CA1054865A - Stern drive unit and transmission therefor - Google Patents
Stern drive unit and transmission thereforInfo
- Publication number
- CA1054865A CA1054865A CA305,398A CA305398A CA1054865A CA 1054865 A CA1054865 A CA 1054865A CA 305398 A CA305398 A CA 305398A CA 1054865 A CA1054865 A CA 1054865A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- steering
- movement
- axis
- relative
- arms
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
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- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000314 lubricant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B61/00—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing
- F02B61/04—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing for driving propellers
- F02B61/045—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing for driving propellers for marine engines
Landscapes
- Structure Of Transmissions (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE
Disclosed herein is a stern drive unit comprising a first portion adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull and extending aft of the transom of the boat hull, a second portion, a bracket supporting the second portion from the first portion for movement relative to the first portion about a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis, a third portion supported by the second portion for common tilting movement and for rotation of the third portion relative to the second portion about a steering axis perpendicular to the tilt axis, and an arrangement for steering the third portion relative to the second portion comprising a linkage including a steering member rotatably supported by the first portion about an axis co-planar with the steering axis, and a coupling located co-axially with the tilt axis when the third portion is located for straight ahead movement for connecting the steering member and the third portion so as to effect steering of the third portion in response to steering movement of the steering member.
Disclosed herein is a stern drive unit comprising a first portion adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull and extending aft of the transom of the boat hull, a second portion, a bracket supporting the second portion from the first portion for movement relative to the first portion about a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis, a third portion supported by the second portion for common tilting movement and for rotation of the third portion relative to the second portion about a steering axis perpendicular to the tilt axis, and an arrangement for steering the third portion relative to the second portion comprising a linkage including a steering member rotatably supported by the first portion about an axis co-planar with the steering axis, and a coupling located co-axially with the tilt axis when the third portion is located for straight ahead movement for connecting the steering member and the third portion so as to effect steering of the third portion in response to steering movement of the steering member.
Description
TITLE
STERN DRIVE UNIT AND TRANSMISSION THEREFOR
INVENTOR
RAYMOND A. KROLL
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to marine propulsion devices, and more particularly, to stern drive units.
The invention also relates to steering arrangements for stern drive units.
Attention is directed to the United States ; Strang Patent Nos. 3,489,120 issued January 13, 1970, and 3,556,040 issued January 19, 1971, and to the United States Shimanckas Patent Nos. 3,583,357 issued June 8, 1971, and 3,847,108 issued November 12, 1974.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a stern drive unit comprising a first portion adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull and extending aft of the transom of the boat hull, a second portion, means supporting the second portion from the first portion for movement relative to the first portion about a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis, a third portion supported by the second portion for common tilting movement and for rotation of the third portion relative to the second portion about a steering axis perpendicular to the tilt axis, and means for steering the third portion relative to the second portion comprising a linkage including a steering member rotatably supported by the first portion about an axis co-planar with the steering axis, and means located co-axially with the tilt axis when the third portion is located for straight ahead movement for connecting the steering member and the third portion so as to effect steering of the third portion in response to steering movement of the steering member.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the steering member includes two downwardly extending transversely spaced legs, the third portion includes two transversely spaced upwardly extending arms, and the connecting means is located transversely outwardly of the means tiltably supporting the second portion from the first portion and connects the transversely spaced legs of the steering member with the transversely spaced arms of the third portion for effecting steering movement of the third portion in response to steering movement of the steering member while otherwise permitting lost motion between the legs and the arms.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the connecting means comprises association of one of the legs with one of the arms and association of the other of the legs with the other of the arms, and each associated pair of arms and legs includes a slot in one of the associated arm and leg and a pin extending from the other of the associated arm and leg and into the slot in the one of the associated arm and leg.
Various features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become known by reference to the following general description, claims and the accompanying drawings.
f~
~0 54865 DR~I~INGS
~igure l is a fragmentary side elevational view of a boat mounted stern drive unit ~Jhich incorporates various of the eatures of the invention.
Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the stern drive unit shown in Figure l.
~igure 3 is an enlarged ~ragmentary view, ~ith parts bro~en away and in section, of the stern drive unit shown in ~igure l.
Befoxe explaining the embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not ~imited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement o~ the components set forth in the ~ollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The inven~ion is ~apable of other embodiments and o being practiced and carried out in ~arious ways. Also it is to be understood that the i phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposes o~ description and should not be regarded as limiting.
. .
~ GENERAL DESCRIPTION
.. ..
STERN DRIVE UNIT AND TRANSMISSION THEREFOR
INVENTOR
RAYMOND A. KROLL
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to marine propulsion devices, and more particularly, to stern drive units.
The invention also relates to steering arrangements for stern drive units.
Attention is directed to the United States ; Strang Patent Nos. 3,489,120 issued January 13, 1970, and 3,556,040 issued January 19, 1971, and to the United States Shimanckas Patent Nos. 3,583,357 issued June 8, 1971, and 3,847,108 issued November 12, 1974.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a stern drive unit comprising a first portion adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull and extending aft of the transom of the boat hull, a second portion, means supporting the second portion from the first portion for movement relative to the first portion about a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis, a third portion supported by the second portion for common tilting movement and for rotation of the third portion relative to the second portion about a steering axis perpendicular to the tilt axis, and means for steering the third portion relative to the second portion comprising a linkage including a steering member rotatably supported by the first portion about an axis co-planar with the steering axis, and means located co-axially with the tilt axis when the third portion is located for straight ahead movement for connecting the steering member and the third portion so as to effect steering of the third portion in response to steering movement of the steering member.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the steering member includes two downwardly extending transversely spaced legs, the third portion includes two transversely spaced upwardly extending arms, and the connecting means is located transversely outwardly of the means tiltably supporting the second portion from the first portion and connects the transversely spaced legs of the steering member with the transversely spaced arms of the third portion for effecting steering movement of the third portion in response to steering movement of the steering member while otherwise permitting lost motion between the legs and the arms.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the connecting means comprises association of one of the legs with one of the arms and association of the other of the legs with the other of the arms, and each associated pair of arms and legs includes a slot in one of the associated arm and leg and a pin extending from the other of the associated arm and leg and into the slot in the one of the associated arm and leg.
Various features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become known by reference to the following general description, claims and the accompanying drawings.
f~
~0 54865 DR~I~INGS
~igure l is a fragmentary side elevational view of a boat mounted stern drive unit ~Jhich incorporates various of the eatures of the invention.
Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of the stern drive unit shown in Figure l.
~igure 3 is an enlarged ~ragmentary view, ~ith parts bro~en away and in section, of the stern drive unit shown in ~igure l.
Befoxe explaining the embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not ~imited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement o~ the components set forth in the ~ollowing description or illustrated in the drawings. The inven~ion is ~apable of other embodiments and o being practiced and carried out in ~arious ways. Also it is to be understood that the i phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposes o~ description and should not be regarded as limiting.
. .
~ GENERAL DESCRIPTION
.. ..
2~ Shown in the drawings is a marine propulsion device l1 in the form of a stern drive unit which is adapted to-be mounted on or to a boat huli 13 having a transom 15. More - particularly, the marine propulsion device ll also includes~
see ~igure 3, an engine 17 which is preferably resiliently mounted in the boat hull 13, together with the stern drive unit which includes a first portion l9 which is ~ixed relati~e to the boat hull 13 either through the engine 17 or by other suitable means. The ~irst or fixed portion lg preerably in-cludes a member 21 which is preferably die cast as a sin~le piece and which extends through an openin~ 23 in the transo~
15 and which includes, at o the transom (see ~ig. 2), a pair of laterally or~transversely spaced trunnion parts 25 which have co-axial inner and outer cylindrical surfaces 27 and 29 and which define a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis 31 ~7hich is ~ixed relative to the boat hull 13. In the illustrated construction, the fi~ed po~tion 19 of the stern drive unit is not supported directly from the transom 15, but is supported from the engine 17 and extends through the opening 23 in the transom 15. A suitable rubber member 33 (See ~ig 3) extends between the ixedportion 19 of the stern dri~e unit and the transom 15 to prevent entry of water into the boat hull 13. ' ~ , ' :. :-- `
Carried by the outer cylindricaL surfaces 29 o~
the trunnion parts 25 is (See Fig. 2) a die cast member 41 which ~orms a part of a second or ~iltable portion 43 which lS ~s"tiltable relative to the first or fixed portion 19. Bolted .
or otherwise suitably fixed to the bottom of the,tiltable member 41 is a support plate 45 which carries a thrust bearing 47 supporting a third or steerable portion ~1 which tilts in common with the second or tiiting portion,43, w~ich is located in par,tially encircling relation to the tilt member 41 and which is steerable about an axis 44 extending perpendicularly to the tilt axis 31. Steering of the third portion 51 is also facilitated by bearings 53 between the steerable third portion 51 and the tiltable second portion 43, Axial movement of the third or steerable portion 51 relative to the second or tiltable portion 43 is prevented by a second thrust béaring 55 located between an annular shoulder 57 on the tiltable member 41 and a shoulder 59 on the steerable portion 51.
At its lower end, the steerable portion 51 rotatably suppoxts a propeller shaft 61 which carxies a propeller 63 and which is connected throughsuitable gearing 65 with a drive shaft 67 carxied for rotation co-axially with the steering axis 44 by ( bearings (not shown) supported by the steerable portion 51 and by bearings 69 supported by the tiltable member 41.
Supported from the steerable portion 51 by a thrust bearing 71 and by a radial bearing 73 is an outer cover member 75 which generally encloses the upper portion o~ the steering portion 51 and which includes a generally upwardly and forwardly open partially spherical lower housing part 7?. The cover member ~5 is prevented from rotating about the steering axis 44 by reason of connection to the fixed portion l9 by one or more shock absorbers (not shown).
~he lower housing part 77 cooperates with a generally downwardly and rearwardly open partially spherical ~pper housing part 79 which is con~ected by bolts or other suitable means to ; the ~ixed portion 18 and which thereby becomes a part o~ the 15~ æixed portion 19~ An O-ring 81 is housed in the upper housing part. 79 and engages the lower housing part 77 to complete a housing 83 which is sealed against entry of moisture throug~
the interface between the fixed upper housing part 79 and the tilt able lower housing part 77. ~
Desirably, the fixed portion l9 o~ the stern drive . unit includes a forwardly located wall 85 which serves to com-plete formation of the generally sealed housing 83 which is capable of retaining therein a suitable amount of lubricant which is therefore available to the trunnion parts 25J to the steering connection, and to the transmission still to be described.
Included in ~he stern drive unit is means for steering the steerable portion 51 relative to the tiltable and fixed portions 43 and l9, notwithstanding tilting o~ the tiltable and steerable portions 43 and 51. In this regard, the steerable portion 51 includes (See Fig. 2) two transversely spaced arms 91 which extend upwardly beyond the tilt axis 31 and outwardly o lOS4865 the laterally spaced trunnion parts 25. In addition, the stern dri~e unit includes a steering member 93 which is suitably journaled by the fixed portion 19 for arcuate movement about an axis 9S perpendicular to the tilt axis 31 and co-planar wi~h S the steering axis 44. The steering member 93 includes, at the lower end thereof, a yoke 97 including transversely spaced and downwardly extending legs 99 which project downwardly beyond`
the tilt axis 31 and outwaxdly of the laterally spaced trunnion parts 25. . .
Means are provided for connecting the legs 99 of the yoke 97 of the steering member 93 with the arms 91 o~ the steerable , portion 51 to effect steering movement o~ the steerable portion Sl in re~ponse to steering movement of the steering member 43, not-withstanding tilting o~ the steerable portion 51 relative to the fixed portion 19. In the illustrated construction, such meanscomprises a vertically extending slot 101 in each o~ the arms 91 of the steerable portion 51 and pins 103 respectively extending rom the legs 99 of the yoke 97 and into the slots 101. If . ..
desired, the yoke legs 99 could include the slots 101 and the pins 103 could extend from the arms 91 of the steerable portion 51. When the steering member 93 is positioned to afford straight forward travel, the pins 103 are located in generally co-axial~y relation to the tilt axis 31.
At its upper end, the steering member 93 projects from the fixed portion 19 o~ the stern drive unit within the boat hull 13 orwardly of the transom 15 and ha~ fixed thereon (See Fig. 3) a steering lever 105 which can be suitably connected to a boat mounted steering system (not shown) of any desired construction. Accordingly, steering movement of the steering lever lOS effects steering movement of the steering member 93 which, in turn, e~fects steering movement of the steerable portion 51 of the stern drive unit.
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( 105 486 5 `
Located within the housing 83 formed by ~he upper and lower housing parts ~g and 77 is a transmission 121 which ~s selectively operable to connect~ to the previously described drive shaft 67, an input shaft 123 (See Fig. 3) driven by the engine 17 and rotatably supported by the fixed portion 1~ o~
the stern drive uni~.
More specifically, the trans~ission 121 includes a cross shaft 125, which, at its outer ends, is suitably journaled for rotary and axial movement relative to ~he ~ixed portion 19 by bearings 127 supported by the transversely outwardly located : web portions 129 o~ the trunnion parts 25 o~ the fixed stern drive unit portion 19. ~ -Xn addition, the transmission 121 also includes an 4utput be~el gear 126 which is supported in a split bearing 1~ part 128 o the member 41 of the tiltable stern drive unit portion .
: ~'t3 for co-axial rotation with the cross shaZt 125 and which is ln mesh with a bevel gear 130 fixed to the upper end.of the dri~e ~haft 67. . :............................ 5.
. .Means are also provided for preventing axial movement of the output gear 126 relative to the tiltable portion 43. Xn _ - .this regard, such movement is prevented by engagement of the .output gear 126 with the bevel gear 130 and with a thrust bearing :132 supported by the split bearing part 128.
Means are also provided for connecting the cross - -shaft 128 to the output bevel gear 126 to provide or common rotation and for relative axial movement of the cross shaft 125 relativè to the output bevel gear 126. '~hus, in the illus--trated construction, the output bevel gear 1~6 and cross shaft 125 are connected by mating spline formations.
The transmission 121 also includes one or more drive members which are in the form of bevel gear members (still to be described) and means on the driving members and.on the cross ( : . ( c ~
'' 10 5486 5 shaft 125 for selec~ively coupling the driving members to the cross shaft 125 for co~mon rotary movement in response to axial movement of th~ cross shaft 125.
~ore specifically, the cross shaft 125 fixedly S carries, in inwardly spaced relation from the ends thereof and from the trunnion parts 25, a pair o~ axially spaced clutch parts 131 which have common'axial and rotary move~ent with the cross sha~t 125.
Each of the clutch parts 131 includes a conica~
clutch surface 133 and a non-cylindrical surface 135 which is located xadially inwardly with respect to the conical clutch surface 133 and in axially outwardly spaced relation from the conical clutch surface 133.
In the speci~ically disclosed construction, the,trans-15 mission 121 includes a pair of transversely spaced drive members in the form of be~el gear members 141 which are supported by " radial bearings 143 from the inner cylindrical surfaces 27 of . , . .: .
the trunnion parts 25 so that the bevel gear members 141 are rotatable co-axially with and relative to the cross shaft 125.
Each of the bevel gear members 141 is also supported for -- . .
rotation by a thrust bearing 145. In addition, each of the be~el gear members 141 includes a bevel gear portion 147 which is in mesh with a common bevel gear 149 carried on the adjacent end of the input shaft 123~ Thus, the bevel gear members 141 xotate in opposite directions relative to each other.
~ ach of the bevel gear members 141 also includes a portion 151 including means defining an aperture 153 which is generally aligned with the tilt axis 31 and which has a non-circular surace adapted to receive the non-circular surface 135 of the adjacent clutch part 131 so as to drivingly transmit rotary power from the bevel gear member 141 to the clutch part 131. In the illustrated construction, the non-circular surfaces ( 10 5 486 5 ( 9 135 and 153 of the clutch part 131 and the bevel gear members 141 comprise ma~ing spline formations.
Carried on each of the bevel gear members 141 for common rotation therewith and for.axial movement relative thereto are respective clutch elements 161 each including a conical clutch surface 163 adapted to be engaged by the conical surface 133 of the adjacent clutch part 131 on the cross shaft 125 so as to rotate the cross shaft 12~ in response to such engagement.
In the particularly illustrated construction, the clutch elements 161 are carried on the bevel gear members 141 by ~ating spline io formations.
; Preferably, the clutch elements 161 are biased in the direction toward the adjacent clutch parts 131 by suitable méans such as one or more helical springs 165. As a consequence, when the cross shaft 125 is axially shited, one adjacent pair lS of concia~ suraces 133 and 163 is initially engaged to rotate ~he cross shat from the bevel gear member 143. Continued axial shifting o~ the cross shaft 12~ in the same direction displaces the engaged clutch element 161 axially outwardly relative to the .
associated bevel gear member 141 against the action o~ ~he helical - 20 spring 165 and simultaneously effects entry of the non-cylindrical . surface 135 o the associated clutch part 131 into the non-cylin~ic aperture 153 of the associated bevel gear member 141 so that rotary power can be transmitted through the splined connection between the beve~ gear member 141 and the clutch part 131. ~t is noted that the clutch part 131 is inserted into the aperture 153 o~
the bevel gear member 141 when both the bevel gear member 141 and the cross shaft 125 are rotating in common as a result of the engagement of the conical surfaces 133 and 163. Thus, the conical clutch engagement serves to initiate common rotation of the cross sha~t 125 with the associated bevel gear member 141 but the prinicpal delivery of power from the bevel gear member 141 to the cross shaft 125 is through the splined con-nection between the bevel gear member 141 and the cross sha~t 125.
0 54~65 ~ le~ns are provided for shitin~ the cross sha~t 125 axially between a first position engaging one o the bevel gear members 141 to afford forward drive, a second or neutral position wh~rein both bevel gear members 141 are dis-engaged, and a third position wherein the other one of thebevel gear members 141 is engaged so as to provide rearward drive. In this regard, the cross shaft includes a pair of axially spaced annular shoulders 171 de~ining an annular groove 173 which receives (See Fig. 3) a forked portion 175 of a shift lever 177.
The shift lever 177 also includes a sha~t portion 179 which extends through the forward wall 85 of the fixed portion 19 of the stern drive unit and is supported thereby ~or arcuate mo~ement. At its forward end, the shaft portion 179 has fixed thereto, inwardly of the boat huli 13 and forwardly of the transom 15, a shift arm 181 which is connectable to any ~uitable in-boat actuating mechanism (not shown). Accordingly xocking of the shift lever 177 serves to axially shift the cross shaft 125 between forward drive and neutral and rearward drive positions. As already indicated, lateral shiting of the cross shaft 125 serves initially to engage a pair of the conical clutch æuraces 133 and 163 and to thereater, during common rotation o the cross shaft 125 and the associated one of the bevel gear members 141, to effect the insertion of the 2S associated clutch part 131 into the aperture 153 of the associa~
be~el gear member 141.
Power is thereafter transmitted from the cross shaft 125 to the drive shaft 67 by the output bevel gear 126 and the bevel gear 130 fixed to the top of the drive shaft 67. Thus, a forward-neutral-reverse transmission is provided between the 1054865 ( ~ l input shaft 123 and the dri-Je shaft 67. In addition, it is no~ed that there is continuous meshing engagement of the gears during all tilt positions of the tiltable and steerable por~ions 43 and 51 relative to the fixed portion 19.
S The disclosed transmission 121 is advantageously capable of delivering relatively large amounts of rotary power without excess wear consequent to engagement of the transmission in forward and reverse drives. In addition, transmission of power is continuous, notwithstanding tilting.
The steering arrangement avoids sliding engagement .
between the pins 103 and the slots 101 when tilting.at.a 0 steering angle, i.e., when ~ravéling straight ahead, and minimizes sliding engagement therebetween consequent to tilting operation at steering angles of less than 45~. ln addition, the pin and ~lot steering connections permit tilting movement which is unlimited by the steering connection. In addition, it is noted that the tilting) steering, and transmission connections !
are provided within the housing 83 defined by the upper and lower housing parts 77 and 79. .-. ~ ~arious of the features of the invention are set forth in the ollowing claims. .-~- . . . . . .
... .. ... .
,. . , "-' , ' .
see ~igure 3, an engine 17 which is preferably resiliently mounted in the boat hull 13, together with the stern drive unit which includes a first portion l9 which is ~ixed relati~e to the boat hull 13 either through the engine 17 or by other suitable means. The ~irst or fixed portion lg preerably in-cludes a member 21 which is preferably die cast as a sin~le piece and which extends through an openin~ 23 in the transo~
15 and which includes, at o the transom (see ~ig. 2), a pair of laterally or~transversely spaced trunnion parts 25 which have co-axial inner and outer cylindrical surfaces 27 and 29 and which define a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis 31 ~7hich is ~ixed relative to the boat hull 13. In the illustrated construction, the fi~ed po~tion 19 of the stern drive unit is not supported directly from the transom 15, but is supported from the engine 17 and extends through the opening 23 in the transom 15. A suitable rubber member 33 (See ~ig 3) extends between the ixedportion 19 of the stern dri~e unit and the transom 15 to prevent entry of water into the boat hull 13. ' ~ , ' :. :-- `
Carried by the outer cylindricaL surfaces 29 o~
the trunnion parts 25 is (See Fig. 2) a die cast member 41 which ~orms a part of a second or ~iltable portion 43 which lS ~s"tiltable relative to the first or fixed portion 19. Bolted .
or otherwise suitably fixed to the bottom of the,tiltable member 41 is a support plate 45 which carries a thrust bearing 47 supporting a third or steerable portion ~1 which tilts in common with the second or tiiting portion,43, w~ich is located in par,tially encircling relation to the tilt member 41 and which is steerable about an axis 44 extending perpendicularly to the tilt axis 31. Steering of the third portion 51 is also facilitated by bearings 53 between the steerable third portion 51 and the tiltable second portion 43, Axial movement of the third or steerable portion 51 relative to the second or tiltable portion 43 is prevented by a second thrust béaring 55 located between an annular shoulder 57 on the tiltable member 41 and a shoulder 59 on the steerable portion 51.
At its lower end, the steerable portion 51 rotatably suppoxts a propeller shaft 61 which carxies a propeller 63 and which is connected throughsuitable gearing 65 with a drive shaft 67 carxied for rotation co-axially with the steering axis 44 by ( bearings (not shown) supported by the steerable portion 51 and by bearings 69 supported by the tiltable member 41.
Supported from the steerable portion 51 by a thrust bearing 71 and by a radial bearing 73 is an outer cover member 75 which generally encloses the upper portion o~ the steering portion 51 and which includes a generally upwardly and forwardly open partially spherical lower housing part 7?. The cover member ~5 is prevented from rotating about the steering axis 44 by reason of connection to the fixed portion l9 by one or more shock absorbers (not shown).
~he lower housing part 77 cooperates with a generally downwardly and rearwardly open partially spherical ~pper housing part 79 which is con~ected by bolts or other suitable means to ; the ~ixed portion 18 and which thereby becomes a part o~ the 15~ æixed portion 19~ An O-ring 81 is housed in the upper housing part. 79 and engages the lower housing part 77 to complete a housing 83 which is sealed against entry of moisture throug~
the interface between the fixed upper housing part 79 and the tilt able lower housing part 77. ~
Desirably, the fixed portion l9 o~ the stern drive . unit includes a forwardly located wall 85 which serves to com-plete formation of the generally sealed housing 83 which is capable of retaining therein a suitable amount of lubricant which is therefore available to the trunnion parts 25J to the steering connection, and to the transmission still to be described.
Included in ~he stern drive unit is means for steering the steerable portion 51 relative to the tiltable and fixed portions 43 and l9, notwithstanding tilting o~ the tiltable and steerable portions 43 and 51. In this regard, the steerable portion 51 includes (See Fig. 2) two transversely spaced arms 91 which extend upwardly beyond the tilt axis 31 and outwardly o lOS4865 the laterally spaced trunnion parts 25. In addition, the stern dri~e unit includes a steering member 93 which is suitably journaled by the fixed portion 19 for arcuate movement about an axis 9S perpendicular to the tilt axis 31 and co-planar wi~h S the steering axis 44. The steering member 93 includes, at the lower end thereof, a yoke 97 including transversely spaced and downwardly extending legs 99 which project downwardly beyond`
the tilt axis 31 and outwaxdly of the laterally spaced trunnion parts 25. . .
Means are provided for connecting the legs 99 of the yoke 97 of the steering member 93 with the arms 91 o~ the steerable , portion 51 to effect steering movement o~ the steerable portion Sl in re~ponse to steering movement of the steering member 43, not-withstanding tilting o~ the steerable portion 51 relative to the fixed portion 19. In the illustrated construction, such meanscomprises a vertically extending slot 101 in each o~ the arms 91 of the steerable portion 51 and pins 103 respectively extending rom the legs 99 of the yoke 97 and into the slots 101. If . ..
desired, the yoke legs 99 could include the slots 101 and the pins 103 could extend from the arms 91 of the steerable portion 51. When the steering member 93 is positioned to afford straight forward travel, the pins 103 are located in generally co-axial~y relation to the tilt axis 31.
At its upper end, the steering member 93 projects from the fixed portion 19 o~ the stern drive unit within the boat hull 13 orwardly of the transom 15 and ha~ fixed thereon (See Fig. 3) a steering lever 105 which can be suitably connected to a boat mounted steering system (not shown) of any desired construction. Accordingly, steering movement of the steering lever lOS effects steering movement of the steering member 93 which, in turn, e~fects steering movement of the steerable portion 51 of the stern drive unit.
r- ,~
( 105 486 5 `
Located within the housing 83 formed by ~he upper and lower housing parts ~g and 77 is a transmission 121 which ~s selectively operable to connect~ to the previously described drive shaft 67, an input shaft 123 (See Fig. 3) driven by the engine 17 and rotatably supported by the fixed portion 1~ o~
the stern drive uni~.
More specifically, the trans~ission 121 includes a cross shaft 125, which, at its outer ends, is suitably journaled for rotary and axial movement relative to ~he ~ixed portion 19 by bearings 127 supported by the transversely outwardly located : web portions 129 o~ the trunnion parts 25 o~ the fixed stern drive unit portion 19. ~ -Xn addition, the transmission 121 also includes an 4utput be~el gear 126 which is supported in a split bearing 1~ part 128 o the member 41 of the tiltable stern drive unit portion .
: ~'t3 for co-axial rotation with the cross shaZt 125 and which is ln mesh with a bevel gear 130 fixed to the upper end.of the dri~e ~haft 67. . :............................ 5.
. .Means are also provided for preventing axial movement of the output gear 126 relative to the tiltable portion 43. Xn _ - .this regard, such movement is prevented by engagement of the .output gear 126 with the bevel gear 130 and with a thrust bearing :132 supported by the split bearing part 128.
Means are also provided for connecting the cross - -shaft 128 to the output bevel gear 126 to provide or common rotation and for relative axial movement of the cross shaft 125 relativè to the output bevel gear 126. '~hus, in the illus--trated construction, the output bevel gear 1~6 and cross shaft 125 are connected by mating spline formations.
The transmission 121 also includes one or more drive members which are in the form of bevel gear members (still to be described) and means on the driving members and.on the cross ( : . ( c ~
'' 10 5486 5 shaft 125 for selec~ively coupling the driving members to the cross shaft 125 for co~mon rotary movement in response to axial movement of th~ cross shaft 125.
~ore specifically, the cross shaft 125 fixedly S carries, in inwardly spaced relation from the ends thereof and from the trunnion parts 25, a pair o~ axially spaced clutch parts 131 which have common'axial and rotary move~ent with the cross sha~t 125.
Each of the clutch parts 131 includes a conica~
clutch surface 133 and a non-cylindrical surface 135 which is located xadially inwardly with respect to the conical clutch surface 133 and in axially outwardly spaced relation from the conical clutch surface 133.
In the speci~ically disclosed construction, the,trans-15 mission 121 includes a pair of transversely spaced drive members in the form of be~el gear members 141 which are supported by " radial bearings 143 from the inner cylindrical surfaces 27 of . , . .: .
the trunnion parts 25 so that the bevel gear members 141 are rotatable co-axially with and relative to the cross shaft 125.
Each of the bevel gear members 141 is also supported for -- . .
rotation by a thrust bearing 145. In addition, each of the be~el gear members 141 includes a bevel gear portion 147 which is in mesh with a common bevel gear 149 carried on the adjacent end of the input shaft 123~ Thus, the bevel gear members 141 xotate in opposite directions relative to each other.
~ ach of the bevel gear members 141 also includes a portion 151 including means defining an aperture 153 which is generally aligned with the tilt axis 31 and which has a non-circular surace adapted to receive the non-circular surface 135 of the adjacent clutch part 131 so as to drivingly transmit rotary power from the bevel gear member 141 to the clutch part 131. In the illustrated construction, the non-circular surfaces ( 10 5 486 5 ( 9 135 and 153 of the clutch part 131 and the bevel gear members 141 comprise ma~ing spline formations.
Carried on each of the bevel gear members 141 for common rotation therewith and for.axial movement relative thereto are respective clutch elements 161 each including a conical clutch surface 163 adapted to be engaged by the conical surface 133 of the adjacent clutch part 131 on the cross shaft 125 so as to rotate the cross shaft 12~ in response to such engagement.
In the particularly illustrated construction, the clutch elements 161 are carried on the bevel gear members 141 by ~ating spline io formations.
; Preferably, the clutch elements 161 are biased in the direction toward the adjacent clutch parts 131 by suitable méans such as one or more helical springs 165. As a consequence, when the cross shaft 125 is axially shited, one adjacent pair lS of concia~ suraces 133 and 163 is initially engaged to rotate ~he cross shat from the bevel gear member 143. Continued axial shifting o~ the cross shaft 12~ in the same direction displaces the engaged clutch element 161 axially outwardly relative to the .
associated bevel gear member 141 against the action o~ ~he helical - 20 spring 165 and simultaneously effects entry of the non-cylindrical . surface 135 o the associated clutch part 131 into the non-cylin~ic aperture 153 of the associated bevel gear member 141 so that rotary power can be transmitted through the splined connection between the beve~ gear member 141 and the clutch part 131. ~t is noted that the clutch part 131 is inserted into the aperture 153 o~
the bevel gear member 141 when both the bevel gear member 141 and the cross shaft 125 are rotating in common as a result of the engagement of the conical surfaces 133 and 163. Thus, the conical clutch engagement serves to initiate common rotation of the cross sha~t 125 with the associated bevel gear member 141 but the prinicpal delivery of power from the bevel gear member 141 to the cross shaft 125 is through the splined con-nection between the bevel gear member 141 and the cross sha~t 125.
0 54~65 ~ le~ns are provided for shitin~ the cross sha~t 125 axially between a first position engaging one o the bevel gear members 141 to afford forward drive, a second or neutral position wh~rein both bevel gear members 141 are dis-engaged, and a third position wherein the other one of thebevel gear members 141 is engaged so as to provide rearward drive. In this regard, the cross shaft includes a pair of axially spaced annular shoulders 171 de~ining an annular groove 173 which receives (See Fig. 3) a forked portion 175 of a shift lever 177.
The shift lever 177 also includes a sha~t portion 179 which extends through the forward wall 85 of the fixed portion 19 of the stern drive unit and is supported thereby ~or arcuate mo~ement. At its forward end, the shaft portion 179 has fixed thereto, inwardly of the boat huli 13 and forwardly of the transom 15, a shift arm 181 which is connectable to any ~uitable in-boat actuating mechanism (not shown). Accordingly xocking of the shift lever 177 serves to axially shift the cross shaft 125 between forward drive and neutral and rearward drive positions. As already indicated, lateral shiting of the cross shaft 125 serves initially to engage a pair of the conical clutch æuraces 133 and 163 and to thereater, during common rotation o the cross shaft 125 and the associated one of the bevel gear members 141, to effect the insertion of the 2S associated clutch part 131 into the aperture 153 of the associa~
be~el gear member 141.
Power is thereafter transmitted from the cross shaft 125 to the drive shaft 67 by the output bevel gear 126 and the bevel gear 130 fixed to the top of the drive shaft 67. Thus, a forward-neutral-reverse transmission is provided between the 1054865 ( ~ l input shaft 123 and the dri-Je shaft 67. In addition, it is no~ed that there is continuous meshing engagement of the gears during all tilt positions of the tiltable and steerable por~ions 43 and 51 relative to the fixed portion 19.
S The disclosed transmission 121 is advantageously capable of delivering relatively large amounts of rotary power without excess wear consequent to engagement of the transmission in forward and reverse drives. In addition, transmission of power is continuous, notwithstanding tilting.
The steering arrangement avoids sliding engagement .
between the pins 103 and the slots 101 when tilting.at.a 0 steering angle, i.e., when ~ravéling straight ahead, and minimizes sliding engagement therebetween consequent to tilting operation at steering angles of less than 45~. ln addition, the pin and ~lot steering connections permit tilting movement which is unlimited by the steering connection. In addition, it is noted that the tilting) steering, and transmission connections !
are provided within the housing 83 defined by the upper and lower housing parts 77 and 79. .-. ~ ~arious of the features of the invention are set forth in the ollowing claims. .-~- . . . . . .
... .. ... .
,. . , "-' , ' .
Claims (5)
1. A stern drive unit comprising a first portion adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull and extending aft of the transom of the boat hull, a second portion, means supporting said second portion from said first portion for movement relative to said first portion about a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis, a third portion supported by said second portion for common tilting movement and for rotation of said third portion relative to said second portion about a steering axis perpendicular to said tilt axis, and means for steering said third portion relative to said second portion comprising a linkage including a steering member rotatably supported by said first portion about an axis co-planar with said steering axis, and means located co-axially with said tilt axis when said third portion is located for straight ahead movement for connecting said steering member and said third portion so as to effect steering of said third portion in response to steering movement of said steering member.
2. A stern drive unit in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said steering member includes two downwardly extending transversely spaced legs, wherein said third portion includes two transversely spaced upwardly extending arms, and wherein said connecting means is located transversely outwardly of said means tiltably supporting said second portion from said first portion and connects said transversely spaced legs of said steering member with said transversely spaced arms of said third portion for effecting steering movement of said third portion in response to steering movement of said steering member while otherwise permitting lost motion between said legs and said arms.
3. A stern drive unit in accordance with Claim 2 wherein said connecting means comprises association of one of said legs with one of said arms and association of the other of said legs with the other of said arms, and wherein in each associated pair of arms and legs there is provided a slot in one of said associated arm and leg and a pin extending from the other of said associated arm and leg and into said slot in said one of said associated arm and leg.
4. A stern drive unit comprising a first portion adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull and extending aft of the transom of the boat hull, a second portion, means supporting said second portion from said first portion for movement relative to said first portion about a horizontally extending transverse tilt axis, a third portion supported by said second portion for common tilting movement and for rotation of said third portion relative to said second portion about a steering axis perpendicular to said tilt axis, and means for steering said third portion relative to said second portion comprising a linkage including a steering member rotatably supported by said first portion about an axis co-planar with said steering axis, and means located transversely outwardly of said means tiltably supporting said second portion from said first portion for connecting said steering member and said third portion so as to effect steering of said third portion in response to steering movement of said steering member.
5. A stern drive unit in accordance with Claim 4 wherein said steering member includes two downwardly extending transversely spaced legs, wherein said third portion includes two transversely spaced upwardly extending arms, and wherein said connecting means is located co-axially with said tilt axis when said third portion is located for straight ahead movement and connects said transversely spaced legs of said steering member with said transversely spaced arms of said third portion for effecting steering movement of said third portion in response to steering movement of said steering member while otherwise permitting lost motion between said legs and said arms.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/578,120 US3977356A (en) | 1975-05-16 | 1975-05-16 | Stern drive unit and transmission therefor |
| CA247,795A CA1047844A (en) | 1975-05-16 | 1976-03-12 | Stern drive unit and transmission therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1054865A true CA1054865A (en) | 1979-05-22 |
Family
ID=25668235
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA305,398A Expired CA1054865A (en) | 1975-05-16 | 1978-06-14 | Stern drive unit and transmission therefor |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1054865A (en) |
-
1978
- 1978-06-14 CA CA305,398A patent/CA1054865A/en not_active Expired
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