Multi-section agricultural implement including latch assembly therefor

摘要

A mechanism for folding the wings of a multi-section implement from a transversely extending working position to a latched, vertical transport position relative to the main section and return. The mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder that extends between the main section and each wing and a support and latch assembly. This assembly includes a fixed support on the main section and a telescoping tube for each wing which has its outer end pivotally connected to the wing and its inner end pivotally attached to the support. A latch structure is attached to the inner end of each tube and includes a crank arm pivotally mounted on the latch structure and pivotally connected to the rod of a single cylinder. A lever extends from this connection to a slidable mount on a slotted hole in the fixed support. The latch structure has a spring loaded tongue that engages a ramp having an aperture therefor on the outer end of each tube to latch the inner and outer ends of each of the tubes together. The latch and wing cylinder are connected in parallel and the wing cylinders then move the wings to the working position after unlatching. To move the wings to the transport position requires contrary movement of the single cylinder to first release the tongues which are then biased into position to engage the ramps and apertures to latch, as the wing cylinders raise the wings. The latches also support the wings, via the tubes, in the transport position.