AGRICULTURAL BALING PRESS AND METHOD FOR ITS OPERATION

Description

[0001] The present application relates to an agricultural baler according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the application relates to a method for operating a baler according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] The baler is designed to produce rectangular bales. These balers are primarily used to compress crop residues from the grain harvest, especially straw or cut grass, into bales. The bales are then typically used in agriculture, for example, as animal feed. To produce the bales, the baler has a compression system consisting of a pre-compressor and a main compressor. The pre-compressor pre-compacts the material fed into the baler within a pre-channel. From the pre-compressor, the pre-compacted material is transferred to a main channel where the main compressor operates. The cross-section of the main channel is typically rectangular, giving the emerging bale its rectangular shape.The counter-bearing against which the material within the main channel is pressed by the main compactor is typically already compacted material in the main channel, in particular a completed bale. Furthermore, the baler has a binding device by which a quantity of compacted material can be enclosed with twine, thus separating it from the material that follows. In this way, the finished bale is formed.

[0003] A finished bale is typically conveyed from the main channel at the rear of the baler by a suitable conveyor system and placed, for example, on a surface. For quality assurance purposes, the baler is equipped with a weighing device that allows at least the mass of the finished bale to be determined. This enables verification that the material has been compacted as desired.

[0004] A baling press of the type described above is already known in the prior art. Reference is made to International Patent Application WO 2013 / 123976 A1. This application relates to a baling press that is also equipped with a weighing device. The baling press is capable of determining an average weight from a large number of completed bales and comparing this average with the current weight of a completed bale. This information is made available to the operator of the machinery used to operate the baling press, enabling them to adjust at least one operating parameter of the baling press as desired, thereby altering the weight of subsequent bales.DE 10 2004 027 612 A1, US 2013 / 042770 A1 and US 2015 / 025757 A1 also each describe baling presses with a weighing device for determining the weight of a finished bale.

[0005] Furthermore, a baling press according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for operating a baling press are known from US patent 2017 / 156268 A1.

[0006] The current state of the art is disadvantageous insofar as, firstly, only an average mass of already completed bales is available as a benchmark. Furthermore, the operator of the baling machine is placed under considerable strain, as, in addition to their other tasks—primarily operating the machine towing the baler—they are also burdened with the continuous quality control of the bales being produced. In practice, this often leads to the latter task being neglected or only inadequately performed, resulting in an undesirably large variation in the mass and / or density of the bales produced.

[0007] The present application is therefore based on the task of providing a baling press by means of which the production of bales of uniform quality is simplified.

[0008] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention by means of a baling press with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in dependent claims 2 to 4.

[0009] The baler according to the invention is characterized by a control device capable of automatically changing at least one operating parameter of the baler. The control device can perform such a change using information provided by the weighing device according to the invention. For this purpose, the weighing device is connected to the control device via a data connection, so that data concerning the measured mass of each bale can be transmitted to the control device via this data connection. The control device is capable of changing the at least one operating parameter, preferably a plurality of operating parameters, depending on the measured mass of each bale, such that the mass of at least one, preferably a plurality, subsequent bale is changed in the direction of a predetermined target value.The target value can, for example, be entered manually and thus specified to the control unit. It is also conceivable that the control unit already has different target values ​​for different materials and / or different harvesting conditions. Such data can be stored, in particular, on a data memory within the control unit.

[0010] The baler according to the invention has many advantages. The most significant is that the baler essentially manages its own operation, with at least one operating parameter being adjusted based on the mass of each completed bale, as determined by the weighing device. Consequently, the operator is relieved of the task of monitoring data concerning the mass of each completed bale or the average mass of a large number of bales and making informed decisions based on these observations. This significantly simplifies the operation of the machine and thus the baler, which in turn improves the quality of the bales produced. In particular, the operator's attention can be focused on optimally clearing a swath of material lying on a surface, especially a field.

[0011] A further advantage of the baling press according to the invention is that the control of at least one operating parameter is automatic, thus enabling significantly more precise control of bale production. In particular, the control device makes it easy to change one or more operating parameters of the baling press after each individual bale has been completed, allowing even minor fluctuations in the material to be compacted to be addressed. Such continuous monitoring and correction of bale production is hardly, if at all, possible through manual monitoring by the machine operator. As a result, the baling press according to the invention ensures a consistently high quality of bales while simultaneously relieving the machine operator of this burden. The variance in density, or rather, the variation in bale size, which is a problem in the prior art, is thus eliminated.This significantly reduces the number of bales produced.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the baling press according to the invention, the control unit is connected to the main compressor via a data link. In this way, the control unit is suitable for changing at least one operating parameter of the main compressor. In particular, it is conceivable that the control unit can influence a drive unit of the main compressor, which interacts with a compressor piston of the main compressor, the latter effectively carrying out the compression within the main channel.For example, if the mass of a finished bale, as determined by the weighing device, falls below a predetermined target value, the control unit can influence the main compressor by increasing the maximum pressing force. This results in the material in the main channel being compressed more effectively than before by the oscillating compressor piston. The technical effect achieved is that, while maintaining the same volume, the mass of the next bale is increased as desired compared to the previous bale.

[0013] Furthermore, a baling press can be advantageous if the control unit is connected to the pre-compressor via a data link. In this way, the control unit is capable of modifying at least one operating parameter of the pre-compressor. The advantages of this feature arise, as explained above, in connection with the main compressor. It can be particularly advantageous if the control unit is connected to both the main compressor and the pre-compressor, allowing it to modify the operating parameters of both components, preferably simultaneously.

[0014] The underlying principle is that the operating parameters of the main compressor and / or the pre-compressor cannot generally be changed to an unlimited extent due to production-related and / or material-related limitations. For example, the pressing force of the main compressor cannot be reduced or increased indefinitely. A lower limit for the pressing force is reached, for instance, when the applied pressure is insufficient for the material to adhere to the material already in the main channel, but instead accumulates at the bottom of the main channel due to its own weight. Conversely, the pressing force is also limited at the upper end, as the baler, or individual components thereof, can only withstand a certain load, exceeding which can lead to damage or at least excessive wear of the baler.Similar boundary conditions apply analogously to the pre-compressor. Accordingly, it follows that at least one operating parameter, possibly several or all operating parameters, of the baler can only be changed within a limited parameter range, whereby each parameter range is defined by a lower and an upper limit.

[0015] Influencing multiple operating parameters of the baler via the control unit thus increases its scope for influencing the mass of subsequent bales. It is more practical to change several operating parameters alternately, successively, or simultaneously, rather than simply changing a single parameter until it potentially reaches a limit within the available parameter range. Conversely, changing the operating parameters of different working components of the baler in a similar manner ensures a uniform load on these components, thereby minimizing wear and tear and optimizing the overall performance of the baler.

[0016] According to the invention, the baling press comprises sensor devices by means of which at least one material parameter of the material to be compacted can be detected. The sensor devices are connected to the control unit via a data link, so that data detected by the sensor devices can be made available to the control unit. Preferably, the baling press has a plurality of sensor devices, each of which can detect different material parameters or, optionally, a single material parameter multiple times. The latter can be advantageous in order to increase the accuracy with regard to the respective material parameter.

[0017] According to the invention, the baler has a sensor device that can detect the moisture content of the material. This is based on the consideration that the moisture content of the material can have a significant influence on its behavior during compaction, with higher moisture content typically leading to increased material density, assuming otherwise constant operating parameters of the baler. By providing such information, the control device is able to modify at least one, and preferably a plurality of, operating parameters of the baler in such a way as to influence the mass of subsequent bales in order to approach or reach the predetermined target value.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the control device independently adjusts the specified setpoint value depending on at least one detected material parameter. In particular, it is conceivable that at least one sensor device is present by means of which the type of material to be compacted can be determined. Depending on this, different setpoint values ​​for the mass of a bale to be produced may be advantageous.

[0019] According to the invention, the control device comprises at least one data processing unit and at least one data storage device, wherein at least one indirect relationship between the mass of a bale and at least one operating parameter of the baler is stored on the data storage device. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the relationship relates to a comparison of the density of a bale and at least one operating parameter. With a control device equipped in this way, it is particularly easy for it to automatically change at least one operating parameter of the baler, since the control device only needs to access the data storage device via its data processing unit and read the relationship stored therein.Depending on this relationship, the control device can then change at least one operating parameter of the baler to a value that produces the desired mass of the bale.

[0020] Advantageously, the parameter space described above is stored on the data storage device for at least one operating parameter of the baler, defining the limits within which a respective operating parameter can be changed. Each parameter space is limited both upwards and downwards by corresponding limit values.

[0021] To influence the mass of a bale to be produced, it can be particularly advantageous to be able to control the baler's travel speed. Since the baler is a towed machine that must be pulled and driven by an agricultural implement, direct control of the baler's travel speed cannot be achieved solely on the baler itself. Therefore, the underlying problem is further solved according to the invention by means of a harvesting machine arrangement that, in addition to a baler, in particular one as described above, includes an implement by which the baler can be towed. For this purpose, the baler is coupled to the implement.Furthermore, the machine and the baler are connected by a drive coupling, so that the machine can supply energy to drive the baler. In this way, the working parts of the baler can be driven by the machine.

[0022] According to the invention, the harvesting machine arrangement comprises at least one control device that is operatively connected to the working machine in such a way that it is capable of automatically changing at least one operating parameter of the working machine. This advantageously relates in particular to the operating parameter "travel speed of the working machine." The latter directly affects the travel speed of the baler, which is towed by the working machine. By reducing, for example, the travel speed of the working machine and consequently of the baler, the throughput of material through the baler is reduced, since the latter, which is typically in the form of a swath deposited on a surface, can be reduced accordingly, while the operating parameters of the baler otherwise remain unchanged.A lower mass flow of material to be compacted into the baler leads to a higher density of the subsequent bale and consequently to a higher mass of the latter. Conversely, the mass of a subsequent bale can be reduced by increasing the driving speed.

[0023] Advantageously, the harvesting machine assembly has at least one screen displaying the operating status of the baler and / or the harvesting machine, allowing the operator to view and monitor this information. Furthermore, it is conceivable to equip the harvesting machine with input devices that allow the operator to influence at least one operating parameter of the harvesting machine and / or at least one operating parameter of the baler. It can be particularly advantageous to design the input devices so that the target value for the density or mass of the bales to be produced can be changed. In this way, it is generally possible for the operator to influence the mass of the bales to be produced according to individual requirements, which may arise, for example, from the circumstances of the attached farm.According to the invention, it is then left to the control device of the baler or the harvesting machine arrangement to change the operating parameters of the baler and / or the working machine in such a way that the masses of subsequent bales are approximated in the direction of the target value, preferably assuming the target value.

[0024] From a process engineering perspective, the underlying problem is solved according to the invention by means of the method with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments are described in dependent claims 8 to 12.

[0025] The method according to the invention comprises the following process steps: a) Material to be compacted is picked up from the ground by the baler and fed into a pre-channel. b) Within the pre-channel, the material is compacted by a pre-compactor and transferred to a main channel. c) Within the main channel, the material is further compacted by a main compactor. d) The compacted material is bound with twine by a binding device to form a bale. e) The mass of each bale is determined by a weighing device.

[0026] According to the invention, data concerning the mass of a bale weighed by a weighing device are transmitted to a control unit of the baling press, so that this data can be taken into account by the control unit. Depending on the detected mass, the control unit then automatically changes at least one operating parameter of the baling press, so that the mass of at least one subsequent bale, preferably all subsequent bales, is / are changed towards a predetermined target value, wherein at least one relationship between the mass of a bale and the at least one operating parameter of the baling press and a relationship between the moisture content of the material taken up, detected by a sensor device of the baling press, and the target value for the mass of a bale is stored on a data memory of the control unit.

[0027] The method according to the invention is particularly easy to implement using the baling press according to the invention. The resulting advantages have already been explained above in connection with the baling press. In particular, the operator of the machine towing the baling press is relieved of the continuous monitoring and control of the baling press, thereby increasing their attention to controlling the machine. As a result, this leads to a twofold improvement in the quality of the bales produced, since, firstly, the control device can make more frequent changes to individual or multiple operating parameters of the baling press than the operator could, and secondly, the operator can control the baling press more precisely in the absence of other distractions.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one operating parameter relating to the main compressor and / or at least one operating parameter relating to the pre-compressor of the baler is changed by means of the control device. As already explained above, these operating parameters are particularly well suited to influencing the density and thus the mass of subsequent bales. In particular, it can be advantageous if at least one pressing force of the main compressor and / or one pressing force of the pre-compressor is / are changed. These operating parameters can be changed particularly easily by means of appropriate control of the respective associated drive devices and are simultaneously of particular importance for influencing the density of subsequent bales.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one operating parameter of an agricultural machine towing the baler is changed by means of the control device, advantageously at least the driving speed of the machine. The advantages of influencing this operating parameter of the machine have already been explained above.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a plurality of operating parameters of the baler and / or the associated agricultural machinery are changed by means of the control device. Advantageously, this change takes place simultaneously, enabling the control device to react particularly quickly to changing circumstances. Changing several operating parameters is especially useful when the operating parameters are advantageously changed only within a predetermined parameter range. Each parameter range is limited by upper and lower limits. This has already been described above.Changing multiple operating parameters offers the advantage that, even if the parameter range of one parameter is exhausted, it is still possible to change another parameter. This allows for further adjustments to the mass of subsequent bales, even after reaching a limit for one of the parameters. In particular, it is advantageous to change at least the "pressing force" parameter of the main compressor and / or the pre-compressor of the baler, as well as the "travel speed" parameter of the agricultural machinery, in combination. These parameters offer the greatest flexibility in influencing the mass of the bales produced.

[0031] The baling press and the method according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown in the figures. These show: Fig. 1: A cross-section through a baler according to the invention and Fig. 2: A schematic view of a harvesting machine arrangement according to the invention.

[0032] One embodiment, which is described in the Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a baling press according to the invention comprises 1 which is suitable for material 2 into cuboid bales 3 to press. The baler has this capability. 1 via a pre-compressor 6 and a main compressor 7, where the pre-compressor 6 is suitable for use in a pre-channel 4 existing material 2 to pre-compact and starting from the pre-channel 4 into a main channel 5 to transfer. Within the main channel 5 will said material 2 by means of the main compressor 7 further compression, whereby a compressor piston 21 within the main channel 5is moved back and forth in an oscillating motion. This causes the material to... 2 pressed successively, so that finally a bale was formed. 3 is created. The compressor piston 21 is by means of a drive unit assigned to it 22 of the main compressor 7 driven, which in the example shown is used to overcome load peaks with a flywheel 24 works together.

[0033] To complete each bale 3 The baler has 1 via a binding device 8, by means of which pre-compacted material 2 It can be bound with a binding cord. This secures the bound material. 2 of the following material 2, which continues successively by means of the main compressor 7 is pressed, separated, resulting in each bale. 3 is defined.

[0034] At one rear end of the baler 1 Does it have a weighing device? 9, by means of which a mass of a respective bale 3 before being placed on a surface 20 is detectable. According to the invention, the baling press 1 with a control device 10 equipped, which are in the Figure 1 and 2 The control unit is shown only schematically. 10 is via a data connection 11 with the weighing device 9 connected, so that data concerning the mass of each weighed bale is available 3 to the control unit 10 are transferable. The transmission of the data or the type of data connection. 11 It can generally take place wired or wirelessly. The control unit 10 In the example shown, in addition to the weighing device... 9furthermore with the main compressor 7 as well as the pre-compressor 6 connected, with the connection between the main compressor 7 and the control unit 10 via a data connection 12 and the connection between the pre-compressor 6 and the control unit 10 via a data connection 13 are produced. By providing the data concerning the mass of each bale. 3 by means of the weighing device 9 is the control device 10 According to the invention, it is suitable to automatically, i.e. without the need for influence or confirmation by a machine operator, adjust the operating parameters of the baling press. 1 to change.

[0035] In the example shown, this concerns operating parameters of the main compressor. 7 as well as the pre-compressor 6, with which the control device10 is connected. In particular, it is possible that the control device 10 a pressing force of the main compressor 7 and / or the pre-compressor 6 The process is altered. By changing the pressing forces, the density or compaction of the material is increased or decreased, depending on the desired effect. 2 This causes [a specific effect]. It is understood that this occurs with a change in the density of the material. 2 with a constant volume of a bale to be produced 3 its mass is directly altered. In this way, the control device 10 possible, automatically by changing at least one operating parameter of the baler 1 an influence on the mass of subsequent bales 3 gain weight.

[0036] The influence of the control device 10 This depends on a predetermined target value, which is determined by the mass of the bales. 3should be assumed to be the case if possible. Should the mass of each be determined by the weighing device 9 If the weighed bale is signed off on at the specified target value, the control device can 10 appropriate measures regarding the operating parameters of the baler 1 Conversely, such intervention is also carried out analogously if the target value is exceeded. In this way, according to the invention, the effect is achieved that the operator of an agricultural machine 19, by means of which the baler 1 is towed (see Figure 2 ) not concerned with the setting or correction of the operating parameters of the baler 1 must ensure the most uniform result possible with regard to the mass of the bales produced. 3 to reach.

[0037] According to the invention, the control device has 10 via a data processing system 16as well as an associated data storage device 17. Data, in particular concerning a target value for the mass of bales to be produced 3, can be particularly easy on the data storage 17 be stored. The data processing system 16 is then suitable for reading the relevant data and using the weighing device 9 Data provided for changes to one or more operating parameters of the baler 1 to initiate.

[0038] The baling press according to the invention 1 According to the invention, it also has a plurality of sensor devices 14, 14', each using its associated data connection 15, 15' with the control unit 10 are connected. The sensor devices 14, 14' are suitable for recording material parameters of the material to be compacted and providing additional information to the control unit10 to provide. According to the invention, the sensor device 14 be trained to detect moisture in the absorbed material 2 to determine. Using this information, based on a data storage device, 17 stored relationship, which establishes a correlation between the moisture content of the material 2 and a target value for the mass of the bales 3 includes at least one operating parameter of the baler 1 changed in such a way that the masses of subsequent bales 3 be changed in the direction of the (modified) setpoint. The further sensor setup 14' is formed according to the invention by an optical sensor which is suitable for detecting the geometry of a swath deposit of the material 2 on the ground 20 immediately before recording the material 2 using the baler 1to record. The shape of the swath can, in particular, provide information about the material provided. 2 conveying, from which a mass flow of the material results 2 This can be determined. The provision of further sensor devices. 14 That is of course perfectly conceivable.

[0039] In combination with a harvesting machine arrangement according to the invention 18, the in Figure 2 , shown is a baling press according to the invention. 1 with an agricultural machine 19 coupled. The coupling is achieved, firstly, by means of a tow coupling. 25 instead, by means of which indirect acceleration as well as indirect deceleration of the baler are achieved. 1 is made possible. On the other hand, the working machines are 19 and the baler 1 by means of a torque coupling 26 connected, via which the baler 1is supplied with energy to operate its working parts. The working machine 19 is formed here by a tractor.

[0040] The harvesting machine arrangement 18 This is particularly advantageous insofar as the control device allows 10 a direct influence on the driving speed of the working machine 19 can be taken. It is understood that a change in the driving speed of the work machine is possible. 19 directly leading to a change in the driving speed of the baler 1 This leads to the aforementioned operating parameter of the machine. 19, which automatically by means of the control device 10 The fact that it is variable has a direct influence on the mass flow of the material. 2 through the baler 1. Therefore, the baler 1 depending on the change in the driving speed of the working machine 19more or less material 2 supplied within the same period, whereby the compaction of the material 2 The larger the mass flow, the lower the mass flow rate of the baler. 1 supplied material 2 This is particularly true if the operating parameters of the main compressor otherwise remain constant. 7 as well as the pre-compressor 6 the available compaction energy applied to less material 2 This is applied, thereby increasing the compaction performance. Similarly, the mass of a bale produced using this method also increases. 3. Consequently, in the case of a desired increase in the mass of subsequent bales, 3 for the purpose of approximating them to the specified target value, it is useful if the control device 10 the driving speed of the work machine 19 reduced.

[0041] For this purpose, the control device 10with an internal combustion engine 23 the working machine 19 connected. As a result, the machine operator of the working machines is 19 to achieve an optimal work result with regard to the bales 3 also exempt from the obligation to control the driving speed of the work machine 19 to monitor and continuously adapt to changing circumstances. This relieves the machine operator and simultaneously improves the quality of the bales produced. 3 enlarged.

[0042] In the example shown, the machine also has additional features. 19 another sensor device 14" arranged, which are arranged by means of a data connection 15" with the control unit 10 is connected. The sensor device 14" is connected to the torque coupling 26 the working machine 19and is suitable for detecting a transmitted torque and sending it to the control device 10 to forward. In this way, the control unit 10 Information regarding the utilization of the baling press 1 provided. The arrangement of further sensor devices and their connection to the control unit. 10 That is of course perfectly conceivable. Reference symbol list

[0043] 1 Baler 2 Material 3 Bales 4 Pre-channel 5 Main channel 6 Pre-compressor 7 Main compressor 8 Binding device 9 Weighing device 10 Control device 11 Data connection 12 Data connection 13 Data connection 14 Sensor device 15 Data connection 16 Data processing system 17 Data storage 18 Harvesting machine arrangement 19 Working machine 20 Ground 21 Compressor piston 22 Drive device 23 Internal combustion engine 24 Flywheel 25 Towing coupling 26 Torque coupling

Claims

1. An agricultural baler (1) for baling material (2) into square bales (3), in particular for baling straw bales, comprising - a preliminary channel (4), - a main channel (5), - at least one pre-compressor (6), - at least one main compressor (7), as well as - at least one binding device (8), wherein the material (2) can be pre-compressed inside the preliminary channel (4) by means of the pre-compressor (6) and can then be transferred into the main channel (5), wherein a compressor piston (21) of the main compressor (7) can be oscillated backwards and forwards inside the main channel (5) and in this manner, material (2) located in the main channel (5) can be compressed further, wherein the compressed material (2) can be bound with a binding twine by means of the binding device (8), so that the material (2) is aggregated into a bale (3), characterized in that the baler (1) comprises at least one weighing device (9), wherein data relating to a mass of at least one bale (3) can be detected by means of the weighing device (9), wherein the baler (1) comprises a control device (10) which is suitable for automatically changing at least one operating parameter of the baler (1), wherein the data detected by the weighing device (9) relating to the mass of a respective bale (3) can be fed to the control device (10) by means of a data connection (11), wherein the control device (10) is suitable for automatically changing the at least one operating parameter as a function of the mass of the respective bale (3) in a manner such that the mass of at least one subsequent bale (3) is changed towards a specified nominal value, wherein the weighing device (9) is disposed at a rear end of the baler (1), wherein the mass of the respective bale (3) can be detected by means of the weighing device (9) prior to it being deposited on a substrate (20), wherein the baler (1) comprises sensor devices (14, 14'), by means of which at least one material parameter of the material (2) to be compressed can be detected, wherein the sensor devices (14, 14') are connected to the control device (10) by means of a data connection (15), wherein one sensor device (14) is configured to determine a moisture content of the material (2) which has been picked up, and the further sensor device (14') is formed by an optical sensor which is suitable for detecting a geometry of a swath of material (2) deposited on the substrate (20) immediately before the material (2) is picked up by means of the baler (1), wherein the control device (10) has at least one data processing unit (16) and at least one data storage unit (17), wherein at least one relationship between the mass of a bale (3) and the at least one operating parameter of the baler (1) and a relationship between the detected moisture content and the nominal value for the mass of a bale (3) is stored on the data storage unit (17).

2. The baler (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (10) is connected to the main compressor (7) by means of a data connection (12), so that at least one operating parameter of the main compressor (7) can be changed by means of the control device (10).

3. The baler (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the control device (10) is connected to the pre-compressor (6) by means of a data connection (13), so that at least one operating parameter of the pre-compressor (6) can be changed by means of the control device (10).

4. The baler (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for at least one operating parameter of the baler (1), preferably for all of the operating parameters, a parameter space is stored on the data storage unit (17), within which the respective operating parameters can be automatically changed by means of the control device (10).

5. A harvesting machine assembly (18), comprising - a working machine (19), as well as - an agricultural baler (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the baler (1) is coupled to the working machine (19) in a manner such that the baler (1) can be towed by means of the working machine (19), wherein the baler (1) is connected to the working machine (19) by means of a torque clutch (26), so that working units of the baler (1) can be driven by means of the working machine (19), wherein the control device (10) of the baler (1) is operatively connected to the working machine (19) in a manner such that it is suitable for automatically changing at least one operating parameter of the working machine (19).

6. The harvesting machine assembly (18) according to claim 5, characterized in that a further sensor device (14") is disposed on the working machine (19) and is connected to the control device (10) by means of a data connection (15"), wherein the sensor device (14") is connected to the torque clutch (26) of the working machine (19) and is suitable for detecting a transmitted torque and relaying it to the control device (10).

7. A method for operating an agricultural baler (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the following method steps: a) material (2) to be compressed is picked up from a substrate (20) by means of the baler (1) and fed to a preliminary channel (4), b) inside the preliminary channel (4), the material (2) is compressed by means of a pre-compressor (6) and transferred into a main channel (5), c) inside the main channel (5), the material (2) is compressed further by means of a main compressor (7), d) compressed material (2) is bound with a binding twine by means of a binding device (8), so that a bale (3) is formed, characterized by the following method steps: e) data relating to a mass of the respective bale (3) is detected by means of a weighing device (9), f) the data relating to the mass of the respective bale (3) detected by means of the weighing device (9) are fed to the control device (10) of the baler (1), g) at least one operating parameter of the baler (1) is changed automatically by means of the control device (10) as a function of the mass of the respective bale (3), so that the mass of at least one subsequent bale (3) is changed towards a specified nominal value, wherein at least one relationship between the mass of a bale (3) and the at least one operating parameter of the baler (1) and a relationship between a moisture content of the material (2) which has been picked up, detected by means of a sensor device (14) of the baler (1), and the nominal value for the mass of a bale (3) is stored on a data storage unit (17) of the control device (10).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one operating parameter relating to the main compressor (7) and / or at least one operating parameter relating to the pre-compressor is or are changed by means of the control device (10).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that at least a compressive force of the main compressor (7) and / or a compressive force of the pre-compressor (6) is or are changed.

10. The method according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that at least one operating parameter of a working machine (19) towing the baler (1), preferably a travel speed of the working machine (19), is changed automatically by means of the control device (10).

11. The method according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the control device (10) changes a plurality of operating parameters of the baler (1), preferably simultaneously.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the operating parameters are only changed within a specified parameter space, wherein, upon reaching a limiting value of the parameter space for a respective operating parameter, for the purposes of further influencing the mass of at least one subsequent bale (3), another operating parameter is changed.