JPH0674079B2 - Power steering system for marine propulsion system - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a power steering device for a marine propulsion device such as an outboard motor and a stern drive device.

Prior Art See the following U.S. patents, which disclose prior art steering systems for marine propulsion devices. U.S. Patent Number Issued Date Patent Holder 2,939,417 June 7, 1960 Hammock 3,631,833 January 4, 1972 Shimanckas 3,774,568 January 27, 1973 Borst 4,227,481 October 14, 1980 Cox et al. 4,295,833 October 1981 20th Borst 4,373,920 February 15, 1983 Hall et al. 4,419,084 December 6, 1983 Borst See also pending US patent application below. That is, Ferguson's US patent application No. 293,32, filed August 17, 1981.
No. 4 (US Pat. No. 4,449,945 or JP-A-58-3
0894), Hall et al., Filed April 14, 1983.
No. 485,028; Hall, No. 484,900, filed April 14, 1983; and Hall, No. 558,041, filed December 5, 1983.

In the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,631,833, the power steering system hydraulic cylinder / piston assembly is mounted so as to extend laterally in the hull, and swings in the horizontal and vertical directions. It occupies a considerable space inside and becomes a great obstacle.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) An object of the present invention is to provide a power steering device having a compact and simple structure that does not occupy a space in a boat to a propulsion device for a ship such as an outboard motor and a stern drive device. Is.

(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention relates to a propulsion device, a tilting motion of the propulsion device around a tilting axis that is supported on a hull and is substantially horizontal, and a steering axis that crosses the tilting axis. A power steering device for a marine propulsion device, the support device being coupled to the propulsion device for producing a pivotal steering movement of the propulsion device in both directions around the ship. Includes a hydraulic actuated cylinder / piston assembly including a cylinder and a piston supported within the cylinder and dividing the cylinder into opposite sides; and first and second valve components movable relative to each other. A control valve assembly for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic supply to both sides of the cylinder, one of the valve components being the cylinder and the piston. For displacing the other valve component member relative to the one valve component member in response to a steering operation. A device is coupled and the propulsion device is coupled to the one of the cylinder and piston to allow for the introduction of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the opposite sides of the cylinder by the control valve assembly. In a power steering system in which steering motion of the propulsion device occurs in response to movement of one of the two, the hydraulic cylinder / piston assembly is fixed to the support device, and one of the two valve component members is fixed. Is arranged so as to move along the tilt axis, and a power steering device is provided.

(Effect of the Invention) The power steering device of the present invention is extremely compact and has a simple structure because the hydraulic cylinder / piston assembly is fixed to the propulsion device support device outside the boat.
It is possible to effectively use the space inside the boat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Illustrated in the drawings is a marine propulsion device, such as an outboard motor or stern drive, which incorporates various features of the present invention. In the particular construction illustrated, the marine propulsion device 10 is rotatably supported by an upper power head 14 which houses an internal combustion engine 16 and which is coupled to the engine 16 via conventional power transmission devices. Lower device supporting the propeller 20
Presents the form of an outboard motor including a propulsion unit 12 having a.

The propulsion unit is mounted on the cross beam member 22 of the hull so as to perform a vertical tilting motion around a substantially horizontal axis and a bidirectional pivoting motion around a steering axis substantially crossing the tilting axis. A device for supporting 12 is provided.
Although a variety of support devices are available, in the particular construction illustrated, the device comprises a support bracket or cross beam bracket 24 supported on cross beam 22 on the hull and a horizontally extending pivot. A pivoting bracket pivotally attached to the cross beam bracket 24 via a mounting or tilting tube 28.
Includes 26 and. Further, the horizontal beam bracket 24,
It has a pair of laterally spaced arms 30, 32 having holes 34 for pivotally receiving a tilted tube 28.

The swing bracket 26 is the arm 3 of the cross beam bracket.
It has a pair of lugs 36, 38 positioned adjacent 0, 32 and having an opening 40 for receiving the tilted tube 28. The swivel bracket 26 makes a tilting or pivoting movement in a plane substantially perpendicular to the cross beam bracket 24 about a horizontal axis 42 of the tilting tube 28, which in this example is called the tilting axis.

The propulsion unit 12 is located in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the turning bracket 26, and in this example, is a king shaft called a steering axis.
Propeller 12 in opposite direction about a generally vertical axis 46 of pin 44
It is connected to the swing bracket 26 by a king pin 44 which allows the pivoting movement of the.

A device is provided for producing a steering movement of the propulsion machine 12 around the steering axis 46. Although various steering devices can be used, in the particular construction illustrated, the device is a fixed rear portion with respect to the king pin 44 and the propulsion unit 12, as well as steering the king pin 44 and the propulsion unit 12. And a steering arm 48 having a forward extending arm portion 50 which provides a lever arm for pivoting about an axis 46.

The steering system also includes a remotely located steering actuator or frame 54 that includes a housing or frame 54 supported on the hull and a shaft 56 rotatably supported by the frame 54 and supporting steered wheels 58. A steering device 52 is included. The steering device 52 is coupled to the arm portion 50 of the steering arm 48 via the steering cable assembly 60 so as to generate a pivoting motion for steering the propulsion unit 12 in response to the rotational motion of the steering wheel 58. There is. In the particular construction illustrated, the steering cable assembly 60 includes an outer cable sheath 62 having one end secured to one end of the tilt tube 28 by a threaded member 64.
And includes an inner flexible member or push-pull cable 66 movable relative to the sheath 62. One end of the push-pull cable 66 is operatively connected to the steering wheel shaft 56.

A power assist device 67 is provided that operatively couples the steering device 52 to the propulsion machine 12 to increase the steering force applied to the steering arm 48 by the push-pull cable 66. In the particular construction illustrated, the power assist or power steering device 67 is fully supported on the swing bracket 26 and is coupled between one end of the push-pull cable 66 and the arm portion 50 of the steering arm 48. And a hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly 68 having a retractable steering link that produces a pivoting motion of the thruster 12 when retracted. The power steering device 67 also includes a controller for selectively expanding and contracting the steering link in response to rotational movement of the steering wheel 58 and thus in response to axial movement of the push-pull cable 66. There is.

The hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly 68 performs axial reciprocating movement with a cylinder 70 having a fixed longitudinal axis 71 arranged in a spaced relationship parallel to the tilt axis 42. Thus, a piston 72 supported inside the cylinder 70 is included. The piston 72 has a central opening 73 which divides the cylinder 70 into opposite sides, namely first and second pressure chambers 74,76.

One end 78 of the cylinder 70 has an end wall surface having a central opening 82.
It has been closed by 80. The inner end 84 of a tubular piston rod 86, which slidably extends through the end wall opening 82 to form a steering link, is fixedly coupled to the piston 72 and is connected to the piston rod 86. The outer end portion 88 extends outward from the cylinder 70. The piston rod 86 is
It has an outer tubular portion 90 and an inner tubular portion 92 that extends through an opening 73 in the piston to form a first passage in communication with the first pressure chamber 74. The inner tubular portion 92 is concentric with the outer tubular portion 90 and defines with it a second tubular passage 96, which is near the piston 72 via an opening 98 in the outer tubular portion 90. It communicates with the second pressure chamber 96.

The piston 72 is continuously fed by a pump 100 that can be directly driven by the engine 16 or by another power source, such as a battery or an electric motor (not shown) operated by a generator driven by the engine 16. Actuated by a pressurized working fluid. The pump 100 is connected to the sump or reservoir 104 by line 106 and to the piston / cylinder assembly 68 by supply line 102.
The working fluid from piston / cylinder assembly 68 is discharged to reservoir 104 via return line 108. In the event of excessive pressure, the working fluid flows from the supply line 102 via the line 110 and the vent or relief valve 112 to the return line 108. The return line 110 is connected to the supply line 102 via a bypass line 111 and a check valve 113.

A controller is provided for selectively controlling the inflow and outflow of the working fluid with respect to the first and second pressure chambers 74 and 76 for extending and retracting the piston rod 86. In the particular construction illustrated, the device comprises a first member or valve housing 11
6 and a control valve 114 including a second member or spool valve 118 that are moveable relative to each other. The spool valve 118 is coupled to the push-pull cable 66, is coupled to the push-pull cable 66, and is axially movable with respect to the valve housing 116 in response to movement of the push-pull cable 66. Axial movement of piston rod 86 relative to cylinder 70 results in steering arm 48
Transmitted to the piston rod 86 and valve housing
A rigid coupling link 120 having a rigid coupling 116 and one end 122 pivotally attached to the arm portion 50 of the steering arm 48 and an opposite end 124 pivotally attached to the valve housing 116 provides an axis 46 Produces a pivoting movement of the propulsion unit 12 around the.

The valve housing 116 includes a spool valve 118 in a first or left turn position and a second or right turn position opposite the third or center position or steering unchanged position best seen in FIG. It has an axially extending generally cylindrical bore or cavity 126 that is supported for axial movement to and from a position. The working fluid is introduced into the cavity 126 via the inlet port 128 and the annular groove 130 in the center of the control valve 114, which are connected in communication with the supply line 102. The working fluid is separated from the cavity 126 on either side of the central groove 130 by the annular end groove 13 of the control valve 114.
The cavity 126 is exhausted via 2 and 134 and each return port or passage 135, 136 which merges into one passage or associated return port 137 that is coupled in communication with the return conduit 108.

The working fluid flows from the cavity 126 to the cylinder 70 and from the cylinder 70 to the cavity 126 via intermediate annular grooves 138, 140 and respective steering passages or ports 142, 144 in the valve housing 116. This steering port 142 is a piston rod 8
6 in communication with a first passage 94 (ie, inside the inner annular portion 92), the steering port 114 includes a second passage 96 in the piston rod 86 (ie, the inner and outer tubular portions 9).
It is connected in communication with the annular passage between 2, 90).

The spool valve 118 has an enlarged cylindrical central portion or land 146 and enlarged cylindrical end portions or lands 148, 150 spaced from opposite sides thereof. This land 1
46, 148, 150 are the cavities 126 in the axial movement of the spool valve 118.
Is slidably and sealably engaged with the inner wall surface of the.

The spool valve 118 is provided with shoulder members for engaging both ends of the valve housing 116 and mechanically coupling the push-pull cable 66 with the spool valve 118 in the event of a power steering system failure. In the particular construction illustrated, spool valve 118 has opposite ends 152, 154 projecting outwardly from opposite ends of valve housing 116. One end 1
52 is engageable with the valve housing 116 and is a sufficient distance to allow axial movement of the spool valve 118 from the illustrated unaltered steering position to the left turn position, which is described in more detail below. Holding the washer 156 separated from. This washer 156 is a nut 1 that is screwed onto the outermost portion of the spool valve end 152.
It is held in place by 58.

The other end 154 of the spool valve 118 is a hollow member or ram that is coupled by bolts 162 and nuts 164 to the ends of the push-pull cable 66 and guided for relative axial movement inside the inlet port 128. U-link 1 pivotally attached to 166
Having 60. Push-pull cable 66 and ram 166 steering wheel 5
A rotatably responsive axial movement of 8 results in an axial movement of spool valve 118 relative to housing 116. Washiya 1
Similar to 56, the outer surface 168 of the clevis 160 is engageable with the end of the valve housing 116, and the spool valve 118 from the unsteered position to the right turn position will now be described in more detail below. They are separated by a distance sufficient to allow axial movement.

When the spool valve 118 is in the unsteered position, the central land 146 partially covers or blocks the central groove 130 and the end lands 148 and 150 partially cover or block the respective end grooves 132 and 134. The pressurized working fluid flows from the inlet port 128 into the central groove 130 and then into the cavity 126 through both sides of the central land 146. The first pressure chamber 74 has a first passage 9
4, Communicating with the cavity 126 through the port 142 and the intermediate groove 138. The second pressure chamber 76 includes an opening 98, a second passage 96,
It is in communication with the cavity 126 via the port 144 and the intermediate groove 140. Thus, both sides of the piston 72 are exposed to the pressurized fluid when the spool valve 118 is in the unsteered position.

When the push-pull cable 66 cannot be moved, the piston
Telescopic movement of rod 86 causes valve housing 116 to spool valve 118.
To move in an axial direction. The area of the piston on the side facing the first pressure chamber 74 is larger than the area on the side facing the second pressure chamber 76 due to the space occupied by the piston rod 86. Therefore, when the spool valve 118 is moved to the central position, that is, the steering unchanging position, the piston rod 86 is kept until the pressures acting on both sides of the piston 72 are balanced so as to generate substantially equal pressures on both sides of the piston 72. An attempt is made to extend and move the valve housing 116 to the right in FIG. That is, the size of the opening between the central land 146 and the left edge of the central groove 130 is reduced, which results in the first pressure chamber 74
Although the fluid pressure applied to the second pressure chamber 76 is decreased, the size of the opening between the central land 146 and the right edge of the central groove 130 is increased, thus increasing the fluid pressure applied to the second pressure chamber 76. Increase.

External forces acting on the thruster 12 and trying to pivot it about the axis 46 are similarly resisted. For example, the acting force tending to pivot the propulsion machine 12 counterclockwise in FIG. 2 is between the central land 146 and the right edge of the central groove 130 in an attempt to move the valve housing 116 to the right. Increases opening, but central land 146 and central groove 130
The opening between the left edge of the is reduced. Therefore, the second pressure chamber 76 for resisting the extension movement of the piston rod 86 is
Will increase the pressure within.

Pump 100 operates continuously during motion of propulsion machine 12. As a result, when the spool valve 118 is in the non-steering position, a portion of the working fluid flows out of the cavity 126 via the return ports 135, 136, 137 and is returned to the reservoir 104 via the return pipe 108.

When the spool valve 118 is moved to the right or right swivel position relative to the valve housing 116 by the pushing motion of the push-pull cable 66, the left end land 148 covers the left end groove 132 and the enlarged land 150. Completely covers the end groove 134, completely covers the center land 146, and moves to the right of the center groove 130. A first passage device comprising a central groove 130, a cavity 126, a port 142 and a first passage 94 in the piston rod 86 couples the first pressure chamber 74 in communication with the inlet port 128. . This first passage device further includes a return port 13
6, including an end groove 134, a cavity 126, a port 144, and a second passage 96 in the piston rod 86, with an opening 98 connecting the second pressure chamber 76 in communication with the return port 137. To do.

As a result of the above coupling relationship, the piston rod 86 is extended and the valve housing 116 is moved to the right to move the propulsion machine 12 counterclockwise around the axis 46 via the coupling link 120 and the steering arm 148. To pivot. When the piston rod 86 is extended, the valve housing 116 will move to the spool valve 118.
It is moved to the right with respect to the axial direction, and is moved to the right until the steering unchanged position is reached.
The pressure acting on both sides of the is balanced as previously described. The piston rod 86 is then maintained in a position corresponding to the rotated position of the steering wheel until the steering wheel 58 is rotated to change the course of the hull.

When the spool valve 118 is moved to the left swivel position to the left with respect to the valve housing 116 by the pulling motion in the push-pull cable 66, the expansion land 150 covers the return port 136 and the expansion land 148 covers the end groove 132. Fully covered, central land
146 opens and moves to the left of the central groove 130. Central groove
A second passage device consisting of 130, cavity 126, port 144, second passage 96, and opening couples second pressure chamber 76 in communication with inlet port 128. Further, the second passage device including the return port 135, the left end groove 132, the cavity portion 126, the steering port 142, and the first passage 94 is in communication with the return port 137 in which the first pressure chamber 74 is combined. Join.

As a result of the above coupling, the piston rod 86 is retracted and the valve housing 116 is moved to the left until the valve housing 116 reaches the unsteered position relative to the spool valve 118 as previously described. Rotate 12 clockwise about axis 46.

When the spool valve 118 is in the steering unchanged position, the central groove 13
0, cavity 126, return port 136, port 142 and first passage 94, and intermediate groove 140, port 144, second passage
A third passage device, 96, comprising an opening 98, couples both the first and second pressure chambers 74, 76 in communication with the inlet port 128, thus providing approximately equal pressure on either side of the piston 72 as previously described. Cause

A device is provided for causing a tilting movement with the propulsion unit 12 around the horizontal axis 42 and for preventing or constraining axial movement in a direction parallel to the tilting axis 42.
Although a variety of suitable constructions may be used, in the particular construction illustrated, the hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly 68 rotatably receives the tilting tube 28 and is disposed between the swivel bracket lugs 36,38. It includes an integral cylindrical portion 170. The portion 170 to the swivel bracket lug 36,
The 38 is dimensioned to produce a press fit to provide an integral tilting motion of the piston / cylinder assembly 68.

Alternatively, the portion 170 and the swivel bracket lugs 36, 38 may also be provided with a rimming device relative to each other.
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, one or both of the swivel bracket lugs 36, 38 may be fitted to the swivel bracket lugs 36, 38 during assembly when the portion 170 is fitted between the swivel bracket lugs 36, 38.
A protrusion 172 may be provided which is received in the groove 174 on one side of the portion 170.

In terms of the operation, when the steering wheel 58 is placed in the neutral position and the propulsion unit 12 is placed in the straight traveling position, the pressurized working fluid is supplied to both the first and second pressure chambers 74 and 76,・
The rod 86 is maintained in the steering unchanged position as described above. When the steering wheel 58 is turned to the left as described above, the push-pull cable
66 and ram 166 are pulled to the left and spool valve 118 is moved to the left to the left swivel position to connect second pressure chamber 76 in communication with inlet port 128 and return second pressure chamber 76 to return ports 135,137. To be in communication with.

As a result, the piston rod 86 is retracted to move the valve housing 116 to the left relative to the piston / cylinder assembly 68, which causes the propulsor to pivot counterclockwise about the axis 46. Turn your body to the left. At the same time, the valve housing 116 undergoes axial movement relative to the spool valve 118 until it reaches a position corresponding to the third or central position of the spool valve 118. At this time, the steering operation is completed, and the propulsion unit 12 is maintained in the turning position until the steering wheel 58 is turned again.

When the steering wheel 58 is turned to the right, the push / pull cable 66 and the ram 166 are pushed to the right as described above, the spool valve 118 is moved to the right in the right swing position, and the first pressure chamber 74 is introduced. The second pressure chamber 76 is in communication with the port 128, and the second pressure chamber 76 is in communication with the return ports 136 and 137. As a result, piston rod 86 is extended to move valve housing 116 to the right relative to piston / cylinder assembly 68,
As a result, the propulsion unit 12 is pivoted to turn the hull to the left. The valve housing 116 moves to the neutral position and the propulsion machine 12 remains in the swivel position until the steered wheels 58 are turned again as described above.

If piston 72 strikes the cylinder in either direction, relief valve 112 opens to limit the working pressure supplied to the power assist or power steering system to a predetermined level.

When the power steering device fails, the propulsion unit 12 can be steered manually. When the push-pull cable 66 moves to the left, the washer 156 eventually engages one end of the valve housing 116, mechanically similar to the movement of the spool valve 118 by the push-pull cable 66 and the ram 166. Move it to the left. This movement of the valve housing 116 causes the thruster 12 to pivot clockwise through the coupling link 120. Similarly, the spool valve 118 is
U-link when moving to the right by 6 and ram 166
The outer surface 168 of 160 engages the valve housing 116 to pivot the propulsion machine 12 counterclockwise.

When the piston rod 86 is expanded and contracted in response to the movement of the valve housing 116, the working fluid discharged from the cylinder 70 is discharged from the control valve 114 via the integral return port 137 and the bypass line 111 and the reverse line. Reflux to the supply line 102 via the stop valve 113.

Cylinder / piston assembly 68 may be configured such that piston 72 is fixed against axial movement of the cylinder / piston assembly axis and cylinder 70 is axially movable relative to piston 72. Be understood. Also,
Control valve 114 and cylinder / piston assembly 68 and propulsion machine 1
The coupling relationship between the two is that the spool valve 118 is the piston rod 86
Or coupled to cylinder 70 and valve housing 11
The 6 can be configured to be coupled with the push-pull cable 66.

FIG. 5 shows another structure for the control valve 114a, and elements common to those in the control valve 114 shown in FIG. 3 have the same reference numbers. In this alternative arrangement, spool valve 118a has a central land 146a completely covering central groove 130 and enlarged lands 148a and 150a each end groove 132 and 134 when it is in the third or unsteered position. Is configured to completely cover. In this power steering device, the spool valve 118a is in the left turning position and the right turning position, and the first and second pressure chambers 74, 76 are the above-mentioned first
And an inlet port by means of a passage device similar to the second passage device.
When coupled alternately to 128 and merged return port 137, they operate in much the same way.

When the spool valve 118a is in the non-steering position of FIG. 5, the central groove 130 communicating with the inlet port 128 and the end grooves 132, 134 communicating with the merged return port 137 are closed. Thus, the first and second pressure chambers are between 74,76 and the inlet port 1
Communication between 28 or the combined return port 137 is blocked. As a result, working fluid from pump 100 flows to reservoir 104 via relief valve 112 and return line 108. The working fluid flows through the cavity 126, the ports 142, 144, the first and second passages 9
4,96 and first and second pressure chambers 74,76.
The working fluid, which is substantially incompressible, prevents the piston 72 and thus the propulsion machine 12 from moving until the spool valve 118a is moved from the unsteered position to either the left turning position or the right turning position. To do.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of, for example, two outboard motors 180 are supported in a side-by-side relationship on the horizontal beam member 22 of the hull. As described above, each outboard motor 180 has a cross beam bracket 24 and a swing bracket 26 so as to tilt about a substantially horizontal tilt axis and to move about a substantially vertical steering axis. It has a propulsion unit 12 similar to that supported by a cross beam member 22 of the hull.

Each propulsion machine 12 has a power steering system similar to that previously described. In a row, each power steering system includes a cylinder / piston assembly 68 having a portion 170 for rotatably receiving the tilting tube 28, and a control valve 114 having a valve housing 116 coupled to a piston rod 86. , Valve housing 116, steering arm 48 on propulsion machine 12
And a spool valve 118 that controls the flow of working fluid to the cylinder / piston assembly 68 in response to relative axial movement of the spool valve 118 and the valve housing 116. .

The power steering system is located in opposite positions, both of which can be operated by one actuator or steering system. One end of the spool valve 118 for the left hand propeller 12 extends through the push-pull cable 66 and tilt tube 28 and includes a steering cable assembly including a ram 166 coupled to a clevis 160 on the spool valve 118. It is connected by means of 60 to a hull steering system such as a steering wheel similar to that shown in FIG. Push-pull cable 66 and ram 166 in response to actuation of this steering system.
Axial movement of the spool valve 118 moves the spool valve 118 to selectively extend and retract the piston rod 86 as described above.

The one end 152 of the spool valve 118 with respect to the right thruster 12 is
It is coupled via each U-link 160 to a rod 182 which is slidably received in each tilt tube 28.

A device is provided for interconnecting the spool valves 118 such that the spool valves 118 move in unison in response to movement of the push-pull cable 66 and the ram 166, and both propulsion machines 12 are pivoted in the same direction. ing. Although a variety of constructions are available, in the particular construction illustrated, the spool valve 118 is a rigid coupling link having a horizontally extending bar or rod 186 and a pair of L-shaped leg members 188. That is, they are mechanically joined together by the tie bar assembly 184. Each leg member 188 has one end connected to the U-link 160 of each spool valve and the other end connected to the rod 186.

In terms of operation, push-pull cable 66 and ram
When 166 is pulled to the left in response to the rotation of the steering wheel, the spool valve 118 for the right thruster is moved to the left turning position as described above. The spool valve 118 on the right thruster is also moved to the left via the tie bar assembly 184. However, this spool valve is
Are located 180 degrees opposite the control valve 114 on the left hand propulsion machine and are therefore moved to the second position described above. As a result, the piston rod 86 on the right hand propulsion machine 12 is extended and each propulsion machine is pivoted clockwise about its respective axis 46. When the push-pull cable 66 and the ram 166 are moved to the right, the opposite movement of the piston rod 86 occurs due to the opposite pivot movement of the propulsion machine.

If either power steering system fails, the washer 156 and clevis 160 in the spool valve 118 allow the propulsion machine 12 to be steered manually as described above.

The power steering system is provided with a device that allows the propulsion machines to tilt independently of each other, even when the spool valves are mechanically coupled together to steer the propulsion machines together. . In the particular construction illustrated, each of the valve housing 116 and the spool valve 118 is rotatable relative to each other in addition to being axially movable relative to each other, and the longitudinal axis of each spool valve 118 is tilted. It substantially coincides with the axis 42. This allows the valve housing 116 to rotate around each spool valve 118 when one of the propulsion machines 12 is tilted with respect to the other, as shown by the dotted lines in FIG.

The leg members 188 of the tie bar assembly 184 appear adjustable to allow for variations in the lateral clearance between the propulsion machines and to adjust the toe-in and toe-out amounts between the two propulsion machines 12. It is desirable that the rod 186 be adjustably coupled, for example, screwed to the rod 186.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of steering units supported by one power steering device on a cross beam member 22 of a hull in a parallel positional relationship similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. 2 shows another configuration of the power steering mechanism for two outboard motors 190, for example. In this embodiment, the spool valve 118 for the left hand propulsion machine 12 is associated with the steering system and operates in the same manner as for the left hand propulsion machine in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. A device is provided for coupling adjacent propulsion units together to produce a common steering movement of all propulsion units in response to the movement of push-pull cable 66. In the particular construction illustrated, the right-hand propulsion machine 12 has at one end 194 this right-hand propulsion machine 12 such that the right-side propulsion machine 12 is moved with it during the steering movement of the left-hand propulsion machine 12. Is mechanically coupled to the left-hand propulsion machine 12 by a link 192 that is pivotally connected to the steering arm 48 at and to the valve housing 116 of the left-hand propulsion machine 12 at the other end 196. . Alternatively, a similar link can be provided between the steering arms of adjacent propulsion machines.

Although a push-pull cable was used to axially displace the spool valve 118 in the preferred embodiment, other means, such as a hydraulically actuated mechanism, may be used.

Shown in FIG. 9 is another configuration of the power steering system of the preferred embodiment. Components common to the components in this preferred embodiment are designated with the same reference numbers. The power assist device 267 has a push-pull cable 6
The steering device 52 is operatively coupled to the propulsion unit 12 to increase the steering force exerted on the steering arm 48 by the six. As in the present embodiment, the power assist or power steering device 267 is fully supported on the swing bracket 26 and is coupled between one end of the push-pull cable 66 and the arm portion 50 of the steering arm 48, which is It includes a hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly 268 with a telescoping steering link that produces a pivoting motion of the thruster 12 when telescoping.

The hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly 268 includes a cylinder 270 and a piston 272 supported within the cylinder 270 for causing axial reciprocal movement of the cylinder 270 with respect to the piston 272. Piston 272 is cylinder 27
0 is divided into opposing portions, that is, first and second pressure chambers 274 and 276.

One end of the cylinder 270 has an end wall surface 2 having a central opening through which the piston rod 286 slidably passes.
Closed by 80. Piston rod 286 is fixedly coupled to piston 272, and piston rod 2
The other end 288 of 86 extends outwardly from the cylinder 270 to rotatably receive the tilting tube 28 and is located between the swivel bracket lugs 36, 38 and is a piston rod bracket 3
It is fixed by 71 so that it does not move in the axial direction.

The piston rod bracket 371 has the same function as the integral cylinder portion 170 of the preferred embodiment.

The piston 272 is operated by the pressurized working fluid continuously supplied by the pump 100. This pump 100
Is connected to sump 104 via line 106 and supply line 10
Two are coupled to the cylinder / piston assembly 268. The working fluid from the cylinder / piston assembly 268 is discharged to the reservoir 104 via the return line 108.

A controller similar to that in the preferred embodiment is provided for selectively controlling the inflow and outflow of the working fluid with respect to the first and second pressure chambers 274 and 276 to extend and retract the cylinder 270 relative to the piston rod 286. ing. In the other construction illustrated, the device includes a control valve 314 that includes a first member or valve housing 316 and a second member or mutually moveable spool valve 318. Spool valve 318 is coupled to push-pull cable 66 in the same manner as in the preferred embodiment and is axially moveable relative to valve housing 316 in response to movement of push-pull cable 66.

The axial movement of the cylinder 270 with respect to the piston rod 286 is transmitted to the steering arm 48 by virtue of the rigid coupling of the cylinder 270 and the valve housing 316 and at one end 322.
Is connected to the arm 50 of the steering arm 48 and the other end 324 is connected to the valve housing 316 by means of a rigid coupling link 320, so that the thruster 12 is pivoted about the axis 46. Produces a dynamic movement.

The valve housing 316 and spool valve 318 are similar to those in the preferred embodiment. Port 142 is through a passage in valve housing 116 to the first of cylinder 270.
Is in fluid communication with chamber 274 of port 174, and port 144 is in fluid communication with a second chamber 276 of cylinder 270 via a second passage in valve housing 116.

When the spool valve 318 moves to the right relative to the valve housing 316, i.e., to the right swing position, the cylinder 270 is extended with respect to the piston rod 286 and the valve housing 316 is moved to the right to form a linkage link. The propulsion machine 12 is pivoted counterclockwise around the axis 46 via the 320 and the steering arm 48.

When the spool valve 318 is moved to the left or left swivel position with respect to the valve housing 316, the cylinder 270 is retracted with respect to the piston rod 286 and the valve housing 316 is moved to the left to cause the thruster 12 to move. Is rotated clockwise about axis 46.

Cylinder / piston assembly in this construction, except that the piston rod 286 is fixed and the cylinder 270 and piston rod 286 in another construction are interchangeable such that the cylinder 270 moves relative to the piston rod 286.
268 functions similarly to the hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly 68 of the preferred embodiment. Therefore, further description of the hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly 268 in the alternative configuration is unnecessary.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outboard motor including the features of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a power diagram for the outboard motor shown in FIG.
A partially enlarged sectional view showing the steering device in a partial plan view,
FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view showing a control valve of the power steering system shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a line 4 in FIG.
-4 is a sectional view, FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing another structure for the control valve in the power steering device, and FIG. 6 is a power distribution for two outboard motors supported in a parallel positional relationship. Plan view showing a steering device, No. 7
The figure shows an end view on the line 7-7 in FIG. 6 showing the relative positions of the parts when one propulsion unit is in the tilted position and the other is in the operating position, and FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 6 except that it includes a single power steering device for steering the machine, and FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 2 showing another embodiment of the invention. . 10 …… Marine propulsion equipment, 12 …… Propulsion equipment, 14 …… Upper power head, 16 …… Internal combustion engine, 18 …… Lower equipment, 20 …… Propeller, 22
…… Horizontal beam material, 24 …… Horizontal beam material bracket, 26 …… Swivel bracket, 28 …… Tilt tube, 30, 32 …… Arm, 36, 38 ……
Lug, 40 …… Aperture, 42 …… Horizontal axis, 44 …… King ・
Pin, 46 …… Shaft center, 48 …… Steering arm, 50 …… Arm part, 52
...... Steering device, 54 …… Frame, 56 …… Axis, 58 …… Steering wheel, 60
...... Steering cable assembly, 62 …… Sheath part, 64 …… Screw member, 6
6 …… push-pull cable, 67 …… power steering device, 68 …… hydraulically operated cylinder / piston assembly, 70 …… cylinder, 71 …… longitudinal axis, 72 …… piston, 73 …… central part Opening, 74 …… First pressure chamber, 76 …… Second pressure chamber, 78…
… End, 80 …… End wall, 82 …… Center opening, 84 …… Inner end,
86 …… Piston rod, 88 …… Outer end, 90 …… Outer tubular portion, 92 …… Inner tubular portion, 94 …… First passage, 96 …… Second passage, 98 …… Opening, 100 ...... Pump, 102 …… Supply line,
104 …… Storing section, 106 …… Pipeline, 108,110 …… Return line, 111
…… Bypass line, 112 …… Relief valve, 113 …… Check valve, 114…
… Control valve, 116 …… Valve housing, 118 …… Spool valve, 120
…… Coupling link, 126 …… Cavity, 128 …… Inlet port, 130…
… Center groove, 132,134 …… End groove, 135 to 137 …… Return port, 138,140 …… Intermediate groove, 142,144 …… Port, 146 …… Center land, 148,150 …… Enlarged land, 152,154 …… End, 156
...... Washiya, 158 ...... Nutto, 160 ...... U-link, 166 ......
Ram, 168 …… Outer surface, 170 …… Integral cylindrical part, 172 ……
Protrusion, 174 …… Groove.

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A propulsion device (12), which is supported on a hull and
The tilting motion of the propulsion device around the substantially horizontal tilt axis (42) and the steering axis (4) that crosses the tilt axis (4).
A support device (24,26) coupled to the propulsion device for producing pivotal steering movements of the propulsion device in both directions around 6);
A steering device, wherein the power steering device is supported in a cylinder (70) and the cylinder, and a piston (7) for dividing the cylinder into both sides (74, 76).
Hydraulically actuated cylinder / piston assembly including 2) (68)
And a control valve assembly (114) for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic source to the opposite sides of the cylinder, the first and second valve components (116, 118) movable relative to each other. ) And one of the two valve components is connected to one of the cylinder and the piston so as to have the same motion, and the other of the two valve components is connected to the other valve in response to a steering operation. A device (60) for displacing a component relative to the one valve component is coupled and the propulsion device is coupled to the one of the cylinder and piston to provide a pressurized fluid flow. A power steering system in which steering motion of the propulsion device occurs in response to motion of one of the cylinder and piston associated with introduction by the control valve assembly on both sides of the cylinder. A power steering device in which a da / piston assembly is fixed to the support device, and one of the valve component members is arranged to move along the tilt axis. . 2. The power of claim 1 wherein the other one of the cylinder and piston is fixed against movement and one of the cylinder and piston is axially movable relative to the other. -Steering device. 3. A piston rod (86) is connected to the piston, the piston rod being extendable and retractable relative to the cylinder, and the control valve assembly selectively extending and retracting the piston rod. 3. A power steering system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the power steering system is operable and the other of the valve components is connected to the piston rod for movement in unison with the piston rod. 4. The first and second valve components each comprise a valve housing member (116) and a valve member (118), both valve components substantially coinciding with the tilt axis. Power according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that they are movable in the horizontal direction relative to one another on an axis.
Steering device. 5. An actuator including a push-pull cable (62), the push-pull cable including a portion operatively connected to the valve member extending generally coincident with the tilt axis. The power steering device according to claim 4. 6. The cross beam bracket (24), wherein the support device is a cross beam bracket (24).
And a swivel bracket (26) swivelable in a direction perpendicular to the cross beam bracket, wherein the hydraulic cylinder / piston assembly (68) is fixedly supported on the support device. The power steering device according to any one of 1 to 4 above. 7. The piston (72) is the cylinder (70).
On both sides (74, 76), the control valve assembly being connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid to selectively control the flow of hydraulic fluid into and out of the cylinder. The power steering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cylinder / piston assembly is expanded and contracted thereby. 8. The control valve assembly extends the piston rod when the second valve component is in the first position and the piston valve when the second valve member is in the second position.
Shortening a rod, the first valve component being coupled to the piston and the propulsion device to cause pivotal steering movement of the propulsion device in response to expansion and contraction of the piston rod, and the second valve. A component is coupled to the actuator and is responsive to movement of the actuator to move the first position and the second position.
8. The power steering device of claim 7, wherein the power steering device is movable relative to the first valve component relative to a position. 9. The second valve component is moveable to a third position and the control valve assembly extends and retracts the piston rod when the second valve component is in the third position. The power steering apparatus according to claim 8, wherein 10. The power steering system of claim 9, wherein the control valve assembly exerts substantially balanced pressure on opposite sides of the piston when the second valve component is in the third position. apparatus. 11. The power steering system of claim 9, wherein the control valve assembly prevents discharge of hydraulic fluid between the cylinders from either side of the piston. 12. The second valve component comprises first and second valve components.
Engaging the first valve component in response to bidirectional movement of the actuator in the event of a failure in which the hydraulic fluid does not expand or contract the piston. 9. The power steering system according to claim 8, wherein the first valve component is mechanically connected to the actuating device by means of. 13. The piston rod extends slidably through one end of the cylinder, and has a first end connected to the piston and a second end projecting outward from the cylinder.
An end and the piston divides the cylinder into first and second chambers facing each other, the cylinder spaced apart from and parallel to the tilt axis on the propulsion machine. The control valve assembly (114) is mounted so that it can be tilted integrally with the propulsion unit around the tilt axis, but axial movement in a direction parallel to the tilt axis is prevented.
Is a valve housing (116) attached to the second end of the piston rod, an inlet port (128) connected to a source (100) of pressurized hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic pump (104). A return port (137) connected to the valve housing and a valve member (118) movably disposed within the valve housing between a first position and a second position relative to the valve housing.
And the valve member is coupled to the actuator and is moveable relative to the valve housing in response to movement of the actuator, the valve housing being coupled to the propulsion unit. , In response to relative movement between the housing and the valve member, performing a pivotal steering movement of the propulsion unit, the passage (94,96,142,144) provided in the valve housing and the piston rod , When the valve member is in the first position, the first chamber communicates with the inlet port,
The second chamber communicates with the return port to extend the piston rod to pivot the propulsion device in one direction and the second chamber when the valve member is in the second position. Communicating with the inlet port, shortening the piston rod and pivoting the propulsion device in the opposite direction. 14. The valve member is moveable to a third position and the passages (94, 96, 142, 144) in the valve housing and piston rod are configured to move to the third position when the thruster is in the third position. 14. The power steering system of claim 13 wherein both the first and second chambers are in communication with the inlet port and substantially even pressure is applied to both sides of the piston to prevent pivoting of the thruster. . 15. The support device includes a support bracket supported by a cross beam member of a boat body, and a swivel bracket that pivotally mounts the support bracket and the propulsion device in a tiltable manner. A cylinder having a pair of laterally spaced lugs (36,38), the cylinder having a portion (170) disposed between the lugs and engageable with the lugs; 5. The power steering apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the power steering apparatus is prevented from moving in a direction parallel to the tilt axis. 16. The tilt tube (28), wherein the support device is supported by the pivot bracket to define the tilt axis.
The inclined tube extends between the lugs (36, 38) of the swivel bracket and includes a portion (17) of the cylinder.
16. The power steering device of claim 15, wherein 0) is tubular and rotatably receives the tilted tube. 17. The means for connecting the valve member to the actuating device comprises an axially movable actuating member (166) passing through the tilting tube (28) and connected to the valve member. The power steering device according to claim 16. 18. The push-pull cable (60) for the actuating member.
The power of claim 17, characterized in that
Steering device.