This invention relates to a locking gimbal (10). More specifically, the invention relates to a locking gimbal (10) for automatically locking a gimballed object against motion arising from an external force (FE) applied thereto; and automatically releasing the gimballed object on removal of the external force (FE). The locking gimbal (10) includes a first object (12) pivotable about a first pivot axis (PF), a second object (14) movable along an arc cantered substantially at a second axis, a locking member (16) and a locking formation (18). The first object (12) defines a first reference axis (ARF) passing through the first pivot axis (PF) and a center of gravity (CGF) of the first object (12), whereas the second object (14) defines a second reference axis (ARS) passing through the second axis and a center of gravity (CGS) of the second object (14). The first and second objects (12, 14) are movable relative to one other between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes (ARF, ARS) are substantially aligned, and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second reference axes (ARF, ARS) are angularly displaced relative to one other. The locking formation (18), actuated by displacement between the first and second objects (12,14) is radially movable relative to the first pivot axis (PF) between engaged and disengaged position, wherein: (i) in the first aligned condition, the locking formation (18) is in a disengaged position and spaced from the locking member (16), permitting rotation of the first object (12) about the first pivot axis (PF); and (ii) in the second displaced condition, the locking formation (18) is in an engaged position and in contact with the locking member (16) thereby preventing rotation of the first object (12) about the first pivot axis (PF).
Locking gimbal
2018-08-07
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | F16M Rahmen, Gehäuse oder Grundplatten von Kraftmaschinen oder anderen Maschinen oder von Apparaten, nicht auf eine besondere Art von Maschine oder Apparat eingeschränkt, die anderweitig vorgesehen ist , FRAMES, CASINGS, OR BEDS, OF ENGINES OR OTHER MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ENGINE, MACHINE, OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE / B63B Schiffe oder sonstige Wasserfahrzeuge , SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS / G04B Mechanisch angetriebene Groß- oder Kleinuhren , MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES |