Marine electric power assist steering system with cable

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2017106960-A1
Application number	US-201615293698-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Oct 14, 2016
Priority date	Oct 16, 2015
Publication date	Apr 20, 2017
Grant date	—

Abstract

A marine electric power steering system includes an input assembly, a steering actuator, and a cable assembly. The input assembly is operatively connected to a steering shaft. The input assembly has a steering sensor assembly and a motor assembly. The steering actuator is disposed within a pontoon and is in communication with the steering sensor assembly. The cable assembly extends through a wall of the pontoon. The cable assembly operatively connects the steering actuator and a steering device that is pivotally mounted to the pontoon.

First claim

Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:

1 . A marine power steering system, comprising:
an input assembly disposed within a helm and at least partially disposed about a steering shaft, the input assembly having a steering sensor assembly and a motor assembly; a steering actuator disposed within a transom well and in communication with the input assembly, the steering actuator having a linear actuator and a connecting portion extending from the linear actuator; and a cable assembly having a first end operatively connected to the connecting portion and a second end operatively connected to a steering device.

2 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 1 , wherein the cable assembly at least partially extends through a wall of a transom.

3 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 2 , further comprising:
a sealing boot disposed on the wall of the transom and extends towards the steering device and the cable assembly extends through the sealing boot.

4 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 2 , wherein the steering sensor assembly is configured to provide a signal indicative of at least one of a torque applied to the steering shaft and an angular position of the steering shaft to the steering actuator.

5 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 4 , wherein in response to the signal, the motor assembly is configured to apply a feedback torque to the steering shaft.

6 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 5 , wherein the feedback torque is based on a speed of a marine vessel.

7 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 5 , wherein the feedback torque is based on a rotational position of the steering shaft.

8 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 5 , wherein in response to the signal, the linear actuator is configured to move the cable assembly to pivot the steering device about a pivot point.

9 . A marine power steering system, comprising:
an input assembly operatively connected to a steering shaft, the input assembly having a steering sensor assembly and a motor assembly; a steering actuator disposed within a pontoon and in communication with the steering sensor assembly; and a cable assembly extending through a wall of the pontoon, the cable assembly operatively connects the steering actuator and a steering device that is pivotally mounted to the pontoon.

10 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 9 , wherein the steering actuator includes a linear actuator and a connecting portion disposed at an end of the linear actuator.

11 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 10 , wherein the cable assembly includes a first end that is connected to the connecting portion, a second end that is connected to the steering device, and a cable body extending between the first end and the second end.

12 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 11 , wherein the steering sensor assembly is operatively connected to a steering shaft coupled to a steering wheel.

13 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 12 , wherein in response to actuation of the steering wheel, the steering sensor assembly provides a signal indicative of an angular position of the steering wheel to the steering actuator.

14 . The marine electric power steering system of claim 13 , wherein based on the signal, the linear actuator translates such that the cable assembly at least one of pushes and pulls the steering device.

Assignees

• Steering Solutions Ip Holding

Inventors

• Weber John E
• Maust Brian G
• Colbry Brant R

Classifications

• B63H2020/103

  using a flexible member for enabling or controlling tilt or lifting, e.g. a cable · CPC title

• B63H25/20

  by mechanical means · CPC title

• B63H20/12 Primary

  Means enabling steering · CPC title

• B63H25/42 Primary

  Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elements (by jets B63H25/46); Steering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor only; Steering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers · CPC title