U.S. patent application number 11/461566 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-14 for bale wrapping pattern controller and method.
Invention is credited to Maynard M. Herron, Charlie O. James, Brian J. Olander, Robert J. Waggoner, Roger A. White.
Application Number | 20080034984 11/461566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39049294 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080034984 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olander; Brian J. ; et
al. |
February 14, 2008 |
BALE WRAPPING PATTERN CONTROLLER AND METHOD
Abstract
A bale wrapping control system that enables several custom bale
wrapping patterns which more effectively wrap and maintain the
integrity of bales formed in a round baler. The bale wrapping
control system controls operation of a dispensing arm which
dispenses twine or other bale wrapping material. The dispensing arm
is moveable between a start position where an end of the dispensing
arm is closest to the bale, a left edge position where the end of
the dispensing arm is near a left edge of the bale, a right edge
position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a right edge
of the bale, and a cutoff or home position where the end of the
dispensing arm passes a cutting mechanism. The bale wrapping
control system includes a baler controller for controlling movement
of the dispensing arm and a user interface for receiving operating
instructions from an operator of the baler and for controlling
certain functions of the baler controller in response to the
operating instructions.
Inventors: |
Olander; Brian J.; (Hesston,
KS) ; Herron; Maynard M.; (Hesston, KS) ;
James; Charlie O.; (Newton, KS) ; Waggoner; Robert
J.; (Hesston, KS) ; White; Roger A.; (Newton,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOVEY WILLIAMS LLP
2405 GRAND BLVD., SUITE 400
KANSAS CITY
MO
64108
US
|
Family ID: |
39049294 |
Appl. No.: |
11/461566 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
100/4 ;
100/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 27/125 20130101;
A01F 15/12 20130101; A01F 15/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
100/4 ;
100/13 |
International
Class: |
B65B 13/10 20060101
B65B013/10 |
Claims
1. A bale wrapping control system for controlling wrapping of a
bale in a baler, the baler including a dispensing arm for
dispensing wrapping material and being moveable between a start
position where an end of the dispensing arm is close to the bale, a
left edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a
left edge of the bale, a right edge position where the end of the
dispensing arm is near a right edge of the bale, and a cut-off
position where the end of the dispensing arm passes a cutting
mechanism, the bale wrapping control system comprising: a baler
controller for controlling movement of the dispensing arm between
the start, left edge, right edge, and cut-off positions; and a user
interface in communication with the baler controller and programmed
to direct the controller to move the dispensing arm toward the
start position and then pause until the bale has begun to be
wrapped at the start position.
2. The bale wrapping control system of claim 1, wherein the baler
controller is configured to be positioned on the baler and the user
interface is configured to be positioned on a vehicle towing the
baler.
3. The bale wrapping control system of claim 1, wherein the baler
controller and the user interface are a single component configured
to be positioned on the baler or a vehicle towing the baler.
4. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the user interface is operable by a user to select a
selected number of wraps at the start position.
5. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 4,
wherein the selected number of wraps at the start position is
between 1 and 10.
6. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the start position is near a center of the bale.
7. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the user interface is further programmed to direct the
controller to move the dispensing arm, after the bale has begun to
be wrapped at the start position, to a first edge position and then
pause until the dispensing arm has wrapped the bale with a selected
number of wraps at the first edge position.
8. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 7,
wherein the user interface is further programmed to direct the
controller to move the dispensing arm, after the selected number of
wraps has been made at the first edge position, to a second edge
position and then pause until the dispensing arm has wrapped the
bale with a selected number of wraps at the second edge
position.
9. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 8,
wherein the user interface is further programmed to direct the
controller to move the dispensing arm, after the selected number of
wraps have been made at the second edge position, to the cut-off
position so that the wrapping material may be cut.
10. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 8,
wherein the first edge position is the left edge position and the
second edge position is the right edge position.
11. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the wrapping material is twine.
12. A bale wrapping control system for controlling wrapping of a
bale in a baler, the baler including a dispensing arm for
dispensing wrapping material and being moveable between a start
position where an end of the dispensing arm is close to the bale, a
left edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a
left edge of the bale, a right edge position where the end of the
dispensing arm is near a right edge of the bale, and a cut-off
position where the end of the dispensing arm passes a cutting
mechanism, the bale wrapping control system comprising: a baler
controller for controlling movement of the dispensing arm between
the start, left edge, right edge, and cut-off positions; and a user
interface in communication with the baler controller and programmed
to direct the controller to move the dispensing arm to the start
position to get the wrapping material caught up in the bale near
the start position, then move the dispensing arm toward a first
edge position, then move the dispensing arm toward a second edge
position without first pausing at the first edge position, thus
placing a containing wrap across the bale before any left edge
wraps or right edge wraps are placed on the bale.
13. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 12,
wherein the first edge position is the edge closest to the cut-off
position and the second edge position is the edge furthest from the
cut-off position.
14. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 13,
wherein the user interface is further programmed to direct the
controller to pause the dispensing arm at the start position before
moving to the right edge position to place a selected number of
wraps around the bale at the start position.
15. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 14,
wherein the user interface is operable by a user to select the
selected number of wraps at the start position.
16. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 15,
wherein the selected number of wraps at the start position is
between 1 and 10.
17. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 12,
wherein the user interface is further programmed to direct the
controller to move the dispensing arm, after the containing wrap
has been applied, to the left edge position and then pause until a
selected number of left edge wraps are applied to the bale, and
then to the right edge position and then pause until a selected
number of right edge wraps are applied to the bale.
18. A bale wrapping control system for controlling wrapping of a
bale in a baler, the baler including a dispensing arm for
dispensing wrapping material and moveable between a start position
where an end of the dispensing arm is close to the bale, a left
edge position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a left
edge of the bale, a right edge position where the end of the
dispensing arm is near a right edge of the bale, and a cut-off
position where the end of the dispensing arm passes a cutting
mechanism, the bale wrapping control system comprising: a baler
controller for controlling movement of the dispensing arm between
the start, left edge, right edge, and cut-off positions; and a user
interface in communication with the baler controller and programmed
to direct the controller to move the dispensing arm toward a first
edge position, then move the dispensing arm toward a second edge
position and pause until the bale has been wrapped with a selected
number of wraps near the second edge position, then move the
dispensing arm toward the first edge position and pause until the
bale has been wrapped with a selected number of wraps near the
first edge position.
19. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 18,
wherein the first edge position is the left edge position and the
second edge position is the right edge position.
20. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 19,
wherein the user interface is operable by a user to select the
selected number of wraps at the right edge position and the left
edge position.
21. The bale wrapping control system as set forth in claim 20,
wherein the selected number of wraps at the right edge position and
the left edge position is between 1 and and 10.
22. A bale wrapping system for wrapping a bale in a baler with at
least one strand of wrapping material, the bale wrapping system
comprising: a dispensing arm for dispensing the wrapping material,
the dispensing arm being moveable between a start position where an
end of the dispensing arm is close to the bale, a left edge
position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a left edge of
the bale, a right edge position where the end of the dispensing arm
is near a right edge of the bale, and a cut-off position where the
end of the dispensing arm passes a cutting mechanism; a baler
controller for controlling movement of the dispensing arm between
the start, left edge, right edge, and cut-off positions; and a user
interface in communication with the baler controller and programmed
to direct the controller to move the dispensing arm to the start
position and then pause until the bale has begun to be wrapped at
the start position.
23. The bale wrapping system as set forth in claim 22 wherein the
user interface is operable by a user to select the selected number
of wraps at the start position.
24. The bale wrapping system as set forth in claim 23, wherein the
selected number of wraps at the start position is between 1 and
10.
25. The bale wrapping system as set forth in claim 22, wherein the
start position is near a center of the bale.
26. The bale wrapping system as set forth in claim 22 wherein the
user interface is further programmed to direct the controller to
move the dispensing arm, after the selected number of wraps has
been made at the start position, to the left edge position and then
pause until the dispensing arm has wrapped the bale with a selected
number of wraps at the left edge position.
27. The bale wrapping system as set forth in claim 26, wherein the
user interface is further programmed to direct the controller to
move the dispensing arm, after the selected number of wraps have
been made at the left edge position, to the right edge position and
then pause until the dispensing arm has wrapped the bale with a
selected number of wraps at the right edge position.
28. The bale wrapping system as set forth in claim 27, wherein the
user interface is further programmed to direct the controller to
move the dispensing arm, after the selected number of wraps have
been made at the right edge position, to the cut-off position so
that the wrapping material may be cut.
29. A method of wrapping a bale in a baler, the baler including a
dispensing arm for dispensing wrapping material and being moveable
between a start position where an end of the dispensing arm is
close to the bale, a left edge position where the end of the
dispensing arm is near a left edge of the bale, a right edge
position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a right edge
of the bale, and a cut-off position where the end of the dispensing
arm passes a cutting mechanism, the method comprising the steps of:
directing the dispensing arm to move to the start position and then
pause until the dispensing arm has begun to wrap the bale at the
start position; and after the dispensing arm has wrapped the bale
with a selected number of wraps at the start position, directing
the dispensing arm to move to a position selected from the group
consisting of the left edge position, the right edge position, and
the cutoff position to complete wrapping of the bale
30. The method as set forth in claim 29, wherein the selected
number of wraps at the start position is between 1 and 10.
31. The method as set forth in claim 29, wherein the start position
is near a center of the bale.
32. The method as set forth in claim 29, further including the
steps of directing the dispensing arm to move, after the selected
number of wraps has been made at the start position, to the left
edge position and then pause until the dispensing arm has wrapped
the bale with a selected number of wraps at the left edge
position.
33. The method as set forth in claim 32, further including the
steps of directing the dispensing arm to move, after the selected
number of wraps has been made at the left edge position, to the
right edge position and then pause until the dispensing arm has
wrapped the bale with a selected number of wraps at the right edge
position.
34. The method as set forth in claim 33, further including the
steps of directing the dispensing arm to move, after the selected
number of wraps have been made at the right edge position, to the
cut-off position so that the wrapping material may be cut.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to round balers and other
baling equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a
bale wrapping control system which enables several custom bale
wrapping patterns for more effectively wrapping and maintaining the
integrity of bales.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Conventional round balers pick up cut crop from the ground
and form it into compacted bales in a bale forming chamber. When a
bale reaches a desired size and/or shape, sensors signal a
controller that subsequently sends a signal to an operator's panel
to instruct the operator to stop forward motion of the baler so
that a bale wrapping operation can be performed. Once a bale has
been formed and wrapped, it is ejected from the baler so a new bale
can be formed and wrapped.
[0005] Bale wrapping is typically performed with a twine dispensing
arm having one or more twine dispensing tubes and moveable in an
arcuate or linear path between the left and right edges of a formed
bale. After a bale has been fully formed, the dispensing arm moves
the dispensing tubes adjacent the rotating bale so the ends of
twine extending from the tubes are caught up in the rotating bale.
Once the twine is caught up in the bale, the twine begins to wrap
around the rotating bale in a helical pattern as the twine tubes
move from one end of the bale to the other. The dispensing arm may
periodically dwell in one position so that circular wraps are made
at desired bale locations such as near the ends of the bale. After
a bale has been adequately wrapped, the dispensing arm retracts to
a home or cutoff position to cut the twine.
[0006] It is typically desired to minimize the number of twine
wraps around a bale to conserve twine and reduce the overall
wrapping time. However, some crop material and/or baling conditions
require extra wraps to securely maintain the integrity of bales
during subsequent handling and storage. For example, short brittle
crop has a tendency to break off a bale as it is being formed and
wrapped and thus requires extra wraps. Similarly, poorly formed
bales (not cylindrical) may require extra wraps and/or special
wrapping patterns to prevent twine slippage. Prior art attempts
have been made to provide custom bale wrapping patterns to more
securely wrap bales; however, known bale wrapping patterns do not
adequately wrap bales in many conditions.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved bale wrapping
system and method that overcomes the limitations of the prior
art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention solves the above-described problems
and provides a distinct advance in the art of bale wrapping control
systems for round balers and other baling equipment. More
particularly, the present invention provides a bale wrapping
control system that enables several custom bale wrapping patterns
to more effectively wrap and maintain the integrity of bales.
[0009] The bale wrapping control system of the present invention
controls operation of a baler dispensing arm which dispenses twine
or other bale wrapping material. The dispensing arm is moveable
between a start position where an end of the dispensing arm is
closest to the bale, a left edge position where the end of the
dispensing arm is near a left edge of the bale, a right edge
position where the end of the dispensing arm is near a right edge
of the bale, and a cutoff or home position where the end of the
dispensing arm passes a cutting mechanism. The bale wrapping
control system includes a baler controller for controlling movement
of the dispensing arm and a user interface for receiving operating
instructions from an operator of the baler and for controlling
certain functions of the baler controller in response to the
operating instructions.
[0010] In one embodiment, the user interface is programmed to
direct the controller to perform a sure start mode which ensures
that the twine or other wrapping material gets caught up in the
rotating bale before the dispensing arm begins to wrap the ends of
the bale. In the sure start mode, the baler controller moves the
dispensing arm to the start position (the start position typically
corresponds to the center of the bale) and then pauses until the
bale has been wrapped with a selected number of wraps at the start
position. Thereafter, the baler controller moves the dispensing arm
to the left edge position and then the right edge position to apply
the left and right edge wraps. The sure start mode provides two
primary benefits. First, by stopping the dispensing arm when it is
closest to the rotating bale, the twine has the greatest chance of
getting caught up in the bale, resulting in more reliable twine
starting. Second, by pausing the dispensing arm in the sure start
position for several wraps, the twine is already tight around the
bale by the time the edge wraps are started, resulting in tighter
edge wraps which are less likely to fall off the edges of the bale
after the bale has been ejected.
[0011] In another embodiment, the user interface is programmed to
direct the controller to perform a pre-wrap mode which prevents a
bale from deteriorating during the bale wrapping process. Short,
brittle crop material has a tendency to break off a bale as the
bale rotates in the baling chamber. The pre-wrap mode quickly
places a containing wrap across the entire width of the bale before
any end wraps are made and before normal spacing wraps are applied
to prevent bale deterioration during subsequent wrapping. In
addition to preventing bale deterioration, the pre-wrap mode
results in tighter edge wraps.
[0012] In another embodiment, the user interface is programmed to
direct the controller to perform a edge secure mode to prevent or
minimize migration of the left edge wraps on a bale. Twine has a
tendency to migrate from its original position on the bale as the
bale turns in the bale forming chamber. The edge secure mode places
the left edge wraps on the bale near the end of a bale wrapping
procedure rather than at the beginning. By putting on the edge
wraps last, they don't encounter as many revolutions inside the
bale chamber, thus reducing twine migration. This reduces problems
associated with twine falling off the bale.
[0013] In another embodiment, the user interface is programmed to
direct the controller to perform a tail secure mode which reduces
the chances of the twine tail catching on something or unraveling
after the bale has been ejected from the baler. The tail secure
mode moves the loose tail end of the twine closer to the middle of
the bale so that it is out of the way of any transport mechanisms
used to move the bale after it has been fully formed, wrapped, and
ejected.
[0014] These and other important aspects of the present invention
are described more fully in the detailed description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described
in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures,
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic, side elevational illustration of a
rotary baler with a near sidewall thereof removed to reveal
mechanisms within the baler.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustration of a twine
dispensing mechanism and bale wrapping control system of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view illustration of the twine
dispensing mechanism shown in a start position.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustration of the twine
dispensing mechanism shown in a left edge position.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view illustration of the twine
dispensing mechanism shown in a right edge position.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustration of the twine
dispensing mechanism shown in a home or cutoff position.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the user interface of
the bale wrapping control system.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a sample screen display of the user interface.
[0024] FIG. 9 is another sample screen display of the user
interface.
[0025] FIG. 10 is yet another sample screen display of the user
interface.
[0026] The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to
the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The
drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms. While the drawings illustrate and the
specification describes certain preferred embodiments of the
invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of
example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the
present invention to the particular disclosed embodiments.
[0028] The present invention is preferably incorporated as part of
a round baler 10 such as the 900 series round balers manufactured
by Agco Corporation including the Hesston 945, 955, 956, 946A,
956A, New Idea 6454, 6464, 6465, and Challenger RB45, RB46 and RB56
round balers; however, the invention may be incorporated as a part
of other types of baling equipment such as fixed chamber balers,
square balers, etc. Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred baler 10
includes a pair of laterally spaced apart sidewalls 12 (only one
being shown) carried by ground wheels 14 (only one being shown) for
advancement across a field in response to pulling force supplied to
a generally fore-and-aft extending tongue 16 at the front of the
sidewalls. A suitable power transmission device (not shown)
incorporated as part of baler 10 is normally connected to the
power-take off shaft of a tractor or other vehicle towing baler 10
for thereby supplying driving power to the various moving
components of baler 10 including a crop pickup 18 thereof which may
be of conventional design.
[0029] Because the sidewalls are laterally spaced-apart respective
to the normal path of travel of the baler 10, room is provided
therebetween for formation and transport of a bale of crop formed
by material which is picked up and loaded into the space between
the sidewalls by pickup 18. Hence, the sidewalls cooperate in part
to define a baling chamber. The fore-and-aft limitations of the
baling chamber are defined by opposed, initially generally
vertically disposed stretches of an endless, flexible web means
broadly denoted by the numeral 20 and preferably comprising a
series of endless, side-by-side, flexible rubber belt elements
having their respective longitudinal axes disposed in a plane
parallel to the sidewalls.
[0030] The endless belts 20 are looped around a number of
cylindrical rolls spanning the distance between the sidewalls. For
example, a roll 22 adjacent the lower front end of baling chamber
may be driven by the output of the power transmission mechanism
(not shown) so as to provide motive force for driving the endless
belts 20 longitudinally of themselves. The other rolls may be
idlers. The bottom of the baling chamber is open to present a crop
inlet 24 for the pickup 18.
[0031] The round baler 10 also includes a bale size signal sensor
26 which is preferably a rotary hall-effect sensor such as those
manufactured by Power Components in Mishawaka, Ind. The bale size
sensor 26 includes a rotation element which is coaxially mounted to
one end of a mounting shaft to produce an electrical signal
corresponding to the rotational position of the shaft, which
position is representative of the size of the bale being formed in
the baling chamber.
[0032] The round baler 10 also preferably includes one or more bale
shape signal mechanisms 28. The bale shape signal mechanisms 28 are
mounted in association with corresponding belt elements to sense
the shape of a bale as it is being formed. Other details of round
balers which may be used with the present invention are described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,477,824; 6,675,561; 4,850,271; and 4,224,867,
all incorporated into the present application by reference.
[0033] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the round baler 10 also
includes a twine dispensing arm 30 which dispenses twine or other
wrapping material for wrapping bales formed in the bale forming
chamber. The twine dispensing arm 30 preferably has two twine tubes
32, 34 and is pivotally mounted to a pivot point at the front of
the baler 10. The twine dispensing arm 30 is mechanically
controlled by a 12V linear actuator 36 coupled to the arm by a
drive chain and sprocket 38. When the actuator 36 retracts, the end
of the twine arm 30 moves to the right side of the baler. When the
actuator extends, the twine arm moves to the left side of the
baler.
[0034] The dispensing arm 30 is moveable between a start position
illustrated in FIG. 3 where an end of the dispensing arm is closest
to the bale, a left edge position illustrated in FIG. 4 where the
end of the dispensing arm is near a left edge of the bale, a right
edge position illustrated in FIG. 5 where the end of the dispensing
arm is near a right edge of the bale, and a cutoff or home position
illustrated in FIG. 6 where the end of the dispensing arm passes a
cutting mechanism.
[0035] The bale wrapping control system of the present invention
controls operation of the twine dispensing arm 30 and includes a
baler controller 40 positioned on or near the round baler 10 and a
user interface 42 preferably positioned in the tractor or other
vehicle towing the baler 10. Although the baler controller 40 and
the user interface 42 are preferably separate components, their
functions may also be combined into a single unit positioned either
on the baler 10 or its towing vehicle.
[0036] The baler controller 40 controls the linear actuator 36 and
thus the movement of the dispensing arm 30 between the start, left
edge, right edge, and cut-off positions. A rotary position sensor
44 coupled to the twine arm 30 and actuator 36 through the drive
chain and an idler sprocket 38 feeds twine arm position information
to the baler controller 40. Twine running wheels sense how much
twine is being applied to the bale. The bale size sensor 26
mentioned above determines bale size and provides a corresponding
signal to the user interface 42 through the baler controller 40.
The direction of actuator travel is determined by the baler
controller 40 through an electro-mechanical relay. The speed of
actuator travel is determined by the baler controller 40 using
pulse width modulation (PWM) through a solid-state relay.
[0037] When the actuator 36 is operated without any PWM, the
dispensing arm 30 moves at full speed. The preferred linear
actuator has an eight-inch stroke. With no load, the actuator
extends or retracts at approximately two inches per second.
Therefore, the twine arm can theoretically move between its left
and right edge positions in four seconds. Twine tension puts a load
at the end of the arm that slows the actuator slightly.
[0038] In one embodiment, the bale forming belts on the baler are
traveling at 462 feet per minute at rated tractor PTO speed. A six
foot diameter bale will turn inside the forming chamber at 24 rpm.
The result is that the twine arm 30 moving at full speed will put
almost 1.75 wraps of twine around a rotating bale. This cannot be
translated to an exact distance between twines because, as the
twine arm 30 moves throughout its arc, the transverse twine spacing
on the bale will vary with the cosine of the angle that the twine
arm makes with the baler.
[0039] When the dispensing arm 30 is putting on the standard
spacing wraps, the baler controller 40 calculates where the arm 30
should be at any given point in time, based on the twine spacing
that the operator has set. The controller 40 compares where it
thinks the arm 30 should be to the information coming from the
twine arm position sensor 44 and increases or decreases the PWM as
required to hit the desired values.
[0040] Anytime the dispensing arm 30 pauses to place multiple wraps
of twine around the bale at one position, as described in more
detail below, the baler controller 40 uses the size of the bale and
the amount of twine applied to determine how long to pause in that
position.
[0041] There are five set positions where the twine dispensing arm
30 will pause. The sure start position (also referred to herein as
"start position"), shown in FIG. 3, is the position where the end
of the dispensing arm 30 is closest to the bale. This position is
dependent on the twine arm geometry and is hard coded in the
controller 40. The left edge and right edge positions, shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively, are where the dispensing arm 30 will
stop at each end of the bale to place multiple wraps of twine
around the bale. The edge locations are set by the operator as a
distance from the end of the bale as discussed in more detail
below. The tail secure position is the position where the
dispensing arm 30 stops moving near the center of the bale to place
the tail end of the twine away from the edge of the bale. The
cutoff position is past the right edge position and is shown in
FIG. 6. In the cutoff position, the actuator 36 is fully retracted
and the twine should have cut off. The baler controller 40 uses
information from the twine position sensor 44 to stop the
dispensing arm 30 at these specific positions during custom bale
wrapping patterns as described below.
[0042] The user interface 42 receives inputs from an operator of
the tractor and provides corresponding instructions to the baler
controller 40. The user interface 42 is preferably a baler control
console that is compatible with ISO 11783 standards so that it can
be used to control operation of any implement used with the tractor
or other towing vehicle. The user interface 42 is programmed with a
computer program comprising an ordered listing of executable
instructions for implementing logical functions of the user
interface 42 and baler controller 40. The computer program can be
embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in
connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or
device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing
system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, and execute the
instructions. In the context of this application, a
"computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain,
store, communicate, propagate or transport the program for use by
or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus,
or device. The computer-readable medium can be, for example, but
not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electro-magnetic,
infrared, or semi-conductor system, apparatus, device, or
propagation medium. More specific, although not inclusive, examples
of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an
electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer
diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM),
an erasable, programmable, read-only memory (EPROM or Flash
memory), an optical fiber, and a portable compact disk read-only
memory (CDROM). The computer-readable medium could even be paper or
another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the
program can be electronically captured, via for instance, optical
scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted,
or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then
stored in a computer memory.
[0043] As best illustrated in FIG. 7, a preferred embodiment of the
user interface 42 includes a display screen 46, a control knob 48,
a plurality of function keys 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60 or other
inputs, and an escape key 62. The user interface 42 is preferably
connected to the tractor key switch so that it automatically turns
on when the tractor key is used to start the tractor. The control
knob 48 allows the user to scroll through the functions shown on
the display screen and select one of the functions when the knob is
pressed. The function keys 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 enable a displayed
function or cause display of another screen. The particular
operation or function of each function key is determined by the
computer program on the user interface 42 and can be changed. The
escape key 62 may be pressed once to acknowledge an alarm or
pressed twice to switch between work screens and setup screens.
[0044] The user interface 42 permits an operator to select a twine
wrapping pattern, the amount of twine spacing, the number of left
edge wraps, the distance or spacing of the twine wraps from the
left edge of the bale, the number of right edge wraps, and the
distance or spacing of the twine wraps from the right edge of the
bale. In accordance with one important aspect of the present
invention, the user interface is programmed to permit the user to
select a bale wrapping pattern from a standard mode, a sure start
mode, a pre-wrap mode, an edge secure mode, and a tail secure
mode.
[0045] When the user interface 42 is first turned on, it displays
the work screen 64 shown in FIG. 8. The work screen displays
graphics indicating the status of certain implements of the tractor
such as the round baler 10.
[0046] From the work screen 64, the operator may press the function
key 52 to display a twine settings screen 66 shown in FIG. 9. The
twine settings screen 66 allows the operator to select the overall
twine spacing on the bale, the spacing of twine wraps from the left
edge of a bale, the number of left edge wraps on the bale, the
spacing of twine wraps from the right edge of the bale, and the
number of right edge wraps on the bale.
[0047] Once the various twine settings have been selected on the
twine settings screen 66, the operator may press the function key
56 to display a custom twine wrapping pattern screen 68 shown in
FIG. 10. The operator uses this screen 68 to turn the sure start,
pre wrap, edge secure, and tail secure wrapping patterns on or off.
Each of these bale wrapping patterns and the standard mode is now
described in more detail.
Standard Mode
[0048] The standard mode uses the least amount of twine and is
usually adequate to get a well-wrapped bale. In the standard mode,
when a bale wrapping cycle is started, the baler controller 40
instructs the dispensing arm 30 to move full speed from the cutoff
position shown in FIG. 6 to the left edge position shown in FIG. 4.
On the way to the left edge, if the bale has not grabbed the twine
by the time the arm is in the sure start position shown in FIG. 3,
the operator can instruct the user interface 42 to instruct the
controller 40 to pause the dispensing arm for up to five seconds in
that position to give the twine a chance to get started. If the
twine has started wrapping the bale by the time the dispensing arm
30 has reached the sure start position, the baler controller 40
instructs the dispensing arm 30 to continue full speed to the left
edge position shown in FIG. 4. The controller 40 then instructs the
dispensing arm 30 to pause at the left edge position until the
selected number of wraps has been applied to the bale. The
controller 40 next instructs the dispensing arm 30 to move slowly
back to the right edge making adjustments to place twine at the set
spacing as necessary. When the arm reaches the right edge position
shown in FIG. 5, the controller 40 instructs it to pause to place
the right edge wraps on the bale. After the right edge wraps are
applied, the controller 40 moves the dispensing arm 30 full-speed
to the cutoff position shown in FIG. 6.
Sure Start Mode
[0049] If the operator is having difficulty getting twine to start
in the standard mode, he may enable the sure start mode to pause
the dispensing arm 30 longer at the sure start position to give the
bale more of an opportunity to grab the twine tails coming out of
the arm. Also, if the operator feels that the left edge wraps are
not tight on the bale, increasing sure start wraps will get the
twine cinched on the bale better and result in tighter edge
wraps.
[0050] In the sure start mode, the controller 40 initially moves
the dispensing arm 30 from the cutoff position shown in FIG. 5 to
the start position shown in FIG. 3. The controller 40 then pauses
the dispensing arm 30 at the sure start position shown in FIG. 3 to
wrap the bale a set number of times. The number of wraps applied in
this position is set by the operator with the screen 68 shown in
FIG. 10. After the sure start wraps are applied, the controller 40
continues with the selected wrapping pattern program. If pre-wrap,
tail-secure, and sure-edge modes are turned off, the sure start
mode reverts to the standard mode wrapping pattern described
above.
Pre Wrap Mode
[0051] In conditions where the crop being baled is short and
brittle, the bale in the chamber will deteriorate as it is being
wrapped. This happens because short brittle crop has a tendency to
break off of the bale while it is rotating in the chamber if there
isn't any twine around that part of the bale yet to hold it
together. This is aggravated by the fact that in these conditions,
operators usually want to put twine on at a smaller spacing which
means that the twine arm must move slower. This results in even
more revolutions of the bale before it is wrapped all the way
across, and more deterioration. The pre wrap mode places a
containing wrap across the entire width of the bale to help hold
the bale together before the normal spacing wraps are applied. This
results in less bale deterioration while wrapping.
[0052] In the pre wrap mode, the baler controller 40 moves the
dispensing arm 30 from the cutoff position shown in FIG. 6 to the
sure start position shown in FIG. 3 to get the twine started. Once
the twine has started (or the set number of sure start wraps have
been applied if sure start is also selected), the baler controller
40 moves the dispensing arm 30 at a pre-wrap speed (in one
embodiment, 75% of full speed) back to the right edge position
shown in FIG. 5. After the dispensing arm 30 reaches the right edge
position, the baler controller 40 moves the dispensing arm 30 at
pre-wrap speed to the left edge position shown in FIG. 4. If edge
secure mode is not turned on, the controller 40 pauses the
dispensing arm 30 for left edge wraps, moves the dispensing arm 30
toward the right edge position for applying the standard spacing
wraps, pauses the dispensing arm 30 at the right edge position for
right edge wraps, and then moves the dispensing arm 30 to the
cutoff position shown in FIG. 6. Since the dispensing arm 30
initially stops at the center of the bale and then reverses
direction, it only goes back and forth across the bale 3 times
rather than 4 times with many prior art bale wrapping patterns.
This minimizes bale rotations and the total wrapping time to reduce
bale deterioration.
Edge Secure Mode
[0053] Edge secure mode is used if the left edge wraps are not
ending up where the left edge spacing is set. After twine is
wrapped around a bale, the twine can still migrate on the bale as
the bale rotates in the chamber, especially if the bale has a cone,
barrel, or hourglass shape. The more a bale rotates after the twine
is applied, the further the twine will migrate. This is especially
troublesome with the left edge wraps, as the bale can make over 12
revolutions after the left edge wraps have been applied in the
standard mode. By putting the left edge wraps on last, edge secure
minimizes the amount of migration of the edge wraps, improving the
edge wrap position.
[0054] Edge secure mode controls the dispensing arm 30 just like
the other modes, but it skips the pause for the left edge wraps.
Specifically, in the edge secure mode, the baler controller 40
initially moves the dispensing arm 30 to the sure start position
shown in FIG. 3 and then pauses until the twine gets caught in the
bale or pauses until the selected number of wraps have been applied
to the bale if the sure start mode is enabled. The controller 40
then moves the dispensing arm 30 at full speed to the left edge
position shown in FIG. 4 and pauses for one wrap at the left edge.
Alternatively, the dispensing arm may not pause at the left edge.
The controller then moves the dispensing arm 30 to the right edge
position shown in FIG. 5 and directs the dispensing arm 30 to pause
at the right edge position until the selected number of right edge
wraps have been applied. After the dispensing arm 30 has paused for
the right edge wraps, the controller 40 moves the dispensing arm at
full speed to the left edge position and pauses there for the left
edge wraps. After the left edge wraps have been applied, the
controller 40 moves the dispensing arm 30 full speed back to the
right edge position, pauses for one wrap, and then moves to the
cutoff position.
Tail Secure Mode
[0055] The purpose of the tail secure mode is to move the loose
"tail" end of the twine closer to the middle of the bale. This
reduces the chances of the tail catching on something or unraveling
as the bale is transported after it has been ejected from the baler
10. The tail secure mode only alters the end of the wrapping
pattern. When tail secure is off, the controller 40 directs the
dispensing arm to go directly from the right edge position shown in
FIG. 5 to the cutoff position shown in FIG. 1. When the tail secure
mode is on, the controller 40 instructs the dispensing arm to move
approximately 12 inches back toward the middle of the bale after
the right edge wraps have been applied. The controller 40 then
pauses the dispensing arm 30 in this position for one wrap, and
then moves the dispensing arm to the cutoff position.
[0056] Although the invention has been described with reference to
the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing
figures, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and
substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the
invention as recited in the claims. For example, although the bale
wrapping control system of the present invention is particularly
suited for use with round balers, it may also be used with other
baling equipment.
* * * * *