Locking Device

摘要

A linkage mechanism is disclosed that produces high travel advantage in one phase of linear actuator motion and high mechanical advantage in another phase of linear actuator motion. The linkage mechanism may be powered by a hydraulic actuator system and is capable of producing high preloads and a high amount of travel with minimal actuator motion or force. The linkage mechanism may be used to secure a hatch door to a pressure vessel housing or may be used in any environment involving high pressure differentials, for example.

主权项

1. A locking device for locking a first body to a second body, the first body being positioned in a direction distal to the second body, the locking device comprising:
a latch link 122 having block engagement end and a link pivot end coupled to the second body by a first linkage 138; a latch receiving portion on the first body, the latch receiving portion being configured for engagement by the block engagement end of the latch link 122; an L-shaped latching toggle 128 having a latch lever arm 128a pivotably attached to the latch link and a linkage lever arm 128b, the L-shaped toggle switch being pivotably attached to the second body at a fixed toggle pivot 127; and a linear actuator rod 152 operatively coupled to the linkage lever arm by a second linkage 132, wherein the latch link and the first and second linkages are configured and arranged so that a distal linear motion of the actuator rod causes the latch link to move from an unlocked position in which the block engagement end is disengaged from the latch receiving portion to a locked position in which the block engagement end engages and applies a proximal force to the latch receiving portion.