TEMPLATE AND USE OF A TEMPLATE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a template according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and the use of a template for determining a stretch ratio of a film sample of a film enclosing a round bale according to the preamble of independent claim 7.

[0002] A round baler can form harvested materials into a round bale and wrap the formed bale with film. It is desirable to wrap the bale in such a way that its properties are preserved and it is prevented from expanding into a soft bale of undesirable size and density. A bale wrapped too loosely not only results in lower quality but is also prone to the film snagging during handling and transport. However, due to the elastic properties of the film, it is often difficult to wrap a round bale tightly. For example, if the forces, especially tensile and / or compressive forces, on the film are less than the expansion forces of the formed bale, the wrapped bale can expand after wrapping.

[0003] Different types of films can, unfortunately, exhibit different elastic properties. Furthermore, the elastic properties, such as the stretch ratio and / or elasticity of a film, can depend on the temperature and / or humidity of the crop and / or the round baler used and / or the expansion properties of the processed crop and / or the film itself. A disadvantage of this is that the elastic properties of the film can change, particularly during operation of the round baler.

[0004] It is known from the prior art to typically apply the film with a constant tension throughout the entire wrapping cycle, which leads to feeding problems and excessively high or low tension. This approach assumes static and / or predetermined elastic properties of the film, which unfortunately do not reflect the actual elastic properties of the film in the field and the effects of different crops. As a result, the film or the wrapped round bale itself can be damaged during the wrapping process. Furthermore, known round balers cannot be adjusted to the actual and current stretch ratios or elastic properties of the film, as there is no way to measure these properties.CN 205 844 059 U and KR 101 149 503 B1 disclose portable strain gauges.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to propose a template and the use of a template for determining the elongation ratio of a film sample covering a round bale, thereby overcoming the aforementioned problems. In particular, a template and the use of a template are proposed with which the elongation ratio or elasticity of the film can be determined, thus improving the operation of the round baler and the wrapping of the round bales.

[0006] This problem is solved by a template having the features of claim 1 and by using the template having the features of claim 8. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0007] According to the invention, a template for determining the stretch ratio of a film sample covering a round bale is proposed. The template comprises a template body having a support surface and an opposing working surface or display surface, as well as an outline edge of the template body for measuring the circumference, in particular the outline and / or size, of the film sample. Furthermore, the template includes two slots, preferably recesses, particularly preferably linear recesses, formed in the template body for applying markings, preferably two markings, particularly preferably exactly two markings, to the film. The two slots are arranged parallel to each other at a first distance. The template, in particular the template body, includes a contact mark arranged, in particular applied, on the working surface of the template body.Furthermore, a scale for indicating the stretch ratio of the film sample is arranged, specifically applied, on the working side at a predetermined distance from the alignment mark. One of the slots and the alignment mark lie on a straight line. Specifically, the first recess and the alignment mark can lie on a single, common line. This advantageously allows for a simple design of the template, as it facilitates the determination of the stretch ratio.

[0008] The template body, and in particular the base body, of the template can have a plate-like geometry. The template body can be rectangular or square. Likewise, the template body can be flat and / or two-dimensional. When using the template, the support surface can be placed on the round bale wrapped in film to mark the film and take a film sample. The support surface and the working or display surface can be two parallel surfaces, which can be formed on opposite sides of the template body. The slots formed in the template body can be linear. The slots can be designed as recesses, in particular as linear openings or recesses extending from the support surface to the working surface.When the template is in contact with the film, markings, in particular two markings, can be made, for example with a pen, on the film stretched around the round bale, and in particular on the film sample to be taken. The two slits can be arranged parallel to each other at a first distance. The first distance can be a predetermined distance, in particular a fixed distance, between the two markings on the film or the film sample in its stretched state. The first distance can be 15 to 25 cm, preferably 18 to 22 cm, and particularly preferably 20 cm.

[0009] When using the template, if the support surface rests on the film-wrapped round bale, the size and / or outline of the film sample can be measured and / or removed using the template's outline. To do this, the film can be cut along the outline of the template to remove the sample. The film sample can then be removed.

[0010] The alignment mark and scale can be applied to the working side, in particular engraved or printed. The scale can comprise one or more graduations from which the stretch ratio can be determined, in particular read. Furthermore, the alignment mark can be located along an extension of a straight line with one of the two slots. To position the film sample on the template at the intended location, the two markings on the film sample can be easily aligned with the alignment mark and scale. This can be done by simply visual inspection to align one of the two markings with the alignment mark or by placing it along an extension or extended straight line of the alignment mark.The other of the two markings can be aligned with one of the scale's graduations by simple visual inspection, or aligned with an extension of one of the scale's graduations. This facilitates positioning and reading the film sample. The scale can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the initial marking. Similarly, each graduation on the scale can be assigned a distance, particularly an increasing or decreasing distance, from the initial marking. Based on the distance assigned to each graduation to the initial marking, a second distance between the two markings on the film sample or film in its relaxed state can be determined. Thus, in the relaxed state of the film, the two markings exhibit this second distance.By applying the foil sample in its relaxed state, the stretch ratio can be determined, particularly using the first and second distances between the two markings, and especially with values ​​and / or units of the stretch ratio arranged on the scale, and can be read directly. The values ​​and / or units can preferably be arranged on the working side of the template body on the scale, preferably engraved or printed on it.

[0011] Specifically, the stretch ratio can be determined from the ratio of the first distance (the distance between the two markings on the stretched film or film sample) to the second distance (the distance between the two markings on the relaxed film sample). This allows the stretch ratio to be read directly from each graduation mark. Specifically, the stretch ratio in percent is calculated as follows: S = d 1 − d 2 d 2 × 100

[0012] With S = Stretch ratio and d 1= 1. Distance and d 2 = 2. DistanceIn other words, the template can be designed such that its contact side can be placed against the film enclosing the round bale, and the stretched film can be marked with two slits, in particular a first and second recess, with two markings, in particular a first and second reference line. Thus, in its stretched state, the film can be marked with the first reference line above or with the first recess and with the second reference line above or with the second recess. The second recess can be parallel to the first recess. Furthermore, the first and second recesses have a first spacing, in particular a first predetermined spacing. The outline or...The outer contour of the template body can be designed as a guide for determining the circumference and / or size of the film sample and for removing the film sample in a taut state when the support surface rests on the film. The graduations of the scale can be arranged at regular intervals in one dimension. Furthermore, the graduations can be parallel to the first recess. In the relaxed state, particularly after removal and a relaxation period, the film sample can be positioned with the first reference line against the placement mark and with the second reference line against the scale for determination, especially for reading and / or recording, preferably against one of the graduations of the scale, so that a stretch ratio of the film sample to the scale can be determined, and in particular read directly. In the relaxed state of the film, the first and second reference lines have a second spacing.This allows the stretch ratio of the film sample to be determined (see the formula above). The stretch ratio can be determined, in particular, using the values ​​and / or units of the stretch ratio arranged on the scale, and can especially be read directly.

[0013] A key aspect of the invention is that the template allows the stretch ratio or elasticity of the film to be determined easily. This advantageously improves the operation of the round baler and the wrapping of the round bales, as the tension with which the film is applied to the round bale can be adjusted on the baler.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the scale comprises one or more graduations. The graduation(s) of the scale are arranged parallel to the application mark and / or the scale is linearly divided. In the relaxed state of the film sample, the two markings have a second spacing and can be aligned with the application mark and a graduation of the scale such that the stretch ratio of the film sample can be determined, in particular read. Each graduation can have a predetermined distance, preferably a second distance, particularly preferably a predetermined second distance, from the application mark. The stretch ratio of the film sample or the film can be determined by the ratio of the first distance to the distance between the two markings between the graduation and the application mark, which can be determined when the film sample is applied in the relaxed state.Advantageously, this eliminates the need for additional tools and measurements, and the stretch ratio can be determined in a simple way.

[0015] In this embodiment of the invention, the graduations of the scale have values ​​and / or a unit. The graduations can therefore be labeled with values ​​and / or the unit. The values ​​and / or unit can be printed on or engraved into the stencil body. The values ​​of the stretch ratio can be between 5 and 50%, preferably between 10 and 40%, and particularly preferably between 10 and 39%. The unit of the stretch ratio can be expressed as a percentage.

[0016] InIn an advantageous further development, instructions for using the template are arranged on the working side, preferably applied, and particularly preferably engraved or printed onto the template body. In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the template is formed in one piece. The instructions can include the steps for determining the stretch ratio in pictorial form and / or as text. This advantageously simplifies working with the template and / or its use and operation.

[0017] In In one embodiment of the invention, the stencil body is made of paper, preferably heavyweight paper, particularly preferably paper with a weight greater than 100 g / m², and / or plastic and / or metal and / or any solid material.

[0018] The stencil body can also include a transparent film. This can be advantageous in reducing the rapid wear and tear of the stencil during daily use.

[0019] The invention further relates to the use of a template, in particular according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, for determining the stretch ratio of a film sample of a film covering a round bale. The use is carried out as follows: The template is placed on a section of the film, in particular in the circumferential direction of the film on the round bale. The markings, in particular the two markings, are applied to the film along the slits. The film can be marked, for example, with a pen or marker over or through the slits. To remove the film sample, the film is cut along the outline of the template body, and the sample is removed. A cutting element, for example a knife, can be used for cutting. The cutting element can be guided along the outline to cut the film, with the outline serving as a guide.The extracted foil sample is subjected to a relaxation period. This relaxation period can be in an interval of preferably 30 seconds to 10 minutes, particularly preferably 1 minute to 5 minutes, and especially 3 minutes. The foil sample with the two markings is then, particularly after the relaxation period, placed against the reference mark and scale of the template to determine, in particular to ascertain and / or read, the stretch ratio. For this purpose, one of the two markings can be placed against the reference mark. The other of the two markings can be placed against a graduation mark of the scale, and the stretch ratio can be determined. The use according to the invention has the advantages of the template according to the invention described above.

[0020] 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. 1A a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a template according to the invention, and Fig. 1Bies a schematic representation of the first embodiment of the template according to the invention with a foil sample applied, and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a template according to the invention, and Fig. 3A to Fig. 3E a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the use of the template according to the invention.

[0021] Figure 1ashows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a template 10 according to the invention for determining a stretch ratio of a foil sample (see Figure 1b , reference 54) a round bale (see Figure 3b , reference 110) enclosing foil (see Figure 3b(reference numeral 112). The template 10 comprises a template body 20, which has a support surface 22 and an opposing working surface 24. The template 10, in particular the template body 20, is formed in one piece. Furthermore, a contour edge 26 of the template body 20 is provided for dimensioning the circumference of the film sample 54. Two slots 30, 32, or a first and second recess, in particular two linear recesses, are formed in the template body 20 for applying markings, in particular two markings 50, 52, to the film 112 or the film sample 54, wherein the two slots 30, 32 are arranged parallel to each other at a first distance d 1. A positioning mark 34 is arranged on the working surface 24 of the template body 20. One of the slots 32 and the installation marker 34 can lie on a common straight line.Likewise, a scale 36 for displaying the stretch ratio of the film sample 54 is arranged, in particular positioned, on the working side 24 of the template body 20 at a predetermined distance 38 from the application mark 34. The scale 36 comprises one or more graduations 40. The graduations 40 are all arranged parallel to the application mark 34. Furthermore, the scale 36 is linearly divided, i.e., the graduations 40 are arranged at equal intervals. The distance 38 from the application mark 34 can increase by the same amount for each subsequent graduation, starting from the graduation nearest the application mark 34.

[0022] Figure 1b Figure 1 shows a further schematic representation of the first embodiment of the template 10 according to the invention with the foil sample 54 attached. The in Figure 1b Template 10 shown essentially corresponds to the one in Figure 1aThe template 10 shown is not shown, so only details and / or differences will be discussed below. The markings 50, 52 of the foil sample 54, in particular on the foil sample 54, can be positioned at a second distance d 2 from the placement mark 34 and a graduation mark 40 of the scale 36 in such a way that the stretch ratio of the foil sample 54 can be determined, in particular read.

[0023] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the template 10 according to the invention. Figure 2 Template 10 shown essentially corresponds to the one in Figure 1Template 10 is shown, so only details and / or differences will be discussed below. The graduations 40 of the scale 36 have values ​​56 and / or a unit 58. The values ​​56 correspond to the scaling ratio, and the unit is a value given as a percentage. Furthermore, work instruction 60 for using template 10 is provided on work page 24.

[0024] The Figures 3A to 3E The schematic representations of a first embodiment of the inventive use of the template 10 for determining a stretch ratio of a film sample 54 of a film 112 enclosing a round bale are shown. Figures 3A to 3E Template 10 shown essentially corresponds to the one in the Figure 1a , 1b and 2 Template 10 is shown, so only details and / or differences will be discussed below. Figure 3A the entire process of use and the Figures 3B to 3Ethe individual steps of use. Figure 3A shows a schematic representation, in particular a process, of a first embodiment of the use of the template 10 according to the invention. In a first step 100 (see also Figure 3B The template 10 is placed on the film 112 surrounding the round bale, in particular with its support side 22 on the film 112. The template 10 is preferably placed in the circumferential direction of the film 112 surrounding the round bale. Two markings 50, 52 are applied to the film 112 along the slots 30, 32 (see figure). Figure 3B , reference numeral 110). For this purpose, the foil 112 can be marked with a pen or other suitable marking device through or over the two slots 30, 32. Subsequently, the template 10 can remain in place with the support side 22 on the foil 112. In a second step 102 (see also Figure 3CTo obtain the foil sample 54, the foil 112 is cut along the outline 26 of the template body 20 and the foil sample 54 is removed. Optionally, the first and second steps 100, 102 (marking and removal of the foil sample 54) can be performed in reverse or simultaneously. After the foil sample 54 has been removed, in a third step 104 (see also 3D figure ) the extracted foil sample 54 is exposed to a relaxation period. The relaxation period can be in a time interval of preferably 30 seconds to 10 minutes, more preferably 1 minute to 5 minutes, and in particular 3 minutes. In a fourth step 106 (see also Figure 3E ) the foil sample 54 with the markings is placed on the attachment mark 34 and scale 36, in particular one of the graduations 40, to determine, i.e. in particular to read, the stretch ratio.

Claims

1. Template for determining a stretching ratio of a film sample (54) of a film (112) spanning a round bale (110), comprising: a template body (20) which has a supporting side (22) and an oppositely arranged working side (24), an outline edge (26) of the template body (20) for measuring a circumference of the film sample (54), two slots (30, 32) formed in the template body (20) for applying markings to the film (112), the two slots (30, 32) being arranged parallel to each other at a first distance (d1), a contact marking (34) arranged on the working side (24) of the template body (20), and a scale (36), which is arranged on the working side (24) at a predetermined distance (38) from the contact marking (34), for displaying the stretching ratio of the film sample (54), characterized in that one of the slots (32) and the contact marking (34) lie on a straight line.

2. Template according to Claim 1, characterized in that the scale (36) comprises one or more graduation marks (40), and / or the graduation mark or the graduation marks (40) of the scale (36) is or are arranged parallel to the contact marking (34), and / or the scale (36) is divided linearly.

3. Template according to at least one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the graduation marks (40) of the scale (36) comprise values (56) and / or a unit (58).

4. Template according to at least one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a working instruction (60) for using the template (10) is arranged on the working side (24).

5. Template according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the template (10) is configured as a single piece.

6. Template according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the template body (20) is formed from paper and / or plastic and / or metal.

7. Use of a template according to at least one of Claims 1 to 6 for determining a stretching ratio of a film sample (54) of a film (112) spanning a round bale (110), wherein the template (10) is placed (100) onto a region of the film (112), markings (50, 52) are applied (100) along the slots (30, 32) to the film (112), the film (112) is severed along the outline edge (26) of the template body (20) for removal of the film sample (54) and the film sample (54) is removed (102), the removed film sample (54) is subjected (104) to a relaxation period, and the film sample (54) is applied with the markings (50, 52) to the contact marking (34) and scale (36) to ascertain the stretching ratio.