Locking mechanism for fluid operated actuator
US4470340A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1982 |
| Grant date | Sep 11, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15B15/261
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automatic mechanism is provided for locking the piston rod of a multi-position fluid operated linear actuator in its existing extreme axial position and to maintain such piston rod's position against unbiased forces acting on the piston rod, in the event of a failure of, or significant decrease in, the fluid pressure applied on the piston. A lost motion connection is provided between a piston head and the piston rod opposite the locking mechanism, permitting a limited amount of axial movement of the piston head relative to the piston rod. A locking mechanism is provided to automatically engage the piston rod whenever it reaches one of its two extreme axial positions and to lock the piston rod at that position. The locking mechanism is releasable by a cam structure provided on the piston head. The initial movement of the piston head relative to the piston rod in a direction toward the other axial position of the piston rod effects the camming of the locking mechanism to an unlocked position. Means are provided to hold the locking mechanism in its unlocked position whenever the piston rod is located at its other axial position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.