DE102020114804B4 - Steering system for an outboard motor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12), comprising: - a guide rod (14); - a threaded spindle (16); - an actuator (20) for generating a steering force; - a screw drive (28) a threaded drive nut (30) interacting with the threaded spindle (16), the threaded drive nut (30) being arranged to be axially movable with respect to the threaded spindle (16) and axially immovable with respect to the guide rod (14). This enables a steering system (10) with reduced friction losses and thus reduced wear, the steering system (10) functioning precisely and reliably.

Description

The invention relates to a steering system for an outboard motor.

A steering system for an outboard motor, in which a hydraulic pump is arranged at a control station, is known by way of example. Also provided is a hydraulic actuator configured to be driven by the hydraulic pump. This is located near the outboard motor. In this steering system, an oil pressure generated by the hydraulic pump is used to steer the outboard motor. As an alternative, a mechanical steering system is known which deflects an outboard motor by transmitting a rotational movement of a steering wheel to the outboard motor via a counter-pulling cable. Since these steering systems are operated as control devices manually or by the force of an operator, they require a large operating force depending on the operating conditions of the boat and can therefore be improved.

For example, a steering system can also be constructed in such a way that an actuator is used as an electrical actuation unit for the steering. This steering system can have a rack which extends transversely to a boat hull. Furthermore, the steering system comprises a pinion that meshes with the rack, a rack housing that receives the pinion and an actuator for rotating the pinion. When the pinion is rotated by the actuator, the pinion and the rack housing move in the longitudinal direction relative to the rack. The outboard motor can then be steered when the movement of the rack housing is transmitted to the outboard motor via a transmission mechanism with a coupling segment. In such an electric steering system in which the electric motor is used for steering, the steering requires a smaller operating force, so that the burden on the operator can be reduced. It has been found, however, that a steering system with such a helical gear is subject to high friction losses, is subject to component wear and does not work precisely or reliably.

From US 2020/0 017 182 A1 a steering device for an outboard motor with an actuator with a motor, a screw drive with a screw drive nut and a piston rod connected to this is known, the latter being axially movable together with the screw drive nut.

An in US 10 518 858 B1 The described steering actuator for steering a ship's outboard motor has a hydraulically actuated piston device with a first and a second piston for pivoting the ship's outboard motor about a steering axis. A lead screw with a screw drive nut that can be driven in rotation by a motor is used to actuate a valve device for controlling the flow of the hydraulic fluid to the piston device.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to create an improved steering system for an outboard motor which, in particular, reduces friction losses and wear and which functions precisely and reliably.

The object is achieved by a steering system with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the following description, which can each represent an aspect of the invention individually or in combination.

The invention thus relates to a steering system for an outboard motor, comprising: a guide rod;
a threaded spindle which is arranged parallel to the guide rod;
an actuator for generating a steering force;
a screw drive having a screw drive nut interacting with the screw spindle, the screw drive nut being arranged to be axially movable with respect to the threaded spindle and axially immovable with respect to the guide rod.

The steering system has a housing arrangement which at least encloses the threaded spindle.

The steering system has two linear bearings in the housing arrangement which support the guide rod in an axially movable manner and which are arranged at a respective end of the housing arrangement.

Particularly preferably, the steering system has a worm gear, having a worm which is operatively connected to the actuator and a worm wheel which is operatively connected to the worm and which is connected non-rotatably to the threaded spindle. If these features are named in the further claims, the above are meant in this context.

Optionally, each of the following features can also be designed without the worm gear and its components, so that these features can then be separated from the set of features. This applies in particular to configurations in which the actuator is designed coaxially to the threaded spindle. However, other configurations are also possible.

An advantageous basic idea of the invention and individual aspects of the claimed subject matter of the invention are explained below and preferred modified embodiments of the invention are described further below.

It is therefore an advantageous basic idea of the present invention to equip a steering system with a screw drive. This increases the precision of the steering system. Planetary screw drives, roller screws and ball screws are particularly suitable as screw drives. In principle, the selection of the screw drive is independent of the other features of the steering system.

An example of a screw drive is a planetary screw drive. With planetary screw drives, the power is transmitted via the flanks of rollers, spindles and nuts. The large number of contact points results in a very high axial load-bearing capacity. Due to the very small gradients, high axial operating forces can be generated with small drives and without gears. Planetary screw drives usually comprise a threaded spindle and a cylinder nut or a flange nut. Cylinder nuts and flange nuts differ in the way they are attached to the slide. Planets are arranged axially parallel in the nut. The planets roll evenly on the threaded spindle and the nut.

An alternative to the planetary screw drive is a roller screw drive. In the case of roller screw drives, the force is transmitted via the thread flanks of the rollers. With two-part preloaded threaded nuts, the load-bearing capacity is lower than with one-part preloaded nuts due to the load-bearing length of the thread rolls - smaller pitch. Roller screws include a lead screw and a lead screw. However, thread rolls mounted parallel to the axis are arranged in the threaded nut. If the threaded spindle rotates, the thread rolls rotate around the threaded spindle like a planet without axial displacement. Ring gears synchronize the rotary movement of the nut and planet, so that axial displacement is prevented. This achieves a high level of positioning accuracy.

Another example of a screw drive is a ball screw drive. This is a helical gear in which inserted balls transmit the force between the threaded spindle designed as a ball screw spindle and the screw drive nut designed as a ball nut. In particular, both parts each have a helical groove with a semicircular cross-section, which together form a helical tube filled with balls. The positive connection in the thread transversely to the helical line is not formed between the thread groove and dam, as previously known, but by the balls. When the ball screw and ball nut rotate, the balls roll in their tube and move towards the front end of the nut. There they are picked up, for example, by a small tube attached to the outside, led to the rear end of the nut and reintroduced into the thread. In particular, the ball screw spindle is thus moved axially by the ball nut.

Compared to conventional screw gears with surfaces sliding on one another, in which around fifty to ninety percent of the introduced power is converted into heat, screw drives have less friction due to rolling motion, less breakaway torque and less wear. It has been found that the increased costs of the screw drive are amortized by the extended service life of the components. The disadvantages of the larger installation space and the higher weight compared to the conventional helical gear can be further compensated for by a preferred self-locking of the new steering system.

The joint use of a guide rod and a threaded spindle also enables increased stability and more reliable steering.

Since the screw drive nut is axially immovably connected to the guide rod, an axial movement between the threaded spindle and the screw drive nut leads to an axial movement between the threaded spindle and the guide rod.

The formulation axial here refers to the main axis of extension of the threaded spindle or the guide rod.

In particular, the guide rod can be rigidly connected to a boat body during steering and the threaded spindle can be rigidly connected to a housing arrangement during steering. A movement of the threaded spindle thus also leads to a movement of the housing arrangement. If, for example, the outboard motor is at least indirectly connected to the housing arrangement, an axial movement of the threaded spindle via the housing arrangement leads to a steering movement of the outboard motor.

The proposed steering system brings about, in particular, reduced friction losses and consequently reduced wear, the steering system functioning precisely and reliably.

The guide rod extends in particular transversely to a boat hull. This can be used as a full or be formed as a hollow profile. In its basic shape, the guide rod can also be designed to be rotationally, mirror-symmetrically or point-symmetrically symmetrical in cross section.

The threaded spindle extends in particular transversely to a boat hull. This can be designed as a solid or hollow profile. In its basic shape, the threaded spindle can also be designed to be rotationally, mirror-symmetrically or point-symmetrically symmetrical in cross section.

In particular, it is provided that the threaded spindle is arranged parallel to the guide rod. This enables better controllable steering.

The actuator can be a brushless motor, for example. A brushless motor, also known as a brushless motor, is an electric motor without carbon brushes, also known as sliding contacts. In brushless motors, there is no electrical contact between the moving rotor and the stationary stator. Brushes are used for the electrical connection between rotor and stator via slip rings or commutator and are subject to wear due to mechanical abrasion and the brush fire. With the brushless electric motor there is no need for slip rings or commutators and brushes. Such a motor has a longer service life.

The proposed system eliminates the hydraulic pump and oil on the rudder as the steering is electronically controlled. In contrast, the steering system reacts so better that the steering system steers in a sporty manner.

The actuator, for example a brushless motor, is mounted on a housing arrangement, in particular on a housing termination of the housing arrangement. The actuator operates a rotatable worm, which in turn drives a worm wheel that is connected to the threaded spindle. This mechanism can favor a self-locking of the steering in the sense of a counter-steering force. Self-locking of the steering position is also preferably possible without consuming electrical energy. This extends the life of the battery. Brushless machines include some types of three-phase machines such as three-phase asynchronous machines with squirrel cage rotors. The rotary movement is caused by the rotating field generated in the stationary stator. Brushless DC motors are in principle a three-phase synchronous machine with electronic rotary field generation. They are excited by permanent magnets. Synchronous machines with separate excitation often have slip rings as part of a static excitation device. In order to avoid the slip rings, there is the option of a brushless excitation device. As already described, the actuator can be mounted as an electric actuator, for example directly on the housing arrangement, in particular on a housing termination of the housing arrangement. It is also possible that the actuator is arranged completely in the housing arrangement or at least partially in it. In particular, the actuator has built-in proprietary position sensors and embedded electronics. The electric actuator thus operates a steer-by-wire system in which an electronic signal is sent directly from the control stand / joystick to the actuator in order to move an outboard motor. The steering system preferably has an actuator control module. The steering force is supplied entirely by the actuator, i.e. the preferably brushless DC motor, and the counter-thrust generated by a screw drive.

A worm gear is a combination of helical gear and toothed gear and consists of a helical so-called worm, also called worm shaft, and a gear, the so-called worm wheel. The thread of the worm engages in the gaps between the teeth of the worm wheel. Since the worm wheel is non-rotatably connected to the threaded spindle, a rotation of the worm wheel leads to a rotation of the threaded spindle. In contrast to the gear drive with only rolling contact in some cases, the worm gear also has permanent sliding contact, as in a helical gear. In the case of high gear ratios, this leads to a partially reduced degree of efficiency. In contrast, the advantages are that the worm gear runs quietly and is a gear drive with a relatively high load capacity. The reduced efficiency can be compensated for by the increased efficiency of the screw drive, so that the efficiency is optimized as a result.

Preferably, the outboard boat architecture comprises a control device which is arranged so that an outboard motor can be rotated right and left with respect to a boat. The steering system comprises the electric actuator that generates a driving force to rotate the outboard motor with the aid of an axial counter-thrust generated by a screw drive nut arrangement integrated in the steering system. When a steering wheel is operated, an electrical signal is transmitted to the actuator. The actuator is driven based on the transmitted electrical signal.

The actuator is preferably to be driven continuously in order to reliably maintain the alignment of the outboard motor. The reaction force exerted by the water acts through the housing arrangement of the steering system on the tiller handle and acts as an axial thrust on the screw drive. This Axial thrust from the housing assembly onto the screw drive tries to turn the screw drive nut. The advantageous fixation of the screw drive nut and a preferred self-locking of the worm and worm wheel help to lock the drive unit when a high reaction force is applied by the water.

A motor housing may include the actuator and the worm that meshes with the worm wheel. The worm wheel with internal teeth is mounted on an external thread of the lead screw. The worm wheel is clamped axially on the threaded spindle with two axial bearings and rotatably mounted in the housing arrangement.

The actuator, triggered by a steering input signal, drives the worm gear or the worm and the worm wheel. As a result of the rotational movement of the worm wheel, the recirculating ball screw is rotated in such a way that it executes an axial thrust relative to the screw drive nut. The axial movement of the ball screw is transmitted, for example, to a housing arrangement, while the screw drive nut remains rigid to the guide rod connected to the boat. A swivel plate, for example, is rigidly mounted as a coupling segment on the top of the housing arrangement. The underside of the coupling segment is fastened, for example, on one side to the housing arrangement and on the other side to the tiller handle.

When the axial thrust between the threaded spindle and the screw drive nut exceeds the steering force on the tiller, the counter thrust moves the housing assembly along the guide rod. For example, two linear bearings are used on the guide rod in the housing assembly to reduce friction. The threaded spindle and the screw drive are in particular separated from the external atmosphere, so that they are protected against the entry of dust and water into the system.

For a steering movement, it is possible for the steering system to have a screw drive nut holder which is non-rotatably connected to the screw drive nut and the guide rod. For this purpose, the screw drive nut is clamped in the screw drive nut holder, for example. From the sectional view it can be seen that because of the clamped screw drive nut and the clamped guide rod, there is no axial or rotary movement of the guide rod. There is also no rotational movement of the screw drive nut relative to the guide rod. Instead, an actuation of the actuator leads to an actuation of the worm gear, so that the threaded spindle rotates about its longitudinal axis. Depending on its direction of rotation, the screw drive brings the screw drive nut closer to or away from the worm gear. In the case of an existing housing arrangement, it is provided that an axial change in distance between the screw drive nut and the worm gear leads to an axial movement or a change in the distance between the housing arrangement and the guide rod. A tiller which is indirectly connected to the housing arrangement leads to a corresponding steering movement which is dependent on the axial movement between the housing arrangement and the guide rod.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided
that the steering system has a housing arrangement which encloses at least the threaded spindle;
wherein the actuator and the worm gear are arranged on the housing assembly; and or
wherein the screw drive in the housing arrangement and the screw drive nut are arranged non-rotatably with respect to the housing arrangement. In particular, the screw drive nut is connected to the housing arrangement in such a way that an axial displacement of the screw drive nut directly causes an axial displacement of the housing arrangement. For example, the screw drive nut and the housing arrangement can be connected directly to one another. The steering system is thus protected from damage and reliable steering is made possible.

• eine Führungsstange;
• eine Gewindespindel, die insbesondere parallel zur Führungsstange angeordnet ist; eine Gehäuseanordnung, die zumindest die Gewindespindel umschließt;
• einen an der Gehäuseanordnung angeordneten Aktuator zum Erzeugen einer Lenkkraft;
• beispielhaft ein an der Gehäuseanordnung angeordnetes Schneckengetriebe, aufweisend eine mit dem Aktuator wirkverbundene Schnecke und ein mit der Schnecke wirkverbundenes Schneckenrad, das drehfest mit der Gewindespindel verbunden ist;
• einen in der Gehäuseanordnung angeordneten Gewindetrieb, aufweisend eine mit der Gewindespindel wechselwirkende Gewindetriebmutter, die drehfest zur Gehäuseanordnung angeordnet ist, wobei die Gewindetriebmutter zur Gewindespindel axial beweglich und zur Führungsstange axial unbeweglich angeordnet ist. Drehfest bedeutet, dass die Gewindetriebmutter derart angeordnet ist, dass eine Drehung der Gewindespindel zu einer Axialbewegung der Gewindetriebmutter führt. Gleichzeitig wird die Gehäuseanordnung axial entlang der Führungsstange bewegt. Dies kann beispielsweise dadurch erfolgen, dass ein Gewindetriebmutterhalter die Gewindetriebmutter starr umschließt und gleichzeitig die Führungsstange fixiert. Die Gewindespindel dreht sich zwar in der Gehäuseanordnung, ist jedoch axial nicht in dieser beweglich. Stattdessen erfolgt dann die axiale Bewegung der Gehäuseanordnung relativ zu der Führungsspindel, die die Gehäuseanordnung durchdringt, sodass sich die Gehäuseanordnung an dieser entlangbewegt. Sofern die Führungsspindel starr zum Bootskörper angeordnet ist, bewegt sich die Gehäuseanordnung quer zur Längsachse des Bootskörpers. In der Folge bewegt sich beispielsweise auch eine mit der Gehäuseanordnung verbundene Ruderpinne, sodass das Boot gelenkt wird.

In connection with the aforementioned steering system, this enables a steering system for an outboard motor, comprising:

• a guide rod;
• a threaded spindle, which is arranged in particular parallel to the guide rod; a housing assembly which encloses at least the threaded spindle;
• an actuator arranged on the housing assembly for generating a steering force;
• for example, a worm gear arranged on the housing arrangement, having a worm which is operatively connected to the actuator and a worm wheel which is operatively connected to the worm and which is non-rotatably connected to the threaded spindle;
• a screw drive arranged in the housing arrangement, comprising a screw drive nut which interacts with the screw spindle and which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the housing arrangement, the screw drive nut being arranged axially movable to the threaded spindle and axially immovable to the guide rod. Non-rotatably means that the screw drive nut is arranged in such a way that a rotation of the threaded spindle leads to an axial movement of the Lead screw nut leads. At the same time, the housing arrangement is moved axially along the guide rod. This can be done, for example, in that a screw drive nut holder rigidly encloses the screw drive nut and at the same time fixes the guide rod. The threaded spindle rotates in the housing arrangement, but cannot move axially in it. Instead, the axial movement of the housing arrangement then takes place relative to the guide spindle, which penetrates the housing arrangement, so that the housing arrangement moves along it. If the guide spindle is arranged rigidly to the hull, the housing arrangement moves transversely to the longitudinal axis of the hull. As a result, a tiller that is connected to the housing arrangement, for example, also moves, so that the boat is steered.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided that the steering system has a coupling segment in order to connect the housing arrangement pivotably via a tiller pin to a tiller of the outboard motor;
wherein in particular the coupling segment is rigidly connected to the housing arrangement as a separate component. Such a coupling segment has proven to be an advantageous component in order to transfer an axial movement of the housing arrangement and movement losses into a steering movement of the outboard motor.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the worm wheel and the threaded spindle are rotatably connected to one another in such a way that the worm wheel has an internal toothing and that the threaded spindle has an external toothing designed to correlate to the internal toothing. This basically means positive connections. This can prevent slippage so that there are no friction losses and component wear is reduced.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided that the steering system has a screw drive nut holder which is rigidly connected to the screw drive nut and to the guide rod. This is a simple and inexpensive way of transferring steering movements to the outboard motor without increased friction losses.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided that the steering system has two axial bearings arranged on the threaded spindle, the worm wheel being fixed axially between the two axial bearings. In this way, forces can be passed on in a way that is gentle on the components, without damaging the steering system, in particular the sensitive worm gear elements.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided that the steering system has at least two, preferably three, radial bearings arranged on the threaded spindle, the threaded spindle being rotatably mounted in the housing arrangement via the radial bearings, the radial bearings preferably being designed as tapered roller bearings. This further reduces friction losses and the steering system can be controlled more precisely.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided that the steering system has a support rod and a swivel arm arrangement with one or more swivel arms, two swivel arms preferably supporting a support rod which is arranged parallel to the guide rod. This further stabilizes the steering system and enables it to be guided more precisely even during fast steering maneuvers. The outboard motor can also be attached to this so that the steering arrangement is not mechanically stressed with sensitive components elsewhere.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided that the steering system has one or more linear bearings, preferably two linear bearings, in the housing arrangement, which support the guide rod in an axially movable manner and which are in particular arranged at a respective end of the housing arrangement. As a result, a steering movement can take place without increased friction losses.

According to a modified embodiment of the invention it is provided that the worm gear is designed such that it can be connected to a manual control structure in order to operate the worm gear, in particular the worm wheel, in the event of an electronic system failure. The maneuvering of the steering system can thus be carried out during the occurrence of an electronic system failure by manually turning the worm gear with a key or in some other way. In other words, the worm gear can be operated with a hand tool for maneuvering during the system failure. In the event of a power failure, the level of safety for the operator increases, as he remains able to steer or move.

• 1: ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Lenksystems mit einem Schneckengetriebe, einer Gehäuseanordnung und einem Kugelgewindetrieb;
• 2: ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Lenksystems, das auch in dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach 1 integriert werden kann;
• 3: ein Schnittansicht des Lenksystems nach 1 ;
• 4: eine alternative Ansicht des bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels des Lenksystems nach 1;
• 5: ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Lenksystems, das in dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach 1 integriert werden kann;
• 6: ein weitere Schnittansicht des Lenksystems nach 1 ;
• 7: eine Auszugansicht des Lenksystems nach 6;
• 8: eine alternative Ansicht des bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels des Lenksystems nach 1;
• 9: eine Auszugansicht des Lenksystems nach 8;
• 10: eine alternative Auszugansicht des Lenksystems nach 8;
• 11: eine weitere alternative Auszugansicht des Lenksystems nach 8;
• 12: einen Außenbordmotor mit einem Lenksystem nach 1;
• 13: ein gegenüber 5 alternatives Ausführungsbeispiel eines Lenksystems ohne Schneckengetriebe und mit einem Planetengewindetrieb;
• 14: ein beispielhafter Gewindetriebmutterhalter für das Lenksystem nach 13;
• 15: eine beispielhafte Führungsstange für den Gewindetriebmutterhalter nach 14;
• 16: eine symbolische Queransicht auf einen Sperrmechanismus zum Fixieren eines Aktuators nach 13;
• 17: ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Lenksystems mit einer Gehäuseanordnung, aufweisend Komponenten nach 13;
• 18: eine Explosionsdarstellung des Aktuators nach 13 und des Sperrmechanismus nach 16; und
• 19: eine Schnittansicht des Lenksystems nach 17.

In the following, the invention is explained by way of example with reference to the attached drawings using preferred exemplary embodiments, the features shown below being able to represent an aspect of the invention both individually and in combination. Show it:

• 1 : a preferred embodiment of a steering system with a worm gear, a housing arrangement and a ball screw drive;
• 2 : Another preferred embodiment of a steering system, which is also in the embodiment according to 1 can be integrated;
• 3 : a sectional view of the steering system according to 1 ;
• 4th FIG. 8 shows an alternate view of the preferred embodiment of the steering system of FIG 1 ;
• 5 : a preferred embodiment of a steering system, which in the embodiment according to 1 can be integrated;
• 6th : Another sectional view of the steering system according to 1 ;
• 7th : an extract view of the steering system according to 6th ;
• 8th FIG. 8 shows an alternate view of the preferred embodiment of the steering system of FIG 1 ;
• 9 : an extract view of the steering system according to 8th ;
• 10 : an alternative extract view of the steering system according to 8th ;
• 11th : Another alternative extract view of the steering system according to 8th ;
• 12th : an outboard motor with a steering system according to 1 ;
• 13th : an opposite 5 alternative embodiment of a steering system without worm gear and with a planetary screw drive;
• 14th : an exemplary screw drive nut holder for the steering system according to 13th ;
• 15th : an exemplary guide rod for the screw drive nut holder according to 14th ;
• 16 : a symbolic transverse view of a locking mechanism for fixing an actuator according to 13th ;
• 17th : a preferred embodiment of a steering system with a housing arrangement, comprising components according to 13th ;
• 18th : an exploded view of the actuator according to 13th and the locking mechanism 16 ; and
• 19th : a sectional view of the steering system according to 17th .

the 1 until 19th disclose preferred steering systems 10 in different configurations or views. The features shown in the respective figure are to be considered individually and can also be combined with features shown in other figures. the 1 , 2 , 4th until 12th and 17th show perspective views of a respective steering system 10 . 3 shows a steering system view as a two-dimensional longitudinal section. 6th shows a steering system view as a perspective cross-section.

• eine Führungsstange 14;
• eine als Kugelgewindespindel 16 ausgebildete Gewindespindel;
• einen Aktuator 20 zum Erzeugen einer Lenkkraft;
• ein Schneckengetriebe 22, aufweisend eine mit dem Aktuator 20 wirkverbundene Schnecke 24 und ein mit der Schnecke 24 wirkverbundenes Schneckenrad 26, das drehfest mit der Kugelgewindespindel 16 verbunden ist;
• einen Kugelgewindetrieb 28, aufweisend eine mit der Kugelgewindespindel 16 wechselwirkende Kugelmutter 30, wobei die Kugelmutter 30 zur Kugelgewindespindel 16 axial beweglich und zur Führungsstange 14 axial unbeweglich angeordnet ist.

2 discloses a steering system by way of example 10 for an outboard motor 12th , having:

• a guide rod 14th ;
• one as a ball screw spindle 16 trained threaded spindle;
• an actuator 20th for generating a steering force;
• a worm gear 22nd , having one with the actuator 20th actively connected snail 24 and one with the snail 24 actively connected worm wheel 26th , which rotates with the ball screw spindle 16 connected is;
• a ball screw 28 , having one with the ball screw spindle 16 interactive ball nut 30th , the ball nut 30th to the ball screw spindle 16 axially movable and to the guide rod 14th is arranged axially immovable.

In general, the one in the 1 until 12th disclosed threaded spindle a ball screw, wherein the reference number 16 is listed for the ball screw spindle. Likewise, the reference symbol 28 in the 1 until 12th used for the screw drive designed as a ball screw drive. Furthermore, in these figures, the screw drive nut is a ball nut, the reference numeral 30th is used with the ball nut. This is analogous to the 1 until 12th to be used for the screw drive nut holder, which is designed as a ball nut holder, so that the reference symbol 38 is listed here for the ball nut holder.

Furthermore, according to the embodiment according to 2 provided that the steering system 10 a support rod 44 and a swing arm assembly 46 with two swivel arms 48 having, the support rod 44 parallel to the guide rod 14th is arranged. Such a swivel arm arrangement 46 with the support rod 44 is not after the steering system 2 limited and is also shown in other figures.

• die Führungsstange 14;
• die Kugelgewindespindel 16;
• die Gehäuseanordnung 18, die zumindest die Kugelgewindespindel 16 umschließt; den an der Gehäuseanordnung 18 angeordneten Aktuator 20 zum Erzeugen der Lenkkraft;
• das an der Gehäuseanordnung 18 angeordnete Schneckengetriebe 22, aufweisend die mit dem Aktuator 20 wirkverbundene Schnecke 24 und das mit der Schnecke 24 wirkverbundene Schneckenrad 26, das drehfest mit der Kugelgewindespindel 16 verbunden ist;
• den in der Gehäuseanordnung 18 angeordneten Kugelgewindetrieb 28, aufweisend die mit der Kugelgewindespindel 16 wechselwirkende Kugelmutter 30, die drehfest zur Gehäuseanordnung 18 angeordnet ist. Weiterhin bevorzugt ist die Kugelmutter 30 derart mit der Gehäuseanordnung 18 verbunden, dass eine axiale Bewegung der Kugelmutter 30 entlang der Kugelgewindespindel 16 unmittelbar eine axiale Bewegung der Gehäuseanordnung 18 bewirkt.

1 shows opposite 2 that around a housing arrangement 18th advanced steering system 10 . Thus revealed 1 the steering system 10 for the outboard motor 12th , having:

• the guide rod 14th ;
• the ball screw 16 ;
• the housing arrangement 18th who at least have the ball screw 16 encloses; the one on the housing assembly 18th arranged actuator 20th to generate the steering force;
• that on the housing assembly 18th arranged worm gear 22nd , having the with the actuator 20th actively connected snail 24 and that with the snail 24 functionally connected worm wheel 26th , which rotates with the ball screw spindle 16 connected is;
• the one in the housing assembly 18th arranged ball screw 28 , having the one with the ball screw spindle 16 interactive ball nut 30th , which rotatably to the housing arrangement 18th is arranged. The ball nut is also preferred 30th such with the housing arrangement 18th connected that axial movement of the ball nut 30th along the ball screw spindle 16 immediately an axial movement of the housing assembly 18th causes.

Thus is the steering system 10 the 1 towards the 2 extended by
the housing arrangement 18th who at least have the ball screw 16 encloses; where the actuator 20th and the worm gear 22nd on the housing arrangement 18th are arranged; and
being the ball screw 28 in the housing arrangement 18th and the ball nut 30th non-rotatably to the housing arrangement 18th are arranged. This is an extension that can be used independently of other features.

Furthermore, the steering system 10 in 1 a coupling segment 32 on to the case assembly 18th via a tiller 34 swiveling with a tiller 36 of the outboard motor 12th connect to. Here is the coupling segment 32 as a separate component rigid with the housing assembly 18th connected.

Regardless of other features, it is preferred that the ball screw spindle 16 parallel to the guide rod 14th is arranged.

3 shows the steering system 10 after 1 as a sectional view through the housing arrangement 18th . The cut runs in particular along the ball screw spindle 16 . It is provided, for example, that the worm wheel 26th and the ball screw 16 are rotatably connected to each other. As shown at least in part, this can be achieved in that the worm wheel 26th has internal teeth and that the ball screw spindle 16 has an external toothing designed to correlate with the internal toothing. Such a non-rotatable connection can also be applied to the other exemplary embodiments.

4th shows the steering system 10 after 1 , the housing assembly 18th , the coupling segment 32 , the tiller pen 34 and the tiller 36 are shown in dashed lines. Thus, the arrangement of the steering system components can be 2 as an example in the representation in 1 be understood.

5 discloses the steering system 10 after 2 but without the support rod 44 and without the swing arm assembly 46 . This steering system 10 can, for example, be expanded to include the components of the other figures. As an example and independently of other features, it is shown that the ball screw spindle 16 parallel to the guide rod 14th is arranged.

While 3 a vertical section through the housing arrangement 18th revealed is in 6th a partial horizontal section through the housing arrangement 18th disclosed. The cutting plane runs in 6th through the guide rod 14th and the ball screw 16 , which are arranged by way of example on a horizontal plane.

Furthermore, in 6th shown that the steering system 10 a ball nut holder 38 has, which rotatably with the ball nut 30th and the guide rod 14th connected is. The ball nut is for this purpose 30th for example and as indicated in the sectional view in the ball nut holder 38 clamped. From the sectional view it can be seen that because of the clamped ball nut 30th and the clamped guide rod 14th an axial or rotary movement of the guide rod 14th not happened. There is also no rotational movement of the ball nut 30th . Instead, the actuator is actuated 20th to actuate the worm gear 22nd so that the ball screw 16 rotates around its longitudinal axis. Depending on its direction of rotation, the ball screw is used 28 an approach or removal of the ball nut 30th to worm gear 22nd . 4th discloses that an axial change in distance between the ball nut 30th and the worm gear 22nd to an axial movement or change in distance of the housing arrangement 18th to the guide rod 14th leads.

7th shows an excerpt from 6th , in particular the area of the with the actuator 20th connected worm gear 22nd on the ball screw spindle 16 is shown. It can be seen, and can also be applied to other figures, that the steering system 10 two at the Ball screw spindle 16 arranged thrust bearings 40 having, the worm wheel 26th axially between the two axial bearings 40 is fixed.

In particular in 3 is shown that the steering system 10 three on the ball screw 16 arranged radial bearings 42 having. The ball screw 16 is about the radial bearings 42 rotatable in the housing assembly 18th stored. There are the radial bearings 42 by way of example and not by way of limitation, designed as a tapered roller bearing. The number of radial bearings 42 is independent of their design. For example, only two tapered roller bearings can be provided.

In 9 , but also in other figures is shown by way of example that the steering system 10 two linear bearings 50 in the housing arrangement 18th having the guide rod 14th store axially movable, and at a respective end of the housing assembly 18th are arranged.

The housing arrangement preferably has 18th a respective housing closure at their respective axially end 52 on. The actuator 20th and / or the worm gear 22nd can be attached to a housing termination 52 be arranged.

Preferably and not shown in detail, it is provided that the worm gear 22nd is designed such that it can be connected to a manual control structure around the worm wheel 26th to be operated in the event of an electronic system failure.

8th shows the steering system 10 after 1 with partially pulled apart components. In particular, the swivel arm assembly 46 , the actuator 20th , the snail 24 who have favourited the support rod 44 , the housing closures 52 , the coupling segment 32 , the tiller pen 34 and the tiller 36 from the further structure of the steering system 10 shown detached.

9 Figure 13 shows a partial view of the right portion of the perspective view of the steering system 10 . 10 Figure 12 is a partial view of the central portion of the perspective view of the steering system 10 . 11th Figure 13 shows a partial view of the left portion of the perspective view of the steering system 10 .

12th shows the steering system 10 out 1 integrated in an outboard motor 12th . Thus, the outboard motor can 12th can be steered quickly and precisely.

the 13th until 19th show another embodiment of the steering system 10 . The actuator 20th has a stator 54 and a rotor 56 on, being the axis of rotation of the rotor 56 coaxial to the threaded spindle 16 runs, especially recognizable in the 18th and 19th . The lead screw 16 runs parallel to the guide rod 14th . The stator 54 is within the housing assembly 18th axially fixed and clamped. The rotor 56 has an inner bore that supports the threaded spindle 16 encloses. The rotor 56 drives the threaded spindle 16 by a locking mechanism 58 on. The locking mechanism 58 includes a drive flange 60 , an axially adjoining output flange driven by it 62 , Locking pins 64 between the flanges 60 , 62 and one the flanges 60 , 62 circumferentially surrounding housing ring 66 .

The drive flange 60 is on one face of the rotor 56 attached, with the rotor 56 the threaded spindle 16 movably encloses. That means the rotor 56 such with the threaded spindle 16 connected is that it is relative to the threaded spindle 16 can turn.

The driven output flange 62 has in particular a wedge-shaped, symmetrical ramp profile section, and is preferably positively locked on the threaded spindle 16 locked. It drives the threaded spindle 16 and leads to a displacement relative to the axially clamped screw drive 28 . There are also two drive pins as an example 68 provided on the wedge-shaped ramp profile section of the driven output flange 62 are arranged pressed.

The drive flange 60 has two actuation pins 70 on that on the drive flange 60 arranged, for example pressed into the openings, that they are the end face of the drive flange 60 penetrate and move towards the outlet flange 62 extend. The drive flange 60 also includes two recesses for receiving drive pins 68 which, for example, have a press connection with the drive flange 60 are connected.

The casing ring 66 is in particular circular and non-rotatably on the housing arrangement 18th fastens and encloses the outlet flange 62 concentric.

Radially between the wedge-shaped ramp profile section of the output flange 62 and the housing ring 66 are two locking pins 64 arranged. The locking pins 64 are arranged on the symmetrical, wedge-shaped ramp profile section and have a compression spring between them 72 on. The one from the compression spring 72 The generated bias causes the locking pins 64 the contact between the housing ring 66 and the outlet flange 62 to ensure.

When the rotor 56 the drive flange 60 drives, pushes depending on the direction in which it is is applied, for example clockwise, the left actuation pin 70 the left locking pin 64 against the force of the engaging compression spring 72 from the intervention. This can in particular prevent a wedge effect. During this phase the rotor drives 56 the driven output flange 62 Mittbelbar in such a way that he has the threaded spindle 16 via the drive pins 68 turns. In this way the output flange rotates 62 together with the locking pins 70 with in the housing ring. The output flange 62 thus runs in freewheel. Due to the symmetrical, wedge-shaped ramp profile section, the aforementioned process also works the other way around, for example when the rotor 56 the drive flange 60 drives counterclockwise.

With this locking mechanism 58 is it possible to turn the actuator 20th from the drive flange 60 on the output flange there 62 and on the rotating threaded spindle 16 transferred to. However, the locking effect is provided by any return torque coming from the screw spindle side, regardless of the direction of rotation in which it is exerted. This locking mechanism 58 can the self-locking of the steering system 10 , especially the counter-steering force. If necessary, electromechanical actuation by self-locking of the steering position extends the service life of the on-board battery without consuming electrical energy.

The electric actuator 20th works as a fly-by-wire system in which an electronic signal is sent directly from the control stand / joystick to the actuator 20th forwarded to the outboard 12th to move. The system has an actuator control module, which in particular has an ECM.

The actuator triggered by the steering input signal 20th drives the drive flange 60 on. The rotary motion of the actuator 20th turns the threaded spindle 16 so that they have an axial thrust on the lead screw nut 30th exercises. On top of the housing assembly 18th is a coupling segment 32 especially rigidly mounted as a swivel plate. The bottom of the pivot plate is on one side of the housing assembly 18th attached and the other side is with a tiller 36 connected.

The actuator 20th can be similar to the 1 until 12th via a worm gear 22nd be provided or directly on the threaded spindle 16 be arranged as in the 13th until 19th shown. This is independent of the other features of the exemplary embodiments.

The screw drive nut holder 38 is in the 1 until 12th as a first embodiment and in the 13th until 19th shown as a second embodiment. The respective exemplary embodiment is not limited to the combination shown and can also be interchanged or interchanged. A screw drive section encloses it 74 of the screw drive nut holder 38 the threaded spindle 16 and a guide rod portion 76 of the screw drive nut holder 38 encloses the guide rod 14th .

16 shows a symbolic partial view transversely to the longitudinal axis of the threaded spindle 16 on the locking mechanism 58 . Here is the output flange 62 shown, the coaxial radially inside to the housing ring 66 is arranged. It is also shown as an example how the locking pins 64 who have favourited drive pins 68 who have favourited the actuation pins 70 and the compression spring 72 can be arranged. The wedge-shaped, symmetrical ramp profile section of the output flange can also be seen 62 .

An embodiment of the screw drive nut holder 38 is in 14th shown. The guide rod section 76 is through a lanyard 78 drawn together. Such a lanyard 78 can preferably be a longitudinal body, particularly preferably a screw means. The screwing means penetrates a guide channel 80 and intersects the interior of the guide rod section 76 . Analogously to this, the guide rod 14th one with the lanyard 78 interactive shape contour 82 , for example a longitudinal recess, see 15th . In the connected state, as in 13th shown is the guide rod 14th axially with the screw drive nut holder along its longitudinal axis 38 rigidly connected.

17th shows an expanded embodiment according to 13th . Here is the steering system 10 the 17th towards the 13th extended by
the housing arrangement 18th who at least have the lead screw 16 encloses;
where the actuator 20th in the housing arrangement 18th is arranged; and
the screw drive 28 in the housing arrangement 18th and the lead screw nut 30th non-rotatably to the housing arrangement 18th are arranged. This is an extension that can be used independently of other features. Furthermore, according to the embodiment according to 17th provided that the steering system 10 a support rod 44 and a swing arm assembly 46 with two swivel arms 48 having, the support rod 44 parallel to the guide rod 14th is arranged. Such a swivel arm arrangement 46 with the support rod 44 is not on the steering system 10 after 17th limited and can also be combined with other exemplary embodiments.

18th discloses an exploded view of the actuator 20th after 13th and the locking mechanism 16 .

19th Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the steering system 10 after 17th .

As already mentioned, individual components in the different exemplary embodiments can be exchanged with one another. For example, the screw drive nut holder 38 from the embodiment according to 13th also in the embodiment according to 1 be used. The actuators can also 20th or other components are replaced.

List of reference symbols

10

Steering system

12th

Outboard motor

14th

Guide rod

16

Threaded spindle

18th

Housing arrangement

20th

Actuator

22nd

Worm gear

24

slug

26th

Worm gear

28

Screw drive

30th

Lead screw nut

32

Coupling segment

34

Tiller

36

Tiller

38

Lead screw nut holder

40

Thrust bearings

42

Radial bearing

44

Support rod

46

Swivel arm assembly

48

Swivel arm

50

Linear bearings

52

Housing closure

54

stator

56

rotor

58

Locking mechanism

60

Drive flange

62

Outlet flange

64

Locking pin

66

Housing ring

68

Drive pin

70

Actuation pin

72

Compression spring

74

Screw drive section

76

Guide rod section

78

Lanyard

80

Guide channel

82

Shape contour of the guide rod

Claims (9)

Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12), comprising: - a guide rod (14); - A threaded spindle (16); - An actuator (20) for generating a steering force; - A screw drive (28) having a screw drive nut (30) interacting with the threaded spindle (16), the screw drive nut (30) being arranged to be axially movable relative to the threaded spindle (16) and axially immovable to the guide rod (14), the threaded spindle (16 ) is arranged parallel to the guide rod (14) and the steering system (10) has a housing arrangement (18) which encloses at least the threaded spindle (16) and the steering system (10) has two linear bearings (50) in the housing arrangement (18) which the guide rod (14) mount axially movable, and which are arranged at a respective end of the housing arrangement (18). Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to Claim 1 , characterized in thatthe screw drive (28) is arranged in the housing arrangement (18) and the screw drive nut (30) is at least indirectly connected to the housing arrangement (18); that the steering system (10) preferably also has a worm gear (22), having a worm (24) that is operatively connected to the actuator (20) and a worm wheel (26) that is operatively connected to the worm (24) and which rotates fixedly with the threaded spindle (16) connected is; wherein the actuator (20) and / or the preferred worm gear (22) are preferably arranged on the housing arrangement (18). Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to Claim 2 , characterized in that the steering system (10) has a coupling segment (32) in order to connect the housing arrangement (18) pivotably via a tiller pin (34) to a tiller (36) of the outboard motor (12); wherein in particular the coupling segment (32) is rigidly connected as a separate component to the housing arrangement (18). Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the steering system (10) has a worm gear (22), having a worm (24) operatively connected to the actuator (20) and a worm wheel (26) operatively connected to the worm (24), which rotatably connects to the threaded spindle ( 16) is connected; and that the worm wheel (26) and the threaded spindle (16) are non-rotatably connected to one another in such a way that the worm wheel (26) has internal teeth and that the threaded spindle (16) has external teeth that correlate to the internal teeth. Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering system (10) has a screw drive nut holder (38) which is rigidly connected to the screw drive nut (30) and to the guide rod (14). Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the steering system (10) has a worm gear (22), having a worm (24) operatively connected to the actuator (20) and a worm wheel (26) operatively connected to the worm (24), which rotatably connects to the threaded spindle ( 16) is connected; and that the steering system (10) has two axial bearings (40) arranged on the threaded spindle (16), the worm wheel (26) being fixed axially between the two axial bearings (40). Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to one of the Claims 2 or 3 , characterized in that the steering system (10) has at least two, preferably three, radial bearings (42) arranged on the threaded spindle (16), the threaded spindle (16) being rotatably mounted in the housing arrangement (18) via the radial bearings (42) , wherein the radial bearings (42) are preferably designed as tapered roller bearings. Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the steering system (10) has a support rod (44) and a swivel arm arrangement (46) with one or more swivel arms (48), preferably two swivel arms (48) store a support rod (44) which is arranged parallel to the guide rod (14). Steering system (10) for an outboard motor (12) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the steering system (10) has a worm gear (22), having a worm (24) operatively connected to the actuator (20) and a worm wheel (26) operatively connected to the worm (24), which rotatably connects to the threaded spindle ( 16) is connected; and wherein the worm gear (22) is designed such that it can be connected to a manual control structure in order to operate the worm gear (22), in particular the worm wheel (26), in the event of an electronic system failure.

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