BIDIRECTIONAL PIVOTING JOINT, AND A HOLDING AND POSITIONING DEVICE WHICH COMPRISES A PLURALITY OF SAID PIVOTING JOINTS

摘要

A bidirectional pivoting joint (1) comprises pivoting elements which can be rotated relative to one another, and a locking device (5) which optionally locks and releases the rotational movement. The locking device (5) has an annular space (2) between an outer body (3) and an inner body (4). Radially narrowing and in contrast radially wider circumferential regions (201, 202) are provided in an alternating arrangement between annular space surfaces. At least two clamping members (6) are arranged in the annular space (2), which clamping members (6) have a variable cross section in each case in the circumferential direction (u) of the annular space (2). In a locked state, each clamping member (6) has a first said cross section and bears in the narrowing circumferential regions (201) against the outer body (3) and the inner body (4). As a result, a self-locking clamping connection is set up which locks the relative rotational movement between the outer body (3) and the inner body (4) in every rotational direction (d). In a released state, each clamping member (6) has a second said cross section, by way of which the clamping connection is cancelled in order to release the rotational movement. An actuating device (7) of the pivoting joint (1) is equipped with an actuating means (71).