4 also includes a roller mechanism 18 for
rotating the bale 8 about a substantially horizontal axis H, as described in more detail
below. Drive units (not shown), for example hydraulic drive motors, are provided for
driving rotation of the turntable 4 and the roller mechanism 18.
The roller mechanism 18 includes a pair of widely-spaced parallel rollers 20, 20' that
are mounted on a turntable frame 22. At least one of these rollers 20 is arranged to be
rotationally driven, for example by a hydraulic motor (not shown). The other roller 20'
may be either driven or free-running. A number of loose fitting belts 24 are looped
between the rollers 20, 20'. In this embodiment four belts 24 are provided. A vertical
end roller 26 is provided at each end of the turntable to limit longitudinal movement of
the bale relative to the turntable 4.
The chassis 10 carries a support arm 28 for the film dispensing apparatus 6. The film
dispensing apparatus 6 is well-known and will not therefore be described in detail.
Briefly, it includes a reel 30 of wrapping film, a pair of film tensioning rollers 32.
During operation, the dispensing apparatus 6 dispenses wrapping film 34 onto the
surface of the bale 8. Once the bale has been wrapped, the turntable 4 can be tilted
rearwards, for example as described in GB2159489A, to deposit the wrapped bale on
the ground, preferably at a storage location.
The bale wrapper 2 includes a pivotable loading arm 16 for picking up a bale 8 from
the ground and lifting it onto the turntable 4. The loading arm 16 includes a pair of
parallel fork arms 36 that may be positioned beneath a bale 8 as shown in Figures 1
and 2 in order to lift the bale from the ground. The loading arm 16 is pivotably
attached to one side of the chassis 10 and its position can be adjusted by an
actuator 38, for example a hydraulic piston. The loading arm 16 can thus be adjusted
between three operating positions comprising:
1. a pick up position for picking up a bale from the ground;
2. an intermediate carrying position for carrying a bale prior to wrapping, and
3. a loading position for loading the bale onto the turntable for wrapping.
In Figures 1 and 2 the loading arm 16 is shown in the pick up position, in which it is
located close to ground level (typically about 5cm above the ground) so that the fork
arms 36 can be brought into position beneath a bale 8 that is standing on the ground
by drawing the bale wrapper 2 forwards so that the fork arms 36 slide beneath the
bale 8.
In Figure 3 the loading arm 16 is shown in the carrying position, in which it is raised
above the ground, typically to provide a clearance A above the ground of about 30cm,
so that the bale wrapper 2 can travel over the ground while carrying a bale 8, without
the bale 8 or the loading arm 16 touching the ground.
In Figure 4 the loading arm 16 is shown in the loading position, in which it has been
raised to tip the bale 8 onto the turntable 4 for wrapping.
As shown in Figure 5, the bale wrapper includes a control system that includes a
central control unit 40, which is connected to receive input signals from a bale
sensor 42, a detector 44 associated with the table, and a manual control unit 46. The
central control unit 40 is also connected to provide control signals to a plurality of
control interfaces, including a turntable control interface 48, a roller control
interface 50, a tilt control interface 52, an arm control interface 54 and (optionally) a
dispenser control interface 56. The turntable control interface 48 and the roller control
interface 50 are configured to control the drive motors that drive rotation of,
respectively, the turntable 4 and the roller mechanism 18, thus controlling rotation of
the bale 8 about the vertical axis V and the horizontal axis H during the wrapping
operation.
The tilt control interface 52 is configured to control operation of the tilting mechanism
that operates to tilt the turntable 4 and deposit the wrapped bale on the ground. The
arm control interface 54 controls movement of the loading arm 16 between the three
operating positions. The optional dispenser control interface 56, if provided, controls
operation of the film dispenser 6.
As shown in Figure 1, the bale sensor 42 is mounted on the loading arm 16 and
connected by a signal line 58 to the central control unit 40. The bale sensor 42
operates to sense the presence of a bale on the loading arm 16. Any suitable kind of
sensor may be used for the bale sensor 42: for example it may be a load sensor that
detects the weight of the bale, or an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor.
The detector 44 may be a physical sensor that senses the presence of a bale on the
turntable 4, and/or a logical detector (a data processing device) that deduces whether
the table is ready to receive a bale from operating control signals sent to the table
control interfaces 48, 50, 52 from the control unit 40.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the detector 44 is a physical sensor that is
mounted on or adjacent the turntable 4, where it operates to detect the presence of a
bale on the turntable. The detector 44 is connected to the central control unit 40 by a
signal line 60. Again any suitable kind of sensor may be used for the detector 44,
such as a load sensor, an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. Optionally, the
detector 44 may also be configured to sense when the turntable 4 is in the correct
position to receive a bale 8, for example with the rollers 20 parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the bale wrapper 2 as shown in Figure 1.
In use, a bale 8 is picked up by the loading arm 16, which is then pivoted to the
loading position to deposit the bale on the turntable 4. As the bale 8 rotates on the
turntable 4, film 34 is withdrawn from the film dispenser 6 and wound onto the surface
of the bale 8. By rotating the turntable 4 about the vertical axis V while simultaneously
driving the roller mechanism 18 to rotate the bale about the horizontal axis H, a series
of overlapping layers of film are deposited on the surface of the bale 8, completely
covering both the cylindrical surface and the round end faces of the bale so that it is
hermetically sealed. After wrapping has been completed, the wrapped bale is
deposited onto the ground by tilting the turntable 4, so that wrapping of the next bale
can commence. These operations are all conventional and so will not be described
further.
During wrapping of a first bale 8, the bale wrapper 2 can be pulled by a tractor to the
location of a second bale, which is picked up by the loading arm 16 as previously
described. The presence of the bale on the loading arm 16 is detected by the bale
sensor 42, which sends a signal indicating the presence of a bale on the loading
arm 16 to the central control unit 40. The central control unit 40 then sends an arm
control signal to the arm control interface 54, which activates the hydraulic cylinder 38
causing the loading arm 16 to move to either the carrying position or the loading
position.
The central control unit 40 is programmed to decide which arm control signal to send
to the arm control interface 54 according to the latest signal received from the
detector 44. If the signal from the detector 44 indicates that the table is not ready to
receive a bale (for example, owing to the presence of a bale 8 on the turntable 4), the
central control unit 40 sends an arm control signal to the arm control interface 54
causing the loading arm 16 to move from the pick up position to the carrying position.
If the signal from the detector 44 indicates that the table is ready to receive a bale
(because there is no bale on the turntable 4 and the turntable 4 is in the correct
position to receive a bale), the central control unit 40 sends an arm control signal to
the arm control interface 54 causing the loading arm 16 to move from the pick up
position to the loading position, so that the bale is transferred onto the turntable 4.
Wrapping of the bale can then commence immediately.
The loading arm 16 is thus controlled automatically either to carry the second bale in
the carrying position or to load the bale onto the turntable 4, according to whether the
turntable 4 is occupied or is ready to receive a bale 8.
When the loading arm 16 is carrying a bale, as detected by the bale sensor 42, the
central control unit 40 is programmed to maintain the arm 16 in the carrying position
while the turntable 4 remains occupied, as detected by the detector 44. The loading
arm 16 will not therefore attempt to load a second bale onto the turntable while the
turntable is occupied, and it will not move from the carrying position to the pick up
position until the carried bale has been loaded onto the turntable.
Once wrapping has been completed and the wrapped bale has been deposited on the
ground, the detector 44 detects that the turntable 4 is unoccupied and ready to receive
another bale. The central control unit 40 then sends an arm control signal to the arm
control interface 54, causing the loading arm to move from the carrying position to the
loading position, thus lifting the carried bale 8 onto the turntable 4.
If the bale sensor 42 indicates that there is no bale on the loading arm 16, the central
control unit 40 will maintain the loading arm 16 in the pick-up position, regardless of
whether the turntable 4 is occupied or unoccupied, so that it is ready to pick up the
next bale.
The logic system for controlling operation of the loading arm 16 is illustrated in
Figure 6. At the start of operation the loading arm 16 is brought in step 62 to the pick-
up position. In step 64, the logic system interrogates the signals received from the
bale sensor 42 to ascertain whether a bale is sensed on the loading arm 16. If no bale
is sensed, step 64 repeats at set intervals. If a bale is sensed, in step 66 the logic
system interrogates the signals received from the detector 44 to ascertain whether the
wrapping table 4 is ready to receive a bale. If the table is ready to receive a bale, at
step 68 the loading arm is brought to the loading position to deposit the bale on the
wrapping table 4.
If at step 66 it is found that the table 4 is not ready to receive a bale, at step 70 the
loading arm is brought to the carrying position. In step 72 the logic system again
interrogates the signals received from the detector 44 to ascertain whether the
wrapping table 4 is ready to receive a bale. If the table is still not ready to receive a
bale, step 72 repeats at set intervals. When the table is ready to receive a bale, at
step 68 the loading arm is brought to the loading position to deposit the bale on the
wrapping table 4.
After step 68, the logic system returns the loading arm to the pick-up position and the
cycle repeats from step 62.
Optionally, the central control unit 40 may be programmed to respond to an over-ride
signal from the manual control unit, which allows the loading arm 16 to be raised to the
loading position when the turntable is unoccupied and there is no bale on the loading
arm 16. This allows the loading arm 16 to be folded to a transportation position in
which it does not protrude outwards to one side of the chassis 10, so allowing the bale
wrapper 2 to be transported along narrow roads or through narrow doorways and
gateways.
Optionally, the central control unit 40 may be programmed to halt movement of the
loading arm 16 if the signal from the bale sensor 42 is interrupted. This is safety
feature, which reduces the risk of injuring to a human operator who accidentally
triggers the bale sensor 42, for example during cleaning or maintenance of the bale
wrapper. If the bale sensor 42 is triggered, the central control unit 40 will normally
send a signal to the arm control interface 54 causing the arm 16 to be lifted to either
the carrying position or the loading position. However, if the signal from the bale
sensor 42 is interrupted (as will normally happen if the sensor is triggered
accidentally), the central control unit 40 is programmed to recognise this as an
accidental trigger signal. In this situation, the central control unit 40 immediately halts
operation of all motors and actuators to reduce the risk of causing an injury, and does
not allow further operation of the bale wrapper until a reset signal is received from the
manual control unit 46.
Various modifications of the invention are of course possible. For example, the
detector 44 may consist of a data processing device that deduces whether the table is
ready to receive a bale from the cycle of operating control signals issued by the control
unit 40. For example, if the control unit has just issued a control signal causing the
loading arm to lift a bale onto the wrapping table, the detector may deduce from this
that the table is not ready to receive another bale. Alternatively, if the control unit has
just issued a signal causing the wrapping table to tip a wrapped bale onto the ground,
the detector 44 may deduce that the table is ready to receive another bale. The data
processing device may consist of a physical data processing unit or it may be
configured as software or firmware within the control unit 40. In the case of a
turntable-type bale wrapper, the detector may also include a sensor for sensing that
the turntable is in the correct position for receiving a bale.
The present invention may be embodied either in a dedicated bale wrapper apparatus
or in a combined baler and wrapper machine. The principles of the invention as set
out above may also be applied to bale wrappers of the either the turntable type or the
satellite type.
Claims (20)
1. A bale wrapper apparatus including a table for supporting a bale during a wrapping process, a loading device for loading a bale onto the table, the 5 loading device being configured for movement between a pick-up position, a carrying position and a loading position, and a control system that is configured to control operation of the loading device, the control system including a control unit, a bale sensor for sensing a bale on the loading device and a detector for detecting whether the table is ready to receive a bale, the control unit being 10 configured such that when the bale sensor senses a bale on the loading device with the loading device in the pick-up position: a. if the table is not ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the carrying position, and b. if the table is ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to 15 the loading position.
2. A bale wrapper apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bale wrapper apparatus is operable to wrap a bale supported on the table while the loading device is carrying a bale in the carrying position.
3. A bale wrapper apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured such that when the bale sensor senses a bale on the loading device with the loading device in the carrying position, and the detector detects that the table is ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the 25 loading position.
4. A bale wrapper apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the detector comprises at least one sensor that senses when the table ready to receive a bale.
5. A bale wrapper apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the detector includes a data processing device, which deduces whether the table is ready to receive a bale from control signals issued by the control unit.
6. A bale wrapper apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to halt movement of the loading device if the bale sensor signal is interrupted. 5
7. A bale wrapper apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to prevent further movement of the loading device after halting movement thereof, until it receives a reset signal.
8. A bale wrapper apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, 10 including a first rotation mechanism for rotating the bale about a first axis that is substantially parallel to the ground, at least one dispenser for dispensing wrapping film to form successive overlapping windings on an outer surface of the bale, and a second rotation mechanism for applying relative rotation between the bale and the dispenser about a second axis that is substantially 15 perpendicular to the first axis.
9. A bale wrapper apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first rotation mechanism includes a plurality of rollers for supporting the bale and rotating the bale about the first axis.
10. A bale wrapper apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second rotation mechanism comprises means for rotating the table about the second axis. 25
11. A bale wrapper apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the second rotation mechanism comprises means for rotating the dispenser about the second axis.
12. A bale wrapper apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, 30 wherein the loading device includes a pivotable loading arm that is configured for movement between a pick-up position in which the arm is located close to the ground, a carrying position in which the arm is raised to provide a clearance above the ground, and a loading position in which the arm is raised to tip the bale onto the table.
13. A bale wrapper apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the bale sensor is mounted on the loading arm for sensing a bale on the loading arm.
14. A method of wrapping a bale using a bale wrapper that includes a table for 5 supporting a bale during a wrapping process, a loading device for loading a bale onto the table, and a control system that controls operation of the loading device, the method comprising sensing for the presence of a bale on the loading device, detecting whether table is ready to receive a bale and, when a bale is sensed on the loading device with the loading device in a pick-up 10 position: a. if the table is not ready to receive a bale, bringing the loading device to a carrying position, and b. if the table is ready to receive a bale, bringing the loading device to a loading position.
15. A method according to claim 14, comprising wrapping a bale supported on the table while the loading device is carrying a bale in the carrying position.
16. A method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein when a bale is sensed on 20 the loading device with the loading device in the carrying position, and the table is ready to receive a bale, the loading device is brought to the loading position.
17. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, including sensing when the table is ready to receive a bale.
18. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, including deducing when the table is ready to receive a bale from control signals issued by the control unit. 30
19. A method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, including halting movement of the loading device if the bale sensor signal is interrupted.
20. A method according to claim 19, including preventing further movement of the loading device after halting movement thereof, until a reset signal is received.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1115414.3A GB2495903A (en) | 2011-09-06 | 2011-09-06 | Bale wrapper and method of wrapping a bale |
GB1115414.3 | 2011-09-06 | ||
PCT/EP2012/003677 WO2013034268A1 (en) | 2011-09-06 | 2012-09-03 | Bale wrapper |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ621032A NZ621032A (en) | 2015-01-30 |
NZ621032B2 true NZ621032B2 (en) | 2015-05-01 |
Family
ID=
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