EP4531539A1

EP4531539A1 - A method of tying round bales

Info

Publication number: EP4531539A1
Application number: EP22943632.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pramod PERINCHERY NARAYANANKUTTY
Original assignee: Antony Ashlyn
Current assignee: Antony Ashlyn
Priority date: 2022-05-24
Filing date: 2022-09-29
Publication date: 2025-04-09
Also published as: JP2025516935A; WO2023227932A1; KR20250017714A; CN119325336A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a baler 200 for tying round bale 602 using twine 604. The baler 200 includes a chain 202 that is configured to be connected at both ends of a link plate 204 of the baler 200 to form a chain drive 206. The chain drive 206 of a required length is formed using sprockets 208. The baler 200 includes a baler frame that is configured to engage with a side backstop device 210. The backstop device holds the twine at one end for a pre- determined time period and feeds for the use of next cycle. The baler 200 includes a blade 212 that is configured to cut the twine when a desired density of the round bale is obtained. The blade 212 is attached beneath the side backstop device 210. Movement of the twine is stopped when the blade 212 cuts the twine.

Description

A METHOD OF TYING ROUND BALES

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of agricultural equipment. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a machine designed for tying cylindrical bales.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Currently available round balers are agricultural machines that are used for collecting straw from field and then tying the straw with rope/ twine/ plastic net and finally ejecting the straw as cylindrical bale. The existing mechanism works by a linkage connected to a tailgate which indicates that the cylindrical bale has been formed. Further, movement is obtained by a push of the cylindrical bale inside a baling chamber towards the tailgate and a swinging arm is connected at an end which is locked by a latch. These mechanisms route the twin through a specified path and thus an end of the twine is routed through an arm. Also, the cut twine is retained with an extension of around 30cm to get caught by a rolling bale. The above mentioned movements are taken through linkages to release the latch such that the arm falls towards the bale rolling inside the baling chamber. Due to this, the twine gets caught by the bale and it winds the ropes to the bale. The rotation of the bale through the twine drives a nylon pulley which is connected to a worm gearbox mechanism and the arm distributes the twine all over the bale by moving along the axis of the bale. In addition, in the above mentioned mechanism used in agricultural machines, a blade is situated at center of the bale which cuts the twine after finishing the cycle and the working of the machine continues.

[0004] The above mentioned mechanisms and the machinery suffer from various limitations such as operation of the machinery is complex and a skilled labor is required for assembly and use of the machinery. Due to the complex structure of the machine, time required to tie the bale is high. Further, swing arm of the machinery is exposed and hence cannot be protected in terms of safety. Also, operation of the machinery is not efficient due to challenges faced due use of cheaper plastic or other twines. Also, being exposed to wind the extended twine at times shifts from its position. In addition, assembling time required for the machinery is more due to many linkages and mechanisms. [0005] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing bale creating machinery, and provide a cost- effective and efficient solution that ensures creation of round bales that are tied using twines such that maximum speed for typing the twine is achieved. Also, now initiation of winding of the twine is done from the center so that the tine is tied properly to the round bale and chances of the twine getting caught up are reduced. Also, the mentioned machinery involving pulley and shaft is simpler to use than using earlier available worm gear assembly and chain assembly mechanisms.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing bale tying machinery.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a compact mechanism to be executed on a baler machine that involves least possible moving components.

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mechanism to be executed on a baler machine such that the machine is not exposed in terms of safety.

[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mechanism such that the machine can handle all twines/ropes including that of plastic.

[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mechanism such that the machine can function with a least number of components and a reduced time is required for assembly.

[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mechanism that enables the machine to execute in a dusty/windy environment by using a unique cleaning method that is also adapted to clean the twines while working.

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mechanism that enables the machine to tie the bale from center of the bale so that the tine is tied properly across round bale.

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide the machine that uses a pulley and shaft mechanism and that is easy to integrate and is a cost effective solution. SUMMARY

[0015] The present disclosure relates to the field of agricultural equipment. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a machine designed for tying cylindrical bales.

[0016] The proposed baler may include a chain, a baler frame and a blade. The chain is configured to be connected at both ends of a link plate of the baler to form a chain drive. The chain drive of a required length is formed using sprockets. The baler frame of the baler is configured to engage with a side backstop device. The side backstop device holds the twine at one end for a pre-determined time period and feeds the twine for next cycle. Feeding the twine can also be done using friction rollers connected with an electric/hydraulic motor. The blade is configured to cut the twine when a desired density of the round bale is obtained. The blade is attached beneath the side backstop device. Further, movement of the twine is stopped when the blade cuts the twine and prevents further movement of the baler.

[0017] The side backstop device may include a catcher body and a lock plate. The catcher body and the lock plate are bolted using spring loaded pins.

[0018] To feed the twine feeding system may include friction rollers and electric/hydraulic motor for the next cycle.

[0019] The baler may include a lever which is configured to the side backstop device and is engaged to push the spring loaded pins and open the lock plate to drop the twine to the round bale when bale density of the round bale reaches a predetermined level.

[0020] When the round bale tying is finished, the round bale is ejected, and the lever and the side backstop device comes to the original position to hold the twine for next cycle.

[0021] When the chain reaches at an extreme end of the link plate, the lever is released by the backstop device and the side backstop device is closed to catch and hold the twine.

[0022] The baler is made of a material selected from a group comprising steel, iron and plastic.

[0023] The twine is made of a material selected from a group comprising nylon material, plastic, alloy, polymer, and metal.

[0024] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a cost-effective and efficient solution in form of typing a round bale. The baler ensures that the twine is wrapped properly on the round bale and is capable of working in a windy and dusty environment.

[0025] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0027] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary view of a machine comprising a proposed baler for tying round bale, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary detailed view of the proposed baler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary view of a side backstop device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary steps involved in routing of twine during baler operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary side view and operation of a machine while using the proposed baler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary operation of the proposed baler when side backstop device opens, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGs. 7A-B illustrates an exemplary working of the proposed baler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 8 illustrates a variant twine feeding system using friction rollers and electric or hydraulic motor to feed twine for next cycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a field of agricultural equipment and more particularly to a machine designed for tying cylindrical bales.

[0039] According to an aspect, the present disclosure elaborates upon a baler for tying round bale using twine. The baler may include a chain, a baler frame, side backstop device or twine feeding system using friction rollers and a blade. The chain may be configured to be connected at both ends of a link plate of the baler to form a chain drive. The chain drive of a required length may be formed using sprockets. The baler frame of the baler may be configured to engage with a side backstop device. The side backstop device holds the twine at one end for a pre-determined time period and feeds the twine for the next cycle. The blade may be configured to cut the twine when tying of the round bale is finished. The blade may be attached beneath the side backstop device. Further, movement of the twine may be stopped when the blade cuts the twine and prevents further movement of the twine holder and chain.

[0040] In an embodiment, the side backstop device may include a catcher body and a lock plate. The catcher body and the lock plate are bolted using spring loaded pins.

[0041] In an embodiment instead of side backstop device, twine feeding system using friction rollers and electric/hydraulic motor.

[0042] In an embodiment, the baler may include a lever which is configured to the side backstop device and is engaged to push the spring loaded pins and open the lock plate to drop the twine to the round bale when bale density of the round bale reaches a predetermined level.

[0043] In an embodiment, when the round bale tying is finished, the round bale is ejected, and the lever and the side backstop device comes to the original position to hold the twine for next cycle. [0044] In an embodiment, when the chain reaches at an extreme end of the link plate, the lever is released by the backstop device and the side backstop device is closed to catch and hold the twine.

[0045] In an embodiment, the baler is made of a material selected from a group comprising steel, iron and plastic.

[0046] In an embodiment, the twine is made of a material selected from a group comprising nylon material, plastic, alloy, polymer, and metal.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary view 100 of a machine comprising a proposed baler for tying round bale is presented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. This machine comprising the proposed baler is another variant to already available machines that are used for tying bales. With respect to the disclosure, the proposed baler may operate via mechanical means. The baler may have a chain that is connected with a link plate at both ends to form a chain drive of a required length using sprockets. Further, a side backstop device may be fitted on either side onto a baler frame to hold the twine at one end for a certain time and to use for the next cycle. Instead of side backstop device a twine feeding system using friction rollers and electric/hydraulic motors can also be used. The baler may be equipped with a blade that is present beneath the side backstop and the blade may be used to cut the twine when the desired length of the twine is reached.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 2, an exemplary detailed view of the proposed baler 200 is presented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The baler 200 is used for tying round bale 602 using twine 604. The baler 200 includes a chain 202 that is configured to be connected at both ends of a link plate 204 of the baler 200 to form a chain drive 206. The chain drive 206 of a required length is formed using sprockets 208. The baler 200 includes a baler frame that is configured to engage with a side backstop device 210. The baler frame holds the twine at one end for a pre-determined time period and for use during next cycle. Further the baler 200 includes a blade 212 that is configured to cut the twine when a desired density of the round bale is obtained. The blade 212 is attached beneath the side backstop device 210. Further, movement of the twine is stopped when the blade 212 cuts the twine and prevents further movement of the baler 200.

[0049] The side backstop device 210 includes a catcher body 302 and a lock plate 304 that are bolted using spring loaded pins 306. In an embodiment, the baler 200 includes a lever 214 that is configured to the side backstop device 210 and is engaged to push the spring loaded pins 306 and open the lock plate 304 to drop the twine 604 to the round bale 602 when bale density of the round bale 602 reaches a pre-determined level. [0050] In an embodiment, the round bale 602 is ejected and the lever 214 and the side backstop device 210 is winded towards an original position of the round bale 602 when the round bale 602 obtains the desired density. In another embodiment, when the chain 202 reaches at an extreme end of the link plate 204, the lever 214 is released by the backstop device and the side backstop device is closed to catch and hold the twine 604.

[0051] The baler 200 is made of a material selected from a group comprising steel, iron and plastic and the twine 604 is made of a material selected from a group comprising nylon material, plastic, alloy, polymer, and metal.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary view of a side backstop device is presented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The side backstop device 210 includes a catcher body 302 and a lock plate 304. The catcher body 302 and the lock plate 304 are bolted using spring loaded pins 306 that may be used for locking. When the bale density reaches a desired quantity, the lever 214 pushes the springs and opens the lock plate 304 to drop the twine to the rotating bale. Further, when the link plate of chain reaches at an end, the lever 214 is released and a side backstop device 210 is closed to catch and hold the twine.

[0053] With respect to FIG. 4 are presented exemplary steps, 400, that are involved in routing of twine during the baler 200 operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 1, a twine is illustrated as being inputted to the baler 200 from outside. At step 2, the twine is routed through a plastic pulley. Further, at step 3, the twine is routed through a roller. Thereafter, at step 4, the roller of the link plate pulley moves to the center of the bale and upon release of the twine for tying the round bale, at step 5, a spring latch of the side catcher assembly is activated.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary side view and operation, 500, of a machine while using the proposed baler, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With respect to FIG. 5, is illustrated a bale density adjustment lever 502, a linkage to open side catcher lever 504 and a lever to actuate side catcher lever 506. When the bale reaches a desired density level, the side catcher lever 504 is pulled and the bale density adjustment lever 502 and the side catcher lever 506 are pushed to open and eject the round bale.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary operation, 600, of the proposed baler 200 when side backstop device 210 opens, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. With respect to FIG. 6, when the side backstop device 210 opens, the twine 604 falls forcedly towards the rotating blade and starts winding on the round bale 602. [0056] Referring to FIGs. 7A-B, in an implementation, when the bale density reaches the desired density, the side backstop device 210 drops the chain to the rotating bale 602. Further, when the twine 604 is caught by the bale 602, the bale 604 may start rotating the twine pulley and feed the twine 604 to the bale 604.

[0057] Referring to FIG 8 in an implementation twine feed system is shown instead of backstop device to feed twine for the next cycle.

[0058] As the twine 604 advances further, carriage is advanced to the center, where the twine 604 is cut by the blade 212 and drive through of the twine 604 is stopped. This will lead to stopping the carriage to move further. Further, when the bale is ejected, a bale density lever may return to its original position and the side backstop may return to its original position and the cycle is repeated for the next bale. In addition, winding of the twine is initiated towards right side of the bale.

[0059] Thus, the present invention overcomes the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing round bale tying machinery, and provide a cost- effective and efficient solution in form of the proposed baler that ensures safety and performance in least possible execution time. Also, the proposed solution is cost effective and can execute their functioning in a dusty environment.

[0060] It is to be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that while various embodiments and drawings of the present disclosure have been elaborated,

NOT RELATED TO THIS PATENT and all such embodiments are well within the scope of the present disclosure, without any limitations.

[0061] Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0063] The proposed invention overcomes the above drawback, limitations, and shortcomings associated with the existing bale tying machinery.

[0064] The proposed invention provides the machine that uses least possible moving components.

[0065] The proposed invention ensures that the machine is not exposed in terms of safety.

[0066] The proposed invention ensures that the machine can handle all twines/ropes including that of plastic. [0067] The proposed invention ensures that the machine functions with a least number of components and a reduced time is required for assembly.

[0068] The proposed invention ensures that the machine can execute in a dusty/windy environment by using a unique cleaning method that is also adapted to clean the twines while working. [0069] The proposed invention provides the machine that uses a pulley and shaft mechanism and that is easy to integrate and is a cost effective solution.

Claims

aim:

1. A baler (200) for tying round bale (602) using twine (604), said baler (200) comprising: a chain (202), the chain (202) being configured to be connected at both ends of a link plate (204) of the baler (200) to form a chain drive (206), where the chain drive (206) of a required length is formed using sprockets (208); a baler frame, the baler frame of the baler (200) being configured to engage with a side backstop clutch (210), where the baler frame holds the twine at one end for a pre-determined time period and for use during next cycle or a twine feeding system with friction rollers and electric/hydraulic motor to feed twine for the next cycle; and a blade (212), the blade (212) being configured to cut the twine when a desired density of the round bale is obtained, where the blade (212) is attached beneath the side backstop clutch (210), and wherein movement of the twine is stopped when the blade (212) cuts the twine and prevents further movement of the baler (200).

2. The baler (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side backstop clutch (210) comprises of a catcher body (302) and a lock plate (304), and where the catcher body (302) and the lock plate (304) are bolted using spring loaded pins (306).

3. The baler (200) as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: a lever (214), the lever (214) being configured to the side backstop clutch (210) and engaged to push the spring loaded pins (306) and open the lock plate (304) to drop the twine (604) to the round bale (602) when bale density of the round bale (602) reaches a predetermined level.

4. The baler (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein when the round bale (602) obtains the desired density, the round bale (602) is ejected, and the lever (214) and the side backstop clutch (210) is winded towards an original position of the round bale (602).

5. The baler (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein when the chain (202) reaches at an extreme end of the link plate (204), the lever (214) is released by the backstop clutch and the side backstop clutch is closed to catch and hold the twine (604).

6. The baler (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the baler (200) is made of a material selected from a group comprising steel, iron and plastic.

7. The baler (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the twine (604) is made of a material selected from a group comprising nylon material, plastic, alloy, polymer, and metal.