Fully automated twine wrapping system for a round baler having a simplified operator interface
AssigneeCNH America LLC
InventorsKevin M. Smith, Mark K. Chow, James D. Walker, Justin R. Ringwald
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated bale wrapping control system for a round baler that includes a simplified remotely installable operator interface for installation on a tractor. The simplified operator interface includes manual operated, mechanical input switches for selecting system on/off, number of wraps, twine or net wrapper selection, manual extension/retraction of the wrapping mechanism, and/or manual wrap cycle initiation. An audible alarm provides feedback to the operator for monitoring the baling and wrapping processes and for alerting the operator to abnormal conditions in the baling and/or wrapping processes.
Claims23
An agricultural baler control system for managing operation of a baler propelled by a tractor, said control system comprising:
- a controller disposed on the baler selectively configurable to manage operation of a wrapping apparatus by receiving one or more input signals and initiating one or more output signals responsive to said one or more input signals;
- and
- an operator interface configured to be removeably positioned on the tractor during baler operation, said operator interface having at least one switch and a non-visual signaling device operably connected to said controller, said at least one switch having at least first and second positions, wherein said controller is configured to receive inputs from said at least one switch by cycling said at least one switch between said first and second positions a pre-determined number of cycles within a pre-determined time period, said controller further configured to initiate a signaling device output signal causing said non-visual signaling device to produce a plurality of unique alert sequences, each said alert sequence being unique through variations in number of alert pulses, duration of alert pulses, or frequency of alert pulses, said plurality of alert sequences individually corresponding to positions of the wrapping apparatus, stages of the wrapping operation, and faults within the wrapping apparatus thereby enabling said operator interface to inform an operator of wrapping apparatus operation without the use of a visual display.
In an agricultural round baler having a ground-supported main frame propelled by a tractor, an expandable bale forming chamber defined by a pair of opposing and spaced-apart side walls, a plurality of rolls, and belts, a wrapping apparatus for wrapping a completed bale, and a control system for managing operation of the baler, the improvement in the control system comprising:
- a controller selectively configurable to manage operation of the wrapping apparatus by receiving one or more input signals and initiating one or more output signals responsive to said one or more input signals;
- and
- an operator interface configured to be removeably positioned on the tractor during baler operation, said operator interface having at least one switch and a non-visual signaling device operably connected to said controller, said at least one switch having at least first and second positions, wherein said controller is configured to receive inputs from said at least one switch by cycling said at least one switch between said first and second positions a pre-determined number of cycles within a pre-determined time period, said controller further configured to initiate a signaling device output signal causing said non-visual signaling device to produce a plurality of unique alert sequences, each said alert sequence being unique through variations in number of alert pulses, duration of alert pulses, or frequency of alert pulses, said plurality of alert sequences individually corresponding to positions of the wrapping apparatus, stages of the wrapping operation, and faults within the wrapping apparatus thereby enabling said operator interface to inform an operator of wrapping apparatus operation without the use of a visual display.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.