GB2344385A

GB2344385A - Self aligning yacht rudder bearing

Info

Publication number: GB2344385A
Application number: GB9826597A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard David John Huggett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-12-04
Filing date: 1998-12-04
Publication date: 2000-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-04
Also published as: GB2344385B; GB9826597D0

Abstract

A yacht rudder bearing assembly (3) that allows a yacht's rudder (1) to flex under load whilst maintaining good bearing efficiency and helm sensitivity. Compliance is achieved by means of a flexible element (13) bonded to an outer housing (14) and an inner roller bearing hub (4). A lower bearing is fixed to the hull of a vessel (2) and a corresponding upper bearing, concentric to the lower bearing, is fixed into the upper part of the hull or deck. The rudder (1) is thus connected to the vessel via these two bearings allowing the yacht's rudder blade to flex naturally without impairing the feel of the helm which is a great advantage in competition sailing.

Description

SELF ALIGNING RUDDER BEARING This invention relates to a self aligning rudder roller bearing for use in sailboats for the support of spade type rudders where shaft deflection is inherent. It is intended as a means of reducing bearing friction particularly where shaft deflection is such that stiffening of the roller bearing can occur.

Self Aligning Roller bearings for the support of rudder shafts on performance boats have become increasingly necessary in recent years due to demand for weight sensitive and more performance orientated rudder designs. Because of the minimum weight and size of rudder shafts, deflection of the shaft has increased to a level where the more simple traditional bearings stiffen up and create unacceptable friction in the system. Certain systems have been introduced to overcome this problem and provide steering systems with more efficiency and'feel'with regard to the balance of the boat under sail. However, one of the drawbacks of current designs is the high degree of force that is required to align the bearing under load due to the sliding frictional resistance that exists within the bearing elements thus detracting from the bearings overall efficiency. Typically, sailboats use two bearings to support the rudder shaft as shown in the accompanying drawing figure 1. The lower of these bearings is positioned below the waterline and any articulation also requires special attention to water sealing to ensure perfect water tightness.

According to the present invention, the roller bearing assembly is supported in a bonded rubber or synthetic spherical flexible mounting which provides a simple yet efficient means of dealing with limited shaft deflections. The bonded flexible mount also provides an excellent water seal and supports upward rudder thrust in a very efficient manner.

A bearing assembly of this general type is shown in figure 2 and particular embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to this drawing.

The rudder shaft 1 is supported by the hull of the vessel 2 by means of the bearing 'assembly 3 which is bonded or fixed in position in a watertight manner into a location wnhi0"the hull and further secured by means of a locking ring 17.

Roller bearings 5 support the rudder shaft within the bearing housing 4 and provide a rolling element to enable the rudder shaft 1 to rotate freely under load. The rollers 5 are held in position by two washers 6 and 7 which locate in a recess 8 in the bearing housing 4. Both washers 6 and 7 feature a raised annular shoulder 9 thus the rollers are free to rotate relative to the washers 6 and 7 but are entrapped by the shoulder 9 when the rudder shaft 1 is withdrawn.

Assembly and disassembly of the rollers 5 is made via the slot 10 in the annular shoulder 9 of washers 6 and 7. Since there is no radial location for the said washers within the recess 8, the washers have to be rotated until both slots 10 are aligned with each other so that the rollers 5 are easily posted through.

Positioning of the washers 6 and 7 into the recess 8 is facilitated by two slots 11 in the end face of the bearing housing 4. Each of the said washers is posted edge wise through the slots 11 and once clear of the shoulder 12 each washer can be rotated within the recess 8 to its correct orientation and seat against each edge of the recess.

The bearing housing is supported in the outer hub 14 by means of a spherical rubber or synthetic flexible moulding 13 which is bonded to both the bearing housing 4 and the hub 14 thus providing a watertight and secure articulating mechanism.

Water is allowed to enter the cavity within the bearing housing 4 but is sealed against further ingress by two water seals 15 and 16. For absolute security against water ingress a tube 18 with a cap 19 can be fixed, with suitable sealing, into the hub 14 to extend the bearing assembly above the waterline as a precaution against seal wear or failure.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1 A yacht rudder bearing comprising an inner hub bonded co-axially to a housing by means of a flexible load supporting element thus allowing any normal flexing of the rudder shaft to be accommodated whilst maintaining acceptable bearing performance.
2 A yacht rudder bearing as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the flexible load supporting element is of spherical or similar configuration so as to support upward or downward thrust of the rudder assembly.
3 A yacht rudder bearing as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the outer housing is flanged for fixing to
4 A yacht rudder bearing as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the flexible element also forms a flexible water seal between the inner hub and outer housing.
5 A yacht rudder bearing as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the inner hub provides support and location for an assembly of roller bearings.
6 A yacht rudder bearing as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the bearing rollers are instantly removable upon withdrawal of the rudder shaft.