CA1064330A - Dual cable steering system - Google Patents
Dual cable steering systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1064330A CA1064330A CA313,262A CA313262A CA1064330A CA 1064330 A CA1064330 A CA 1064330A CA 313262 A CA313262 A CA 313262A CA 1064330 A CA1064330 A CA 1064330A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- steering
- steering shaft
- relative
- inner core
- 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
Landscapes
- Flexible Shafts (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF DISCLOSURE
Disclosed herein is a marine steering installation including a steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on the housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to the housing, a first flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to a marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, a second flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to the marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, means fixedly connecting the outer casings to the housing, and means fixedly connecting the inner cores to the steering shaft for common movement of the inner cores relative to the outer casings in response to rotation of the steering shaft, one of the connecting means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the inner core and outer casing of one of the push-pull cables so as to remove slack from the installation.
Disclosed herein is a marine steering installation including a steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on the housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to the housing, a first flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to a marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, a second flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to the marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, means fixedly connecting the outer casings to the housing, and means fixedly connecting the inner cores to the steering shaft for common movement of the inner cores relative to the outer casings in response to rotation of the steering shaft, one of the connecting means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the inner core and outer casing of one of the push-pull cables so as to remove slack from the installation.
Description
' 1064330 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a marine steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on the housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to the housing, means on the housing adapted for fixedly connecting to the housing the outer casings of a pair of flexible push-pull cables, and means on the steering shaft adapted for fixedly connecting to the steering shaft the inner cores of the pair of flexible push-pull cables so as to afford common movement of the inner cores relative to the ^ outer casings in response to rotation of the steering . shaft, one of the connecting means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the .~ 15 inner core and the outer casing of one of the pair of .~ push-pull cables.
. The invention also provides a steering installation including a steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on the housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to the housing, a first flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to a marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, a second flexible push-pull :-cable adapted to be connected to the marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, means fixedly connecting ~he outer casings to the housing, and means fixedly connecting the inner cores to the steering shaft for common movement of said inner cores relative to the outer casings in response '~
The invention provides a marine steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on the housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to the housing, means on the housing adapted for fixedly connecting to the housing the outer casings of a pair of flexible push-pull cables, and means on the steering shaft adapted for fixedly connecting to the steering shaft the inner cores of the pair of flexible push-pull cables so as to afford common movement of the inner cores relative to the ^ outer casings in response to rotation of the steering . shaft, one of the connecting means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the .~ 15 inner core and the outer casing of one of the pair of .~ push-pull cables.
. The invention also provides a steering installation including a steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on the housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to the housing, a first flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to a marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, a second flexible push-pull :-cable adapted to be connected to the marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, means fixedly connecting ~he outer casings to the housing, and means fixedly connecting the inner cores to the steering shaft for common movement of said inner cores relative to the outer casings in response '~
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1(~64330 to rotation of the steering shaft, one of the connect-ing means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the inner core and outer casing of one of the push-pull cables so as to remove slack from the installation.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the housing includes spaced opposing sides and the casings are fixedly connected to one of the - spaced opposing sides.
- 10 In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the adjustable displacing means comprises anchor means adapted for connection to the one of the inner core and the outer casing of the one flexible push-pull cable, and means for adjusting the distance of the anchor means relative to the associated one of the steering shaft and the housing.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the adjustable displacing means comprises a first member fixed to the steering shaft for common rotation therewith and adapted to be fixed to one of the inner cores and a second member adapted to be fixed to the other of the inner cores and movable relative to the first member, and means for adjustably fixing together the first and second members.
- . - ~ . .. . - , - - . - - -; ~064330 One of the principal features of the invention is the provision of a marine propulsion installation including a steering arrangement or system which employs a pair of flexible push-pull cables and which substantially eliminates slack or lost motion in the steering system.
Another of the principal features of the invention is the provision of a steering station or steering helm which is adapted for use in a dual, push- -pull flexible cable steering system which substantially reduces or eliminates lost motion or slack in the system.
Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become known by reference to the follow general description, claims, and appended drawings.
IN THE DRAWINGS ~ -Figure 1 is a schematic view of a boat incorporating a marine propulsion installation incorporating various of the features of the invention.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along lines 2--2 of Figure 3.
Figure 3 is a fragmentary view, partially broken away, and in section,of a modified marine propulsion device which can be incorporated in the marine propulsion installation shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modi~ied steering helm or station which can be employed in a marine propulsion installation such as shown in Figure 1.
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~i~u~e 5 is a fra~;m~ntary top view of the modified st~ering station sho~n in Fi~ure 4, Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view, with par~s broken away and in section~ of another modified steering station which can bc employed in a marine propulsion installation such as sho~n in Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view, with parts broken away and in section, taken along lines 7--7 of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a view partially in section of a modified arrange~ent for connecting the core of a ' flexible push-pull cable to a marine propulsion device, which arrangement can be used in a marlne propulsion installation such as shown in Figure 1, Before explaining the embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its app'lication to the ' details s,et forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable ' 20 of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseolo~y and terminology employed herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
GEN~RAL DESCRIPTION
Shown in Figure 1 of the drawings is a fragmentarily illustrated boat 11 e~uipped with a marine propulsion . .
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~ . 1064330 - ins~allation 13 incorporating various oE ~he fea.ur~s of th~ invention. The marine propulsion installation 13 in~ludes a marine propulsion device 15, a steering helm or station 17, and a pair of flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 extending between the marine propulsion device 15 and the stee~ing helm or station 17.
More specifically, the illustrated marine propulsion device 15 is in the form of an outboard motor and includes a first part 25 which is in the form of a transom bracket and ~hich is adapted to be fixedly connected to the boat hull 11 in a conventional manner.
The marine propulsion device 15 also includes a second part 27 which is in the form of a swivel brac~et and which is tiltably connected to the first part or transom bracket 25 by means including a hollow tilt tube 29 which extends through aligned apertures in the `, transom bracket and in the swivel bracket. Means in the form of nuts 31 are secured on the opposite ends of the tilt tube 29 to maintain the tilt tube 29, swivel bracket 27 and transom bracket 25 in assembled relation .
and to prevent relative movement therebetween.axially of the tilt tube 29.
The marine propulsion device 15 also includes a fragmentarily illustrated part 35 in the form of a -propulsion unit which comprises a fragmentarily illustrated power head 37 including an internal combustion engine (not sho~n) and a fragmentarily illustrated lower unit 39 including a propeller 41 driven by the engine and normally located.under water.
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- . , The propulsion unit 35 is connected to the swivel bracket 27 for common tilting movement and for steering movement relative to the swivel bracket 27 about means in t~e form of a ~ing pin 43 extending from the propulsion unit 35 and having an axis extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tilt tube 29.
Also extending from the prcpulsion unit 35 is a steering arm 45 having common steering movement with ~he pxopulsion unit 35.
Extending fixedly from the swivel bracket 27 fo~ardly of the tilt tube 29 is one or more portions 51 which respectively includes apertures extending in ~ -.. . .
parallel relation to the axis of ~he tilt tube 29 and - aligned with respect to one another. Extending in the apertures is a hollow adjustment tube 53O Means are provided for adjustably fixing the adjustment tube 53 relative to the portion or portions 51 of the swivel bracket 27. In the illustrated construction, such means com?rises an external thread on the adjustment tube 53 and a pair of lock nuts 55 ~hich are mounted on the thread and engagable with opposite sides of one of the portions 51 so as to permit fixing of the adjustment tube 53 in axially adjusted position on the swivel bracket 27.
The steering helm or station 17 includes a suitable frame or housing 61 which is adapted to be fixedly mounted on the boat hull 11 and which includes a pair of opposite sides 63 and 65. Carried by the ~ -housing 61 for rotation about a fixed axis is a steering shaft 67 which, in turn, and exteriorly of the housing 61, carries a steering wheel 69~ -.
:106433V
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Th~ flexible push-pull cables l9 and 21 are generally of identical construction and each includes an outer sheath or casing 71 and an inner core 73 movable lengthwise within the outer casing 71.
~Ieans are provided for fixedly connecting the outer casings 71 of the flexible push-pull cables l9 and 21 to the steering housing 17 and to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 of-the marine propulsion device 15. In this regard, while various other arrangements ~ 10 can be employed, the steering station 17 includes two - adjacent hollow nipples 77 mounted on the side 63 .
of the housing 61 and including external threads.- In . addition, each of the outer casings 71 carries, at the adjacent end thereof, a female socket 79 which is r 15 threadedly engaged on one of the nipples 77 to fixedly connect the outer casings 71 to the steering housing 61.
At their other ends, the outer casings 71 also include female sockets 81 which can be threadedly engaged on threaded end portions of the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 so as to fix the outer casings 71 to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53. It is noted that, when the insta.llation is co~pleted, the ends of the outer casings 71 adjacent to the steering station 17 are fixed.relative to the steering station 17 and therefore relative to each other. It is further noted that.when the installation 11 is completed, the ends of the outer casings 71 adjacent to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 are fixed relative to the tilt tube 29 and t~e adjustment tube 53.
Itis furth~r not~d that, ~Jh~n the installation 11 is compl~ted and adjustment has been made to remove the slack from the installation, the tilt tube 29 and adj tlS tment tube 53 are also fixed relative to each other, thereby fixing the associated ends of the outer casings of the flexible cables 19 and 21 relative to each other.
Means are provided for fixing the inner cores of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 to the steering shaft 67 so that rotation of the steering shaft causes common movement of the inner cores 73 through the nipples 77 and in the outer casings 71. In the construction illustrated in Figure 1, such means comprises dual disks 83 and 85 fixed on the steering shaft 67 and fixed connection of the ends of the inner cores 73 to the disks 83 and 85 and thus relative to each other.
At their other ends, the inner cores 73 of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 extend respectively through the tilt tube 29 and the adjustment tube 53. At their free ends, the inner cores 73 are respectively fixedly connected to the interior of a pair of protective sleeves or shields 93 which, in turn, are fixedly connected to a cross head 91.
More particularly, the sleeves or shields 93 include shoulders 95 which engage one side of the cross head 91 and end portions 97 which extends through ~he cross head 91 and which are threaded. Fixed on the end portions 97 are respective nuts 99, which, in effect, fixedly secure the inner cores 73 to the cross head 91.
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10~4330 In order to enclose the ends of the inner core 73, the protective sleeves or shields 93 extend respectively into the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 for telescopic movement therein in response to movement of the cross head 91 relative to the tubes 29 and 53.
In turn, the cross head 91 is connected to the propulsion unit 35 to effect steering movement thereof in response to movement of the inner cores 73 in the tubes 29 and 53 and accompanying movement of the cross head 91. In the illustrated construction, an L
shaped steering link 105 has one end pivotally connected to the steering arm 45 and the other end pivotally connected to the cross head 91 about an axis parallel to the axis of pivotal connection with the steering arm 45.
` In assembly of the installation 11, after ~` connection of the outer casings 71 of the flexible cables 19 and 21 to the steering station housing 61 ; and connection of the inner cores 73 to the steering ;~
' 20 shaft 67, and after connection of the inner cores 73 to the cross head 91 and connection of the outer casings 71 to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53, the adjustment tube 53 is moved axially so as to displace the outer casing 71 relative to the inner core 73 of the cable 21, and thereby to remove any slack or free play between the inner cores 73 and outer casings 71 of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21. The adjustment tube 53 can be moved so as to place one of the outer casings 71 in tension and the other of the outer casings 71 in compression. Accordingly, when thus assembled, rotation of the steering wheel 69 in one direction will cause movement of the inner cores 73 through the tùbes 29 and 53 so as to move the cross head 91 and thereby to swing the propulsion unit 35 in one direction. Opposite movement of the steering wheel 69 will effect opposite movement of the propulsion unit 35.
Because of the dual cables lg and 21 and the adjustability of the adjustment tube 53 relative to the marine propulsion device 15 9 any free play or slack can be removed from the installation or system 11 so that - 10 immediate steering occurs in response to changes in - the direction of.steering.
While the disclosure has been illustrated with an outboard motor, the features of the invention are also applicable to stern drive units.
Shown in Figures 2 and 3 is another embodiment of the.invention in which the swivel bracket 27 does : not include portions extending integrally therefrom for support of the adjustment tube 53. Instead, in the embodiment shown in ~igures 2 and 3, an adjustment.tube holding bracket 151 is fixed relative to the swivel . bracket 27 by a clamp 153. More specifically, in the i~ construction shown in Figures 2 and 3, the clamp 153 is provided by upper and lower clamping members connected by a screw or bolt 159. Each of the clamping members ~.
includes, at each end, ~ C shaped portion 161 adapted to engage the upper or lower surfaces of the tilt tube 29 or adjustment tube 53 and, when the bolt is tightened, to tightly engage ~ogether the assembly of the tilt tube 29, clamp 153, and adjustment tube 53. (It is noted that -11- ` . ..
- . ~ -1~64330 in ~he conven~ional construction, the swivel ~r~cket 27 inclu~cs tt~o ~ lly spaced portions 163 through which the til~ pin or tube 29 extends, lcaving the tilt tube 29 exposed bet~een such portions).
As the adjustment tube 53 extends through the bracket 151, the bracket 151 is also thereby positioned relative to the swivel bracket 27. In this connection, the bracket lSl sho~n in Figure 2 includes two spaced arms 171 which extend rea~ardly for engagement ~ith the inside surfaces of the swivel bracket portions 16 so as to prevent relative movement therebetween in the axial direction of the tubes 29 and 53.
In assembling the arrangement shown in Figures 2 and 3, the clamp 153 is initially tightened only sufficiently to generally hold the adjustment tube 53 in parallel relation to the tilt tube 29 while permitting axial movement of the adjustment tube 53 relative to . the cla~ping members 155 and 157. I~hen thus sufficiently tightened, the arms 171 of the bracket 151 are located for engagement with the swivel bracket portions 163 due to projection of the adjustment tube 53 in the bracket 151.
Thereafter, the adjustment tube 53 is axially adjusted relative to the bracket 151 and thereby relative to the tilt tube 29 to remove free play in the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21. When such free play or slack is removed, the adjustment tube 53 is fixed relative to the bracket 151 in adjusted position by operation of the pair of lock nuts 55.. Thereafter, the screw or .
bolL 159 is further ti~ht~ned to tightly secure together the assem~ly of the brac'.~et 151, the adjustment tube 53, the swivel bracket 27, and the tilt tube 29.
Arrangements other than as sho~ in Figures 1 ~hrough 3 can also be employed for removing the slack from a dual flexible push-pull cable installation as sho~n in Figures 1 through 3. For instance, instead of adjusting the connection of the outer sheath 71 of - one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 to the associated one of the tubes 29 and 53, if desired, adjust-ment of the connection of one of the outer sheaths 71 to the steering hel~ or station 17 can be employed.
Thus, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the outer sheath 73 of one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 is adjustably connected to the housing 61. More particularly, the housing 61 has fixed thereon a bracket 201 ha~ing therein an aperture receiving an adjustably located anchor means or adjustment tube 203. In a fashion similar to . that already described, the adjustment tube 203 is 20 threaded on its exterior for connection to the threaded coupling 7~ at the adjacent end of the outer sheath 73.
, After such connection, the adjustment tube 201 is displaced axially through the aperture in the bracket 201 to remove .
slack from the installation and then locked in adjusted .
position relative to the housing 61 by a pair of lock - nuts 205 rotatable on the threaded outer surface of the adjustment tube 203 and located on opposite sides of the bracket 201. Preferably, the adjustment tube 203 is of sufficient length so that it extends through the adj~c~llt si~ all 63 of the housing 61 when in the adjusted position.
Instead of adjust~ble connection of one of the outer s~eaths 73 to one of the marine propulsion device 15 or the steering helm or station 17, if desired, the adjustment to remove slack from a dual push-pull cable installation such as shown in Figure 1 can be accomplished by adjusting the inner cores 73 relative to the steering shaft 67 or relative to the cross head 91. More specifically, in the construction shown in Figure 6 and 7, the connection of the inner core 73 of one of the flexible push-pul~ cables 19 and 21 relative to the steering shaft 67 is adjusted relative to the connection of the inner core 73 of the other one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 so as to re~ove slack in ~: the installat-ion. Still more specifically, in the construction disclosed in ~igures 6 and 7, the inner cores 73 are respectively anchored in any suitable fashion to members which can be in the form of disks 283 and 285. The disk 283 is splined or keyed to the steering shat, while the disk 285 is rotatable on the steering shaft 67 in adjacent relation to the disk 283 and relative to both the steering shaft 67 and the disk 283. As a result, the disk 285 can be angularly displaced relative to the disk 283 and to the steering shaft 67 so as to remove slack from the installation. I~hen the di~ks 283 and 285 are angularly adjusted so as to remove such slack, -the disks 283 and 285 can be locked -14- .
...... . . . ~
~ cljuste~ pOSitiOIl for colniDon ro~ation ~ h each other and wi~h the steering shaft 67 by a ~leaded nut or bolt 2~7 which extcnds through an arcuate slot 289 in the disk 285 and is threaded into the disk 283.
Of course, either inner core 73 can be thus adjusted relative to the other.
Shown in Figure 8 is still ano~her a~rangement for removing slack from a dual push-pull cable installation such as shown in Figure 1, which arrangement can be used in lieu of any of the previously described constr~ctions.
In the construction shown in Figure 8, the inner core 73 of one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 is adjustably connected to the cross head so as to remove slack from the installation. In particular, as s~own in Figure 8, the inner core 73 is suitably anchored or , fixedly connected to the inside of an adjustably locatable anchor means or adjus t m ent tube 301 which also serves as a shield similar to the shield 93 employed in the construction sho~ in Figure 1. However, in the construction shown in ~igure 8, the adjustment tube 301 can be adjusted axially through the associated opening in the cross head 91 to remove slack in the installation system. In this regard, the outer surface of the adjustment tube 301 is threaded so as to permit adjustment of opposed lock nuts 3U3 against opposite sides of the -cross head 91 to anchor the adjustment tube 301 and connected inner core 73 to the cross head 91 in adjusted - position and with the slack remo~ed from the installation.
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':. '' , . ' ' , ~ ' -. , :. .' . '- - -' 1064330 Thus the invention encompasses adjustable connec~ion of the inner core 73 of either one of thc flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 either to the steering wheel 69 or to the cross head 91 of the marine propulsion device 15, or adjustable connection of the outer sheath 71 of either one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 either to the marine propulsion device 15 or the steering sta~ion housing 61. Such adjustable connection affords removal of slack in the disclosed dual flexible cable installation so as thereby to afford immediate steering response incident to a change in the direction o~ steering.
~arious of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
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1(~64330 to rotation of the steering shaft, one of the connect-ing means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the inner core and outer casing of one of the push-pull cables so as to remove slack from the installation.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the housing includes spaced opposing sides and the casings are fixedly connected to one of the - spaced opposing sides.
- 10 In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the adjustable displacing means comprises anchor means adapted for connection to the one of the inner core and the outer casing of the one flexible push-pull cable, and means for adjusting the distance of the anchor means relative to the associated one of the steering shaft and the housing.
In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, the adjustable displacing means comprises a first member fixed to the steering shaft for common rotation therewith and adapted to be fixed to one of the inner cores and a second member adapted to be fixed to the other of the inner cores and movable relative to the first member, and means for adjustably fixing together the first and second members.
- . - ~ . .. . - , - - . - - -; ~064330 One of the principal features of the invention is the provision of a marine propulsion installation including a steering arrangement or system which employs a pair of flexible push-pull cables and which substantially eliminates slack or lost motion in the steering system.
Another of the principal features of the invention is the provision of a steering station or steering helm which is adapted for use in a dual, push- -pull flexible cable steering system which substantially reduces or eliminates lost motion or slack in the system.
Other features and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become known by reference to the follow general description, claims, and appended drawings.
IN THE DRAWINGS ~ -Figure 1 is a schematic view of a boat incorporating a marine propulsion installation incorporating various of the features of the invention.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along lines 2--2 of Figure 3.
Figure 3 is a fragmentary view, partially broken away, and in section,of a modified marine propulsion device which can be incorporated in the marine propulsion installation shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a modi~ied steering helm or station which can be employed in a marine propulsion installation such as shown in Figure 1.
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~i~u~e 5 is a fra~;m~ntary top view of the modified st~ering station sho~n in Fi~ure 4, Figure 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view, with par~s broken away and in section~ of another modified steering station which can bc employed in a marine propulsion installation such as sho~n in Figure 1.
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view, with parts broken away and in section, taken along lines 7--7 of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a view partially in section of a modified arrange~ent for connecting the core of a ' flexible push-pull cable to a marine propulsion device, which arrangement can be used in a marlne propulsion installation such as shown in Figure 1, Before explaining the embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its app'lication to the ' details s,et forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable ' 20 of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseolo~y and terminology employed herein is for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
GEN~RAL DESCRIPTION
Shown in Figure 1 of the drawings is a fragmentarily illustrated boat 11 e~uipped with a marine propulsion . .
,-: - -, - ~. . . .............. - .
~ . 1064330 - ins~allation 13 incorporating various oE ~he fea.ur~s of th~ invention. The marine propulsion installation 13 in~ludes a marine propulsion device 15, a steering helm or station 17, and a pair of flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 extending between the marine propulsion device 15 and the stee~ing helm or station 17.
More specifically, the illustrated marine propulsion device 15 is in the form of an outboard motor and includes a first part 25 which is in the form of a transom bracket and ~hich is adapted to be fixedly connected to the boat hull 11 in a conventional manner.
The marine propulsion device 15 also includes a second part 27 which is in the form of a swivel brac~et and which is tiltably connected to the first part or transom bracket 25 by means including a hollow tilt tube 29 which extends through aligned apertures in the `, transom bracket and in the swivel bracket. Means in the form of nuts 31 are secured on the opposite ends of the tilt tube 29 to maintain the tilt tube 29, swivel bracket 27 and transom bracket 25 in assembled relation .
and to prevent relative movement therebetween.axially of the tilt tube 29.
The marine propulsion device 15 also includes a fragmentarily illustrated part 35 in the form of a -propulsion unit which comprises a fragmentarily illustrated power head 37 including an internal combustion engine (not sho~n) and a fragmentarily illustrated lower unit 39 including a propeller 41 driven by the engine and normally located.under water.
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- . , The propulsion unit 35 is connected to the swivel bracket 27 for common tilting movement and for steering movement relative to the swivel bracket 27 about means in t~e form of a ~ing pin 43 extending from the propulsion unit 35 and having an axis extending in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tilt tube 29.
Also extending from the prcpulsion unit 35 is a steering arm 45 having common steering movement with ~he pxopulsion unit 35.
Extending fixedly from the swivel bracket 27 fo~ardly of the tilt tube 29 is one or more portions 51 which respectively includes apertures extending in ~ -.. . .
parallel relation to the axis of ~he tilt tube 29 and - aligned with respect to one another. Extending in the apertures is a hollow adjustment tube 53O Means are provided for adjustably fixing the adjustment tube 53 relative to the portion or portions 51 of the swivel bracket 27. In the illustrated construction, such means com?rises an external thread on the adjustment tube 53 and a pair of lock nuts 55 ~hich are mounted on the thread and engagable with opposite sides of one of the portions 51 so as to permit fixing of the adjustment tube 53 in axially adjusted position on the swivel bracket 27.
The steering helm or station 17 includes a suitable frame or housing 61 which is adapted to be fixedly mounted on the boat hull 11 and which includes a pair of opposite sides 63 and 65. Carried by the ~ -housing 61 for rotation about a fixed axis is a steering shaft 67 which, in turn, and exteriorly of the housing 61, carries a steering wheel 69~ -.
:106433V
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Th~ flexible push-pull cables l9 and 21 are generally of identical construction and each includes an outer sheath or casing 71 and an inner core 73 movable lengthwise within the outer casing 71.
~Ieans are provided for fixedly connecting the outer casings 71 of the flexible push-pull cables l9 and 21 to the steering housing 17 and to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 of-the marine propulsion device 15. In this regard, while various other arrangements ~ 10 can be employed, the steering station 17 includes two - adjacent hollow nipples 77 mounted on the side 63 .
of the housing 61 and including external threads.- In . addition, each of the outer casings 71 carries, at the adjacent end thereof, a female socket 79 which is r 15 threadedly engaged on one of the nipples 77 to fixedly connect the outer casings 71 to the steering housing 61.
At their other ends, the outer casings 71 also include female sockets 81 which can be threadedly engaged on threaded end portions of the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 so as to fix the outer casings 71 to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53. It is noted that, when the insta.llation is co~pleted, the ends of the outer casings 71 adjacent to the steering station 17 are fixed.relative to the steering station 17 and therefore relative to each other. It is further noted that.when the installation 11 is completed, the ends of the outer casings 71 adjacent to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 are fixed relative to the tilt tube 29 and t~e adjustment tube 53.
Itis furth~r not~d that, ~Jh~n the installation 11 is compl~ted and adjustment has been made to remove the slack from the installation, the tilt tube 29 and adj tlS tment tube 53 are also fixed relative to each other, thereby fixing the associated ends of the outer casings of the flexible cables 19 and 21 relative to each other.
Means are provided for fixing the inner cores of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 to the steering shaft 67 so that rotation of the steering shaft causes common movement of the inner cores 73 through the nipples 77 and in the outer casings 71. In the construction illustrated in Figure 1, such means comprises dual disks 83 and 85 fixed on the steering shaft 67 and fixed connection of the ends of the inner cores 73 to the disks 83 and 85 and thus relative to each other.
At their other ends, the inner cores 73 of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 extend respectively through the tilt tube 29 and the adjustment tube 53. At their free ends, the inner cores 73 are respectively fixedly connected to the interior of a pair of protective sleeves or shields 93 which, in turn, are fixedly connected to a cross head 91.
More particularly, the sleeves or shields 93 include shoulders 95 which engage one side of the cross head 91 and end portions 97 which extends through ~he cross head 91 and which are threaded. Fixed on the end portions 97 are respective nuts 99, which, in effect, fixedly secure the inner cores 73 to the cross head 91.
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10~4330 In order to enclose the ends of the inner core 73, the protective sleeves or shields 93 extend respectively into the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53 for telescopic movement therein in response to movement of the cross head 91 relative to the tubes 29 and 53.
In turn, the cross head 91 is connected to the propulsion unit 35 to effect steering movement thereof in response to movement of the inner cores 73 in the tubes 29 and 53 and accompanying movement of the cross head 91. In the illustrated construction, an L
shaped steering link 105 has one end pivotally connected to the steering arm 45 and the other end pivotally connected to the cross head 91 about an axis parallel to the axis of pivotal connection with the steering arm 45.
` In assembly of the installation 11, after ~` connection of the outer casings 71 of the flexible cables 19 and 21 to the steering station housing 61 ; and connection of the inner cores 73 to the steering ;~
' 20 shaft 67, and after connection of the inner cores 73 to the cross head 91 and connection of the outer casings 71 to the tilt tube 29 and adjustment tube 53, the adjustment tube 53 is moved axially so as to displace the outer casing 71 relative to the inner core 73 of the cable 21, and thereby to remove any slack or free play between the inner cores 73 and outer casings 71 of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21. The adjustment tube 53 can be moved so as to place one of the outer casings 71 in tension and the other of the outer casings 71 in compression. Accordingly, when thus assembled, rotation of the steering wheel 69 in one direction will cause movement of the inner cores 73 through the tùbes 29 and 53 so as to move the cross head 91 and thereby to swing the propulsion unit 35 in one direction. Opposite movement of the steering wheel 69 will effect opposite movement of the propulsion unit 35.
Because of the dual cables lg and 21 and the adjustability of the adjustment tube 53 relative to the marine propulsion device 15 9 any free play or slack can be removed from the installation or system 11 so that - 10 immediate steering occurs in response to changes in - the direction of.steering.
While the disclosure has been illustrated with an outboard motor, the features of the invention are also applicable to stern drive units.
Shown in Figures 2 and 3 is another embodiment of the.invention in which the swivel bracket 27 does : not include portions extending integrally therefrom for support of the adjustment tube 53. Instead, in the embodiment shown in ~igures 2 and 3, an adjustment.tube holding bracket 151 is fixed relative to the swivel . bracket 27 by a clamp 153. More specifically, in the i~ construction shown in Figures 2 and 3, the clamp 153 is provided by upper and lower clamping members connected by a screw or bolt 159. Each of the clamping members ~.
includes, at each end, ~ C shaped portion 161 adapted to engage the upper or lower surfaces of the tilt tube 29 or adjustment tube 53 and, when the bolt is tightened, to tightly engage ~ogether the assembly of the tilt tube 29, clamp 153, and adjustment tube 53. (It is noted that -11- ` . ..
- . ~ -1~64330 in ~he conven~ional construction, the swivel ~r~cket 27 inclu~cs tt~o ~ lly spaced portions 163 through which the til~ pin or tube 29 extends, lcaving the tilt tube 29 exposed bet~een such portions).
As the adjustment tube 53 extends through the bracket 151, the bracket 151 is also thereby positioned relative to the swivel bracket 27. In this connection, the bracket lSl sho~n in Figure 2 includes two spaced arms 171 which extend rea~ardly for engagement ~ith the inside surfaces of the swivel bracket portions 16 so as to prevent relative movement therebetween in the axial direction of the tubes 29 and 53.
In assembling the arrangement shown in Figures 2 and 3, the clamp 153 is initially tightened only sufficiently to generally hold the adjustment tube 53 in parallel relation to the tilt tube 29 while permitting axial movement of the adjustment tube 53 relative to . the cla~ping members 155 and 157. I~hen thus sufficiently tightened, the arms 171 of the bracket 151 are located for engagement with the swivel bracket portions 163 due to projection of the adjustment tube 53 in the bracket 151.
Thereafter, the adjustment tube 53 is axially adjusted relative to the bracket 151 and thereby relative to the tilt tube 29 to remove free play in the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21. When such free play or slack is removed, the adjustment tube 53 is fixed relative to the bracket 151 in adjusted position by operation of the pair of lock nuts 55.. Thereafter, the screw or .
bolL 159 is further ti~ht~ned to tightly secure together the assem~ly of the brac'.~et 151, the adjustment tube 53, the swivel bracket 27, and the tilt tube 29.
Arrangements other than as sho~ in Figures 1 ~hrough 3 can also be employed for removing the slack from a dual flexible push-pull cable installation as sho~n in Figures 1 through 3. For instance, instead of adjusting the connection of the outer sheath 71 of - one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 to the associated one of the tubes 29 and 53, if desired, adjust-ment of the connection of one of the outer sheaths 71 to the steering hel~ or station 17 can be employed.
Thus, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the outer sheath 73 of one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 is adjustably connected to the housing 61. More particularly, the housing 61 has fixed thereon a bracket 201 ha~ing therein an aperture receiving an adjustably located anchor means or adjustment tube 203. In a fashion similar to . that already described, the adjustment tube 203 is 20 threaded on its exterior for connection to the threaded coupling 7~ at the adjacent end of the outer sheath 73.
, After such connection, the adjustment tube 201 is displaced axially through the aperture in the bracket 201 to remove .
slack from the installation and then locked in adjusted .
position relative to the housing 61 by a pair of lock - nuts 205 rotatable on the threaded outer surface of the adjustment tube 203 and located on opposite sides of the bracket 201. Preferably, the adjustment tube 203 is of sufficient length so that it extends through the adj~c~llt si~ all 63 of the housing 61 when in the adjusted position.
Instead of adjust~ble connection of one of the outer s~eaths 73 to one of the marine propulsion device 15 or the steering helm or station 17, if desired, the adjustment to remove slack from a dual push-pull cable installation such as shown in Figure 1 can be accomplished by adjusting the inner cores 73 relative to the steering shaft 67 or relative to the cross head 91. More specifically, in the construction shown in Figure 6 and 7, the connection of the inner core 73 of one of the flexible push-pul~ cables 19 and 21 relative to the steering shaft 67 is adjusted relative to the connection of the inner core 73 of the other one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 so as to re~ove slack in ~: the installat-ion. Still more specifically, in the construction disclosed in ~igures 6 and 7, the inner cores 73 are respectively anchored in any suitable fashion to members which can be in the form of disks 283 and 285. The disk 283 is splined or keyed to the steering shat, while the disk 285 is rotatable on the steering shaft 67 in adjacent relation to the disk 283 and relative to both the steering shaft 67 and the disk 283. As a result, the disk 285 can be angularly displaced relative to the disk 283 and to the steering shaft 67 so as to remove slack from the installation. I~hen the di~ks 283 and 285 are angularly adjusted so as to remove such slack, -the disks 283 and 285 can be locked -14- .
...... . . . ~
~ cljuste~ pOSitiOIl for colniDon ro~ation ~ h each other and wi~h the steering shaft 67 by a ~leaded nut or bolt 2~7 which extcnds through an arcuate slot 289 in the disk 285 and is threaded into the disk 283.
Of course, either inner core 73 can be thus adjusted relative to the other.
Shown in Figure 8 is still ano~her a~rangement for removing slack from a dual push-pull cable installation such as shown in Figure 1, which arrangement can be used in lieu of any of the previously described constr~ctions.
In the construction shown in Figure 8, the inner core 73 of one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 is adjustably connected to the cross head so as to remove slack from the installation. In particular, as s~own in Figure 8, the inner core 73 is suitably anchored or , fixedly connected to the inside of an adjustably locatable anchor means or adjus t m ent tube 301 which also serves as a shield similar to the shield 93 employed in the construction sho~ in Figure 1. However, in the construction shown in ~igure 8, the adjustment tube 301 can be adjusted axially through the associated opening in the cross head 91 to remove slack in the installation system. In this regard, the outer surface of the adjustment tube 301 is threaded so as to permit adjustment of opposed lock nuts 3U3 against opposite sides of the -cross head 91 to anchor the adjustment tube 301 and connected inner core 73 to the cross head 91 in adjusted - position and with the slack remo~ed from the installation.
:. , - . . - , ~ . . . . .
. .
':. '' , . ' ' , ~ ' -. , :. .' . '- - -' 1064330 Thus the invention encompasses adjustable connec~ion of the inner core 73 of either one of thc flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 either to the steering wheel 69 or to the cross head 91 of the marine propulsion device 15, or adjustable connection of the outer sheath 71 of either one of the flexible push-pull cables 19 and 21 either to the marine propulsion device 15 or the steering sta~ion housing 61. Such adjustable connection affords removal of slack in the disclosed dual flexible cable installation so as thereby to afford immediate steering response incident to a change in the direction o~ steering.
~arious of the features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
.. ' ' ` ' .
,.. . .
.~ .
./ .
,. ~.
-~
.. . . . . .
. - - -
Claims (6)
1. A marine steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on said housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to said housing, means on said housing adapted for fixedly connecting to said housing the outer casings of a pair of flexible push-pull cables, and means on said steering shaft adapted for fixedly connecting to said steering shaft the inner cores of the pair of flexible push-pull cables so as to afford common movement of the inner cores relative to the outer casings in response to rotation of said steering shaft, one of said connecting means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the inner core and the outer casing of one of the pair of push-pull cables.
2. A marine steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull and including opposite sides, a steering shaft mounted on said housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to said housing, means on one of said opposite sides adapted for fixedly connecting to said housing the outer casings of a pair of flexible push-pull cables, and means on said steering shaft adapted for fixedly connecting to said steering shaft the inner cores of the pair of flexible push-pull cables so as to afford common movement of the inner cores relative to the outer casings in response to rotation of said steering shaft, one of said connecting means including means for adjustably displacing relative to each other one of the inner core and the outer casing of one of the pair of push-pull cables.
3. A marine steering helm in accordance with Claim 2 wherein said adjustable displacing means comprises anchor means adapted for connection to the one of the inner core and the outer casing of the one flexible push-pull cable, and means for adjusting the distance of said anchor means relative to the associated one of said steering shaft and said housing.
4. A marine steering helm in accordance with Claim 3 wherein said adjustable displacing means comprises a first member fixed to said steering shaft for common rotation therewith and adapted to be fixed to one of the inner cores and a second member adapted to be fixed to the other of the inner cores and movable relative to the first member, and means for adjustably fixing together the first and second members.
5. A marine steering installation including a steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a steering shaft mounted on said housing for rotation upon an axis fixed with respect to said housing, a first flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to a marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, a second flexible push-pull cable adapted to be connected to the marine propulsion device and including an outer casing and an inner core, means fixedly connecting said outer casings to said housing, and means fixedly connecting said inner cores to said steering shaft for common movement of said inner cores relative to said outer casings in response to rotation of said steering shaft, one of said connecting means including means for adjustable displacing relative to each other one of said inner core and outer casing of one of said push-pull cables so as to remove slack from said installation.
6. A marine steering installation in accordance with Claim 5 wherein said housing includes spaced opposing sides and wherein said casings are fixedly connected to one of said spaced opposing sides.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA313,262A CA1064330A (en) | 1976-05-21 | 1978-10-12 | Dual cable steering system |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/688,672 US4054102A (en) | 1976-05-21 | 1976-05-21 | Dual cable steering system |
| CA271,623A CA1065198A (en) | 1976-05-21 | 1977-02-11 | Dual cable steering system |
| CA313,262A CA1064330A (en) | 1976-05-21 | 1978-10-12 | Dual cable steering system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1064330A true CA1064330A (en) | 1979-10-16 |
Family
ID=27164908
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA313,262A Expired CA1064330A (en) | 1976-05-21 | 1978-10-12 | Dual cable steering system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1064330A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112821304A (en) * | 2021-02-06 | 2021-05-18 | 安徽亢信电子科技有限公司 | Cable fixing assembly |
-
1978
- 1978-10-12 CA CA313,262A patent/CA1064330A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112821304A (en) * | 2021-02-06 | 2021-05-18 | 安徽亢信电子科技有限公司 | Cable fixing assembly |
| CN112821304B (en) * | 2021-02-06 | 2022-03-04 | 安徽亢信电子科技有限公司 | Cable fixing assembly |
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