ROUND BALE PRESS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a round baler according to the preamble of claim 1 and a binding unit according to the preamble of claim 14.

[0002] Round balers are used in agriculture to collect crops such as hay or straw and compress them into bales. The crop is picked up from the ground (e.g., by a pickup truck), conveyed further, usually chopped (e.g., by a cutting rotor), and finally compressed into round bales in a baling chamber, which are then wrapped with binding material. Round balers typically have a binding unit designed to accommodate a roll of binding material or the like, and to feed the binding material into the baling chamber, for example, by means of a movable feed spout that grasps one end of the binding material. The supplied binding material can then be used to bind the pressed bale.Binding materials that can be used include string, nets or (for example in the case of grass) film, the latter also being able to be applied outside the round baler in a separate bale wrapping device.

[0003] Round balers with a plurality of binding units are also known, whereby, for example, different types of binding material can be used. A so-called double binding consists of two complete binding units. This means that there are two rolls of binding material, as well as a separate feed unit for each binding unit. Furthermore, additional components are usually provided for each binding unit, for example a braking unit that slows down the unwinding of the binding material and thus tightens the binding material strand, as well as a gathering unit that gathers the binding material strand together laterally in front of the baling chamber. The double binding is therefore at least largely redundant; normally, all components are present twice, although in some models the gathering unit is shared by both binding units.Changing the binding material can be done remotely or fully automatically and requires no further adjustments to the machine. However, due to the duplicate components, this design is costly and increases the weight of the round baler.

[0004] A more cost-effective variant is the 1.5-fold binding. This allows for two binding material rolls, each with its own braking unit, but only one feed unit, through which the binding material is fed from one of the binding material rolls to the pressing chamber. Changing the material does not require replacing the binding material roll, but the loose end of the binding material must be threaded into the feed unit each time it is changed. In addition, the double braking unit increases weight and costs. Another variant of the 1.5-fold binding also has only one feed unit, but the binding material rolls can be pivoted like a revolver and can be alternately coupled (for example, via a pair of gears) to a single braking unit. The braking force is usually introduced into the binding material roll via the roll core, which is often made of cardboard.According to one design, claws engage the roll core, which can lead to fraying, reducing or completely losing the braking effect. Rain or high humidity can soften the roll core, which also leads to a loss of braking effect. With similarly common plastic cores, the claws generally do not grip sufficiently, and the braking force cannot be transmitted. A further disadvantage of this system is the complex pivoting of the binding material rolls, which have a considerable mass, typically between 50 and 100 kg.

[0005] EP 3 043 632 B1 discloses a round baler with a baling chamber and two wrapping mechanisms, each configured to receive a roll of wrapping material and having an actuating element and a cutting device. Each actuating element can assume three positions: a first position in which the actuating element moves the wrapping material to an initial feed position, a second position in which the wrapping material is positioned in a feed position, and a third position in which the actuating element moves the wrapping material to a cutting position in which the wrapping material is in contact with the cutting device.

[0006] US 9 320 199 B2 shows a baler with a net winding device, a first net support tube for supporting a first net roll and a second net support tube for supporting a second net roll, as well as a plurality of braking systems, each braking system configured to apply and release tension to a corresponding one of the first and second net rolls. Furthermore, a feed mechanism is configured to feed the net from one of the first and second net rolls and comprises at least two movable arms connected to the respective braking system, such that each movable arm is configured to cause at least one of the respective braking systems to apply and release tension to a respective net roll.

[0007] EP 3 721 699 A1 discloses a bale wrapping device for a baler, comprising a first roll of wrapping material with a first wrapping material, and a first unwinding device. The first unwinding device comprises a loading device for loading the first unwinding device with the first wrapping material roll. The loading device is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis and pivotable between a loading position and an operating position. The loading device has a pressure roller, the pivot axis being arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the pressure roller, and in the operating position, the loading device acts on the first wrapping material roll by means of the pressure roller in order to apply a pressure force thereto.

[0008] EP 3 785 521 A1 discloses an agricultural baler with a pressing chamber for pressing harvested crop into a bale, with a binding device having at least one binding unit which has a receiving space for receiving a binding agent roll, the unrolled binding agent of which is provided for binding the pressed bale, wherein the binding unit is pivotable from an operating position provided in an operating state of the baler into a maintenance position provided in a maintenance state, wherein the binding unit comprises at least one first deflection roller and / or a feed unit which is pivotable together with it from the operating position into the maintenance position.

[0009] DE 20 2019 105 334 U1 discloses a binding unit for wrapping crop bales with a binding material, comprising a feed device for feeding the binding material, a cutting device for cutting off the binding material after wrapping the crop bale, and a binding material storage unit having at least two storage spaces for accommodating two rolls of binding material. The two storage spaces, including the wrapping rolls accommodated therein, are pivotable relative to one another, wherein one of the storage spaces is pivotably mounted from an operating position, in which the two storage spaces extend parallel to one another, away from the other storage space into a maintenance position, in which a maintenance space is exposed between the two storage spaces.

[0010] EP 2 932 821 A1 discloses a wrapping mechanism for wrapping crop material in a harvesting machine, comprising at least two material support cylinders extending between a first and a second support plate, in operative contact with at least one of the support plates, and mounted for rotation about a support axis. A drive mechanism is connected to at least the first support plate to facilitate rotation of the material support cylinders from a first radial position to one of a plurality of radial positions about the support axis. The material support cylinders are configured to support rolls of wrapping material and / or to load or unload a roll of wrapping material at the first radial position, and at least one radial position of at least one material support cylinder is configured to dispense wrapping material.

[0011] The object of the invention is to optimize both the number of components and the effort required to change between different binding materials in a round baler.

[0012] The object is achieved with a round baler having the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0013] For this purpose, a round baler is created, comprising a pressing device for pressing agricultural harvested material into a bale in a pressing chamber, and a binding unit having a binding housing, a plurality of roller receptacles arranged at least partially in the binding housing for each rotatably receiving a binding material roll, a feed unit by means of which binding material can be fed from one active roller receptacle selectable from the plurality of roller receptacles in the direction of the pressing chamber, and a braking unit which is designed to cooperate at least indirectly with a binding material roll to brake the latter.

[0014] The round baler is designed to press agricultural crops into (round) bales. It can be self-propelled or designed to be pulled by a tractor. The agricultural crop can be, in particular, stalk crops such as grass, straw, or hay, but also, for example, chopped corn. It usually has a frame, which forms the basic structure of the round baler and gives it overall stability. The round baler's wheels are also attached to the frame via a suitable suspension, as is a drawbar in the case of a towed design. Furthermore, the frame typically has a housing that shields the internal components, namely the baling device, from the outside.The actual baling process takes place within the baling chamber by the baling device, which can be arranged at least partially, or even completely, within a frame. The baling chamber, in which the bale is formed and compressed, is at least partially delimited or defined by the baling device. The baling device typically has at least one pressing element (usually a plurality of pressing elements) that is movable relative to the frame. The crop can be picked up with a pick-up and conveyed further towards the baling chamber by a conveying device, for example a conveying rotor. Instead of a simple conveying device, or in addition to it, a cutting device can be provided that not only conveys the crop but also cuts it. The round baler usually has a feed channel through which the crop flow passes before it reaches the baling chamber.

[0015] The round baler also features a binding unit. This is used to initiate a binding process in which a bale, after it has been formed, is provided with binding material, for example with at least one string, a net, or a film. The binding unit can be arranged at the front of the baling chamber with respect to a longitudinal axis, i.e. the binding unit can be arranged at or in front of the front of the baling chamber in the direction of travel. However, other arrangements are also conceivable, for example above the baling chamber and / or at the rear of the baling chamber with respect to the longitudinal axis. The binding unit has a binding housing. This forms a stable frame on which other components of the binding unit can be arranged rigidly or movably. The housing is normally rigid in itself and can consist of a plurality of rigidly connected parts.The term "housing" should not be interpreted to mean that it must be predominantly closed. It can also be referred to as a binding frame. In some embodiments, the binding housing is clearly separated, in particular from the aforementioned housing that encloses the baling chamber. In other embodiments, these two housings can be at least partially integrally formed with one another. They can merge into one another without a clear demarcation. In this case, the binding housing forms a section or part of an overall housing. Accordingly, embodiments are also conceivable in which the binding housing is at least partially integrally formed with the aforementioned frame of the round baler.

[0016] Furthermore, the binding unit has a plurality of roll receptacles arranged at least partially in the binding housing, each for rotatably receiving a roll of binding material. Each roll receptacle is designed to receive a roll of binding material. The binding material roll, which strictly speaking is not part of the binding unit, normally has a cylindrical roll core, which can be made of cardboard or plastic, for example. The binding material, for example a net or a film, is wound onto this roll core. Overall, the binding material roll is normally approximately cylindrical, although its current shape can also depend on how much binding material has already been unwound.The roll holder is designed such that the binding material roll can be rotatably received, i.e. the binding material roll can be rotated about a binding material roll axis, which can correspond to an axis of symmetry of the binding material roll. Typically, this binding material roll axis runs parallel to a transverse axis of the round baler. The roll holder can be arranged entirely or partially within the binding housing. Overall, the binding unit has a plurality of roll holders so that a total of a plurality of binding material rolls can be received simultaneously. In operation, the individual binding material rolls could contain the same binding material or different types of binding material.

[0017] Furthermore, a feed unit is provided, through which binding material can be fed from one of the plurality of active roll holders selectable from the plurality of roll holders towards the baling chamber. The feed unit feeds the binding material (from the binding material roll in the active roll holder) towards the baling chamber, i.e. towards the baling chamber, so that the bale can be tied or wrapped there with the binding material. It is not necessary for the feed unit to feed the binding material directly to or even into the baling chamber. Part of the feeding can be done by another element (e.g. a pressing element), to which the feed unit essentially transfers the binding material. The binding material taken from the binding material roll is normally guided over one or more deflection rollers that are part of the feed unit.The active roll holder can be selected by the user depending on which of the binding material rolls is currently in use. The same feed unit is used in every case, regardless of which roll holder is currently active. It can be said that the feed unit can alternatively be used in combination with one of the roll holders. The feed unit can have drive means by which the binding material can be actively fed. However, such drive means are not absolutely necessary and are therefore not provided in some embodiments. Instead, the binding material can be entrained by the bale rotating in the baling chamber after one end of the binding material strand has come into contact with the bale.

[0018] The feed unit can be at least partially adjustable relative to the binding housing and have a holding device designed to hold an end region of the binding material and guide it towards the pressing chamber. The holding device can be designed, for example, as a feed spout comprising two converging clamping elements such as metal sheets and / or rubber blankets, between which an end region of the binding material can be clamped. The feed device can be designed at least partially as a feed pendulum, wherein the holding device - for example together with one or more deflection rollers - is arranged on a support that is connected to the binding housing via two pivot arms. It is understood that an actuator is required to adjust the feed unit.In this case, the feed unit is adjustable between an extended position in which the binding material is fed to the pressing chamber and a retracted position in which the feed unit can be arranged compactly on the rest of the binding unit.

[0019] In addition, the binding unit has a braking unit that is designed to interact at least indirectly with a roll of binding material to brake it. The braking unit is designed to interact with the roll of binding material either directly (i.e. immediately) or indirectly (i.e. indirectly), with the braking unit and the roll of binding material interacting via at least one intermediate element. This interaction generates a braking force and / or a braking torque on the roll of binding material. It is possible that the braking force is not exerted by the braking unit itself, or is only exerted to a small extent. For example, the braking unit could press the roll of binding material against an element, so that a frictional force is generated between this element and the roll of binding material, which brakes the roll of binding material. The braking unit serves to brake and stretch the binding material as it unrolls.Braking the binding material roll also involves holding the binding material roll in place, meaning the braking unit can be configured to temporarily completely prevent rotation of the binding material roll. The braking effect, which the braking unit exerts at least indirectly on the binding material roll, is normally variable. This means that it can be temporarily increased or decreased.

[0020] In addition to the components mentioned above, the binding unit can have further components, for example, a filling device that supports the refilling of binding material rolls, a retaining bar that secures the stored binding material in the binding material holder, a gathering device, etc. The round baler can have a binding material knife that is connected to the frame independently of the at least one binding unit and is used to cut off binding material. The binding material knife is normally movably connected to the frame of the round baler. Alternatively, the binding unit can also have a binding material knife, which can be connected, for example, to the feed unit and can be adjustable with it if necessary.

[0021] According to the invention, the braking unit is adjustable relative to the binding housing between a plurality of braking positions, with each roll receptacle being assigned at least one braking position, and the braking unit is configured to interact at least indirectly with the binding material roll received in this roll receptacle in a braking position assigned to a roll receptacle in order to brake it. The braking unit is therefore not arranged stationary on the binding housing, but can be adjusted. This expressly includes the possibility that the braking unit is only partially adjustable while part remains stationary. In any case, it can assume a plurality of braking positions. Each roll receptacle is assigned at least one braking position. In this context, the assignment is reciprocal, thus each braking position is assigned to a roll receptacle.Normally, the number of braking positions corresponds to that of the roll receptacles, but it would also be conceivable for a plurality of braking positions to be assigned to one roll receptacle. The braking position assigned to a roll receptacle can in particular be the braking position in which the braking unit is arranged closest to this roll receptacle, although this is not necessarily the case. In any case, it is possible to adjust the braking unit to a braking position that is assigned to the active roll receptacle. The braking unit can interact at least indirectly with the binding material roll that is arranged in the roll receptacle to which the braking position is assigned. Optionally, a locking device can be provided to secure the braking unit in the respective braking position.Embodiments are also conceivable in which the braking unit interacts with the respective binding material roll not in a precisely defined position, but at least indirectly within a certain position range. The exact braking position could, for example, depend on the current size of the binding material roll. In this case, strictly speaking, one would have to speak of a braking position range, which, however, is intended to be covered here and in the following by the term "braking position."

[0022] To change from one binding material roll to another, the roll holders with the binding material rolls accommodated therein can remain in fixed positions on the binding housing while the brake unit is adjusted as appropriate. As explained further below, in some embodiments a slight relocation of the binding material roll may be necessary; however, this can easily be handled manually by the user. In any case, a significant relocation of the heavy binding material rolls is not necessary. The brake unit itself can be designed to be comparatively light, so that the user can also adjust it manually without great effort. However, it would also be possible to provide an actuator by which the brake unit can be adjusted.Changing between different binding material rolls is generally easy, and the round baler according to the invention requires a small number of components, making it lightweight and cost-effective to implement. In particular, despite multiple binding material rolls, only a single braking unit and a single feed unit are required. When activating a roll holder, the user simply needs to unwind the binding material strand from the corresponding binding material roll a short distance and insert it into the feed unit, or if necessary, guide it through it.

[0023] Different types of brake units or different braking mechanisms are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the brake unit could engage a roll core with a rotatable element, in particular engage with it. In doing so, a frictional connection and / or a positive connection can be created, the latter in particular with deformation of the roll core. The rotatable element, which can have claws, for example, can in turn be coupled to a brake. A preferred embodiment provides that the brake unit has a brake roller that is rotatably mounted about a brake roller rotation axis and is designed to engage the binding material roll radially on the outside in order to brake it. The brake roller engages the binding material roll radially on the outside, i.e. radially on the outside with respect to the binding material roll axis. The engagement thus takes place on the outer surface or lateral surface of the binding material roll.One could also say that the outer surfaces of the binding material roll and the brake roll interact with each other. This usually results in a frictional connection between the binding material roll and the brake roll. This can be promoted, for example, by making the brake roll from an elastomer, particularly rubber, at least in the area of ​​its outer surface. Such a material ensures a high coefficient of friction, and its elasticity allows it to adapt to the binding material roll, which can increase the contact surface and also prevent damage to the binding material. The brake roll can have a cylindrical outer surface, although deviations from a purely cylindrical shape are also conceivable. The actual generation of the braking force can take place on the brake unit side.However, it would also be possible for the brake roller to press the binding material roll against another element, for example a stationary holding element, so that a frictional force between this element and the binding material roll is generated or at least significantly increased.

[0024] Preferably, the brake roller is guided along a defined adjustment path and adjustable between two braking positions. If more than two braking positions are provided, this normally applies to each pair of braking positions. The adjustment path can, for example, describe the movement of the center of gravity and / or the center point of the brake roller. The adjustment path is defined, i.e. the brake roller can only move along the adjustment path from one braking position to the other. Any play that is naturally always present is ignored in this process. The adjustment movement is guided, i.e. the brake roller and the binding housing interact with each other via a guide. The guide can be formed at least partially by the binding housing and / or the brake unit.

[0025] The adjustability of the brake roller can be achieved in different ways, for example by a translational, or under certain circumstances even linear, displacement. One embodiment provides for the brake roller to be adjustable along an at least partially curved adjustment path. The adjustment path can also be curved overall. The curvature of the adjustment path can be variable or constant. In the latter case, the adjustment path is circular and can be described by a rotation around an axis that is stationary with respect to the binding housing. Normally, the at least partially curved adjustment path is defined by a guide, for example a guide slot, at least one guide arm or other suitable guide elements. The at least partially curved adjustment path generally enables a better approach to the braking position and to the binding material roll than a straight adjustment path.

[0026] In particular, a circular adjustment path can be achieved in that the brake unit has a brake suspension on which the brake roller is mounted so as to be rotatable about the brake roller's axis of rotation and which is mounted on the tying housing so as to be pivotable about a brake unit pivot axis offset from the brake roller's axis of rotation. This design is particularly advantageous when exactly two roller receptacles are provided. The brake suspension can be designed in one or more parts. For example, it can have two parts arranged on opposite sides of the brake roller. The brake suspension is preferably rigid in itself. However, it is pivotable relative to the tying housing. The corresponding brake unit pivot axis normally runs parallel to the transverse axis of the round baler. Likewise, the brake unit pivot axis and the brake roller's axis of rotation usually run parallel to one another.

[0027] In order to create a frictional connection between the brake roller and the binding material roll, a contact pressure must act between the two rollers. This could be generated, for example, by a spring element or an actuator that preloads the brake roller against the binding material roll. However, the contact pressure can also be generated by the weight of the binding material roll. According to such a configuration, the brake roller is designed to at least partially support the binding material roll held in the roll holder in the respective braking position. This naturally refers to the roll holder to which the braking position is assigned. Conversely, the binding material roll held in the roll holder is at least partially supported on the brake roller. This means that the weight of the binding material roll is at least partially absorbed by the brake roller.In addition, the brake roller can also absorb horizontal force components. If the weight force is partially absorbed, the roller support has at least one additional support element that absorbs the remaining part of the weight force.

[0028] One embodiment provides that at least one roller holder has a support roller that is mounted in a fixed position on the tying housing and is designed to support the binding material roll together with the brake roller. The support roller is mounted on the tying housing so that it can rotate about a support roller rotation axis, which also generally runs parallel to the transverse axis of the round baler. The support roller rotation axis is generally stationary on the tying housing. Like the brake roller, the support roller absorbs part of the weight of the binding material roll, whereby the weight can be distributed equally or unevenly. In the horizontal direction, more precisely in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the round baler, the support roller and the brake roller are arranged on different sides of the center of gravity of the binding material roll. Between them there is usually a certain area of ​​the binding material roll that is not directly supported.When the binding material roll rotates, the support roller rotates passively. Unlike a brake roller, it is harmless if the support roller is partially suspended, i.e., if slippage occurs. Instead of a rotating support roller, a non-rotating support element could be used, the surface of which has only a low coefficient of friction with the binding material, allowing the binding material roll to glide over the support element without significant resistance.

[0029] If the brake roller fully or partially supports the binding material roll in the corresponding braking position, the problem arises as to how the binding material roll can be secured when the brake roller is adjusted. According to one embodiment, at least one roll receptacle has an auxiliary support device designed to at least partially support the binding material roll when the brake roller is arranged outside the associated braking position. Normally, this is combined with an embodiment in which the brake roller partially supports the binding material roll in the braking position. In this case, the auxiliary support device also partially supports the binding material roll, while at least one further support element, for example the aforementioned support roller, absorbs the remaining weight force.

[0030] One embodiment provides that at least one auxiliary support device has a plurality of support fingers spaced parallel to the brake roller rotation axis, which are each designed to proportionally support the wrapping material roll. Normally, 2 to 4 support fingers are provided, although a larger number would also be possible. The support fingers are each spaced parallel to the brake roller rotation axis, generally parallel to the transverse axis of the round baler. The support fingers of an auxiliary support device are normally identical and / or arranged along the brake roller rotation axis symmetrically to a vertical center plane, which can, for example, correspond to the longitudinal center plane of the round baler. Typically, the support fingers are designed to absorb equal portions of the weight of the wrapping material roll.

[0031] Embodiments are conceivable in which the auxiliary support device is movably connected to the binding housing. It would even be conceivable for the auxiliary support device to be adjustable (actuatorically or manually) between a supporting position and a passive position. In order to keep the structure of the binding unit as simple and stable as possible, however, it is preferred for the auxiliary support device to be rigidly connected to the binding housing. This means that the auxiliary support device always remains in the same position relative to the binding housing, apart from any possible elastic deformation. If the auxiliary support device has a plurality of supporting fingers as described above, all of the supporting fingers are rigidly connected to the binding housing, whereby the connection can be direct or indirect.

[0032] In particular, but not exclusively, with the above-mentioned embodiment, a spatial conflict could arise between the brake roller and the auxiliary support device. Such a conflict can be avoided or resolved in various ways. One embodiment provides that the brake roller has at least one recess which runs tangentially around the brake roller's axis of rotation, is axially limited and extends radially inward, in which the auxiliary support device is at least partially received in at least one position of the brake roller. The respective recess can also be referred to as a notch. In the region of the recess, the contour of the brake roller retreats radially inward, which means a deviation from a cylindrical shape.The shapes of the auxiliary support device and the at least one recess are coordinated such that in at least one position of the brake roller, at least part of the auxiliary support device is arranged in the recess. One could also say that in the corresponding position, the auxiliary support device engages in the at least one recess. In particular, this can be the case in a braking position, but instead or additionally it can also be a position between two braking positions. If the auxiliary support device has a plurality of support fingers, a recess can be provided for each support finger. In this case, the brake roller has a total of a plurality of recesses spaced axially relative to the brake roller's axis of rotation. However, an outermost support finger could also be arranged laterally of the brake roller, so that the number of recesses is fewer than the number of support fingers.

[0033] In the braking position, the brake roller preferably projects beyond the auxiliary support device in the direction of the binding material roll, so that the auxiliary support device is completely relieved of load. If the binding material roll axis, i.e., the axis of symmetry of the binding material roll, is considered in the braking position, the (minimum) radial distance of the brake roller is smaller than the (minimum) radial distance of the auxiliary support device. Accordingly, the brake roller prevents contact between the auxiliary support device and the binding material roll. While the brake roller fully or partially absorbs the weight of the binding material roll, the auxiliary support device is completely relieved of load. Accordingly, there is no friction between the binding material roll and the auxiliary support device.

[0034] The path along which the binding material is guided from the respective roller holder towards the baling chamber has a different starting point depending on the selected active roller holder and thus differs at least partially. In general, a plurality of guide elements, such as deflection rollers, are required to feed the binding material to the baling chamber in the intended manner. Depending on the design of the binding unit and the arrangement of the roller holders, it would be possible to provide different guide elements depending on which roller holder is active. However, this is generally undesirable since it increases the number of components and the overall weight. It is therefore preferred that the feed unit has a plurality of guide elements for binding material, which can be used at least predominantly together with any active roller holder.This means that the respective guide elements can be used to guide the binding material, regardless of the active roll holder. This particularly applies to all guide elements.

[0035] The object is further achieved with a binding unit for a round baler, which has a pressing device for pressing agricultural harvested material into a bale in a pressing chamber, wherein the binding unit has a binding housing, a plurality of roller receptacles arranged at least partially in the binding housing for each rotatably receiving a binding material roll, a feed unit through which binding material can be fed from one active roller receptacle selectable from the plurality of roller receptacles in the direction of the pressing chamber, and a braking unit which is designed to cooperate at least indirectly with a binding material roll to brake the latter.

[0036] According to the invention, the braking unit is adjustable relative to the binding housing between a plurality of braking positions, wherein each roll receptacle is assigned at least one braking position, and the braking unit is designed to cooperate at least indirectly with the binding material roll received in this roll receptacle in a braking position assigned to a roll receptacle in order to brake the latter.

[0037] The above-mentioned terms have already been explained with reference to the round baler according to the invention and will therefore not be explained again. Preferred embodiments of the binding unit according to the invention correspond to those of the round baler according to the invention.

[0038] The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. They show Fig. 1 a side view of a first round baler according to the invention with a binding unit according to the invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the binding unit from Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a side view of the binding unit from Fig.1 ; Fig. 4 a side sectional view of a part of the round baler from Fig.1 in a first state; and Fig. 5 a side sectional view of a part of the round baler from Fig.1 in a second state.

[0039] Fig. 1 - 5 show a first embodiment of a round baler 1 according to the invention. This has a frame 2, which gives it overall structural stability. The frame 2 is supported on running wheels 7, shown schematically here. In a direction of travel F, a drawbar 4 is arranged at the front of the frame 2, via which the round baler 1 can be connected to a tractor (not shown here). In the figures, a longitudinal axis X pointing rearwardly opposite to the direction of travel F, a transverse axis Y pointing to the right as seen in the direction of travel, and an upwardly pointing vertical axis Z of the round baler 1 are shown. The representation in Fig.1 is simplified and various elements that are not essential to the present invention have been omitted or not provided with reference numerals. These include a pick-up supported on auxiliary wheels 8, with which crop is picked up from the ground and conveyed via a feed channel to a conveyor rotor. The conveyor rotor, which can also be designed as a cutting rotor, conveys the crop through the feed channel to a baling chamber 13 within the frame 2 (see Fig. 4 and 5 ). The pressing chamber 13 is formed by a pressing device 9, of which two rollers 10, 11 and a plurality of pressing belts 12 are shown.

[0040] The press belts 12 are suitably guided by guide rollers, which are not shown here for reasons of clarity.

[0041] In Fig. 4 and 52 shows a finished bale 50 into which crop material was compressed in the baling chamber 13. Before the bale 50 is ejected, it is wrapped with binding material 44, 45, for which purpose the round baler has a binding unit 20. The binding unit 20 has a binding housing 21 in which a first roller holder 22 and a second roller holder 26 are arranged. Each of the roller holders 22, 26 is designed to rotatably receive a binding material roll 42, 43. To support the binding material roll 42, 43, the respective roll holder 22, 26 has a support roller 23, 27 and an auxiliary support device 24, 28. The auxiliary support device 24, 28 has a plurality of support fingers 25, 29 which are rigidly connected to the binding housing 21 and spaced apart in the direction of the transverse axis Y.

[0042] Binding material 44, 45, which has been unwound from one of the binding material rolls 42, 43, can be guided towards the baling chamber 13 via a feed unit 30, which has a feed pendulum with a feed spout 32 arranged at its end. By means of an actuator 33, the feed pendulum can be moved rearward against the direction of travel F, so that the feed spout 32 projects into the area between the rotating rollers 10, 11 (not shown in the figures). There, the binding material 44, 45 can be pulled along by one of the rollers 10, 11 and by the rotating bale 50, so that it is wrapped around the bale 50. To guide the binding material 44, 45, the feed unit 30 has a plurality of deflection rollers 31. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the first roll holder 22 is active, i.e. binding material 44 is used from the binding material roll 42 held there. In contrast, Fig. 5 a state in which the second roll holder 26 is active and thus binding material 45 is being used from the binding material roll 43 held there. It is clearly visible that the deflection rollers 31 and the feed spout 32 can be used in both cases. This means that the feed unit 30 can be used together with any roll holder 22, 26.

[0043] The binding material roll 42, 43 held in the respectively active roll holder 22, 26 rotates about a binding material roll axis A1, A2, while the binding material 44, 45 is unwound. In order to tighten and stretch the unwound binding material 44, 45, the rotational movement of the binding material roll 42, 43 is braked. A brake unit 35 is provided for this purpose. Its essential element is a brake roller 37, which is mounted on a brake suspension 36 for rotation about a brake roller rotation axis B. The brake suspension 36, in turn, is pivotally connected to the binding housing 21 about a brake unit pivot axis C. The axes B, C mentioned each run parallel to the transverse axis Y. Fig. 1 bis 4 show the brake unit 35 in a first braking position D1, which is assigned to the first roll holder 22. In this state, the first binding material roll 42 is not supported by the first support fingers 25, but exclusively by the first support roller 23 and the brake roller 37. As can be seen in particular in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the brake roller 37 has a plurality of recesses 38. These are spaced apart from one another with respect to the brake roller rotation axis B, wherein they are tangentially circumferential and extend radially inward. Their size and position are adjusted so that a support finger 25 can be accommodated in each recess 38, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, in which the cutting plane runs through one of the recesses 38. Since the support fingers 25 can be accommodated in the recesses 38, the brake roller 37 can project beyond the support fingers 25 in the direction of the binding material roll 42, so that the auxiliary support device 24 is relieved of load overall.

[0044] The brake roller 37 is coupled to a sensor wheel 40, which interacts with a speed sensor 41, by means of which the speed of the brake roller 37 and thus the speed of the binding material 44 can be determined. On the other hand, the brake roller 37 is connected to a Fig. 3 The brake 39 is coupled to a visible brake, which in this case is designed as an electric brake, but could also be designed as a hydraulic brake, for example. The braking force and thus the braking torque exerted by the brake roller 37 can be adjusted via the brake 39.

[0045] If the user wishes to use the binding material roll 43 in the second roll holder 26 instead of the binding material roll 42 in the first roll holder 22, the brake unit 35 must be adjusted. For this purpose, the brake unit 35 is pivoted about the brake unit pivot axis C, with the brake roller 37 moving along a Fig. 3 shown circular-arc adjustment path E. To do this, a lock (not shown in the figures) which holds the brake unit 35 in the first braking position D1 must first be released. When the brake unit 35 is moved out of the first braking position D1, the support fingers 25 pass through the corresponding recesses 38 so that no collision occurs. The side of the binding material roll 42 which was supported by the brake roller 37 moves slightly downwards (for example by a few millimeters or a few centimeters) until it rests on the support fingers 25. By pivoting the brake unit 35, the brake roller 37 finally reaches the Fig. 5 shown second braking position D2, which is assigned to the second roll holder 26. In this case, the support fingers 29 of the associated second auxiliary support device 28 are again received in the recesses 38 and finally completely relieved. To do this, one side of the binding material roll 43 must be moved slightly upwards (for example, by a few millimeters or centimeters). The braking unit 35 can now be secured in the second braking position D2 with a locking device (also not shown). The user can unwind binding material 45 from the binding material roll 43 and, as shown in Fig. 5 shown via the deflection rollers 31 to the feed spout 32.

[0046] Overall, the change between the different binding material rolls 42, 43 can be achieved with a single braking unit 35 and a single feed unit 30. The heavy and unwieldy binding material rolls 42, 43 remain essentially in position, except for the described slight lifting, so that the entire change can be performed manually by one user. Alternatively, however, an actuator could also be provided to adjust the braking unit 35 between the braking positions D1, D2.

Claims

1. Round baler (1), having a pressing apparatus (9) for pressing harvested agricultural crops into a bale (50) in a pressing chamber (13), and a binding unit (20) having a binding housing (21), a plurality of roll holders (22, 26) arranged at least partially in the binding housing (21), each for rotatably receiving a binding material roll (42, 43), a feed unit (30) through which binding material (44, 45) can be fed from an active roll holder (22, 26) selectable from the plurality of roll holders (22, 26) in the direction of the pressing chamber (13), and a braking unit (35) configured to cooperate at least indirectly with a binding material roll (42, 43) to brake it, characterized in that the braking unit (35) is adjustable, relative to the binding housing (21), between a plurality of braking positions (D1, D2), wherein each roll holder (22, 26) is assigned at least one braking position (D1, D2), and the braking unit (35) is configured, in a braking position (D1, D2) assigned to a roll holder (22, 26), to cooperate at least indirectly with the binding material roll (42, 43), held in this roll holder (22, 26), in order to brake it.

2. Round baler according to claim 1, characterized in that the braking unit (35) has a braking roller (37) that is rotatably mounted about a braking roller axis of rotation (B) and is configured to engage the binding material roll (42, 43) radially on the outside in order to brake it.

3. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking roller (37) is guided along a defined adjustment path (E) and is adjustable between two braking positions (D1, D2).

4. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking roller (37) is adjustable along an at least partially arcuate adjustment path (E).

5. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking unit (35) has a brake suspension (36) on which the braking roller (37) is rotatably mounted about the braking roller axis of rotation (B) and which is pivotably mounted on the binding housing (21) about a braking unit pivot axis (C) offset from the braking roller axis of rotation (B).

6. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking roller (37) is configured, in the particular braking position (D1, D2), to at least partially support the binding material roll (42, 43) held in the roll holder (22, 26).

7. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one roll holder (22, 26) has a support roller (23, 27) that is mounted in a fixed position on the binding housing (21) and is configured to support the binding material roll (42, 43) together with the braking roller (37).

8. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one roll holder (22, 26) has an auxiliary support apparatus (24, 28) configured to at least partially support the binding material roll (42, 43) when the braking roller (37) is arranged outside the associated braking position (D1, D2).

9. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one auxiliary support apparatus (24, 28) has a plurality of support fingers (25, 29) spaced apart parallel to the braking roller axis of rotation (B), which support fingers are configured to support the binding material roll (42, 43) in each case proportionately.

10. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary support apparatus (24, 28) is rigidly connected to the binding housing (21).

11. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking roller (37) has at least one recess (38) that runs tangentially around the braking roller axis of rotation (B), is axially limited and extends radially inwards, and in which the auxiliary support apparatus (24, 28) is at least partially held in at least one position (D1, D2) of the braking roller (37).

12. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking roller (37) in the braking position (D1, D2) projects beyond the auxiliary support apparatus (24, 28) in the direction of the binding material roll (42, 43), so that the auxiliary support apparatus (24, 28) is completely relieved.

13. Round baler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed unit (30) has a plurality of guide elements (31, 32) for binding material (44, 45), which guide elements can be used at least predominantly together with any active roll holder (22, 26).