Binding material tensioning apparatus

Abstract

A binding material tensioning apparatus is disclosed comprising first and second elongate guide elements each having an axis, each of the first and second elongate guide elements being located about a central axis and the binding material tensioning apparatus being adjustable about the central axis between a plurality of fixed positions. The operator of the baler is able to utilise the binding material tensioning apparatus to adjust the tension in a binding material as it passes through the binding material tensioning apparatus.

Description

TITLEBinding material tensioning apparatusCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a binding material tensioning apparatus having particular utility in a baling apparatus for producing so called round bales.BACKGROUND

[0003] Cut crop is picked up by a baler and directed into a baling chamber where a bale is formed. Before ejecting the formed bale from the baler it is desirable to bind or wrap the bale prior to ejection from the baling chamber in order to maintain the integrity of the formed bale as it is ejected from the baler.

[0004] For this purpose, the baler is further provided with a roll of wrapping material in a reservoir and a feed apparatus configured to convey wrapping material from the roll of wrapping material to the baling chamber. The wrapping material may take any suitable form, for example net wrap is a common wrapping material.

[0005] The binding material is stretched or tensioned prior to being applied to the bale to ensure there is still compression being applied to the exterior surface of the bale.

[0006] Among the methods to achieve this desired tensioning is to feed the binding material in a serpentine route between a reservoir in which a roll of binding material is stored tothe baling chamber in which the formed bale resides. Other solutions include applying a braking force to the binding material.

[0007] It is desirable that the tensioning of the binding material is able to be adjusted. This allows for an operator of the baler to make adjustments for the type of binding material, the manufacture of the binding material or other preference of the operator of the baler.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a binding material tensioning apparatus comprises first and second elongate guide elements each having an axis, each of the first and second elongate guide elements being located about an axis and the binding material tensioning apparatus being adjustable about the axis between a plurality of positions in which it may be releasably secured.

[0009] Preferably, the first and second elongate guide elements are located about a central axis.

[0010] Preferably, the first and second guide elements are mounted between end retaining elements.

[0011] Preferably, one or both of the first and second guide elements is mounted in fixed relationship with the end retaining elements.

[0012] Alternatively, one or both of the first and second guide elements is mounted for free rotation in relation to the end retaining elements.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the invention, a baler comprises a baler frame, a reservoir supported on the baler frame for receiving a reel or roll of binding material, and a baling chamber at a rear of the baler, the baling chamber including a binding material inlet bywhich a binding material may be introduced to the baling chamber, wherein the baler further comprises a binding material tensioning apparatus, wherein the baler further comprises a binding material tensioning apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the binding material tensioning apparatus is mounted on the baler frame and located between the reservoir and the binding material inlet.

[0014] Preferably, the central longitudinal axis of the binding material tensioning apparatus extends across the baler frame.

[0015] Preferably, the binding material tensioning apparatus further comprises a biased retaining mechanism to retain the binding material tensioning apparatus in each of the plurality of fixed positions.

[0016] According to third aspect of the invention, in a binding operation of a baler, in which a binding material is delivered along a path from a reservoir of binding material via a binding material inlet to a baling chamber where a formed bale is to be bound, the path of the binding material is altered by a binding material tensioning apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the binding material tensioning apparatus being located between the reservoir and the binding material inlet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] FIG 1 shows a baling arrangement comprising a baler being towed by an agricultural vehicle;

[0019] FIG 2 shows section view of components of a baler for use incorporating a binding material tensioning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; the binding material tensioning apparatus being shown in first position;

[0020] FIG 3 shows a view similar to that of FIG 2, with the binding material tensioning apparatus in a second position;

[0021] FIG 4 shows a further view similar to that of FIG 2, with the binding material tensioning apparatus in a third position;

[0022] FIG 5 shows a still further view similar to that of Figure 2, with the binding material tensioning apparatus in a fourth position;

[0023] FIG 6 shows a detail of FIG 5;

[0024] FIG 7 shows a first perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a binding material tensioning apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] FIG 8 shows a second perspective view of a portion of the binding material tensioning apparatus;

[0026] FIG 9 shows a perspective end view of the binding material tensioning apparatus;

[0027] FIG 10 shows a part sectional view of one end of the binding material tensioning apparatus;

[0028] FIG 11 shows a further perspective end view of one end of the binding material tensioning apparatus;

[0029] FIG 12 shows a perspective view of a first component of the binding material tensioning apparatus;

[0030] FIG 13 shows a perspective view of a second component of the binding material tensioning apparatus; and

[0031] FIG 14 shows a perspective view of elements of the binding material tensioning apparatus in accordance with the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The invention will now be described in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein preferred embodiments are described in detail to enable practice of the invention. Although the invention is described with reference to these specific preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these preferred embodiments. But to the contrary, the invention includes numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents as will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description.

[0033] Relative terms such as forward, rearward, transverse, lateral, longitudinal and sideways will be made with reference to the normal forward direction of travel of the baler. The terms vertical and horizontal will be made with reference to level ground upon which the baler is disposed. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are made with reference to the general direction of crop flow along the material conveyance systems described.

[0034] With reference to the Figures, various views of elements of a binding material tensioning apparatus and a baler incorporating such a binding material tensioning apparatus can be seen. Not all elements are visible in all of the Figures, certain elements having been omitted in certain views to provide clarity. It will be understood that the baler is substantially symmetrical about a central longitudinal plane extending between the front and rear of the baler.

[0035] FIG 1 illustrates an example baler 2 being towed by an agricultural vehicle 4. In the illustrated embodiment the agricultural vehicle is a tractor. The baler is of the kind known in the art as a round baler. Such balers gather cut crop from the ground where it has been arranged in a swath or windrow. The gathered crop is introduced into a rotating baling chamber where the crop is compressed into a cylindrical shape. In order to maintain the compressed crop in the desired cylindrical shape during handling, transportation and storage, a binding material is applied about the curved surface of the bale prior to ejection of the formed bale from the baling chamber of the baler.

[0036] Such round balers generally comprises a baler frame 6 in two parts. A first forward part of the baler frame 6 may include a tongue including a hitch mechanism by which the baler may be secured to the agricultural vehicle 4, a set of wheels on an axle by which the baler is supported as it traverses the cut crop and elements of a front part of the baling chamber. A second rear part of the frame is hingedly attached at an upper region to the front part and includes elements of a rear part of the baling chamber. Once a bale has been formed and bound,the rear part of the baler frame is pivoted upwards and away from the front part to allow the formed bound bale to be ejected from the baling chamber and deposited on the ground.

[0037] The binding material 10 conveniently takes the form of a plastics netting or netwrap, though other forms of binding material including plastics film are known. The binding material 10 is provided as a roll and stored in a reservoir of the baler 2. In known binding operations, the binding material is stretched or tensioned prior to being applied to a formed bale to ensure there is still compression being applied to the exterior surface of the bale.

[0038] FIGs 2 to 5 illustrate a sectional view of a front part of the baler 2 ahead of the baling chamber indicated by the numeral 12 to the right of these Figures. These Figures illustrate a path between a binding material reservoir 14 located on a front part of the baler frame 6 at the left of these Figures to a binding material inlet 16 to the baling chamber 12 defined between two rollers 18,20. Prior to the baling operation, in the illustrated embodiment, the binding material is fed from the binding material reservoir 14 through a pivoting a duckbill assembly 22.

[0039] The baler 2 comprises a baler frame 6 to which various components of the baler 2 including the binding material reservoir 14 and the duckbill assembly 22 are mounted. The duckbill assembly 22 is pivotally mounted on the baler frame 6 and typically held in a first position during the baling operation.

[0040] When the baling operation has been completed and the binding operation is started, the duckbill assembly 22 is caused to pivot about an axis to advance a leading portion of the binding material 10 to the baling chamber 12 by way of the binding material inlet 16. The leading edge of the binding material is taken between the rotating surface of the lower roller 20 and the surface of the formed bale being rotated within the baling chamber 12 and the binding material then drawn from the roll of binding material located in the binding material reservoir 14 as the formed bale is rotated. The duckbill assembly 22 is caused to pivot back and withdrawfrom the binding material inlet 16 causing tension to develop in the binding material 10. The duckbill assembly 22 is shown in the Figures in this withdrawn position.

[0041] When binding has been completed a knife or cutting mechanism 28 is actuated to cause the binding material 10 to be severed. The duckbill assembly 22 is then returned to the first position in preparation for a subsequent baling operation. The bound bale can then be ejected from the baling chamber.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the binding material reservoir may be mounted on the pivoting rear part of the baler frame and the binding material directed through the baler before being fed into a binding material inlet of the baling chamber by a suitable mechanism. A suitable severing mechanism is provided between the binding material inlet and the binding material reservoir in order to sever the binding material prior to movement of the pivoting rear part of the baler frame and ejection of the bound bale from the baler.

[0043] FIG 2 shows an embodiment of a binding material tensioning apparatus 30 in a first position in which the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 does not affect the tensioning of the binding material during the binding operation. It can be seen that the binding material 10 follows a path through the baler 2 from the roll of binding material in the reservoir 14, over a lip of the binding material reservoir 14 to a guide element 24 forming part of the duckbill assembly 22, through opposed elongate members 26 forming the duckbill of the duckbill assembly 22 and through the binding material inlet 16 into the baling chamber. The binding material tensioning apparatus is supported on the baler frame 6 in a region between the lip of the binding material reservoir 14 and the guide element 24 of the duckbill assembly. In the position shown in FIG 2, the binding material 10 passes freely through the binding material tensioning apparatus 30, without the tension in the binding material 10 being affected by the binding material tensioning apparatus 30.

[0044] The binding material tensioning apparatus 30 as best seen in FIGs 7 to 14 can be seen to broadly comprise first and second parallel guide elements 32,34 held in position between the left and right hand sides of the baler frame 6 between first and second end retaining elements 36. Each of the elongate guide elements 32,34 are substantially circular in section about an axis extending along the length of the respective elongate guide elements 32,34

[0045] The guide elements 32,34 may be mounted between the first and second end retaining elements 36 in any suitable manner, for example they may be mounted in fixed relationship with the end retaining elements 36 or mounted for free rotation about their respective axes in relation to the end retaining elements 36.

[0046] Each of the retaining elements 36 includes a mounting element 38 for supporting the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 on the baler frame 6. In the illustrated embodiment, this arrangement is such that the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 may be rotated about a central pivot axis extending parallel to and between the first and second parallel guide elements 32,34, such that the first and second parallel guide elements 32,34 are arranged diametrically opposed about the central pivot axis.

[0047] In an alternative arrangement, the pivot axis while extending parallel to the first and second parallel guide elements need not be centrally located to provide an asymmetric arrangement of the first and second guide elements about the pivot axis. In a further alternative arrangement, the first and second guide elements are arranged other than diametrically opposed about the pivot axis to provide an asymmetric arrangement of the first and second guide elements about the pivot axis.

[0048] At one side of the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 a releasable retaining apparatus is provided releasably to retain the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 in position during operation of the baler 2.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, this releasable locking apparatus comprises a biased mechanism 40 best shown in FIGS 9 to 11 and 14. A handle includes first and second limbs 44,46 arranged symmetrically to either side of a central axis and connected together at one end by a loop suitably sized and shaped to readily be grasped by an operator of the baler 2. Each of the first and second parallel limbs 44,46 is provided with raised surfaces to each side. Symmetrical recesses are provided across each limb 44,46 extending between the raised surfaces to provide upper and lower channels (as viewed in the Figures). One of the limbs is provided with an axially extending projection 52 (that is the projection extends away from the loop).

[0050] A first cross piece 54 is mounted between the limbs 44,46 of the handle and is mounted in the symmetrical recesses of the handle.

[0051] A shank 60 connected to the binding material tensioning apparatus mounting element 38 extends through a circular opening in the side wall forming a part of the baler frame 6. The shank 60 comprises a first part 62 of greater diameter and a second part 64 of lesser diameter The first and second parts of the shank 60 are joined at a shoulder region 66 (FIG 12).

[0052] The first part 62 of the shank 60 comprises three regions: a central region 68 sized and shaped to rotate within the opening in the baler frame 6, a second end region 70 of non-circular section for fitting to the binding material tensioning apparatus mounting element 38 to cause rotation of the binding material tensioning apparatus mounting element 38 with the handle and a third region 72 on the other side of the central portion to the second region. The third region is also of non circular section and extends between the first and second limbs of the handle. As can best be seen in FIG 9, a flat section of the third region 72 extends along an inner surface of one of the limbs of the handle.

[0053] The second part 64 of the shank 60 is provided with a blind bore 74.

[0054] When the shank 60 is mounted to the binding material tensioning apparatus mounting element 38, a second cross piece 80 of generally ovoid section (FIG 13) is mounted to the first part of the shank. The second cross piece 80 has a non circular opening 82 matching the profile of the non circular third region 72 of the first part of the shank 60 and so ensures the second cross piece rotates with the shank 60. A tip of the second crosspiece 80 is provided with a recess 84.

[0055] When the handle is fitted to the shank 60, the first cross piece 54 abuts the shoulder region of the shank 60 and the axial projection 52 is seated within and extends though the recess 84 in the second ovoid cross piece 80 (FIG 14).

[0056] A biasing element in the form of a compression spring 90 is located about the second part 64 of the shank 60. A pin 92 is secured within the blind bore 74 of the second part 64 of the shank 60 to retain a third crosspiece or washer 94 in position at the end of the shank 60 and to place the biasing element into compression.

[0057] A spacing element 100 is secured to the baler frame 6 about the handle. The spacing element 100 comprises a first element 102 and a cover plate 104. The first element 102 is provided with a series of openings 106 or indentations arranged in a semi-circular pattern. When the spacing element 100 is secured in position on the baler frame 6, the semi-circular pattern of the openings 106 or indentations extends about the axis of the binding material tensioning apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover plate 104 is mounted to the first element 100. The cover plate 104 has a central opening allowing access to the series of openings 106 or indentations in the first element 102. The cover plate 104 is provided with indicia 110 displayed about the central opening, the indicia 110 being aligned with the series of openings 106 or indentations in the first element 102. In the illustrated embodiment the indicia 110 comprise a mixture of the numerals 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 and dots representing the interstitial digits in the sequence. In an alternate embodiment, other indicia may be used.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment the cover plate 104 may be dispensed with and the indicia applied directly to the first element 102.

[0059] In order to operate the binding material tensioning apparatus from the position shown in Figure 11, the operator pulls on the handle against the force of the biasing element, in order to displace the handle axially and remove the projection 52 from the opening 106 aligned with reference numeral 1. The operator can then rotate the handle clockwise until the projection 52 has aligned with a desired opening. The operator then releases the handle to allow the projection 52 to engage the desired opening, where the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 is retained under the action of the biasing element.

[0060] In an alternative embodiment, the position of the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 may instead be defined by an automated mechanism, such that the orientation of the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 may be controlled by an operator of the baler 2 without the need for the operator to exit the towing agricultural vehicle 4 to adjust the position of the binding material tensioning apparatus 30. By way of example, the rotational position of the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 about the central axis could be controlled by hydraulic or electronic actuators. Such mechanisms allow for finer control of the positioning of the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 about the central axis.

[0061] Returning to FIGs 2 to 6, the effect of moving the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 on the path of the binding material 10 can be seen. In FIG 3 the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 has been displaced slightly from the position shown in FIG 2, such that the binding material 10 is only slightly diverted by the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 and a minimal amount of additional tension has been introduced to the binding material 10.

[0062] In FIG 4 the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 has been displaced approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG 2. In this arrangement an additional moderate degree of tensioning has been introduced into the binding material 10.

[0063] In FIG 5, the binding material tensioning apparatus 30 has been displaced a maximum amount, approximately 180 degrees from the position shown in FIG 2. It can be seen that the binding material 10 now traverses a serpentine, substantially S-shaped path around the guide elements 32,34 of the binding material tensioning apparatus 30. In this arrangement an additional maximum degree of tensioning has been introduced into the binding material 10 by the binding material tensioning apparatus 30.

[0064] The additional tensioning of the binding material 10 in the illustrated embodiment may best be understood by reference to the "force diagram" of FIG 6. It will be understood that deflection of the path taken by the binding material 10 creates a force on the lower guide element 34. The equal and opposite force exerted back onto the binding material 10 is proportional to the angle of deflection created between the binding material 10 and the lower guide element 34. The normal force and coefficient of friction between the binding material 10 and the guide elements 32,34 add to the tension in the binding material 10 required for the binding material to be pulled along the serpentine path created and so adding to the of the binding material 10 when it is applied to the formed bale in the baling chamber 12.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG 6, the tension in the binding material 10 to each side of the lower guide element comprises first and second components Fl and F2 with an angle a between these components. The force FN on the binding material can be expressed asFN - (Fi + F2) x cos (ot / 2)

[0066] Where the coefficient of friction p between the binding material and the lower guide element 34 is known, this relationship may be expressed asFi - F2 + FN x p

[0067] The force on the binding material in the other embodiments proposed can also be calculated in a similar manner.

[0068] From reading the present disclosure, other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such modifications may involve other features which are already known in the field of round balers and component parts therefore and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:1 A binding material tensioning apparatus comprising first and second elongate guide elements each having an axis, each of the first and second elongate guide elements being located about a central axis and the binding material tensioning apparatus being adjustable about the central axis between a plurality of positions in which it may be releasably secured.2 A binding material tensioning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second elongate guide elements are located about a central axis.3 A binding material tensioning apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second guide elements are mounted between end retaining elements.4 A binding material tensioning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one or both of the first and second guide elements is mounted in fixed relationship with the end retaining elements.5 A binding material tensioning apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one or both of the first and second guide elements is mounted for free rotation in relation to the end retaining elements.6 A baler comprising a baler frame, a reservoir supported on the baler frame for receiving a reel or roll of binding material, and a baling chamber at a rear of the baler, the baling chamber including a binding material inlet by which a binding material may be introduced to the baling chamber, wherein the baler further comprises a binding material tensioning apparatus according to any of claim 1 to claim 5, wherein the binding material tensioning apparatus is mounted on the baler frame and located between the reservoir and the binding material inlet.7 A baler according to claim 6, wherein the axis of the binding material tensioning apparatus extends across the baler frame.8 A baler according to any of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the binding material tensioning apparatus further comprises a biased retaining mechanism to retain the binding material tensioning apparatus in each of the plurality of fixed positions.9 In a binding operation of a baler, in which a binding material is delivered along a path from a reservoir of binding material via a binding material inlet to a baling chamber where a formed bale is to be bound, the path of the binding material is altered by a binding material tensioning apparatus according to any of claim 1 to claim 5, the binding material tensioning apparatus being located between the reservoir and the binding material inlet.

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