| 摘要 |
<p>A coupling device (10) provides a pre-tensioned coupling between a first member (12) and a second member (14). The members (12, 14) are arranged to define a sealed compartment. A piston (34) is housed within the compartment and is translated between the first member (12) and the second member (14). A first ratchet lock (68) is mounted within the second member (14) and on translation of the piston (34) the first ratchet lock (68) engages with the piston (34). A second ratchet (70) is mounted within the second member (14) and, on translation of the piston (34) into the second member (14), the piston (34) engages with the ratchet (70). The second ratchet (70) is mounted on a piston (74) and translation of the second ratchet (70) on the piston (74) applies a tensile force to the first piston (34) to tension or pre-tension the piston (34). As the ratchets (68, 70) substantially prevent reverse movement of the piston (34), the tensile force is retained.</p> |
