Latching mechanism for a round baler
US4389929A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/1049
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A latching mechanism is described which senses when a bale is ready for discharge from the bale forming chamber. As implemented, the enclosure for the baling chamber was hinged along the front edge to allow the upper portion to open like a rearward facing clam shell for discharge of a completed bale through a tailgate. The latching mechanism holds the opposing tailgate faces of the enclosure together while the bale forming process is being completed. The latching mechanism senses bale density while allowing only a slight opening of the tailgate in response to application of large compressive forces within the baling chamber. The profile of the slot in each latch is uniquely cut so that the forces tending to force open the tailgate can be matched to a spring. The spring is adjustable so as to allow the latch assembly to begin rotation toward the released condition as the bale density reaches a pre-established level. A change in the profile of the latch slot allows it to be displaced enough to sense bale density without allowing it to completely unlatch before the operator desires.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.