Power steering system

• US 5,228,405 A
• Filed: 03/15/1991
• Issued: 07/20/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hi-Tech Steering Products, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Mer-Tech, Inc.
• Inventors: Merten, Timothy W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sotelo, Jesus D.
• Application Number:
  US07/670,533
• Time in Patent Office: 858 Days
• Field of Search: 114/150, 440/61, 440/53, 440/49, 91/420, 180/152
• US Class Current: 114/150
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 20/12 Means enabling steering
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 25/30 hydraulic

Abstract

An in-line power steering system for a marine vehicle having a propulsion unit, including a steering arm, to effect steering movement thereof about a steering axis, and an operator actuable steering helm. A first actuable steering member, such as a mechanical push-pull cable, is operably connected to the steering helm and actuated in response to steering actuation at the helm. A power steering assist unit, operably connected to the first steering member, comprising a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly and hydraulic fluid source is interposed between the steering helm and the first actuable steering member and mounted remote from the propulsion unit, and further is hydraulically actuated in response to steering actuation at the steering helm. An actuator for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid through the power steering assist unit is operably connected to the first actuable steering member. A second actuable steering member, such as a mechanical push-pull cable, is operably connected to the power steering assist unit and to the steering arm for overcoming torque on the propulsion unit relative to the steering axis for effecting common movement of the steering member in response to steering actuation at the steering helm to pivot the propulsion unit about the steering axis.

Claims

1. An in-line power steering system for a marine vehicle comprising a propulsion unit pivotal about a steering axis, steering means for applying torque to said propulsion unit to effect steering movement thereof about said steering axis and including an operator actuable steering helm and a steering member connected to said propulsion unit;

power steering assist means having a reciprocating mechanical output force and operably connected to, and operably interposed between, said steering helm and said propulsion unit and mounted remote from said propulsion unit;

a first actuable steering means operably connected (a) to said steering helm and actuated in response to steering actuation at said steering helm and (b) to said power steering assist means to effect actuating input to said power steering assist means upon actuation at said steering helm; and

a second actuable steering means for accepting said mechanical output force and operably connected to said power steering assist means and to said steering member for overcoming torque on said propulsion unit relative to said steering axis in response to actuation of said second actuable steering means, said second actuable steering means providing actuable output transmitted from said power steering assist means to effect common movement of said steering member in response to steering actuation of said steering helm to pivot said propulsion unit about said steering axis.

2. An in-line power steering system according to claim 1 wherein said second actuable steering means comprises a second push-pull cable having a flexible sheath and inner core axially slidable in said sheath, said inner core having a first end operably connected to said power steering assist means to provide actuating output and a second end operably connected to said steering member, said inner core slidably actuated in response to actuation of said power steering assist means for effecting common movement of said steering member.

3. An in-line power steering system according to claim 2 wherein said first actuable steering means comprises a first push-pull cable having a flexible sheath and inner core axially slidable in said sheath, said inner core having a first end operably connected to said steering helm and a second end operably connected to said power steering assist means, said inner core slidably actuated in response to steering actuation at said steering helm to effect actuating input to said power steering assist means.

4. An in-line power steering system according to claims 1 wherein said first actuable steering means comprises a hydraulic means disposed at the helm and operably connected to the power steering assist means, and including a cylinder, a piston reciprocally mounted in said cylinder, a piston rod extending from said piston and operably connected to said power steering assist means, and means for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid to said cylinder upon steering actuation.

5. An in-line power steering system according to claims 2 wherein said first actuable steering means comprises a hydraulic means disposed at the helm and operably connected to the power steering assist means, and including a cylinder, a piston reciprocally mounted in said cylinder, a piston rod extending from said piston and operably connected to said power steering assist means, and means for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid to said cylinder upon steering actuation.

6. An in-line power steering system according to claim 1 wherein said first actuable steering means comprises a hydraulic means disposed at the helm and operably connected to the power steering assist means, and including a cylinder, a piston reciprocally mounted in said cylinder, a piston rod extending from said piston and operably connected to said power steering assist means, and means for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid to said cylinder upon steering actuation;

and said second actuable steering means comprises a hydraulic means disposed between the propulsion unit and the power steering assist means, and including a first cylinder and a first piston reciprocally mounted in said first cylinder having a piston rod extending from said first piston and operably connected to said power steering assist means, and a second cylinder and a second piston reciprocally mounted in said second cylinder having a piston rod extending from said second piston and operably connected to said steering member, and fluid communication means between said first and second cylinders, whereby reciprocable movement of said first piston reciprocably moves said piston for effecting movement of said steering member.

9. An in-line power steering system as in any one of the preceding claims wherein said power steering assist means includes a hydraulic fluid cylinder-piston assembly, hydraulic fluid source means including means for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid to said cylinder-piston assembly, fluid communication means for providing communication between said cylinder-piston assembly and said fluid source means, valve control means disposed in said cylinder-piston assembly biased to a closed position for a no steering change position and adapted to establish fluid communication between said cylinder-piston assembly and said fluid source means, actuating means to control the flow of hydraulic fluid delivered from said fluid source means and to selectively actuate said valve control means to establish said fluid communication upon steering actuation, whereby hydraulic fluid is delivered from said hydraulic fluid source means to said hydraulic fluid cylinder-piston assembly.

10. An in-line power steering system in accordance with claim 9 wherein said assembly further includes a cylinder having an open end, a reciprocally mounted piston in said cylinder, an annular ram rod having a central bore extending coaxially in said cylinder from said piston through said open end of said cylinder and mounted for reciprocative movement, rod member having opposed ends extending coaxially of said central bore and operably connected at a first end to said valve control means, said actuating means operably connected to said rod member at its second end and to said ram rod, and a linking member operably connected to said actuating means and to said first actuable steering means and responsive to said steering actuation for effecting common movement of said steering member.

11. An in-line power steering system according to claim 10 wherein said actuating means comprises a body mounted for reciprocative movement on an axis generally coinciding with the axis of said rod member and having adjustable means for adjusting the reciprocative travel distance in both directions of said body, bracket means operably connected to said ram rod outwardly from said open end of said cylinder and having a longitudinal bore adaptable to receive said actuating member, and stop means for arresting the reciprocal travel distance in either direction of said actuating means.

12. An in-line power steering system according to claim 11 wherein said second cable is operably connected to said bracket means, whereby reciprocal movement of said ram rod actuates said second cable.

13. An in-line power steering system according to claim 12 wherein said bracket means extends transversely from said ram rod, and said inner core of said second cable is operably connected to said bracket means.

14. An in-line power steering system according to claim 13 further including a sleeve member laterally extending from said bracket means for reciprocal movement in common with reciprocal movement of said ram rod, and said inner core of said second cable extending into said sleeve member and affixed thereto.

15. An in-line power steering system according to claim 14 further including a support means spaced from said bracket means, said sleeve member includes a first sleeve in spaced parallel relationship to said hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly and extending transversely from said bracket means for reciprocal movement in common with reciprocal movement of said ram rod, a second sleeve adaptable to slidably engage with said first sleeve and affixed to said support means, said inner core of said second cable extending into said first and second sleeves and affixed at its end to said first sleeve, whereby reciprocal movement of said ram rod reciprocates said first sleeve thereby actuating said inner core of said second cable.

16. An in-line power steering system according to claim 15 wherein said cylinder of said hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly further having a closed end, reservoir means in fluid communication with said hydraulic fluid source means, said piston having a head and ram end, said annular ram rod operably connected to said piston at said ram end and concentrically arranged in said cylinder to define an annular channel in fluid communication with said fluid source means, means for closing said annular channel, a cylinder chamber defined by said cylinder closed end and said piston head, said rod member coaxially mounted for reciprocal movement in said central bore, first fluid communications means for establishing fluid communication between said hydraulic fluid source means and said chamber and including said annular channel and said valve control means, and second fluid communication means for establishing fluid communication between said chamber and said reservoir and including said valve control means and said central bore, whereby flow of hydraulic fluid is in one direction only.

17. An in-line power steering system according to claim 16 wherein said valve control means comprises a substantially cylindrical valve housing disposed in said piston and extending from about said head to about said ram end of said piston, said valve housing having a longitudinal bore substantially coaxial with the axis of said ram rod and in fluid communication with said central bore of said ram rod, said actuating means operably connected to said valve housing at the ram end of said piston, said valve housing having first and second valves spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of said valve housing, means to bias said first and second valves to a closed position, said first fluid communication means including said first valve, and said second fluid communication means including said second valve.

18. An in-line power steering system according to claim 17 wherein said actuating means further includes an elongated sleeve member having a longitudinal bore adaptable for receiving said second end of said rod member and mounted for reciprocative movement on an axis generally coinciding with the axis of said rod member, said second end of said rod member affixed to said adjustable means, a head member operably connected to said first actuable steering means and outwardly extending from said adjustable means and connected thereto, and means for affixing said elongated sleeve member to said bracket means, whereby actuation of said first actuable steering means actuates said actuating means to selectively open said valve control means.

19. An in-line power steering system according to claim 18 wherein said fluid source means further comprises an accumulator assembly including a cylinder and piston reciprocally mounted in said cylinder, an end cap for said accumulator cylinder, a chamber in said accumulator cylinder defined by said end cap and said accumulator piston for containing hydraulic fluid, fluid passageway in said cap to provide fluid communication between said chamber and said annular channel, inlet means to said chamber extending from said reservoir, and means to bias said accumulator piston against hydraulic fluid in said chamber.

20. An in-line power steering system according to claim 19 wherein said cylinder further includes an end wall, a second chamber defined by said piston and said end wall, and said bias means comprises pressurized nitrogen contained in said second chamber.

21. An in-line power steering system according to claim 20 wherein said hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly and said hydraulic fluid source means is supported by a housing comprising a base plate for mounting to the marine vehicle, a cavity for supportedly receiving said cylinder at the cap end, pump means disposed in said cavity for pumping hydraulic fluid to said chamber from said reservoir, a bore spaced from said cavity, said bore having a first diameter for supportedly receiving said cylinder and a second diameter smaller than said first diameter for slidably receiving said ram rod.

30. An in-line power steering system as in any one of claims 1-5, 7-8, or 22-29 wherein said second actuable steering means comprises a plurality of push-pull steering cables, each of said cables operably connected at one end to said power steering assist means and at the opposite end to said steering member.

31. An in-line power steering system as in any one of claims 1-5, 7-8 or 22-29 further comprising at least one additional propulsion unit, a steering member connected to each propulsion units, and said second actuable steering means operably connected to each of said steering members.

32. An in-line power steering system according to claim 31 wherein said second actuable steering means comprises a plurality of push-pull steering cables, each of said cables operably connected at one end to said power steering assist means and at the opposite end to said steering member for each of said propulsion units.

7. An in-line power steering system for a marine vehicle comprising a propulsion unit pivotal about a steering axis, steering means for applying torque to said propulsion unit to effect steering movement thereof about said steering axis and including an operator actuable steering helm and a steering member connected to said propulsion unit, a first actuable steering means operably connected to said steering helm and actuated in response to steering actuation at said steering helm, power steering assist means interposed between said steering helm and said propulsion unit and mounted remote from said propulsion unit and hydraulically actuated in response to steering actuation at the steering helm, actuating means for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid through said power steering assist means and operably connected to said first actuable steering means, and a second actuable steering means comprising a push-pull cable having a flexible sheath and inner core axially slidable in said sheath, said inner core of said second cable having a first end operably connected to said power steering assist means for overcoming torque on said propulsion unit relative to said steering axis in response to axially slidable movement of said inner core of said second cable, and said inner core of said second cable having a second end operably connected to said steering member for effecting common movement of said steering member in response to axial slidable movement of said inner core of said second cable upon steering actuation of said steering helm to pivot said propulsion unit about said steering axis.

8. An in-line power steering system according to claim 7 wherein said first actuable steering means comprises a first push-pull cable having a flexible sheath and inner core axially slidable in said sheath, said inner core having a first end operably connected to said steering helm and a second end operably connected to said actuating means, said inner core slidably actuated in response to steering actuation at said steering helm to effect actuating input to said power steering assist means.

22. An in-line power steering system for a marine vehicle comprising a propulsion unit pivotal about a steering axis, steering means for applying torque to said propulsion unit to effect steering movement thereof about said steering axis and including an operator actuable steering helm and a steering member connected to said propulsion unit;

a first actuable steering means operably connected to said steering helm and actuated in response to steering actuation at said steering helm;

power steering assist means interposed between said steering helm and said propulsion unit and mounted remote from said propulsion unit and hydraulically actuated in response to steering actuation at the steering helm;

said power steering assist means comprises a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly having a piston reciprocally mounted in said cylinder, hydraulic fluid source means including means for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid to said cylinder-piston assembly, fluid communication means for providing communication between said cylinder-piston assembly and said fluid source means, valve control means disposed in said cylinder-piston assembly biased to a closed position for a no steering change position and adapted to establish fluid communication between said cylinder-piston assembly and said fluid source means, actuating means operably connected to said cylinder-piston assembly and to said first actuable steering means to control the flow of hydraulic fluid delivered from said fluid source means and to selectively actuate said valve control means to establish said fluid communication upon steering actuation, whereby hydraulic fluid is delivered from said hydraulic fluid source means to said hydraulic fluid cylinder-piston assembly, and connecting means operably connected to said piston; and

a second actuable steering means operably connected to said connecting means and to said steering member for overcoming torque on said propulsion unit relative to said steering axis in response to actuation of said second actuable steering means, said second actuable steering means providing actuatable output to effect common movement of said steering member in response to steering actuation of said steering helm to pivot said propulsion unit about said steering axis.

23. An in-line power steering system in accordance with claim 22 wherein said cylinder-piston assembly further includes an annular ram rod having a central bore extending coaxially in said cylinder from said piston outwardly from said cylinder and operably connected to said connecting means, rod member having opposed ends extending coaxially of said central bore and operably connected at a first end to said valve control means, said actuating means operably connected to said rod member at its second end and to said ram rod, and a linking member operably connected to said actuating means and to said first actuable steering means and responsive to said steering actuation for effecting common movement of said steering member.

24. An in-line power steering system according to claim 23 wherein said actuating means comprises a body mounted for reciprocative movement on an axis generally coinciding with the axis of said rod member and having adjustable means for adjusting the reciprocative travel distance in both directions of said body, bracket means operably connected to said ram rod outwardly from said open end of said cylinder and having a longitudinal bore adaptable to receive said actuating member, and stop means for arresting the reciprocal travel distance in either direction of said actuating means.

25. An in-line power steering system according to claim 24 wherein said valve control means comprises a substantially cylindrical valve housing disposed in said piston and extending from about said head to about said ram end of said piston, said valve housing having a longitudinal bore substantially coaxial with the axis of said ram rod and in fluid communication with said central bore of said ram rod, said actuating means operably connected to said valve housing at the ram end of said piston, said valve housing having first and second valves space apart along the longitudinal axis of said valve housing, means to bias said first and second valves to a closed position, said first fluid communication means including said first valve, and said second fluid communication means including said second valve.

26. An in-line power steering system according to claim 25 wherein said actuating means further includes an elongated sleeve member having a longitudinal bore adaptable for receiving said second end of said rod member and mounted for reciprocative movement on an axis generally coinciding with the axis of said rod member, said second end of said rod member affixed to said adjustable means, a head member operably connected to said first actuable steering means and outwardly extending from said adjustable means and connected thereto, and means for affixing said elongated sleeve member to said bracket means, whereby actuation of said first actuable steering means actuates said actuating means to selectively open said valve control means.

27. An in-line power steering system according to claim 26 wherein said fluid source means further comprises an accumulator assembly including a cylinder and piston reciprocally mounted in said cylinder, an end cap for said cylinder, a chamber in said cylinder defined by said end cap and said piston for containing hydraulic fluid, fluid passageway in said cap to provide fluid communication between said chamber and said annular channel, inlet means to said chamber extending from said reservoir, and means to bias said piston against hydraulic fluid in said chamber.

28. An in-line power steering system according to claim 27 wherein said cylinder further includes an end wall, a second chamber defined by said piston and said end wall, and said bias means comprises pressurized nitrogen contained in said second chamber.

29. An in-line power steering system according to claim 28 wherein said hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly and said hydraulic fluid source means is supported by a housing comprising a base plate for mounting to the marine vehicle, a cavity for supportedly receiving said cylinder at the cap end, pump means disposed in said cavity for pumping hydraulic fluid to said chamber from said reservoir, a bore spaced from said cavity, said bore having a first diameter for supportedly receiving said cylinder and a second diameter smaller than said first diameter for slidably receiving said ram rod.

33. A power steering system especially useful for a marine vehicle having operator steering actuation and adaptable for mounting in-line remote from the propulsion unit of the vehicle, comprising:

a cylinder-piston assembly having a cylinder with an open end, a reciprocally mounted piston in said cylinder, an annular ram rod having a central bore extending coaxially in said cylinder from said piston through said open end of said cylinder and mounted for reciprocative movement, hydraulic fluid source means including means for delivering pressurized hydraulic fluid to said cylinder-piston assembly, fluid communication means for providing communication between said cylinder-piston assembly and said fluid source means, valve control means disposed in said piston biased to a closed position for a no steering change position and adapted to establish fluid communication between said cylinder-piston assembly and said fluid source means, rod member having opposed ends extending coaxially of said central bore and operably connected at a first end to said valve control means, actuating means to control the flow of hydraulic fluid delivered from said fluid source means, said actuating means operably connected to said rod member at its second end and to said ram rod to selectively actuate said valve control means to establish said fluid communication upon steering actuation.

34. A power steering system according to claim 33 wherein said cylinder of said hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly further having a closed end, reservoir means in fluid communication with said hydraulic fluid source means, said piston having a head and ram end, said annular ram rod operably connected to said piston at said ram end and concentrically arranged in said cylinder to define an annular channel in fluid communication with said fluid source means, means for closing said annular channel, a cylinder chamber defined by said cylinder closed end and said piston head, said rod member coaxially mounted for reciprocal movement in said central bore, first fluid communications means for establishing fluid communication between said hydraulic fluid source means and said chamber and including said annular channel and said valve control means, and second fluid communication means for establishing fluid communication between said chamber and said reservoir and including said valve control means and said central bore, whereby flow of hydraulic fluid is in one direction only.

35. A power steering system according to claim 33 or claim 34 wherein said valve control means comprises a substantially cylindrical valve housing disposed in said piston and extending from about said head to about said ram end of said piston, said valve housing having a longitudinal bore substantially coaxial with the axis of said ram rod and in fluid communication with said central bore of said ram rod, said actuating means operably connected to said valve housing at the ram end of said piston, said valve housing having first and second valves spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of said valve housing, means to bias said first and second valves to a closed position, said first fluid communication means including said first valve, and said second fluid communication means including said second valve.

36. A power steering system according to claim 33 or claim 34 wherein said fluid source means further comprises an accumulator assembly including a cylinder and piston reciprocally mounted in said cylinder, an end cap for said accumulator cylinder, a chamber in said accumulator cylinder defined by said end cap and said accumulator piston for containing hydraulic fluid, fluid passageway in said cap to provide fluid communication between said chamber and said annular channel, inlet means to said chamber extending from said reservoir, and means to bias said accumulator piston against hydraulic fluid in said chamber.

37. A power steering system according to claim 36 wherein said accumulator cylinder further includes an end wall, a second chamber defined by said accumulator piston and said end wall, and said bias means comprises pressurized nitrogen contained in said second chamber.