| 摘要 |
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 centre 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 centre 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) |
| 主权项 |
1. A locking gimbal including:
a first object pivotally connectible to a support, and being pivotable about a first pivot axis, wherein the centre of gravity of the first object is spaced from the first pivot axis, and further wherein the first object defines a first reference axis passing through the first pivot axis and the centre of gravity of the first object; a second object having a centre of gravity movable along an arc centred substantially at a second axis and defining a second reference axis passing through the second axis and the centre of gravity of the second object, the first and second objects being movable relative to one another between a first aligned condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are substantially aligned, and a second displaced condition, wherein the first and second reference axes are angularly displaced relative to one another; a locking member fixed in position relative to the support; and a locking formation for locking the first object wherein at least a portion of the locking formation, actuated by displacement between the first and second objects, is radially movable relative to the first pivot axis between engaged and disengaged positions, wherein, when: (i) the first and second objects are in the first aligned condition, the locking formation is in the disengaged position in which the locking formation is spaced from the locking member, permitting rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis; and (ii) the first and second objects are in the second displaced condition, the locking formation is in the engaged position in which the locking formation makes contact with the locking member and prevents rotation of the first object about the first pivot axis. |
