Folding mechanism with locking function

摘要

A folding mechanism for a hopper flare, the mechanism comprising a linkage mechanism having a first track provided on a first support, a second track provided on a second support, and a link coupled to both the first and second tracks. The link is capable of riding simultaneously along each of the first and second tracks as the second support pivots about its pivot axis. The first track includes a locking track segment having a bearing surface oriented to resist, by engagement with the link, movement of the second support about the pivot axis in at least one direction.

主权项

1. A folding mechanism comprising:
a first support; a second support pivotably coupled to the first support; an actuator operable to pivot said second support relative to said first support about a pivot axis; and a linkage mechanism coupling said actuator to said first and second supports, wherein said linkage mechanism comprises: a first track provided on said first support; a second track provided on said second support; and a link member coupled to both said first and second tracks such that it is capable of riding simultaneously along each of said first and second tracks as said second support pivots about said pivot axis; and wherein said first track includes at least one locking track segment having at least one bearing surface oriented to resist, by engagement with said link member, movement of said second support about said pivot axis in at least one direction.