GB153924A - Improvements in electrical steering gear - Google Patents

Abstract

153,924. Mackintosh, J., and Walker, W. Aug. 6, 1919. Systems controlling travel for a fixed distance. -In an electrically-controlled steering-gear, the rudder R, Fig. 2, is operated from a motor 0 which drives continuously in opposite directions the actuating-disks C<1>, C<2> of magnetic clutches M<1>, M<2>, the actuated disks being fast on a shaft A carrying a worm W which through a wormwheel H and gear-wheel P drives a guided segment S controlling the tiller T of the rudder stock R. The magnetic clutches are actuated to turn the rudder in the required direction by means of hunting-gear, including a switch mounted on a member Q, Fig. 4, which pivots on the rudder stock and is controlled from the steering-wheel through the pinion Z which meshes with the sector Y. The hunting-gear comprises a finger F<1> pivoted at X to the member Q and also jointed intermediately of its length to a pin X<1> which works in a slot in a bridge-piece b carried by the stopper U fast on the rudder stock. On either side of the finger are arranged contacts V<1>, V<2> which are electrically connected to the clutches M<1>, M<2>. The operation of the steering-wheel or other actuating-mechanism causes the piece Q to perform a partial rotation in which the finger F<1> participates until the pin X<1> reaches the extremity of the slot, whereupon it is bent backwards, bringing its tip into engagement with one of the contacts V<1>, V<2>, the appropriate magnetic clutch is thereby actuated and the rudder turned in the required direction. The operation of the rudder continues after that of the steering-wheel has ceased until, owing to the pin X<1> having travelled to the opposite extremity of the slot C, the finger F<1> is bent away from engagement with the contact. The motion of the fan is damped by means of a spring suspension.