Single sensor automatic control of a large bale loader

摘要

An improved control system for managing rotation of a bale loading arm in a bale loader in which a single position sensor combined with a purposefully designed sensor target enable loading arm position to be efficiently determined by a controller in order to direct the actuator movements based upon loading arm position necessary for automated operation of a bale loading cycle.

主权项

1. A system for managing movement of a bale loading apparatus on an agricultural bale wagon, the bale loading apparatus having a bale lifting arm connected at one end to a rotatable shaft and to a bale grasping mechanism connected at an opposing end, the bale lifting arm rotatable relative to the bale wagon in a generally vertical plane between generally opposing first and second angular positions, an actuator coupled to the bale lifting arm to cause angular movement thereof between the first and second angular positions, the system comprising:
a single sensor affixed to the bale wagon to monitor position of a sensor target and initiate a position signal representative thereof, the position signal varying in relation to the lifting arm position between the first and second angular positions, wherein the sensor target is configured to produce a unique proximity to the sensor for any lifting arm position between the first and second angular positions; and a controller programmed and configured to receive the position signal and generate an actuator output signal causing movement of the lifting arm between the first and second angular positions.