Baler gate linkage and latch structure

A baler having a bale forming chamber with first and second upright frame sections, the second frame section movable relative to the first frame section for releasing a formed bale from the chamber, linkage structure connecting the first and second frame sections including a control linkage having an upper link connecting an upper portion of the first frame section with an upper portion of the second frame section, a second link pivotally connected between first and second frame sections at a location below the upper link, and cylinder structure connected between the frame sections and rocking the second frame section relative to the first frame section between a closed position for forming a bale and an open position for releasing the bale, wherein in the closed position, the upper portions of the frame sections generally abut, and wherein the upper link moves the second frame section over the upper portion of the first frame section as the cylinder rocks the second frame member towards the open position;

• and wherein, in the closed position, the upper link is generally horizontal and the second link is upright.

A baler having a bale forming chamber with first and second upright frame sections, the second frame section movable relative to the first frame section for releasing a formed bale from the chamber, linkage structure connecting the first and second frame sections including a control linkage having an upper link connecting an upper portion of the first frame section with an upper portion of the second frame section, a second link pivotally connected between first and second frame sections at a location below the upper link, and cylinder structure connected between the frame sections and rocking the second frame section relative to the first frame section between a closed position for forming a bale and an open position for releasing the bale, wherein in the closed position, the upper portions of the frame sections generally abut, wherein the upper link moves the second frame section over the upper portion of the first frame section as the cylinder rocks the second frame member towards the open position;

• and including a harvester frame, and wherein the first frame section is pivotally connected to the harvester frame for rocking between an upright operating position and a lowered transport position.

A baler having a bale forming chamber with first and second upright frame sections, the second frame section movable relative to the first frame section for releasing a formed bale from the chamber, linkage structure connecting the first and second frame sections including a control linkage having an upper link connecting an upper portion of the first frame section with an upper portion of the second frame section, a second link pivotally connected between first and second frame sections at a location below the upper link, and cylinder structure connected between the frame sections and rocking the second frame section relative to the first frame section between a closed position for forming a bale and an open position for releasing the bale, wherein in the closed position, the upper portions of the frame sections generally abut, wherein the upper link moves the second frame section over the upper portion of the first frame section as the cylinder rocks the second frame member towards the open position;

• and wherein the cylinder structure is connected to a central portion of the second link.

A baler having a bale forming chamber with first and second upright frame sections, the second frame section movable relative to the first frame section for releasing a formed bale from the chamber, linkage structure connecting the first and second frame sections including an upper portion of the first frame section with an upper portion of the second frame section, and cylinder structure connected between the frame sections for rocking the second frame section relative to the first frame section between a closed position for forming a bale and an open position for releasing the bale, wherein in the closed position the frame sections generally abut, a latch member connected to the second frame section and securing the second frame section to the first frame section in the closed position, wherein the operation of the cylinder structure with the frame sections in the closed position initially moves the first frame section to release the latch member without need for a separate unlatching mechanism;

• and wherein the latch member comprises a hook, the hook movable with operation of the cylinder structure into and out of engagement with the first frame section.

A baler having a bale forming chamber with first and second upright frame sections, the second frame section movable relative to the first frame section for releasing a formed bale from the chamber, linkage structure connecting the first and second frame sections including an upper portion of the first frame section with an upper portion of the second frame section, and cylinder structure connected between the frame sections for rocking the second frame section relative to the first frame section between a closed position for forming a bale and an open position for releasing the bale, wherein in the closed position the frame sections generally abut, a latch member connected to the second frame section and securing the second frame section to the first frame section in the closed position, wherein the operation of the cylinder structure with the frame sections in the closed position initially moves the first frame section to release the latch member without need for a separate unlatching mechanism;

• and wherein the linkage structure includes a vertically movable pivot responsive to operation of the cylinder structure for facilitating movement of the second frame section vertically relative to the first frame section to release the latch member and facilitate rocking motion of the second frame section relative to the first frame section.

A baler for a framed cotton harvester for making cotton modules on board the harvester, the baler including a bale forming chamber with first and second frame sections, the second frame section movable relative to the first frame section for releasing a formed bale from the chamber, linkage structure connecting the first and second frame sections including upper and lower links connecting an upper portion of the first frame section with an upper portion of the second frame section, and cylinder structure connected to the frame sections for rocking the second frame section relative to the first frame section between a closed position for forming a bale and an open position for releasing the bale and for moving the sections to a lowered transport position, wherein the upper and lower links move the second frame section over the upper portion of the first frame section as the cylinder structure rocks the second frame member towards the open position.