Schwenkwinkel

Schwenkwinkel is a German technical term that literally means "swing angle" or "pivot angle". It denotes the angular displacement through which an object, sensor or mechanism is rotated about a fixed axis relative to a defined reference direction. The concept is used across engineering, optics, surveying, robotics, military systems and audiovisual technology to describe and control horizontal or planar rotation (often corresponding to yaw or azimuth).

In practice Schwenkwinkel may be specified as an absolute angle from a datum, or as a relative change between start and end positions. It is commonly measured in degrees or radians and can be bounded by mechanical stops (Schwenkbereich) or continuously variable when unrestricted. Related terms include Drehwinkel (rotation angle), Neigewinkel (tilt angle) and Schwenkbereich (sweep range).

Applications include the traverse of gun turrets and radar antennas, the panning motion of cameras and stage lights, the azimuthal positioning of satellite dishes, and the articulation of robotic joints. Accurate measurement and control of Schwenkwinkel are important for aiming, tracking, collision avoidance and coordinated motion. Position feedback is typically provided by encoders, resolvers or angle sensors, and control is implemented through servomotors or hydraulic drives. The term is primarily used in German-language technical literature but corresponds conceptually to English terms such as swing, pan or azimuth angle.