US 12,063,896 B2
Baler implement and method of controlling a round baler
Ajit Kumar Bhunya, Hinjilicut (IN); Mohan A. Vadnere, Pune (IN); and Mahesh Somarowthu, Pune (IN)
Assigned to DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL (US)
Filed by DEERE & COMPANY, Moline, IL (US)
Filed on Nov. 28, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/059,077.
Prior Publication US 2024/0172598 A1, May 30, 2024
Int. Cl. A01F 15/08 (2006.01); A01F 15/07 (2006.01); A01F 21/00 (2006.01)
CPC A01F 21/00 (2013.01) [A01F 15/07 (2013.01); A01F 15/0883 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A round baler implement comprising:
a frame;
at least one ground engaging element supporting the frame relative to a ground surface;
a tongue attached to the frame and configured for attachment to a tow vehicle for moving the frame across the ground surface;
a housing supported by the frame and defining an interior region, wherein the housing includes a forward portion and a rear gate rotatable relative to the forward portion about a gate rotation axis between a closed position and an open position;
a bale formation system disposed within the interior of the housing and operable to form crop material into a bale having a cylindrical shape;
wherein the rear gate is disposed in the closed position during formation of the bale, and wherein the rear gate is moved into the open position to eject the bale from the bale formation system;
an object detection sensor positioned and operable to detect data related to an unloading zone disposed immediately rearward of the rear gate;
a baler controller in communication with the object detection sensor, the baler controller including a processor and a memory having unloading algorithm stored thereon, wherein the processor is operable to execute the unloading algorithm to:
receive a bale ejection command to initiate a bale ejection sequence to eject the bale from the bale formation system;
receive a data signal from the object detection sensor related to the unloading zone;
determine if an object is present in the unloading zone or if an object is not present in the unloading zone based on the data signal from the object detection sensor;
initiate the bale ejection sequence to eject the bale from the bale formation system when an object is not present in the unloading zone; and
prevent initiation of the bale ejection sequence to prevent ejection of the bale from the bale formation system when an object is present in the unloading zone.