GB2190875A - Devices for forming bales of crop - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for forming bales of crop comprises a pick-up member (4) for picking-up crop lying on the ground, and a winding space (5) in which an expelling element (61) for expelling a bale is movably arranged. In this device simultaneously with the opening of the wall closing the outlet opening for the bale during operation, the expelling element can engage the whole length of the bale (in the direction of width of the machine) so that expelling forces are exerted on the bale uniformly distributed over the length of the bale. Thus the risk of parts of the bale getting loose during the removal thereof is avoided, which parts would have to be removed separately or picked up from the field. Also disclosed is a device for forming bales of crop comprising a pick-up member for picking up crop lying on the ground, a winding space, and a winding element (45A-Figure 5) which is pivotable with respect to a further part of the device in a manner such that it is at the same time suitable as an expelling element for removing a bale. <IMAGE>

Description

GB 2 190 875 A 1 SPECIFICATION Figure 4 is aside view on the device taken

during ejection of a bale from the device, and Devices for forming bales of crop Figure 5 is aside view on a larger scale of part of a device having an alternative structure for removing a This invention relatesto devices forforming bales of 70 bale from the device.

crop. The devices shown in the Figures are designed for In a device forforming bales of crop having a forming cylindrical bales of crop picked up bythe pick-up memberfor picking up crop lying on the devicesfrom thefield. Forthis purpose each device ground and a winding space,the removal of a ready is mobile by means of ground wheels 2 disposed on bale of cropfrom the device is often attendedwith 75 both sides of a frame 1 of the device. During difficulties in removing the bale of crop from the operation the device is intended to move in the winding space because during the winding direction A and to this end at the frontthe device is operation the bale may be jammed in the winding provided with a drawbar 3 by means of which it can space and moreover, will bear by its full weight on be attached to a tractor.

the usually cylindrical underside of the winding 80 The device has a pickup member4 with the aid of space. which crop lying on the field can be picked up in

According to the present invention there is known manner and be elevated towards a winding provided a device forforming bales of crop space 5 (Figure 3) in which the crop is wound upto comprising a pick-up memberfor picking up crop form a cylindrical bale. The pick-up device 4 covers lying on the ground and a winding space in which an 85 the whole active width of the device and is disposed expelling element for expelling a bale is movably ata distance in front of the ground wheels 2,as arranged. In this device, simultaneously with the shown in Figure 1,with respecttothe direction of opening of thewall closing the outletopening forthe forwardtravel A overtheground.

bale during operation,the expelling elementcan Theframe 1 comprisestwo relatively parallel engagethewhole length of the bale (in the direction 90 vertical sidewalls 6 one on each side of the device of width of the machine) so that expelling forces are and laterally bounding the fixed structure ofthe exerted on the bale uniformly distributed overthe wagon-like device supported bythe ground wheels length of the bale. Thusthe risk of parts of the bale 2. Thetwo sidewalls 6 are notsupported by and getting loose during the removal thereof is avoided, fastened to a set of frame beams (notshown) which partswould have to be removed separately or 95 disposed nearthe underside of the superstructure.

picked up from the field. Viewed from the side the sidewalls 6 approximately

The invention also provides a device forforming have the shape of an isosceles triangle, the boundary bales of crop comprising a pick-up memberfor lines of which are designated in Figures 1, 3 and 4 by picking up crop lying on the ground, a winding the three reference numerals 7. Thetwo sidewalls 6 space, and a winding elementwhich is pivotable 100 are rigidly interconnected neartheirfront parts by with respeetto a further part of the device in a means of a hollow beam 8. The drawbar3 is rigidly manner such that it is atthe sametime suitable as an secured to the middle of this beam 8. The beam 8 is expelling elementfor removing a bale. located nearthefront of the device at a distance In addition the invention provides a devicefor obliquely in front of and above the pick-up device4.

forming bales of crop comprising a pick-up member 105 The drawbar3 is disposed symmetrically with for picking up crop lying on the ground; a winding respectto a vertical plane of symmetry9 of the space bounded by a pivotable wall, which after device extending in the direction of travel A as is having turned, releases an outlet opening for indicated in Figure 2. The beam 8 is at right anglesto removing a bale from the winding spaces and an the plane of symmetry 9.

outwardly directed guide adjoining the outlet 110 In the middle the beam 8 has fastened to it a drive opening for depositing the bale on the ground, the unit 10 (Figures 2 and 3) formed by a gearwheel external dimensions of this guide being such thatthe transmission having an input shaft 11 and an output deposited balewill lie beyond the reach of the shaft 12. The input shaft 11 is horizontal and is pivotablewall. located in the plane of symmetry 9 and by means of Also there is provided a device forforming bales of 115an auxiliary shaft having universal couplings it can crop comprising a pick-up memberfor picking up be drivably connected with a powertake-off shaft of crop lying on the ground and a crop spreader atthe the tractor moving the device. The output shaft 12 is front of the device which is adjustable in various horizontal and normal to the plane of symmetry 9 positions. and directed towards one of the sides of the device.

For a better understanding of the invention and to 120 The output shaft 12 extends from the drive unit 10 as show howthe same may be carried into effect, far as beyond one of the sidewalls 6, where itcarries reference will now be made, byway of example, to two sprockets 13 and 14 (Figure 2). Between the drive the accompanying drawings, in which:- unit 10 and the sidewall 6 the output shaft 12 is Figure 1 is a side view of a device forforming surrounded by a sleeve 15 rigidly secured tothe bales, an ejected bale being shown behind the 125 device 10 and tothe sidewall 6.

device, The gearwheel mechanism forming the driving Figure2 is a plan viewof the devicetaken from link between the input shaft 11 and the output shaft above (arrow 11 in Figure 1), 12 of the drive unit 10 comprisestwo exchangeable Figure3 is a sectional view of the device taken on wheels arranged on relatively parallel shafts inside line 111-111 in Figure 2, 130 the unit 10 and being directly in mesh with one 2 GB 2 190 875 A 2 another. The pitch circles of these exchangeable members 35 extending over substantially the whole wheels are different. By exchanging these wheels distance between the sidewalls 6 and being at right one forthe other it can be ensured that, the number angles to the plane of symmetry 9. The catching of revolutions remaining the same forthe input shaft members 35 are intercoupled for driving purposes 1 1,the output shaft 12 is driven at a different rate. Of 70 by links or sets of links (not shown) located in the course, this set of exchangeable wheels may be profiles concerned, which links hold the catching replaced by a different set providing togethertwo members at a distance from one another and have a other tra nsmissio n ratios. Forthis purpose the unit flexibility such thatthey can match the curvatures of has a releasable cover 16 at its rear, which gives the profiles 34. The wheels 31 and 33 near the top access to the exchangeable wheels. 75 sidewalsi have cavities attheir circumferences for The sprocket 13 on the output shaft 12 outside one accommodating the pipeshaped catching of the sidewalls 6 drivesthrough an endless chain 17 members.

that is outsidethe sidewall 6 concerned, a shaft 18, a By driving the shaft 18 and the driving wheel 31 shaft 19 and a shaft 20, all of which are at right angles fixed thereto as described above the sets of catching to the plane of symmetry 9 and each of which 80 members 35 are circulated along the profiles 34. On extends from one sidewall 6 to the other. The shaft 18 the tops of the endless profiles 34they constitute a is located, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, nearthe lower part of the boundary of the winding space 5.

underside of the winding space 5 atthe level of the This part of the boudnary approximately coincides front of the upper half of the ground wheels 2 and with part of an imaginary cylindrical planethe centre behind the pick-up member 4with respectto the 85 line of which is the centre line of the winding space 5.

direction of travel A. The shaft 19 is located at a In otherwords, the catching members 35 on each distance in front of the shaft 18 at a slightly higher side form part of an endless conveyor orwinding level than the shaft 18 and at a distance abovethe element 34A constituting at least part of the bottom pick-up member4. The shaft 20 is located obliquely of the winding space 5.

above and behind the shaft 19 and nearthefront, 90 Part of the front of the winding space 5 isformed, lower part of the winding space 5. as stated above, by the drivable rollers 28 to 30. The At a distance obliquely above the shaft 20 there are front is prolonged at some distance above the upper two shafts 21 and 22 which are parallel to the shaft 20 roller 30 in the form of a plate wall 36, which is at in an imaginary cylindrical plane, the axis of which is right angles to the plane of symmetry 9 and hasthe formed bythe centre line of the substantially 95 shape of part of a cylindrical surface, the centre line cylindrical winding space 5. The shafts 21 and 22 are of which coincides with the centre line of the winding driven from the shaft 20 by means of an additional space 5. The plate wall 36 thus adjoins the boundary sprocket on the shaft 20, which is atthe side of the formed by the winding elements 34A and 28 to 30.

sprocket directly driven bythe chain 17. From a The plate wall 36 is formed by the rear part of a second sprocket on the shaft 18 and a chain 23 a 100 hollow, box-shaped structure 37, which is rigidly sprocket 24 is driven, which is rotatable about a pivot secured on both its sides to the sidewalls 6 so that shaft 25, aboutwhich the pick-up member4 isfreely the structure 37 is a rigid unit. This rigid unit has at pivotable with respectto the frame 1. From the the top rear a pivot 38 of piano hingeformation sprocket 24the pick-up member 4 itself is driven having a pivot shaft, the centre line of which is at through a chain 26. 105 right anglesto the plane of symmetry 9. As shown in The shafts 19, 20,21 and 22 have rigidly securedto the sectional view of Figure 3the centre line of the them cylindrical rollers 27,28,29 and 30 each pivot shaft of the pivot 38 is located at a short extending from one sidewall 6to the other and distance beyond the cylindrical boundary of the forming part of winding elements of the device winding space 5, viewed with respectto the direction which directly treat the crop. These cylindrical rollers 110 of travel A, at a short distance in front of the centre may have a comparatively smooth surface, orthey line of the cylindrical winding space 5 and may have a somehwat roughened surface. approximately atthe height of the top point of this The shaft 18 is provided with driving wheels 31, cylindrical winding space. On the other side of this each of which is disposed nearthe innerface of a pivotshaftthere is a rigid, box-shaped structure39 sidewall 6.Ata distance behindthe shaft 18 atthe 115 also supporting the pivot38 and having its inner same level abovethe ground a shaft32 isjournalled boundarywall formed by a platewall 40,which also in thetwo sidewalls 6,which shaftis provided with a forms part of a cylindrical plane whose centre line wheel 33 nearthe innerface of each of the side walls. coincides with the centre line of the winding space 5 The distance between the shaft 18 and the shaft32 and forms a prolongation of the plate wall 36.

approximately correspondsto the diameter of a 120 The box-shaped structure 39 is rigidly secured on ground wheel 2 orthe radius of the fullyfilled both sides to a side plate 41. The two side plates 41 winding space 5. are vertical and spaced apart and part of each side To the innerface of each of the two sidewalls 6 is plate 41 is substantially in contact at its outersurface fastened a profile 34 (Figure 3) having a U-shaped with the inner surface of the sidewall 6 located on the section with the two limbs thereof directed towards 125 same side of the device. In the position shown in the plane of symmetry 9. The profile 34 is endless Figure 3 each sidewall 6 and a side plate 41 thus and as is shown in the sectional view of Figure 3 it partly overlap one another and as also shown in this surrounds the shafts 18 and 32. In both facing Figure each side plate 41 extends atthe front and U-profiles there are rollers coupled with one another bottom within the boundary lines designated by byrod-shaped, in this case pipe-shaped, catching 130reference numerals 42. From Figure 3 it will be 3 GB 2 190 875 A 3 apparent that part of these boundary lines of each about 40% or more of the overall length of each of side plate 41 is located in front of the rearmost, the profiles 45.

upwardly directed boundary line 7 of the adjacent At least in the position shown in Figure 3 each rod sidewall 6. From Figure 3 itwill furthermore be 57 is upwardly and rearwardly inclined from the apparentthatthe side plates 41 fully delimitthe 70 associated stub shaft 55 and in this position it is winding space 5 on the sides, at least in the position supported at a place approximately midway its shown in Figure 3, which is suitable for the winding length in a sleeve 58, which is pivotable about a pivot process of the device. The rearmost, upwardly shaft 59 at right angles to the plane of symmetry 9.

extending boundary line 7 of each sidewall 6 is The sleeve 58 and the pivot shaft 59 are disposed in stiffened on the outer side by a beam 43. 75 this position earthe rear end of the associated side The side plates 41 are rigidly secured to one plate 41. In the position shown in Figure 3 about half another neartheir undersides by means of a hollow the length of the rod 57, viewed from the associated beam 44 extending at right angles to the plane of stub shaft 55, projects out of the sleeve 58. The end of symmetry 9 and adjoining the rear of the winding this projecting part of the rod 57 is provided with a element 34A in the position shown in Figure 3. 80 stop 59A. Between the fork-shaped end of the rod 57 In the region lying behind the box-shaped nearthe stub shaft 55 and the sleeve 58 and the rod structure 39 and extending up to the winding 57 is surrounded by a compression spring 60, which element 34A fastened to the sidewalls 6, the inner tends to urgethe stub shaft 55 and hencethe face of each of the two side plates 41 has fastened to neighbouring profile 45 in the position of Figure 3 in it a profile 45 (Figure 3) whose side facing the 85 a downward and forward direction with respectto winding space 5, as shown in the sectional view of the side plates 41.

Figure 3, has the shape of the arc of a circle adjoining With respectto the location of the hinge 38 with the plate wails 36 and 40, the rollers 28 and 30 and respectto the lower winding element 34A the side of the winding element 34Afacing the comprising the catching members 35 (Figure 3), it is winding space 5. The two profiles 45 again have 90 noted that in this sectional viewthe hinge 38 is U-shaped sections and form an endless located in a vertical plane at right angles to the plane construction. Inside each U-shaped profile 45 there of symmetry 9 and bounding the hollow active part are rollers holding rod-shaped, here pipe-shaped, of the winding element 34Ajust on thefront side. As catching members 46, which are interconnected by shown in Figure 3the arc of a circle having the line of links orsets of links holding the catching members at 95 intersection (point of intersection) of thevertical a distancefrom one another and passing them about plane and theforemost point of the active surface of wheels 47 and 48 disposed in the ends of each the winding element 34A and extending from the elongate, endless prof ile 45. This construction is point of intersection in the direction B and having as similarto that of the winding element 34A. The a centre the centre line of the hinge 38 is invariably catching members 46 are driven from the driving 100 located above this active surface of the winding wheel 48 on the underside of the profile 45. The element34a.

described assembly of profiles 45 and drivable From Figure 3 it will be apparent that between the catching members again constitutes an endless upper roller30 of the three rollers 28 to 30 and the conveyor or winding element45A. underside of the plate wall 36the cylindrical From Figure 1 itwill be apparent that the shaft 22 is 105 boundaryof thewinding space 5 has an opening for provided with a sprocketwhich is coupled by means rearwardly passing a rod-shaped expelling element of a chain 49with a sprocket50 (Figure 2)fastenedto 61Jormed bya pipe inthis embodiment. The pipe theshaftof the piano hinge pivot38. Atthe sideof 61,the centre line of which is at right angles tothe the sprocket 50there is arranged a sprocket51 plane of symmetry9, is rigidlysecured at both ends (Figures 1, 2) which is drivably connected through a 110 tothickened parts 62 atthefrontof thetwo side chain 52that is outsidethe adjacentside plate41 plates 41. Thesethickened parts and the expelling with a sprocket 53, which is rigidly securedto a shaft element41 are located, at least in this embodiment 54. The driving wheel 48 of the catching members46 and in the position of the device shown in Figure3, is rigidly secured to the partof the shaft 54 located nearthefrontof thewinding space 5and insidethe side plates 41. 115 approximately atthe level of the centre line of the The endless profiles 45 on the innerfaces of the cylindrical space 5. With respectto this centre line side plates 41 togetherwith the catching members the expelling element 61 may, however, be Ngheror 46 movable in these profiles and with the upper lowerthan is shown in Figure 3. In theworking driving wheel 47 are pivotable as a whole (as a position of the device of Figure 3the expelling winding element4EA) aboutthe shaft 54journalled 120 element 61 is thus located outside the winding space in the side plates 41. 5.

To the outerface of each of the profiles 45 is On both sides of the device there is a hydraulic fastened a stub shaft 55, which extends through a cylinder 63, the centre line of which intersects slot 56 in the adjacent side plate 41. As shown in approximately the centre line of the cylindrical space Figure 3 the slot 56 is concentric with the centre line 125 in the working position of the device (Figures 1 and 3) of the shaft 54. Each stub shaft 55 is fastened by its and viewed f rom the side. In this position the end projecting from the adjacent side plate 41 to the cylinder 63 is rearwardly and upwardly inclined from fork-shaped lower end of a rod 57 so as to be its front end. The front end of the cylinder 63 is pivotable. The distance between the shaft 54 and the pivotally connected by means of a pivot shaft at right associated stub shaft 55 is, as shown in Figure 3, 130 angles to the plane of symmetry 9 with the adjacent 4 GB 2 190 875 A 4 sidewafl 6,whereasthe end ofthe piston rod of the through a chain 75 bythe s ocket 14. The carrying cylinder 63 is connected with the adjacent side plate beam 70 carries gearwheel ransmissions 76, which 41 also by means of a pivot shaft at right angles to the are located on both sides of the plane symmetry 9 plane of symmetry 9. The two hydraulic cylinders 63 and midway between the plane 9 and one of the can be connected with the hydraulicsystem of the 70 sidewalls 6. Each of the gearwheel transmissions 76 tractor moving the device and they can be actuated drives a rake member 77 (Figures 2 and 3) having from the driver's seat on the tractor. outwardly directed tine carriers 78, which carry at On the rear and bottom of the device there is a their outer ends downwardly directed tines or guide 64. The guide 64 mainly comprises a plate 65, groups of tines 78. The groups of tines 70 have which is rectangularviewed in plan (Figure 2) and 75 spring steel tinesfastened via coilstothetine the surface of which is at right angles to the plane of carriers 78.

symmetry 9. The larger dimension of the plate 65 is The rake members 77 are drivable about upwardly also at right angles to the plane of symmetry 9. The directed rotary axes. The drive of the rake members width of tile plate 65 is approximately equal to the 77 from the driving shaft 73 is analogous to that distance between the two side plates 41 orslightly 80 conventionally used in cyclic hay-making machines.

larger. The plate 65 is bounded on both sides by an The paths described by the tops of the rake members upwardly curved edge 66 (Figure 3). Viewed from the 77 do not touch one another in the embodiment side (Figure 3) the guide 64 and hence the plate 65 is shown, butthe design may be such that these paths rearwardly and slightly downwardly inclined from are adjacent or overlap one another. The rake the winding space 5. The rearmostfree edge of the 85 members 77 are driven in opposite senses indicated guide 64 is located at a distance above the ground. by arrows C in Figure 2 so that in the region between From Figure 3 itwill be apparentthat the front edge the rake members the tines move to the rearwith of the guide 64 adjoins the rear of the winding respectto the direction of travel A.

element34A. When the crop is being wound, this The direction of the relatively parallel upwardly front edge of the guide 64 extends to some extent in a 90 directed rotary axes of the rake members 77 may be gap between the rear of the winding element 34A changed byturning the carrying beam 70 about its and the underside of the winding element 45A. The centre line, the various positions being f ixed by guide 64 is rigidly supported by means of supports means of the locking pin 72A described above. In 67 on the frame 1 of the machine andlor a wheel dependence on the distribution of the crop lying on carrier of the ground wheels 2. 95 the ground in f ront of the device the rotary axes of From Figure 3 it will be apparent that belowthe the rake members 77 may be set in forwardly sloping rollers 27 and 28 on the one hand and above thefront positions or in vertical positions or even in of the winding element 34A and the top of the rearwardly sloping positions.

pick-up member4 on the other hand an opening 68 In orderto prevent the crop laterally displaced by extends throughoutthe width of the device orthe 100 the rake members 77 from getting laterally beyond length of the winding space 5, this opening 68 being the device near the rears of the rake members 77 the inlet opening forthe crop picked up bythe screening plates 80 are arranged, viewed from the pick-up member4to the winding space 5. It is side, nearthe rearmost parts of the rake members, importantthat overthewhole length of the inlet on both sides of the sidewalls 6, these plates 80 opening 68the crop should be uniformlyfed tothe 105 preventing the crop from spreading laterally in the winding space 5. However, if the crop is irregularly region in which thetines 79 rotate in the outward distributed on thefield or if a narrow, high swath has direction. Thefree ends of tile downwardly directed picked up,the supply throughout the width of the tines of the groups 79 are!,-.--ated at a height above machine may not be uniform sothatthe bale will not the ground determined by a requirement that the have a uniform shape in its direction of length. 110 tines have to be ableto penetrate into two Therefore, between the lowermost and foremost neighbouring swaths.

ends of the sidewalls 6 and at a distance in frontof In the position shown in Figure 3thewinding the pick-up member4 a spreader69 is provided for space has a diameter of about 1500 to 180Omm and a the crop to be fed into the machine. The spreader 69 length of about 150Omm or more. Abouttwo thirds comprises a hollow carrying beam 70 at right angles 115 of the cylindrical circumference thereof are provided to the plane of symmetry 9,this beam being with drivable winding elements 28to 30,34A and pivotable with respect to thetwo sidewalls 6 about a 45A.

pivotal axis coinciding with its centre line. Forthis During operation the device is moved by means of purpose one of the ends of the carrying beam 70 is the draw-bar 3 by a tractor across the field. The crop provided with a plate-shaped extension 71, which is 120 spread on the f ield is picked up by the pick-up in contact with one of the sidewalls 6 and which is member 4, which supplies it directlyto the device in provided at a distance from the beam 70 with a the direction indicated by arrow D in Figure 3. When locking pin 72A, which can be passed through the the crop is lying on the field in the form of two extension and through any selected one of a plurality neighbouring swaths, the swaths are uniformly of holes 72 in the sidewall 6 concerned, these holes 125 distributed in the direction of width of the device by being located at equal distancesfrom the centre line the rake members 77. The groups of tines 79 of the beam 70. penetrate into the swaths and uniformly distribute The carrying beam 70 holds a driving shaft 73, the crop across the width of the pick-up member4.

which projects out of one of the sidewalls 6 and is When the rotary axes of the rake members 77 are provided with a sprocket 74, which is drivable 130upwardly and forwardly inclined, the tines 79 can get GB 2 190 875 A 5 free of the crop on the rear of their paths and slightly around until it is filled to an extent such that the crop eject the crop laterally. It is to be noted that the speed pushes the winding element 45A upwards against of revolution of the rake members 77 is lowerthan the force of the springs 60. Thus relatively hard that conventional in cyclic machines. layers are formed in the bale. The formation of the As stated above, the ejected crop is prevented 70 bale continues during the elevation of the winding from getting beyond the width of the device bythe element 45Awhilst the crop is passed around bythe vertical screening plates 80 fastened to the side winding elements 34A and 45A as well as bythe boundary of the device and extending by their lower rollers 28,29 and 30 and then comes into contact edges as far as beneath the tips of the tines. It may, with the plate walls 36 and 40 (Figure 3), which however, be advantageous to arrange the rotary 75 ensures a smooth f inish of the layers of the bale. A axes of the rake members 77 in a substantially smoth, hard outer layerof an ejected bale lying on vertical position so thatthe groups of tines stirthe thefield is advantageous with regard to preventing swathswithout ejecting the crop. This may be rain from penetrating into the bale.

desired, for example, when the crop is lying in high This process continues until the upward turn of the swaths on thefield, which merge in a direction at 80 winding element 45A is limited bythe upper beam right anglesto the direction of the swaths. 44. In this end position the hollow, active top of the A position of the rotary axes in which they are winding element 34A, the hollow active side of the upwardly and rearwardly inclined may be winding element 45A, the plate walls 36 and 40 and advantageous when very high swaths are lying on the rollers 28,29 and 30 constitute a cylindrical the field, in which case the groups of tines can spread 85 boundary of the winding space 5 in which theformed crop portions in a forwardly inclined direction in bale is still turning around becausethe outer layer is front of the device, viewed with respectto the carried along bythe catching members 35 and 46.

direction of travel A. When the crop is uniformly When the stop 44 is reached an electric switchJor distributed on thefield, the surface of the layerof example, can simply signal this by means of a signal crop moves belowthetips of thetines of the rake 90 lamp nearthe driver's seat. The driverthen actuates members 77 so that it is directly elevated bythe a binding device not described and not shown for pick-up member 4. binding the bale turning in the space 5 with rope or The crop elevated by the pick-up member 4 is twine in orderto prevent loss of crop portions from passed in an upwardly and rearwardly inclined the bale when lying on the field or when being direction through the inlet opening 68 covering the 95 subsequently transported. This binding process may entire width between the side walls 6 into the start a short time before the end position of the winding space 5. winding element 45A is reached. The winding elements 28,29,39,34A and 45A are It is to be noted that

during the last phase of driven in the manner described above in the winding of the bale the torque exerted by the weight directions indicated by arrows E in Figure 3. The 100 of the winding element 45A about the shaft 54 has, in roller 27 (Figure 3) is driven in the direction of arrow F fact, decreased to zero orto a small value, butthis and is intended to support the supply of crop reduction in pressure on the outer layers of the bale through the inlet opening 68 and to closethis is replaced bythe torque obtained bythetwo opening in the upward direction. compression springs 60 exerting a force on the stub Atthe beginning of the crop supplyto thewinding 105 shafts 55 and hence on the winding element45A. The space 5the winding element 45A is in the position direction of each rod 57 (surrounded bythe spring indicated in Figure 1 by dot-and-clash lines. With 60) is such thatthe centre line of the rod 57 cuts a respectto the position shown in Figure 3 thewinding horizontal plane containing the axis of the shaft 54at element45A is turned forwardly aboutthe shaft 54to a distance in front of the shaft 54 in the position an extentsuch thatthe top end of thiswinding 110 shown in Figure 3. Particularly in the last phase of element of Figure 3 is located perpendicularly above winding the springs 60 produce such a force thatthe the top roller 30. This position is determined bythe winding element 45A vigourously bears on the factthatthe stub shafts 55 on both sides of the outside of the bale so that it ensures hard outer devices are bearing at the front end of the slot 56. The layers of the bale. When the winding element 45A torque exerted by the winding element 45A's own 115 reaches the stop 44, the stub shafts simultaneously weight about the shaft 54 is so great thatthe rod 57 is reach the rear ends of the slots 56.

drawn through the sleeve 58. In this position the stop During the abovedescribed binding process the 59A of the rod 57 bearsjust on the top of the device is standing still on the field so that no crop is associated sleeve 58. The spring 60 is then fully picked up. The non- picked-up crop is lying atthe relaxed. 120 front of the pick-up member4. Crop is atthis instant The crop supplied through the inlet opening 68 is present on the pick-up member4 and in the inlet passed to the rear in the direction indicated bythe opening 68 as well as belowthe bound bale.

arrows E bythe driven winding element34A until it The driverthen actuates thetwo hydraulic comes into contaetwith the lower end of the cylinders 63 so thatthe rear part orthe rearwall of forwardlyturned winding element 45A. The crop 125 the superstructure of the deviceformed bythe thus coils upwards and forwards and thusformsthe box-shaped structure 39, the winding element45A core of the baleto be formed. Whilst crop is and thetwo side plates 41 and the expelling element continuously supplied, the space belowthe winding 61 fastened to the side plates 41 areturned as a element 45A, which is also driven in the direction whole aboutthe centre line of the hinge 38 in the indicated by arrows E, is continuously passed 130 direction indicated by arrow Gin Figure 4 upwards 6 GB 2 190 875 A 6 into a position in which the opening formed between element 34A (bythe force exerted bythe expelling the turned-up rear part and the part of the device element 61) then rolls along the top of the guide 64, rigidly secured to the frame 1 islargeenoughto i.e. on the plate 65. Owing to the downwardly allowthe ready bale to pass. This rear part inclined direction of the guide 64the bale rolls down constitutes a door releasing an outlet opening for 70 to the ground. By means of the guide 64the bale is ejecting a bale. In the embodiment shown the shaft deposited on the ground at such a distance behind 54 is located in this turned-up position the rear of the winding element 34A or an alternative approximately atthe same height above the ground form of this winding element (for example, a number as the pivot shaft of the pivot 38. Immediately after of separate rollers) that by actuating the hydraulic the beginning of the upward turn, when the drive of 75 cylinders 63 the driver can directly close the the winding elements and of the rollers 28,29 and 30 above-def ined door in a direction opposite the has stopped, the pipe-shaped expelling element 61 direction indicated bythe arrow G without the door exerts pressure on the front of the bale bearing on touching the deposited bale by its rear.

the winding elements 34A. The length of the guide 64, measured in the In dependence on the extent of continuation of 80 direction of movement, as well as the height of its winding afterthe stop 44 has been reached, the bale rearward end above the around, is such thatthe lying in the winding space 5 will exert pressure by its ejected bale cannot roll liacktowards the device on vertical head faces in an axial direction on the side sloping ground so that the door could not be closed.

plates41 so that the bale is clamped to some extent Therefore, directly after the ejection of the bale the between these side plates, which can furtherthe 85 driver can start the drive of the winding elements ejection of the bale in rearward direction during the 34A, 45A and the rollers 28 and 30 as well as the drive upward turn of the side plates 41 in the direction of of the pick-up member 4 and move the device by arrow G (Figure 4) aboutthe pivot 38. The clamping means of the tractor across the f ield without the risk force may, however, by relatively slight so thatthe of crop being left behind on the field. In the absence side plates 41 turning in the direction of arrow G 90 of the guide 64 the bale would be deposited on the hardly exert any rearwardly directed force on the ground directly behind the rear of the winding bale during this turn. element 34A. Whilstthe device is standing still the In the embodiment shown (Figure 3) the bale door could then not be closed because it would come having a weight of a few hundreds of kilogrammes into contactwith the top of the deposited bale. In this bears on the hollowtop of thewinding element34A 95 case the driverwould have to move the device overa and such a curved shape (which forthat matter given distance beforethe door could be closed so advantageously adjoins the cylindrical boundaryof thatthe pick-up member 4 would bedisplaced overa the winding space 5) may hinder the ejection ofthe distance along the ground overwhich nocropwould bale. However, if the top of the winding element34A bepicked up, whilsterop presentinthe inletopening is fiat (it maybe conceived to replace it, for example, 100 68and onthewinding element 34 would bethrown bythree rollers at the same level similar to the rollers on the ground through the open door.Thusthe 28to30),astill considera ble force will berequiredto guide 64 prevents loss of crop on the ground.

move the rollerto the rearwith respecttothe During the upward turn of the door in the direction supporting surface, whilstthe frictional forces indicated bythe arrow G the winding element45A between the side plates 41 and thevertical head 105 will turn by its own weight aboutthe shaft 54 by its faces of the bale may not be sufficient. Forthis top until the stop 59 touches the sleeve 58. During purposethe rodshaped expelling element 61 is the ejection of the bale the weight of the winding provided, which exerts pressure positively in a element ASA (which is thus pivotable with respectto substantially horizontal or rearwardly and the further part of the door) will bear on thetop of the downwardly inclined direction on thefront of the 110 bale and contribute in pressing the bale mainly in a bale a shorttime afterthe beginning of the upward downward direction between the side plates 41, and turn of the side plates 41 aboutthe pivot 38 so that also in a rearward direction during the movement of the bale is displaced to the rear. the bale along the guide 64. The expelling element 61 The bale is moved bythe expelling element 61 is positively active when the bale is released f rom the across the standing rearface of the winding element 115 winding space 5. The force exerted by the expelling 34A during the upward turn of the side plates 41, the element 61 and the force exerted by the weight of the winding element 45A and the plate wall 40. As an winding element 4E.A join one another in time.

alternativethe expelling element may be moved to It isto be notedthat by the turn of the winding the rear (as the case may be, in an upwardly inclined element 45A during the ejection of the bale this direction) independently of the turn of the rear wall, 120 element is simultaneously moved into the position for example, by means of hydraulic cylinders which suitable for starting the formation of a next bale, bear on the sidewalls 6 and which are actuated which position is shown in Figure 1. During the simultaneously with the cylinders 63 since the stroke ejection of the bale (Figure 4) the lower parts of the of the expelling member is smaller (aboutthe radius side plates 41 in this position prevent undesirable of the winding space) than the stroke derived from 125 tilting movements ol the bale, viewed in plan, so that the rearwall. theyform atthe same time a guide forthe bale Itshould be noted thatthe parts 41,45A and 40 during its movementalong the guide 64.

together constitute a doorwhich opens during the During the closure of the above-mentioned door turn in the direction indicated by arrow G. the parts of the side plates 41 in the proximity of the The bale pushed across the rear of the winding 130expelling element 01 are still located between the 7 GB 2 190 875 A 7 sidewalls 6 so that during this operation no respectto the doorturns to the right by being guided difficulties arise in guiding the lower parts of the side by the rod 85. Owing to this varying direction of the plates 41 of Figure 4just inside the sidewalls 6. force exerted bythe compression spring 88 and to If during the crop winding operation the crop the forward displacement, viewed in Figure 5, of the should lie in a fairly thin layer on the ground, it is 70 upper point of application of this force (the sleeve 86) advantageous to choose by means of the the bale, after leaving the winding element 34A, is exchangeable wheels accessible via the cover 16 a exposed by sufficientforce owing to the then lower higher driving speed forthe winding elements 34A end of the winding elements 45Ato be pushed to the and 45A and of the rollers 28 to 30, and to move the rear so that it moves rolling away from the rear of the device with a correspondingly higher speed across 75 winding elements 34A. From Figure 5 itwill be the field so that worktime is saved. apparentthatthe then lower end of the winding

The side elevation of Figure 5 shows an alternative element 45A is at a distance behind the rear of the embodiment of the pivotable suspension of the winding element 34A so that the bale is exposed to a winding element 45A. Outside the outer surface of positive expulsion with the winding element each of the sidewalls 6 there is a plate-shaped 80 operating as an expelling element. The embodiment pressure piece 81 mainly in the form of a T. This of Figure 5 does not, therefore, have an expelling pressure piece comprises two substantially aligned element as formed by the rod 61 described above, arms 82 and 83 and an arm 84which is integral with nor does it have the guide 64 described above.

these aligned arms 82,83 and which extends in a Since the bale rolls to the rear,the doorcan be direction at an angle of about90'to the arms 82 and 85 directly closed, afterwhich the drive of the device 83. In the position shown the arm 84 is directed and the run across the field can start again, whilstthe upwardly. One of the arms, the arm 82, is pivotally pick-up member 4 can directly pick up crop without connected at its free end with the shaft 54, about crop being left on the field. Since in the embodiment which also the winding element 45A is pivotable of Figure 5 the element45A has two functions, independently of the pressure piece 81. The free end 90 winding and expelling, and no separate expelling of the arm 83 is pivotally connected with the end of a elementsuchastheexpellingelement61 is rod 85 by means of a pivotshaft extending parallel to provided, the space otherwise occupied thereby is the shaft 54 and hence at right angles to the plane of utilised for an additional roller above the roller30.

symmetry 9. The other, lower end of the rod 85 is Whilst various features of the device forforming pivotally connected with the side of theframe 1 by 95 balesthat have been described, and that are means of a pivot shaftwhich is also parallel tothe illustrated in the drawings, will be setforth in the shaft 54. The arm 84,which isfastened about following claims as inventive features, it isto be midway between thefree ends of the arms 82 and 83 noted thatthe invention is not necessarily limited to to these arms, has at its free end a sleeve86 thesefeatures andthat it encompasses all of the (comparable with the sleeve 58 described above), 100 featuresthat have been described both individually which is pivotable with respectto the arm 84 about a and in various combinations.

pivot shaft parallel to the shaft 54. Through the

Claims (1)

1. sleeve 86 is passed a rod 87, which isfreelyslidable CLAIMS in the sleeve

   86 and thefork-shaped end of which is pivotable aboutthe above-mentioned stub shaft 55 105 1. A device for forming bales of crop comprising located at a distance from the shaft 54 which is about a pick up member for picking up crop lying on the one third or more of the overall dimension of the ground and a winding space in which an expelling welding element45A shown in Figure 5. Between the element for expelling a bale is movably arranged.

   fork-shaped end of the rod 87 and the sleeve 86the 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rod 87 is surrounded by a compression spring 88. 110 expelling element can exert a force on the balewhich The other end of the rod 87 projecting out of the is directed at least partlytowards an outlet opening sleeve 86 is provided with a stop 89. The length of the for removing the bale from the device.

   J rod 85 is about 1.2- to 13-times the distance between 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein thefree ends of the arms 82 and 83. In the position of during the winding process the expelling element is the device in which the door is opened as is shown in 115 located on a side of the winding space remote from Figure 5 the assembly of arms 82,83 and the rod 85 is the outlet opening for removing the bale from the such thatthe parts 81 and 85 of this assembly are device.

   sharply bent in an upward and forward direction. 4. Adevice asclaimed in claim 2orciaims2and When the door is closed, the rod 85 turns the 3, wherein the expelling element can be energised by pressurepiece81 about the shaft 54to the left in the 120 means of a movable door closing the outlet opening Figure so thatthe winding element 45A, suspended during the winding process.

   tothe rod 87 (thestop89 being in contact with the 5. A device as claimed in anyone of the sleeve 86) gets into the position shown in Figure 1. preceding claims, wherein the expelling element has When the door is opened the end of the winding the shape of a rod.

   element 45A remote from the shaft 54 continues 125 6. Adevice as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to4, exerting a downwardly directed force and during wherein the expelling element isformed by a widening of the opening, a rearwardly directed force winding elementwhich is operative in winding a on the bale,which force is highly amplified bythe bale during the winding process.

   spring 88, sincethe direction of the spring force 7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the determined bythe direction of the rod 87 with 130 winding element, which is elongate as viewed from 8 GB 2 190 875 A 8 the side, is pivotable atone end as a whole with winding space.

   respectto a further partof the device. 24. A device as claimed in claim 21,22 or 23, 8. A device forforming bales of crop comprising wherein the or each endless conveyor has an active a pick up memberfor picking up crop lying on the surface facing the winding space and being curved ground, a winding space, and a winding element 70 approximately along part of a cylindrical plane.

   which is pivotable with respectto a further part of the 25. Adevice as claimed in anyoneofthe device in a manner such that it is atthe same time preceding claims, wherein part of the circumference suitable as an expell i ng element for removing a bale. of the winding space is formed by a plate-shaped 9. A device as claimed in claim 6,7 or 8, wherein boundary wall, which is in a fixed position during the the winding element forms part of the door, or a door 75 winding process.

   which closesthe outlet opening during thewinding 26. Adevice as claimed in anyoneof the process. preceding claims, wherein the winding space is 10. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 6to bounded by a pivotable wall, which releases, after 9, wherein the winding element turns downwards having turned, an outlet opening for removing a bale underthe action of its own weight. 80 from the winding space, and wherein the outlet 11. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 6to opening is adjoined by an outwardly directed guide 10,wherein thewinding elementcan be pressed for depositing the bale on the ground,the external down by spring force. dimensions of this guide being such thatthe 12. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 6to deposited bale will lie beyond the reach of thewall.

   11, wherein the winding element vigourously bears 85 27. A device for forming bales of crop comprising on the bale at least partly during the winding a pick-up member for picking up crop lying on the process. ground; a winding space bounded bya pivotable 13. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 6to wall, which, after having turned, releases an outlet 11, wherein during ejection of a bale from the device opening for removing a bale from the winding the winding element bears on the bale by a force 90 spaces, and an outwardly directed guide adjoining having a component directed in the direction of the outlet opening for depositing the bale on the ejection. ground, the external dimensions of this guide being 14. Adevice as claimed in claim 11 oreitherof such thatthe deposited bale will lie beyond the reach claims 12 and 13 as appendant to claim 11, wherein of the pivotable wall.

   the direction of the line of action of the spring force 95 28. A device as claimed in claim 26 or 27, wherein varies during the ejection of the bale and follows the the guide is downwardly and rearwardly inclined direction of ejection. from the underside of the outlet opening and itsfree 15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the end is disposed at a distance above the ground.

   direction of the line of action of the spring force can 29. A device as claimed in claim 26,27 or 28, be varied by means of a rod system which is coupled 100 wherein the guide is fixed in place with respect to a with the door and with a further part of the device frame of the device.

   and which carriesthe spring means. 30. Adevice as claimed in anyone of the 16. Adevice asclaimed in anyone of claims 10to preceding claims, wherein the winding elements can 15, wherein the downward movement of the winding be driven with at least two different speeds.

   element is limited by a stop. 105 31. A device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the 17. Adevice as claimed in claims4and 5, drive of the winding elements comprises a gear wherein the rod-shaped expelling element is wheel transmission, in which two meshing gear connected by means of waliswith the door,which wheels are exchangeable and replaceable by walls laterally close thewinding space during the another pair of gearwheels having a different ratio winding process and which are movabletogether 110 between the pitch circles.

   with the door. 32. Adevice as claimed in anyone of the 18. Adevice asclaimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the front of the device preceding claims, wherein the winding space is comprises a crop spreader adjustable in different provided with winding elements along about two positions.

   thirds of its cylindrical circumferences. 115 33. A device for forming bales of crop comprising 19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the a pick up memberfor picking up crop lying on the winding elements comprise rollers having a ground and a crop spreader at the front of the device cylindrical section. which is adjustable in various positions.

   20. A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the 34. A device as claimed in claim 32 or 33 wherein, winding elements are arranged above an inlet 120 viewed with respectto the intended direction of opening for passing the crop to thewinding space. operative travel of the device overthe ground,the 21. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the crop spreader is in front of the pick up member.

   winding elements comprise at least one endless 35. A device as claimed in claim 32,33 or34, conveyor provided with rods covering the width of wherein the crop spreader comprises at least one the winding space. 125 tined rake member adapted to rotate about an 22. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the upwardly directed rotary axis.

   endless conveyor is arranged on the bottom of the 36. A device as claimed in claim 35, wherein two winding space. rake members drivable in opposite senses laterally 23. A device as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein displace the crop.

   an endless conveyor is arranged on the rear of the 130 37.A device as claimed in claim 35 or 36, wherein 9 GB 2 190 875 A 9 thefree ends of thetines of the oreach rake member of the pivotable wall.

   are located ata distance abovetheground. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the 38. A device as claimed in claim 35,36 or37, guide is downwardly and rearwardly inclined from wherein the tines are directed downwardly. the underside of the outlet opening and its free end is 39. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 35to 70 disposed at a distance above the ground.

   38, wherein the rotary axis is adjustable about a pivot 3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2,wherein the shaft extending transversely of the intended guide is fixed in place with respect to a frame of the direction of travel of the device overthe ground. device.

   40. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 35to 4. Adevice as claimed in anyone of the 39, wherein the rotary axis is upwardly inclined to 75 preceding claims, wherein the pivotable wall is the front with respect to the direction of movement. movable about an axis which is at the upper region 41. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 35to of the winding space.

   39, wherein the rotary axis is upwardly and 5. Adevice as claimed in anyone of the rearwardly inclined. preceding claims,wherein thewinding space is 42. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 35to 80 defined at its lower region by a conveyor which is 39, wherein the rotary device is substantially vertical. fixed in position with respect to a frame of the device, 43. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 36to the conveyor being recessed to provide a lip over 42, wherein the crop is displaced to the rear in the which a formed bale must pass when moving from region between the rake member. the winding space to the guide.

   44. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 35to 43, wherein on at least one side of the rake members there is a screening plate for limiting lateral displacement of the crop. Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (UK) Ltd, 10187, D8991685.

   45. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 36to Published byThe Patent Office, 25 Southampton Buildings, London,WC2A lAY, 44, wherein a screening plate is arranged on each from which copies may be obtained.

   side of the rake members.

   46. A device as claimed in claim 44 or 45, wherein viewed from the side, the or each screening plate is located atthe level of the rear part of the path described by the tips of the tines.

   47. Adevice as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the device can be driven bythe powertake-off shaft of a tractor moving the device.

   48. Adevice as claimed in anyone ofthe preceding claims, wherein the diameter of a ready bale is about 1500to 180Omm.

   49. Adevice as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the winding space, measured transversely of the intended direction of travel of the device overthe ground, is about 150Omm or more.

   50. A device for forming bales of crop substantially as hereinbefore described with referenceto Figures 1 to4,or Figure 5ofthe accompanying drawings.

   Amendmentstothe claims have been made and have the following effect:- (a) Claims 1 - 50 above have been deleted.

   (b) Newclaims have been filed as follows:1-5 CLAIMS 1. A device for forming bales of crop comprising a pick-up member for picking up crop lying on the ground; a winding space bounded bya pivotable wall, which can turn to create an outlet opening for removing a bale from the winding space, and an outwardly directed guide adjoining the outlet opening for depositing the bale on the ground, the external dimensions of this guide being such thatthe deposited bale will lie beyond the path of movement