Hydraulically activated latching mechanism for piston valve - has piston rod with groove that receives ball to secure element to internal bush

摘要

The hydraulically powered latch has a ball element (21) that can engage with a ring groove (14) in a movable rod (13) that is integral with a piston. In the disengaged position the ball lies in a groove (23) in a sliding bush (25). A second sliding bush (40) moves within a fixed element (18). Movement of the piston causes displacement of the bush against a spring (43). Eventually the ball engages the groove in the piston rod and the assembly is locked together. The latch is released by fluid under pressure being applied to the other side of the piston (49). ADVANTAGE - Provides hydraulic latching of piston.