WO2003039240A1

WO2003039240A1 - A combined bale pressing and bale wrapping machine

Info

Publication number: WO2003039240A1
Application number: PCT/IE2002/000155
Authority: WO
Inventors: Liam J. Lacey; Cornelius Hourihane
Original assignee: Comtor Limited
Priority date: 2001-11-06
Filing date: 2002-11-06
Publication date: 2003-05-15
Also published as: IES20010970A2

Abstract

The invention concerns a combined compacting and wrapping machine for compacting material, such as fodder, into a bale and wrapping the bale with a wrapping material, comprising a compaction chamber (10), and compaction means within the chamber (10) to compact material in the chamber (10) into a bale (20). The compaction chamber (10) has a compaction chamber part (11) which is moveable upwardly to expose the compacted bale (20) and wrapping means to wrap the bale with a wrapping material when the compaction chamber part (11) is raised. A support structure (e.g. a 10 column) is provided for the compaction chamber part (11). The support structure comprises two vertically displaceable parts (5, 6), which may be telescopic. A drive means for driving the compaction means (15) within the compaction chamber part (11), comprises a main drive sprocket (70) attached to the top one support structure part (5), and a head sprocket (72) attached to the top of the other support structure part (6) which is upwardly displaceable, vertically relative to the lower part (5). An endless drive chain (71) connects the drive sprocket (70) to the head sprocket (72) for transmitting drive from the drive sprocket (70) to the head sprocket (72). A tensioning pulley (73) is provided around which the drive chain (71) passes, and which is moveable upwardly and downwardly in a substantially vertical path in co-operation with the movement of the moveable part (6) to maintain tension on the drive chain (7). Optionally, the tensioning pulley is slideable on guide means, such as a slide rod (74), attached to the fixed part (5), and the drive chain (71) defines a substantially u-shaped path about the tensioning pulley (73), and as the moveable part (6) is raised the tensioning pulley is caused to move upwardly a similar distance.

Description

A Combined Bale Pressing and Bale Wrapping Machine

Technical Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a combined baling and bale wrapping machine for compacting material into bales and wrapping the bales with plastics film. The invention is particularly concerned with a machine for forming bales of agricultural silage, grain, hay, straw, maize, beet pulp, beet tops, and the like (hereinafter referred to as "fodder") and wrapping the formed bales with a plastics film, which preferably is air tight and water tight. The machine of the invention may also be used for compacting and wrapping general farm and agricultural waste products, such as waste plastics and the like, and for compacting and wrapping other loose materials and objects such as comminuted peat moss, saw dust, wood shavings, wood Chipping's, brewery waste, bricks, blocks, cartons and the like.

Background to the Invention

It has become conventional practice in agriculture to form harvested fodder into cylindrical-shaped bales, and square or rectangular bales, which are then wrapped in a plastics film. This is particularly suitable method of manufacturing silage because the silage is kept air-tight within the wrapped bale which, typically, is wrapped with up to six plies of plastics.

In the traditional method of producing wrapped bale fodder, such as silage, at least three machines are used. Firstly the grass or other fodder for use as silage is cut, in a field, by a cutting machine. A conventional baling machine then traverses the field, picks up the cut grass, compacts it into a round bale, ties it with twine, and deposits it on the ground. A bale wrapping machine then traverses the field, picks up the compacted and tied bales, and wraps the bales with several layers of a plastics film, and drops the wrapped bales on the ground. The wrapped bales are subsequently gathered and brought to a storage area. Alternatively, the compacted and tied bales may be transported to the storage area before wrapping and are wrapped in the storage area by a bale wrapping machine.

It is known to provide combined compacting and wrapping machine, which picks up the fodder from the field, compacts it into bales, and then wraps the compacted bale with the plastics film material. One example of such a machine is that described in WO 99/04613 of the present applicant.

Another combined compacting and wrapping machine is that described in WO 96/08957 (øiestad). This machine comprises a frame on which is assembled a pressing chamber equipped on its internal circumference with rotatable rolls for rotation and pressing of the bale. The pressing chamber consists of a lower chamber part and an upper chamber part which are displaceable in relation to each other so as to free an area of the body allowing the body to be packaged in elastic plastics film. The lower pressing chamber part is connected to a lower frame section. The upper chamber part is connected to an upper frame section and the two frame sections are displaceably interconnected.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to make improvements and modifications in the combined compacting and wrapping machines the subject of WO 96/08967 (øiestad) and WO 99/04613 (Com tor Limited), the contents of which are incoφorated herein by way of reference.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a combined compacting and wrapping machine for compacting material into a bale and wrapping the bale with a wrapping material, comprising a compaction chamber, and compaction means within the chamber to compact material in the chamber into a bale, wherein the compaction chamber has a compaction chamber part which is moveable upwardly to expose the compacted bale and wrapping means to wrap the bale with a wrapping material when the compaction chamber part is raised, a support structure for the compaction chamber part, the support structure comprising two substantially vertically displaceable parts, and drive means for driving compaction means within the compaction chamber part, characterized in that the drive means comprises a main drive sprocket attached to or adjacent one support structure part, a head sprocket attached at or adjacent the top of the other support structure part which is upwardly displaceable substantially vertically relative to the lower part, an endless drive chain connecting the drive sprocket to the head sprocket for transmitting drive from the drive sprocket to the head sprocket, and compensating means moveable with the upper support structure part for maintaining tension in the chain during displacement of the support structure parts.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention the upper part of the compaction chamber is carried by a support beam extending in cantilever fashion from a single mast structure positioned on one side only of the machine, preferably at the front side. Means are provided to raise the cantilever beam vertically to raise and lower the upper part of the compaction chamber relative to the lower part.

The mast structure may be comprised of a single mast, or two mast parts disposed side by side. The or each mast may be comprised of two displaceable parts so as to raise the cantilever beam vertically. Suitably, the or each mast are of telescopic structure.

In accordance with the invention drive means are provided for the compaction rollers of the upper chamber. The drive means comprises a drive chain, driven by a main sprocket adjacent the bottom of the mast, and travelling upwardly of the mast, to a head sprocket at or adjacent the top of the mast. Compensating means are provided for maintaining tension in the chain during displacement of the mast parts. Suitably, the compensation means comprises a vertically moveably tensioning pulley. The tensioning pulley is moveable vertically on a slide rod. The chain is moved in a substantially u- shaped path about the tensioning pulley. As the mast is expanded in length, the tensioning pulley is caused to move upwardly a similar distance to increase the effective length of the chain.

The term "chain" as used throughout the description and claims is intended to include belts and other equivalent flexible endless transmission means. The term

"sprocket" as used throughout the description and claims is intended to include pulleys, wheels and equivalent devices.

In accordance with a further aspect, the invention provides means for providing a preliminary wrapping of plastics sheeting about the compressed bale before the bale chamber is opened, and means to pre-stretch the plastics sheeting before application to the cylindrical surface of the compressed bale, whereby the pre-stretched sheeting overlaps the end comers of the bale to provide a wrapping strip on the flat peripheral edge portions of the end walls of the bale. Suitably, a roller is rotatably mounted at or in the upper part of the compaction chamber, and extends parallel to the compacting rollers within the chamber. Feed rollers are provided to direct the film between the compacting rollers and the bale under course of compaction. One of the feed rollers is rotated at a faster peripheral speed than the other roller to pre-stretch the plastics before it is applied to the bale.

The invention also provides means for loading a roll of plastics sheeting, or netting, into a roller housing located at or adjacent an upper part of the compaction chamber. The loading means comprises an elongate loading tray pivotally mounted adjacent an entrance to the roller housing. The tray is pivotable from a substantially horizontal position, in which it is extended from the housing, downwardly into a substantially vertical position. A roll may be loaded into the tray in this position, the roll being supported on a flange or the like at the end of the tray. The tray with the roll, may be swung upwardly to a substantially horizontal position, and the roll can then be slid into the roll housing.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a hingeable flap or door, on one or both sides, of the upper chamber part, means being provided to open the flap when the upper chamber part is raised, to facilitate clearance between the upper chamber part and a compacted bale in the compaction chamber. Suitably the flap is comprised of a frame portion containing a number of the compaction rollers, and is hinged to move outwardly by hydraulic or mechanical actuating means.

In accordance with another aspect, the invention provides locking means for locking the upper part of the compaction chamber to the lower part when compaction is taking place. A locking means is provided on each opposite side of the compaction chamber, and comprises a spring-loaded hook on one part of the compaction chamber which, as the compaction chamber is closed, automatically engages a latch on the other part of the compaction chamber. Means are provided for disengaging the hook from the latch to permit opening of the compaction chamber. Preferably, the latch comprises a rotatable bar, and a means for opening the latch comprises a hydraulic ram which rotates the bar to cause a protuberance on the bar to contact an end of the hook to disengage it from the bar.

In accordance with yet a further aspect, the invention includes wrapping means for wrapping the compacted bale with plastics film or the like. The wrapping means comprises at least one film dispenser mounted on the end of a vertical wrapping arm which is rotatable about the compaction chamber. The vertical wrapping arm is telescopic and comprises an outer telescopic section which slides vertically on an inner telescopic section, such that when the compaction chamber is closed the film dispenser may rest, under its own weight, on support means, and when the compaction chamber is raised one telescopic section rises therewith and engages with a stop on the other section to raise the film dispenser from the support to a wrapping position. Suitably, the support includes flexible buffers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of a combined baler/wrapper machine of the invention, showing the baling chamber in a closed position; Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the baling chamber partly open; Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 showing the chamber fully open and bale ejection means in operation;

Figures 4 and 5 show details of a latch arrangement for the baler chamber; and

Figures 6 and 7 shows details of a wrapping arm; Figure 8 is a plan of a bale showing a wrapping configuration;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the machine of Figure 1, showing a drive arrangement;

Figure 10 is an elevation showing a detail of the drive arrangement of Figure 9, in a lowered position;

Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 9, but showing the drive arrangement in an expanded position;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the machine of Figure 1, showing a loading tray of the invention in a horizontally disposed position;

Figure 13 is a front view showing a loading tray of the invention in a vertically disposed position; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a combined compacting and wrapping machine of the invention;

Figure 15 is a view similar to that of Figure 14 showing the compaction chamber part in a raised position; and

Figure 16 is a side elevation showing the compaction chamber in the lowered position.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings this shows a first embodiment of a combined baling and bale wrapping machine of the invention. The purpose of the machine is to pick up fodder, such as silage, and deliver the silage to a compaction chamber where the silage is compacted into bales, and the machine then wraps the bales in a wrapping material such as plastics film.

The machine comprises a chassis 1 having a tow-hitch 2 by means of which the machine may be towed by a tractor. The chassis 1 is provided with a set of wheels 3. At least one, but preferably two upright support masts (or columns) 4 are mounted in spaced-apart arrangement forwardly of the chassis 1. The masts or columns 4 are expandable in height. Suitably the masts are telescopic and each comprise an outer tubular part 5 in which a vertical support 6 is slideable, e.g. hydraulically. The vertical support masts 6 carry a cantilever support beam 8 which extends horizontally and rearwardly of the masts 4.

A bale forming chamber, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, is mounted on the chassis 1. The bale forming chamber is formed of two parts, an upper part 11 and a lower part 12; the upper part being displaceable vertically relative to the lower part as described below.

The upper part 11 of the bale forming chamber is carried by the support beam 8 and is moveable vertically when the support beam 8 is raised. The lower part 12 is fixed to the chassis 1.

The upper part 11 of the bale forming chamber 10 comprises an array of rollers

15 disposed in a part-circular arrangement. Likewise, the lower part 12 of the bale forming chamber 10 is comprised of a plurality of rollers 16 disposed in part-circular arrangement. Alternatively belts, or belts and rollers may be used. When the bale forming chamber 10 is closed, as shown in Figure 1, the rollers 15, 16 define a substantially cylindrical chamber 17 in which the bale of silage or other fodder is compacted as described below. The rollers 15, 16 are driven by a suitable chain and sprocket drive arrangement which may be powered by a hydraulic motor or motors. Preferably, there are two hydraulic motors, one for powering the rollers in the top chamber and the other for powering the rollers in the bottom chamber. Alternatively, and preferably the rollers could be driven mechanically from the power take-off of the tractor.

A pick-up device 19 is mounted under the front part of the chassis 1 which picks up cut grass (silage) and feeds it by means of a rotor 21 into an inlet 22 of the baling chamber 17. Within the chamber 17, the silage is rotated around the chamber to form a compressed bale of fodder, in well known manner. When the bale has been formed the vertical support 6 of the masts 4, together with the beam 8, are raised to lift the upper part 11 of the bale forming chamber 10 away from the lower part 12, to expose the compressed bale 20. Figure 2 shows the upper part 11 of the chamber partly raised and Figure 3 shows it fully raised.

As shown in Figure 1, a film dispenser 21 comprising a roll of plastics film is mounted, in well known manner, on the end of a vertical wrapping arm 23. Preferably, there are two film dispensers 21, each mounted on a vertical wrapping arm 23 diametrically arranged to each side of the machine. The wrapping arms 23 are carried on a rotary support arm 24. The rotary support arm 24 is rotated by means of a hydraulic motor 25 mounted on the underside of the beam 8. In this way the diametrically opposed film dispensers may be rotated in a horizontal circular path about the bale 20 to wrap the bale 20 in plastics film.

Thus, when the upper part 11 of the bale forming chamber 10 is raised, as shown in Figure 3 to expose the compressed bale 20, the film dispensers 21 are rotated about the bale 20, while the bale is simultaneously rotated about its horizontal axis by the rollers 16, to completely wrap the bale in plastics film. When the bale has been fully wrapped, it is tipped from the machine as shown in Figure 3. The off-tipping of the bale 20 is achieved by means of a tipping platform comprising a frame 26 in which a plurality (in this case four) of the rollers 16 are mounted. The frame 26 pivots downwardly about a pivot 27, and the rollers 16 are retained in formation in the frame 26 by means of an endless chain linkage arrangement 28.

The improvements provided by the present invention over the machine disclosed in WO 96/08967 (øiestad) include the following.

In WO 96/08967 the upper part of the compaction chamber is mounted on four upright members, each mounted at a corner of the machine. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the upper part 11 of the compaction chamber 10 is carried solely by at least one, but preferably the two masts 4 located to the front of the machine, and the cantilever beam 8. This has the advantage that the overall length of the machine can be reduced, for example by up to one meter.

As previously mentioned the masts or columns 4 are expandable in height. Suitably the masts are telescopic and each comprise an outer tubular part 5 in which a vertical support 6 is slideable, e.g. hydraulically. The vertical support masts 6 carry a cantilever support beam 8 which extends horizontally and rearwardly of the masts 4.

Also, as mentioned previously, the rollers 15, 16 are driven by a suitable chain and sprocket drive arrangement. However, there are difficulties in transmitting drive by means of a chain and sprocket to the end of the cantilever beam 8 because of the upward and downward movement of the beam. This problem is overcome by the invention.

Thus, one embodiment of a drive arrangement in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Figures 9 to 11 of the drawings.

Referring to Figures 9 to 11, drive to the rollers 15, 16 is transmitted by chain and sprocket drive means from a main drive sprocket 70. The drive sprocket 70 is keyed to a horizontal drive shaft 90 preferably powered from the power take-off shaft of the tractor via a gear box 91. From the sprocket 70, an endless drive chain 71 follows a path upwardly adjacent one of the masts 4, to drive a head sprocket (or pulley) 72 mounted on the inward end of the cantilever beam 8, at a position adjacent the top of the mast 4.

It is important to maintain the chain 71 under tension, even as the mast 4, is expanding by moving the telescopic section upwardly. This is achieved by means of a vertically moveable tensioning pulley 73. The tensioning pulley 73 is slideably moveable on a slide rod 74. The moveable pulley 73 is rotatably mounted on a bracket 75 which has a bore to receive the slide rod 74 such that the bracket 75 and attached pulley 73 may slide vertically along the rod 74. The slide rod 74 is fixed to the non- moveable section 5 of the mast 4. An additional spring-loaded tensioning pulley 77, and idler pulleys 76, 78 are also provided in the path of the chain 71. The tensioning pulley 77 is located adjacent the top of the mast 4. Thus, from the pulley 77, the chain 71 defines a substantially u-shaped path about the moveable pulley 73, and up to the head sprocket 72.

In use, as the mast 4 is expanded in length, the tensioning pulley 73 is caused to move upwardly along the slide rod 74. This reduces the length of the u-shaped part of the chain 71, thus effectively lengthening the chain to compensate for the increase in height of the mast. Conversely, as the mast 4 is reduced in height, any slack in the chain 71 is taken up by the downward movement of the pulley 73.

At the top of the mast 4, the head sprocket 72 is keyed to a shaft 98 which also carries a second drive sprocket 92 disposed parallel to, and co-axially with, the head sprocket 72. From the second drive sprocket a drive chain 80 is led substantially horizontally along centre of the cantilever beam 7. Adjacent the end of the beam 7, the chain 80, is turned, through approximately 90°, to a vertical direction, by means of pulleys 81, 82, and a tensioning pulley 83. At this location the path of the chain 80 leads downwardly, through a central opening in a slew ring 39, to a roller sprocket 84 mounted on the upper part 11 of the bale forming chamber 10. In this way drive is transmitted from the main drive sprocket 70, about the head sprocket 72, to the roller sprocket 84, which is keyed to a horizontal shaft 93. From a further sprocket 94, which is keyed to the outer end of shaft 93 a further endless drive chain 85 passes about sprockets (not shown) on each of the rollers 15 to rotate the rollers. Tension in the drive chain 85, is maintained by tensioning pulleys 86, 87.

In the lower part 12 of the bale forming chamber 10, the rollers 16 are driven by means of an endless drive chain 88, which is driven by a sprocket keyed to the horizontal drive shaft co-axially with the drive sprocket 70. The chain 88 rotates about, and drives, a sprocket 89 on one of the rollers 16. A second drive chain 96 is driven by a sprocket keyed co-axially with the sprocket 89 to drive the rollers 16. A further endless chain linkage 28, maintains in formation the four rollers 16 making up the tipping platform 26 ( as previously described). The chain drive arrangement described above has a number of advantages. Firstly, it enables drive to be transmitted to the top rollers 16 from the power take-off of the tractor. It is difficult to drive the top rollers of a compacting machine due to the high number of rollers 16, twelve in this embodiment, and the high speed of rotation (about 175 r.p.m.) during compacting. While the rollers 16 may be driven by means of a hydraulic motor at the top of the machine, this is an expensive option because of the very large motor required if efficiency is to be achieved. The use of a large hydraulic motor requires a large storage tank for hydraulic fluid which adds to the overall weight of the machine. It has been found that the use of a chain drive as described provides a more powerful, efficient and less costly means of driving the top rollers 16.

After the compaction of the bale 20 is completed, the compressed bale is rotated about its horizontal axis by the rollers 16, while the film dispensers 21 are rotated about the bale 20, to completely wrap the bale in plastics film, as described above. During compaction of the bale, the rollers 16 are driven, by the chain 88, from the p.t.o. of the tractor, such that the rollers can rotate at the high speed (about 175 r.p.m.) and power need to compact the bale. However, during the subsequent wrapping step, the rollers 16 need only be rotated at a speed of about 30 r.p.m. Thus, during wrapping operation, the bottom rollers 16 may be driven by a hydraulic motor; no rotation of the top rollers 15 is needed. This is achieved by disconnecting the drive from the p.t.o. of the tractor by means of a clutch arrangement, and driving the rollers 16 from the hydraulic motor through a free-wheel sprocket which drives in one direction, but free-wheels in the opposite direction.

A significant advantage of the present invention is the provision of means for providing a preliminary wrapping of plastic sheeting about the compressed bale before the bale chamber is opened, so as to maintain the integrity of the bale during the subsequent wrapping process. It is known that when compaction pressure is released from a bale of fodder there is a tendency for the bale to expand. Also, the bale may disintegrate unless it is restrained, for example by cord or netting. In conventional stand-alone baling machines it is known to provide means for wrapping netting about the bale before it is released from the baling chamber. However, the disadvantage of netting is that it does not seal the bale. It is highly advantageous to seal the bale and keep it as dense as possible because this lowers the incidence of fermentation, and helps to hold the sugars in the fodder thus maintaining its feeding value during storage. Manufacturers of conventional baling machines have attempted to replace netting with plastic sheeting but this has not been successful.

Accordingly, the invention provides means for wrapping the compressed bale 20 with plastic sheeting before the pressure is released from the compacted bale on opening the bale forming chamber 10. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, this is achieved by means of a roller 30 which is rotatably mounted within the housing 13, and extends transversely of the machine spaced from, but parallel to, the rollers 15. The rotatable roller 30, which has a width greater than the width of the baling chamber 17 (e.g. a width of 1400 mm as compared to 1200 mm for the baling chamber), carries a roll of plastics film 31. The leading edge of the plastic sheeting 31 is fed between a top feed roller 32 and a lower feed roller 33, and between the lower roller 33 and a pinch roller 34. The rollers 32, 33 and 34 all extend parallel to the roller 30. At the end of the compaction stage, and when the compacted bale 20 is still rotating within the baling chamber 10, the leading edge of the plastic sheeting 31 is pinched between the rollers 33 and 34 and is fed downwardly to engage between the rollers 15, 16 and the peripheral surface of the bale 20. The plastic sheeting is thus pulled around the outer cylindrical surface of the bale 20 as it is carried in a circular path around the bale surface by the rotating rollers 15 and 16. This motion draws the plastic sheeting 31 from the roller 30 and simultaneously rotates the rollers 32, 33 and 34. The lower feed roller 33 is geared to rotate at a faster peripheral speed than the roller 32. The gearing is such as to stretch the plastic sheeting 31, as it passes between the rollers 32, 33, to from 130% to 170% of its original length. It is this pre-stretched plastic sheeting which is wrapped about the cylindrical surface of the bale 20. This offers a number of advantages.

Firstly, because the plastics is pre-stretched it prevents the bale 20 from expanding when the compression chamber is opened and the pressure of the upper rollers 15 is released from the bale. Secondly, the amount of plastic sheeting needed to provide a preliminary wrapping of the bale 20 is much less when the plastics is pre- stretched. Also, because the plastics is pre-stretched the two opposite edges of the plastic sheeting are caused to wrap around the end corners of the bale 20 to form an overlapping wrapping strip 35 (see Figs. 1 and 8) on the flat peripheral edge portions of the bale.

As shown in Figure 8, when the compaction chamber 10 is opened and the compacted bale is subsequently wrapped with its outer wrapping material by means of the wrapping dispensers 21, the webs of wrapping material are applied to the surface of the bale 20. Because the bale is rotated about its horizontal axis as the wrapping takes place, the webs 36 cross each other at an obtuse angle which, in the first part of the wrapping process leaves triangular shaped pieces 37 with less cover at the peripheral end part of the bale. With conventional wrapping machines, it is necessary to continue to wrap the bale by application of up to sixteen webs to ensure that all of these triangular parts 37 are covered fully. However, with the invention, the overlap 35 formed by the pre-stretched initial wrap effectively covers the exposed triangular shaped parts so that less subsequent wrapping of the bale is need to achieve a full wrap.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, a means is provided for loading the roll 30 of plastics film, or alternatively a roll of netting, into the cylindrical housing 66.

Where netting is used, the netting is supplied in rolls containing up to 3000 metres of netting. Where plastics film is used, this is also supplied in similar rolls 30. The rolls are of cylindrical shape, and typically have a solid core having spools 67 which extend axially outwardly of the core, at each end of the roll 30. The spools fit into suitable bearings in the housing 66 to permit rotation of the roll 30.

Because the housing 66 is located adjacent the top of the upper chamber part 11, it is difficult for the operator to load the roll 30 into the housing 66 unaided. To overcome this problem, the invention provides a means for assisting in loading the roll 30 into the housing 66. The roll loading means comprises an elongate loading tray 64, which is pivotally mounted adjacent one end of the roll housing 66. The tray 64 pivots about a pivot point 68 (see Fig. 13) located adjacent the entrance to the roll housing 66, from a vertical position 66, to a near horizontal position, as shown in Figure 12, in which it extends outwardly from the housing. The outer end of the tray 64 is formed with an outwardly extending flange 69. When the tray is in the vertical position shown in Figure 13, a roll 30 of netting or plastics film may be placed in the tray 64 by standing the end of the roll on the flange 69. The tray 64, containing the roll 30, may then be swung upwardly, through approximately 90°, back to the position shown in Figure 12. The tray 64 is provided with a support strut 59, which is pivoted substantially midway of its length, and is pivotally connected at each end to the tray 64 and the chamber housing, respectively. When the parts of the strut 59 are moved over centre of the central pivot, the strut locks into the position shown in Figure 12, to support the tray 64 in it horizontal position. The operator may then slide the roll 30 along the tray, into the housing 66. The leading axial spool 67 of the roll 30 is caused to engage with the inner bearing within the housing 66. At the outer end of the housing 66, the bearing for the spool is mounted on a pivot, which is swung out to allow the roll 30 to enter the housing 66, but is swung back into position, to engage the outer axial spool 67 of the roll 30. The tray 64 is re-positioned in the vertical position shown in Figure 13.

Referring now to Figures 2, 4 and 5, another aspect of the present invention resides in a locking mechanism for locking the upper part 11 of the bale forming chamber to the lower part during the compaction of the bale. Because of the pressures exerted within the baling chamber during the compaction of the bale, it is important that the upper chamber part 11 is locked against vertical movement relative to the lower part 12. This is achieved by means of a hook 40 mounted on the upper part 11 which engages with a latch 41 on the lower part 12. There is a hook and latch on each of the two sides of the machine. The hook 40 and latch 41 are shown in more detail in Figures 4 and 5.

The hook 40 has a lever portion 42 extending from the inner end thereof and the hook and lever are pivotally mounted by pivot 43 on a support plate 44 mounted on the housing 13 of the upper part 11 of the bale chamber. The free end of the lever 42, remote from the hook 40, is connected by a spring 45 to the plate 44 such that the hook 40 is biased to engage with a latch 46. The latch 46 comprises a rotatable round bar, which is mounted for rotation on the end of a lever 47, which is pivotally mounted on a plate 48 attached the chassis 1. The end of the lever 47, remote from the bar 46, is pivotally connected to the piston 49 of a hydraulics cylinder 50. A square block 51 is welded to the peripheral surface of the round bar 46.

When the upper part 11 of the bale forming chamber 10 is lowered to close the chamber for compaction puφoses, the hook 40 automatically engages with the latch 46 to lock the upper part 11 of the bale chamber to the lower part 12. This locking is achieved automatically because the hook 40 can ride over the round bar 46 and is then locked in position by the bias of the spring 45. In the locked position, the block 51 is positioned adjacent the end of the hook 40.

At the end of the compaction process when it is desired to open the bale forming chamber 10, to allow wrapping of the formed bale, the lock is opened hydraulically by means of the piston and cylinder 49, 50. The piston 49 is extended which in turn causes rotation of the bar 46 and block 51. The block 51 engages the end of the hook 40 and pushes the hook out of engagement with the bar 46. This is done simultaneously with the raising of the upper part 11 of the chamber 10.

In accordance with yet a further aspect, the invention provides an improved arrangement for releasing the compacted bale 20 from the bale forming chamber 10. Referring, particularly to Figure 2 it will be noted that as the upper compaction chamber part 11 is raised by extension of the masts 4, a rear flap or door 55 in the housing 13, is opened rearwardly to facilitate clearance between the upper chamber part 11 and the formed bale 20. The door 55 comprises a frame in which is mounted a plurality, for example four of the lower most rollers 15. The frame is hinged about a bearing 56 on the uppermost of this plurality of rollers. As the upper chamber part 11 is raised, a hydraulic ram 57, connected at one end to the housing 13 and at the other end to the door 15, is extended to cause the door to open, from the position in broken line in Figure 2 to the position shown in full line.

As an alternative to the ram 57, the door 55 may be opened by means of a mechanical linkage connected to the latch 40 thus that when the latch is undone the linkage pushes back the hinged door part 55.

When the door 55 is closed a protrusion, such as a lug or the like on the door engages in a socket on the housing 13, or vice versa. Alternatively, the door 55 may be located at the front of the machine, or there could be two doors, one at the front and one at the rear.

Yet a further aspect of the invention is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. These figures show a detail of one of the two film dispensers 21. As explained previously, each film dispenser 21 is mounted on the end of a vertical wrapping arm 23 which hangs from the rotary support arm 24. In the embodiment shown, the vertical wrapping arm 23 is telescopic and comprises an outer telescopic section 60 which slides vertically on an inner telescopic section 61. The outer telescopic section 60 is formed on its inner surface with a pair of guide stops 62 which are positioned at a pre-determined location along the length of the outer section 60. The inner section 61 is formed at its end with a block 63.

When the machine is being transported on the wheels 3 it is important that the film dispensers 21 are restrained against movement. This is achieved in accordance with the invention by allowing the dispensers 21 to rest, under their own weight, on a plurality of rubber buffers 64, when the compaction chamber is in the closed position as shown in Figure 1.

When the upper part 11 of the compaction chamber is raised to the position shown in Figure 3, the inner telescopic section 61 is caused to slide upwardly relative to the outer section 62 until the block 63 engages with the guide stops 62. When this engagement takes place the film dispenser 21 is caused to lift up, a short distance off the buffers 64 to the position shown in Figure 3. In this position the film dispenser 21 is ready for rotation around the bale 20. The positioning of the guide stops 62 relative to the block 63, in the raised position, is important to ensure the desired degree of lift.

It will be appreciated that when the upper chamber part 11 is raised, as shown in Figure 3, the film dispenser 21 is hanging freely, under its own weight and is supported by the connection between the block 63 and the guide stop 62. At the end of the wrapping process, the upper chamber part 11 is lowered to lock with the lower chamber part 12. This in turn causes lowering of the wrapping arm 23. The wrapping arm is lowered until the film dispenser 21 again contacts the buffer 64 whereupon the inner telescopic section 61 slides vertically down within the, now stationery, outer section 60. This disengages the block 63 from the guide stop 62, as shown in Figure 6.

A second embodiment of a combined compacting and wrapping machine of the invention is shown in Figures 14 to 16. A detailed description of this machine (apart from the drive means for driving the compaction head in accordance with the invention) is given in WO 99/04613 of the same Applicant, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to Figures 14 to 16, the compacting station 1 comprises a vertically- oriented compacting chamber 7. The chamber 7 is substantially cylindrical in shape with an open top. It is also open at the bottom.

A compactor 110 is positioned in the open top of the compacting chamber 7.

The compactor 110 is supported on a pair of vertical support columns 111 mounted to each side of the chassis 104. A pair of downwardly inclined support arms 112 are each mounted on a respective column 111 and each is slideable, by means of a carriage 113, in a vertical direction along the columns 111. The carriages 113 are moved by hydraulic rams. The supports arms 112 carry a rotating compaction head 115 consisting of rollers formed with cleats on the surface thereof (not shown). In this first embodiment the cylindrical compaction chamber 107 is moveable in a vertical plane, and wrapping means is provided to wrap the bale 120 as it is exposed by raising of the chamber 107.

In its lowered position the chamber 107 fits over a wrapping platform 130. The platform 130 is fixed, and is circular in plan and in the lowermost position of the chamber 107 it fits within the bottom of the chamber 107.

A first bale wrapping means is provided at this location. As shown in Figure 16, this comprises a vertically disposed support arm 193 which carries a film dispenser 194. The support arm 193 rotates, in a circular path, around the circumference of the chamber 107. The arm 193 is fixed to a circular ring 195 which is rotatable on rollers (not shown) attached to the outer wall of the chamber 107, adjacent the top thereof. A belt or chain (not shown), driven by a hydraulic motor, runs around the outer circumference of the circular ring 195 causing it to rotate. The circular ring 195 thus carries the arm 193 and film dispenser 194 in a circular path around the outside of the chamber 107.

In use, loose cut grass, silage, or other fodder is blown directly from an integral forage harvester 84, into the compaction chamber 107 where it is pressed down by the rotating compaction head 115. The compaction head 115 rotates, about the vertical axis, around the inside perimeter of the chamber 107 with the cleated rollers constantly rolling over the top surface of the grass as it is compacted and builds up in the cylinder to form a bale 20. Simultaneously the rotating compaction head 115, and the chamber 107, are moved by hydraulic rams vertically upwardly along columns 111 as the grass builds up in the compaction chamber 107.

As the chamber is filled with fodder, the compaction head 115 is operated to compact the material within the chamber 107 as described above. Simultaneously, the chamber 107 is raised vertically along the columns 111 by means of the hydraulic rams. The upward travel of the chamber 107 exposes the bottom portion of the partly- compacted bale 20 which rests on platform 130.

The film dispenser 194 is then rotated around the exposed cylindrical surface of the bale to wrap the bale, in well known manner, with plastics film from the dispenser and continues to operate until all of the exposed surface of the bale is wrapped, including an overlap of the bottom and top corners of the bale.

In this embodiment the compaction head 115 is driven by a chain drive which is substantially the same as the chain drive shown in Figures 10 and 11, and like numerals denote the like parts as shown in Figures 10 and 11. Also, the chain drive is constructed and operates substantially as described above with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

In the embodiment of Figures 14 to 16, the main drive sprocket 70 is mounted at the lower end of the column (or mast) 111, and is powered from the power take-off shaft of a tractor via a gear box (not shown).

In this embodiment the fixed column 111 extends to the full height of the compacting and wrapping machine, The vertically displaceable part comprises a sliding carriage 113 on which the support arms 112 are mounted. The sliding carriage is moveable vertically along the column 111 by means of hydraulic rams (e.g. as indicated by reference numeral 29 in Figures 2 and 3 of WO 99/04613) to lift the compaction chamber 107 including the compaction head 115.

As shown in Figures 14 to 16, there is a second column 111 on the side of the machine opposite the first column 111. However, the chain drive is mounted on the first column 111 only.

The head sprocket 72 is mounted in a bearing on the top of the vertically displaceable carriage 113, and moves upwardly and downwardly with the carriage 113. The slide rod 74 is mounted on the fixed column 111. The operation of the chain drive is as described above with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

At the top of the carriage 113, the head sprocket is keyed to a horizontal shaft 197 which transmits the drive to a right-angle gear box 198, which converts the drive from horizontal to vertical. From the gear box 198 a vertical shaft transmits the drive to an epicycle speed-reduction gear box 199 which drives the compaction rollers 115. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A combined compacting and wrapping machine for compacting material into a bale and wrapping the bale with a wrapping material, comprising a compaction chamber (10), and compaction means within the chamber (10) to compact material in the chamber (10) into a bale (20), wherein the compaction chamber (10) has a compaction chamber part (11) which is moveable upwardly to expose the compacted bale (20) and wrapping means to wrap the bale with a wrapping material when the compaction chamber part (11) is raised, a support structure (5, 6) for the compaction chamber part (11), the support structure comprising two substantially vertically displaceable parts (5, 6), and drive means for driving compaction means (15) within the compaction chamber part (11), characterized in that the drive means comprises a main drive sprocket (70) attached to or adjacent one support structure part (5), a head sprocket (72) attached at or adjacent the top of the other support structure part (6) which is upwardly displaceable substantially vertically relative to the lower part (5), an endless drive chain (71) connecting the drive sprocket (70) to the head sprocket (72) for transmitting drive from the drive sprocket (70) to the head sprocket (72), and compensating means (73) moveable with the upper support structure part (6) for maintaining tension in the chain (71) during displacement of the support structure parts (5, 6).

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the support structure comprises a column or mast composed of a fixed part (5) and an other part (6) moveable relative to the lower part (5), wherein the moveable part supports the compaction chamber part (11), and the compensating means comprises a tensioning pulley (73) around which the drive chain (71) passes, and which is moveable upwardly and downwardly in a substantially vertical path in co-operation with the movement of the moveable part (6) to maintain tension on the drive chain (7).

3. A machine as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the tensioning pulley is slideable on guide means, optionally a slide rod (74), attached to the fixed part (5).

4. A machine as claimed in claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the drive chain (71) defines a substantially u-shaped path about the tensioning pulley (73), and as the moveable part (6) is raised the tensioning pulley is caused to move upwardly a similar distance.

5. A machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that a second drive chain (80) transmits drive from the head sprocket (72) to a drive shaft (93) for compaction rollers (15), and the second drive chain (80) passes substantially horizontally along the top of the machine, and is turned by guide means (81, 82), through approximately 90°, to a substantially vertical direction to pass through a central opening in slew ring (39) to a sprocket (84) on the drive shaft (93).

6. A machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that it includes means for providing a preliminary wrapping of plastics sheeting (31) about the compressed bale (20) before the bale chamber (10) is opened, and means (30) to pre- stretch the plastics sheeting (31) before application to a cylindrical surface of the compressed bale, whereby the pre-stretched sheeting (31) overlaps the end comers of the bale to provide a wrapping strip on the flat peripheral edge portions of the end walls of the bale.

7. A machine as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the pre-stretching means comprises a rotatable roller (30) carrying a roll of plastics sheeting (31), the roller (30) extending transversely of the compaction chamber (10) parallel to compaction rollers(15), and at least two feed rollers (32, 33) between which the sheeting (31) may be drawn, one of said feed rollers (33) being rotatable at a faster peripheral speed then the other feed rollers (32) to pre-stretch the plastics sheeting before it is applied to the bale (20).

8. A machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that it includes means for loading a roll (30) of plastics sheeting (31), or netting, into a roller housing (66) located at or adjacent an upper part of the compaction chamber (10), the loading means comprising an elongate loading tray (64) pivotally mounted adjacent an entrance to the roller housing (66) and the tray is pivotable from a substantially horizontal position, in which it is extended from the housing (66), downwardly into a substantially vertical position.

9. A machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims characterised in that it includes wrapping means for wrapping the compacted bale (20) with plastics sheeting (31), the wrapping means comprising at least one film dispenser (21) mounted on the end of a vertical wrapping arm (23) which is rotatable about the compaction chamber (10), and the vertical wrapping arm (23) is telescopic and comprises an outer telescopic section (60) which slides vertically on an inner telescopic section (61), such that when the compaction chamber (10) is closed the film dispenser (21) may rest, under its own weight, on support means (64), and when the compaction chamber is raised one telescopic section (61) rises therewith and engages with a stop (62) on the other section (60) to raise the film dispenser (21) from the support means (64) to a wrapping position.

10. A machine as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9, characterised in that the support structure comprises a telescopic mast (4) having a fixed part (5) and a moving part (6) which is slideable vertically within the fixed part (5).

11. A combined compacting and wrapping machined as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that it comprises a compaction chamber (107), means (184) for directing the loose material into the chamber (107), and compaction means (115) within the chamber to compact the material in the chamber into a bale, wherein the compaction chamber (107) is moveable upwardly in a substantially vertical direction as the bale (20) of material is being formed to expose a part of the bale, and wrapping means (194) are included to wrap an exposed part of the bale (20) with wrapping material as the compaction chamber (107) is raised.

12. A machine as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that the compaction chamber (107) and compaction means (115) are moveable substantially vertically by means of a carriage (113) which is moveable vertically along an upright column (113), and the main drive sprocket (70) is mounted at or adjacent the lower end of the column (111) and the head sprocket (72) is mounted at or adjacent the top of the vertically displaceable carriage (113) to move upwardly and downwardly with the carriage (113).

13. A machine as claimed in claim 12, characterised in that the head sprocket (72) is keyed to a substantially horizontal shaft (197) which transmits drive, to means (198) for converting the drive from horizontal to vertical to drive the compaction means (115).

14. A machine as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 characterised in that it comprises a compaction chamber (107), is open at the top, means (184) for directing loose material into the chamber (107, a rotating compaction head (115) including at least one roller (113) rotatable over the loose material within the compaction chamber (107), capable of moving within the compaction chamber (107) as loose material within the chamber (107) to compact the material in the chamber (107).

15. A machine as claimed in claim 14 characterised in that the compaction chamber (107) is vertically oriented, and the rotating compaction head (115) extends into the open top (108) of the compaction chamber (107) and is moveable vertically within the chamber (107).

16. A machine as claimed in any of claims 11 to 15 characterised in that the compaction chamber (107) is open at the top and bottom and a compaction chamber part (107) is moveable upwardly in a vertical direction as the bale (20) is being formed to expose a part of the partially-formed bale (20), and wrapping means (194) are included to wrap an exposed part of the bale (20) with wrapping material as the compaction chamber (107) is raised.

17. A machine as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that the wrapping means comprises a film dispenser (194) which is mounted for rotation around the outer surface of the compaction chamber (107) and is moveable upwardly together with the chamber part (107) such that it may dispense and continually wrap the bale (20) as it becomes exposed as the compaction chamber part (107) is raised.