tailgate chain link mechanism

Abstract

A chain connector (1) for use with a tailgate chain link mechanism of a machine (2). The chain connector (1) includes a first flange (21), a second flange (22), and a web (23). The chain connector (1) is provided with a first pair of holes (26) for coupling the chain connector to the machine, and a plurality of second pairs of holes (27) for coupling the chain connector to a chain (11). As the plurality of second pairs of holes (27) are provided at a plurality of distances from the first pair of holes (26), the effective length of the tailgate chain link mechanism can be adjusted by coupling the chain (11) with a selected second pair of holes (27).

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This invention relates to a rear bumper chain linkage mechanism. In particular, this invention relates to a chain connector, a rear bumper chain linkage mechanism including the chain connector, and a machine including the rear bumper chain linkage mechanism.

[0002] Certain machines, such as those used in the construction and mining industries, may include trailers equipped with containers for receiving goods. The containers may include a rear opening for emptying the container when it is tilted. The machine may be equipped with a tailgate for closing the rear opening. A tailgate chain linkage mechanism may be provided for controlling the movement of the tailgate relative to the container.

[0003] CN208498347U describes an articulated dump truck with a cargo box and a tailgate. The tailgate includes side arms, a chain, and a mounting plate attached to one side of the frame of the articulated dump truck. The mounting plate is provided with shackles for connecting the chain to the mounting plate. In use, when the cargo box is tilted, the chain and side arms cooperate with the tailgate to open the tailgate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a chain connector for use with a machine's rear gate chain linkage mechanism for operating the machine's rear gate. In some embodiments, the chain connector includes a pair of flanges, a first flange and a second flange, wherein a web is disposed between the first flange and the second flange.

[0005] The first flange and the second flange include pairs of holes formed in the ends of the first flange and the second flange, respectively, wherein each pair of holes includes a first hole in the first flange and a second hole in the second flange, and the first hole and the second hole of each pair of holes are aligned with each other.

[0006] The paired holes are used to attach the chain connector to the attachment plate of the machine, wherein the paired holes are located on the end of the chain connector so that the effective length of the backstop chain linkage mechanism can be adjusted by connecting the chain of the chain connector to the selected paired holes.

[0007] The present invention also provides a rear gate chain linkage mechanism for a machine including a chain connector.

[0008] The present invention also provides a machine including a rear baffle chain linkage mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0009] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0010] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a machine including a chain connector in a first configuration according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the machine in the second configuration;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a front view of a chain connector according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the chain connector;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the chain connector;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Another perspective view of the chain connector;

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a chain connector attached to a machine according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a chain connector attached to a machine and a chain according to some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter pertains. It should be understood that the foregoing summary of the invention and the following examples are merely exemplary and illustrative, and not intended to limit any of the claimed subject matter.

[0019] The following description pertains to embodiments of the invention. The description of the embodiments does not imply inclusion of all possible embodiments of the invention claimed in the appended claims. Many modifications, alterations, and equivalents not expressly described in the following embodiments may fall within the scope of the appended claims. Features described as part of an embodiment may be combined with features of one or more other embodiments unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

[0020] In this specification, the use of the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this invention, unless otherwise stated, the use of "or" means "and / or".

[0021] In this specification, ranges and quantities may be expressed as “about” a specific value or range. “About” also includes the exact quantity. For example, “about 5 mm” means “about 5 mm” as well as “5 mm”. Generally, the term “about” includes quantities expected within experimental error. The term “about” includes values ​​that are 5% smaller than or 5% larger than the provided value. For example, “about 30 mm” means “between 28.5 mm and 31.5 mm”.

[0022] The chain used in the backgate chain linkage mechanism can have a high degree of length variability. Furthermore, the superposition of tolerances in the components of the backgate chain linkage mechanism and the machine chassis can cause undesirable variations in the backgate opening speed.

[0023] The rear gate chain linkage mechanism according to the present invention can: accommodate chains of different lengths; provide a means to change the length of the movable chain to adjust the rear gate opening parameters; and provide flexibility to adapt the rear gate chain linkage mechanism to changes in machine parameters, etc.

[0024] The backstop chain linkage mechanism according to the invention is robust and can function properly under adverse conditions, including shocks during loading, unloading, etc. The backstop linkage mechanism provided herein can be securely and discreetly mounted on a machine. The backstop linkage mechanism according to the invention can be lightweight, reducing fuel economy impact, and eliminates the need for moving parts to adjust for changes in chain length. The backstop chain linkage mechanism features an ergonomic and simple / intuitive design, providing an improved operator experience and operation of linkage systems in the art.

[0025] In some embodiments, the backbaffle chain linkage mechanism has a two-part design, comprising two flanges, each including a hole. When paired, the holes form a fixing chain linkage hole, and the spacing between the paired holes forms a chain guide. This design provides low manufacturing costs and produces a robust component that prevents / limits adverse interactions between the chain and the backbaffle chain linkage mechanism and / or the machine. Furthermore, the chain linkage hole provided by the paired holes offers two separate contact points for interaction with a bolt through which the bolt can pass to engage the chain with the backbaffle chain linkage mechanism. These separate contact points can provide greater stability for the bolt and / or reduce damage to the pair of backbaffle chain linkage mechanisms caused by repetitive operation of the backbaffle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the two flanges may have a mushroom shape, which provides a robust and easy-to-manufacture component while allowing the operator to adjust it to handle chains of various lengths.

[0027] Figure 1 and 2A schematic diagram of machine 2 is shown. For example, machine 2 can be an off-road machine. Machine 2 can be used in construction, mining, etc. Machine 2 can be an articulated machine. Machine 2 can include a tractor 3 and a trailer 4. Wheels 7 can be mounted on the tractor 3 and / or trailer 4. Additionally or alternatively, tracks for movement can be provided. Trailer 4 can be articulated relative to tractor 3. Machine 2 can be a dump truck. Machine 2 can be an articulated dump truck.

[0028] Machine 2 may include chassis 5. Tractor 3 and trailer 4 may include separate chassis. Alternatively, tractor 3 and trailer 4 may be provided with a common chassis.

[0029] Trailer 4 may include a container 6 for receiving and accommodating goods. Container 6 may define an interior for accommodating goods. Container 6 may include a bottom, a front wall, two side walls, and a rear wall. Container 6 may include an opening at the top to allow goods to be tipped into container 6. Compared to the side walls, the rear wall may be omitted or may have a reduced height. A rear opening may be provided in the rear wall or replace the rear wall.

[0030] Container 6 can be used as Figure 1 The first configuration shown and as Figure 2 The second configuration shown can be moved between them.

[0031] The first configuration can be a lowered configuration. In the lowered configuration, the bottom of container 6 can be horizontal or nearly horizontal and / or near chassis 5. The lowered configuration can be used when machine 2 travels over terrain.

[0032] The second configuration can be a raised configuration. In the raised configuration, the bottom of container 6 can be tilted away from chassis 5 to allow the cargo in container 6 to pass through the rear opening and exit the interior of the container under gravity. The raised configuration can be used during the emptying of container 6.

[0033] The container 6 can be moved between the first and second configurations by a hydraulic mechanism, such as a hydraulic piston or plunger operably connected between the chassis 5 and the container 6.

[0034] The machine 2 may also include a rear baffle 8 for closing at least a portion of the rear opening of the container 6. The shape and size of the rear baffle 8 may substantially close the entire rear opening. The rear baffle 8 may extend laterally between the side walls of the container 6. The rear baffle 8 may be movable relative to the container 6 to close and open the rear opening of the container 6.

[0035] The rear baffle 8 can be mounted on one or more rear baffle arms 9, or integrally formed with one or more rear baffle arms 9. Two rear baffle arms 9 can be provided, one on each side of the rear baffle 8. The rear baffle 8 can be mounted or formed at or near the first end 13 of the rear baffle arm 9.

[0036] Each tailgate arm 9 may include an elongated body that can be rotatably mounted to the container 6 at a pivot 10. The pivot 10 may be located approximately at the midpoint of the length of the elongated body along the tailgate arm 9.

[0037] Each rear baffle arm 9 can be connected to the machine 2 via a chain 11. The chain 11 can be a chain formed of links. The chain 11 can be connected to the rear baffle arm 9 at a connection position 12. The connection position 12 can be on the side of the pivot 10 opposite to the rear baffle 8. The connection position 12 can be located at or near the second end 14 of the rear baffle arm 9.

[0038] Chain 11 can be connected to support column 15 of machine 2. Support column 15 can be mounted to machine 2, for example, to chassis 5 of machine 2.

[0039] Chain 11 can be connected to machine 2 via chain connector 1. For example, chain 11 can be connected to chain connector 1, which in turn is connected to machine 2. In one example, chain connector 1 can be connected to support 15. Chain connector 1 can alternatively be connected between chain 11 and rear bumper arm 9. Chain connector 1 can be located at each end of chain 11.

[0040] Chain connector 1 and chain 11 may together comprise a backgauge chain linkage mechanism. The backgauge chain linkage mechanism may include two chains 11 and two chain connectors 1, wherein the chains 11 and chain connectors 1 are used on each side of the machine 2, and two backgauge arms 9 are provided on each side of the machine 2.

[0041] Figures 3 to 6 An example of a chain connector 1 according to the present invention is shown. For example... Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the chain connector 1 includes a first flange 21, a second flange 22, and a web 23 extending between the first flange 21 and the second flange 22. The first flange 21, the second flange 22, and the web 23 can be integral. The first flange 21, the second flange 22, and the web 23 can be formed as an integral casting, an integral molded part, an integral machined part, or an integral 3D printed part. The chain connector 1 can be formed of metal or metal alloy, such as iron or steel.

[0042] The first flange 21 and the second flange 22 can be mirror images of each other.

[0043] The first flange 21 and the second flange 22 each have a first end 24 and a second end 25. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the web 23 can extend between the second end 25 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the second ends 25 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 can be spaced 10 to 20 mm apart, optionally about 15 mm apart. The first ends 24 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 can be spaced 25 to 40 mm apart, optionally about 32 mm apart.

[0045] Each first end 24 may be relatively narrower than each second end 25. Each first end 24 may include a rod portion, and each second end 25 may include a head.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, each head may include a left edge 28, a right edge 29, and a distal edge 30. Each rod may include a left edge 31, a right edge 32, and a proximal edge 33.

[0047] The distal edge 30 of each head may be convex and may extend from the left edge 28 to the right edge 29. The left edge 28 and right edge 29 of each head may be concave and may be smoothly integrated into the left edge 31 and right edge 32 of the corresponding rod.

[0048] In one example, each head could be mushroom-shaped.

[0049] like Figure 1 and 6 As shown, the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 include pairs of holes 26, 27. Each pair of holes 26, 27 includes a first hole in the first flange 21 and a second hole in the second flange 22. The first and second holes of each pair of holes 26, 27 are aligned with each other. This alignment allows a fastener to be inserted through each pair of holes 26, 27. The fastener can be, for example, a nut or a bolt.

[0050] The paired holes 26, 27 include a first pair of holes 26 disposed in the first end 24 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22. The first pair of holes 26 can be used to attach the chain connector 1 to an attachment plate of the machine 2. Fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, can be used to attach the chain connector 1 to the attachment plate.

[0051] The paired holes 26, 27 also include a plurality of second paired holes 27 disposed in the second ends 25 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22. These second paired holes 27 can be used to connect the chain connector 1 to the chain 11, which may be part of a rear baffle chain linkage mechanism. Fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, can be used to connect the chain connector 1 to the chain 11. The second paired holes 27 may be provided with identification marks to allow a user to distinguish each pair of the plurality of second paired holes 27. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, numerical markers can be placed near each pair of the plurality of second pairs of holes 27.

[0052] The first pair of holes 26 and the plurality of second pairs of holes 27 may each have an axis and these axes may be parallel to each other.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of second pairs of holes 27 are provided at a plurality of distances d1-d7 from the first pair of holes 26. In this way, the effective length of the rear baffle chain linkage mechanism can be adjusted by connecting the chain 11 of the chain linkage mechanism to a selected second pair of holes 27 among the plurality of second pairs of holes 27.

[0054] Each of the plurality of second pairs of holes 27 can be set at a different distance d1-d7 from the first pair of holes 26.

[0055] In this specification, the distances d1-d7 are measured as the perpendicular distances between the axes of the first pair of holes 26 and the axes of the corresponding second pair of holes 27.

[0056] The multiple distances d1-d7 from the first pair of holes 26 may include a minimum distance d1 and a maximum distance d7 from the first pair of holes 26. The maximum distance d7 minus the minimum distance d1 can define a 'distance range' covered by the multiple second pairs of holes 27. This distance range can be up to 50 mm, optionally up to 40 mm, optionally up to 35 mm, optionally up to 30 mm, or optionally up to 20 mm.

[0057] The minimum distance d1 between the plurality of second pairs of holes 27 and the first pair of holes 26 can be between 90 mm and 110 mm, optionally about 100 mm. The maximum distance d7 between the plurality of second pairs of holes 27 and the first pair of holes 26 can be between 120 mm and 140 mm, optionally about 130 mm.

[0058] The plurality of second pairs of holes 27 may be arranged as one or more arcs, or optionally as a single arc. The one or more arcs or the single arc may be oriented at an angle α between 60° and 120°, optionally between 75° and 105°, optionally about 90°, centered on the first pair of holes 26.

[0059] Multiple second pairs of holes 27 can be arranged such that the distances d1-d7 from the first pair of holes 26 increase sequentially from one side of the chain connector 1 to the other. Alternatively, different arrangements can be provided. Figure 1 In the example, the order (from left edge 28 to right edge 29) is d2, d4, d6, d7, d5, d3, d1.

[0060] The first pair of holes 26 may consist of a single first pair of holes 26. The plurality of second pairs of holes 27 may include at least three second pairs of holes, optionally at least five second pairs of holes, optionally three to ten second pairs of holes, optionally four to eight second pairs of holes, optionally six to eight second pairs of holes, or optionally seven second pairs of holes. The plurality of second pairs of holes 27 may include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 second pairs of holes 27.

[0061] Industrial applicability

[0062] The chain connector 1 of the present invention can be used to form part of the backgauge chain linkage mechanism of the machine 2. The backgauge chain linkage mechanism can be used to control the movement of the backgauge 8 relative to the container 6. The machine 2 may include one backgauge chain linkage mechanism or alternatively include two backgauge chain linkage mechanisms—one on each side of the container 6.

[0063] In use, such as Figure 7 As shown, the chain connector 1 can be attached to the attachment plate 15 of the machine 2. The attachment plate 15 can be part of the chassis 5, and can be attached to either part of the chassis 5 or another part of the machine 2. In the example shown, the attachment plate 15 is a support erected from the chassis 5.

[0064] The chain connector 1 can be attached to the attachment plate 15 using fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts 37), which are connected via a pair of holes 26 in the first portion 24 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22, and holes in the attachment plate 15. Figure 8As shown, the attachment plate 15 can be accommodated in the gap 35 between the first portion 24 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22. The size of the gap 35 can be set to be only slightly wider than the thickness of the attachment plate 15. Advantageously, this allows the chain connector 1 to rotate about the attachment plate 15, but restricts the chain connector 1 from twisting out of the plane of the attachment plate 15. This effectively reduces out-of-plane loads on the attachment plate 15.

[0065] The chain connector 1 can be attached to the first end of the chain 11 using fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts 38), which are connected via selected pairs of second pairs of holes 27 in the second portion 25 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22, and the links of the chain 11. Figure 8 As shown, the links of chain 11 can be received in a gap 34 between the second portion 25 of the first flange 21 and the second flange 22. The gap 34 can be sized to be only slightly wider than the thickness of the links of chain 11. Advantageously, this allows chain 11 to rotate about the nut and bolt 38, but limits the torsion of the links of chain 11 beyond the plane of chain connector 1. This effectively reduces out-of-plane loads on chain connector 1.

[0066] The opposite end of chain 11 can be connected to connection position 12 on rear baffle arm 9.

[0067] During operation, during the driving of machine 2 and the loading of container 6, the following can be adopted: Figure 1 In the first configuration, the rear opening of container 6 can be closed by the rear tailgate 8. In this configuration, chain 11 can extend from attachment plate 15 toward tractor 3 at a forward angle.

[0068] When it is time to empty container 6, lift container 6 to... Figure 2 The second configuration is shown. During the lifting of container 6, chain 11 engages with tailgate arm 9 to pull the second end 14 downward and cause tailgate arm 9 to pivot about pivot 10. Therefore, tailgate 8 is removed from the rear opening of container 6. In this configuration, chain 11 can extend rearward from attachment plate 15 toward the rear of trailer 4 at a rearward angle.

[0069] Therefore, during movement between the first and second configurations, the chain 11 can pivot about the attachment plate 15. Advantageously, the chain connector 1 facilitates this pivoting movement so that the pivoting depends not only on the relative rotation of the chain links and the attachment. Advantageously, the shape of the chain connector 1, having a relatively narrow first portion 24 and a relatively wide second portion 25, allows the chain connector 1 to pivot about the attachment plate 15 without interfering with other components of the machine 2, such as the wheels 7, wheel arches, sensors, chassis 5, etc.

[0070] Advantageously, the chain connector 1 can provide an improved mechanism for adjusting the effective length of the rear bumper chain linkage. For length adjustment, the chain 11 can be coupled to one of a plurality of second paired holes 27. Multiple different distances d1-d7 can provide fine control of the effective length. For example, different distances d1-d7 can allow downward adjustment within 10 mm, preferably within 5 mm, and optionally within 2 mm or 3 mm. Figure 1 The chain connector 1 includes seven pairs of second-paired holes 27. The minimum distance d1 is 100 mm, the distance d2 is 105 mm, the distance d3 is 110 mm, the distance d4 is 115 mm, the distance d5 is 120 mm, the distance d6 is 125 mm, and the maximum distance d7 is 130 mm. Therefore, the length of the active chain can be finely adjusted to within 5 mm.

[0071] Advantageously, adjustment does not require adding or replacing links of chain 11. Furthermore, compared to adding or removing links of chain 11, more precise adjustment of the effective chain length can be achieved.

[0072] Advantageously, one or more of the spacing between the first flange 21 and the second flange 22 and the spacing between the first hole and the second hole can be configured as chain guides that can help maintain the orientation of the chain 11 and help the chain 11 pivot about the attachment plate 15.

[0073] It should be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of this invention have been simplified to focus on elements relevant to a clear understanding of the invention, while other elements that would be understood by those skilled in the art have been omitted for clarity. Because these elements are well-known to those skilled in the art, and because they do not necessarily contribute to a better understanding of the invention, descriptions of these elements are not provided herein.

Claims

1. A chain connector for use with a rear gate chain linkage mechanism of a machine, the chain connector comprising: A first flange, a second flange, and a web extending between the first flange and the second flange; The first flange and the second flange each have a first end and a second end; The first flange and the second flange include a pair of holes, wherein each pair of holes includes a first hole in the first flange and a second hole in the second flange, and the first hole and the second hole in each pair of holes are aligned with each other; The paired holes include a first pair of holes and a plurality of second pairs of holes. The first pair of holes are disposed in the first ends of the first flange and the second flange for connecting the chain connector to the attachment plate of the machine. The plurality of second pairs of holes are disposed in the second ends of the first flange and the second flange for connecting the chain connector to the chain of the chain linkage mechanism. The plurality of second pairs of holes are located at a plurality of distances from the first pair of holes, thereby allowing the effective length of the rear baffle chain linkage mechanism to be adjusted by connecting the chain of the chain linkage mechanism to selected second pairs of holes.

2. The chain connector of claim 1, wherein each first end is narrower than each second end.

3. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each first end includes a rod portion and each second end includes a head portion.

4. The chain connector of claim 3, wherein each head is mushroom-shaped.

5. The chain connector of claim 3, wherein each head includes a left edge, a right edge, and a distal edge.

6. The chain connector of claim 5, wherein the distal edge is convex and extends from the left edge to the right edge.

7. The chain connector of claim 6, wherein the left edge and the right edge are concave and are both smoothly integrated into the left edge and the right edge of the rod.

8. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second pairs of holes are each disposed at a different distance from the first pair of holes.

9. The chain connector of claim 8, wherein the plurality of distances from the first pair of holes includes a minimum distance from the first pair of holes and a maximum distance from the first pair of holes; wherein the maximum distance minus the minimum distance defines a 'distance range' covered by the plurality of second pairs of holes; wherein the distance range is at most 50 mm.

10. The chain connector of claim 9, wherein the distance range is at most 40 mm.

11. The chain connector of claim 9, wherein the distance range is at most 35 mm.

12. The chain connector of claim 9, wherein the distance range is at most 30 mm.

13. The chain connector of claim 9, wherein the distance range is at most 20 mm.

14. The chain connector of claim 9, wherein the minimum distance from the first pair of holes is between 90 mm and 110 mm.

15. The chain connector of claim 14, wherein the minimum distance from the first pair of holes is 100 mm.

16. The chain connector of claim 9, wherein the maximum distance from the first pair of holes is between 120 mm and 140 mm.

17. The chain connector of claim 16, wherein the maximum distance from the first pair of holes is 130 mm.

18. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second paired holes are arranged in one or more arcs.

19. The chain connector of claim 18, wherein the plurality of second paired holes are arranged in a single arc.

20. The chain connector of claim 18, wherein the one or more arcs are oriented at an angle between 60° and 120° centered on the first pair of holes.

21. The chain connector of claim 20, wherein the one or more arcs are oriented at an angle between 75° and 105° centered on the first pair of holes.

22. The chain connector of claim 20, wherein the one or more arcs are at an angle of 90° centered on the first pair of holes.

23. The chain connector of claim 19, wherein the single arc is oriented at an angle between 60° and 120° centered on the first pair of holes.

24. The chain connector of claim 23, wherein the single arc is oriented at an angle between 75° and 105° centered on the first pair of holes.

25. The chain connector of claim 23, wherein the single arc is at a 90° angle centered on the first pair of holes.

26. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first pair of holes consists of a single first pair of holes.

27. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of second pairs of holes comprises at least three second pairs of holes.

28. The chain connector of claim 27, wherein the plurality of second pairs of holes comprises at least five second pairs of holes.

29. The chain connector of claim 27, wherein the plurality of second pairs of holes comprises 3 to 10 second pairs of holes.

30. The chain connector of claim 27, wherein the plurality of second pairs of holes comprises 4 to 8 second pairs of holes.

31. The chain connector of claim 27, wherein the plurality of second pairs of holes comprises 6 to 8 second pairs of holes.

32. The chain connector of claim 27, wherein the plurality of second pairs of holes comprises seven second pairs of holes.

33. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flange, the second flange and the web are integral.

34. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flange, the second flange and the web are formed as an integral casting, an integral molded part, an integral machined part or an integral 3D printed part.

35. The chain connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the web extends between the second end of the first flange and the second flange.

36. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second ends of the first flange and the second flange are spaced apart by 10 to 20 mm.

37. The chain connector of claim 36, wherein the second ends of the first flange and the second flange are spaced 15 mm apart.

38. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first ends of the first flange and the second flange are spaced apart by 25 to 40 mm.

39. The chain connector of claim 38, wherein the first ends of the first flange and the second flange are spaced 32 mm apart.

40. The chain connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the spacing between the first flange and the second flange and the spacing between the first hole and the second hole are configured as chain guides.

41. The chain connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first flange and the second flange are mirror images of each other.

42. A rear gate chain linkage mechanism for a machine, comprising a chain connector and a chain according to any one of the preceding claims.

43. A machine comprising the rear gate chain linkage mechanism according to claim 42.

Images