Baling assembly with a support structure

A baling assembly includes a housing defining an interior and having an access opening selectively covered by a closure, a baling chamber within the housing and having a first wall movable along a first axis for compression of material within the baling chamber, and a ram adjacent the baling chamber. The ram includes a driving mechanism operably coupled to a support structure.

BACKGROUND

Balers have been traditionally used to efficiently pack, handle, and transport materials such as straw and hay. An increase in demand to efficiently pack, handle, and transport materials other than straw and hay brought balers into the industrial arena. Balers in the industrial arena commonly incorporate a compactor. Balers can be utilized to compress and bind cardboard, plastic, aluminum, recyclables, waste material, or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a baling assembly. The baling assembly includes a housing defining an interior and having an access opening selectively covered by a closure, a baling chamber within the housing and having a first wall movable along a first axis for compression of material within the baling chamber; and a ram in a ram chamber adjacent the baling chamber. The ram includes a first wall movable along a first axis for compression of material within the baling chamber and a driving mechanism operably coupled to the first wall to urge movement along the first axis, the driving mechanism being movable along the first axis and along a second axis unaligned with the first axis. The baling assembly further includes an adjustable support structure located adjacent the closure and operably coupled to the ram for adjusting a position of the ram along the second axis.

In another aspect, the disclosure relates to a support structure for a baling assembly having a ram with a driving mechanism. The support structure includes a first panel configured to secure to a housing of the baling assembly, a second panel configured to operably couple to the driving mechanism, a wedge located between the first panel and the second panel, and at least one fastener threadably received by the wedge and defining a variable spacing distance between the first and second panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to balers or baling assemblies for compressing, containing, or securing a variety of materials. Balers typically include a hopper for loading the material to be compressed, wherein a compacting mechanism or ram can compress the material within a baling chamber. Rams typically include a movable wall coupled to a driving mechanism, such as a piston or the like, such that the driving mechanism causes the movable wall to contact and compress the material within the baling chamber.

During operation, the movable wall can slide along or over at least one surface of the baling chamber, such as a sidewall, top surface, or bottom surface. For example, the movable wall can include a ram knife or other portion configured to slide along an interior surface of the housing. If the movable wall or ram knife is spaced from the interior surface, material within the baling chamber may slip into the spacing gap during compression. Proper alignment of the ram, including alignment of the movable wall, ram knife, or the driving mechanism, is desirable for providing optimum compression of material within the baling chamber while also preventing wear of components within the baler.

FIG.1illustrates one exemplary baling assembly10including a housing12defining an interior13and having at least one closure14. The housing12can include a set of baling guides15, a ram16within a ram chamber17, and a baling chamber20. The baling chamber20includes a movable front wall22, a top wall24, a bottom wall26, and opposing side walls28,30. A back plane32of the baling chamber20is also illustrated.

One or more closures14, such as an access panel, door, hatch, or the like, can be provided in the housing12of the baling assembly10. The closure14is illustrated on a top surface of the housing12, though this need not be the case. The closure14can be provided on a rear wall, side wall, or bottom wall of the housing in non-limiting examples.

In one example, the closure14can be removably mounted to the housing12and providing user access to the interior of the housing12, such as for visual inspection, hands-on maintenance, insertion of tools, or the like, or combinations thereof. In the example shown, one closure14is illustrated along the housing12proximate the ram16though any number of closures14can be utilized. The closure14can be formed of any suitable material including, but not limited to, steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like, or combinations thereof, and can be opaque, transparent, or translucent. The closure14can be removably mounted to the housing12such as by a latch-and-catch mechanism, bolts or screws, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the closure14can be hingedly connected to the housing12.

The front wall22of the housing12is illustrated in the example ofFIG.1as a gate-like structure, though this need not be the case. When the front wall22is in a “down” or “closed” position as illustrated, the front wall22defines a portion of the baling chamber20. The front wall22can also be lifted into an “up” or “open” position (not shown) and is received within a front wall receiving chamber23.

The ram16can be positioned within the housing12. More specifically, the ram16can be located within the ram chamber17at least partially defined by the housing12and adjacent the baling chamber20. In the example ofFIG.1, the housing12includes a hopper34within the ram chamber17and adjacent the baling chamber20for receiving material to be baled. It is also contemplated that material to be baled can be loaded into the hopper34via a conveyor system, or loaded directly into the baling chamber20without use of the hopper34, or the like, or combinations thereof.

The ram16comprises a movable ram wall36coupled to a ram wall driving mechanism38within the housing12. The ram wall driving mechanism38can be, in one non-limiting example, a hydraulic cylinder that can move the ram wall36along a first axis51. More specifically, the ram wall driving mechanism38can urge movement of the ram wall36from a first position41to a second position42along the first axis51to direct material from the hopper34into the baling chamber20and compress such material within the baling chamber20. In another non-limiting example, when moving the ram wall36from the first position41to the second position42, the ram wall36can move past the second position42toward the front wall22of the baling chamber20before returning to the second position42. The ram wall36can move several times back and forth to various positions along the first axis51, including between the first position41and the front wall22, before finishing a cycle in the second position42. At the second position42, the material to be baled is compressed within the baling chamber20between the ram wall36and the front wall22. The first position41and second position42are shown by way of non-limiting examples inFIG.1, and it will be understood that the first position41and second position42can be located at any suitable location relative to the first axis51. Optionally, one or more sensors can be used to signal when the ram16is located in the first or second position41,42. Such sensors can include at least one of an optical sensor, a photoelectric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a pressure sensor, a global positioning system (GPS), a field sensor, or the like, or combinations thereof.

FIG.2is a schematic cross section of the housing12of the baling assembly10when the ram wall36is in the second position42, where material to be baled is compressed within the baling chamber20. One baling guide15ain the set of baling guides15is illustrated. The baling guide15aincludes an entrance45, a first guide46, a second guide47, and an exit48. It is contemplated that any combination of tubing, conduit, connecting portions, curved or straight portions, angled portions, spacing, grooves, or the like can be utilized in the set of baling guides15.

With reference toFIGS.1-2, during operation of the exemplary baling assembly10, material can be inserted into the hopper34. The ram wall36can move back and forth along the first axis51, for example at least between the first position41and the second position42, thereby compressing material within the baling chamber20. After compression, opposing ends of the bale tie can be coupled to one another to secure the bale of compressed material.

Referring now toFIG.3, another baling assembly110is illustrated in accordance with various aspects described herein. The baling assembly110is similar to the baling assembly10. Therefore, like parts will be described with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the baling assembly10applies to the baling assembly110, except where noted.

The baling assembly110includes a housing112defining an interior113and a baling chamber120located within the housing112. One difference compared to the baling assembly10is that the baling assembly110includes multiple rams. In the example shown, the housing112of the baling assembly110at least partially defines a gathering ram chamber117extending along a first axis151. A gathering ram116is provided within the gathering ram chamber117. An ejection ram chamber119, similar to the gathering ram chamber117, is provided extending along an ejection axis153perpendicular to the first axis151. An ejection ram118is provided within the ejection ram chamber119. The ejection ram118can be similar to the gathering ram116, though this need not be the case. The gathering ram chamber117and the ejection ram chamber119are each coupled to the baling chamber120such that material compressed within the baling chamber120by the gathering ram116can be ejected or otherwise removed from the baling chamber120by the ejection ram118.

The gathering ram116includes a first wall or gathering ram wall136extending generally between a lower surface170and an upper surface171of the housing112. The gathering ram wall136is movable along the first axis151as shown. The gathering ram116also includes a driving mechanism138coupled to the gathering ram wall136. The gathering ram116also includes a ram knife175positioned adjacent an inner surface of the housing, and is illustrated adjacent the upper surface171. The gathering ram chamber117further includes a hopper134positioned adjacent the gathering ram wall136and the baling chamber120. The gathering ram wall136is configured to direct material from the hopper134into the baling chamber120and compress such material against a side wall128of the baling chamber120, thereby forming a bale of compressed material. The ejection ram118includes an ejection ram wall137similar to the gathering ram wall136and movable along the ejection axis153. The ejection ram118further includes a driving mechanism139coupled to the ejection ram wall137. The ejection ram118can be configured to direct the compressed bale of material out of the baling chamber120. In one example of operation, the gathering ram116can compress material within the baling chamber120, the compressed bale can be ejected from the baling chamber120by the ejection ram118, and bale ties or netting can be utilized to secure the bale of compressed material.

The housing112of the baling assembly110can also include at least one access opening. In the example shown, a first access opening154is provided at the rear of the baling chamber120, and a second access opening156is provided at the gathering ram chamber117. In addition, the at least one access opening can be selectively covered by a corresponding at least one closure. In the example shown, a closure114is provided at the rear of the gathering ram chamber117that can selectively cover the second access opening156. The closure114can at least partially enclose the interior of the housing112and be formed of any suitable material. The closure114can provide for physical access or visual inspection for internal components within the baling assembly110. It will be understood that access openings and closures can be provided in any portion of the housing112including the lower surface170, upper surface171, or a sidewall, in non-limiting examples.

In the example shown, the ejection ram chamber119covers over and closes the first access opening154when coupled to the baling chamber120. Additionally or alternatively, an additional closure can be provided and selectively cover the first access opening154, such as an interior wall or panel, slidable gate, or the like.

Turning toFIG.4, the baling assembly110is illustrated with the ejection ram chamber119separated from the baling chamber120, with the first access opening154visible in this view. At least one pad can be provided on or secured to the lower surface170of the housing112. In the example shown, a first pad161is provided on the lower surface170within the baling chamber120.

Turning toFIG.5, it is contemplated that the first pad161can be removable through the first access opening154. For example, a bolt164can extend from the first pad161through an opening166in the lower surface170for securing the first pad161to the lower surface170. Any number of bolts164and openings166can be utilized. Still further, laterally-extending tabs168can be provided on the first pad161. In the illustrated example, the tabs168extend from one side of the first pad161. Slots172(visible inFIGS.4and6) can be provided in the housing112and configured to receive the corresponding tabs168. In the illustrated example, the slots172can form an aperture in the housing112such that the tabs168extend to the exterior of the housing112(seeFIG.4). Additionally or alternatively, the slots172can be formed within the housing interior113such that the tabs168do not extend outside of the housing112. In this manner, the first pad161can be inserted into an operating position within the baling chamber120and secured by the at least one bolt164, opening166, tabs168, or slots172.

FIG.6illustrates a front elevated view of the baling assembly110illustrating the baling chamber120, gathering ram chamber117, and gathering ram wall136. In this view, the first access opening154is indicated on the right-hand side of the housing112as shown.

A second pad162and a third pad163can also be provided on the lower surface170of the housing112. More specifically, the second pad162and third pad163are located beneath the hopper134within the gathering ram chamber117. In this view, the gathering ram wall136is retracted along the first axis151away from the baling chamber120. The first, second, and third pads161,162,163can be formed of any suitable material, including steel, aluminum, nylon, resin, fiberglass, rubber, a composite material, a compressible material, a rigid material, or the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the first, second, and third pads161,162,163can be formed from identical or differing materials.

The second and third pads162,163can also include bolts164extending through openings166in the lower surface. The openings can be round or elongated. The second and third pads162,163can further include laterally-extending tabs168for securing to corresponding slots172in the housing112. Any of the pads161,162,163can be secured by bolts164alone, tabs168alone, or a combination of bolts164and tabs168.

It is contemplated that any or all of the first pad161, second pad162, or third pad163can be removed from the lower surface170and replaced as desired. In a non-limiting example, removal of the second pad162can be accomplished by removing bolts from the second pad162from below the housing112, removing the tabs168of the second pad162from corresponding slots172, and removing the second pad162via the first access opening154. It is further contemplated that the first pad161, second pad162, or third pad163, as well as suitable access openings, can be utilized anywhere within the baling assembly110, including in the gathering ram chamber119or the ejection ram chamber119. In one non-limiting example, a pad can extend through the baling chamber120and gathering ram chamber119, and can be removed from the housing interior13by way of the first access opening154. Any number of pads or access openings can be provided within the baling assembly110.

During operation, the gathering ram wall136moves back and forth along the first axis151to compress material within the baling chamber120. In a non-limiting example, the gathering ram wall136can contact or slide over any of the first pad161, second pad162, or third pad163during a compression operation, cleanly removing material from the bottom of the baling chamber120and forming a compressed bale therein. In another non-limiting example, the gathering ram wall136can be positioned vertically above the first pad161, second pad162, or third pad163by a predetermined distance during a compression operation, such as 3 mm in a non-limiting example. In such a case, the material within the baling chamber120can move or slide over the first pad161, second pad162, or third pad163during a compression or ejection operation. In this manner, any or all of the first pad161, second pad162, or third pad163can be easily removed or replaced based on frictional wear, adjustment, or service operations as needed.

Referring now toFIG.7, a side view of the gathering ram chamber117is shown with a portion of the housing112removed. In this view, the hopper134is located to the left of the gathering ram wall136. The second pad162is illustrated in position along the lower surface170of the housing112in the example shown. For reference, a position140of the ram116is illustrated between the gathering ram wall136and the lower surface170of the housing112. In the example shown, the position140corresponds to a vertical position within the housing112though this need not be the case. It is contemplated that the position140can be defined between the gathering ram wall136and any surface within the gathering ram chamber117. In addition, the gathering ram wall136and ram knife175(FIG.3) can move as a collective unit within the housing112. The position140between the gathering ram wall136and lower surface170also forms a corresponding spacing distance between the ram knife175(FIG.3) and the upper surface171of the housing112. For example, as the gathering ram wall136moves farther from the lower surface170, the ram knife175moves closer to the upper surface171.

The driving mechanism138is operably coupled to the gathering ram wall136for movement along the first axis151. In the example shown, the driving mechanism138includes dual hydraulic cylinders174. Each hydraulic cylinder174can include a barrel176surrounding a central piston178that can extend in and out of the barrel176. The central piston178is extendable along the first axis151and coupled to the gathering ram wall136. In this manner, movement of the central piston178can cause movement of the gathering ram wall136along the first axis151.

A support structure180can also be located within the gathering ram chamber117beneath the driving mechanism138. The support structure180is operably coupled to the driving mechanism138. In the example shown, the support structure180is positioned beneath the barrel176of the lowermost hydraulic cylinder174. It is contemplated that the support structure180can be operably coupled to a frame member or other portion of the gathering ram116within the gathering ram chamber117. The support structure180can be coupled directly to the lower surface170of the housing112within the gathering ram chamber117.

The support structure180in the illustrated example includes a first panel181and a second panel182spaced from the first panel181. A moveable wedge184is positioned between the first panel181and second panel182, and is schematically illustrated in dashed outline. In this manner the support structure180can form an adjustable support structure. In the example shown, the support structure180further includes a wear pad160provided between the first panel181and the lower surface170of the housing. The wear pad160can operably couple the first panel181to the lower surface170. In one example, the wear pad160can rest unsecured on the lower surface170, thereby carrying the support structure180while allowing for small movements along the lower surface170during operation of the baling assembly110. In another non-limiting example, the wear pad160can be secured to the lower surface170, such as via mechanical fasteners or chemical fasteners. In still another non-limiting example, additional panels or wear pads can be arranged over the lower surface170, and the first panel181or wear pad160can be positioned over such additional panels.

A spacing distance183is defined between the lower surface170and second panel182. The spacing distance183can be formed along a second axis152. In the example shown, the second axis152is in a vertical direction and perpendicular to the first axis151though this need not be the case. For instance, the second axis152can form an acute angle between 0 degrees and 90 degrees with the first axis151. In this manner, the second axis152can be unaligned with the first axis151.

FIG.8illustrates the gathering ram chamber117ofFIG.7with some exemplary wear of the wear pad160. For example, after a number of cycles of operation of the gathering ram116, the wear pad160can lose thickness and reduce the position140, thereby closing a gap beneath the gathering ram wall136, which can cause an undesired alignment of the gathering ram wall136or ram knife175(FIG.3) within the gathering ram chamber117. Such non-alignment can cause material within the hopper134to be skipped by the gathering ram wall136or ram knife175, or to be caught beneath the gathering ram wall136, in non-limiting examples.

FIG.9illustrates the gathering ram chamber117ofFIGS.7and8but where the wedge184of the support structure180is adjusted to a different position such that the spacing distance183is reduced. Such reduction of the spacing distance183can cause a change in the position140of the gathering ram116within the gathering ram chamber117. In the example shown, reducing the spacing distance183of the support structure180causes a reduction in the position140of the gathering ram116, thereby bringing the gathering ram wall136closer to the second pad162.

While the example ofFIGS.7-9illustrates a reduction in spacing distance183, it will be understood that the spacing distance183can also be increased by motion of the wedge184within the support structure180. Such an increase of the spacing distance183can also cause, in one non-limiting example, an increase in the position140of the gathering ram116with respect to the lower surface170.

Turning toFIG.10, the support structure180is illustrated in further detail. The wedge184is located between the first and second panels181,182as shown. A wedge cap185can be coupled to one end of the wedge184, and a first fastener186can extend through the wedge cap185and into the wedge184as shown. The first fastener186can include a bolt, screw, rod, pin, turnbuckle, or the like, and can be threaded or non-threaded.

A second fastener187can extend into the wedge184perpendicularly to the first fastener186as shown. The second fastener187can also include a bolt, screw, lock screw, rod, pin, turnbuckle, or the like. The first and second fasteners186,187can be identical or different.

Two sidewalls188can be positioned between the first panel181and second panel182, thereby enclosing the wedge184(visible inFIG.11). The sidewalls188can be secured to the second panel182, such as by welding or mechanical fasteners. The wedge cap185can include additional fasteners189securing the wedge cap185to the wedge184. The first fastener186can extend fully through the wedge cap185and into the wedge184. In addition, at least one fluid port190can be provided in the first panel181as shown. The at least one fluid port190can be utilized for the introduction of lubricant into the support structure180, such as a grease zerk or fitting in a non-limiting example. Such lubricant can provide for smoothed movement of the wedge184between the first panel181and second panel182.

FIG.11illustrates a side view of the support structure180coupled to the second pad162and with the sidewalls188removed for clarity. The first panel181is positioned between the second pad162and the wedge184of the support structure180. Additional fasteners189extend through the first panel181and into the second pad162, thereby securing the support structure180to the second pad162.

The wedge184defines the spacing distance183of the support structure180. In one example, adjustment of the first fastener186, e.g. rotation, tightening, or the like, can cause the wedge184to move away from the wedge cap185between the first and second panels181,182, thereby causing the second panel182to move upward and causing the spacing distance183to increase. In another example, adjustment of the first fastener186can cause the wedge184to move toward the wedge cap185between the first and second panels181,182, thereby causing the spacing distance183to decrease. In this manner, adjustment of the first fastener186can modify or adjust the spacing distance183along the second axis152, thereby forming a variable spacing distance183.

With general reference toFIGS.7-11, during operation of the driving mechanism138, the piston178of each hydraulic cylinder174moves in and out of the barrel176and causes the gathering ram wall136to move back and forth along the first axis151. The support structure180can be operably coupled to the driving mechanism138and form the position140of the driving mechanism138within the gathering ram chamber117. In one example where adjustment is desired for the driving mechanism138, e.g. a position adjustment of one hydraulic cylinder174along the second axis152, the first fastener186can be adjusted such that the wedge184is moved to a new position between the first panel181and the second panel182. The change in wedge184position causes a corresponding change in the spacing distance183along the second axis152. The first panel181remains on the wear pad160while the second panel182and sidewalls188can move as a collective unit and are operably coupled to the gathering ram116, e.g. by direct contact with the driving mechanism138, such that the change in spacing distance183causes a corresponding modification of the position140of the driving mechanism138along the second axis152.

It is contemplated that the support structure180can be utilized to modify a position of the gathering ram116in any desired direction. In one non-limiting example, the support structure180can be operably coupled to the gathering ram116to modify its position vertically, horizontally, or a combination thereof, while the driving mechanism138remains aligned with the first axis151. The support structure180can also be operably coupled to the gathering ram116to modify an angular orientation of the gathering ram116within the gathering ram chamber117. For example, while the driving mechanism138ofFIGS.7-9is illustrated as being oriented along the first axis151, the support structure180can also be utilized to tilt the driving mechanism along another axis unaligned with the first axis151. In this manner, the support structure180can be utilized to align any portion of the gathering ram116along any direction within the gathering ram chamber117, including in a translational or rotational direction.

Referring now toFIG.12, the baling assembly110is illustrated with another support structure280within the gathering ram chamber117. The support structure280is similar to the support structure180; therefore, like parts will be identified with like numerals increased by 100, with it being understood that the description of the like parts of the support structure180applies to the support structure280, except where noted.

In the example shown, two support structures280are provided beneath each hydraulic cylinder174of the driving mechanism138. Any number of support structures280can be provided. One difference compared to the support structure180is that one or both support structures280can be coupled to a frame member250within the gathering ram chamber117. The frame member250is operably coupled to the driving mechanism138and can provide for positioning or alignment of the driving mechanism138. It is contemplated that the frame member250, driving mechanism138, and gathering ram wall136can collectively move together as a single unit within the gathering ram chamber117, though this need not be the case. In the example shown, the frame member250, driving mechanism138, and gathering ram wall136can collectively move along the second axis152. A spacing distance179between the ram knife175and the upper surface171is illustrated. The corresponding position140of the gathering ram116is also illustrated. It is further contemplated that the frame member250, driving mechanism138, or gathering ram wall136can be individually movable, including due to adjustment of the support structure280. Such movement can be along any direction, including translational or rotational movement within the baling assembly110.

Each support structure280includes a wedge284and a first fastener286extending into the wedge284as shown. Another difference compared to the support structure180is that the support structure280includes a lock plate292and a paired fastener296receiving the first fastener286. It is contemplated that the lock plate292and paired fastener296can be configured to fix a position, including a threaded position, of the first fastener286within the wedge284.

Turning toFIG.13, a side view of the gathering ram chamber117illustrates the support structure280, spacing distance283, position140, and corresponding spacing distance179between the ram knife175and the upper surface171. The support structure280includes a first panel281, a second panel282, and a wedge284between the first and second panels281,282. The first panel281can be in the form of a mount configured to secure to the lower surface170of the housing112. It is further contemplated that the support structure280can include a wear pad260positioned between the first panel281and the lower surface170of the housing112. The wear pad260can rest unsecured on the lower surface170in a non-limiting example.

FIG.14illustrates the support structure280in further detail. Two sidewalls288can be positioned between the first panel281and second panel282, thereby at least partially enclosing the wedge284. Another difference is that the second panel282can be removably coupled to the sidewalls288. In the example shown, additional fasteners289are provided securing the second panel282to the sidewalls288. The additional fasteners289can be bolts, screws, threaded or non-threaded rods, or the like, or combinations thereof. In this manner, the second panel282can be removed from the support structure280to provide access to the wedge284, first panel281, or other portions of the support structure280as desired. In addition, at least one fluid port290can be provided in the second panel282as shown, and can be utilized for the introduction of lubricant into the support structure280.

Another difference compared to the support structure180is that the first fastener286couples directly to the wedge284. A second fastener287can extend into the wedge284perpendicularly to the first fastener286as shown. The second fastener287can also include a bolt, screw, lock screw, rod, pin, turnbuckle, or the like. Still another difference is that the second fastener287extends into the wedge284through the second panel282as shown. It is contemplated that the second fastener287can move with the wedge284. For example, the second fastener287can be loosened to provide for repositioning of the wedge284, and then tightened when the wedge284is in a desired position. The first and second fasteners286,287can be identical or different. The first fastener286can extend into the wedge284as shown for movement of the wedge284between the first panel281and second panel282.

Still another difference is that the support structure280includes an elongated side frame294extending from one of the sidewalls288. The side frame294can be coupled to the lock plate292, for example by a groove or recess receiving an end of the lock plate292. More specifically, a paired fastener296can be provided with the lock plate292for adjustment of the wedge284forward or backward within the support structure280. The paired fastener296in the illustrated example includes a first nut297and a second nut298threaded onto the first fastener286, with the lock plate292positioned between the nuts297,298. In one non-limiting example, turning the first nut297in a counter-clockwise direction can move the wedge284forward, thereby increasing the spacing distance283, while turning the second nut298in a clockwise direction moves the wedge284backward, thereby decreasing the spacing distance283. In this manner, turning of the first nut297or second nut298can cause a corresponding axial motion of the first fastener286, thereby moving the wedge284between the first panel281and second panel282. It is further contemplated that the side frame294can fix a position of the lock plate292to maintain a gap between the lock plate292and the wedge284.

With general reference toFIGS.12-14, during operation of the driving mechanism138, the piston178of each hydraulic cylinder174moves in and out of the barrel176and causes the gathering ram wall136to move back and forth along the first axis151. The support structure280can be operably coupled to the driving mechanism138, such as via the frame member250, and form a position of the driving mechanism138along the second axis152. In one example where adjustment is desired for the driving mechanism138, e.g. a position adjustment of one hydraulic cylinder174along the second axis152, the first fastener286can be adjusted at the lock plate292such that the wedge284is moved to a new position between the first panel281and the second panel282. The change in wedge284position causes the second panel282, sidewalls288, frame member250, first fastener286, lock bar292, and side frame294to move as a collective unit to a new position, while the first panel281and wear pad260remain on the lower surface170. Such motion causes a corresponding change in the spacing distance283along the second axis152. The change in spacing distance283thereby forms or defines the position140of the driving mechanism138along the second axis152as well as the spacing distance179between the ram knife175and upper surface171.

Aspects of the disclosure provide for a variety of benefits. The wear pads and access openings described herein provide for improved replacement or maintenance operations with minimal disassembly when accessing portions of the interior of the baling assembly. The modular construction of the wear pads can reduce waste in the event of uneven wear or uneven material contact during operation of the baling assembly. Furthermore, the support structures disclosed herein provide for a variable spacing distance for targeted adjustment, realignment, or maintenance of the driving mechanism within the baling assembly without need of disassembly or uninstalling the ram for adjustment. The ability to adjust a position of the ram driving mechanism through the access opening also increases process efficiencies by reducing time or labor needed for maintenance operations.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the present disclosure can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all the embodiments and is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.