JP2004217181A - Steering gear of outboard motor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a steering gear of an outboard motor devised not to restrict a space in the circumference of the outboard motor by increasing steering power of the outboard motor by increasing output of an actuator for steering mounted on the outboard motor and to prevent projection of the actuator for steering from its visible outline regardless of a steering angle of the outboard motor. <P>SOLUTION: The outboard motor 10 is steered by revolving a swivel shaft 50 which is a steering shaft of the outboard motor 10 by a plurality of the actuators, materially, by two pieces of cylindrical hydraulic cylinders in total of a first hydraulic cylinder 40a for steering and a second hydraulic cylinder 40b for steering, and the first hydraulic cylinder 40a for steering and the second hydraulic cylinder 40b for steering are overlapped and arranged in the gravitational direction on an upper part of a swivel case 12 so that their longitudinal direction comes to be in parallel with the horizontal direction. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a steering device for an outboard motor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a power source of a steering device of an outboard motor is, for example, a tiller handle type for manually steering a tiller handle attached to the outboard motor, a remote control type for remotely controlling a steering mechanism via a push-pull cable, and the like. Most of them were human.
[0003]
However, the above-mentioned manual operation has a problem that the steering feeling is poor due to a heavy steering load. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, a hydraulic cylinder for steering is mounted on the hull as a separate structure from the outboard motor, that is, as a retrofit structure, and the steering of the tiller handle is controlled via a link mechanism. Although assisting has been proposed, a steering system using a retrofit hydraulic cylinder has a complicated structure, increases the number of parts and weight, and requires space for mounting the hydraulic cylinder on the hull. There was a problem such as becoming.
[0004]
As a technique for solving such a problem, for example, Patent Document 2 can be cited. In the technology described in Patent Document 2, by configuring the hydraulic cylinder for steering to be directly attached to the outboard motor, the number of parts and the weight are prevented from increasing, and the hydraulic cylinder is attached to the hull. Is unnecessary.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-62-125996 (FIG. 2 etc.)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-2-279495 (FIG. 6, etc.)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the technology described in Patent Document 2 described above, the hydraulic cylinder projects horizontally from the outboard motor depending on the expansion and contraction state of the hydraulic cylinder (that is, the steering angle of the outboard motor). When two outboard motors are installed in parallel (so-called two boats), the space around the outboard motors is limited due to the need to install the outboard motors in consideration of the amount of protrusion. There was a problem that it occurred. In particular, when the size of the hydraulic cylinder is increased in order to increase the steering force (torque) of the outboard motor, the problem that the hydraulic cylinder protrudes in the horizontal direction becomes large, and the problem is conspicuous.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, to increase the output of a steering actuator attached to an outboard motor to increase the steering force of the outboard motor, and to use an outboard motor with a steering actuator. It is an object of the present invention to provide a steering apparatus for an outboard motor, which does not protrude from the outer shape line regardless of the steering angle of the outboard motor so as not to restrict the space around the outboard motor.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, the hull of claim 1 includes a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine, and a swivel shaft that is a steered shaft and a swivel case that houses the swivel shaft. A steering device for an outboard motor that is rotatably mounted on the outboard motor, wherein the swivel shaft is rotated by a plurality of actuators to steer the outboard motor, and the actuator is controlled by a steering angle of the outboard motor. Regardless of the outboard motor, the outboard motors are arranged so as to be positioned within the outline of the outboard motor in the direction of gravity.
[0009]
As described above, since the outboard motor is steered by rotating the swivel shaft, which is the steering shaft of the outboard motor, by the plurality of actuators, the output of the steering actuator is increased, and Steering force (torque) can be obtained. Further, since the plurality of actuators are arranged so as to overlap in the direction of gravity so as to be located within the outline of the outboard motor regardless of the turning angle of the outboard motor, the actuator always projects from the outboard motor. Therefore, the space around the outboard motor is not restricted.
[0010]
Further, in claim 2, the displacement side of the actuator is attached to a mount frame fixed to the swivel shaft, and the fixed side of the actuator is attached to the swivel case.
[0011]
The displacement side of the steering actuator for rotating the swivel shaft is attached to a mount frame (a portion where relative angular displacement with respect to the hull occurs when the outboard motor is steered) fixed to the swivel shaft. The fixed side is configured to be attached to a swivel case in which the swivel shaft is housed (a portion that does not generate relative angular displacement with the hull even when the outboard motor is steered), in other words, a link mechanism or the like is attached. Since the output of the actuator is directly transmitted to the outboard motor without any intervention, in addition to the effects described above, steering with excellent responsiveness without rattling can be performed, and the space required for mounting the actuator is reduced. can do. In addition, since the configuration is simple, the number of parts and the number of steps required for attaching a plurality of actuators to the outboard motor can be reduced.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the actuator comprises a plurality of cylindrical hydraulic cylinders, and the cylindrical hydraulic cylinders are arranged in the direction of gravity so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. At the same time, the connecting portion between the cylindrical hydraulic cylinder and the outboard motor is arranged coaxially.
[0013]
Using a plurality of cylindrical hydraulic cylinders as a steering actuator for rotating the swivel shaft, and arranging the cylindrical hydraulic cylinders in the direction of gravity so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the horizontal direction, and Since the connecting portion between the cylindrical hydraulic cylinder and the outboard motor is arranged coaxially, in addition to the effects described above, the configuration becomes simpler, and it is necessary to attach a plurality of actuators to the outboard motor. The number of components and the number of steps can be further reduced.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An outboard motor steering apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0015]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the entire steering apparatus for an outboard motor, and FIG. 2 is a partial explanatory side view of FIG.
[0016]
1 and 2, reference numeral 10 denotes an outboard motor in which an internal combustion engine, a propeller shaft, a propeller, and the like are integrated. As shown in FIG. 2, the outboard motor 10 has a swivel case 12 in which a swivel shaft (described later) is rotatably housed, and a stern bracket 14 to which the swivel case 12 is connected. Is mounted so as to be steerable around a gravity axis and a horizontal axis.
[0017]
The outboard motor 10 includes an internal combustion engine (hereinafter, referred to as “engine”) 18 at an upper portion thereof. The engine 18 is a spark-ignition in-line four-cylinder four-stroke gasoline engine with a displacement of 2200 cc. The engine 18 is located on the surface of the water, covered with an engine cover 20 and disposed inside the outboard motor 10. An electronic control unit (hereinafter, referred to as “ECU”) 22 including a microcomputer is arranged near the engine 18 covered with the engine cover 20.
[0018]
Further, the outboard motor 10 includes a propeller 24 at a lower portion thereof and a rudder 26 provided near the propeller 24. The power of the engine 18 is transmitted to the propeller 24 via a crankshaft, a drive shaft, a gear mechanism, and a shift mechanism (not shown) to move the hull 16 forward or backward.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1, a steering wheel 28 is arranged near the cockpit of the hull 16. A steering angle sensor 30 is arranged near the steering wheel 28. The steering angle sensor 30 is specifically composed of a rotary encoder, and outputs a signal corresponding to a steering (operation) amount of the steering wheel 28 input by the driver. A throttle lever 32 and a shift lever 34 are disposed on the right side of the cockpit, and their operations are transmitted to a throttle valve and a shift mechanism (both not shown) of the engine 18 via a push-pull cable (not shown).
[0020]
Further, a power tilt switch 36 for adjusting the tilt angle of the outboard motor 10 and a power trim switch 38 for adjusting the trim angle are disposed near the cockpit, and the tilt input by the pilot is increased. -Outputs signals according to the instruction for down and trim up / down. The outputs of the steering angle sensor 30, the power tilt switch 36, and the power trim switch 38 are sent to the ECU 22 via signal lines 30L, 36L, 38L.
[0021]
The ECU 22 expands and contracts a steering actuator, specifically, a hydraulic cylinder 40 (shown in FIG. 2; hereinafter, referred to as a “steering hydraulic cylinder”) according to the output of the steering angle sensor 30 sent through the signal line 30L. As a result, the outboard motor 10 is steered to swing the propeller 24 and the rudder 26 around the axis of gravity, thereby steering the hull 16.
[0022]
The ECU 22 further operates the known power tilt trim unit 42 in accordance with the outputs of the power tilt switch 36 and the power trim switch 38 sent through the signal lines 36L and 38L, and adjusts the tilt angle and the trim angle of the outboard motor 10. adjust.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the vicinity of the swivel case shown in FIG.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the power tilt trim unit 42 includes one tilt angle adjusting hydraulic cylinder 42a (hereinafter, referred to as “tilt hydraulic cylinder”) and two (only one in FIG. 3) trim angles. An adjusting hydraulic cylinder (hereinafter referred to as "trim hydraulic cylinder") 42b is integrally provided.
[0025]
The hydraulic cylinder for tilt 42 a has its cylinder bottom fixed to the stern bracket 14 and attached to the hull 16, and the rod head of the piston rod is brought into contact with the swivel case 12. The hydraulic cylinder 42b for trim also has the cylinder bottom fixed to the stern bracket 14 and attached to the hull 16, and the rod head of the piston rod is brought into contact with the swivel case 12.
[0026]
The swivel case 12 is connected to the stern bracket 14 via the tilting shaft 46 such that the swivel case 12 can be displaced relative to the tilting shaft 46 as a center. In the swivel case 12, a swivel shaft 50 is rotatably housed. The swivel shaft 50 has an axial direction in the direction of gravity, and has an upper end fixed to the mount frame 52 and a lower end fixed to a lower mount center housing (not shown). The mount frame 52 and the lower mount center housing are fixed to a frame on which the engine 18, the propeller 24 and the like are arranged, respectively.
[0027]
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the above-described steering hydraulic cylinder 40 is disposed above the swivel case 12. The steering hydraulic cylinder 40 is, specifically, two cylindrical hydraulic cylinders of a first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and a second steering cylinder 40b, more specifically, two cylindrical return cylinders. Consists of As shown in FIG. 3, the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and the second steering cylinder 40b are overlapped in the direction of gravity such that their longitudinal directions (axial directions of the cylinders) are parallel to the horizontal direction. Be placed. This is because, in the outboard motor, generally, a space in the direction of gravity (vertical direction) is relatively easily secured above the swivel case 12, and this space is used effectively. In addition, on the upper part of the swivel case 12, in addition to the first and second steering hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b, a hydraulic circuit (not shown) for supplying a hydraulic pressure to them is arranged.
[0029]
A first stay 56 is provided in the mount frame 52 just above the swivel shaft 50. A first cylindrical member 58 having an axial direction in the direction of gravity is supported by the first stay 56. Near the lower end of the first cylindrical member 58, a displacement side of the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40 a is disposed. Specifically, the rod head 40a1 (connection portion) of the piston rod is rotatably attached. In the vicinity of the upper end of the first cylindrical member 58, a displacement side of the second steering hydraulic cylinder 40b, specifically, a rod head 40b1 (connection portion) of a piston rod is rotatably mounted. As described above, the rod head 40a1 of the first hydraulic cylinder for steering 40a1 and the rod head 40b1 of the second hydraulic cylinder for steering 40b are arranged coaxially, and the first stay 56 and the first circle are respectively arranged. It is attached to the mount frame 52 via the columnar member 58.
[0030]
In addition, a second stay 60 is provided near the end on the hull side above the swivel case 12. On the second stay 60, a second cylindrical member 62 having an axial direction in the direction of gravity is supported. Below the second cylindrical member 62, a fixed side of the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a, Specifically, the cylinder bottom 40a2 (connection portion) is rotatably attached. Further, near the upper end of the second cylindrical member 62, a fixed side of the second steering hydraulic cylinder 40b, specifically, a cylinder bottom 40b2 (connection portion) is rotatably attached. As described above, the cylinder bottom 40a2 of the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and the cylinder bottom 40b2 of the second steering hydraulic cylinder 40b are respectively arranged coaxially, and the second stay 60 and the second circle are arranged. It is attached to the upper part of the swivel case 12 via the columnar member 62.
[0031]
Here, as described above, when the driver steers the steering wheel 28, the steering amount is input to the ECU 22 via the steering angle sensor 30. The ECU 22 calculates an energization command value according to the input steering amount, sends it to an electric motor via a drive circuit (not shown), drives a hydraulic pump to drive the first and second steering hydraulic cylinders 40a, 40b. And swivel shaft 50 is rotated. At this time, the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and the second steering cylinder 40b are arranged in the direction of gravity so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the rod heads 40a1, 40b1 , And the cylinder bottoms 40a2, 40b2 are coaxially located, so that their driving amounts (extension amounts) are the same.
[0032]
By driving the first and second hydraulic cylinders for steering 40a, 40b in this manner, the horizontal steering of the outboard motor 10 with the swivel shaft 50 as the steering axis is power-assisted. The rudder 26 is swung and the hull 16 is steered. Specifically, as the first and second hydraulic cylinders for steering 40a, 40b are driven in the extending direction, the swivel shaft 50 and the mount frame 52 rotate clockwise relative to the hull 16 as shown in FIG. The outboard motor 10 is turned clockwise (clockwise in top view), and the hull 16 is steered (turned counterclockwise) in a counterclockwise direction (counterclockwise in top view).
[0033]
On the other hand, when the first and second steering hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b are driven in the contracting direction, the swivel shaft 50 and the mount frame 52 rotate counterclockwise with respect to the hull 16 as shown in FIG. Then, the outboard motor 10 is turned counterclockwise, so that the hull 16 is turned clockwise (turn right).
[0034]
4 to 6, reference numeral 70 denotes an outer shape line (vertical projection plane) of the outboard motor 10 as viewed from above. FIG. 5 specifically shows the outline 70 and the hydraulic cylinder 40 for steering when the outboard motor 10 is rotated clockwise to the maximum steering angle, and FIG. Is rotated counterclockwise to the maximum steering angle. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the outboard motor 10 according to the present embodiment, the maximum clockwise turning angle and the maximum counterclockwise turning angle are each 30 degrees, A total of 60 degrees of steering is possible.
[0035]
As described above, in the steering apparatus for an outboard motor according to the present embodiment, the swivel shaft 50, which is the steered shaft of the outboard motor 10, is provided with a plurality of actuators, specifically, the first and second swivel shafts. The outboard motor 10 is steered by rotating the outboard motor 10 using a total of two cylindrical hydraulic cylinders, i.e., two steering hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b. Steering force (torque) can be obtained.
[0036]
In addition, the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and the second steering hydraulic cylinder 40b are arranged so as to be overlapped in the direction of gravity so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 6, even when the outboard motor 10 is steered left and right to the maximum steering angle, the first and second steering hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b are horizontally moved from inside the outline 70 of the outboard motor 10. It does not project in any direction. That is, instead of increasing the size of the hydraulic cylinder for steering in order to obtain a large steering force, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders (two) are used, and the hydraulic cylinders are increased regardless of the steering angle of the outboard motor 10. Are arranged in an upper part of the swivel case 12 in the direction of gravity, which is relatively easy to secure a space, so that the two hydraulic cylinders for steering can be located. Neither of the outboard motors 40a and 40b always protrudes from the outboard motor 10, so that the space around the outboard motor 10 is not restricted.
[0037]
Further, the displacement side of the first and second steering hydraulic cylinders 40a, 40b, specifically, the mount frame 52 (the outboard motor 10 is steered, in which the rod heads 40a1, 40b1 are fixed to the swivel shaft 50). In this manner, the swivel case 12 is attached to the fixed side, specifically, the cylinder bottoms 40a2 and 40b2, even if the outboard motor 10 is steered. Of the first and second steering hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b directly without the intervention of a link mechanism or the like. 10, the steering can be performed with excellent responsiveness without rattling, and the first and second hydraulic cylinders for steering can be used. 0a, it is possible to reduce the space required to 40b mounting the. In addition, since the configuration is simple, the number of components and the number of steps required for attaching the first and second steering hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b can be reduced.
[0038]
Further, a rod head 40a1, which is a connecting portion between the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and the outboard motor 10, and a rod head 40b1, which is a connecting portion between the second steering hydraulic cylinder 40b and the outboard motor 10. Are positioned coaxially, a cylinder bottom 40a2 which is the other connecting portion between the first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and the outboard motor 10, and a second steering hydraulic cylinder 40b and the other of the outboard motor 10. Since the connecting portion and the cylinder bottom 40b2 are arranged coaxially, the structure becomes simpler, and therefore even when a plurality of steering hydraulic cylinders are used to obtain a large steering force. Therefore, the number of parts and the number of steps required for attaching them to the outboard motor 10 can be further reduced. In addition, since the drive amounts (extension and contraction amounts) of the two hydraulic cylinders 40a and 40b required for rotating the swivel shaft 50 can be made the same, the control of the hydraulic pressure becomes easy.
[0039]
As described above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the propeller 24 driven by the internal combustion engine (engine 18) is provided, and the swivel shaft 50 as the steered shaft and the swivel shaft 50 are housed. In the steering system of the outboard motor 10 which is rotatably attached to the hull 16 via the swivel case 12, a plurality of (two) actuators (a first steering hydraulic cylinder 40a and a second steering hydraulic cylinder 40b) are provided. ), The swivel shaft 50 is rotated to steer the outboard motor 10, and the actuator is positioned within the outline 70 of the outboard motor 10 regardless of the steering angle of the outboard motor 10. So as to overlap in the direction of gravity.
[0040]
Further, the displacement side (rod heads 40a1, 40b1) of the actuator is attached to a mount frame 52 fixed to the swivel shaft 50, and the fixed side (cylinder bottoms 40a2, 40b2) of the actuator is attached to the swivel case 12. Configured.
[0041]
The actuator is composed of a plurality (two) of cylindrical hydraulic cylinders (a first hydraulic cylinder for steering 40a and a second hydraulic cylinder for steering 40b). Of the cylindrical hydraulic cylinder and the outboard motor 10 (rod heads 40a1, 40b1, and cylinder bottom 40a2 cylinders). The bottoms 40b2) were configured to be coaxially located.
[0042]
In the above description, a hydraulic cylinder has been described as an example of an actuator for rotating the swivel shaft 50. However, the actuator is not limited thereto, and a hydraulic motor or the like may be used.
[0043]
Further, the number of the actuators is two, that is, the first hydraulic cylinder for steering 40a and the second hydraulic cylinder for steering 40b, but three or more actuators may be provided.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect, the outboard motor is steered by rotating the swivel shaft, which is the steering shaft of the outboard motor, with a plurality of actuators. Is increased, and a large steering force (torque) can be obtained. Further, since the plurality of actuators are arranged so as to overlap in the direction of gravity so as to be located within the outline of the outboard motor regardless of the turning angle of the outboard motor, the actuator always projects from the outboard motor. Therefore, the space around the outboard motor is not restricted.
[0045]
According to the second aspect, the displacement side of the steering actuator for rotating the swivel shaft is fixed to the swivel shaft by a mount frame (relative angular displacement with respect to the hull by steering the outboard motor). And a fixed side thereof is attached to a swivel case in which the swivel shaft is housed (a portion that does not generate a relative angular displacement with the hull even when the outboard motor is steered). In other words, since the output of the actuator is directly transmitted to the outboard motor without the intervention of a link mechanism or the like, steering with excellent responsiveness without rattling can be performed, and necessary for mounting the actuator. Space can be reduced. In addition, since the configuration is simple, the number of parts and the number of steps required for attaching a plurality of actuators to the outboard motor can be reduced.
[0046]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of cylindrical hydraulic cylinders are used as a steering actuator for rotating the swivel shaft, and the cylindrical hydraulic cylinders are gravity-controlled so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. And the connecting portions between the cylindrical hydraulic cylinder and the outboard motor are arranged coaxially, so that the configuration becomes simpler and a plurality of actuators are attached to the outboard motor. Therefore, the number of components and the number of steps required for the above can be further reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram generally showing a steering apparatus for an outboard motor according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial explanatory side view of the apparatus in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a swivel case shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3;
5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, showing an outline of the outboard motor when the outboard motor shown in FIG. 1 is steered clockwise to a maximum steering angle.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, showing the outline of the outboard motor when the outboard motor is turned counterclockwise to the maximum steering angle.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 10 Outboard motor 12 Swivel case 16 Hull 18 Engine (internal combustion engine)
24 Propeller 40a First steering hydraulic cylinder (actuator (cylindrical hydraulic cylinder))
40b Second hydraulic cylinder for steering (actuator (cylindrical hydraulic cylinder))
40a1 Rod head (connecting part (displacement side))
40b1 Rod head (connecting part (displacement side))
40a2 Cylinder bottom (connecting part (fixed side))
40b2 Cylinder bottom (connecting part (fixed side))
Reference Signs List 50 Swivel shaft 52 Mount frame 70 Outboard motor outline

Claims (3)

A steering device for an outboard motor that includes a propeller driven by an internal combustion engine and is rotatably attached to a hull via a swivel shaft that is a steered shaft and a swivel case that houses the swivel shaft. The swivel shaft is rotated by an actuator to steer the outboard motor, and the actuator is moved in the direction of gravity so that the actuator is positioned within the outline of the outboard motor regardless of the steering angle of the outboard motor. A steering device for an outboard motor, wherein the steering device is arranged on the outboard motor. The steering apparatus for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein a displacement side of the actuator is mounted on a mount frame fixed to the swivel shaft, and a fixed side of the actuator is mounted on the swivel case. The actuator comprises a plurality of cylindrical hydraulic cylinders, and the cylindrical hydraulic cylinders are arranged one on top of another in the direction of gravity so that their longitudinal directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. 3. The steering apparatus for an outboard motor according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portions of the outboard motor are coaxially located.

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