ROUND BALER AND DETECTION METHOD

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a round baler according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a detection method for detecting a first film on a surface of a round bale according to the preamble of independent claim 9.

[0002] Round balers are known. The round bale is formed in a pressing chamber of the round baler during a pressing process. For this purpose, crop lying on the ground, for example, straw, grass, or grain, is conveyed into the pressing chamber by a receiving device and formed into a round bale by arranged pressing elements. The round baler can comprise a housing in which the pressing chamber may be located. The housing may include a housing section and / or a discharge flap. The housing may also be mounted on a chassis. The pressing chamber may comprise one or more pressing elements, which may, for example, be distributed on or attached to the housing section and / or the discharge flap and / or define the circumference of the pressing chamber. By means of the pressing element, a rotation-inducing or rotation-maintaining action can be generated on a round bale located in the baling chamber.Furthermore, the press chamber can be designed as a fixed-size or fixed press chamber, in particular with cylindrically arranged pressing elements, for example, press rollers or press cylinders, or as a variable-size or variable press chamber with variable pressing elements, for example, press belts, press chains, or press straps. In a fixed press chamber, the pressing elements can be arranged as a plurality of parallel press rollers. The axes of rotation of the press rollers can lie on a circular arc when the discharge flap is closed, and at least one of the press rollers can be driven. The arrangement of the press rollers in the press chamber can correspond to a cylindrical shape, so that the press rollers are arranged cylindrically around the round bale and form a cylindrical circumferential surface.

[0003] Furthermore, it is known to equip round balers with a wrapping device. After the baling process is complete, i.e., when the round bale has reached the required size, the finished bale is wrapped with a wrapping material, such as net or twine, by the wrapping device and then ejected in its wrapped form. In a wrapping process following the baling operation, the wrapping material, in particular a first film, is fed by the wrapping device into the baling chamber towards the formed round bale and drawn along from the outside of the bale. The round baler can include a feeding device for introducing the wrapping material into the baling chamber and / or a feed point where the wrapping material can be fed into the baling chamber, and / or the wrapping device itself. However, the wrapping device can also comprise the feeding device and feed point.The feeding device can extend at least partially along the width of the baling chamber. The feeding device, for example, a drive element or a drive roller, can, in a feeding motion, draw the wrapping material from a supply, such as a supply roll, and introduce it into the baling chamber at the feed point. The supply can be subjected to a certain pre-tension force by a pressure element so that the wrapping material can be wrapped around the round bale with the appropriate tension. The supply can be located on the chassis or in / on the storage compartment formed within the housing. The wrapping device, in particular the feeding device, can also include a pressure element or a guide element that brings the first film towards the round bale at the beginning of the wrapping process and / or presses it down, so that the first film can be carried along by the bale and thus drawn from the supply.The wrapping material is guided around the rotating round bale and then separated from the bale by a cutting device before the bale is ejected or placed on the ground. Furthermore, the wrapping device, particularly the feeding device, may also include additional transport or conveying elements for guiding the wrapping material.

[0004] From EP 1 461 995 A2, a round baler with a wrapping device for encasing a round bale is known. The wrapping device has a sensor that detects whether wrapping material is present on a surface of the round bale. A problem underlying the invention is that known round balers, in particular the round baler disclosed in EP 1 461 995 A2, do not detect the wrapping material on a surface of the round bale and do not stop the wrapping process in time, resulting in a build-up of the wrapping material. In this case, the wrapping material can, for example, wrap around the pressing elements or the feeding device. Furthermore, the sensors and methods used in known round balers are insufficient to detect proper wrapping on the surface of the round bale.US 8,434,289 B2 and US 2017 / 0006779 A1 disclose balers with an ultrasonic sensor that determines whether the bale is wrapped correctly. EP 1 464 216 A1 discloses a method for packaging silage bales. US 8,573,480 B2 discloses an ATM.

[0005] The object underlying the invention is seen as being to propose a round baler and a detection method by which the aforementioned problems are overcome.

[0006] This problem is solved by a round baler having the features of claim 1 and a detection method for detecting a first film on a surface of a round bale having the features of claim 9.

[0007] The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] The invention proposes a round baler with a pressing chamber in which a round bale can be produced. The round baler also includes a wrapping device with which a finished round bale can be wrapped with a first film in the pressing chamber. The round baler further comprises a feeding device for introducing the first film into the pressing chamber and a feed point at which the first film can be fed into the pressing chamber. In addition, the round baler includes an ultrasonic sensor arranged on the pressing chamber such that the ultrasonic sensor can determine whether the first film is present on a surface of the round bale.Specifically, the round baler includes an ultrasonic sensor located on the baling chamber, such that the surface of the round bale can be scanned by the ultrasonic sensor, and it can be determined whether the first film is present on the surface of the round bale. The ultrasonic sensor is arranged and designed such that it forms an orientation angle of 85 ≤ β ≤ 10 degrees with a surface normal of the round bale's surface, and an echo of an ultrasonic pulse emitted by the ultrasonic sensor is partially or completely reflected by the round bale towards the ultrasonic sensor and can be received by the sensor if no first film is present on the surface of the round bale.

[0009] The ultrasonic sensor therefore does not receive an echo of the ultrasonic pulse if the first film is present on the surface of the round bale. "The ultrasonic sensor does not receive an echo of the ultrasonic pulse" can be understood to mean that the echo can only be partially detected and / or has a low intensity compared to the maximum intensity, for example, an intensity within or only slightly above the noise level, or that the echo intensity cannot be detected at all. The surface normal and the ultrasonic sensor, in particular the direction in which the ultrasonic sensor is oriented, can include an orientation angle β of 85 ≤ β ≤ 10 degrees, preferably 85 ≤ β ≤ 55 degrees, and specifically 85 ≤ β ≤ 75 degrees.In this second mode for detecting the first film, the following applies: If there is no first film on the surface of the round bale and the ultrasonic sensor is positioned within the range of the orientation angle, the ultrasonic wave or pulse emitted by the sensor is partially or completely reflected by the bale towards the sensor, and the sensor receives an echo. Conversely, if there is a first film on the surface of the round bale and the sensor is positioned within the range of the orientation angle, the ultrasonic wave or pulse emitted by the sensor is partially or completely reflected or scattered away from the bale, particularly from the first film, and the sensor receives no echo. Therefore, the sensor can generate an output signal even if no echo is received, as this indicates the presence of a first film on the surface.This measure has the advantage that the ultrasonic sensor can very accurately determine whether the first layer of film is properly present or arranged on the surface of the round bale. In contrast to known devices and methods, for example for detecting net or twine, the round baler according to the invention allows the first layer of film on the surface of a round bale to be easily determined using a technically and / or structurally simple device.

[0010] The first layer can be a plastic film, a film made of plastic, and / or a film encompassing or coated with plastic. The film can also be a multilayer composite film made from a combination of different plastics. Its mechanical strength may have been increased by reinforcement with glass fibers or the incorporation of a mesh.

[0011] The ultrasonic sensor can be arranged on the baling chamber, i.e., the ultrasonic sensor can be located outside and / or inside the baling chamber, preferably being fixedly or detachably attached to the baling chamber both outside and / or inside. The ultrasonic sensor can be directed into the baling chamber, i.e., the ultrasonic sensor can be arranged such that an ultrasonic wave emitted by the ultrasonic sensor is directed into the baling chamber, in particular towards the surface of the round bale and / or the first film. Specifically, the ultrasonic sensor can be located outside the baling chamber on a side element, for example, a side wall, of the round baler, and in particular be fixedly or detachably attached. The ultrasonic sensor can also be located outside the baling chamber on another side element, for example, another side wall, of the round baler, and in particular be fixedly or detachably attached.The side elements or side walls can be designed, in particular, as a right and left side wall and delimit the compression chamber laterally or at the front of a cylindrical round bale to be compressed in a forward direction. The ultrasonic sensor can also be arranged inside the compression chamber on the side element of the compression chamber, in particular being fixedly or detachably attached. The ultrasonic sensor can also be arranged, in particular being attached, between or within the compression elements and / or adjacent to the round bale and / or between the compression element and the side element. The ultrasonic sensor can also be arranged and / or attached to the wrapping device and / or the feeding device and / or the feeding point; in particular, the ultrasonic sensor can be arranged and / or attached to the pressure element and / or the guide element.Specifically, two or more ultrasonic sensors can be provided, at least some of which may be located outside and / or at least some of which may be located inside the press chamber and / or at least some or all of which may be located on the pressing element and / or on the side element. The two or more ultrasonic sensors may be directed into the press chamber.

[0012] The ultrasonic sensor can generate or emit an ultrasonic wave, in particular an ultrasonic pulse, and / or receive or detect an ultrasonic wave reflected from the surface of the round bale and / or the first film, i.e., an echo of the ultrasonic pulse. "Determinable" or "the ultrasonic sensor determines" can be understood to mean, in particular, that the ultrasonic sensor emits an ultrasonic wave in the direction of the surface of the round bale and / or in the direction of the first film on the surface of the round bale and receives or detects an echo, or no echo, and / or that it generates an output signal that can indicate whether the first film is present on the surface of the round bale.The term "detectable" can be understood to mean, in particular, that the ultrasonic sensor is positioned on the baling chamber in such a way that the surface of the round bale or the first layer of film is accessible to an ultrasonic wave and / or that an echo can be detected by the ultrasonic sensor. The ultrasonic sensor can output digital or analog signals. Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor can evaluate the received echo, in particular its amplitude and / or energy, and generate the output signal, which in particular represents the evaluation of the ultrasonic pulse and / or the echo.

[0013] A key aspect of the invention is that the round baler according to the invention makes it possible to determine whether the first film is present on a surface of the round bale and / or whether the first film is correctly positioned on the surface of the round bale, or whether the wrapping process of the round bale is proceeding correctly and the first film is not wrapping around components of the round baler or accumulating unintentionally. If the ultrasonic sensor detects that no first film is present, even though the wrapping process has started, the wrapping process can be aborted, preventing further accumulation and / or clogging with the first film. Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensor can also be used for other measurements, such as transit time measurements for determining the size of the round bale.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the round baler comprises a bale wrapping device for encasing or wrapping the round bale with a second film. The bale wrapping device is connected to the baling chamber, particularly to a discharge opening, along a longitudinal axis of the round baler. The bale wrapping device can therefore be located downstream of the baling chamber, preferably in a rear area of ​​the round baler. The bale wrapping device can take over a round bale from the round baler after completion of a baling process or after the wrapping process and encase the baled round bale with the second film. The second film can be a plastic film or a film made of plastic and / or a film comprising or coated with plastic. The second film can also be a multilayer composite film made of a combination of different plastics.The mechanical strength can be increased by reinforcing with fiberglass or incorporating a mesh. The bale wrapping unit can be designed as an additional assembly attached to the round baler, in particular as a baler / wrapper combination, or as an integrated assembly connected to the round baler. Advantageously, the round bale can thus be wrapped with two films, especially two different films. Because both wrapping materials are made of plastic, the time-consuming separation of the wrapping materials during unwrapping can be avoided.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, the press chamber comprises a side element in which a sensor opening is formed. A shielding element is arranged at the sensor opening such that no crop material from the press chamber can reach and / or enter the sensor opening, and / or the sensor opening cannot be blocked by crop material from the press chamber, and / or crop material cannot contaminate the ultrasonic sensor. The press chamber can also comprise two side elements, configured as right and left side walls, in which one or more sensor openings can be formed. The shielding element thus enables the ultrasonic sensor to emit an ultrasonic wave from outside the press chamber into the press chamber undisturbed by the crop material, and / or allows an echo to be detected by the ultrasonic sensor.The ultrasonic sensor can be positioned, for example, through the sensor opening (e.g., a hole or bore) in the side element(s) and aligned towards the surface of the round bale and / or the first film, so that an emitted ultrasonic wave from outside the baling chamber can be transmitted into the baling chamber and / or an echo can be detected. The shielding element can be arranged on the baling chamber, particularly on the side element or side wall, or on the frame or the like, and can be attached, in particular, permanently or detachably. The shielding element can be, for example, a sheet metal plate or a deflector plate. The shielding element can be arranged at the sensor opening in such a way that it is advantageously possible to prevent the crop from reaching or entering the sensor opening and / or blocking and / or accumulating there. It is also advantageous to prevent contamination of the ultrasonic sensor with crop material.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the ultrasonic sensor is arranged on a holding element, in particular fixedly or detachably attached or attachable, and the holding element is fixedly or detachably attached or attachable to the compression chamber, in particular outside or inside the compression chamber on the side element or the side wall. The ultrasonic sensor can be arranged by means of the holding element, in particular oriented, such that an ultrasonic wave or pulse emitted by the ultrasonic sensor is directed into the compression chamber towards the round bale and / or the first film and / or an echo can be received. The holding element can be an L-shaped and / or one-piece, two-piece, or multi-piece component. The ultrasonic sensor can be arranged at a distance from the compression chamber, preferably from the side element, and particularly preferably from the sensor opening, by means of the holding element, in particular at a predetermined distance.Advantageously, the ultrasonic sensor can be easily spaced, removed, and / or replaced using the mounting element. Furthermore, positioning the ultrasonic sensor at a distance from the side element and / or the sensor opening using the mounting element advantageously prevents it from being contaminated and / or blocked by crop material from the press chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, two or more ultrasonic sensors are provided. Preferably, two to six ultrasonic sensors, in particular two, three, four, five, or six ultrasonic sensors, can be arranged on or in the compression chamber and / or directed into the compression chamber. The ultrasonic sensors can also be arranged and / or attached to the round baler, in particular to the wrapping device and / or the feeding device and / or the feed point; in particular, the ultrasonic sensors can be arranged and / or attached to the pressure element and / or the guide element. The ultrasonic sensors can be arranged side by side or adjacent and / or in a row. Likewise, ultrasonic sensors can extend along the width of the compression chamber and / or be directed towards the circumferential surface of the round bale and / or towards the base of the round bale.Furthermore, if two or more ultrasonic sensors are present, the first and second modes can be used in combination, allowing for more accurate and reliable detection of whether the first film has been correctly applied to the round bale. With two or more ultrasonic sensors, it is advantageous to simultaneously determine at multiple points on the round bale whether the first film is properly positioned on the bale's surface. Additionally, the round baler is less susceptible to the failure of one of the ultrasonic sensors, as the remaining sensors are sufficient to detect whether the first film is correctly positioned on the bale's surface. Specifically, a first ultrasonic sensor can be located downstream and a second ultrasonic sensor upstream of the feed point. If an ultrasonic sensor is provided both downstream and upstream of the wrapping film feed point, the aforementioned [functions] can be combined.Advantages are combined, and it can be determined both whether the wrapping process has started correctly and whether the first film has been applied to the round bale.

[0018] In this embodiment of the invention, the feed of the first film and / or the rotation of the round bale can be adjusted depending on an output signal from the ultrasonic sensor. Furthermore, the round baler includes a control unit, and the ultrasonic sensor is connected to the control unit via a signal. "Adjustable" or "adjustable" can be understood to mean controlling and / or regulating and / or adjusting a component of the round baler by means of the adjusting device and / or the actuator. The ultrasonic sensor can therefore interact with the preferably electrical or electronic control unit (ECU = electronic control unit or ECM = electronic control module), which can be an electronic module and / or an embedded system, and in particular, can be adjusted with the control unit.Control units may already be integrated into round balers or vehicles that pull them, for example, to adjust the baler's settings or other functions. Specifically, the control unit is designed to enable the detection method described below to be performed with the round baler. The ultrasonic sensor can send an output signal to the control unit, receive a setpoint from the control unit, and / or be adjustable via the control unit. Furthermore, the control unit can receive and / or process the ultrasonic sensor's output signal; in particular, the wrapping process can be automatically aborted by the control unit in the event of a malfunction. The output signal can be an actual value detected by the ultrasonic sensor, which the control unit can then compare to a setpoint.The control unit can also be used to set the target value at the ultrasonic sensor, which can then be compared to the target value using the ultrasonic sensor. The control unit can also be additionally connected to one or more actuators and / or positioning devices of the round baler, allowing the actuator and / or positioning device to be controlled by the control unit, specifically via a control signal sent from the control unit to the actuator and / or positioning device. The control unit and / or the ultrasonic sensor and / or the actuator and / or positioning device can be connected to each other via a cable or wire, or wirelessly, for example, via radio, using a communication bus such as ISOBUS, CAN bus, or similar.The control unit also allows for the inclusion of a time component, for example, by determining the output signal after a predefined time interval following the start of the wrapping process. This time interval must be selected such that, assuming proper function, the first film is expected to be applied to the round bale at the point in question. The rotational speed of the round bale can also be taken into account.

[0019] Depending on the output signal provided by the ultrasonic sensor, the control unit can be used to adjust the round baler, in particular the positioning device and / or the actuator, to control the rotation of the round bale and / or the supply of the first layer of film to the bale. Specifically, if it is determined that the wrapping process is not being carried out correctly, the rotation of the round bale and / or the supply of the first layer of film to the bale can be stopped, and / or no further first layer of film can be drawn from the supply. The positioning device and / or the actuator can be located on the round baler, in particular on the wrapping unit and / or the feeding unit.The output signal can also be used to activate a display or a visual and / or audible warning indicator, alerting the operator to a malfunction in the wrapping function so they can interrupt the wrapping process. This allows for the timely detection and interruption of incorrect wrapping of the round bale. This simplifies the operation of the round baler and reduces downtime caused by incorrect wrapping.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the surface is at least a circumferential surface of the round bale. The ultrasonic sensor can therefore be directed at the circumferential surface of the round bale. Alternatively, an ultrasonic sensor can be provided that determines whether the side surfaces of the round bale are also covered with the first film. Furthermore, an ultrasonic sensor can be provided that is directed at an edge region of the round bale and, for example, determines whether the first film is laid over a corresponding edge of the round bale.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the first and second films can be different from each other; in particular, the first film can have a lower modulus of elasticity than the second film. Thus, the first film, which holds the round bale together, is more stable than the second film, which protects the round bale from environmental influences.

[0022] The invention further relates to a detection method for detecting a first film, and in particular also a second film, on the surface of a round bale. The detection method comprises a round baler, particularly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, with a pressing chamber in which a round bale is produced, and a wrapping device with which a finished round bale is wrapped with the first film in the pressing chamber, and a feeding device with which the first film is introduced into the pressing chamber at a feed point. The round baler further comprises an ultrasonic sensor arranged on the pressing chamber such that the ultrasonic sensor determines whether the first film is present on the surface of the round bale.The ultrasonic sensor is arranged and configured such that it forms an alignment angle of 85 ≤ β ≤ 10 degrees with a surface normal of the round bale's surface, and an echo of an ultrasonic pulse emitted by the sensor is partially or completely reflected by the round bale in the direction of the sensor and received by the sensor when no first film is present on the bale's surface. The detection method is particularly feasible with a round baler according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The detection method according to the invention has the advantages of the round baler described above.

[0023] The invention, as well as further advantages and advantageous developments and embodiments of the invention, both in terms of apparatus and process engineering, are explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the drawings. Components that are functionally identical or comparable are marked with the same reference numerals. The schematic drawings show: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a round baler according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the round baler according to the invention, and Fig. 3a a schematic representation of an ultrasonic sensor arranged perpendicular to the surface of a round bale without a first film, and Fig. 3a a schematic representation of the ultrasonic sensor arranged perpendicular to the surface of the round bale with a first film, and Fig. 4a a schematic representation of the ultrasonic sensor forming an alignment angle with the surface normal of the surface of the round bale, wherein no first film is arranged on the surface of the round bale, and Fig. 4a a schematic representation of the ultrasonic sensor forming an alignment angle with the surface normal of the surface of the round bale, wherein a first film is arranged on the round bale, and Fig.Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the possible arrangements of the ultrasonic sensor(s) on the round baler according to the invention, and Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of the round baler according to the invention, and Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the round baler according to the invention, and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the round baler according to the invention.

[0024] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the round baler 10 according to the invention, comprising a pressing chamber 12 in which a round bale 16 can be produced, and a wrapping device 14 with which a round bale 16 formed in the pressing chamber 12 can be wrapped with a first film 18. The round baler 10 can be of a known design, i.e., with a pressing chamber 12 of constant or variable size, which is surrounded exclusively or in combination by pressing means, for example, belts, chains, or, as in the embodiment, by pressing rollers or press cylinders 20. Such a round baler 10 can be used in agriculture to form round bales 16 from harvested crops, such as straw, hay, or grass. However, its use in industrial applications is also conceivable.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the wrapping device 14 is located at the front of the round baler 10, but it can also be arranged in a central area of ​​the round baler 10 or in front of or above the pressing chamber 12. The round baler 10, and in particular the wrapping device 14, has a feed device 24 for introducing the first film 18 into the pressing chamber 12, and a feed point 21 at which the first film 18 can be fed into the pressing chamber 12. The first film 18 is fed into the pressing chamber 12 through a gap between two adjacent press rollers 20, i.e., through the feed point 21, where it is carried along by the rotating round bale 16. The first film 18 binds the round bale 16 and thus prevents it from falling apart after exiting the round baler 10.The wrapping device 14 also comprises a housing 22, a propulsion element (for example, a propulsion roller), and a cutting device 26. The housing 22 contains a shelf 27 on which the first film 18 is stored as a supply roll 28. The shelf 27 can also be designed to hold several supply rolls 28 and / or have steps or recesses for securing them in place.

[0026] The drive element and / or the feed device 24 are provided with a high-friction coating on their circumferential surface and can be set in rotation. Initially, the rotation helps to pull the first film 18 from the supply roll 28 and, during the wrapping process, to build up tension in it as a result of a braked rotational movement. The supply roll 28 is located above the support level of the shelf 27 and, in its operating position, comes into contact with the feed device 24 at an angle approximately corresponding to the 6 to 9 o'clock position. The feed device 24 pulls the first film 18 from the supply roll 28 and guides it through the feed point 21 between the adjacent press rollers 20 into the press chamber 12. Under normal operating conditions, the first film 18 is caught by the rotating round bale 16 and encases it.

[0027] The cutting device 26 has a blade 32 which is pivotably mounted to enter the path of the first film 18 and cut or tear it when the wrapping process is complete. The blade 32 is pivoted by an actuating device, a hydraulic motor 38, which is controlled by a control unit (ECU). In the present embodiment, a guide device or guide element 40 is also pivotably provided, which guides the first film 18 towards the round bale 16.

[0028] Furthermore, a non-inventive arrangement of the ultrasonic sensor 44 is provided in or on the press chamber 12 in the area between the press rollers 20 adjacent to the round bales 16. The ultrasonic sensor 44 is arranged upstream of the film feed point 21 or in an area located downstream of the film feed. The ultrasonic sensor 44 determines whether the round bale 16 is wrapped with the first film 18 at the respective point or whether, for example as a result of a malfunction or a lack of first film 18 on the supply roll 28, the round bale 16 has not been wrapped with the first film 18.

[0029] The round baler 10 comprises the control unit ECU, and the ultrasonic sensor 44 is connected to the control unit ECU via a signal. The ultrasonic sensor 44 can transmit an output signal to the control unit ECU, which can then process the process of wrapping the round bale 16 with the first film 18. Furthermore, a second ultrasonic sensor 42 is also provided in the baling chamber, which, according to the invention, can be located downstream of the feed point 21, for example, in the area of ​​the crop feed. The second ultrasonic sensor 42 can also be connected to the control unit ECU via a signal.

[0030] The following section will describe the operation of the round baler in more detail. Once the formation of the round bale 16 in the pressing chamber 12 is complete, which is determined in a known manner by a sensor (not shown) that, for example, mechanically or optically measures the thickness of the round bale 16, the wrapping device 14 is activated. This occurs when the hydraulic motor 38, controlled by the ECU, is moved into its retracted position as shown in the figure. In this position, the feed device 24 is set in rotation. The feed device 24 then pulls the first film 18 from the supply roll 28. The first film 18 passes between the press rollers 20 and approaches the round bale 16, where it is assisted by the guide device 40.When the wrapping device 14 functions correctly, the first film 18 is caught and carried along by the round bale 16, whereby the round bale 16 automatically wraps itself with the first film 18 through its rotation.

[0031] The ultrasonic sensor 44 can determine whether the round bale 16 has been completely wrapped with a first layer of the first film 18. If so, the wrapping process continues. The end of the process is then determined in the usual way, for example, after a predetermined time or by determining a predetermined length of the first film 18. The length of the first film 18 can also be determined by the ultrasonic sensor 44, as described above, or an additional sensor, etc., can be used to record, for example, the rotation speed of the round bale or the bale's contents. If the ultrasonic sensor 44 detects that there is no first film 18 on the round bale 16, a corresponding output signal is transmitted to the control unit (ECU).This can now interrupt the wrapping process and, for example, cause the round bale 16 to stop rotating or prevent the feed device 24 from pulling any further first film 18 from the supply roll 28. The second ultrasonic sensor 42 is located upstream of the feed point 21 and can determine whether the first film 18 is present on the round bale 16 and whether the wrapping process is proceeding correctly. If the second ultrasonic sensor 42 detects that no first film 18 is present on the round bale 16, it also sends a corresponding output signal to the control unit ECU, which then acts according to an output signal from the ultrasonic sensor 44. After the wrapping process has been completed correctly, the first film 18 is cut by the cutting device 26, and the wrapped round bale 16 can be ejected from the compression chamber 12 of the round baler 10 in the usual manner.

[0032] Figure 2 Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a round baler according to the invention. Figure 2 The round baler 10 shown essentially corresponds to the one in Figure 1The round baler 10 shown is not shown, so only the differences will be discussed below. The bale wrapping device 54 for wrapping the round bale 16 with a second film 58 has a frame 52, a wrapping table or receiving device 54 for receiving the round bale 16 to be wrapped, and wrapping arms 56 which can be set in motion about an axis A by means of a suitable drive (not shown) to wrap the round bale 16 with a second film 58, for example, plastic film. The bale wrapping device 54 connects to a discharge opening on the pressing chamber 12 along a longitudinal axis L of the round baler 10 and is located downstream of the pressing chamber 12, preferably in a rear area.

[0033] The Figure 3a Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a non-inventive arrangement of an ultrasonic sensor 42, 44, which is arranged perpendicular to the surface of a round bale. The Figure 1 and 2 The round baler shown, 10, can be used in Figure 3a The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 shown here includes, so only the differences will be discussed below. The surface of the in Figure 3a The round bale 16 shown is not covered with the first film 18. The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is arranged vertically, particularly in the area of ​​the detection angle, and is designed such that the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 emits an ultrasonic pulse 70 and receives an echo 72 of the ultrasonic pulse 70 when the first film 18 is present on the surface of the round bale 16.

[0034] The surface normal and the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44, in particular the direction in which the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is aligned to detect the first foil 18, enclose the detection angle of 0 degrees. The ultrasonic wave or ultrasonic pulse 70 emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is partially or completely absorbed by the round bale 16, such that the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 does not receive or detect an echo.

[0035] The Figure 3b Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a non-inventive arrangement of an ultrasonic sensor 42, 44, which is arranged perpendicular to the surface of a round bale. The Figure 1 and 2 The round baler shown, 10, can be used in Figure 3b The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 shown, which also includes the one in Figure 3a The ultrasonic sensor shown corresponds to the one shown, so only the differences will be discussed below. The surface of the sensor in Figure 3bThe round bale 16 shown is covered with the first film 18. The ultrasonic wave or ultrasonic pulse 70 emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is partially or completely reflected by the first film 18 on the surface of the round bale 16. Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 receives or detects an echo 72, i.e., a reflected ultrasonic wave 72.

[0036] Figure 4a Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of an ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 according to the invention, which is arranged and configured such that the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 forms an alignment angle β (reference numeral 76) with the surface normal 74 of the surface of the round bale 16 and does not receive an echo 72 of the ultrasonic pulse 70 when the first film 18 is present on the surface of the round bale 16. The information in the Figure 1 and 2 The round baler shown, 10, can be used in Figure 4aThe ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 shown here includes, so only the differences will be discussed below. The surface of the in Figure 4a The round bale 16 shown is not covered with the first film 18. The surface normal 74 and the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44, in particular the direction in which the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is aligned to detect the first film 18, enclose the alignment angle 76. Figure 4a an alignment angle of approximately 60 degrees. The ultrasonic wave 70 or the ultrasonic pulse 70 emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is partially or completely scattered and / or reflected by the round bale 16, in particular in the direction of the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44, such that the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 receives or detects an echo 72.

[0037] Figure 4bFigure 1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement of the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 according to the invention, which is arranged and designed such that the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 forms an alignment angle 76 with the surface normal 74 of the surface of the round bale 16. The Figure 1 and 2 The round baler shown, 10, can be used in Figure 4b The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 shown includes the one described in Figure 4a The ultrasonic sensor shown corresponds to the one shown, so only the differences will be discussed below. The surface of the sensor in Figure 4b The round bale 16 shown is covered with the first film 18. The surface normal and the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44, in particular the direction in which the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is aligned to determine the first film 18, define the alignment angle 76 according to Figure 4aThe ultrasonic wave 70 or ultrasonic pulse 70 emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is partially or completely reflected by the first film 18 on the surface of the round bale 16, in particular reflected or scattered away by the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44. Therefore, the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 does not receive or detect an echo 72, i.e., no ultrasonic wave 72 reflected by the first film 18.

[0038] Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the possible arrangements of the ultrasonic sensor(s) 42, 44 on the round baler 10 according to the invention, which are not in accordance with the invention. Figure 1 and 2 The round baler shown, 10, can be used in Figure 5 The arrangement possibilities of the ultrasonic sensors 42, 44 shown are included. Furthermore, the ultrasonic sensors 42, 44 can be used in the Figures 3a, 3b , 4a and 4bThe modes shown are not included. For this reason, only the differences to the previous figures will be discussed below. Figure 5 Figure 1 shows six ultrasonic sensors 42, 44 arranged on or around a round bale 16, on the surface of which a first film 18 is arranged. The ultrasonic sensors 42, 44 are arranged and oriented such that they can transmit an ultrasonic wave 70 to the round bale 16 or to a first film 18 arranged on the surface of the round bale 16 and / or receive a reflected ultrasonic wave, the echo 72. Four of the ultrasonic sensors 42, 44 are arranged side by side in a row along the width of the compression chamber 12 and oriented perpendicular to the surface. Two of the ultrasonic sensors 42, 44 are directed at a side surface of the round bale 16 to determine whether the side surfaces of the round bale 16 are also covered with the first film 18. The in Figure 5The arrangement of ultrasonic sensors 42, 44 shown can also have only five or four or three or two or only one ultrasonic sensor 42, 44.

[0039] Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a partial schematic representation of a third embodiment of the round baler 10 according to the invention. The in Figure 6 The round baler 10 shown essentially corresponds to the one described in the Figure 1 , 2 and 5 The round baler shown is 10 and can be used in the Figures 4a and 4bThe ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 shown, as well as its arrangement and possible arrangements, are not described in detail below, so only the differences will be discussed. The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is arranged outside the compression chamber 12 on a side element of the compression chamber 12, here designed as a side wall 80, for example, the right side wall, by means of a retaining element 86. The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 can also be arranged on another side wall 88, for example, the left side wall, of the compression chamber 12. The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is arranged such that it forms an alignment angle 76 with the surface normal 74 of the surface of the round bale 16. Furthermore, the side wall 80 has a sensor opening 84. The sensor opening 84 can, for example, be designed as a hole or a through-hole.The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is arranged, and in particular oriented, such that an ultrasonic wave 70 or ultrasonic pulse 70 emitted by the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 is directed into the press chamber 12, i.e., propagates from the ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 through the sensor opening 84 to the round bale 16 and / or to the first film 18. Furthermore, the round baler 10 includes a shielding element 82, which can, for example, be a shielding plate 82, by means of which the crop material located in the press chamber 12 prevents it from accumulating in the sensor opening 84, blocking or clogging it, and contaminating the ultrasonic sensor.

[0040] Figure 7 Figure 10 shows a partial schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of the round baler according to the invention. Figure 7 The round baler 10 shown essentially corresponds to the one described in the Figures 1 to 2 , 5 and 6 The round baler shown is 10 and can be used in the Figures 4a and 4b The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 shown, as well as its arrangement or arrangement possibilities, are included, so that only the differences will be discussed below. Figure 7 includes the ultrasonic sensor 44 outside the press chamber 12 and the second ultrasonic sensor 42 which is located inside the press chamber 12.

[0041] Figure 8 Figure 10 shows a partial schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of the round baler according to the invention. Figure 8 The round baler 10 shown essentially corresponds to the one described in the Figures 1 to 2 and 5 to 7 The round baler shown is 10 and can be used in the Figures 4a and 4b The ultrasonic sensor 42, 44 shown, as well as its arrangement or arrangement possibilities, are included, so that only the differences will be discussed below. Figure 8Figure 1 shows how the shielding element 82 can be arranged in the press chamber 12 between the press elements, here the rollers 20. Furthermore, the direction of bale rotation R is shown.

Claims

1. Roundbaler having a bale chamber (12), in which a round bale (16) can be produced, and a wrapping device (14), with which a completely pressed round bale (16) can be wrapped with a first film (18) in the bale chamber (12), and a feed device (24) for feeding the first film (18) into the bale chamber (12), and a feed point (21), at which the first film (18) can be fed to the bale chamber (12), and the roundbaler (10) comprises an ultrasonic sensor (42, 44), which is arranged at the bale chamber (12) in such a way that with the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) it is possible to determine whether the first film (18) is present on a surface of the round bale (16), characterized in that the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) is arranged and configured in such a way that the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) encloses an orientation angle (76, β) of 85 ≤ β ≤ 10 degrees with the surface normal (74) of the surface of the round bale (16), and an echo of an ultrasonic pulse (70) emitted by the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) can be partially or completely reflected by the round bale (16) in the direction of the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) and received by the ultrasonic sensor if no first film is present on the surface of the round bale.

2. Roundbaler according to Claim 1, comprising a bale-wrapping device (54) for wrapping the round bale (16) with a second film (58), wherein the bale-wrapping device (54) adjoins the bale chamber (12) along a longitudinal axis (L) of the roundbaler (10).

3. Roundbaler according to one of preceding claims, characterized in that the bale chamber (12) comprises a side element (80, 88), in which a sensor opening (84) is formed, and a shielding element (82) is arranged at the sensor opening (84) in such a way that no crop from the bale chamber (12) gets to and / or into the sensor opening (84).

4. Roundbaler according to one of preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) is arranged on a holding element (86) and the holding element (86) is attached to the bale chamber (12).

5. Roundbaler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two or more ultrasonic sensors (42, 44) are provided.

6. Roundbaler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that feeding of the first film (18) and / or rotation of the round bale (16) can be adjusted as a function of an output signal of the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44).

7. Roundbaler according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roundbaler (10) comprises a control unit (ECU), and the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) is connected in a signal-transmitting fashion to the control unit (ECU).

8. Roundbaler according to one of the preceding Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the first film (18) has a smaller elasticity modulus than the second film (58).

9. Detection method for detecting a first film (18) on a surface of a round bale (16), comprising a roundbaler (10) with a bale chamber (12), in which a round bale (16) is produced, and a wrapping device (14), with which a completely pressed round bale (16) is wrapped with the first film (18) in the bale chamber (12), and a feed device (24), with which the first film (18) is fed into the bale chamber (12) at a feed point (21), and the roundbaler (10) comprises an ultrasonic sensor (42, 44), which is arranged at the bale chamber (12) in such a way that with the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) it is determined whether the first film (18) is present on the surface of the round bale (16), characterized in that the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) is arranged and configured in such a way that the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) encloses an orientation angle (76, β) of 85 ≤ β ≤ 10 degrees with the surface normal (74) of the surface of the round bale (16), and an echo of an ultrasonic pulse (70) emitted by the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) is partially or completely reflected by the round bale (16) in the direction of the ultrasonic sensor (42, 44) and received by the ultrasonic sensor if no first film is present on the surface of the round bale.