Swing axle assembly and circular bale or module building machine and system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a swing axle assembly and a circular bale or module building machine and system. A circular bale or module building assembly includes a frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from one another by a module width, and a plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path. Wherein at least two of the plurality of rollers have a combined width configured to substantially span the module width.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on July 27, 2018, with application number 201810840853.4 and invention title "Segmented Roller Structure for Circular Module Constructor or Circular Baler". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to circular module builders or circular balers, and more specifically, to a circular module builder or baler utilizing a segmented roller structure. Background Technology

[0003] Circular module builders, or balers, use belts and rollers to manipulate harvested material into a desired shape. Circular hay balers and circular module builders for cotton typically use a tensioned belt running on a series of rollers to compact the harvested material into a cylindrical shape. The belt travels along the rollers to create forming chambers in which the harvested material is shaped into the desired shape and density. To facilitate proper module or bale formation, some rollers are often movable as the material is harvested, allowing the forming chambers to change size to accommodate more material. The final diameter of the circular module or bale is limited by the size of the belt and the overall stability during circular module or bale formation. However, the width of the circular module or bale is limited by the compressive strength of the rollers. As the width of the baler increases, the bending load on the rollers also increases. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of this disclosure is a circular bundle or module building assembly having: a frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from each other by a module width; and a plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path. At least two of the plurality of rollers have a combined width configured to substantially span the module width.

[0005] An example of this embodiment includes: a first support member along the first wall of the frame; a second support member along the second wall of the frame; and a third support member positioned between the first support member and the second support member. A first roller of the plurality of rollers is rotatably connected between the first support member and the third support member. Further, a second roller of the plurality of rollers is rotatably connected between the second support member and the third support member.

[0006] In another example, the plurality of rollers has: a first set of rollers defining a first belt path and positioned on a first side of the circular bundle or modular building assembly; and a second set of rollers defining a second belt path and positioned on a second side of the circular bundle or modular building assembly. The first set of rollers is offset from the second set of rollers, and the first belt path is different from the second belt path.

[0007] Another example includes: a roller support transverse member connected at a first end to the first wall and at a second end to the second wall; and a roller support bracket connected to the roller support transverse member between the first and second ends. A first roller of the plurality of rollers is rotatably connected at a first roller end to the roller support bracket and at a second roller end to the first wall.

[0008] Another example of this embodiment includes a belt alignment assembly comprising: a roller support transverse member coupled to the first wall and the second wall, and having a first adjustable side member adjacent to the first wall and a second adjustable side member adjacent to the second wall; a roller support bracket coupled to the roller support transverse member between the first end and the second end; a first adjustable roller of the plurality of rollers positioned between the first adjustable side member and the roller support bracket; and a second adjustable roller of the plurality of rollers positioned between the second adjustable side member and the roller support bracket. The first adjustable roller is repositionable to change its alignment relative to the roller support transverse member. Further, the second adjustable roller is repositionable to change its alignment relative to the roller support transverse member. In another aspect of this example, the at least one belt path further includes a first belt path and a second belt path, wherein the first adjustable roller adjusts the alignment of the first belt path relative to the first wall and the second wall, and the second adjustable roller adjusts the alignment of the second belt path relative to the first wall and the second wall.

[0009] Another embodiment is a circular bundle or module building machine having: a frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from each other by a module width; a plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path; and a rocker arm assembly pivotally coupled to the circular bundle or module building machine between the first wall and the second wall, the rocker arm assembly having: a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm; a first rocker roller rotatably coupled between the first arm and the second arm along a roller axis; and a second rocker roller rotatably coupled between the second arm and the third arm along the roller axis.

[0010] In one example of this implementation, the at least one belt path has a first belt path at least partially defined on the first rocker roller and a second belt path at least partially defined on the second rocker roller.

[0011] Another example has a support structure connected to the first arm and the second arm, and further connected to the second arm and the third arm. In one aspect of this example, the support structure is fixedly connected to the second arm and removably connected to the first arm and the third arm.

[0012] Another example has: a first through hole extending along the roller axis through the first arm; a second through hole extending along the roller axis through the second arm; and a third through hole extending along the roller axis through the third arm; wherein each of the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole has a different size relative to each other.

[0013] Another example has a shaft positioned along the roller axis and extending from the first arm to the third arm, with the first and second rollers rotatably coupled to the shaft. One aspect of this example has a groove defined at least partially along the roller axis in the second arm. The shaft slides through the groove to align with the roller axis. Another aspect of this example includes pliers removably coupled to the second arm near the groove. The pliers retain the shaft within the groove when coupled to the second arm. In yet another aspect of this example, the size of the first through-hole is configured to allow the shaft to slide through it. In yet another aspect of this example, a first spacer is at least partially positioned in the first through-hole and defines a connector through-hole. A connector is positioned through the connector through-hole of the spacer to couple the shaft to the first arm.

[0014] Another embodiment includes a circular bundle or module building system having: a first component; a second component spaced apart from the first component; a third component spaced apart from the first component and the second component; a first roller rotatably coupled between the first component and the second component; a second roller rotatably coupled between the second component and the third component; and at least one shaft positioned between the first component and the third component. The at least one shaft rotatably couples the first roller to the first component and the second component, and rotatably couples the second roller to the second component and the third component.

[0015] In one example of this embodiment, the first roller is connected between the first member and the second member along a first roller axis, and the second roller is connected between the second member and the third member along a second roller axis. The first roller axis and the second roller axis intersect at the second member. Furthermore, the first roller axis and the second roller axis are offset from each other to avoid biasing the first roller and the second roller by the belt force applied by a plurality of belts positioned along the first roller and the second roller.

[0016] Another example includes a first shaft connector and a second shaft connector, both having a head and a threaded through-hole. The first shaft connector is positioned through the first member, and the threaded through-hole is threaded to the shaft, such that the head connects the shaft to the first member. Further, the second shaft connector passes through the second member, and the threaded through-hole is threaded to the shaft, such that the head connects the shaft to the second member. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The foregoing aspects of this disclosure and the means of obtaining these aspects will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of embodiments of this disclosure given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is a side view of a cotton harvester;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the circular module builder;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective front view of one embodiment of a roller assembly for a circular module builder;

[0021] Figure 4 It is a 3D view of the isolated rocker arm assembly;

[0022] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the roller assembly;

[0023] Figure 6 These are cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the roller assembly;

[0024] Figure 7a This is a three-dimensional front view of one embodiment of the rocker arm in which the clip is removed;

[0025] Figure 7b It has a positioning clip. Figure 7a A three-dimensional front view of the rocker arm;

[0026] Figure 8a is a three-dimensional front view with alignment components;

[0027] Figure 8b is a three-dimensional front view of the transverse component of the roller support;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a perspective front view of Figure 8a with the alignment assembly attached to the sidewall;

[0029] Figure 10 It is a side view with a guide structure;

[0030] Figure 11a It is a three-dimensional front view of the strip located on the first strip path;

[0031] Figure 11b yes Figure 11a A three-dimensional front view of the strip located on the first strip path and the strip located on the second strip path; and

[0032] Figure 12 This is one implementation of the roller alignment structure.

[0033] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding components. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The embodiments of this disclosure described below are not exhaustive and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the precise forms described in the following detailed description. Rather, these embodiments were chosen and described so that those skilled in the art may recognize and understand the principles and practice of this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 1 A conventional harvester 10 according to one embodiment is shown. The harvester 10 shown is a cotton harvester 15. Alternatively, the harvester 10 can be a hay, corn stalk, or any other crop harvester.

[0036] The harvester 10 includes a chassis 20. The chassis 20 is supported by front wheels 25 and rear wheels 30. The harvester 10 is suitable for moving through fields 35 to harvest cotton, hay, corn stalks, or any other crops. An operator's station 40 is supported by the chassis 20. A power module 45 can be supported under the chassis 20. Water, lubricating oil, and fuel tanks, generally indicated by 50, can be supported on the chassis 20.

[0037] A harvesting structure 55 may be coupled to a chassis 20. The illustrated harvesting structure 55 is configured to remove cotton from a field 35. Alternatively, the harvesting structure 55 may be configured to remove hay, corn stalks, or any other crop. An air duct system 60 may be coupled to the harvesting structure 55. A collector 65 may be coupled to the air duct system 60. The collector 65 is configured to receive cotton or other crops from the harvesting structure 55 via the air duct system 60. A feeder 70 may be coupled to the chassis. The feeder 70 is configured to receive cotton or other crops from the collector 65. The feeder 70 includes a plurality of rollers 75 configured to compress the cotton or other crops and transfer them to a circular module builder 80. The circular module builder 80 has a first wall 28 and a second wall 32.

[0038] Although the circular module builder 80 is shown and described as part of a cotton harvester 15, this disclosure is not limited to this application of the module builder. More specifically, other embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to, towed circular balers. A towed circular baler may not include the chassis, header, air system, and other components shown on the cotton harvester 15. Instead, a towed circular baler may have a suspension mechanism, wheels, and crop pickup assembly coupled to the circular module builder. Those skilled in the art will understand how the teachings of this disclosure can be applied to any type of circular baler or module builder, and that this disclosure is not limited in application to the cotton harvester 15 shown and described herein.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 The module forming chamber 185 may have a plurality of annular belts 190 defining the circumference of the module forming chamber 185. The plurality of annular belts 190 are supported side by side on a support roller assembly including a plurality of fixed rollers and a plurality of movable rollers. Specifically, starting clockwise from the chamber inlet 195 where the crop enters the module forming chamber 185, the fixed rollers include a lower drive roller 200, a first separation roller 205, a second separation roller 210, an upper drive roller 215, a front upper frame roller 220, a rear upper frame roller 225, a front upper gate roller 230, a rear upper gate roller 235, a rear lower gate roller 240, and a front lower gate roller 245, all of which are connected within the circular module builder 80 for rotation.

[0040] exist Figure 2In this configuration, a pair of conventionally spaced laterally spaced tensioning or rocker arms 250 are pivotally mounted to a tensioning arm pivot 255. The plurality of movable rollers, including a first movable roller 260, a second movable roller 265, a third movable roller 270, and a fourth movable roller 275, extend between the laterally spaced tensioning arms 250 and have opposite ends rotatably connected to the tensioning arms 250, respectively. As shown, one or more of the fixed rollers are driven, causing a plurality of annular belts 190 to be driven, wherein the driving direction is such that incoming cotton or other crop, as the cotton or other crop is added as a spiral layer to the enlarging circular module 100, travels in a counterclockwise direction 305. As the circular module 100 enlarges within the module forming chamber 185, the laterally spaced tensioning arms 250 rotate counterclockwise until a circular module 100 with a predetermined diameter is formed within the module forming chamber 185.

[0041] Return to reference Figure 1 The module processing system 330 is positioned adjacent to the circular module builder 80 to receive the circular module 100. The module processing system 330 temporarily supports the circular module 100 and then discharges it from the harvester 10.

[0042] During operation, the harvester 10 is driven across field 35 to harvest cotton or other crops. The illustrated harvesting structure 55 picks up cotton from cotton plants in field 35. Alternatively, the harvesting structure 55 can strip cotton from cotton plants. The cotton is then transferred to collector 65 via air duct system 60. Collector 65 holds the cotton until a predetermined cotton level is reached, and then transfers the cotton to feeder 70. In an exemplary embodiment, collector 65 transfers cotton to feeder 70 approximately four times for each resulting circular module 100. As feeder 70 receives cotton, multiple rollers 75 are actuated to compress the cotton. The compressed cotton is transferred to circular module builder 80.

[0043] After the circular module builder 80 receives compressed cotton, multiple annular belts 190 rotate the cotton into circular modules 100. Once the circular module builder 80 has received sufficient cotton from the feeder 70, the circular module can be wrapped and discharged onto the module processing system 330. The module processing system 330 supports the circular module 100 and then discharges it from the harvester 10. The harvester 10 is adapted to move through the field 35 to harvest cotton.

[0044] Now refer to Figure 3 This illustrates one embodiment of the roller assembly 300 of this disclosure. More specifically, the roller assembly 300 is shown isolated from the external structure of the module builder 80. Thus, although not in Figure 3As clearly shown, the roller assembly 300 is located between the first wall 28 and the second wall 32 of the module builder 80. The first wall 28 and the second wall 32 of the module builder 80 are spaced apart from each other by a module width 302. Additionally, Figure 3 The implementation may include a chamber inlet 195, a lower drive roller 200, an upper drive roller 215, a rear lower gate roller 240, and a front lower gate roller 245, whose functions are the same as those described above for... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The described functions are basically the same. However, Figure 3 The implementation incorporates multiple segmented rollers to span the module width 302. The module width 302 can be the width of a circular bundle or module after it is discharged from the module handling system 330.

[0045] exist Figure 3 In the implementation of the above-mentioned method, the first separating roller assembly 304 may be located at the same position as the separation roller assembly 304. Figure 2 The first separating roller 205 is described in a similar position. However, the first separating roller assembly 304 may have a first separating roller 306 and a second separating roller 308 positioned in combination and substantially spanning the module width 302, rather than targeting... Figure 2 Only one separating roller 205 is shown and described. More specifically, a roller support transverse member 310 (see FIG. 8b, which is a separate view of the roller support transverse member 310) can be coupled between the first wall and the second wall of the module builder 80. The roller support transverse member 310 may have a roller support bracket 312 located between the first wall and the second wall and providing a coupling position for the first roller 306 and the second roller 308 of the first separating roller assembly 304. More specifically, the first roller 306 can be rotatably coupled to the first wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end. Similarly, the second roller 308 can be rotatably coupled to the second wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end.

[0046] As will be described in more detail below, the axes of rotation of the first roller 306 and the second roller 308 of the first separating roller assembly 304 may be offset from each other. However, the combined width of the first roller 306 and the second roller 308 can be set to substantially span the module width 302 when coupled to the roller support transverse member 310 as described above. In a non-exclusive example, the roller support bracket 312 may be located between the first wall 28 and the second wall 32 to define the first side 1102 and the second side 1104. Figure 3In the exemplary embodiments, both the first side 1102 and the second side 1104 can be substantially half the module width 302, but this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. More specifically, in different embodiments, the width of the first side 1102 can be greater than the width of the second side 1104. Additionally, in another embodiment, the width of the second side 1104 can be greater than the width of the first side 1102. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to any particular location of the roller support bracket 312 between the first wall 28 and the second wall 32, and embodiments utilizing rollers of different widths to span the module width 302 between the first side 1102 and the second side 1104 are contemplated.

[0047] The second separating roller assembly 314 can be located at the same position as the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The second separating roller 210 is positioned similarly to the one described. However, the second separating roller assembly 314 may have a first roller 316 and a second roller 318 positioned in combination and substantially spanning the module width 302, instead of as described for... Figure 2 Only one second separating roller 205 is shown and described. The second separating roller assembly 314 may utilize a similar roller support transverse member 310 as described above for the first separating roller assembly 304. More specifically, the first roller 316 of the second separating roller assembly 314 may be rotatably coupled to the first wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end. Similarly, the second roller 318 of the second separating roller assembly 314 may be rotatably coupled to the second wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end.

[0048] The rotation axes of the first roller 316 and the second roller 318 of the second separating roller assembly 314 can be offset from each other. However, the combined width of the first roller 316 and the second roller 318 can be set to substantially span the module width 302 when coupled to the roller support transverse member 310 as described above.

[0049] The front upper frame roller assembly 320 can be positioned relative to the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The front upper frame roller 220 is positioned similarly to the described position. However, the front upper frame roller assembly 320 may have a first roller 322 and a second roller 324 positioned together across the module width 302, instead of as described for... Figure 2 Only one front upper frame roller 220 is shown and described. The front upper frame roller assembly 320 may utilize a similar roller support transverse member 310 as described above for the first separating roller assembly 304. More specifically, the first roller 322 of the front upper frame roller assembly 320 may be rotatably coupled to the first wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end. Similarly, the second roller 324 of the front upper frame roller assembly 320 may be rotatably coupled to the second wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end.

[0050] The rotation axes of the first roller 322 and the second roller 324 of the front upper frame roller assembly 320 can be offset from each other. However, the combined width of the first roller 322 and the second roller 324 can be set to substantially span the module width 302 when coupled to the roller support transverse member 310 as described above.

[0051] The rear upper frame roller assembly 326 can be positioned in relation to the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The rear upper frame roller 225 is positioned similarly to the one described. However, the rear upper frame roller assembly 326 may have a first roller 328 and a second roller 332 positioned together to span the module width 302, rather than as described for... Figure 2 Only one rear upper frame roller 225 is shown and described. The rear upper frame roller assembly 326 may utilize a roller support transverse member 310 similar to that described above for the first separating roller assembly 304. More specifically, the first roller 328 of the rear upper frame roller assembly 326 may be rotatably coupled to the first wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end. Similarly, the second roller 332 of the rear upper frame roller assembly 326 may be rotatably coupled to the second wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end.

[0052] The rotation axes of the first roller 328 and the second roller 332 of the rear upper frame roller assembly 326 can be offset from each other. However, the combined width of the first roller 328 and the second roller 332 can be set to substantially span the module width 302 when coupled to the roller support transverse member 310 as described above.

[0053] The front upper door roller assembly 334 can be positioned in relation to the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The front upper door roller 230 is positioned similarly to the one described above. However, the front upper door roller assembly 334 may have a first roller 336 and a second roller 338 positioned together across the module width 302, instead of as described above. Figure 2 Only one front upper door roller 230 is shown and described. More specifically, the first roller 336 of the front upper door roller assembly 334 is rotatably coupled to the first wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end. Similarly, the second roller 338 of the front upper door roller assembly 334 is rotatably coupled to the second wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end.

[0054] The rotation axes of the first roller 336 and the second roller 338 of the front upper roller assembly 334 may be offset from each other. However, the combined width of the first roller 336 and the second roller 338 can be set to substantially span the combined width 302 when coupled to the roller support transverse member 310 as described above.

[0055] The rear upper door roller assembly 340 can be positioned in relation to the above-mentioned... Figure 2 The rear upper gate roller 235 is positioned similarly to the one described. However, the rear upper gate roller assembly 340 may have a first roller 342 and a second roller 344 positioned together across the module width 302, instead of as described for... Figure 2 Only one rear upper gate roller 235 is shown and described. The rear upper gate roller assembly 340 may utilize a roller support transverse member 310 similar to that described above for the first separating roller assembly 304. More specifically, the first roller 342 of the rear upper gate roller assembly 340 may be rotatably coupled to the first wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end. Similarly, the second roller 344 of the rear upper gate roller assembly 340 may be rotatably coupled to the second wall at one end and rotatably coupled to the roller support bracket 312 at the other end.

[0056] The rotation axes of the first roller 342 and the second roller 344 of the rear upper roller assembly 340 can be offset from each other. However, the combined width of the first roller 342 and the second roller 344 can be set to substantially span the module width 302 when coupled to the roller support transverse member 310 as described above.

[0057] Figure 3 The implementation method is shown with Figure 2 The rear lower roller 240 is substantially the same as the rear lower gate roller 346. More specifically, the rear lower gate roller 346 may be essentially a single roller spanning the module width 302. However, in different embodiments, the rear lower gate roller 346 may be two separate rollers as described above, and this disclosure is not limited to the rear lower gate roller being a single roller.

[0058] Similarly, Figure 3 The embodiment also shows a front lower door roller 348, the front lower door roller 348 and... Figure 2 The front lower door roller 245 is substantially the same. More specifically, the front lower door roller 348 can be substantially a single roller spanning the module width 302. However, in different embodiments, the front lower door roller 348 can be two separate rollers as described above, and this disclosure is not limited to the front lower door roller being a single roller.

[0059] Figure 3 The roller assembly 300 can also have a rocker assembly 350 with tension arm 250 similar to that described above. However, the rocker assembly 350 can utilize two separate rollers to span the module width 302, wherein the roller from the tension arm 250 utilizes only one roller to span the module width 302, as will be referred to Figure 4 Shown and described.

[0060] Now refer to Figure 4The rocker assembly 350 is shown isolated from the rest of the roller assembly 300. The rocker assembly 350 may have a frame pivot 402 pivotally connected between the first and second walls and spanning the module width 302. Additionally, a first arm 404, a second arm 406, and a third arm 408 may be connected to the frame pivot 402. Arms 404, 406, and 408 may be connected at one end to the frame pivot 402 and extend away from the frame pivot 402 to provide mounting positions for multiple rollers, as will be described in more detail below.

[0061] The first, second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 410, 412, 414, and 416 can be located in positions similar to those described above for the first, second, third, and fourth movable rollers 260, 265, 270, and 275. Additionally, the movable roller assemblies 410, 412, 414, and 416 can also operate in a manner substantially similar to that described above for the movable rollers 260, 265, 270, and 275. However, the first, second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 410, 412, 414, and 416 can all span the module width 302 using the first and second rollers, instead of using the single rollers described above for the movable rollers 260, 265, 270, and 275.

[0062] More specifically, the first movable roller assembly 410 may have a first roller 418 rotatably coupled to a first arm 404 at one end and rotatably coupled to a second arm 406 at the other end. Similarly, the first movable roller assembly 410 may have a second roller 420 rotatably coupled to a second arm 406 at one end and rotatably coupled to a third arm 408 at the other end. In one embodiment of this disclosure, both the first roller 418 and the second roller 420 are aligned along and rotate about a first axis 424.

[0063] Similarly, the second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416 may also include a first roller rotatably connected between the first arm 404 and the second arm 406, and a second roller rotatably connected between the second arm 406 and the third arm 408. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first and second rollers of the respective second, third, and fourth roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416 are aligned along and rotate about the respective second, third, and fourth axes. The second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416 may be configured in essentially the same manner as described above for the first movable roller assembly 410. Therefore, the description provided above for the first movable roller assembly 410 also applies to the second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416, respectively.

[0064] In one aspect of this disclosure, the support structure 426 may be located between the first arm 404 and the second arm 406, and between the second arm 406 and the third arm 408. In one embodiment, the support structure 426 is fixedly coupled to the second arm 426 and removably coupled to both the first arm 404 and the third arm 408. More specifically, in this embodiment, the support structure 426 may be welded to, glued to, integrally formed with, or otherwise fixedly coupled to the second arm 406, and extend toward both the first arm 404 and the third arm 408. The support structure 426 can thus be removably coupled to both the first arm 404 and the second arm 408 via any common removable coupling mechanism. In one embodiment, the support structure 426 may be bolted, riveted, or otherwise clamped or coupled to the corresponding first arm 404 and third arm 408.

[0065] In other embodiments, the support structure 426 may be two separate components: a first component spaced between the first arm 404 and the second arm 406; and a second component spaced between the second arm 406 and the third arm 408. In this embodiment, the support structure 426 may be connected to the corresponding arms 404, 406, 408 via any of the connection methods described herein. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to any specific connection configuration between the support structure 426 and the corresponding first, second, and third arms 404, 406, 408.

[0066] As described above, the first roller 418 and the second roller 420 of the first movable roller assembly 410 can be positioned along the first axis 424. Now referring to... Figure 5 This illustrates a non-exclusive method for connecting the first roller 418 and the second roller 420 to the corresponding arms 404, 406, 408. More specifically, Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the first movable roller assembly 410 passing through the first axis 424 is shown. Figure 5 In the diagram, shaft 502 is shown as being coupled to the first arm 404, passing through the second arm 406, and coupled to the third arm 408. Figure 5 In one embodiment, the shaft 502 can be rotatably connected to the corresponding first roller 418 and second roller 420 via the bearing 506. Thus, the shaft 502 can be rigidly mounted to the corresponding arms 404, 406, 408, and the rollers 418, 420 can rotate around the shaft 502 via the bearing 506.

[0067] exist Figure 5In this embodiment, shaft 502 has a shaft width 504. The shaft width 504 may be slightly smaller than the width of the first arm opening 508, but larger than the width of the third arm opening 510. Additionally, the shaft width 504 may substantially correspond to the width of the second arm opening 512. Thus, in one aspect of the present embodiment, before shaft 502 is positioned in rollers 418, 420, rollers 418, 420 may be aligned with the first axis 424. Shaft 502 can then slide through the first arm opening 508 of the first roller 418 and the corresponding bearing 506, and through the second arm opening 512. Shaft 502 can continue through the bearing 506 of the second roller 420 until it contacts the third arm 408.

[0068] Once shaft 502 is positioned between the first arm 404 and the third arm 408, a first connector 513 can be connected to shaft 502 at the first arm 404, and a second connector 514 can be connected to the shaft at the third arm 408. Additionally, in Figure 5 In this embodiment, the first connector spacer 516 can provide sufficient spacing to allow the first connector 513 to span the first arm opening 508 and clamp the shaft 502 between the first arm 404 and the third arm 408. Thus, when the first connector 513 is positioned through the first connector spacer 516 and the second connector 514 is positioned through the third arm opening 510, the first arm 404 and the third arm 408 can provide clamping force on the shaft 502, thereby holding the arms 404, 408 at a defined distance from each other.

[0069] Although this is described Figure 5 The embodiment shown directly mentions the first movable roller assembly 410, but it is believed that... Figure 5 The same implementation method is also used in each of the second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416. More specifically, all roller assemblies 410, 412, 414, and 416 can utilize the above-described references. Figure 5 The description includes similar shafts, connectors, spacers, and dimensional constructions, and... Figure 5 Regarding the application of the implementation method, this disclosure is not limited to the first movable roller assembly 410. Furthermore, any roller on the module builder can implement the reference... Figure 5 The teachings shown and described. Therefore, this public consideration will Figure 5 The teachings apply to any roller or roller assembly on a bundle or module builder.

[0070] Now refer to Figure 6Different embodiments for mounting rollers 418 and 420 are shown. In this embodiment, there may be a first shaft 602 corresponding to the first roller 418 and a second shaft 604 corresponding to the second roller 420. In this embodiment, the first shaft 602 may be sized to fit between the inner surface of the first arm 404 and the surface of the second arm 406 facing the first arm 404. Similarly, the second shaft 604 may be sized to fit between the inner surface of the third arm 408 and the surface of the second arm 406 facing the third arm 408. However, in this embodiment, the first shaft 602 and the second shaft 604 have hollow cores sized to allow a central shaft 606 to be positioned through the hollow cores. More specifically, the central shaft 606 extends approximately from the left and right sides of the first arm 404 to the left and right sides of the third arm 408, thereby holding the first shaft 602 and the second shaft 604 aligned with the first axis 424.

[0071] exist Figure 6 In this embodiment, the central shaft 606 may have threads on its first end 608 and second end 610. Additionally, the connector 612 may have a threaded through-hole and be configured to be threadedly connected to the corresponding first end 608 and second end 610 of the central shaft 606. In this embodiment, the first arm 404 and the third arm 408 may have a connector through-hole 614, the size of which is set to be smaller than the width of the first shaft 602 and the second shaft 604, but larger than the width of the central shaft 606. Therefore, when the first arm 404, the first shaft 602, the second arm 406, the second shaft 604, and the third arm 408 are aligned with the first axis 424, the central shaft 606 can slide through the first arm 404, the first shaft 602, the second arm 406, the second shaft 604, and the third arm 408.

[0072] exist Figure 6 In one aspect of the implementation, the size of the connector 612 can be configured such that when the connector 612 is threaded to the central rod 606, it is at least partially positioned within the corresponding shafts 602, 604. Furthermore, the connector 612 may have an enlarged head corresponding to the countersunk portion of the first 404 or the third arm 408. Thus, when the connector 612 is threaded to the central shaft 606, the enlarged head of the connector 612 contacts the corresponding arms 404, 408 to pull them together using a compressive load distributed through the first shaft 602 and the second shaft 604. In addition to applying a compressive load to the corresponding arms 404, 408, the connector 612 centers the shafts 602, 604 along the first axis 424 by being at least partially positioned within the corresponding connector openings of the shafts 602, 604.

[0073] Although this is described Figure 6The embodiment shown directly mentions the first movable roller assembly 410, but here we also consider... Figure 6 The implementation method is used for each of the second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416. More specifically, all roller assemblies 410, 412, 414, and 416 can utilize the above-described references. Figure 6 The description includes similar shafts, connectors, spacers, and dimensional constructions, and... Figure 6 Regarding the application of the implementation method, this disclosure is not limited to the first movable roller assembly 410. Furthermore, any roller of the module builder can be implemented with reference to... Figure 6 The teachings shown and described. Therefore, this public consideration will Figure 6 The teachings apply to any roller or roller assembly on a bundle or module builder.

[0074] Now refer to Figure 7a and Figure 7b An exemplary embodiment of the second arm 406 is shown. Figure 7a In the diagram, slot 702 is shown positioned corresponding to the second, third, and fourth movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416. In this embodiment, the corresponding rollers can be coupled to the shaft before being coupled to the corresponding arms 404, 406, and 408. More specifically, slot 702 allows the first and second rollers of the corresponding roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416 to be pre-mounted on the shaft. The movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416 can then be placed in their corresponding slots 702 and coupled to the first arm 404 and the third arm 408 using one of the techniques described above. Furthermore, once the movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416 are positioned within their corresponding slots 702, slot clamps 704 can be at least partially positioned on the corresponding slots 702, thereby locking the movable roller assemblies 412, 414, and 416 into proper alignment with the first arm 404, the second arm 406, and the third arm 408.

[0075] Referring to FIG8a, a belt alignment assembly 808 is shown. The belt alignment assembly 808 may have a structural member 802 and a roller support bracket 312 similar to a roller support bracket of roller support member 310. However, the belt alignment assembly 808 also has a first side belt alignment mechanism 810 and a second side belt alignment mechanism 812. The first belt alignment mechanism 810 and the second belt alignment mechanism 812 are configured to allow corresponding adjacent ends of corresponding rollers 342, 344 to move relative to the ends of the rollers adjacent to the roller support bracket 312. In other words, the first belt alignment mechanism 810 and the second belt alignment mechanism 812 provide positions to change the alignment of a plurality of annular belts positioned along the corresponding first roller 342 or second roller 344, as will be shown in Figure 8a. Figure 9 A more detailed description.

[0076] Referring now to Figure 8b, an example of the isolation of the roller support member 310 is shown. The roller support member 310 also has a basic structural member 802 connected to a first wall on a first side 804 and to a second wall on a second side 806. The structural member 802 can be positioned in the cavity away from the plurality of annular belts to avoid contact with the plurality of annular belts. In addition, the structural member can be connected to the first side 804 and the second side 806 to provide sufficient structural support to substantially prevent the roller support bracket 312 and, consequently, the first roller 336 and the second roller 338 from significant deflection under belt load.

[0077] Now refer to Figure 9 The diagram illustrates an assembly for adjusting the first belt alignment mechanism 810 and the second belt alignment mechanism 812. More specifically, in this embodiment, a retaining screw 902 can be coupled to the second belt alignment mechanism 812 and the second wall 32. Additionally, the second belt alignment mechanism 812 can be pivotally coupled to the second wall via a plurality of slots 904. These slots 904 can be selectively coupled to the second wall via nuts and bolts or any other known clamping fasteners. When the second roller 344 needs to be adjusted (thereby adjusting the tension and alignment of the plurality of belts positioned thereon), the fasteners on the second belt alignment mechanism 812 can be loosened to allow the retaining screw 902 to manipulate the position of the second belt alignment mechanism 812, and thereby manipulate the second end of the second roller 344.

[0078] although Figure 9 Only the second band alignment component 812 has been mentioned, but this embodiment is equally applicable to the first band alignment mechanism 810. Therefore, the above description of the second band alignment mechanism 812 is thus included as applicable to the first band alignment mechanism 810.

[0079] Furthermore, although specific ways of modifying one end of the roller to thereby modify the tension and alignment of any belt positioned on the roller have been shown and described herein, this disclosure is not limited to the methods described. More specifically, in one embodiment, one end of the roller may be positioned in a groove in a corresponding wall and may be repositioned by means of bolts, clamps, or other similar fasteners. Thus, this disclosure takes into account any known methods of selectively positioning bolts, etc., in different locations through a surface.

[0080] Now refer to Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a belt guide configuration 1000. As described above, the roller assembly 300 may have multiple rollers coupled to the roller support member 310. The roller support member 310, in turn, allows the rollers on the first side 1102 of the module builder to be offset from the rollers on the second side 1104 of the module builder. By dividing the rollers into two different sides 1102, 1104, it is possible to guide the corresponding belt along different paths between the first and second sides. More specifically, Figure 10The outline diagram shows how the first band path 1002 can be made (see also...) Figure 11a ) and the second belt path 1004 (see also) Figure 11b The following are different. In a non-limiting example, the front upper gate roller assembly 334 may position the first roller 336 on the first side 1102 and slightly offset relative to the second roller 338 located on the second side 1104 toward the rear upper frame roller 225. Similarly, the rear upper gate roller assembly 340 may position the first roller 342 on the first side 1102 and slightly spaced apart from the front upper gate roller assembly 334 relative to the second roller 344 located on the second side 1104. The first separation roller assembly 304 and the second separation roller assembly 314 may similarly offset the corresponding first and second rollers 306, 308, 316, 318 on the respective sides 1102, 1104 of the roller assembly 300.

[0081] exist Figure 10 In one aspect, at least some of the belts traveling along corresponding belt paths 1002 and 1004 are substantially the same length. That is, these rollers are offset accordingly to ensure that belt paths 1002 and 1004 are substantially the same length, regardless of where they are offset. In other words, if the first belt path 1002 is offset from the module axis 1006 located at a roller assembly, it can be offset toward the module axis 1006 located at a different roller assembly, thereby ensuring that the total length of the first belt path 1002 is the same as the total length of the second belt path 1004.

[0082] In one aspect of this disclosure, the first side 1102 and the second side 1104 of the roller assembly may each provide multiple paths within their respective sides 1102, 1104. More specifically, in a non-exclusive example, the first belt path 1002 may not be the only belt path located on the first side 1102. In this example, a first alternative belt path (not specifically shown) may bypass the first roller 306 for the first separating roller assembly 304 and lead directly to the first roller 316 of the second separating roller assembly 314. Thus, in this example, the first side 1102 may define both the first belt path 1002 and the first alternative belt path. Furthermore, a belt configured to be positioned along the belt path 1002 may have a first belt path length, and a belt configured to be positioned along the first alternative belt path may have a first alternative belt path length, and these two lengths are different from each other.

[0083] Similarly, the second belt path 1004 may not be the only belt path located on the second side 1104. In this example, a second alternative belt path (not specifically shown) may bypass the second roller 308 for the first separating roller assembly 304 and lead directly to the second roller 318 of the second separating roller assembly 314. Thus, in this example, the second side 1104 may define both the second belt path 1004 and the second alternative belt path. Furthermore, a belt configured to be positioned along the second belt path 1004 may have a second belt path length, and a belt configured to be positioned along the second alternative belt path may have a second alternative belt path length, and these two lengths are different from each other.

[0084] In one aspect of the above example, the first belt path length is the same as the second belt path length, and the first alternative belt path length and the second alternative belt path length are the same. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. Embodiments in which the first belt path length is different from the second belt path length, but the first and second alternative belt path lengths are the same. Alternatively, the first and second belt path lengths may be the same, but the first and second alternative belt path lengths may be different. In yet another embodiment, the first and second belt path lengths or the first and second alternative belt path lengths are both different. Furthermore, in another embodiment, all belt path lengths are the same. Thus, this disclosure considers many different variations of the roll and belt configuration and is not limited to the roll and belt configuration specifically shown and described herein.

[0085] This disclosure also contemplates the use of more than two rollers to span the module width 302. More specifically, although these rollers are shown separated between the first side 1102 and the second side 1104 of the module assembly 300, other embodiments may utilize the teachings of this disclosure to divide the module assembly into three parts. In this embodiment, there may be two roller support brackets 312 on each roller support transverse member 310 to allow the use of three rollers to span the module width 302. Similarly, the rocker assembly 350 may have first, second, third, and fourth arms, each with a roller located between them to span the module width 302. Furthermore, the teachings of this disclosure can be applied to any number of rollers used to span the module width, and this disclosure is not limited to using only the two rollers shown and described throughout as a non-limiting example.

[0086] Figure 12 Another embodiment of this disclosure is shown. More specifically, in Figure 12In this embodiment, the first roller 1202 can be rotatably connected between the first member 1204 and the second member 1206 along the first roller axis 1208 using a similar connection method as described herein. Similarly, the second roller 1210 can be rotatably connected between the second member 1206 and the third member 1212 along the second roller axis 1214 using a similar connection method as described herein. However, in this embodiment, the first roller axis 1208 and the second roller axis 1214 may intersect at the second member 1206, but in other cases may be offset from each other. The rollers 1202 and 1210 can be positioned where a force 1216 will be applied along them. The offset orientation of the roller axes 1208 and 1212 allows for slight deformation along the second member 1206 when the force 1216 is applied to the rollers 1202 and 1210. Thus, the force 1216 can force the rollers 1202 and 1210 into a more coaxial orientation.

[0087] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to at least one embodiment, further modifications may be made to this disclosure within its spirit and scope. This disclosure is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or modifications of this disclosure utilizing its general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover those deviations from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known or customary practice in the field to which this disclosure pertains and fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0088] Cross-reference of related applications

[0089] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 545,091, filed August 14, 2017, entitled “SPLIT ROLLER CONFIGURATION FOR AROUND MODULE BUILDER OR ROUND BALER,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A rocker assembly for a circular module building machine, the rocker assembly comprising: The first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are all pivotally connected at one end to the circular module building machine via a frame pivot. A first rocker roller is rotatably connected between the first arm and the second arm along a roller axis; as well as A second rocker roller is rotatably connected between the second arm and the third arm along the roller axis; The first arm and the third arm are spaced apart by a module width, which is the width of the module formed in the circular module building machine, such that the combination of the first rocker roller and the second rocker roller spans the module width.

2. The rocker assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first rocker roller partially defines the first belt path, and the second rocker roller partially defines the second belt path.

3. The rocker assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rocker assembly further comprises a support structure connected to the first arm and the second arm and further connected to the second arm and the third arm.

4. The rocker assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The support structure is fixedly connected to the second arm and removably connected to the first arm and the third arm.

5. The rocker assembly according to claim 1, wherein the rocker assembly further comprises: A first through-hole defined by the first arm extends along the axis of the roller; A second through-hole defined by the second arm extends along the axis of the roller; as well as A third through hole defined by the third arm extends along the axis of the roller. Each of the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole has a different size relative to each other.

6. The rocker assembly of claim 1, further comprising a shaft positioned along the roller axis and extending from the first arm to the third arm, the first rocker roller and the second rocker roller being rotatably coupled to the shaft.

7. The rocker assembly of claim 6, further comprising a groove defined at least partially along the roller axis in the second arm, wherein, The shaft slides through the groove and aligns with the roller axis.

8. The rocker assembly of claim 7, further comprising a clamp removably coupled to the second arm near the slot, wherein, The pliers retain the shaft within the slot when they are attached to the second arm.

9. The rocker assembly according to claim 5, wherein the rocker assembly further comprises: A shaft is positioned along the roller axis and extends from the first arm to the third arm, to which the first rocker roller and the second rocker roller are rotatably connected. A first spacer, which is at least partially positioned in the first through-hole and defines the connector through-hole, The connector is positioned through the connector through-hole of the first spacer to connect the shaft to the first arm.

10. A circular module building machine, the circular module building machine comprising: A frame having a first wall and a second wall separated from each other; A plurality of rollers positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the plurality of rollers defining at least one belt path; as well as A rocker arm assembly, pivotally connected between the first wall and the second wall to the circular module building machine, the rocker arm assembly comprising: The first arm, the second arm, and the third arm are all pivotally connected at one end to the circular module building machine via a frame pivot. A first rocker roller, rotatably connected between the first arm and the second arm along a roller axis; and A second rocker roller is rotatably connected between the second arm and the third arm along the roller axis; The first arm and the third arm are spaced apart by a module width, which is the width of the module formed in the circular module building machine, such that the combination of the first rocker roller and the second rocker roller spans the module width.

11. The circular module construction machine according to claim 10, wherein, The at least one band path includes: The first belt path is at least partially defined on the first rocker roller; and The second belt path is at least partially defined on the second rocker roller.

12. The circular module construction machine according to claim 11, further wherein, The plurality of rollers includes: A first set of rollers, which at least partially defines the first belt path and is positioned on a first side of the circular module building machine; and A second set of rollers, which at least partially defines the second belt path and is positioned on a second side of the circular module building assembly; The first band path is different from the second band path.

13. The circular module construction machine according to claim 12, further wherein, The first and second band paths have substantially the same length.

14. The circular module building machine according to claim 10, further comprising: A roller-supported transverse member is connected to the first wall at a first end and to the second wall at a second end; as well as A roller support bracket, which connects to the roller support transverse member between the first end and the second end. The first roller of the plurality of rollers is rotatably connected to the roller support bracket at the first roller end and rotatably connected to the first wall at the second roller end.

15. The circular module building machine of claim 10, further comprising an alignment assembly, the alignment assembly comprising: A roller-supported transverse member is connected to the first wall at a first end and to the second wall at a second end, and has a first adjustable side member near the first wall and a second adjustable side member near the second wall. A roller support bracket, which is connected to the roller support transverse member between the first end and the second end; The first adjustable roller of the plurality of rollers is positioned between the first adjustable side member and the roller support bracket; as well as The second adjustable roller of the plurality of rollers is positioned between the second adjustable side member and the roller support bracket. The first adjustable roller can be repositioned to change the alignment of the first adjustable roller with respect to the roller support transverse member. The second adjustable roller can be repositioned to change the alignment of the second adjustable roller with respect to the roller support transverse member.

16. The circular module construction machine according to claim 15, wherein, The at least one band path further includes a first band path and a second band path. The first adjustable roller adjusts the alignment of the first belt path with respect to the first wall and the second wall, and the second adjustable roller adjusts the alignment of the second belt path with respect to the first wall and the second wall.

17. A circular module construction system, the circular module construction system comprising: First component; A second component, which is spaced apart from the first component; A third component, which is spaced apart from the first component and from the second component; A first movable roller assembly having a first roller rotatably connected between the first member and the second member, and a second roller rotatably connected between the second member and the third member; as well as At least one shaft, positioned between the first member and the third member; The at least one shaft rotatably connects the first roller to the first component and the second component, and rotatably connects the second roller to the second component and the third component; Wherein, the first component and the third component are spaced apart by a module width, the module width being the width of the module formed in the circular module construction system, such that the combination of the first roller and the second roller spans the module width, and The first component, the second component, and the third component are all pivotally connected at one end to the circular module construction system via a frame pivot.

18. The circular module construction system according to claim 17, further comprising a first shaft connector and a second shaft connector, both the first shaft connector and the second shaft connector having a head and a threaded through hole; in, The first shaft connector is positioned through the first component, and the threaded through hole is threaded to the shaft, thereby enabling the head to connect the shaft to the first component; The second shaft connector is positioned through the second component, and the threaded through hole is threaded to the shaft, thereby enabling the head to connect the shaft to the second component.

19. The circular module construction system of claim 17, further comprising a second movable roller assembly positioned between the first member, the second member, and the third member.

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