| 摘要 |
A folding sectional tool bar for agricultural implements and including a series of articulated hollow sections connected together in end-to-end fashion so as to provide an inner main-section, a pair of outer sections, and a pair of intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each outer section and its adjacent intermediate section permits them to be latched in an aligned working arrangement and allows generally horizontal folding of the outer sections forwardly relative to the adjacent intermediate sections. An offset hinge joint between each intermediate section and its adjacent main section permits the intermediate sections to float down about 5 DEG relative to the main section and allows vertical folding of the intermediate sections relative to such main section. Hydraulic two-stage cylinders are provided whereby an initial partial fold of 5 DEG intermediate sections can elevate them relative to the inner main section to an angle of about 5 DEG in order to withdraw such earth-working tools as may be carried by the outer sections from ground contact. The entire tool bar can then be raised by the tractor hitch and if it is desired to fold the tool bar, it is followed by full effective forward folding of the outer sections. Thereafter, full effective upward folding of the intermediate sections with the outer sections remaining folded thereon is resorted to, thus bringing the articulated tool bar as a whole to its fully folded position to attain a materially reduced width for purposes of transportation as well as a reduced height incident to the forward folding of the outer sections. Special actuating linkage mechanism for each offset hinge joint allows folding operations which are appreciably in excess of 90 DEG to take place so that the finally folded tool bar is of extremely compact design with a minimum of lateral or vertical upward overhang of the tool bar components relative to the agricultural implement chassis. |
