Baler for agricultural crop

Abstract

The present invention relates to a round baler for agricultural crops, comprising a pressing chamber for pressing a round bale, a wrapping device for wrapping the pressed round bale with a wrapping material, and a transfer device configured to form a transfer section over which the pressed round bale can be transferred from the pressing chamber to the wrapping device, and comprising at least one transfer section device which, at least in a first position, forms at least a predominant first part of the transfer section, wherein the transfer device comprises a transfer drive element which, for driving the pressed round bale to the wrapping device, is movably mounted at least partially in the transfer direction in at least one drive position relative to the transfer section device.in which the transfer track device is arranged at least partially between the transfer drive element and a support level of the round baler. The present invention further relates to a method for operating a round baler.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a round baler for agricultural harvested material, which forms a baling chamber for pressing a round bale, has a wrapping device for wrapping the pressed round bale with a wrapping material and has a transfer device which is designed to form a transfer path over which the pressed round bale can be transferred in a transfer direction from the baling chamber to the wrapping device, and comprises at least one transfer path device which, at least in a first position, forms at least a predominant first part of the transfer path.

[0002] A round baler is known, for example, from DE 602 24 751 T2. The disclosed round baler has two ramps as a transfer device for transferring the compressed round bale from the baling chamber to the wrapping device. A problem with round balers of this type has proven to be that, during operation on slopes, the compressed round bales cannot be reliably transferred from the baling chamber to the wrapping device. In particular, there is the problem that, during downward travel, round bales remain in the baling chamber or on the transfer track and cannot be transferred to the wrapping device without manual intervention, which would require interrupting operation. During upward travel, however, there is the problem that round bales accelerate on the transfer track to such an extent that they are transferred beyond the wrapping device.

[0003] US 2003 / 0024407 A1 discloses a method for operating a round baler for transferring a compressed round bale from a baling chamber, which can be opened toward the transfer device by a flap element, into a wrapping device. The wrapping device has a wrapping table that can be moved from a wrapping position to a receiving position on the transfer line and forms a wrapping trough for the compressed round bale. The wrapping table is moved into a bale braking position to brake the compressed round bale and held in that position. The flap element then opens the baling chamber to discharge the compressed round bale from the baling chamber toward the transfer device. The wrapping table is then moved into the wrapping position to wrap the received round bale.The wrapped round bale is collected by a first unwinding device located behind and below the discharge opening of the baling chamber of the round baler. The first unwinding device is followed by a second unwinding device, which is held close to the ground when receiving a round bale. In addition, to receive a round bale, the wrapping table must first be pivoted into a vertical position to slow the round bale down. It must then be rotated approximately 90° together with the second unwinding device before the wrapping process can begin.

[0004] A round baler with a wrapping device is also known from EP 3 143 867 A1. The wrapping table disclosed therein is movable between the receiving station and the wrapping station to pick up a fully wrapped crop bale and subsequently wrap it with silage film. Moving the wrapping table over long distances is laborious, and it is also difficult to safely pick up and brake a fully wrapped round bale under all operating conditions, especially when working on slopes.

[0005] EP 0 893 053 B1 also discloses a round baler with a wrapping device. The wrapping table is movable along guide rails to pick up a round bale and transport it to the wrapping device. A bale brake is located at the rear end of the wrapping table, which is designed to slow down a bale being fed to the wrapping table. The bale brake itself is adjustable in its angle, allowing it to be moved back and forth between a braking position and a discharge position for releasing the bale from the wrapping table.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating the round baler in such a way that the reliability of the transfer of the pressed round bale is increased.

[0007] The invention is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0008] According to the method, the wrapping table is first moved into a bale braking position and / or held in the bale braking position to brake the pressed round bale. The bale braking position is similar to the wrapping position or is defined such that the wrapping table is arranged in the bale braking position between the wrapping position and the receiving position. While the wrapping table is arranged or remains in the bale braking position, the flap element of the baling chamber is opened to discharge the round bale from the baling chamber to the transfer device. In practice, the round bale is then transferred by means of the transfer device until it abuts a front part of the wrapping table, in particular the braking roller element. The wrapping table is then moved into the receiving position to receive the pressed round bale, in particular along said part.The round bale is then transferred to the wrapping table either by gravity or by means of the transfer drive element. The wrapping table is then moved into the wrapping position for wrapping the round bale. This procedure prevents the round bale from accelerating so fast during transfer that it rolls or slides over the wrapping table due to the angled transfer direction, without requiring significant design changes to the existing round baler.

[0009] Preferably, the wrapping table is moved into the receiving position after a certain period of time has elapsed following the opening of the flap element and / or depending on an output signal from a bale brake sensor for detecting the round bale resting against the wrapping device, in particular against the brake roller element. This prevents the wrapping table from already being positioned in the receiving position when the round bale reaches the wrapping device, for example, during a slower transfer of the round bale, while simultaneously ensuring a rapid transfer.

[0010] Preferably, the bale brake position is adjusted depending on the size of the round bale. The size is determined, in particular, by means of a size sensor or taken from a control unit of the round baler. In particular, the bale brake position is adjusted such that the distance of the wrapping table from the transfer device or from the support plane in the bale brake position increases with the size of the round bale. This prevents both a lack of braking effect for large bales and jamming of small bales between the transfer device and the wrapping device.

[0011] Preferably, the sequence of the method depends on the output signal of a bale pickup sensor for identifying a round bale arranged in the wrapping trough. In particular, the wrapping table is only moved into the wrapping position upon identification. Preferably, the transfer drive element is moved into the drive position when the wrapping table is arranged in the pickup position and / or the round bale has not yet been identified. Particularly preferably, the transfer drive element is returned to the rest position upon identification. This avoids unnecessary delays in the operation of the round baler.

[0012] Preferably, the movement of the wrapping table is dependent on the inclination of the round baler. In particular, the duration and / or the bale braking position are determined or adjusted depending on the inclination. Other process parameters can also be made dependent on the inclination to improve the process. This allows the braking effect to be optimized for each position. In particular, the round baler itself has an inclination sensor to determine the inclination or obtains data representing the inclination from the tractor. Inclination refers, in particular, to an inclination around a horizontal axis perpendicular to the transfer direction.

[0013] The round baler of the generic type or according to the invention preferably has a control device configured to automatically execute the above-described method. For this purpose, the control device is coupled, in particular, to the aforementioned sensors and is designed to control the actuating element and / or a wrapping device actuating element for moving the wrapping table. This allows the above-described advantages of the method to be achieved in an automated manner and thus with a very low susceptibility to errors.

[0014] A round baler is typically a mobile agricultural machine pulled by a tractor in one direction of travel across agricultural land. It is designed to collect hay and / or grass as harvested crop and to form a cylindrical and wrapped round bale from it. However, a round baler can also be designed as a self-propelled agricultural machine. The round baler has a chassis with at least two wheels. The contact plane is a virtual plane that touches the wheels, does not intersect the round baler, and extends in the direction of travel. When the round baler is operated on a horizontal agricultural surface, the contact plane extends horizontally.

[0015] The transfer device is particularly designed such that the pressed round bale can roll or slide over the transfer path from the baling chamber to the wrapping device, at least when the support plane is arranged horizontally, without any force being exerted on the round bale in the transfer direction. The transfer path is preferably designed such that the round bale does not experience any significant change in direction during transfer. The transfer path preferably extends at least partially inclined to the support plane. The transfer path is particularly formed by a plurality of elements of the transfer device or their transfer surfaces facing away from the support plane, which are spaced apart from one another in the transfer direction by such a small amount that round bales of conventional size can be transferred over them in a flowing movement.

[0016] The transfer section device is arranged between the pressing chamber and the winding device and preferably has at least some of the elements and / or the transfer surfaces. In the first position, the transfer section device forms a predominant part of the transfer section, in particular in that the part of the transfer section formed by the transfer section device accounts for at least half of the length of the entire transfer section measured in the transfer direction. The first part of the transfer section is preferably continuous and preferably comprises, depending on the position of the transfer drive element, an end of the transfer section adjacent to the pressing chamber and / or the winding device.

[0017] The preposition "between" is to be understood in particular as meaning that a virtual straight line perpendicular to the support plane intersects both the transfer section device and the transfer drive element. In the drive position, the transfer drive element is arranged above the transfer section device and in particular above the first part of the transfer section. Preferably, the transfer drive element is movable both relative to the transfer section device and relative to a machine frame of the round baler. The mobility of the transfer drive element, at least partially in the transfer direction, enables the compressed round bale, which is also arranged above the first part during the transfer, to be pushed in the transfer direction.The transfer drive element ensures reliable transfer of the pressed round bale to the wrapping device even during steep downhill travel.

[0018] The transfer drive element is designed, in particular, as a rotatable roller whose axis of rotation extends transversely to the transfer direction and is movable relative to the transfer section device. The above-mentioned and following positions are defined, in particular, solely by the position of the axis of rotation and not by a rotational position of the transfer drive element. The rotatability of the transfer drive element prevents any influence on any rotation of the transferred round bale and thus its braking. In the drive position, the transfer drive element is, in particular, spaced so far from the transfer section device that the force transmitted to a round bale of conventional size during operation is directed, at least in phases, at least substantially in the transfer direction.

[0019] Preferably, the transfer drive element is mounted so as to be movable from the drive position relative to the transfer section element, in particular toward the first part and / or the machine frame, at least into a receiving support position, in which the transfer drive element forms a second part of the transfer section. Due to this mounting of the transfer drive element, it can contribute to the transfer of the round bale even before, before, or after the need to drive the round bale by optimizing the transfer section.

[0020] Preferably, the transfer drive element is mounted such that the second part of the transfer path is arranged between the baling chamber and the first part of the transfer path. Particularly preferably, the transfer drive element, in the receiving support position, forms the end of the transfer path adjacent to the baling chamber. This arrangement of the second part allows the transfer drive element to be used during the transfer of the same round bale, initially to support the round bale and subsequently to drive it over the remaining transfer path, thus maximizing the effectiveness of the transfer drive element.

[0021] In addition to the transfer drive element, the round baler preferably has a flap element which, in a baling position, helps to form the baling chamber and which, in order to open the baling chamber, is at least partially movable towards the transfer device. The flap element is not part of the transfer device. Preferably, in the receiving support position, the transfer drive element extends into a spatial section which is stationary relative to the baling chamber and / or a surface section of a longitudinal section into which the flap element extends in the baling position. The transfer drive element cannot therefore be arranged in the support position while the flap element is (still) arranged in the baling position. The spatial section is a space whose boundaries are fictitious and which is occupied by the transfer drive element in the receiving support position.If the transfer drive element is designed as a roller, the spatial section is particularly cylindrical. With a conventionally designed flap element, this definition of the receiving support position allows the transfer section to be designed in such a way that a smooth transition for the pressed round bale from the baling chamber to the transfer section is possible, and the optimal conversion of the potential energy of the round bale in the baling chamber into kinetic energy during transfer is enabled. In particular, movement of the round bale counter to the transfer direction against a starter roller, which also forms the baling chamber, is prevented.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the transfer drive element is movable beyond the receiving support position into a rest position. In the rest position, the transfer drive element is arranged, in particular, below the flap element.

[0023] From here, after the flap element has been opened, it can be moved particularly quickly into the receiving support position in a conventional design. During operation, the movement occurs primarily automatically, depending on the position of the flap element.

[0024] As an alternative to the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, the object is also achieved by a transfer drive element which is movably mounted in the rest position and in the receiving support position and not necessarily in the drive position.

[0025] Preferably, the transfer drive element is mounted at least partially pivotally about a drive pivot axis, from which the rotation axis is, in particular, at a fixed distance. The drive pivot axis is preferably arranged perpendicular to the transfer direction. This mounting minimizes the risk of failure of the transfer device. The drive pivot axis is preferably arranged stationary relative to the machine frame and / or the transfer line device in the first position.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the drive pivot axis is arranged in a space between the support plane and a reference plane, in which the transfer path device is also arranged in the first position. The reference plane is adjacent to the transfer path device. In particular, the drive pivot axis is arranged between at least part of the transfer path or the transfer path device and the support plane. This arrangement of the drive pivot axis allows the transfer drive element to be moved from the receiving support position to the drive position with even a small pivot angle.

[0027] Preferably, the transfer drive element is movably mounted in a delivery support position. In the delivery support position, a transfer drive device, which comprises the transfer drive element and is in particular pivotable as a whole about the drive pivot axis, forms a further part of the transfer path. The further part of the transfer path is arranged between the first part of the transfer path formed by the transfer path device and the winding device. In particular, the transfer drive element is pivotable from the receiving support position beyond the drive position into the delivery support position. In the delivery support position, the transfer drive element itself or a further part of the transfer drive device forms the further part of the transfer path. The further part of the transfer path is in particular formed as an alternative to the second part of the transfer path.

[0028] The transfer drive element is particularly incorporated into the transfer drive device in such a way that, beyond its optional rotation about the rotation axis, it is only movable together with the other parts of the transfer drive device. With the mobility of the transfer drive element into the delivery support position and the further part of the transfer path that can thereby be reached, the transfer drive element assumes a further function supporting the transfer of round bales. A particular advantage of the delivery support position is that it also allows a round bale that was previously arranged between the transfer drive element in the drive position and the baling chamber on the transfer path, and for which the transfer drive element represented an obstacle, to be transferred to the wrapping device.

[0029] The transfer device preferably has at least one actuating device with an actuating element for moving the drive element at least into the drive position. The actuating device preferably serves to move the transfer drive element into all of its positions. For this purpose, it is further preferred that movement of the transfer drive element is not possible without movement of the actuating device. A linear actuator, preferably a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric linear actuator, is provided as the actuating element. The actuating device enables demand-based movement of the transfer drive element in every operating situation.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the adjusting device is designed to pivot the transfer drive element by at least 15°, preferably by at least 120°, particularly preferably by at least 160°. This angle is covered in particular by a movement from the rest position to the delivery support position. This design of the adjusting device allows all useful positions to be achieved even with a compact arrangement of the drive pivot axis directly below the transfer section.

[0031] The adjusting element is arranged at least partially between the transfer section device and the support plane, at least in one of the positions of the transfer drive element and in the first position of the transfer section device. An adjusting direction in which the adjusting element is at least partially movable is, in particular, angled at less than 45° to the support plane. The preposition "between" is to be understood in particular such that a virtual straight line perpendicular to the support plane intersects both the transfer section device and the adjusting element. This arrangement of the adjusting element allows it to be effectively protected from the round bale, any crop components, and foreign objects, thus preventing failure.

[0032] The actuating device preferably comprises a linkage arrangement coupling the actuating element to the transfer drive element. The linkage arrangement comprises a first linkage pivotably mounted on the actuating element and pivotably mounted on the machine frame of the round baler. Furthermore, the linkage arrangement comprises a second linkage pivotably mounted on the first linkage and pivotably mounted on the transfer drive element. Preferably, all pivot axes are arranged parallel to the drive pivot axis. Particularly preferably, the axis about which the second linkage pivotably mounted on the first linkage corresponds to the axis about which the first linkage pivotably mounted on the actuating element. The linkage arrangement enables a wide-ranging pivoting movement of the transfer drive element with only a short required travel path and thus saves installation space for the actuating element.

[0033] The transfer section device preferably has at least one transfer section device unit. The transfer section device unit is preferably pivotally mounted relative to the machine frame of the round baler about a section pivot axis from a first position, in which it is arranged when the transfer section device is arranged in its first position, into a second position. The transfer section device unit is particularly preferably arranged in the second position when the transfer section device is also arranged in a second position. In the second position, the transfer section device unit can also form the transfer section. The pivoting direction of the transfer section device unit from the first position to the second position preferably corresponds to the pivoting direction of the transfer drive element from the receiving support position to the drive position.The track pivot axis is arranged, in particular, at a distance from the drive pivot axis. The track pivot axis intersects the transfer track device unit, in particular in its end region facing the wrapping device, at least in the first position. The transfer track device can also have a section that co-forms the transfer track and is at least partially fixed to the machine frame. The pivotable mounting of the transfer track device unit allows, in particular, a gradient of the transfer track to be increased, thus further assisting the transfer of the round bale.

[0034] The actuating device preferably has a transmission element by means of which it is designed to move the transfer section device unit from its first to its second position. This means that the actuating device is designed both to move the transfer drive element or the transfer drive device and to move the transfer section device unit. The transmission element is preferably arranged on the actuating element, the first or second link, or the transfer drive device. The transmission element is particularly preferably a rotatable roller whose axis of rotation coincides in particular with the pivot axis about which the first link can be pivoted relative to the actuating element. The transmission element reliably achieves the aforementioned advantages of the movable transfer section device unit without the need for a separate actuating device.

[0035] The actuating device is preferably designed such that the transmission element engages a counter-transmission element of the transfer section device unit during a movement of the transfer drive element from the receiving support position to the delivery support position. Particularly preferably, it engages the counter-transmission element during a movement of the transfer drive element from the receiving support position to the drive position. In particular, the transmission element engages the counter-transmission element in a contact receiving position of the transfer drive element. With further pivoting of the transfer drive element, the transmission element remains in contact with the counter-transmission element.

[0036] Until the contact-receiving position, the transfer drive element is movable from the rest position, in particular independently of the transfer section device unit. This ensures that the transfer drive element can be applied to the round bale immediately after it has passed over it. The transfer section device unit preferably has a support surface spaced from the section pivot axis, which is designed such that the transfer section device unit, at least in its first position and / or when the transfer drive element is arranged in the receiving support position and / or the rest position, releasably rests with the support surface on a support element of the machine frame. The support surface is arranged, in particular, at an end of the transfer section device unit facing away from the section pivot axis and / or facing the baling chamber.Particularly preferably, the transfer line device unit has no contact with the transfer drive element in the receiving support position. When the transfer drive element pivots beyond the contact position, the support surface is released from the support element. The support surface prevents unnecessary loading of the adjusting device by a round bale resting on the transfer line device unit, whose gravity is instead diverted directly into the machine frame.

[0037] Preferably, the transmission element and / or the transmission counter-element are / is shaped such that the movement of the transfer section device unit from its first position ends in its second position, while the transfer drive element is moved from the receiving support position to the discharge support position, in particular into the drive position. The movement then ends in the second position when the transfer section device unit moves back towards the first position with a further movement of the transfer drive element or remains in the second position. This shape makes it possible, on the one hand, to ensure that the transfer drive element can drive the round bale as far as possible up to the wrapping device, and, on the other hand, to ensure that the transfer section device unit is not spaced too far from the baling chamber.This is advantageous in order to prevent any crop material, particularly one that may unintentionally escape from the baling chamber, from getting under part of the transfer section device, in particular in the area of ​​the adjusting device, and leading to longer downtimes.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the transfer counter-element has a transfer contour in longitudinal section, which has a first contour section, in particular a straight one, and a second contour section, which is angled to the first contour section and in particular a straight one. The contour sections are angled to one another in such a way that the transfer section device unit can be moved into the second position upon contact of the transfer element with the first contour section and remains in the second position or is moved back upon contact of the transfer unit with the second contour section. The above advantages can thus be achieved using simple means. It is understood that the transfer element and the transfer counter-element can alternatively be arranged and / or designed interchangeably with one another.

[0039] The transfer section device preferably comprises at least two transfer section device units. These are each spaced apart from a longitudinal center plane that is perpendicular to the support plane and parallel to the transfer direction and extends between the two transfer section device units, and are arranged, in particular, side by side. In particular, the transfer section device units are designed to be identical or mirror-symmetrical to the longitudinal center plane. By separating the two transfer section device units transversely to the transfer direction, it is achieved that the round bale rests on the transfer section device, at least in phases, only with lateral sections of its outer surface during the transfer. This, in turn, leads to smoother and thus more efficient sliding or rolling of the round bale to the wrapping device.

[0040] The transfer drive device comprising the transfer drive element and / or the at least one transfer section device unit preferably has / have at least one frame element or, in particular, at least one roller element rotatably mounted on the frame element. In particular, the transfer drive element is designed as a roller element. The roller element enables the round bale to slide in the transfer direction, in which case the potential energy is more effectively converted into kinetic energy than rolling. Unwinding of the round bale during transfer from the baling chamber to the wrapping device can thus generally be avoided. The transfer section device unit has, in particular, a plurality of roller elements mounted between two frame elements.Alternatively or in addition to the roller elements, the transfer line device unit preferably has a sliding plate extending in the transfer direction. The at least one frame element is preferably exclusively pivotable relative to the machine frame and extends primarily at least substantially radially relative to the respective pivot axis. Preferably, a rotation axis, about which the at least one roller element of the transfer line device unit is rotatably mounted relative to the frame element encompassed thereby, is arranged coaxially with the line pivot axis.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one frame element, in particular two frame elements, of the transfer drive device is arranged at least partially between the two transfer section device units, at least in the receiving support position of the transfer drive element in a plan view. In the plan view, the viewing direction is arranged in particular at right angles to the support plane. With this arrangement of the frame element(s), the transfer drive device in the delivery support position is particularly well suited for forming the further part of the transfer section by the frame element(s). The transfer drive device preferably has two further frame elements, between which the transfer section device units are arranged in the plan view.The frame elements of the transfer drive device are, in particular, offset in a transverse direction and arranged in a fixed position on a cross member of the transfer drive device. Preferably, at least one crank element is arranged in a fixed position on the cross member, which is connected to the linkage arrangement and arranged offset in the transverse direction relative to the frame elements. In particular, the transfer device has one adjusting device per transfer section device unit.

[0042] Particularly preferably, a section of the frame element of the transfer drive device that is spaced apart from the drive pivot axis extends elongately in a section direction that, in the delivery support position of the transfer drive element, is angled less sharply to the support plane than a radial line related to the drive pivot axis and intersecting the section. The radial line and the section direction are preferably angled to one another by at least 10°, in particular by at least 20°. Overall, the frame element particularly preferably has at least two sections that are angled to one another or is S-shaped. The section preferably extends as far as the transfer drive element. Due to this design of the section, it is suitable for forming the further part of the transfer path without the round bale having to be significantly deflected when transferring from the first part of the transfer path to the further part of the transfer path.

[0043] An end of the transfer section device unit facing away from the pivot axis is preferably formed by a collecting element which, at least in the first position of the transfer section device and when the transfer drive element is arranged in the receiving support position, is arranged between the transfer drive element and the support plane. This also applies in particular when the transfer drive element is arranged in the rest position. The collecting element is preferably stationary or formed integrally with the frame element of the transfer section device unit. The collecting element ensures, particularly in the second position of the transfer section device unit, that no excessively large gap arises between the transfer section device and the baling chamber through which large quantities of crop could pass.

[0044] The collecting element extends, in particular, flatly between two frame elements of the transfer section device unit. A collecting surface facing away from the support plane extends, in longitudinal section, preferably at an angle to a radial line related to the section pivot axis, which intersects the collecting surface, and / or to the transfer direction. In particular, in the second position of the transfer section device unit, the collecting surface extends, in longitudinal section, in the direction of the starter roller. Preferably, the support surface is arranged between the collecting surface and the support plane, at least in the first position of the transfer section device unit.

[0045] In plan view, the transfer drive device preferably has at least one tread element between the transfer section device units. The tread element preferably has two tread surfaces angled relative to one another in longitudinal section, wherein a first tread surface particularly preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the support plane, at least in the rest position of the transfer drive element, and a second tread surface particularly preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the support plane, at least in the discharge support position of the transfer drive element. The tread surface is particularly preferably formed by a contoured or smooth sheet metal or by a grate.

[0046] The wrapping device preferably comprises a wrapping table that forms a wrapping trough for the pressed round bale. The wrapping table preferably has a wrapping table frame and at least one rotating element that rotates relative to the wrapping table frame during operation for rotating the round bale. The rotating element is in particular a rotating belt. The wrapping table is movable relative to the machine frame, in particular at least substantially translationally. The wrapping table is movable relative to the machine frame, preferably from a wrapping position to a receiving position towards the transfer section. In the wrapping position, in which the wrapping table frame is arranged stationary relative to the machine frame, the wrapping table is arranged while the pressed round bale is wrapped with the wrapping material. The wrapping table is in the receiving position while the round bale is being fed onto the wrapping table from the transfer device.The receiving position is, in particular, an end position beyond which the wrapping table cannot be moved from the wrapping position. In the receiving position, the wrapping table is preferably arranged closer to the support plane and / or closer to the transfer device than in the wrapping position. Particularly preferably, the wrapping table is designed to be transferable from the receiving position beyond the wrapping position into an output position for outputting the compressed and wrapped round bale from the round baler.

[0047] The wrapping device preferably has a brake roller element that is rotatably mounted about a brake roller rotation axis that is fixed to the wrapping table frame. The brake roller element is arranged, at least in the wrapping position, between the wrapping trough and the transfer device. In the wrapping position, the brake roller element preferably protrudes from the wrapping table opposite to the transfer direction. The brake roller element serves to brake the round bale carried by the transfer device and moved in the transfer direction if the wrapping table is not (yet) in the receiving position.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the brake roller element is mounted on the wrapping table frame in such a way that, in the receiving position of the wrapping table, it is arranged between at least part of the transfer section device and the support plane. Thus, it does not impede the usual transfer of the round bale from the transfer section to the wrapping device. Alternatively, it is conceivable for the brake roller element to also form the transfer section in the receiving position.

[0049] Further details and advantages of the invention can be found in the schematically illustrated figures described below; they show: Fig. 1 a side view of a round baler according to the invention coupled to a tractor, Fig. 2 a longitudinal section of a part of the round baler according to the invention with the transfer drive element in a rest position I, Fig. 3 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 2 without showing a flap element with the transfer drive element in a receiving support position II, Fig. 4 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 with the transfer drive element in a contact position III, Fig. 5 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 with the transfer drive element in a first drive position IV, Fig. 6 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 with the transfer drive element in a second drive position IV, Fig. 7 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 with the transfer drive element in a delivery support position V, Fig. 8 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 7 with round bales transferred to a wrapping device, Fig. 9 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 with a wrapping table of the wrapping device in a bale braking position W1, Fig. 10 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 with the wrapping table between the bale braking position W1 and a receiving position W2, Fig. 11 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 3 with the changing table in the receiving position W2, Fig. 12 the longitudinal section according to Fig. 11 with the round bale transferred to the wrapping device, Fig. 13 an enlarged partial longitudinal section of the round baler according to the invention, Fig. 14 a partial plan view of the round baler according to the invention, Fig. 15 a perspective view of a part of the round baler according to the invention.

[0050] The features of the exemplary embodiments according to the invention explained below can also be the subject of the invention individually or in combinations other than those shown or described. Where appropriate, functionally equivalent parts are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0051] The round baler 2 according to the invention serves to press agricultural harvested material into round bales 6. In operation, the round baler 2 is pulled by a tractor 70 ( Fig. 1 ). The round baler 2 has a baling chamber 4 for compressing the round bale 6. Furthermore, the round baler 2 has a wrapping device 8 for wrapping the compressed round bale 6 with a wrapping material. Furthermore, the round baler 2 has a transfer device 10 between the baling chamber 4 and the wrapping device 8.

[0052] The Fig. 2 bis 12 show longitudinal sections of at least the transfer device 10 and the wrapping device 8 of the round baler 2. The Fig. 2 bis 8 document a first procedure to be carried out with the round baler 2 for transferring the round bale 6. The Fig. 9 bis 12 document a further procedure to be carried out with the round baler 2 for transferring the round bale 6.

[0053] The transfer device 10 is designed to form a transfer section 12, of which at least a first part 12a is formed by a transfer section device 14 of the transfer device 10 ( Fig. 3 and 7 ). The compressed round bale 6 can be transferred in a transfer direction U from the baling chamber 4 to the wrapping device 8 via the transfer section 12.

[0054] The transfer section device 14 has twelve roller elements 46, which are arranged in two groups of six roller elements 46 each ( Fig. 14 ). Four of the roller elements 46 of each group are encompassed by a transfer section device unit 28, which also comprises two frame elements 44. The two transfer section device units 28 are movable from a first position i (among others Fig. 2 ) about a swivel axis S2 into a second position ii (among others Fig. 5 ) pivoting.

[0055] In addition, the transfer device 10 has a transfer drive device 62, which comprises a transfer drive element 16 and four frame elements 42. The transfer drive device 62 is pivotally mounted about a drive pivot axis S1. The drive pivot axis S1 is arranged between a support plane E1 ( Fig. 1 ) and a reference plane E2 parallel to the support plane E1 and adjacent to the transfer line device 14 ( Fig. 2 ), wherein the transfer path device 14 is arranged between the support plane E1 and the reference plane E2. Both pivot axes S1, S2 are arranged stationary relative to a machine frame 60.

[0056] Fig. 2 shows a pressed round bale 6 in the baling chamber 4. During baling, the baling chamber 4 is formed, among other things, by a flap element 18 in a pressing position shown in dashed lines. Furthermore, it is formed by a starter roller 72. After the round bale 6 is completed, the flap element 18 is pivoted into the open position shown in order to eject the round bale 6 from the baling chamber 4.

[0057] While the flap element 18 is arranged in the pressing position, the transfer drive element 16 is in the Fig. 2 shown rest position I. During the opening immediately after the opening of the flap element 18, the transfer drive element is pivoted upwards by 10° to 15° into a receiving support position II ( Fig. 3 ) in which it is located between the starter roller 72 and the transfer path device 14. In the receiving support position II, the transfer drive element 16 forms a second part 12b of the transfer path 12.

[0058] After the round bale 6 has passed the transfer drive element 16 in the receiving support position II, the transfer drive element 16 is moved further into a contact receiving position III ( Fig. 4 , explanations below). In the process shown, it drives the round bale 6 in the transfer direction U. The contact position III is reached by the transfer drive element after a pivoting from the rest position I by approximately 18°. From the contact position III, the transfer drive element 16 is further moved into a first drive position IV ( Fig. 5 ) and a second drive position IV ( Fig. 6 ; pivoted approximately 95° from the rest position I), in which the transfer path device 14 is arranged between the transfer drive element 16 and the support plane E1. The transfer of the round bale 6 is then completed.

[0059] The Fig. 7 und 8 relate to the unintentional case that a subsequent round bale 6 enters the area between the baling chamber 4 and the transfer drive element 16 in the second drive position IV. In this case, the transfer drive element 16 is movable further from the second drive position IV and from the rest position I by almost 180° into the delivery support position V shown, in which the frame elements 42 of the transfer drive device 62 form a further part 12c of the transfer path 12 between the first part 12a of the transfer path 12 and the wrapping device 8. For this purpose, a section 48 of the frame elements 42 extends elongately in a section direction T, which in the delivery support position V is angled less sharply to the support plane E1 than a radial R1 ( Fig. 8 ).

[0060] The transfer device 10 comprises two actuating devices 20, each arranged below one of the transfer section device units 28. The actuating devices 20 each comprise an actuating element 22 designed as a hydraulic cylinder and a link arrangement between the actuating element 22 and the transfer drive device 62. The link arrangement comprises a first link 24, which is pivotally mounted on the actuating element 22 and pivotally mounted on the machine frame 60, and a second link 26, which is pivotally mounted on the first link 24 and pivotally mounted on the transfer drive device 62 ( Fig. 13 ).

[0061] The actuating devices 20 are designed both to move the transfer drive device 62 and to move the transfer section device units 28. For this purpose, the actuating devices 20 have transmission elements 30, which interact with the transmission counter-elements 32 included therein to move the transfer section device units 28. The transmission counter-elements 32 each have a transmission contour 34, which is composed of a first contour section 36 and a second contour section 38 angled to the first contour section 36.

[0062] The adjusting devices 20 are designed such that the transmission elements 30 in the contact-receiving position III of the transfer drive element 16 are applied to the transmission counter-elements 32. With an upward pivoting of the transfer drive element 16 from the contact-receiving position III, the transfer section device units 28 are moved from the first position i (among others Fig. 2 ) raised to the second position ii (among other things Fig. 5 ). The transfer counter-element 32 is designed such that the movement of the transfer section device units 28 ends in the second position ii, while the transfer drive element 16 is pivoted into the second drive position IV. This prevents an excessively large gap between the starter roller 72 and the transfer section device 14. The collecting element 50 ( Fig. 15 ). When the transfer drive element 16 is located between the contact position III and the rest position I, the transfer section device units 28 with support surfaces 40 releasably rest against a support element 61 of the machine frame 60.

[0063] The transfer section device units 28 are arranged mirror-symmetrically to a longitudinal center plane E3, which is arranged in the transfer direction U and perpendicular to the support plane E1. In the plan view according to Fig. 14 It can be seen that two of the four frame elements 42 of the transfer drive device 62 are arranged between the transfer section device units 28. Tread elements 74 are arranged between these two frame elements 42.

[0064] The wrapping device 8 has a wrapping table 51, which forms a wrapping trough 50 for the pressed round bale 6 ( Fig. 9 ). Furthermore, the changing table 51 comprises a changing table frame 54 and four rotating elements 56 ( Fig. 14 ).

[0065] The winding device 8 further comprises a brake roller element 58 which is rotatably mounted about a brake roller element rotation axis S3 which is fixed to the winding table frame 54 ( Fig. 14 ). The brake roller element 58 is at least in the Fig. 9 shown wrapping position W3 of the wrapping table 51, which is similar to the bale braking position W1, is arranged between the wrapping trough 52 and the transfer device 10. The braking roller element 58 is mounted on the wrapping table frame 54 so as to be rotatable about a braking roller rotation axis S3, that the braking roller element 58 is in the Fig. 11 shown receiving position W2 of the winding table 51 is arranged between the transfer section device 14 and the attachment level E1.

[0066] To transfer the wrapping table 51 from the wrapping position W3 or bale braking position W1 to the receiving position W2 and back, the wrapping device 8 comprises a wrapping device actuating element 90 as well as a first wrapping table guide 76 and a second wrapping table guide 78. On the side facing away from the transfer device 10, a blocking device 82 is arranged on the wrapping table frame 54 and is coupled to the second wrapping table guide 78 by means of a blocking device guide 80. The blocking device 82 is coupled in such a way that it is arranged in a lowered position relative to the wrapping table frame 54 when the wrapping table 51 is arranged in the wrapping position W3 and in an upright position when the wrapping table 51 is arranged in the receiving position W2. A rotatably mounted blocking roller element 84 is arranged on the top side of the blocking device 82.On the side of the wrapping table frame 54 facing the transfer device 10, a locking roller element 86 is rotatably mounted on a locking lever 88, which is spring-loaded and resiliently pivoted downwards during the transfer of the round bale 6 and is intended to prevent a movement of the round bale 6 opposite to the transfer direction U upon subsequent pivoting back.

[0067] According to the Fig. 9 bis 12In the method illustrated, when the flap element 18 is opened, the wrapping table 51 is in the bale braking position W1, which is spaced apart from the transfer device 10. After the round bale 6 has made contact with the braking roller element 58, the wrapping table 51 is moved into the receiving position W2 and the round bale 6 is placed onto the wrapping table 51 by gravity. The blocking device 82 prevents the round bale 6 from rolling out of the wrapping table 51, even during an upward travel. The wrapping table 51 is then moved into the wrapping position W3 to wrap the round bale 6.

Claims

1. A method for operating a round baler (2) for agricultural harvested material, wherein the round baler forms a baling chamber (4) for pressing a round bale (6), has a wrapping device (8) for wrapping the pressed round bale (6) with a wrapping material, and has a transfer device (10) which is designed to form a transfer path (12) over which the pressed round bale (6) can be transferred in a transfer direction (U) from the baling chamber (4) to the wrapping device (8), and comprises at least one transfer path device (14) which, at least in a first position, forms at least a predominant first part (12a) of the transfer path (12) for transferring the pressed round bale (6) from the baling chamber (4), which can be opened by a flap element (18) towards the transfer device (10), into the wrapping device (8),which has a wrapping table (51) which can be moved from a wrapping position (W3) to a receiving position (W2) on the transfer line (12) and which forms a wrapping trough (52) for the pressed round bale (6), wherein the wrapping table (51) is moved into a bale braking position (W1) for braking the pressed round bale (6) and / or is held in the bale braking position (W1), - the flap element (18) opens the baling chamber (4) for discharging the pressed round bale (6) from the baling chamber (4) to the transfer device (10), and - the wrapping table (51) is moved into the wrapping position (W2) for wrapping the received round bale (6), , characterized in thatafter moving and / or holding the wrapping table (51) in the bale braking position (W1), which is the same as the wrapping position (W3) or in which the wrapping table (51) is arranged between the wrapping position (W3) and the receiving position (W2), - then the flap element (18) opens the baling chamber (4) to discharge the pressed round bale (6) from the baling chamber (4) to the transfer device (10), - then the wrapping table (51) is moved into the receiving position (W2) to receive the pressed round bale (6), and - then the wrapping table (51) is moved into the wrapping position (W2) to wrap the received round bale (6).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe movement of the wrapping table (51) into the receiving position (W2) takes place after a certain period of time has elapsed after the opening of the flap element (18) and / or takes place as a function of an output signal of a bale brake sensor for detecting a round bale (6) resting on the wrapping device (8), in particular on the brake roller element (58).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bale brake position (W1) is adjusted depending on the size of the pressed round bale (6).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movement of the wrapping table (51), in particular the determination of the time period or the setting of the bale brake position (W1), depends on an inclination of the round baler (2).

5. A method for operating a round baler (2) for agricultural harvested material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the round baler forms a baling chamber (4) for pressing a round bale (6), has a wrapping device (8) for wrapping the pressed round bale (6) with a wrapping material, and has a transfer device (10) which is designed to form a transfer path (12) over which the pressed round bale (6) can be transferred in a transfer direction (U) from the baling chamber (4) to the wrapping device (8), and comprises at least one transfer path device (14) which, at least in a first position, forms at least a predominant first part (12a) of the transfer path (12), wherein the transfer device (10) has a transfer drive element (16),which is mounted to drive the pressed round bale (6) to the wrapping device (8) relative to the transfer section device (14) at least partially in the transfer direction (U) into at least one drive position (IV), in which the transfer section device (14) is arranged at least partially between the transfer drive element (16) and a support plane (E1) of the round baler (2).

6. Method for operating a round baler according to claim 5, characterized in that the transfer drive element (16) is movably mounted at least in a receiving support position (II), in which the transfer drive element (16) forms a second part (12b) of the transfer section (12).

7. Method for operating a round baler according to claim 6, characterized in thatthe transfer drive element (16) is mounted such that the second part (12b) of the transfer section (12) is arranged between the pressing chamber (4) and the first part (12a) of the transfer section (12).

8. Method for operating a round baler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer drive element (16) is mounted at least partially pivotably about a drive pivot axis (S1).

9. Method for operating a round baler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe transfer drive element (16) is movably mounted at least in one delivery support position (V), in which a transfer drive device (62) comprising the transfer drive element (16) and in particular pivotably mounted with the transfer drive element (16) about the drive pivot axis (S1) forms a further part (12c) of the transfer section (12), which is arranged between the first part (12a) and the winding device (8).

10. Method for operating a round baler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer device (10) has at least one actuating device (20) with an actuating element (22) for moving the transfer drive element (16) at least into the drive position (IV).

11. Method for operating a round baler according to claim 10, characterized in thatthe adjusting device (20) is designed to pivot the transfer drive element (16) by at least 15°, preferably by at least 120°, particularly preferably by at least 160°.

12. Method for operating a round baler according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) comprises a linkage arrangement coupling the adjusting element (22) to the transfer drive element (16), said linkage arrangement comprising a first linkage (24) which is pivotably mounted on the adjusting element (22) and pivotably mounted on a machine frame (60) of the round baler (2), and a second linkage (26) which is pivotably mounted on the first linkage (24) and pivotably mounted to the transfer drive element (16).

13. Method for operating a round baler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe transfer section device (14) has at least one transfer section device unit (28) which is pivotally mounted relative to a / the machine frame (60) of the round baler (2) about a section pivot axis (S2) from a first position (i), in which the transfer section device unit (28) is arranged when the transfer section device (14) is arranged in the first position, into a second position (ii).

14. Method for operating a round baler according to claim 13, characterized in that the transfer section device unit (28) has a support surface (40) spaced from the section pivot axis (S2), which is designed such that the transfer section device unit (28) at least in the first position (i) releasably rests with the support surface (40) on a support element (61) of the machine frame (60).

15. A method of operating a round baler according to claim 13 or 14 including claim 9, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) has at least one transmission element (30) by means of which the adjusting device (20) is designed to move the transfer section device unit (28) from the first position (i) into a second position (ii).

16. A method of operating a round baler according to claim 15 including claim 6, characterized in that the adjusting device (20) is designed such that the transmission element (30) bears against a transmission counter-element (32) of the transfer section device unit (28) during a movement of the transfer drive element (16) from the receiving support position (II) into the drive position (IV).

17. Method for operating a round baler according to claim 16, characterized in thatthe transmission element (30) and / or the transmission counter-element (32) are / is formed such that the movement of the transfer section device unit (28) from the first position (i) ends in the second position (ii), while the transfer drive element (16) is moved from the receiving support position (II) into the drive position (IV).

18. Method for operating a round baler according to one of the preceding claims 16 or 17, characterized in that the transmission counter-element (32) has, in a longitudinal section, a transmission contour (34) which has a first contour section (36) which runs in particular straight and a second contour section (38) which is angled to the first contour section (36) and runs in particular straight.

19. Round baler according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized by a control device arranged to automatically execute the method according to one of claims 1 to 18.