Ejection mechanism for a round baler

Abstract

An ejection mechanism is described which automatically assists in the discharge of completed bales from the bale-forming chamber. As implemented the ejection mechanism forms a part of a baler which produces generally cylindrical bales in a chamber of fixed size having closed sidewalls adjacent the ends of the bale. The baling chamber is divided into two parts with one portion being hinge mounted along its front edge to allow its second or rear edge to swing open upwardly to provide a gate through which completed bales can be discharged. The second portion of the baling chamber contains a bottom conveyor for imparting rotational motion to the bale during the crop gathering and bale forming process. When the bale in the chamber is completed and ready for discharge, the gate swings open and the bottom conveyor continues moving in a front to rear direction. Simultaneously with the opening of the gate, bale contacting means are applied at the top edges of the bale to introduce a coupling force which tends to stop the bale from turning in place, thereby enabling the bottom conveyor to transfer the bale out the gate of the machine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.