Conveying system of agricultural harvester

Abstract

A conveyor system for an agricultural harvester includes a leveling drum assembly configured to be positioned upstream of a belt configured to move agricultural product from an accumulator to a bale forming cavity of a baler. The leveling roller assembly is configured to rotate in an opposite direction with respect to a direction of rotation of the belt, and the leveling roller assembly is configured to level a surface of the agricultural product prior to engagement of the surface of the agricultural product with the belt. The leveling drum assembly includes a drum configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation. The leveling drum assembly also includes a shaft disposed within the drum, the shaft configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation. The leveling drum assembly also includes a plurality of teeth pivotally coupled to the shaft and configured to extend through respective apertures in the drum.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 521,993, filed on June 20, 2023, entitled "BALING SYSTEM FOR AN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM", U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 515,415, filed on July 25, 2023, entitled "CONVEYING SYSTEM FOR AN AGRICULTURAL HARVESTER", and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 534,226, filed on August 23, 2023, entitled "BALING SYSTEM FOR AN AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM". The entire contents of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a conveyor system for an agricultural harvester. Background Art

[0004] Agricultural harvesters are used to harvest agricultural products (e.g., cotton or other natural materials). For example, an agricultural harvester may include a harvesting table with a roller configured to harvest agricultural products from a field. The agricultural harvester may also include an air-assisted conveying system configured to move the agricultural products from the roller to an accumulator. The agricultural products may then be fed into a baler via the conveying system. The baler may compress the agricultural products into packages to facilitate storage, transportation, and handling of the agricultural products. For example, a round baler may compress the agricultural products into round bales within a baling chamber so that the round bales have a desired size and density. After the bales are formed, the bales may be wrapped with a bale wrap to secure the agricultural products within the bale and generally maintain the shape of the bale. Summary of the invention

[0005] In certain embodiments, a conveyor system for an agricultural harvester includes a leveling roller assembly configured to be positioned upstream of a belt configured to move agricultural produce from an accumulator to a bale forming cavity of a baler. The leveling roller assembly is configured to rotate in an opposite direction relative to a direction of rotation of the belt, and the leveling roller assembly is configured to level a surface of the agricultural produce before the surface of the agricultural produce engages the belt. The leveling roller assembly includes a roller configured to rotate about a first rotation axis. In addition, the leveling roller assembly also includes a shaft disposed within the roller, the shaft configured to rotate about a second rotation axis offset from the first rotation axis. The leveling roller assembly also includes a plurality of teeth pivotally coupled to the shaft and configured to extend through corresponding apertures in the roller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a side view of one embodiment of an agricultural machinery system having an agricultural produce transport component;

[0008] Figure 2 It is available for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of an agricultural product transport component of an agricultural machinery system;

[0009] Figure 3 is available in Figure 2 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a conveyor system used in an agricultural product transport assembly;

[0010] Figure 4 is available in Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a leveling roller assembly used in a conveyor system;

[0011] Figure 5A is available in Figure 4 A perspective view of one embodiment of a roller used in a leveling roller assembly;

[0012] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A projection of the outer surface of the drum;

[0013] Fig. 6A is available in Figure 4 A perspective view of another embodiment of a roller used in a leveling roller assembly;

[0014] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A A projection of the outer surface of the drum;

[0015] Fig. 7A is available in Figure 4 A perspective view of another embodiment of a roller used in a leveling roller assembly of; and

[0016] Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A Projection of the outer surface of the drum. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. In addition, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it is still a routine task of design, manufacturing, and fabrication for ordinary technicians who benefit from this disclosure.

[0018] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to indicate that there are one or more elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. Any examples of operating parameters and / or environmental conditions do not exclude other parameters / conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

[0019] Figure 11 is a side view of one embodiment of an agricultural machinery system 10 (e.g., a harvester, an agricultural harvester) having a produce transport assembly 11. The agricultural machinery system 10 is configured to harvest produce 12 (e.g., cotton) from a field 14 and form the produce 12 into bales (e.g., agricultural bales). In the illustrated embodiment, the agricultural machinery system 10 includes a header 16 having a drum configured to harvest the produce 12 from the field 14. In addition, the produce transport assembly 11 of the agricultural machinery system 10 also includes an air-assisted conveying system 18 configured to move the produce 12 from the drum of the header 16 to an accumulator of the produce transport assembly 11. The produce transport assembly 11 also includes a conveying system configured to convey the produce 12 from the accumulator to a cavity (e.g., a bale forming cavity) of a baler 20 (e.g., an agricultural baler). The baler 20 is supported by and / or mounted within or on a chassis of the agricultural machinery system 10. The baler 20 may form the produce 12 into round bales. However, in other embodiments, the baler 20 of the agricultural machine system 10 may form the produce into square bales, polygonal bales, or other suitable shaped bales. After the produce 12 is formed into bales, the bale wrapping system of the agricultural machine system 10 wraps the bales with a bale wrap to secure the produce 12 within the bale and generally maintain the shape of the bale.

[0020] As discussed in detail below, the conveyor system includes a first belt (e.g., a belt) configured to move the produce 12 from an accumulator to a cavity (e.g., a bale forming cavity) of a baler 20. The first belt is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction to move the produce engagement surface of the first belt toward the bale forming cavity. In certain embodiments, the conveyor system includes a second belt configured to be positioned on a side of the produce 12 opposite the first belt, the second belt configured to cooperate with the first belt to move the produce from the accumulator to the bale forming cavity. In addition, the conveyor system also includes a leveling roller assembly positioned upstream of the first belt. The leveling roller assembly is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, the leveling roller assembly being configured to level a surface of the produce before the surface of the produce engages the produce engagement surface of the first belt. In certain embodiments, the leveling roller assembly includes a roller configured to rotate about a first rotational axis; the leveling roller assembly includes a shaft disposed within the roller and configured to rotate about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis. The leveling roller assembly also includes teeth pivotally coupled to the shaft and configured to extend through corresponding apertures in the roller. The teeth are configured to engage the produce, and the combination of the roller and the teeth is configured to level the surface of the produce, thereby improving uniformity of produce distribution entering the bale forming cavity. As a result, density variations within the finished bale can be reduced, thereby enhancing downstream processing of the produce.

[0021] Figure 2 It is available for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of one embodiment of a produce transport assembly 11 of an agricultural machinery system of the present invention. As previously described, the harvesting head 16 of the agricultural machinery system 10 includes a drum configured to harvest produce 12 (e.g., cotton) from a field. In addition, the air-assisted conveying system 18 is configured to move the produce 12 from the drum of the harvesting head 16 to the accumulator 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the air-assisted conveying system 18 includes a conveying air source 28 configured to output a conveying air flow through one or more conduits 30. Each conduit 30 receives the produce 12 (e.g., cotton) from the harvesting head 16, and the conveying air flow output by the conveying air source 28 drives the produce from the harvesting head 16 to the accumulator 26 through the conduit 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the produce transport assembly 11 includes an auger 32 configured to distribute the produce 12 (e.g., cotton) laterally through the accumulator 26 (e.g., intersecting the downward movement of the produce through the accumulator). In the illustrated embodiment, the produce transport assembly 11 includes two augers 32. However, in other embodiments, the produce transport assembly may include more or fewer augers (eg, 0, 1, 3, 4, or more).

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system 34 of the produce transport system 11 includes a first belt (e.g., a belt) 36 configured to move produce 12 from the accumulator 26 to a cavity 41 (e.g., a bale forming cavity) of the baler 20. The first belt 36 is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction to move a produce engaging surface of the first belt 36 toward the cavity 41. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system 34 includes a second belt 38 positioned on an opposite side of the produce 12 from the first belt 36, the second belt 38 being configured to cooperate with the first belt 36 to move the produce 12 from the accumulator 26 to the cavity 41. In addition, the conveyor system 34 also includes a leveling roller assembly 40 positioned upstream of the first belt 36. The leveling roller assembly 40 is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction, the leveling roller assembly 40 being configured to level a surface of the produce 12 before the surface of the produce 12 engages the produce engaging surface of the first belt 36. In certain embodiments, the leveling roller assembly 40 includes a roller configured to rotate about a first rotation axis; the leveling roller assembly includes a shaft disposed within the roller and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis offset from the first rotation axis. The leveling roller assembly 40 also includes teeth pivotally coupled to the shaft and configured to extend through corresponding apertures in the roller. The teeth are configured to engage the produce, and the combination of the roller and the teeth is configured to level the surface of the produce, thereby improving the uniformity of the distribution of the produce entering the cavity 41. As a result, density variations within the finished bale can be reduced, thereby enhancing downstream processing of the produce.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the baler 20 includes a plurality of rollers 35 that support and / or drive one or more belts 37 to rotate. For example, one or more rollers 35 engage with the belt 37 to enable the belt 37 to move along a path defined by the rollers 37 and the bale 39. The one or more rollers 35 are driven to rotate via a belt drive system (e.g., including an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, etc.). The belt 37 circulates around the path defined by the rollers 35 and the bale 39. The movement of the belt 37 captures the produce 12 from the conveyor system 34 and draws the produce 12 into a cavity 41 (e.g., a bale forming cavity), where the produce 12 is gradually accumulated to form a bale 39.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the baler 20 includes a tensioning arm 33 configured to generate tension in the strap 37. As the produce 12 accumulates in the cavity 41, the produce 12 exerts a force on the strap 37 that pushes the first portion 43 of the strap 37 around the bale 39 to expand. At the same time, the size of the second portion 45 (e.g., the serpentine portion) of the strap 37 is also reduced. Thus, the second portion 45 of the strap 37 provides an increased strap length for the expanded first portion 43. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 45 of the strap 37 is comprised of a fixed roller 35 (e.g., a roller fixed to the housing / frame of the baler 20) and a tensioning arm 33 that is pivotable relative to the fixed roller 35 (e.g., relative to the housing / frame of the baler 20). Thus, as the produce 12 accumulates in the cavity 41, the tensioning arm 33 is driven to rotate, thereby reducing the size of the second portion 45, allowing the first portion 43 to expand.

[0025] Once the bale 39 reaches the desired size, the bale wrapping system 47 of the baler 20 wraps the bale 39 with a bale wrap 49 to secure the produce within the bale 39 and generally maintain the shape of the bale 39, such as the circular shape in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the shape of the bale may be rectangular, polygonal, or other suitable shapes. The bale wrap 49 may be fed into contact with the bale 39 using one or more feed rollers. The feed rollers drive the bale wrap 49 through a wrap guide or wrap applicator 51. The wrap guide / wrap applicator 51 is configured to move (e.g., rotate) to guide the bale wrap 49 into contact with the bale 39. The bale wrap 49 is captured between the bale 39 and the belt 37. Thus, the rotation of the bale 39 pulls the bale wrap 49 around the bale 39, thereby wrapping the bale 39.

[0026] Figure 3 is available in Figure 2Schematic diagram of one embodiment of a conveyor system 34 used in a produce transport assembly of a baler 20. As previously described, a first belt 36 is configured to rotate in a first rotational direction 42 to move a produce engaging surface 44 of the first belt 36 in a translational direction 46 toward a cavity 41 (e.g., a bale forming cavity) of the baler 20. In addition, a second belt 38 is positioned on an opposite side of the produce 12 from the first belt 36, and the second belt 38 is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction 48 opposite the first rotational direction 42 to move a produce engaging surface 50 of the second belt 38 in a translational direction toward the cavity 41. Thus, the first belt 36 and the second belt 38 are configured to cooperate with each other to move the produce 12 from the accumulator 26 to the cavity 41 along the translational direction 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the first belt 36 and the second belt 38 (e.g., the produce engaging surface 44 of the first belt 36 and the produce engaging surface 50 of the second belt 38) converge toward the cavity 41 along the translational direction 46, thereby compressing the produce 12 between the produce engaging surfaces of the belts.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, each belt extends along the entire lateral extension of the conveyor system (e.g., the extension of the conveyor system transverse to the translation direction). However, in other embodiments, the conveyor system may include a plurality of first belts distributed along the lateral extension of the conveyor system, and / or the conveyor system may include a plurality of second belts distributed along the lateral extension of the conveyor system. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, each belt is rotatably supported by two rollers 52, wherein the rollers 52 are positioned at opposite ends of the belt relative to the translation direction 46, and the rollers 52 extend along the entire lateral extension of the conveyor system. However, in other embodiments, at least one belt may be supported by one or more additional rollers. For example, at least one belt may be supported by at least one additional roller positioned along the length of the belt relative to the translation direction, and / or at least one belt may be supported by at least one additional roller positioned along the lateral extension of the belt (e.g., a plurality of rollers may be distributed at a common position along the length of the belt relative to the translation direction along the lateral extension of the belt). Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment, the belts converge toward cavity 41 along translation direction 46, in other embodiments, the belts (e.g., produce engaging surfaces of the belts) may diverge or be parallel to one another along translation direction 46 toward cavity 41. Furthermore, while in the illustrated embodiment, conveyor system 34 includes belts positioned on opposite sides of produce 12, in other embodiments, the conveyor system may include only a belt positioned on one side of the produce. For example, in some embodiments, the conveyor system may include a belt positioned on one side of the produce and a support surface positioned on an opposite side of the produce.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the second belt 38 relative to the translation direction 46 is greater than the length of the first belt 36 relative to the translation direction 46. As shown, the downstream end 54 of the second belt 38 extends beyond the downstream end 56 of the first belt 36 relative to the translation direction 46. In the illustrated embodiment, a blocking roller 58 is positioned at the downstream end 56 of the first belt 36 on the opposite side of the produce 12 from the second belt 38. The blocking roller 58 is configured to block the produce 12 from moving to an area above the first belt 36. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the downstream end 54 of the second belt 38 extends beyond the downstream end 56 of the first belt 36 relative to the translation direction 46, in other embodiments, the downstream end of the first belt may extend beyond the downstream end of the second belt relative to the translation direction, or the downstream ends of the belts may be located at the same location relative to the translation direction. In addition, in some embodiments, the blocking roller may be omitted.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream end 60 of the second belt 38 is positioned upstream of the upstream end 62 of the first belt 36 relative to the translation direction 46. As shown, the leveling roller assembly 40 is positioned near the upstream end 62 of the first belt 36, and the leveling roller assembly 40 is positioned on the opposite side of the produce 12 from the second belt 38. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the upstream end 60 of the second belt 38 is positioned upstream of the upstream end 62 of the first belt 36 relative to the translation direction 46, in other embodiments, the upstream end of the first belt can be positioned upstream of the upstream end of the second belt relative to the translation direction, or the upstream ends of the belts can be located at the same position relative to the translation direction. In addition, in some embodiments, the length of the first belt can be equal to or greater than the length of the second belt. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the upstream end 60 of the second belt 38 is positioned upstream of the leveling roller assembly 40 relative to the translation direction 46, so that the leveling roller assembly 40 overlaps the second belt 38 relative to the translation direction 46. However, in other embodiments, the upstream end of the second belt may be positioned downstream of the leveling roller assembly relative to the translation direction, or the upstream end of the second belt and the leveling roller assembly may be positioned at the same position relative to the translation direction.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the first belt 36 and the leveling roller assembly 40 are positioned above the produce 12 and the second belt 38 is positioned below the produce 12. In addition, the leveling roller assembly 40 is positioned upstream of the first belt 36, which is configured to move the produce 12 from the accumulator to the bale forming cavity of the baler. The leveling roller assembly 40 is configured to rotate in a second rotational direction 48, which is opposite to the first rotational direction 42 of the first belt 36. In addition, as previously described, the leveling roller assembly 40 is configured to level the surface 64 of the produce 12 before the surface 64 of the produce 12 engages the produce engagement surface 44 of the first belt 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the leveling roller assembly 40 includes a roller 66 configured to rotate in the second rotational direction 48 about a first rotational axis. The leveling roller assembly 40 also includes a plurality of teeth 68 configured to extend through corresponding apertures in the roller 66. Additionally, as discussed in detail below, the leveling drum assembly 40 includes an actuation mechanism configured to drive a portion of the teeth 68 to extend through a corresponding aperture when the portion of the teeth approaches the produce 12, and to drive a portion of the teeth to retract when the portion of the teeth moves away from the produce. For example, in some embodiments, the actuation mechanism includes a shaft disposed within the drum and configured to rotate about a second rotational axis offset from the first rotational axis, wherein the teeth are pivotally coupled to the shaft.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor system 34 includes a shield 70 positioned adjacent to the leveling roller assembly 40 and configured to block the flow of the produce 12 around the leveling roller assembly 40 in the second rotational direction 48. The spacing between the roller 66 and the shield 70 can be selected to substantially block the movement of the produce 12 through the interface between the shield and the roller 66 in the second rotational direction 48 when the leveling roller assembly 40 rotates in the second rotational direction 48. The actuation mechanism is configured to drive the portion of the teeth to extend through the corresponding aperture after the portion of the teeth passes through the shield in the second rotational direction and when the portion of the teeth approaches the produce. In addition, the actuation mechanism is configured to drive the portion of the teeth to retract when the portion of the teeth moves away from the produce in the second rotational direction and before the portion of the teeth reaches the shield. Therefore, when extended, the teeth can engage the produce. In addition, due to the retraction of the teeth, the shield can be placed close enough to the roller to substantially block the produce from moving around the leveling roller assembly in the second rotational direction. As previously described, the combination of rollers 66 and teeth 68 is configured to level the surface 64 of produce 12, thereby improving the uniformity of distribution of produce 12 entering cavity 41 of baler 20. As a result, density variations within the finished bale may be reduced, thereby enhancing downstream processing of the produce.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the leveling roller assembly 40 extends along the entire lateral extension of the conveyor system (e.g., the extension of the conveyor system intersecting the translation direction 46). However, in other embodiments, the conveyor system may include a plurality of roller assemblies distributed along the lateral extension of the conveyor system. In these embodiments, each leveling roller assembly may include any of the features and variations disclosed herein. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the protective cover 70 extends along the entire lateral extension of the conveyor system (e.g., the extension of the conveyor system intersecting the translation direction 46). However, in other embodiments, the conveyor system may include a plurality of protective covers distributed along the lateral extension of the conveyor system, such that these protective covers collectively block the flow of agricultural products around the leveling roller assembly along the second rotational direction. In addition, in some embodiments, the leveling roller assembly may have teeth fixed to the roller (e.g., an actuating mechanism configured to drive the teeth to move may be omitted). In such embodiments, the protective cover may be omitted, or the protective cover may be spaced a sufficient distance from the roller so as to leave a gap between the fixed teeth and the protective cover.

[0033] As previously discussed, the bale wrapping system 47 is configured to wrap the bale 39 with a bale wrap 49 to secure the produce within the bale 39 and generally maintain the shape of the bale. The bale wrap 49 is provided by a bale wrap roll 100 in a set of bale wrap rolls. In the illustrated embodiment, each bale wrap roll 100 in the set of bale wrap rolls includes a shaft 102 on which the bale wrap 49 is wound to form the bale wrap roll 100. However, in other embodiments, the shaft may be omitted from at least one of the bale wrap rolls, and the bale wrap may be arranged in a roll-like configuration (e.g., with a hollow area in the center). As the bale wrap 49 is fed toward the bale 39, the corresponding bale wrap roll 100 rotates (e.g., rotates about the shaft 102) to provide the bale wrap onto the bale.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the group of bale wrap rolls 100 are stored in a hopper 104 of the baler 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 104 is configured to store five bale wrap rolls 100 (e.g., the hopper 104 has a capacity of five bale wrap rolls 100). However, in other embodiments, the hopper 104 can be configured to store more or fewer bale wrap rolls (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, or more). In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 104 is configured to store the bale wrap rolls 100 in a vertical arrangement. However, in other embodiments, the hopper can be configured to store the bale wrap rolls in another suitable arrangement (e.g., tilted relative to the vertical axis of the baler, etc.). In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 104 is configured to store the bale wrap rolls 100 in a single stack. However, in other embodiments, the hopper may be configured to store bale wrap rolls in multiple stacks (eg, 2, 3, 4, etc.), with each stack converging to an outlet configured to deliver a single bale wrap roll to the bale wrapping system 47 .

[0035] The bale wrapping system 47 is configured to wrap the bale 39 with the bale wrap 49 from the bottom bale wrap roll 100. For example, when the bale wrap roll 100 is in the bottom position, the feed rollers of the bale wrapping system 47 may guide the bale wrap 49 of the bottom bale wrap roll 100 onto the wrap guide or wrap applicator 51 of the bale wrapping system 47. As previously discussed, the wrap guide or wrap applicator 51 is configured to move (e.g., rotate) to guide the bale wrap 49 into contact with the bale 39. In response to the bale wrap of the bottom bale wrap roll being exhausted, the next bale wrap roll (e.g., the bale wrap roll directly above the bottom bale wrap roll) may be displaced downward in the hopper 104, and the bale wrapping assembly 47 may guide the bale wrap 49 of the bottom bale wrap roll 100 onto the wrap guide or wrap applicator 51. In certain embodiments, the shaft of the exhausted bale wrap roll may be removed before the next bale wrap roll is shifted downward.

[0036] Additionally, in some embodiments, each bale wrap roll 100 may be loaded into the hopper 104 via an inlet 106 at the top of the hopper 104. Thus, the bale wraps of the bale wrap rolls may be used in the order in which the bale wrap rolls are loaded into the hopper, thereby reducing the time each bale wrap roll spends in the hopper (e.g., as compared to a configuration in which each bale wrap roll is loaded into the hopper via an inlet at the bottom, which may cause the top bale wrap rolls to remain unused as additional bale wrap rolls are loaded from the bottom). However, in other embodiments, the hopper may include an inlet located at the bottom of the hopper and / or at any other suitable location on the hopper.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 104 is positioned forward of the cavity 41 (e.g., the bale forming cavity) relative to the forward travel direction 108 of the agricultural machinery system. As shown, the hopper 104 is also positioned forward of the tensioning arm 33, the roller 35, and the wrap guide or wrap applicator 51 relative to the forward travel direction 108. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 104 is positioned rearward of the accumulator relative to the forward travel direction 108. Thus, the hopper 104 is positioned between the accumulator and the cavity 41 relative to the longitudinal axis of the agricultural machinery system (e.g., a longitudinal axis parallel to the forward travel direction). However, in other embodiments, the hopper may be positioned at another suitable location within the agricultural machinery system, such as forward of the accumulator relative to the forward travel direction; rearward of the cavity relative to the forward travel direction; or at another suitable location within the agricultural machinery system. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the hopper 104 is generally laterally aligned with the cavity 41 (eg, with respect to a lateral axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to enable feeding of the bale wrap 49 from the bottom bale wrap roll 100 to the bale 39 .

[0038] Figure 4 is available in Figure 3 6. A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a leveling roller assembly 40 for use in a conveying system of FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the roller 66 is configured to rotate about a first rotational axis 72 in a second rotational direction 48. In addition, as previously described, the teeth 68 are configured to extend through apertures 74 on the roller 66. In addition, the leveling roller assembly 40 also includes an actuation mechanism 76 that is configured to drive a portion of the teeth 68 to extend through a corresponding aperture 74 when the portion of the teeth approaches the agricultural product, and the actuation mechanism 76 is configured to drive a portion of the teeth 68 to retract when the portion of the teeth moves away from the agricultural product. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation mechanism 76 includes a shaft 78 that is disposed within the roller 66 and is configured to rotate about a second rotational axis 80 that is offset from the first rotational axis 72. As shown, the teeth 68 are pivotally coupled to the shaft 78. Therefore, when the leveling roller assembly 40 rotates in the second rotational direction 48, the offset between the rotational axes causes the teeth 68 to extend and retract. The second rotational axis 80 is offset relative to the first rotational axis 72 so as to drive the portion of the teeth 68 to extend when the portion of the teeth 68 approaches the produce in response to the leveling roller assembly 40 rotating in the second rotational direction 48. Thus, the teeth 68 can engage the produce. In addition, the offset between the axes causes the portion of the teeth 68 to retract when the portion of the teeth 68 moves away from the produce and before the portion of the teeth 68 reaches the guard. Thus, the guard can be placed close enough to the roller to substantially block the produce from moving around the leveling roller assembly in the second rotational direction.

[0039] In some embodiments, the shaft 78 can be rotatably coupled to the chassis / frame of the agricultural machinery system by any suitable type of connection (e.g., including bearings, bushings, shafts, etc.), so that the shaft 78 can rotate around the second axis of rotation 80. In addition, the roller 66 can be rotatably coupled to the chassis / frame of the agricultural machinery system by any suitable type of connection (e.g., including bearings, rollers, etc.). For example, a roller rotatably coupled to the chassis / frame (e.g., positioned inside and / or outside the roller) can support the roller and enable the roller to rotate around the first axis of rotation 80. In addition, the leveling roller assembly 40 can be driven to rotate by any suitable drive device, such as a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, other suitable drive devices, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the shaft can be driven to rotate, and the shaft can drive the roller to rotate (e.g., via gears) so that the roller rotates with the shaft. In addition, in some embodiments, the roller can be driven to rotate, and the roller can drive the shaft to rotate (e.g., via gears) so that the shaft rotates with the roller. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the shaft and the roller may be independently driven for rotation by separate drive devices, wherein the drive device is controlled to cause the roller and the shaft to rotate together.

[0040] In some embodiments, the offset of the second rotational axis 80 relative to the first rotational axis 72 can be selected so that the portion of the teeth reaches maximum extension when the corresponding portion of the drum (e.g., the portion of the drum having the aperture through which a portion of the teeth extends) is tangential to the surface of the produce. For example, in embodiments where the drum is positioned above the produce, the portion of the teeth can reach maximum extension when the portion of the teeth is positioned at the bottom of the leveling drum assembly. However, in some embodiments, the offset of the second rotational axis relative to the first rotational axis can be selected so that the portion of the teeth reaches maximum extension when a different portion of the drum is tangential to the surface of the produce. In addition, in some embodiments, the shaft 78 is oriented relative to the drum along the second rotational direction 48 so that each tooth is angled so that its maximum extension is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the produce. For example, in embodiments where the drum is positioned above the produce, the teeth having the maximum extension can extend downward from the shaft. However, in some embodiments, the shaft can be oriented relative to the drum along the second rotational direction so that the teeth are angled so that they have maximum extension in another suitable direction relative to the surface of the produce.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, each tooth 68 has a circular cross-sectional shape. However, in other embodiments, at least one tooth may have other suitable cross-sectional shapes (e.g., elliptical, polygonal, irregular, etc.). In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, each tooth is straight (e.g., extending straight from the proximal end to the distal end of the tooth). However, in other embodiments, at least one tooth may have other suitable shapes (e.g., arc, a combination of arc and straight segments, etc.). The tooth 68 may be distributed along the first rotation axis 72 of the roller 66 (e.g., along the lateral extension range of the conveying system). For example, as discussed in detail below, the tooth 68 and the corresponding orifice 74 may be arranged in any suitable pattern, such as a spiral pattern, a single V-shaped pattern, a plurality of V-shaped patterns, or other suitable patterns.

[0042] Although in the illustrated embodiment, the second rotation axis 80 is offset relative to the first rotation axis 72 to drive the portion of the teeth 68 to extend when the portion of the teeth 68 approaches the agricultural product and to drive the portion of the teeth 68 to retract when the portion of the teeth 68 moves away from the agricultural product in response to the rotation of the leveling drum assembly 40, in other embodiments, the second rotation axis can be offset relative to the first rotation axis so as to drive the portion of the teeth to extend when the portion of the teeth approaches / moves away from another target and / or to retract when the portion of the teeth approaches / moves away from another target in response to the rotation of the leveling drum assembly. In addition, although the actuation mechanism 76 includes the shaft 78 in the illustrated embodiment, in other embodiments, the actuation mechanism may include other suitable actuation devices (e.g., actuators, crank assemblies, cam and follower assemblies, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the actuation mechanism may include actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, electric linear actuators, pneumatic cylinders, electric motors, etc.) that are configured to drive individual teeth and / or groups of teeth to extend and retract when the leveling drum assembly rotates. Furthermore, while the leveling roller assembly 40 is configured to rotate in the second rotational direction 48 in the embodiments disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, the leveling roller assembly may be configured to rotate in the first rotational direction.

[0043] Figure 5A is available in Figure 4 A perspective view of one embodiment of a roller 66 used in a leveling roller assembly, Figure 5B yes Figure 5A FIG. 8 is a projection of an outer surface 82 of the drum 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 74 and corresponding teeth of the drum 66 are arranged in a spiral pattern. As the leveling drum assembly rotates, the spiral pattern of the teeth can move the produce laterally through the conveyor system, thereby improving the uniformity of the distribution of the produce along the lateral extension of the conveyor system.

[0044] Fig. 6A is available in Figure 4 A perspective view of another embodiment of a roller 66' for use in a leveling roller assembly, Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A FIG. 8 is a projection of an outer surface 82' of a drum 66'. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 74' and corresponding teeth of the drum 66' are arranged in a single V-shaped pattern. As the leveling drum assembly rotates, the single V-shaped pattern of teeth can move the produce laterally outward through the conveyor system, thereby improving the uniformity of the distribution of the produce along the lateral extension of the conveyor system.

[0045] Fig. 7A is available in Figure 4 A perspective view of another embodiment of a roller 66" for use in a leveling roller assembly, Figure 7B yes Fig. 7A 82" of the outer surface 82" of the roller 66". In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures 74" and corresponding teeth of the roller 66" are arranged in a plurality of V-shaped patterns. In the illustrated embodiment, the apertures / teeth are arranged in a three V-shaped pattern. However, in other embodiments, the apertures / teeth may be arranged in two V-shaped patterns, four V-shaped patterns, or other suitable V-shaped patterns. As the leveling roller assembly rotates, the plurality of V-shaped patterns of the teeth may cause the agricultural product to move laterally outward through the conveying system, thereby improving the uniformity of distribution of the agricultural product along the lateral extension of the conveying system. Although apertures / teeth arranged in a spiral pattern, a single V-shaped pattern, and a plurality of V-shaped patterns have been disclosed above, in certain embodiments, the apertures / teeth may also be arranged in other suitable patterns (e.g., straight rows and columns, irregular / random patterns, etc.).

[0046] Although only certain features have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0047] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties that significantly improve the art and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means [performing] ... [function]" or "steps [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements will be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, it is intended that any claim containing elements designated in any other manner not be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A baling machine for an agricultural machinery system, include: a hopper configured to store a plurality of bale wrap rolls, wherein the hopper is configured to be positioned forward of a bale forming cavity relative to a forward travel direction of the agricultural machine system, the bale forming cavity being configured to receive the agricultural produce to facilitate bale formation; as well as A bale wrapping system is configured to receive a bale wrap from a bottom bale wrap roll of the plurality of bale wrap rolls and direct the bale wrap toward a bale.

2. The baler of claim 1, wherein the hopper is configured to store the plurality of bale wrap rolls in a vertical arrangement.

3. The baler of claim 1, wherein the hopper is configured to be positioned between the bale forming cavity and an accumulator of the agricultural machine system relative to a longitudinal axis of the agricultural machine system.

4. The baler of claim 1, wherein the hopper includes an inlet configured to receive each of the plurality of bale wrap rolls, and the inlet is positioned at a top of the hopper.

5. The baler of claim 1, wherein the hopper has a capacity for five bale wrap rolls.

6. A conveying system for an agricultural harvester, wherein include: a leveling roller assembly configured to be positioned upstream of a belt configured to move produce from an accumulator to a bale forming cavity of a baler, wherein the leveling roller assembly is configured to rotate in an opposite direction relative to a rotational direction of the belt, the leveling roller assembly being configured to level a surface of the produce prior to engagement of the produce surface with the belt, the leveling roller assembly comprising: a drum configured to rotate about a first axis of rotation; a shaft disposed within the drum and configured to rotate about a second axis of rotation offset from the first axis of rotation; and A plurality of teeth are pivotably coupled to the shaft and configured to extend through corresponding apertures in the drum.

7. The conveying system of claim 6, wherein the second axis of rotation is offset relative to the first axis of rotation so as to drive the portion of the plurality of teeth to extend when the portion of the plurality of teeth approaches the produce in response to rotation of the leveling roller assembly.

8. The conveyor system of claim 6, wherein the shaft is oriented such that each of the plurality of teeth is angled with a maximum extension generally perpendicular to a surface of the produce.

9. The conveying system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of teeth and corresponding apertures of the drum are arranged in a spiral pattern.

10. The conveying system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of teeth and corresponding apertures of the drum are arranged in a single V-shaped pattern.

11. The conveying system of claim 6, wherein the plurality of teeth and corresponding apertures of the drum are arranged in a plurality of V-shaped patterns.

12. The delivery system of claim 6, wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth has a circular cross-sectional shape.

13. The conveyor system of claim 6, comprising the belt and a second belt, wherein the second belt is configured to be positioned on a side of the produce opposite from the belt and the leveling roller assembly, the second belt being configured to cooperate with the belt to move produce from the accumulator to the bale forming cavity, the belt and the second belt converging in a translation direction toward the bale forming cavity to compress the produce.

14. A conveying system for an agricultural harvester, wherein include: a leveling roller assembly configured to be positioned upstream of a belt configured to move produce from an accumulator to a bale forming cavity of a baler, wherein the leveling roller assembly is configured to rotate in an opposite direction relative to a rotational direction of the belt, the leveling roller assembly being configured to level a surface of the produce prior to engagement of the produce surface with the belt, the leveling roller assembly comprising: a drum configured to rotate; a plurality of teeth configured to extend through corresponding apertures in the drum; and An actuation mechanism is configured to drive the portion of the plurality of teeth to extend through the corresponding aperture when the portion of the plurality of teeth approaches the produce and to drive the portion of the plurality of teeth to retract when the portion of the plurality of teeth moves away from the produce.

15. The conveying system of claim 14, wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to tilt each of the plurality of teeth such that a maximum extension is substantially perpendicular to a surface of the produce.

16. The conveying system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of teeth and corresponding apertures of the drum are arranged in a spiral pattern.

17. The conveying system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of teeth and corresponding apertures of the drum are arranged in a single V-shaped pattern.

18. The conveying system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of teeth and corresponding apertures of the drum are arranged in a plurality of V-shaped patterns.

19. The delivery system of claim 14, wherein each tooth of the plurality of teeth has a circular cross-sectional shape.

20. The conveyor system of claim 14, comprising the belt and a second belt, wherein the second belt is configured to be positioned on a side of the produce opposite from the belt and the leveling roller assembly, the second belt being configured to cooperate with the belt to move produce from the accumulator to the bale forming cavity, the belt and the second belt converging in a translation direction toward the bale forming cavity to compress the produce.

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