DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a locking mechanism. The invention more particularly relates to a position locking device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Gimbals need to be locked in certain orientation for transportation, testing and for alignment purpose. The conventional system provides the normal locking mechanism.
[0003] WO2019034202 titled “Push-Button Lock for a Plug-in Connector Housing” discloses relates to a push-button lock for locking a plug-in connector housing (5). Said lock comprises a push-button body (3) with a cylindrical unlocking recess (30) containing an unlocking pin (1). The appropriate interaction of an outer contour of the unlocking pin (1), an inner contour of a through-opening (50) of the plug-in connector housing (5) and the push-button body (3) by means of at least one locking element (4) and two springs (2, 2") allows the plug-in connector housing (5) to be locked and unlocked with great ease of use, the operating concept being particularly self-explanatory.
[0004] US6061302A titled “Gimbal Lock System for Sesmic Sensors” discloses an apparatus and method for selectively locking the orientation of seismic data sensor capable of detecting data regarding a seismic event. A gimbal orients the sensor into a selected vertical orientation, and a switch operates a clutch to lock the sensor from further movement.
[0005] Apart from the above stated normal mechanical locking, there is, accordingly, a need for an improved locking system that can sense the multiple positions of the lock.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a concept related to a position locking device with multiple position sensing. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the present invention nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present invention.
[0007] For, example various embodiments herein may include one or more systems to integrate the concept of mechanical locking with multiple positioning sensing. In one embodiment, the position locking device includes a housing enclosure. The housing enclosure further includes a holder to limit balls movement in the vertical direction by means of guide holes, multiple grooves mounted on a shaft, helical spring to retain the said shaft at various positions, a grommet for wires, and a flat spring located just below switches. In other embodiments of the present invention, different circuits are electrically connected with the said. The other different circuits are configured to sense the switching.
[0008] The device disclosed in the present invention further includes a knob mounted to the shaft. The said knob is configured for pull and turn function. The knob attached to the shaft is pulled and subsequently rotated at a fixed angle, to push one of the balls in an upward direction, and at the same time allows movement of the ball in the down direction. The balls are pushed in the upward direction by the surface of the shaft, and correspondingly the flat springs are also pushed. The flat springs are engaged with the switches to activate the said switches. The moment the flat springs are pushed, it activates its corresponding switches. The other different circuits connected to the corresponding switches sense the electrical signals regarding the position of the locking device.
[0009] In another embodiment, the locking device when electrically connected to an STO (safe torque off) of the H-bridge circuit of a gimbal system provides a lock mode, unlock mode, and align mode. Based on the electrical switching the other circuits decide in which mode the gimbal should go.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and modules.
[0011] Fig.1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a locking device connected with a gimbal system, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0012] Fig.2 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a general assembly/exploded view, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0013] Fig.3 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an isometric view of locking device, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0014] Fig.4a illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a lock position mode, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0015] Fig.4b illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an unlock position mode, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0016] Fig.4c illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an align position mode, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0017] Fig.5 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a gimbal lock, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0018] Fig.6 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a gimbal lock, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into several systems.
[0020] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a position locking device with multiple position sensing.
[0021] Furthermore, connections between components and/or modules within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, these components and modules may be modified, re-formatted or otherwise changed by intermediary components and modules.
[0022] References in the present invention to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0023] In an embodiment, the claimed subject matter of the present invention discloses a position locking device with multiple position sensing. The position locking device includes housing, a top cover, a lock shaft, a knob, a holder, grooves, balls, flat springs, helical springs, switches, a grommet, a washer, a gasket, a nut, and a side cover.
[0024] In another embodiment, the present invention includes the housing enclosure. The housing enclosure includes the helical spring. The said helical spring is employed to provide the necessary retaining capability that helps the lock shaft to be retained at various positions and also aid in quick release. Further, the flat springs that is located just below the switches serve the multi-role of an actuating lever for the said switches. The said flat springs help in pushing corresponding balls back to their position for the operation of the mechanism. The grommet is fitted inside the housing to provide passage for the wires.
[0025] In another embodiment, the present invention includes other different circuits. The other different circuits are electrically connected with the switches through wires. Due to switching, electrical signals are generated by the switches that flow through the wires. The wires are passed through the grommet. The said grommet is fixed on the housing. The electrical signals that are generated due to switching are sensed by the other different circuits. The other different circuits sense these electrical sensing and based on the logic, decides the modes of the gimbal system.
[0026] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a holder. The holder has two guide holes. The two guide holes are fixed on the surface of the holder to hold the balls. The holder also holds the shaft and limits the movement of the balls in the vertical direction by means of the said guide holes. The helical spring employed on the shaft to provide the necessary retaining capability that helps the shaft to be retained at various positions and also aids in quick release.
[0027] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a knob. One end of the knob is rigidly fixed with the shaft. The shaft is a locking device and may be termed as a lock shaft further in the present disclosure wherever needed for better understanding. The knob is configured for pull and turn function. The knob is first pulled and then subsequently rotated at 90 degrees. Due to the pull and then rotation function, the attached lock shaft also rotates. Due to the said rotation, the lock shaft surface is able to move one of the balls in an upward direction. At the same time, one of the groves on the lock shaft comes just below the other ball and subsequently, the said another ball is allowed to move in a downward direction.
[0028] In another embodiment, the present invention includes grooves. The two grooves (two grooves in the present invention are taken for better understanding) are mounted on the lock shaft to perform the cam function on the balls. A number of groves can be increased or decreased according to the ones need. The two grooves are fixed on the lock shaft in such a way that first grove is oppositely placed from a second groove of the lock shaft. The lock shaft when pushed and rotated at 90 degrees angle accelerates the first groove to come just below a first ball. The first grove is then able to hold the first ball on its cut. At the same time, the surface of the shaft pushes the second ball towards an upward direction.
[0029] Further, when the shaft is rotated at 180 degrees angle, accelerates the second groove to come just below its corresponding ball i.e. below a second ball. The second grove holds the second ball on its cut. At the same time, the lock shaft surface pushes the first ball to move in an upward direction.
[0030] In another embodiment, the present invention includes the flat springs. The flat springs are adjusted just below the switches. The knob attached to the lock shaft, when pulled and subsequently rotated at a particular fixed angle, pushes one of the balls in an upward direction and at the same time allows movement of the other ball towards the down direction. Pushing off the balls in the upward direction is accelerated by the surface of the shaft. Due to the pushing, the balls exert pressure to their corresponding flat springs.
[0031] Further, the flat springs switch its corresponding switches. The output of the switches is electrically connected through the wires to the other different units. The other different units sense the electrical switching. The electrical sensing is regarding the position of the locking device.
[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, the position locking device when electrically connected to STO (Safe Torque Off) of H-bridge circuit of a gimbal system provides the following three different modes. A lock mode, unlock mode, and align mode, are the three modes of operation. Based on the electrical switching, the other different units decided which mode the gimbal should go.
[0033] In the lock mode operation, the lock shaft is engaged and the gimbal system is mechanically locked. In the lock mode, all the power is cut off. A mating part having a negative impression of the shaft to be provided on the item to be locked mechanically. This item, in turn, to be coupled rigidly to the dynamic parts of the gimbal to ensure proper locking. In this mode, the shaft is at extreme of its stroke length. Maximum shaft projection occurs at this state. The state of the switches (On/Off) may be interchanged according to the need of the design.
[0034] The unlock mode is the normal operating mode. In this mode, the lock shaft is disengaged and the gimbal system is mechanically free to move. Power is available to all units in a system to perform its intended operation. In this mode, the shaft will be at the other extreme of its stroke length in comparison to lock mode. The state of switches (On/Off) changes to sense the different position of the lock shaft.
[0035] The align mode is an alignment mode. The lock shaft is disengaged and the gimbal system is mechanically free to move. Power is cut off for drives but is available to all the units in the system to perform its intended operation. The camera will be powered on and generates the image, alignment may be adjusted using reticule in the video monitor by moving the system manually (as motor power is off). In this mode, the shaft will be at another extreme of its stroke length in comparison to the lock mode. But the position of the knob is turned in angle by 180 degrees from that of the Unlock Mode. The state of switches to be maintained opposite to Unlock Mode.
[0036] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for explanatory purposes to help the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0037] Fig.1 illustrates an exemplary block diagram 100 depicting a concept of mechanical locking of a gimbal and selecting different modes of operation. The block diagram (100) includes a position locking device (102), switches (104, 106) to send electrical signals regarding the position of the locking device (102), and other different units (110) to sense the switching and decide which mode the gimbal should go.
[0038] In the present implementation, the positioning device (102) includes the switches (104, 106). The switches (104, 106) are switched to on/off position, by the push movement of balls (218-a, 218-b). The switches (104, 106) when switched to on or off position sends corresponding electrical signals to the other different units (110).
[0039] In the present implementation, four electrical conditions are taken corresponding to the two switches (104, 106). However, those skilled in the art will also be appreciated, logic conditions to be chosen as per requirement and design for example, but not limited to OFF-OFF, OFF-ON, ON-OFF, and ON-ON conditions. Based on these logic conditions, the other different units (110) take the corresponding action.
[0040] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the general assembly of the position locking device (102). The respective position locking device (102) basically has the following:
[0041] A holder (224) to limit the balls (218-a, 218-b) movement in a vertical direction by means of a guide holes (223), grooves (232) mounted on a shaft (230), a housing enclosure (222) having a helical springs (226), a flat springs (212, 216), and a grommet (208) for wires.
[0042] In the present exemplary implementation, the position locking device (102) includes the holder (224). The said holder (224) is fitted within the housing enclosure (222). The holder (224) a hollow cylinder consist of the two guide holes on its outer part. The two guide holes are designed to hold the two balls (218-a, 218-b) in their cavities. The hollow part of the holder (224) holds the lock shaft (230). The lock shaft (230) is enclosed with the helical spring (226). The helical spring (226) retains the lock shaft (230) at various positions due to its spring functionality. One end of the knob (206) is attached with the lock shaft (230) through a nut (238), and the other end is used for pull and rotate function. A dot (401) is mounted on the outer part of the knob (206). The position of the dot (401) shows the current position of the lock.
[0043] In present exemplary implementation, the position locking device (102) includes the lock shaft (230). The lock shaft (230) has first and second groove mounted on it. The first groove is oppositely placed from the second groove on the lock shaft (230). The two grooves have a small cut to hold the balls (218-a, 218-b). A top cover (202) is bolted on the upper wall of the housing (222). A gasket (220) is inserted in between the upper wall of the housing and the top cover (202). The two balls (218-a, 218-b) are assembled just below the two flat springs (212, 216). A side cover (204) is bolted on the sidewall of the housing (222). A dot (410) on the knob (206) to show the current position of the lock shaft (230).
[0044] Fig. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting an isometric view, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. The position locking device (102) includes the top cover (202), side cover, the housing (222), and the knob (206).
[0045] The top cover (202) is bolted on the upper wall of the housing (222). Further, the side cover (204) is bolted on the sidewall of the housing (222). The knob (206) is also fixed through nut (238) on other (side) wall of the housing (222).
[0046] Fig. 4a illustrates a schematic diagram depicting lock position mode, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. This is the lock mode of the gimbal. The lock shaft (230) is engaged and gimbal system (108) is mechanically locked. At this position, the lock shaft (230) is fully straight on the first ball (218-a) and second ball (4218-b). At this point, the first ball (218-a) and the second ball (218-b) are at topmost position. Both the two switches (104, 106) are now in on mode. Further, the mode of the two switches (104, 106) is sensed by the other different units (110) and based on electrical sensing the other different units (102) takes the corresponding action. In the lock mode, all the power is cut off.
[0047] A mating part having a negative impression of the lock shaft (230) to be provided on the item to be locked mechanically. This item, in turn, to be coupled rigidly to the dynamic parts of the gimbal to ensures proper locking. In this mode, the lock shaft (230) will be at one extreme of its stroke length. Max shaft projection occurs at this state. The state of switches (On/Off) is at the discretion of the designer. The dot (410) is in a downward direction. This shows the lock mode.
[0048] Fig. 4b illustrates a schematic diagram depicting unlock position mode, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. This is the normal operating mode. In this mode, the lock shaft (230) is pulled back and the gimbal system (108) is mechanically free to move. At this position, the first ball (218-a) is pulled downward and the second ball (218-b) is at the same position. This gives a different switch action. Due to this action, the first switch (104) comes in off position and the second switch (106) is still in on position. Further, the electrical signals are sensed by the other different unit (110) and based on the corresponding logic it takes the corresponding action. The dot (410) on the knob (206) is in the upward left direction. This shows the unlock mode.
[0049] In this mode, the power is available to all the units in the system to perform its intended operation. In this mode, the lock shaft (230) will be at the other extreme of its stroke length in comparison to lock mode. The state of switches (On/Off) changes to sense different position.
[0050] Fig. 4c illustrates a schematic diagram depicting align position mode, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention.
[0051] This is the alignment mode. In this mode, the knob (206) is rotated by 180 degrees from the unlock mode. The position of the two balls (218-a, 218-b) gets reversed in the said unlock mode. The first ball (218-a) is pushed upward and the second ball (218-b) is allowed to move in a downward direction. At this stage, the first switch (104) is in off position. This switching is sensed by the other different unit (110) and the corresponding action is taken. The dot (410) on the knob (206) is in the upward right direction. This shows the align mode.
[0052] In this align mode, the power is cut off for one or more units and available to the remaining units. In this mode, the lock shaft (230) may be at another extreme of its stroke length in comparison to the lock mode.
[0053] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a gimbal unlocks, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. The diagram shows that gimbal (108) is in the unlocked position. In the present diagram, the rotating item (502) of the gimbal is in the unlocked position.
[0054] Fig. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a gimbal lock, according to an exemplary implementation of the present invention. The diagram shows the locking mode of the gimbal system (108). There is a rotating item (502). A mating part having a negative impression of the lock shaft (230) is provided on the gimbal (108) to be locked mechanically. In the present diagram, the rotating item (502) is in the unlocked position. The position of the dot (410) shows the position of the lock.
[0055] In another embodiment, the present invention provides various advantages. One advantage of the present invention is that multiple switches can be employed for the same position to achieve different system interlocks/sensing. One another advantage of the present invention is that the direct cam actuation of switches can be employed. Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the proximity switches as an alternative may be used for the non-contact operation.
[0056] The foregoing description of the invention has been set merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the substance of the invention may occur to person skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
1. Position Locking Device:102
2. Other Different Unit:110
3. Gimbal System:108
4. Top Cover of Housing:202
5. Side Cover of Housing:204
6. Knob:206
7. Grommet:208
8. Switch: 104, 106
9. Flat Spring:212,216
10. Balls: 218-a, 218-b
11. Gasket:220
12. Housing:222
13. Guide Holes:223
14. Holder:224
15. Helical Spring:226
16. Washer:228
17. Shaft:230
18. Groves:232
19. Nut:238
20. Gasket:240
21. Dot:410
22. Rotating item:50
,CLAIMS:

1. A position locking device (102) with multiple position sensing comprising:
a housing enclosure (222), wherein the housing (222) enclosure comprising:
a holder (224) to limit balls (218-a, 218-b) movement in a vertical direction by means of guide holes (223);
grooves (232) mounted on a shaft (230), wherein a first groove of the shaft is oppositely placed from a second groove of the shaft (230);
a helical spring (226) to retain the shaft (230) at various positions, wherein the shaft surface pushes the balls in an upward direction;
flat springs (212, 216) located just below switches (104, 106);
a grommet (208) for wires; and
a knob (206) mounted to the shaft (230), wherein the knob (206) is configured for pull and turn function;
wherein, the switches (104, 106) are configured to sense multiple positions of the lock through cam action of the balls (218-a, 218-b).
2. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein cam action of the balls (218-a, 218-b) is achieved by the shaft (230) and spring action of the flat springs (216, 212).
3. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder (224) holds the shaft (230).
4. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the balls (218-a, 218-b) are placed on the guide holes (223).
5. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob (206) attached to the shaft (230) is pulled and subsequently rotated manually at a fixed angle to push one of the balls in an upward direction and at the same time to pull the other ball towards down direction.
6. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim5, wherein the shaft (230) when pulled and rotated at 90 degrees angle, accelerates the first groove to come just below its corresponding ball.
7. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the knob (206) when rotated at 180 degrees angle, accelerates the second groove to come just below its corresponding ball.
8. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the balls (218-a, 218-b) exert pressure to the corresponding flat springs (212, 216).
9. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the flat springs (212, 216) switches its corresponding switches (104, 106).
10. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the output electrical signal of the switches (104, 106) are sensed by other different units (110).
11. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the other different units (110) actuate a gimbal system (108) to work in different modes.
12. The position locking device (102) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the different modes are a lock mode, an unlock mode, and an align mode;
wherein in the lock mode, the shaft (230) is engaged to lock the gimbal system (108) and correspondingly all power is cut off for all other units;
wherein in the unlock mode, the shaft (230) is disengaged to freely move the gimbal system (108) and correspondingly all power is available to all the other units; and
wherein in the align mode, the shaft (230) is disengaged to set the gimbal system (108) free, and correspondingly power is cut off for one or more units and available to the remaining units.