COMBINATION AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A COMBINATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a combination of a towing vehicle and a baling press according to the preamble of independent claim 1 and a combination of a towing vehicle and a baling press according to the preamble of independent claim 15.

[0002] Balers, especially round balers, are used to pick up and compress agricultural crops, such as straw, hay, or similar materials. The crop lying on the ground is picked up by a receiving unit, particularly a pick-up. The picked-up crop is then conveyed by a conveying unit, such as a rotor or a conveyor, into a baling chamber containing one or more pressing elements. The conveying unit can be integrated into the receiving unit or positioned downstream of it, particularly in the conveying direction. The bale, especially the round bale, is formed in the baling chamber.The formed bale is then wrapped in the baling chamber with a wrapping material, such as netting, film, or twine, and can preferably be unloaded via a discharge flap or a rear section of the baler, particularly via the baling chamber itself, which is equipped with a discharge flap or rear section. However, to bind or wrap the bale, it is necessary to stop the crop feed to the baling chamber, which is only possible with conventional balers by interrupting the crop intake. This means that the driver of the tractor-trailer combination must continuously monitor the pressing process and the parameters provided by the baler, such as bale size, in order to stop and start the tractor accordingly.EP 1 813 146 A2 proposes solving this problem by connecting a baler control unit, equipped with a bale sensor (i.e., a sensor for measuring bale size), to a tractor control unit. This control unit transmits a stop signal when the bale reaches a predetermined size, causing the tractor to stop, particularly automatically. The automatic control of this process thus relieves the driver. EP 2 526 759 B1 discloses an adjustment of the rotational speed of a baler drive shaft to reduce the tractor's stopping time.In this process, the tractor control unit receives a target speed signal from the baler control unit, depending on the various wrapping phases in the baling chamber of the baler. The tractor control unit then adjusts the speed of the baler's drive shaft. EP 1 813 146 A2 discloses a combination of a tractor and a baler.

[0003] A disadvantage of this combination is the long holding time, as no crop can be baled during any of the wrapping phases. Another disadvantage is that the adjustment of the drive shaft speed to the wrapping process, particularly the wrapping phases, is linked, resulting in a time loss during the wrapping process.

[0004] The present invention therefore aims to propose methods for operating a combination of a tractor and a baler, and a combination of a tractor and a baler, which overcome the aforementioned problems. In particular, a method and a combination are to be proposed which improve the operating processes of the combination from a technical, economic, and / or temporal perspective.

[0005] This problem is solved by a method for operating a combination of a towing vehicle and a baling press with the features of claim 1 and a combination of a towing vehicle and a baling press with the features of claim 15. The dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0006] According to the invention, a method for operating a combination of a towing vehicle and a baler is proposed. The combination comprises an input / output unit, a towing vehicle control unit, and a baler control unit, wherein the towing vehicle control unit is connected to the input / output unit and the baler control unit, in particular via a signal connection. The baler is connected to the towing vehicle and / or, in particular, coupled to it. The towing vehicle comprises a drive motor which is connected to a drive shaft of the baler, preferably via a drive connection and / or mechanically coupled. The baler comprises, a receiving unit for receiving crops and a baling press chamber to press the received crops into a bale, in particular a round bale.

[0007] An adaptation signal is generated, in particular produced, by means of or with the input / output unit and sent to the vehicle control unit. The adaptation signal can be generated by an operator of the combination. In particular, the adaptation signal can be generated by the operator through an input, for example, by pressing a key or button, or by a voice command, into the input / output unit. The input / output unit can send the adaptation signal to the vehicle control unit, in particular directly after the adaptation signal has been generated. However, the adaptation signal can also be generated by the input / output unit itself, for example, when the input / output unit receives another signal. In other words, the input / output unit can be operated in such a way that it generates the adaptation signal and sends it to the vehicle control unit.The tractor control unit adjusts, particularly automatically, the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft when it receives the adjustment signal. In other words, the tractor control unit can be configured to adjust the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft. Furthermore, the drive speed can be adjusted by the tractor control unit during a holding phase of the combination. The holding phase is the phase before the wrapping process begins. In this context, the phrase "adjusting the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft" does not refer to switching the drive shaft on and off, but rather to increasing or decreasing its drive speed.

[0008] The towing vehicle can be an agricultural vehicle, in particular a tractor. The towing vehicle can be positioned in front of the baler in one direction of travel. The towing vehicle can pull the baler. The towing vehicle can also include steering means for steering the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle can be driven by the drive motor. In addition, the drive motor is connected to the drive shaft, in particular mechanically coupled. The drive shaft can be driven by the drive motor. This allows the drive motor to transmit rotational speed and / or torque to the baler via the drive shaft. The drive shaft can drive the baling chamber and / or a wrapping device and / or the intake unit and / or a conveying unit, in particular transmitting rotational speed and / or torque to these.The baler can be connected to the towing vehicle via the drive shaft and / or a drawbar, for example, a drawbar and / or a coupling. For example, the towing vehicle frame can be connected to the baler frame via the drawbar. The towing vehicle can include the towing vehicle frame. Furthermore, the towing vehicle can include one or more ground-penetrating devices. The ground-penetrating devices can support and / or bear the towing vehicle on the ground. The ground-penetrating devices can be wheels or tracks. The ground-penetrating devices can be connected directly or via a drive train to the drive motor, in particular mechanically coupled. The ground-penetrating devices can be driven directly or via the drive train by the drive motor, so that the towing vehicle is driven, for example, in a forward and / or reverse direction across a field.Mechanically coupled can be understood as a driveable connection and / or a mechanical coupling between two components of the combination, which enables the mechanical transmission of a force or moment, in particular a torque, from one component to the other. Further components may be provided between the two components, enabling such force or moment transmission, in particular torque transmission, between the two components. The tractor control unit can adjust and / or modify, in particular control and / or regulate, the drive motor and / or the drive train, which may in particular include a gearbox, and / or the ground engagement devices.The tractor control unit can adjust the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft, for example by causing the drive train or gearbox block to adjust its speed and thus the drive speed of the drive shaft.

[0009] The baler can be a square baler or a round baler for forming round bales from harvested crops. The baler can include the baler frame. The baler can also be integrated into the tractor, i.e., the combination can be designed as a self-propelled baler. The baling chamber can compress the harvested crop taken up by the intake unit into a bale, in particular a round bale. The baler can be designed with a variable-size baling chamber. A baler with a variable-size baling chamber can include one or more pressing elements, which can be designed, in particular, as a belt, strap, chain assembly, or band. The baler can also include a fixed-size baling chamber.In this system, a pressing element can be designed as a press roller, in particular a plurality of parallel press rollers for compressing the harvested crop. 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 baling 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. The baling chamber can be arranged on the baler frame, preferably connected to and / or attached to it. The receiving unit for receiving or collecting harvested crop lying or standing in a field, and / or for conveying the harvested crop into the baling chamber, can also be arranged on the baler frame, preferably connected to and / or attached to it.The baler control unit can be located on the baler or on the towing vehicle.

[0010] A key aspect of the invention is that the method according to the invention enables the adjustment of the drive speed of the drive shaft with minimal effort, either directly or via the input / output unit. The tractor control unit can adjust the drive speed of the drive shaft, particularly with operator intervention at the input / output unit. In other words, the invention provides a method that allows the operator to adjust the drive speed at any time. A significant advantage of the combination according to the invention is the time saved by adjusting the drive speed of the drive shaft. Advantageously, the drive speed of the drive shaft can thus be adjusted at any time, preferably before or independently of the binding or winding process, thereby accelerating the subsequent winding process.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the baler comprises a bale sensor, wherein the bale sensor detects the size of a bale within the baling chamber. The baler control unit is connected to the bale sensor, in particular via a signal connection. The baler control unit can thus receive the bale size from the bale sensor in the form of a bale signal. The bale sensor can be arranged on or in the baling chamber such that it can detect the bale size. The bale sensor can also be associated with the baling chamber, in particular arranged and / or attached to, inside, or outside the baling chamber. The bale sensor can detect the bale size within the baling chamber and, in particular, convert it into a bale signal.The bale signal can therefore be representative of the bale size in the baling chamber. For example, the bale sensor can detect the distance to the bale surface or to the pressing material in contact with the bale surface. The bale sensor can thus provide information about the bale size, in particular the bale diameter at any given point along the bale's width. The bale sensor can send the bale signal to the baler control unit. The baler control unit can receive the bale signal from the bale sensor. Based on or with the bale signal, the baler control unit can determine and / or calculate, in particular calculate and / or compare, whether a bale has reached a certain size, specifically whether a bale is larger than or equal to a specific size.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the baler control unit sends the bale signal to the input / output unit, particularly also via or to the tractor control unit. Based on or with the received bale signal, the input / output unit displays the bale size, in particular the current bale size. The adjustment signal is generated by or with the input / output unit depending on the displayed bale size and sent to the tractor control unit. The adjustment signal can be generated by or by an operator of the combination. In particular, the adjustment signal can be generated by the operator via an input, for example by pressing a key or button or by a voice command, into the input / output unit, if the operator considers the displayed bale size to be sufficient.In other words, the input / output unit can be operated in such a way that it generates the adjustment signal based on the displayed bale size and sends it to the tractor control unit. The tractor control unit can then adjust the drive speed of the drive shaft, particularly via operator intervention at the input / output unit, based on the displayed bale size. In other words, the invention provides a method that allows the operator to adjust the drive speed based on the displayed bale size. A significant advantage of the combination according to the invention is the time saved by adjusting the drive speed of the drive shaft based on the displayed bale size.Advantageously, this allows the drive speed of the drive shaft to be adjusted at any time, preferably before the start of the binding or winding process and / or independently of the binding or winding process.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the baler control unit sends a stop signal to the tractor control unit and / or the input / output unit, particularly via the tractor control unit to the input / output unit, when the bale signal from the bale sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to a first predetermined size. The stop signal can indicate that no additional crop can be fed into the baling chamber. The tractor control unit displays the stop signal, particularly to the operator, and / or the stop signal is displayed to the operator, particularly via the input / output unit. The adjustment signal is generated by or via the input / output unit depending on the stop signal and sent to the tractor control unit.The adaptation signal can be generated and sent by an operator of the combination using the input / output unit, depending on the stop signal. "Generated and sent depending on the stop signal" can be understood to mean, in particular, that the adaptation signal is generated and sent when the stop signal is displayed. The adaptation signal can be generated by the operator and sent to the vehicle control unit by means of an input, for example, by pressing a key or button, or by a voice command, when the stop signal is displayed to the operator. Likewise, the input / output unit can also generate the adaptation signal, particularly automatically, when it receives the stop signal, and the operator can then send the adaptation signal to the vehicle control unit by means of an input when the stop signal is displayed to the operator.The input / output unit can also generate the adaptation signal, particularly automatically, and send it to the vehicle control unit when it receives the stop signal. Advantageously, the adaptation signal can thus be generated manually or automatically by the input / output unit, depending on the stop signal, and sent to the vehicle control unit. The input / output unit can therefore be operated in such a way that it generates the adaptation signal, depending on the stop signal, and sends it to the vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit can indicate the stop signal, particularly to the operator, by, for example, emitting a signal tone or an alarm. Likewise, the stop signal can be displayed to the operator, for example, by the input / output unit, for example, as a signal indicator and / or a signal tone.In other words, the baler control unit sends a stop signal to the tractor control unit when, using the bale signal received from the bale sensor, the baler control unit determines, in particular calculates, that a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to the first predetermined size. Specifically, the baler control unit receives the bale signal from the bale sensor. Based on or with the bale signal, the baler control unit can determine and / or ascertain, in particular calculate and / or compare, whether a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to the first predetermined size.When the bale control unit detects that the bale has reached a size greater than or equal to the first predetermined size, the baler control unit sends a stop signal to the tractor control unit and / or the input / output unit. The stop signal and the bale signal can be identical or different. This simplifies operation of the combination, particularly for the operator, as the operator knows that when the tractor control unit displays a stop signal and / or the input / output unit displays a stop signal, the bale has reached the desired first predetermined size.The adjustment signal can then be generated manually or automatically by the input / output unit, depending on the stop signal, and / or sent to the tractor control unit, so that the tractor control unit adjusts the drive speed of the drive shaft when it receives the adjustment signal. Furthermore, this advantageously prevents the production of bales that are larger than desired. A significant advantage of the combination according to the invention is the time saved by simultaneously adjusting the drive speed of the drive shaft depending on the stop signal.

[0014] Advantageously, this allows the drive speed to be adjusted before the start of the binding or winding process, or the winding phase, i.e., independently of the binding or winding process itself. It is therefore essential and advantageous that the drive speed of the drive shaft is adjusted before the start of the binding or winding process, or the winding phase, as this significantly reduces the time required for this adjustment.

[0015] In this embodiment of the invention, a braking process is initiated to stop the combination, particularly the tractor unit. The braking process can be initiated before or after the adaptation signal has been sent and / or the tractor unit's control unit displays the stop signal and / or the stop signal is displayed by the input / output unit. Likewise, the braking process can be initiated when the tractor unit receives the adaptation signal or when the tractor unit's control unit adjusts or has adjusted the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft. Thus, with minimal effort, the method allows the combination, particularly the tractor unit, to be stopped and the drive speed of the drive shaft to be adjusted once a predetermined bale size is reached or depending on the displayed size.A braking process is initiated to stop or halt the towing vehicle, and the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft is adjusted. In other words, a method is advantageously provided for a combination of a towing vehicle and a baler, wherein the towing vehicle is braked and / or stopped, in particular automatically, and, in particular, the drive speed of the drive shaft is adjusted automatically. This can occur, as described above, depending on the displayed value, the stop signal, or the generation, transmission, or reception of the adjustment signal by the towing vehicle's control unit. "Automatic" can be understood to mean that no operator intervention is required. This simplifies the operator's work.The advantage lies in the time saved by simultaneously stopping the combination and adjusting the drive shaft speed. This allows the drive shaft speed to be adjusted during the time the combination is stopped, ensuring it is correct before the binding or wrapping process begins, independent of the actual process. Stopping the tractor also prevents further crop from being fed into the baler. Therefore, adjusting the drive shaft speed, particularly during the stopping phase, before the binding or wrapping process begins is advantageous, as it significantly reduces the time required for the binding or wrapping operation and occurs concurrently with the stopping process.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, the tractor control unit is used to set and / or adjust, in particular control and / or regulate, the drive speed of the tractor. In other words, the tractor control unit can be operated to set and / or adjust, in particular control and / or regulate, the drive speed of the tractor. Specifically, the tractor control unit can set and / or adjust, in particular control and / or regulate, the drive motor and / or the drivetrain and / or the ground engagement devices. Preferably, the tractor control unit can set and / or adjust, in particular control and / or regulate, the drive speed of the tractor with the drive motor and / or the drivetrain and / or the ground engagement devices. The drive speed can be the speed at which the combination, in particular the tractor, moves.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the tractor control unit initiates a braking process to stop the tractor when it receives the adaptation signal from the input / output unit. Likewise, the tractor control unit initiates a braking process to stop the tractor, particularly the combination, and / or adjusts the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft when it receives the adaptation signal from the input / output unit and / or when it receives the stop signal from the baler control unit.The tractor control unit can brake and / or stop the combination, in particular the tractor, when the tractor control unit receives the adaptation signal and / or the tractor control unit and / or the input / output unit receives the stop signal from the baler control unit, by setting and / or adjusting the drive speed of the tractor to 0 km / h, in particular by controlling and / or regulating it. For this purpose, the tractor control unit can set and / or adjust the drive speed of the tractor combination, in particular the tractor, with the drive motor and / or the drivetrain and / or the ground engagement devices, in particular by controlling and / or regulating it. During a baling phase, i.e., in particular when crop is fed to the baler via the intake unit, the tractor control unit can set and / or adjust an initial drive speed of the tractor.Furthermore, during the holding phase, specifically when the tractor control unit receives the adjustment signal and / or the input / output unit receives the stop signal from the baler control unit, the tractor's drive speed can be set to 0 km / h and / or adjusted. The initial drive speed can preferably be > 8 km / h, and more preferably > 4 km / h. The drive speed during the holding phase can be reduced to 0 km / h. Stopping the combination and adjusting the drive speed of the drive shaft can occur simultaneously or sequentially, but particularly during the holding phase. This simplifies the operator's work, as they do not need to monitor a screen or display indicating that the tractor should be stopped.Another advantage is the time saved by simultaneously stopping the combination and adjusting the drive shaft speed. Advantageously, the drive shaft speed can be adjusted while the combination is stopped, so that the drive speed is adjusted before the start of the binding or wrapping process, independent of the actual process. At the same time, stopping the tractor also prevents further crop from being fed into the baler. Furthermore, adjusting the drive shaft speed before the start of the binding or wrapping process significantly reduces the time required for the binding and wrapping operation, as this occurs simultaneously with the stopping process.Furthermore, the baler control unit can send a delay signal to the tractor control unit and / or the input / output unit, particularly via the tractor control unit, when the bale sensor signal indicates that a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to a second predetermined size. The tractor control unit can display the delay signal, and / or the delay signal can be displayed via the input / output unit. The combination, particularly the tractor, can be slowed down when the tractor control unit and / or the input / output unit receive the delay signal from the baler control unit. Likewise, the combination can be slowed down when the tractor control unit displays the delay signal, and / or the delay signal is displayed via the input / output unit.Specifically, the combination, particularly the tractor unit, can be slowed down by the tractor unit's control unit or by the operator. In other words, the baler control unit can be operated in such a way that it sends a deceleration signal to the tractor unit's control unit when the baler control unit determines, specifically calculates, based on the bale signal received from the bale sensor, that a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to a second predetermined size. Specifically, the baler control unit can receive the bale signal from the bale sensor. Using this bale signal, the baler control unit can calculate and / or check whether a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to a second predetermined size.When the bale control unit detects that the bale has reached a size greater than or equal to a second predetermined size, the baler control unit sends a deceleration signal to the tractor control unit. This allows, particularly with the tractor control unit, a second drive speed of the tractor to be set during a deceleration phase, specifically when the tractor control unit receives or has received the deceleration signal from the baler control unit. The first drive speed during the baling phase can be greater than the second drive speed during the deceleration phase. The second drive speed can preferably be ≥ 8 km / h > 0 km / h, and more preferably ≥ 4 km / h > 0 km / h.Slowing down can thus be understood as reducing the drive speed from the first drive speed to the second drive speed during a baling phase. Specifically, the tractor control unit can be operated to instruct the drive motor and / or the drivetrain and / or the ground-penetrating devices to slow down the tractor. Preferably, the tractor is slowed down or reduced to a lower drive speed than during the baling phase as soon as the bale reaches or exceeds the second predetermined size, which is slightly smaller than the first predetermined size. The second predetermined size can be smaller (e.g., 10 cm smaller in diameter) than the first predetermined size.Specifically, the tractor control unit can slow down the tractor and / or adjust the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft when the tractor control unit and / or the input / output unit receives the deceleration signal from the baler control unit, or when the tractor control unit displays the deceleration signal and / or the deceleration signal is displayed by the input / output unit. This deceleration prevents abrupt stopping or braking when the bale reaches its initial size.

[0018] In this embodiment of the invention, the tractor control unit can be operated to increase or decrease the drive speed of the drive shaft when it receives the adaptation signal from the input / output unit and / or the stop signal from the baler control unit. In other words, specifically, during the holding phase, i.e., before the start of the actual binding or wrapping process, the drive speed can be increased or decreased so that the adjusted drive speed is already available before the wrapping phase, particularly before the start of the binding or wrapping process. The drive speed of the drive shaft can be adjustable and / or variable independently of the speed, in particular the motor speed, of the drive motor, and in particular, it can be controlled and / or regulated. There are various ways to increase or decrease the drive shaft speed.The drive shaft speed can usually be switched between 540 rpm and 1000 rpm via a transmission in the towing vehicle. Alternatively, the towing vehicle can have a continuously variable PTO drive, which can be controlled independently of the drive motor's speed. A significant advantage of this design is the time savings. By stopping the combination and increasing the drive speed, especially while the combination is stationary, the entire process of stopping and increasing the drive speed can be carried out before the actual binding or wrapping process. This shortens the overall cycle time of the baler, which in turn increases the baler's daily output and saves costs. As an additional benefit, increasing the drive speed before the actual binding or wrapping process can also...Wrapping process, which subsequently wraps the bale more quickly and thus allows it to be ejected from the baling chamber more quickly.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, the towing vehicle is steerable by the towing vehicle control unit. In other words, the towing vehicle control unit is operable such that the towing vehicle can be steered by the towing vehicle control unit. The towing vehicle may include a steering device for steering the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle control unit may be operable to adjust and / or modify the steering device, in particular to control and / or regulate it. Specifically, the towing vehicle control unit can steer the towing vehicle so that the swath enters the receiving unit alternately near the left and right ends. The towing vehicle control unit can, in particular, take into account the width of the swath and the width of the baling chamber. The towing vehicle can also be steered so that the actual position of the combination or the towing vehicle, provided by a GPS antenna, and the position of the swath from the memory correspond.Steering data could also be calculated by the towing vehicle control unit or by a separate steering control unit. For example, the towing vehicle control unit could be configured as a steering control unit. Specifically, the combination, particularly the towing vehicle, could also be connected via an electromagnetic valve arrangement to a steering cylinder that sets and / or adjusts, in particular controls and regulates, the steering angle of the front axle and / or the front wheels.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the combination comprises a swath sensor, and the tractor control unit is capable of steering the tractor, in particular automatically, along the swath based on the signals from the swath sensor, thus achieving a uniform bale shape. The swath sensor can be connected to the tractor control unit and / or the baler control unit. The tractor and / or the baler can incorporate the swath sensor. The swath sensor can be arranged on the tractor and / or the baler, in particular connected to and / or attached to them. This allows the tractor control unit to steer the combination, in particular the tractor, along a swath based on the signal from the swath sensor. The swath sensor can, for example, use ultrasound to measure the lateral distance to the vertical edges or borders of the swath. The swath sensor can also include a camera.The camera can be pointed at the swath. Furthermore, the camera can be connected to the tractor control unit and / or the baler control unit. This allows the camera to transmit a video signal to the tractor control unit, which is then processed by an image processing system located either inside or outside the tractor control unit. The image processing system can also provide an electronic display showing the tractor's position relative to the swath. Specifically, the tractor control unit can be configured to steer the tractor, particularly automatically, along the swath based on signals from the swath sensor and the bale sensor, thus achieving a uniform bale shape.This allows the tractor control system to steer the combination, especially the tractor, along the swath based on the signal from the swath sensor and the bale signal, while simultaneously maintaining a uniform bale shape and density. Furthermore, the harvested crop, presented as a swath, can be more effectively and completely picked up from the ground.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the baler comprises a wrapping device for wrapping the finished bale with wrapping material in the baling chamber. The wrapping device can be operated, at least in such a way as to dispense the wrapping material into the baling chamber for wrapping the finished bale. The baler can include a wrapping sensor. The wrapping device and / or a wrapping sensor can be connected to the baler control unit. The baler control unit can be operated in such a way as to instruct the wrapping device to dispense the wrapping material when the tractor control unit instructs the baler control unit that the drive speed of the drive shaft has been adjusted, in particular that the drive speed of the drive shaft has been increased or decreased.The baler control unit can also be configured to instruct the wrapping device to dispense wrapping material when it receives a bale signal from the bale sensor indicating that a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to the first predetermined size. Similarly, the baler control unit can be configured to send a stop signal to the tractor control unit only when the wrapping sensor sends a signal to the baler control unit indicating that wrapping material is being pulled from the bale. This signal indicates that the wrapping material is being pulled from the bale after the baler control unit has instructed the wrapping device to dispense it. The wrapping device can also eject or discharge twine, netting, or film onto the bale upon instruction from the baler control unit.Furthermore, the baler control unit can be configured to generate an error signal if the wrapping sensor fails to provide a wrapping signal. Increasing the drive shaft speed before the binding or wrapping process shortens the overall time required and allows the bale to be ejected from the baling chamber more quickly. This reduces the overall operating time of the baler, thereby increasing its daily output and saving costs.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the tractor control unit can be operated such that the combination, in particular the tractor, can be driven at a speed, in particular a throughput speed, that results in a predetermined throughput of the baler's intake unit. The tractor control unit can adjust and / or modify the combination, in particular the tractor, in such a way that the tractor, in particular automatically, can be driven at a drive speed that results in a desired or a predetermined throughput of the baler's intake unit. Specifically, the tractor control unit can be operated to instruct the drive motor and / or the drive train and / or the ground engagement devices to drive the tractor at the drive speed, in particular the throughput speed.The throughput can be measured by measuring the torque at a power take-off (PTO) shaft of the tractor driving the baler, or with a sensor that measures the thickness of a layer of crop picked up by the baler, or with a torque sensor that measures the torque required to drive the pickup unit.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the combination, in particular the towing vehicle, comprises a GPS device, wherein position data can be transmitted and / or received, and / or, in particular, calculated, by the GPS device. The GPS device can, for example, comprise a GPS antenna and a memory. The position data can, in particular, include the position of the combination or the towing vehicle. The memory can store the position of the swath, which is known from previous processing operations of the swath. The GPS device and the memory can, in particular, be connected to the towing vehicle control unit, especially via a signal connection.

[0024] The invention further relates to a combination of a towing vehicle and a baler, in particular a combination for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The combination comprises an input / output unit, a towing vehicle control unit, and a baler control unit. The towing vehicle control unit is connected to the input / output unit and the baler control unit, in particular by means of a signal. The baler is connected to the towing vehicle. The towing vehicle comprises a drive motor which is connected to a drive shaft of the baler. The baler comprises a receiving unit for receiving crop material and a baling chamber for compressing the received crop material into a bale. An adaptation signal can be generated, in particular produced, by means of or with the input / output unit, in particular by an operator of the combination, and sent to the towing vehicle control unit.The tractor control unit can be operated in such a way that the drive speed of the baler's drive shaft can be adjusted by the tractor control unit when it receives the adjustment signal. The inventive method can be implemented with the inventive combination. The inventive combination includes, in particular, the embodiments of the method described above. The inventive combination exhibits the advantages of the method described above.

[0025] The baler control unit, the tractor control unit, and the input / output unit can each be an electronic module and / or an embedded system and / or include a memory module and / or a processor. Alternatively, the baler control unit, the tractor control unit, and the input / output unit can be configured as a single electronic module and / or a single embedded system and / or include a memory module and / or a processor. The baler control unit can be connected to the bale sensor and the tractor control unit and / or the swath sensor and / or the wrapping device and / or the wrapping sensor, a first and / or second actuator and / or the pickup sensor and / or the torque sensor, preferably via signal transmission and / or data transmission.The bale sensor and the tractor control unit and / or the swath sensor and / or the wrapping device and / or the wrapping sensor and / or the first and / or second actuator and / or the pickup sensor and / or the torque sensor can be adjustable and / or controllable with the baler control unit, and / or preferably controllable and / or adjustable. The tractor control unit can be connected to the baler control unit and / or the swath sensor and / or the drive motor and / or the drive shaft and / or the drive train and / or the GPS device and / or the steering device and / or the first and / or second actuator and / or the pickup sensor and / or the torque sensor, preferably via signal transmission and / or data transmission.The baler control unit and / or the swath sensor and / or the drive motor and / or the drive shaft and / or the drive train and / or the GPS device and / or the steering device and / or the first and / or second actuator and / or the intake sensor and / or the torque sensor can be adjustable and / or controllable with the tractor control unit, and / or preferably controllable and / or regulated. The first and / or second actuator can be actuated with the tractor control unit and / or the baler control unit. The input and output unit can be a virtual terminal of a bus system, in particular with a keyboard and a display device, or a tablet or a smartphone, in which, in particular, a display and an input device are implemented. Therefore, any input and output device can be used.A signal-connected and / or signal-transmitting and / or data-conducting connection is understood to mean that an exchange of signals takes place between the connected components. The signals are processed in the tractor control unit and / or the baler control unit and thus serve for the setting and / or adjustment, in particular the control and / or regulation and actuation, of the signal-connected and / or signal-transmitting and / or data-conducting components. The connection can be wired, i.e., via cable, and / or wireless, i.e., via radio, for example, using Bluetooth. The communication bus can be, for example, ISOBUS, CAN bus, or similar. Specifically, the connection can be implemented via a bus line, preferably an ISOBUS line according to the ISO 11783 standard.The tractor control unit and / or the input / output unit can be assigned to the tractor, and the baler control unit can be assigned to the baler. If the tractor control unit and the baler control unit and / or the input / output unit are designed as a single component, they can be assigned to either the tractor or the baler. The tractor control unit and / or the baler control unit can be connected to the input / output unit located in a cab of the tractor, preferably via signal transmission and / or data transmission. The input / output unit allows data and / or commands entered by an operator to be transmitted to, or received from, and output by the tractor control unit and / or the baler control unit.However, it is also conceivable that the tractor control unit and / or the baler control unit are indirectly connected to the input and output unit via a higher-level control unit.

[0026] 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 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a combination according to the invention consisting of a towing vehicle and a baler, and Fig. 2 is a schematic flowchart showing a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, and Fig. 3 is a further schematic flowchart showing a second embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a combination 1 according to the invention, consisting of a towing vehicle 10 and a baler 12. The combination comprises an input / output unit 74, a towing vehicle control unit 60, and a baler control unit 110. The towing vehicle 10 further comprises a drive motor 36, which is connected to a drive shaft 56 of the baler 12, and, in particular, the towing vehicle control unit 60. The drive motor 36 can be designed as an internal combustion engine or as an electric motor. The towing vehicle 10 also specifically comprises the input / output unit 74. The towing vehicle control unit 60 is connected to the input / output unit 74, in particular via a signal connection.

[0028] The towing vehicle 10 can include a towing vehicle frame 18, in particular, the frame can be supported on the towing vehicle frame 18. The towing vehicle frame 18 can be supported on ground engagement elements. The ground engagement elements, shown here in the form of front wheels 20 and rear wheels 22, engage with a surface for the transmission of drive forces and / or by means of which the towing vehicle 10 is supported on the surface. The ground engagement elements, in particular the front wheels 20 and rear wheels 22, can be steerable and / or movable. The towing vehicle 10 can also include a cabin 24. The cabin 24 can be supported by the towing vehicle frame 18. Furthermore, the cabin 24 can contain an operator's workstation. The towing vehicle 10 includes a front axle 28 and a rear axle 30. The rear axle 30 can be permanently driven, and the front axle 28 can be engaged as needed or permanently driven.The front axle 28, and / or in particular the rear axle 30, may be steerable. The towing vehicle 10 may, for example, also include an accelerator pedal 16 or a hand throttle lever (not shown). In the following, directional terms such as front and rear, left and right refer to the forward direction 300 of the towing vehicle 10, which is shown in . Fig. 1 goes to the left.

[0029] The baler 12 is connected to, and / or in particular coupled to, the towing vehicle 10. For example, the baler 12 can be coupled to a trailer hitch 15 of the towing vehicle 10 by means of a drawbar 14 of the baler 12. The towing vehicle 10 can pull the baler 12. The baler 12 comprises a receiving unit 126 for receiving crop material, a baling chamber 112 for compressing the received crop material into a bale, and, in particular, the baler control unit 110, which is connected to, preferably via a signal, the towing vehicle control unit 60. The baler 12 can include a baler frame 114. The baler frame 114 can be supported on wheels 116. The baling chamber 112 can be arranged on or at the baling press frame 114, preferably connected to it and / or attached to it and / or supported therein.

[0030] The baler 12 is designed with a variable-size baling chamber 112 or as a baler 12 with a variable baling chamber 112. The pressing element 118 is designed as a belt or band. The pressing element surrounds the baling chamber 112 and is guided by rollers 120. The baler can also include a fixed-size baling chamber. In this case, the pressing element can be designed as one or more pressing rollers, in particular a plurality of parallel pressing rollers for compressing the harvested crop.

[0031] The pickup unit 126, in particular in the form of a pick-up, is arranged on the baler 12, specifically below the front edge of the baler 12. The pickup unit 126 can comprise tines that move or rotate about a transverse axis. A conveyor belt 128 of the baler 12 can follow the pickup unit 126 in the direction of crop flow. The conveyor belt 128 could also be replaced by a rotor (not shown), or a rotor could be inserted in the direction of crop flow between the pickup unit 126 and the conveyor belt 128. Instead of the pickup unit 126, in particular the pick-up, other suitable crop pickup devices such as mowing and conveying units could also be used.

[0032] The intake unit 126 collects crop material lying in a swath 130 of grass, hay, or straw in the field and feeds it to the baling chamber 112. The pressing elements 118, in particular one or more belts or straps, can be set in motion in their longitudinal direction during a baling process by rotating one or more of the rollers 120. The crop material introduced into the baling chamber 112 thus also rotates during the pressing process. During the pressing process, the size of the baling chamber 112 increases over time.

[0033] The baler 12 can include a discharge flap 132. The discharge flap 132 can be pivotably arranged on the baler 12, in particular on the baler frame 114 or a housing part, preferably connected to and / or attached to and / or supported therein. The discharge flap 132 can be pivotable about an axis 134 that extends transversely to the forward direction of the towing vehicle 10 and the baler 12.

[0034] A first actuator 138 in the form of a hydraulic cylinder can be connected at one end to the baler frame 114 and at the other end to the discharge flap 132, in particular attached to and / or mounted on the latter. The first actuator 138 can be connected to the discharge flap 132 such that it moves the discharge flap 132 upwards about the axis 134 (in Fig. 1The discharge flap 132 can pivot (counterclockwise) to eject a bale from the baling chamber 112. The discharge flap 132 can therefore be opened or closed, or raised and lowered, by the first actuator 138. The first actuator 138 can be set and / or adjusted, in particular controlled and regulated, by the baling press control unit 110, for example, via an electromagnetic valve assembly. The electromagnetic valve assembly can also be set and / or adjusted, in particular controlled and regulated, by the baling press control unit 110. A discharge flap sensor 157 can, for example, detect the position of the first actuator 138 or the discharge flap 132.

[0035] The baler 12 can include a bale sensor 144 to detect the size of a bale in the baling chamber 112, or with which the size of a bale is detected. The baler control unit 110 can be connected to the bale sensor 144, preferably via signal transmission and / or data transmission. The baler control unit 110 can be connected to the tractor control unit 60 and / or the bale sensor 144, for example, by means of a cable, in particular with a detachable connector, or via a radio connection. The connector can be connected to a socket on the rear of the tractor 10, in particular on the tractor frame 18. The bale sensor 144 connected to the baler control unit 110 can be arranged on or in the baling chamber 112, in particular mounted therein. The bale sensor 144 can, for example, measure the distance to the bale surface or...The bale sensor 144 detects the pressing agent 118 in contact with the bale surface and thus provides information about the size of the bale, in particular the bale diameter. The size or shape of the bale detected by the bale sensor 144 can be displayed to the operator on the input / output unit 74.

[0036] A wrapping device 146 can be arranged on, and in particular near, the baling chamber 112. The wrapping device 146 can be connected to the baling control unit 110 and, as soon as it is instructed to do so by the baling control unit 110, deliver a wrapping material such as twine, tape, netting, or packaging sheet to the baling chamber 112. The rotating bale can pull on or catch the wrapping material, which is then wrapped around the bale. A wrapping sensor 148 can interact with the wrapping device 146 and detect whether the bale is pulling on the packaging.

[0037] The receiving unit 126 can, for example, be raised and lowered by a second actuator 152, here in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. The second actuator 152 can be set and / or adjusted, in particular controlled and regulated, by the baler control unit 110, for example via a further electromagnetic valve arrangement. The further electromagnetic valve arrangement can be set and / or adjusted, in particular controlled and regulated, by the baler control unit 110.

[0038] A swath sensor 160, here designed as a camera, can be mounted on the towing vehicle 10, in particular on the front of the towing vehicle 10, and directed towards the swath 130. The camera delivers a video signal to the towing vehicle control unit 60, which can be processed in an image processing system. The image processing system can, in particular, be designed as part of the towing vehicle control unit 60 to provide electronic information about the position of the towing vehicle 10 in relation to the swath 130.

[0039] The combination 1, in particular the towing vehicle, can also include a GPS device 32, wherein position data can be transmitted and / or received, and / or, in particular, calculated, by the GPS device 32. The GPS device 32 can, for example, comprise a GPS antenna for receiving position data and a memory. The memory can contain the position of the swath 130, which is known from previous operations. The towing vehicle 10 could then be steered so that the actual position of the combination 1 or the towing vehicle 10, provided by the GPS antenna, and the position of the swath 130 from the memory match. Steering data could also be calculated by the baler control unit 110 or by a separate steering control unit (not shown). The towing vehicle 10 can also be steered by the towing vehicle control unit 60. For this purpose, the towing vehicle control unit 60 can, for example, be configured as a steering control unit.In particular, the combination 1, especially the towing vehicle 10, can also be connected via an electromagnetic valve arrangement to a steering cylinder which sets and / or adjusts the steering angle of the front axle 28 and / or the front wheels 20, in particular controls and regulates.

[0040] Essential for the inventive combination 1 and the inventive method is that an adjustment signal is generated by means of or with the input and output unit 74 and sent to the tractor control unit 60, and the tractor control unit 60 adjusts a drive speed of the drive shaft 56 of the baler 12 when the tractor control unit 60 receives the adjustment signal.

[0041] In Figure 2 A schematic flowchart shows a first embodiment of the method according to the invention, which is particularly related to the one described in Figure 1The combination shown according to the invention 1 can be carried out. In the following, only reference is made to the following: Figure 1 Details not shown are included. After starting in step 200, the tractor control unit 60 and the baler control unit 110 can be initialized in an optional step 202; that is, in step 202, for example, suitable software can be loaded into their memory. In the optional step 204, the drive motor 36 can be started, for example, by the operator turning an ignition key or pressing a specific key.

[0042] Then, in an optional step 206, a desired drive speed can be set. In a preferred embodiment, the drive speed of the towing vehicle 10 can, for example, first be set by the accelerator pedal 16 or the hand throttle lever (not shown). Likewise, the drive speed of the towing vehicle 10 can be set and / or adjusted with the towing vehicle control unit 60, in particular by setting it with the input and output unit 74.

[0043] In an optional step 208, the baler control unit 110 can receive and evaluate the bale signal from the bale sensor 144. To do this, the baler control unit 110 can determine, in particular calculate, whether a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to a second predetermined size. The second predetermined size can be smaller (e.g., 10 cm smaller in diameter) than the first predetermined size. The first predetermined size, which corresponds to a desired bale size, and / or the second predetermined size can be entered by the operator using the input / output unit 74. If the second predetermined size has not been reached, step 208 can be repeated.

[0044] If, on the other hand, the bale size is equal to or greater than the second predetermined size, optional step 210 is executed. In step 210, the baler control unit 110 can be operated, or is operated, in such a way that it sends a deceleration signal to the tractor control unit 60. The tractor control unit 60, in turn, can be operated, or is operated, to slow down the tractor when it receives the deceleration signal from the baler control unit 110. The tractor can be driven at a slower speed, for example, 4 km / h.

[0045] In the following optional step 212, the baler control unit 110 can receive and evaluate the bale signal from the bale sensor 144. To do this, the baler control unit 110 can determine, in particular calculate, whether a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to the first predetermined size. If the first predetermined bale size has not been reached, step 208 and / or step 212 can be repeated.

[0046] In step 214, an adjustment signal is generated using the input / output unit and sent to the tractor control unit. The tractor control unit 60 also adjusts the drive speed of the drive shaft 56 of the baler 12 when it receives the adjustment signal. An operator can activate the input / output unit 74, for example, by pressing a button, key, or knob, to generate and send the adjustment signal. Optionally, in step 214, a braking process can also be initiated to stop the combination 1, in particular the tractor 10. The initiation and execution of the braking process can be performed manually by the operator.The braking process to stop the tractor 10 can also optionally be initiated by the tractor control unit 60 when the tractor control unit 60 receives the adaptation signal from the input / output unit. The tractor control unit 60 can then be used to set and / or adjust the drive speed of the tractor 10. In another optional configuration, step 214 is executed when the bale signal from the bale sensor 144 indicates that a bale has reached a size greater than or equal to a first predetermined size.In step 214, the tractor control unit 60 initiates a braking process to stop the tractor 10 and / or adjusts the drive speed of the drive shaft 56 of the baler 12 when the tractor control unit 60 receives the adjustment signal from the input / output unit 74 and the tractor control unit 60 and / or the input / output unit 74 receive the stop signal from the baler control unit 110. The initiation of the braking process to stop the tractor, as provided for in step 214, can also optionally occur in steps 2160 or 218.

[0047] If, in turn, the drive speed of the drive shaft 56 of the baler is adjusted, step 216 can optionally be executed, in which the baler control unit 110 instructs the wrapping device 146 to dispense wrapping material onto the bale. Adjusting the drive speed of the drive shaft 56 can be understood as increasing or decreasing the drive speed. If necessary or useful, the receiving unit 126 can be raised by the second actuator 152 at the command of the baler control unit 110 before the wrapping device 146 is actuated.

[0048] The optional step 218 follows, in which the baler control unit 110 uses the signals supplied by the wrapping sensor 148 to check whether the bale has engaged the wrapping material and is therefore pulling it. If this is not the case, step 218 is repeated; otherwise, step 220 can optionally be performed.

[0049] Step 220 follows, in which the wrapping process is carried out and its completion is awaited. An error signal can be sent from the baler control unit 110 to the input / output unit 74 if the wrapping sensor does not send a signal to the baler control unit 110. Furthermore, as described in step 214, the braking process can be initiated to stop the combination 1, in particular the tractor 10. Then, in step 222, the wrapped bale is ejected.

[0050] To make the operator's work even easier, a second aspect of the present invention relates to an automatic steering operation of the towing vehicle 10 during the baling process. The described steering process additionally attempts to maintain a precisely cylindrical shape of the bale. Figure 3 A schematic flowchart shows a second embodiment of the method according to the invention, which is particularly comparable to the one described in Figure 1The combination shown according to the invention 1 can be carried out. In the following, only reference is made to the Figure 1 and 2 Details not shown were included. The in Figure 3 The process steps shown can be used particularly in combination with those described in Figure 2 The procedure steps shown are carried out.

[0051] The steering process is carried out by the tractor control unit 60 using the signal from the swath sensor 160, in particular the video signal from the camera, and in particular the bale signal from the bale sensor 144, which are provided to the tractor control unit 60 by the baler control unit 110. It would also be possible to provide at least the function of converting the bale signal from the bale sensor 144 into a bale shape signal by the tractor control unit 60 instead of by the baler control unit 110, e.g., by directly connecting the bale sensor 144 to the tractor control unit 60. The camera could also be replaced or supplemented, for example, by two swath position sensors that independently detect the position of the edges of the swath 130, installed on each side of the tractor 10.In one embodiment, the swath position sensors can be mounted below the sides of the tractor and measure the lateral distance to the vertical flanges of the swath, for example using ultrasound.

[0052] After the steering process is initiated in step 300, the width W of the swath and the offset D of the swath's central axis from the central axis of the tractor 10 can be calculated in step 302 using the camera signals processed in an image processing system. This calculation can be performed using the image processing system integrated as part of the tractor control unit 60. Alternatively, the image processing system can also be integrated as part of the GPS device 32, and the calculation can be performed using the GPS device.

[0053] In step 304, it is checked whether the width W of the swath 130 is smaller than the width Wb of the baling chamber 112. If this is not the case, i.e., the baler has the same width as the swath or even less, the tractor is steered left or right in step 306, depending on the offset D, to remain centered on the swath 130. Step 302 follows step 306.

[0054] If, on the other hand, according to step 304, the width W of the swath 130 is smaller than the width Wb of the baling chamber 112, step 308 is executed. In step 308, a value Δwidth is calculated, which corresponds to the absolute value of the difference between the width Wb of the baling chamber 112 and the width W of the swath 130.

[0055] In step 310, the tractor control unit 60 receives the bale signal from the bale sensor 144 from the baler control unit 110. Information about a bale shape deviation ΔS from a cylindrical shape is calculated in step 312 by, for example, subtracting from each other the values ​​of different measurements of the bale size or values ​​of the bale size that were simultaneously recorded by several bale sensors 144.

[0056] If the absolute value of the bale shape deviation ΔS is not greater than a predetermined threshold, which is checked in step 314, step 316 is carried out. In step 316, the towing vehicle 10, in particular the steering cylinder, can be set and / or adjusted, in particular controlled and regulated, so that the offset D is greater than Δwidth / 2 - x cm and less than Δwidth / 2 + x cm, with 1 cm ≤ x ≤ 15 cm, preferably 3 cm ≤ x ≤ 8 cm, and most preferably x = 5 cm. Of course, the limits of the offset D can also be fine-tuned taking into account the width of the receiving unit. Since D is positive, the towing vehicle 10 is steered to the left side of the swath 130.In an example, if W = 70 cm, Wb = 120 cm, Δwidth would be 50 cm, so that the tractor control unit 60 would try to get D between 20 and 30 cm, i.e., steer the tractor to the left, so that the swath 130 is offset 20 to 30 cm to the right of a longitudinal axis of the tractor 10.

[0057] If, on the other hand, in step 314 the bale shape deviation is greater than the predetermined threshold, step 318 is executed, according to which the tractor 10, in particular the steering cylinder, is controlled such that the offset -D is greater than Δwidth / 2 - x cm and less than Δwidth / 2 + x cm, with 1 cm ≤ x ≤ 15 cm, preferably 3 cm ≤ x ≤ 8 cm, and most preferably x = 5 cm. The tractor 10 is then steered to the right so that it moves to the left side of the swath, since D is negative. Using the figures from the example above, the tractor 10 would be steered 20 to 30 cm to the right side of the swath 130. After steps 316 and 318, step 302 is performed again.

[0058] The tractor is thus steered in relatively large curves along the swath 130, so that the swath 130 alternately enters near the left and right end of the intake unit 126 to obtain a cylindrical bale shape, but no crop remains in the field.

[0059] The tractor control unit 60 could also check whether the swath 130 is curved and, if so, adjust the offset D accordingly by increasing positive values ​​and decreasing negative values ​​when turning right, and vice versa when turning left. If the tractor control unit 60 was unable to calculate satisfactory information about the swath 130, the operator could be warned audibly and / or via a message displayed on the input / output unit 74 that he must steer himself, and preferably the tractor 10 would also stop automatically unless the driver takes over steering. Any significant action on the steering wheel of the tractor 10 would also deactivate the automatic steering function.

Claims

1. Method for operating a combination of a tractor (10) and a baler (12), and the combination comprises an input and output unit (74) and a tractor control unit (60) and a baler control unit (110), wherein the tractor control unit (60) is connected to the input and output unit (74) and to the baler control unit (110), and the baler (12) is connected to the tractor (10), wherein the tractor (10) comprises a drive motor (36) which is connected to a drive shaft (56) of the baler (12), and the baler (12) comprises a pick-up unit (126) for picking up crop and a baling chamber (112) in order to compress the picked-up crop to form a bale, wherein an adaptation signal is generated with the input and output unit (74) and sent to the tractor control unit (60), characterized in that the tractor control unit (60) adapts a driving rotational speed of the drive shaft (56) of the baler (12) when the tractor control unit (60) receives the adaptation signal.

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the baler comprises a bale sensor (144), wherein a size of a bale in the baling chamber (112) is sensed with the bale sensor (144), and the baler control unit (110) is connected to the bale sensor (144), wherein the baler control unit (110) receives the size of the bale in the form of a bale signal from the bale sensor (144).

3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the baler control unit (110) sends the bale signal to the input and output unit (74), and the input and output unit (74) indicates the size of the bale with the received bale signal, wherein the adaptation signal is generated with the input and output unit (74) depending on the indicated size of the bale and sent to the tractor control unit (60).

4. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the baler control unit (110) sends a stop signal to the tractor control unit (60) and / or to the input and output unit (74), in particular via the tractor control unit (60), when the bale signal of the bale sensor (144) indicates that a bale has reached a size which is greater than or equal to a first predetermined size, wherein the tractor control unit (60) displays the stop signal and / or the stop signal is displayed by the input and output unit (74), and the adaptation signal is generated with the input and output unit (74) depending on the stop signal and sent to the tractor control unit (60).

5. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a braking operation for stopping the combination (1), in particular the tractor (10), is initiated.

6. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a driving speed of the tractor (10) is set and / or adjusted with the tractor control unit (60).

7. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tractor control unit (60) initiates a braking operation for stopping the tractor (10) when the tractor control unit (60) receives the adaptation signal from the input and output unit (74).

8. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tractor control unit (60) initiates a braking operation for stopping the tractor (10) and / or adapts a driving rotational speed of the drive shaft (56) of the baler (12) when the tractor control unit (60) receives the adaptation signal from the input and output unit (74), and the tractor control unit (60) and / or the input and output unit (74) receive(s) the stop signal from the baler control unit (110).

9. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tractor control unit (60) sets (initiates) and / or adjusts an increase or reduction in the driving rotational speed of the drive shaft (56) when the tractor control unit (60) receives the adaptation signal from the input and output unit (74) and / or the stop signal from the baler control unit (110).

10. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tractor (10) is steered with or by the tractor control unit (60).

11. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the combination comprises a swath sensor (160) and the tractor control unit (60) steers the tractor (10) along a swath on the basis of the signals of the swath sensor (160).

12. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the baler (12) comprises a wrapping device (146) for wrapping the finished bale with wrapping material in the baling chamber (112).

13. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tractor control unit (60) can be operated in such a manner that the combination (1), in particular the tractor (10), is driveable at a speed which produces a predetermined throughput of the pick-up unit (126) of the baler (12).

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the combination (1) comprises a GPS device (32), wherein position data are sent and / or received with the GPS device (32).

15. Combination of a tractor (10) and a baler (12), in particular for carrying out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the combination (1) comprises an input and output unit (74) and a tractor control unit (60) and a baler control unit (110), and the tractor control unit (60) is connected to the input and output unit (74) and to the baler control unit (110), wherein the baler (12) is connected to the tractor (10), and the tractor (10) comprises a drive motor (36) which is connected to a drive shaft (56) of the baler (12), wherein the baler (12) comprises a pick-up unit (126) for picking up crop and a baling chamber (112) in order to compress the picked-up crop to form a bale, wherein an adaptation signal can be generated by means of or with the input and output unit (74) and can be sent to the tractor control unit (60), characterized in that the tractor control unit (60) can be operated in such a manner that the tractor control unit (60) can be used to adapt a driving rotational speed of the drive shaft (56) of the baler (12) when the tractor control unit (60) receives the adaptation signal.